Abstract
Effective chiller sanitation is critical in poultry processing to minimize microbial contamination, preserve product quality, and maintain equipment integrity. This study evaluated the comparative performance of Intra Hydrocare, a chelated silver-stabilized hydrogen peroxide formulation, and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) at 50 ppm in screw chillers of a commercial poultry processing plant in Punjab, India. Over a two-month field trial, weekly samples (n = 12/event) were collected from chiller inlet water, outlet water, surfaces, and carcass rinses. Microbial load was assessed using Total Plate Count (TPC) and ATP bioluminescence, while equipment hygiene, sensory quality, and operator safety were also evaluated. Intra Hydrocare demonstrated consistently superior antimicrobial performance, maintaining >99.9% microbial reduction throughout the chilling cycle, compared with the rapid efficacy decay observed with NaOCl (≈50% loss by outlet). Biofilm disruption was markedly improved with Intra Hydrocare, reflected by an 85% reduction in ATP values. Chillers treated with NaOCl showed scaling and surface dulling, whereas Intra Hydrocare prevented corrosion, removed existing deposits, and supported improved hygiene. Sensory evaluation confirmed that Intra Hydrocare preserved product colour, odour, and texture, while NaOCl occasionally produced chlorinous odours and bleaching. Operator observations also indicated reduced eye irritation and improved handling safety with Intra Hydrocare. These findings highlight Intra Hydrocare as a highly effective, residue-free, and sustainable alternative to hypochlorite-based disinfectants in poultry screw chillers. Its adoption can enhance food safety, extend equipment lifespan, support certification compliance, and elevate overall processing efficiency.

Keywords: Intra Hydrocare; Sodium hypochlorite; Poultry processing; Screw chillers; Hydrogen peroxide; Biofilm control; Microbial reduction; Total Plate Count (TPC); Equipment hygiene; Food safety.

Introduction
Effective sanitation in poultry processing plants is essential to minimize microbial contamination and ensure the safety and quality of final products. Screw chillers, which are critical for rapidly reducing carcass temperature following evisceration, represent a high-risk point for cross-contamination due to continuous exposure to organic matter, water recirculation, and contact between carcasses (Buncic & Sofos, 2012). Pathogens such as Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. are frequently introduced into chiller systems and can persist on equipment surfaces or within biofilms, posing a significant public health risk and contributing to foodborne illnesses globally (EFSA, 2024; Scallan et al., 2011).

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) remains one of the most widely used disinfectants in poultry chillers due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and low cost (Kim et al., 2023). In commercial processing, NaOCl is typically applied at concentrations around 50 ppm (Na et al., 2023) However, its performance is constrained by several operational and chemical limitations. First, chlorine activity is highly pH-dependent, with optimal performance in acidic environments (pH <7), whereas chiller systems often operate under neutral to slightly alkaline conditions, reducing biocidal efficacy (Amiri et al, 2010). Second, NaOCl reacts rapidly with organic matter, such as blood, fat, and proteins, leading to immediate depletion of free available chlorine and requiring repeated dosing to maintain effective concentrations (Waters and Hung, 2014). Third, sodium hypochlorite shows limited penetration into complex biofilms, which enables survival of Campylobacter, Listeria, and Salmonella on chiller surfaces despite routine sanitation (Alvarez-Ordóñez et al., 2019). Lastly, excessive dosing used to compensate for chlorine loss can negatively affect product quality, producing chlorinous off-odours, yellow discoloration, and bitterness, contributing to rejection rates of 15–20% in high-throughput processing plants (Agnello et al.,2012; Hurlbut et al.,1983; Gretchen Marlene Nagel, 2012; Kumar et al.,2023)

These limitations have prompted interest in alternative biocides that can maintain stability in organic-rich environments, exert broad antimicrobial action, avoid product quality deterioration, and improve worker safety. Intra Hydrocare, an ultra-stabilized hydrogen peroxide formulation, has gained recognition as a next-generation disinfectant. It is approved by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) for PT02, PT03, PT04, and PT05 applications, and holds NSF/ANSI Standard 60 certification for potable water systems. As a residue-free oxidizing biocide that decomposes into water and oxygen, Intra Hydrocare offers advantages including non-corrosiveness, extended shelf life, and suitability for organic production systems (USDA NOP; EU Organic Regulation 2018/848). Hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants have demonstrated superior biofilm degradation, greater stability in organic environments, and reduced risk of sensory changes in treated poultry products (Stearns et al., 2022).

