Improving gut health relies on the delicate balance between the bird, the intestinal microbiota, the intestinal environment, and the feed. As producers, we can improve this balance with good management, feed quality, and by improving the bird’s environment.
The use of organic acids in the drinking water is a valuable tool for improving gut health in production birds. Organic acids, such as those found in Gutpro, acidify the drinking water to below pH 4. At this pH, pathogenic ‘bad’ bacteria such as Salmonella, E.coli and Campylobacter are killed resulting in reduced infections and/or mortalities. Additionally, organic acids promote the growth of ‘good’ gut bacteria in the lower gut leading to improved gut wall integrity and nutrient absorption. Organic acids also improve protein and energy digestion, these factors are likely the reasons that organic acids improve feed utilisation (improved FCR) and lead to better performance and growth in the birds.
Gutpro is intended as an intermittent acidification product specifically for broilers, breeders, and layers. Applying Gutpro to the water at 5 L per 1,000 L drinking water for 3 days per week will lead to improved gut health and reduced pathogen-related mortalities.
Contact a Super Agri Science representative for more information on how Gutpro can help promote good gut health to optimise production.