With chicken meat being a great source of protein and one of the most readily available to the human population, broiler producers perform an essential role in meeting the increasing global demand for animal protein. Chicken is one of the less expensive types of meats, meaning that broiler chicken producers are already doing a great job in the fight to produce more from less. However, the increased demand for protein comes along with increased awareness of climate change and the impact that agriculture has on greenhouse gas emissions, meaning there is a drive for more sustainable chicken production.

Producing more protein from less

Global warming is proceeding at such a rate that it is undeniable that human activities have produced gases that are trapping the sun’s energy, leading to more intense weather events, reducing biodiversity, and disrupting humans’ current way of life. Therefore, as the poultry industry works to meet the increasing global demand for animal protein, it needs to simultaneously reduce its impact on the environment.

65-75% of the carbon footprint of a broiler production system comes from feed; therefore, effective poultry nutrition plays an essential part in decreasing carbon emissions. By using innovation and technology to find solutions to improve feed efficiency, we can enable chickens to use less feed to achieve the same output, improving both environmental and economic sustainability. One of these solutions in broiler diets is the use of Mannan rich fraction (MRF), which has been developed to improve the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of broiler production.

Optimum poultry gut health

Maintaining the gut health of broilers is key to getting optimum performance and feed efficiency, helping the chicken to utilize the feed provided to it and reduce its carbon footprint. The modern broiler has huge genetic potential to convert feed into growth with outstanding efficiency. As a producer, the job is to reduce production challenges and stressors that can negatively affect the gut health of the bird, which could prevent birds from reaching their genetic potential.

One of the most critical determinants of gut health is the diversity of the gut microbiome. A diverse microbiome with beneficial microbes acts as a protective barrier covering the gut, thus preventing the colonization of pathogenic bacteria. Promoting a diverse gut microbiome supports the gut health of the animal and improves gut integrity, resulting in a large surface area so the animal can absorb nutrients efficiently. MRF is a natural extract of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which has been comprehensively researched in poultry. Dietary MRF as a natural substitute to in-feed antibiotics has been shown in several research and commercial studies to promote bird gut health, performance, welfare, and resilience by supporting the immune system, improving nutrient absorption, and protecting against harmful bacteria.

MRF – Many modes of action

These beneficial responses have been attributed to the effects of dietary MRF to optimize gut health and microbial diversity. Research has shown that MRF can influence microbiome diversity by changing the β-diversity and increasing α-diversity, indicating a healthier gut environment with less pathogenic bacteria and more short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria. Additionally, research has shown that MRF can prevent pathogen colonization in the gut, enhance intestinal morphology, favorably modulate the gut microbiota and microbial metabolism, and stimulate immune development and function. By supporting and maintaining gut health, this ultimately helps improve overall bird health and performance. This has recently been documented in a meta-analysis by Salami et al. (2024), which used data from 27 studies. The paper’s objective was to examine the impact of MRF on broiler performance and the implications for greenhouse gas emissions from chicken production.

Performance

Meta-analysis results showed that broiler performance was significantly improved by MRF when compared to a control:

Environmental impact

From these improvements seen in the meta-analysis results in broiler production, Salami et al. (2024) went on to calculate the effects these improvements would have on the carbon footprint when supplementing with MRF:

Conclusions

In broiler production, economic and environmental sustainability are closely linked, meaning that feeding technologies that improve performance can deliver sustainability benefits that align with several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

With gut health being key for the efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients, it is vital to support and maintain gut health to achieve optimal growth and development of chickens, which can be achieved through the supplementation of the diet with MRF. The results from the above-mentioned meta-analysis demonstrate improved performance parameters with MRF. T

The LCA then showed that the supplementation of MRF can enhance broiler performance, improve profitability, reduce carbon footprint, and meet sustainability goals. With correct supplementation, more cost-effective, environmentally sustainable feeds can be produced, resulting in a greater return on investment and a lower carbon footprint.