Given these properties, Intra Hydrocare presents a promising alternative to NaOCl in poultry chillers. The present study compares the performance of Intra Hydrocare and NaOCl under commercial processing conditions, with an emphasis on microbial reduction (total plate count, TPC), equipment hygiene, operator safety, and downstream product quality outcomes. The findings aim to inform evidence-based selection of sanitizing agents for modern poultry processing systems.

Materials and Methods
Study Period and Setting: The study was conducted from September 2025 to November 2025 at Perfect Poultry Products Pvt. Ltd., Amritsar, Punjab, India, a mid-scale commercial poultry processing plant (CPP) with a capacity of 30,000 birds/day. The facility operates four stainless-steel screw chillers of two sizes (2.1 m × 6 m and 1.6 m × 6 m), with capacities of 12,000 L and 8,500 L, respectively (Figure 1).
Study Design: A controlled, comparative field trial was implemented over a 2-month period. The four screw chillers were divided into two treatment groups:

1. Control group: Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl)
a) Two screw chillers operated using 50 ppm sodium hypochlorite (from commercial 10% NaOCl solution).
b) Dosing was performed via inline injection calibrated to maintain consistent free chlorine levels.
c) Water pH was monitored at each sampling (target: 7.2–7.5).
d) Free available chlorine was measured using chlorine indicator strips.

2. Trial group: Intra Hydrocare
a) Two screw chillers operated with 50 ppm Intra Hydrocare (ultra-stabilized hydrogen peroxide formulation).
b) The solution was dosed using a Dosatron venturi injector (dilution ratio 1:256) to ensure precise flow-proportional dosing.
c) Hydrogen peroxide concentration in the chiller water was verified using validated H2O2 test strips.
All chillers operated under identical process conditions. Carcasses underwent post-evisceration chilling for 55 minutes at 4°C (corrected from the earlier 45-minute estimate).

Sampling strategy: Sampling was performed weekly, generating 12 sampling events per chiller group over the study period. Samples were collected from:
a) Chiller inlet water
b) Chiller outlet water
c) Chiller surfaces (food-contact and non-contact)
d) Carcasses (post-chill rinse samples)
All sampling followed ISO/HACCP-aligned aseptic procedures.

Microbiological and Hygiene Assessments
1. Total Plate Count (TPC)
a) Swab samples from chiller surfaces and water were plated on Plate Count Agar (PCA).
b) Incubation: 30°C for 48 hours.
c) Carcass microbial loads were enumerated using the ISO 4833 standard rinse-and-plate method.

Figure 1: Representative pictures of the sampling sites
2. Biofilm assessment: Biofilm presence and surface hygiene were evaluated using ATP bioluminescence (Merck MVP ICON system), reported as relative light units (RLU). High RLU values indicated persistent organic load or biofilm activity.

Product Quality and Sensory Evaluation
1. Sensory attributes: A trained internal panel evaluated carcasses for colour, odour and taste, surface appearance. NaOCl-related off-odours, chlorinous notes, or bleaching were noted when present.
2. Chemical residue assessment: Chicken samples were screened for detectable oxidant residues at the end of the chilling process to compare:
– Chlorine residuals (NaOCl group)
– H2O2 residual absence (expected for Intra Hydrocare, decomposing into water + oxygen)
Operator safety assessment: Observations were recorded regarding operator comfort, PPE compliance, and chemical exposure effects.
– NaOCl exposure frequently caused eye irritation, bleaching of clothing, and harsh odour.
– Intra Hydrocare demonstrated no irritation, no corrosive effects, and better operator acceptability, although standard PPE was maintained as per plant protocols.
Compliance and ethical considerations: All activities adhered to established HACCP, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and routine plant safety protocols. No pathogen-specific testing (e.g., Salmonella, Campylobacter) was undertaken as the focus was on indicator microbial load, hygiene markers, and operational performance.

Results
The comparative evaluation demonstrated that Intra Hydrocare consistently outperformed sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) across all assessed parameters, including microbial reduction, biofilm control, product quality preservation, and equipment hygiene. A summary of the major findings is presented below.

1. Microbial efficacy
Intra Hydrocare showed substantially superior microbial control in both chiller water and carcass rinses. While NaOCl produced an initial drop in microbial load, its efficacy diminished rapidly as water moved through the chiller system, with approximately 50% loss in free chlorine activity by the outlet point. This decline corresponded with higher Total Plate Count (TPC) values at the outlet.

