1Pallavi Maurya, 1*V.K Singh, 2D. Tewari, 2S. Gautam, 3N. Verma,
1J. Kakwani, 1P. Shinde, 1M. Srivastava, 1Ganesh
1MVSc Scholar, 1*Professor & Head, 2Assistant Professor, 3PhD Scholar
Department of Animal Nutrition
College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry
Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology,
Kumarganj, Ayodhya, 224229
Introduction
The monsoon season presents unique challenges to poultry farmers, particularly in maintaining the gut health of their flocks. The high humidity and fluctuating temperatures can lead to increased stress and susceptibility to infections, impacting overall poultry performance and productivity. Probiotics have become an essential aspect of poultry nutrition, especially when it comes to improving gut health and overall productivity. Studies reveal that poultry health is significantly impacted by the intestinal microbiome, which affects immune responses, food absorption and digestion. Adverse weather during the monsoon season increases the risk of gastrointestinal disorders in poultry because of excessive humidity and an increased pathogen load. Effective management techniques are therefore required to preserve gut health and prevent disease outbreaks.
Probiotics described as live microbes that, when given in sufficient proportions, help the host’s health have drawn a lot of attention in the field of poultry nutrition. These beneficial microorganisms, which comprise a variety of bacterial and yeast strains, are vital to the preservation of a balanced gut microbiome, which is essential for optimum digestive health and overall health in poultry. Pathogenic organisms frequently pose a threat to the gastrointestinal system of poultry, especially in stressful environmental circumstances like excessive humidity during the monsoon seasons. Growth performance and health may be impacted by gastrointestinal issues brought on by this elevated pathogen burden.
The Importance of a Healthy Gut Microbiome for Poultry
Research indicates that the supplementation of probiotics in poultry diets can lead to improved growth rates, feed conversion efficiency, and reduced mortality rates, making them a valuable alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. As the poultry industry increasingly moves towards antibiotic-free production systems, the incorporation of probiotics into feeding strategies offers a promising solution to enhance gut health and resilience against diseases. This introduction aims to explore the mechanisms by which probiotics function in poultry nutrition and underscore their significance in promoting a healthy gut microbiome, particularly in challenging environmental conditions. The monsoon season presents significant challenges for poultry health, primarily due to increased humidity, temperature fluctuations, and the proliferation of pathogens and vectors.
Increased Risk of Diseases Due to High Humidity
High humidity levels during the monsoon create an environment conducive to the growth of various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. This increase in moisture can lead to diseases such as Coccidiosis, which is caused by the protozoan Eimeria spp. and flourish in wet conditions, resulting in severe intestinal damage and high mortality rates among poultry. Fowl Pox incidence rises with the increase in mosquitoes, which flourish in stagnant water collected during the rainy season. This disease manifests as skin lesions and can cause severe respiratory issues if the lesions block the airway. Another problem is mycotoxicosis, as the humid conditions encourage mold growth in feed, significantly weakening the bird’s immune systems. This results in reduced weight gain and lower egg production.
Stress factors include changes in the environment and temperature fluctuations.
Significant fluctuations in temperature during the monsoon season might cause stress in poultry. High humidity and cold temperatures can cause discomfort for birds, which can affect their eating habits and general well-being. Stress can result in decreased feed consumption, decreased egg production, and heightened illness susceptibility.
How Probiotics Strengthen the Poultry Immune System
Probiotics play a vital role in strengthening the immune system of poultry by improving gut health, modulating immune responses, and outcompeting pathogenic bacteria.
1. Enhancement of Gut Health: Probiotics, which are live microorganisms, help maintain a balanced intestinal flora. They support gut integrity by fostering the growth of beneficial bacteria, thereby improving digestion and nutrient absorption. This results in healthier birds that are more resistant to diseases.
2. Immune System Modulation: Probiotics stimulate both the innate and adaptive immune systems in poultry. They enhance the production of immunoglobulins, especially IgA, which is crucial for mucosal immunity. Certain probiotic strains have been shown to increase the expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs) that recognize pathogens and activate appropriate immune responses.
3. Inflammation Regulation: Probiotics help control inflammation in the gut, which is essential for maintaining a balanced immune response. By reducing inflammatory reactions, probiotics contribute to a more resilient immune system, enabling poultry to better withstand infections.
4. Competitive Exclusion of Pathogens: Probiotics compete with harmful bacteria for colonization in the gut. This competitive exclusion lowers the risk of infections from pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli, thereby protecting the poultry from diseases.
5. Production of Antimicrobial Substances: Many probiotics produce substances such as bacteriocins and short-chain fatty acids that inhibit the growth of pathogenic microbes. This not only helps maintain a healthy gut microbiota but also enhances the overall health of the birds.
Benefits of Probiotics in Poultry
- Improved growth performance
- Reduction in disease incidences by boosting immune system
- Economic benefits due to lower mortality rates
- Improving gut health by providing favorable environment for beneficial bacteria
- Avoidance of dependance on antibiotics
- Improved feed efficiency
In conclusion, probiotics serve as a powerful immunomodulatory tool in poultry farming, enhancing the immune system’s functionality and promoting overall health and productivity. Their role in disease prevention and gut health management is increasingly recognized as essential in modern poultry production practices.
The most effective probiotic strains for boosting the poultry immune system
- Lactobacillus species: Common in the chicken gut, they maintain gut homeostasis and improve energy efficiency from feed through fermentation.
- Bifidobacterium species: These bacteria colonize the intestines, playing a key role in overall health and well-being.
- Bacillus species: Spore-forming bacteria that withstand harsh gut conditions, enhance immunity, and inhibit pathogens.
- Streptococcus species: Certain strains stimulate the immune system and improve disease resistance.
- Enterococcus species: These probiotics modulate both innate and adaptive immune responses, leading to better disease resistance.
These probiotic strains boost the poultry immune system through various mechanisms
1. Improving gut integrity and reducing inflammation
2. Stimulating production of immunoglobulins like IgA
3. Enhancing expression of toll-like receptors that recognize pathogens
4. Increasing populations of beneficial gut bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
5. Outcompeting harmful bacteria through competitive exclusion and antimicrobial compounds.
By colonizing the poultry gut and modulating immunity, these probiotics help poultry mount a stronger defense against diseases, leading to improved health and productivity. Incorporating these beneficial bacteria in poultry feed or water provides comprehensive immune-boosting benefits.