References​

1. ​Leigh, R.J., Corrigan, A., Murphy, R.A., Taylor-Pickard, J., Moran, C.A. and Walsh, F. (2024). Yeast mannan rich fraction positively influences microbiome uniformity, productivity associated taxa, and lay performance. Animal Microbiome, 6(1).
2. ‌Leigh, R.J., Corrigan, A., Murphy, R.A. and Walsh, F. (2022). Effect of Mannan-rich fraction supplementation on commercial broiler intestinum tenue and cecum microbiota. Animal microbiome, 4(1).
3. Corrigan, A.; Fay, B.; Corcionivoschi, N.; Murphy, R. Effect of yeast mannan-rich fractions on reducing Campylobacter colonization in broiler chickens. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 2017, 26, 350–357.
4. Corrigan, A.; de Leeuw, M.; Penaud-Frézet, S.; Dimova, D.; Murphy, R. Phylogenetic and functional alterations in bacterial community compositions in broiler ceca as a result of mannan oligosaccharide supplementation. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 2015, 81, 3460–3470.
5. Hofacre, C.; Beacorn, T.; Collett, S.; Mathis, G. Using competitive exclusion, mannan-oligosaccharide and other intestinal products to control necrotic enteritis. J. Appl. Poult. Res. 2003, 12, 60–64.
6. McCaffrey, C.; Corrigan, A.; Moynagh, P.; Murphy, R. Effect of yeast cell wall supplementation on intestinal integrity, digestive enzyme activity and immune traits of broilers. Br. Poult. Sci. 2021, 62, 771–782.
7. Shashidhara, R.; Devegowda, G. Effect of dietary mannan oligosaccharide on broiler breeder production traits and immunity. Poult. Sci. 2003, 82, 1319–1325.
8. Yang, Y.; Iji, P.; Kocher, A.; Mikkelsen, L.; Choct, M. Effects of dietary mannanoligosaccharide on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and gut development of broilers given different cereal-based diets. J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. 2008, 92, 650–659.
9. Delaney, S.; Do, T.T.; Corrigan, A.; Murphy, R.; Walsh, F. Investigation into the effect of mannan-rich fraction supplementation on the metagenome of broiler chickens. Microb. Genom. 2021, 7, 000602.
10. Salami, S.A., Taylor-Pickard, J., Ross, S.A. and Moran, C.A. (2024). A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Dietary Yeast Mannan-Rich Fraction on Broiler Performance and the Implication for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Chicken Production. Animals, 14(11), pp.1595–1595. 

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.

I want to learn more about nutrition for poultry.

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Staying up to date with the latest research and industry trends is crucial for poultry producers looking to optimize bird health, sustainability, and profitability. We've compiled a selection of insightful articles covering gut health, environmental factors, antibiotic resistance, and sustainability to help you navigate the evolving poultry industry.

1. Gut health and nutrition

Maintaining a strong gut is essential for bird growth, feed efficiency and overall health. These articles explore the latest findings on water quality, in-ovo nutrition, and microbiome science in poultry production:

• Why winning water matters – The impact of water quality on gut health and bird performance.
• In-ovo nutrition: Unlocking early growth potential – How feeding strategies before hatch influence chick development.
• The “-omics” revolution – A look at microbiome science and how it is shaping poultry health and performance.

2. Environmental factors and farm management

Poultry performance is deeply connected to air quality, ammonia levels and cleaning practices. These articles discuss ways to create a healthier environment for birds:

• Be air aware: The impact of ammonia – How ammonia buildup affects bird health and what can be done to manage it.
• To clean or not to clean? – The debate on cleaning protocols and their impact on poultry health.

3. Antibiotic resistance and poultry health

Antibiotic resistance is a growing challenge in animal agriculture. Understanding its implications helps producers make informed decisions on disease management and alternative solutions. These articles offer helpful information:

• The story of antibiotic resistance – A look at the history and impact of antibiotic resistance in poultry.
• The continued story of antibiotic resistance – Updates on the latest findings and alternative strategies to reduce dependency on antibiotics.

4. Sustainability in poultry farming

With increasing pressure to reduce environmental impact, poultry producers are exploring ways to balance sustainability and profitability. This article explores the latest ideas:

• Green poultry farming: Keeping it profitable and sustainable – Practical strategies to improve sustainability while maintaining farm profitability.

Final thoughts

These articles offer valuable insights into the future of poultry farming, from gut health innovations to environmental management and antibiotic alternatives. By staying informed and adapting new strategies, producers can improve bird health, optimize performance and contribute to a more sustainable poultry industry.

Por  Bryan Sanderson

El destete puede suponer una situación de estrés tanto para los terneros como para los productores. En este sentido, una buena dieta puede ayudar al favorecer tanto el crecimiento como la productividad de los animales durante el tiempo de alimentación. Y lo que es más importante, una dieta óptima también puede protegerlos contra enfermedades e infecciones bacterianas que se pueden presentar en esta época de transición.

