Addressing antimicrobial resistance in poultry with MRF solutions

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant challenge in finding and deploying new antibiotic treatments against bacteria. The growing threat of drug-resistant infections amplifies these challenges, making it crucial for agriculture to minimize its contribution to AMR.

The role of poultry in AMR

Chicken and eggs, being versatile and high in protein, are staples in many meals, making poultry one of the most consumed meats worldwide. By 2032, total poultry consumption is expected to reach 100 million tons. However, raw chicken and eggs can harbor pathogens like Campylobacter, Salmonella and Clostridium perfringens, which cause foodborne illnesses. These bacteria can contaminate food products during slaughter and processing, posing a major public health concern.

Traditionally, antimicrobials have been used to address these pathogens. However, misuse and overuse of these tools has accelerated the emergence of AMR, where resistant bacteria — and the genes that cause that resistance — can spread from food animals to humans through the food chain.

AMR is one of the top ten threats to global health, associated with 4.95 million deaths annually, a number that could potentially increase to 10 million per year by 2050. AMR also burdens healthcare systems economically, costing the UK’s National Health Service £180 million annually (US$229 million) and the US $55 billion: $20 billion for healthcare and $35 billion for loss of productivity.

Raising awareness and reducing antibiotic usage

Increased awareness of AMR has led many countries to ban antibiotic growth promoters in animal feeds. Despite these bans, resistance rates remain high. For instance, the latest European Union report (2021–22) highlights the fact that bacteria found in chickens, turkeys and hens are highly resistant to a commonly used type of antibiotics called fluoroquinolone.

To combat AMR in poultry production, a multifaceted approach is essential. This should include:

• Improved biosecurity, sanitation and waste management
• Reduced antibiotic usage under veterinary supervision
• Elimination of antibiotic growth promoters
• Strong vaccination programs, disease surveillance and vector control
• Good nutrition
• Alternatives to antibiotics and improved gut health

Innovative solutions: Mannan-rich fraction (MRF)

Alternatives to antibiotics focus on improving gut health and the microbiome of birds. Mannan-rich fraction (MRF), derived from yeast cell walls, supports bird performance and health by modulating the microbiome, binding pathogenic bacteria, and promoting gut health.

Recent research also shows MRF’s impact on bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics. Studies (Smith et al., 2017; 2020; 2022) demonstrate that MRF reduces the growth of antibiotic-resistant E. coli by 46%, and by 73% when combined with antibiotics (ampicillin). To accomplish this, MRF boosts certain proteins involved in the energy production process and increases the production of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the bacteria. These changes lead to more effective killing of the bacteria and a shift in how the bacteria respond to antibiotics.

A holistic approach to food safety

With chicken and eggs being central to many diets, ensuring the safety of poultry products is paramount. Reducing foodborne infections from Salmonella, Campylobacter and E. coli can decrease mortality, alleviate economic burdens, and reduce the spread of AMR from agriculture to humans.

Adopting a robust, holistic approach to food safety in poultry production is vital. Innovative solutions like MRF help reduce the prevalence of resistant bacteria, making antibiotics less necessary and boosting their efficacy when needed. This approach helps the agricultural sector mitigate its contribution to AMR, safeguarding public health.

About the author: 

Dr. Harriet Walker is the poultry specialist for the Alltech^® Technology Group. Within this role she provides technical support to the sales force and supports and interprets poultry research activities, focusing on providing solutions to optimize animal performance and efficiency.

Before taking this role, Harriet worked in the industry as a poultry nutritionist, developing a solid nutritional and technical knowledge base. She has extensive experience in bird nutrition and management over various farm sizes and poultry types.

Harriet completed her Ph.D. at Nottingham Trent University in 2013, evaluating the gut health and performance of broilers when feeding supplements to reduce antibiotic use, elucidating their mode of action. She also studied animal science at the University of Nottingham, where she completed her third-year dissertation in poultry nutrition in 2009.

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