In contrast, Intra Hydrocare maintained stable activity throughout the chilling cycle, resulting in >99.9% overall log reduction across sampling points. ATP bioluminescence measurements further confirmed enhanced sanitation performance, with an 85% reduction in ATP, indicating strong biofilm disruption.

Table 1. Total Plate Count (TPC) in screw chillers

Notes: TPC expressed as CFU/mL for water and CFU/g for carcass rinses. n = 12 sampling events per treatment group.
These results indicate that Intra Hydrocare provided 2–3-fold lower microbial contamination compared with NaOCl, both at the dressed-bird stage and in final goods (FG), demonstrating sustained antimicrobial activity even under high organic load.

2. Biofilm control, scale reduction, and equipment integrity
Significant differences were observed in chiller hygiene and equipment condition:
a) Biofilm disruption: Intra Hydrocare effectively penetrated and destabilized biofilm layers, reflected in markedly lower ATP values.
b) Surface hygiene: Surfaces treated with Intra Hydrocare remained visibly cleaner, with less organic residue accumulation.
c) Scale formation: NaOCl-treated chillers exhibited noticeable scaling, mineral deposits, and structural dulling, which can entrap microorganisms and reduce sanitation efficiency.
d) Equipment protection: Intra Hydrocare’s non-corrosive nature prevented metal surface degradation and eliminated scaling, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
Overall, Intra Hydrocare improved operational efficiency, minimized downtime related to cleaning, and contributed to extending equipment service life.

Discussion
The findings of this field trial demonstrate that Intra Hydrocare provides superior sanitation performance compared with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in poultry screw chillers. The stabilized hydrogen peroxide formulation used in Intra Hydrocare, i.e., chelated and silver-stabilized, exhibits several mechanistic advantages that directly contribute to its enhanced performance. Its oxidative mode of action functions effectively across a broad pH range (pH 3–8), providing greater stability in the slightly alkaline conditions common in poultry chillers. This contrasts with NaOCl, whose antimicrobial efficacy diminishes rapidly outside acidic-to-neutral pH ranges and is highly susceptible to neutralization by organic matter present in post-evisceration water.

The trial results demonstrated that Intra Hydrocare maintained >99.9% microbial reduction throughout the chilling cycle, while NaOCl showed a steep decline in performance, losing nearly half of its free chlorine activity before reaching the outlet point. This decline directly corresponded with higher Total Plate Count (TPC) values and diminished sanitation consistency. The enhanced biofilm disruption observed with Intra Hydrocare, reflected by an 85% reduction in ATP values, further underscores its efficacy. Biofilms are notorious for harbouring Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria, and spoilage organisms; therefore, effective biofilm control is essential for maintaining plant hygiene and reducing persistent contamination.

A notable advantage of Intra Hydrocare lies in its silver-chelated stabilization, which creates oxidative synergy and promotes deeper penetration into biofilm matrices. This capability addresses a critical weakness of NaOCl, which often requires dose escalation (to 100–150 ppm) in real-world settings to overcome organic load and biofilm protection. However, elevated NaOCl dosing frequently causes adverse sensory changes in poultry meat, including chlorinous odours, yellow discoloration, and surface bleaching, leading to quality downgrades or batch rejections. In contrast, Intra Hydrocare delivered robust disinfection at a low, constant 50 ppm, with no detectable impact on odour, taste, colour, or texture.

From an operational perspective, Intra Hydrocare provided significant additional benefits. Its non-corrosive chemistry prevented structural degradation of stainless-steel surfaces, eliminated scale accumulation, and even removed pre-existing mineral deposits. NaOCl, conversely, contributed to scaling and surface dulling, increasing equipment maintenance burdens. These hygiene and equipment advantages align with sustainability and quality certification goals, including organic production standards (USDA NOP, EU Organic) and NSF/ANSI 60 compliance.

Operator safety was another area where Intra Hydrocare exhibited clear superiority. NaOCl exposure is well-documented to cause eye irritation, respiratory discomfort, and bleaching of clothing, all of which were reported by plant operators. Intra Hydrocare, being residue-free and odourless, eliminated these hazards while still requiring standard PPE under HACCP protocols.