Las enfermedades respiratorias son las más frecuentes durante el período de destete. Por ejemplo, un ternero es más susceptible a la enfermedad respiratoria bovina (ERB) en las primeras cuatro semanas posdestete. La ERB le cuesta a la industria del ganado bovino más de US$ 1000 millones al año, por lo que la prevención es clave para reducir los costos de tratamiento y evitar pérdidas de desempeño.

La salud intestinal es crucial

Dado que el tracto digestivo de un animal representa aproximadamente el 70% de todo su sistema inmune; se debe priorizar el desarrollo del rumen y la salud intestinal a la hora de destetar e iniciar la nueva alimentación de los terneros.

La salud intestinal está estrechamente relacionada con la capacidad de un animal para absorber y utilizar eficazmente los nutrientes y hacer frente a los patógenos nocivos. Pero si el revestimiento –o barrera– del tubo digestivo es débil entonces, entonces estos patógenos pueden afectar el resto del organismo causando numerosas enfermedades (entre ellas la ERB).

Dado que los factores de estrés en el ganado bovino –no solo durante el destete, sino también en el transporte, la mezcla de animales de distintas procedencias, los cambios en la dieta y la restricción dietética– pueden afectar el revestimiento intestinal; es esencial asegurar un apoyo continuo a la salud intestinal. Es por ello que las estrategias en la alimentación tienen que estar enfocadas en aumentar el desempeño animal y reducir los costos de tratamiento; lo que se traduce en una producción más rentable.

Vitaminas y minerales

En muchos artículos se ofrecen consejos para lograr un destete con éxito en los terneros y adaptarlos a una nueva alimentación. Una regla básica es que los terneros deben consumir materia seca entre el 2.5% y el 3% (sobre una base del 100% de su peso corporal) en los primeros 30 días posdestete. Los aumentos graduales de la cantidad de alimento –junto con los cambios graduales de la dieta o de los ingredientes– ayudarán a la correcta adaptación de la microflora ruminal; lo que mejora la salud intestinal.

Sin embargo, la cantidad de alimento balanceado es solo un aspecto. Los microorganismos del tubo digestivo necesitan vitaminas y minerales para funcionar correctamente y digerir los nutrientes. Suplementarlos en la ración de destete es crucial para la salud intestinal; ya que no solo favorece la absorción de nutrientes en general, sino también refuerza la inmunidad y mejora la respuesta a las vacunas y los tratamientos.

Los suplementos de vitaminas y minerales varían mucho y deben elegirse con cuidado para obtener el máximo beneficio. Por ejemplo, los minerales orgánicos traza son considerablemente más biodisponibles para los terneros durante el período de destete; ya que favorecen la absorción de nutrientes, refuerzan la salud intestinal y reducen la excreción de minerales al medio ambiente.

Bacterias beneficiosas

Los prebióticos y los probióticos son cada vez más importancia en los programas actuales de alimentación y suplementación. Ambos son excelentes opciones para mejorar la salud intestinal en el período de destete.

Los prebióticos son ingredientes no digeribles del alimento balanceado que estimulan selectivamente el crecimiento y la actividad de las bacterias en el tracto digestivo; proporcionando “alimento” a los microorganismos beneficiosos que ya existen en este. Diversas investigaciones demuestran que los prebióticos favorecen la fermentación ruminal, mejoran la digestión, ayudan la absorción de nutrientes y contribuyen al desarrollo del sistema inmune.

Los probióticos son tipos específicos de microorganismos vivos: incluidas las bacterias de los grupos Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium y Enterococcus; así como los manano-oligosacáridos (MOS) derivados de la levadura (como la Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Estos ayudan a modificar el microbioma intestinal a favor de microorganismos beneficiosos que han demostrado mejorar la salud y el desempeño animal. Los probióticos también producen de forma natural metabolitos como ácidos grasos de cadena corta, vitaminas, enzimas y compuestos antimicrobianos; los cuales desempeñan un papel importante en el desarrollo de la salud y la integridad intestinal y en la reducción de la inflamación perjudicial.

El destete es una etapa especialmente delicada, pero una estrategia dietética eficaz puede convertirlo en una oportunidad de mejora. Si se proporciona una buena nutrición a los terneros se puede optimizar el crecimiento y el desempeño, prevenir enfermedades e infecciones, y maximizar la rentabilidad.