Out of feed events or disruptions of feed and water supply due to summer storms will have a major impact on gut health and subsequent bird performance. The microbial environment in the gut is directly impacted by any changes in feed and water delivery. The microbial populations reside along the gut lining in a symbiotic relationship with its host. A steady flow of water and nutrients provides a consistent environment allowing for the desirable balance of bacteria and optimum nutrient utilization.
Researchers at the USDA-Georgia have studied the impact of water and feed deprivation on microbial populations in the crop and cecum of broilers. Their findings revealed the following:
Feed clears the crop within 4-5 hours of feed withdrawal if water is still available.
If feed and water are both unavailable, feed in the crop and gizzard stops its decent and the intestine clears of feed within 5-7 hours.
Whenever the intestine is without feed for at least 6 hours, the intestinal mucosa starts to break down resulting in gut health barrier destruction.
The lack of fermentable carbohydrate in the crop results in a reduction in the population of Lactobacillus and a resultant increase in pH.
The pH of the crop is typically in the range of 4.3-5.5.
Within 12 hours of feed absence, the pH can rise to >6.4.
This environment favors the growth of Salmonella typhimurium and E. coli so their populations increase.
Gut Health Solution
During summer heat stress the administration of electrolytes to the drinking water is commonly recommended. Added benefit to maintaining the desired “gut health environment” can be realized with in-VIGOR-ate®
because this product provides acidification and direct-fed microbials that will help maintain the desirable conditions in the crop and intestine. Administration of in-VIGOR-ate®
provides the following:
Stimulates water intake
Provides electrolytes to prevent dehydration
Supplies B vitamins to aid in energy metabolism
Supplies ADE to support immune system
Provides Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum to repopulate the crop and help maintain desired gut microflora balance and to support gut barrier function
Microflora recovery will be enhanced with simultaneous administration/feeding of a prebiotic to provide a fermentable food source to promote the growth of the beneficial bacteria
Pre-slaughter feed withdrawal can also increase the risk of Salmonella contamination of the carcass due to development of a significant population in the crop during this time. Administration of in-VIGOR-ate®
during the pre-slaughter feed withdrawal period is also recommended.