Collectively, the trial outcomes highlight several tangible plant-level benefits associated with switching to Intra Hydrocare, including, lower microbial contamination pressure, improved biofilm and scale control, enhanced product sensory quality and shelf-life potential, reduced equipment corrosion and maintenance downtime, safer working conditions for operators and alignment with modern sustainability and certification frameworks.

The primary limitations of this study include the higher initial dosing volume required for Intra Hydrocare (although mitigated by dosing efficiency and longer-lasting activity) and the need for broader multi-site validation to confirm scalability across different processing environments. Additionally, pathogen-specific analyses, such as Salmonella or Campylobacter enumeration, were not conducted in this phase, although the substantial reductions in indicator organisms and ATP strongly suggest improvements in overall contamination control.

Conclusion
This investigation affirms Intra Hydrocare as a transformative sanitizing agent for poultry screw chiller operations, delivering superior performance across all critical sanitation dimensions. By consistently outperforming NaOCl in microbial reduction, biofilm disruption, equipment hygiene, and sensory preservation, Intra Hydrocare enhances both food safety and product quality throughout the poultry value chain. Its non-corrosive, residue-free, and operator-safe characteristics position Intra Hydrocare as an ideal disinfectant for modern, certification-driven poultry processing plants. The observed improvements, ranging from lower microbial loads to better shelf-life potential, translate directly into enhanced customer satisfaction and stronger market competitiveness.

Adopting Intra Hydrocare represents a strategic shift toward resilient, sustainable, and high-performance sanitation systems, advancing the dual goals of operational efficiency and public health protection. By embracing such next-generation biocidal technologies, poultry processors can ensure safer workplaces, superior consumer experiences, and a robust compliance posture in increasingly demanding regulatory and retail environments.

References
Alvarez-Ordóñez, A., Coughlan, L.M., Briandet, R. and Cotter, P.D., 2019. Biofilms in food processing environments: challenges and opportunities. Annual Review of Food Science and Technology, 10(1), pp.173-195.
Amiri, F., Mesquita, M.M. and Andrews, S.A., 2010. Disinfection effectiveness of organic chloramines, investigating the effect of pH. water research, 44(3), pp.845-853.
Agnello et al. Published: June 2012 Journal: Journal of Food Science (Vol. 77, Issue 6, pp. M296-M302)
Buncic, S. & Sofos, J.N., 2012. Interventions to control Salmonella contamination during poultry, cattle and pig slaughter. Food Research International, 45(2), pp.641–655.
EFSA, 2024. European Food Safety Authority. The European Union One Health 2023 Zoonoses Report. (Weblink: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/9106)
Gretchen Marlene Nagel Published: August 2012 Source: Auburn University Electronic Theses and Dissertations (M.S. Thesis, Department of Poultry Science)
Hurlbut et al. Published: 1983 Journal: Poultry Science (Vol. 62, Issue 7, pp. 1392-1397)
Kim, J.M., Zhang, B.Z. and Park, J.M., 2023. Comparison of sanitization efficacy of sodium hypochlorite and peroxyacetic acid used as disinfectants in poultry food processing plants. Food Control, 152, p.109865.
Kumar et al. Published: September 2023 Journal: The Pharma Innovation Journal (Vol. 12, Issue 9S, Part E, pp. 206-255)
Na et al. : The Effect of Washing and Packaging on the Quality of the Breast Meat from Old Hen
Scallan, E. et al., 2011. Foodborne illness acquired in the United States—major pathogens. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 17(1), pp.7–15.
Stearns, R., Freshour, A. and Shen, C., 2022. Literature review for applying peroxyacetic acid and/or hydrogen peroxide to control foodborne pathogens on food products. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 10, p.100442.
Waters, B.W. and Hung, Y.C., 2014. The effect of organic loads on stability of various chlorine-based sanitisers. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 49(3), pp.867-875.

Breathing Trouble: A Glimpse into the World of CRD in Poultry
India ranks second globally in egg production and fifth in poultry meat production. The Indian poultry market, despite being one of the largest globally, remains a developing sector due to its fragmented infrastructure, inconsistent biosecurity standards, and varying degrees of modernization across regions.

A significant portion of poultry production still relies on open housing systems, limited automation, and minimal veterinary oversight, especially among smallholder and backyard farmers. These conditions foster high disease prevalence, as poor sanitation, overcrowding, and lack of structured vaccination programs create ideal environments for the spread of infectious agents like Mycoplasma gallisepticum, E. coli, and coccidia. Consequently, the industry faces substantial economic losses through reduced productivity, higher mortality, increased medication costs, and trade restrictions. Bridging the gap between traditional practices and scientific poultry management is critical for improving flock health and sustaining long-term growth.

One Breath at a Time: Poultry Farmers Battle Chronic Respiratory Disease

Before any effective fight against Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD) can begin, the poultry industry must first understand the enemy it faces. CRD is not just another seasonal illness—it’s a complex, persistent infection primarily caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum, capable of silently spreading through flocks and leaving devastating economic consequences in its wake. Its symptoms often mimic those of other respiratory illnesses, making early detection a challenge. Without a clear understanding of its pathogenesis, transmission, and triggers, efforts to control CRD remain reactive and insufficient. Knowledge is the first line of defense—only with education, diagnosis, and structured prevention can farmers hope to break the cycle of recurring outbreaks. The battle against CRD must begin with awareness and be fought with science, vigilance, and unity across the industry.

Unmasking the Culprit: The Hidden Cause of CRD in Poultry

CRD is caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), a wall-less bacterium that affects the respiratory tract of poultry. Secondary infections with Escherichia coli, Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale, and viral pathogens (NDV, IBV) often exacerbate disease severity.

Silent Spread: How CRD Continues to Lurk in Poultry Farms
CRD in poultry, caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum, spreads through both horizontal and vertical transmission. Infected birds release the pathogen via respiratory secretions, contaminating air, water, feed, and equipment. Vertical transmission from breeder hens to chicks via eggs further fuels early infection. Recovered birds often remain silent carriers, shedding the organism under stress. This makes CRD hard to eradicate and highlights the need for strong biosecurity, breeder screening, and flock management to control its spread.

How CRD Takes Hold: Understanding the Disease’s Journey in Poultry
The pathogenesis of Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD) in poultry begins when birds inhale aerosolized Mycoplasma gallisepticum, the primary causative agent. The pathogen adheres to the ciliated epithelial cells lining the upper respiratory tract, disrupting the mucociliary clearance mechanism. This allows the bacteria to colonize and multiply, triggering a chronic inflammatory response that leads to thick mucus secretion, tracheitis, and air-sacculitis. The damaged respiratory lining also becomes highly susceptible to secondary bacterial infections, particularly from E. coli, compounding respiratory distress and systemic illness.

In commercial poultry, stress factors such as poor ventilation, high stocking density, and concurrent viral infections (like IBV or NDV) can further exacerbate disease progression, resulting in reduced growth rates, poor feed conversion, decreased egg production, and increased mortality.

Signs & Symptoms with Postmortem (PM) Findings
CRD in poultry typically presents with a range of respiratory signs that can vary in severity based on age, immune status, and presence of co-infections. Common clinical signs include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, tracheal rales, conjunctivitis, reduced feed intake, stunted growth, and a noticeable drop in egg production in layers. Birds may also exhibit open-mouth breathing and watery eyes. In chronic stages, swelling of infraorbital sinuses and air-sacculitis becomes evident. On postmortem examination, the most consistent findings include thickened, cloudy air sacs (airsacculitis), catarrhal to caseous exudate in the trachea and bronchi, perihepatitis, pericarditis, and fibrinous pneumonia. In cases complicated by secondary infections like E. coli, lesions become more severe, showing a classic “CRD complex.”

Integrated Strategy to Fight CRD
An integrated CRD control strategy combines biosecurity, vaccination, early detection, nutritional support, and precision medication.

Preventive Phase: Reducing the Latent Load
Forlutin 10% (Tiamulin 10%) a high-quality feed additive by Stallen South Asia Pvt. Ltd. serves as the cornerstone for preventive management. Administering it to growers between 7 to 14 weeks of age or just before expected stress periods such as vaccination or peak lay helps reduce the latent load of Mycoplasma. This approach prepares the flock by lowering the pathogen load before the birds reach a vulnerable stage.

Outbreak Management: When Clinical Signs Appear
At the onset of clinical signs indicative of Mycoplasmosis, immediate action is required. Stalmicosin (Tilmicosin Phosphate 250mg) oral solution – a high-quality product manufactured by Stallen South Asia Pvt. Ltd. in its own manufacturing facility to ensure the highest Quality standards, administered via drinking water at 15–20 mg/kg body weight, is highly effective due to its deep lung penetration and prolonged action. This should be continued for 3 to 5 days but not exceeded.

Following the Stalmicosin course, a 24–48hour break should be observed before beginning treatment with Forlutin 80% (Tiamulin 80%) water soluble powder. A dosage of 25–50 mg/kg body weight for another 3 to 5 days helps eliminate residual Mycoplasma and prevents recurrence. Integrating these antimicrobials into a scheduled rotation can significantly reduce disease recurrence and resistance development.

Monitoring and Biosecurity: Supporting the Antimicrobial Strategy
Surveillance using PCR and ELISA tests at regular intervals is vital to detect Mycoplasma presence, especially during and after stress periods. Swab sampling and necropsy examinations for lesions such as air sacculitis or swollen joints provide further evidence. Strict biosecurity—enforcing all-in/all-out practices, staff segregation, and regular disinfection using NADCC, quaternary ammonium compounds, or glutaraldehyde—is essential to support the medical interventions.

References
1. Indian Journal of Veterinary Science & Poultry Health, 2023. Comparative Efficacy of Antibiotics in CRD.
2. Practical Poultry Guide, Vol 18, 2024 – Antimicrobial Resistance Trends in Poultry Pathogens.
4. McOrist et al. (2002) – Tilmicosin pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution in avian models.
5. Poultry Science Journal, 2022 – Mycoplasma Control Strategies in South Asia.

Dr. Natthanan Nukitrangsan,
Ph.D, Feed Nutritionist & Technical Consultant
CP BIO

Introduction
Imbalances in the intestinal microbiota are linked to the development of various diseases. As a result, there has been growing interest in using prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to modulate the gut microbiome. Postbiotics refer to substances released or produced through the metabolic activity of microorganisms that exert beneficial effects on the host, either directly or indirectly. Since postbiotics do not contain live microorganisms, the risks typically associated with their consumption are significantly reduced.

In this review, we critically examine current literature on postbiotics, focusing on their mechanisms of action and potential applications in performance trials. We highlight their distinct benefits compared to live probiotics, with the goal of maximizing the effectiveness of postbiotics in target animals. The review explores their key components and advantages related to diet and gut health, emphasizing their role in supporting animal production—particularly in poultry. Relevant studies are referenced to illustrate the immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of postbiotics, as well as their overall impact on productivity and health in animal systems.

How to distinguish postbiotics and their benefits compared to live probiotics?

Postbiotics are metabolic by-products produced by bacteria (exogenous postbiotics). They include non-viable bacterial components and substances such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), peptides, bacteriocins, proteins, and amino acids, all of which can confer health benefits to the host. Unlike probiotics, postbiotics are more stable during feed processing and under various environmental conditions. This enhanced stability, along with their enriched nutrient profile, makes postbiotics a promising alternative to probiotics in animal feed applications.

The use of postbiotics as a tool for improving the health of livestock and poultry shows great promise, owing to their numerous benefits and several advantages over probiotics and prebiotics. As metabolic byproducts or components derived from probiotic bacteria, postbiotics are less sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature, pH, and processing methods (Hossain et al., 2021). This enhanced stability allows them to retain their functional and beneficial properties over time, making them well-suited for diverse applications in animal health and nutrition (Thorakkattu et al., 2022).

Furthermore, we provided the information of postbiotics that can offer more advantages than live probiotics; for instance, (Rafique et al., 2023),

(a) Live probiotics may struggle to adhere to the gut mucosa due to the presence of a mucous layer that limits direct contact between bacteria and the epithelial surface. In contrast, postbiotics can more easily penetrate this mucous layer.
(b) Postbiotics pose no risk of infection from bacterial translocation from the intestinal lumen into the bloodstream, which is particularly important for immunocompromised or susceptible individuals. Additionally, they do not carry the risk of acquiring or transferring antibiotic resistance genes.
(c) Postbiotics offer practical advantages—they are easier to dose, transport, standardize, and store. Moreover, they have significant potential to support intestinal barrier function and may serve as an effective alternative to probiotics (Liu et al., 2023).

The benefits of postbiotics for gut health.
Postbiotics can inhibit the growth of pathogens and strengthen gut barrier function through the action of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). For instance, butyrate serves as an energy source for colon epithelial cells and the intestinal mucosa, thereby supporting gut integrity and reducing intestinal permeability.
In addition to enhancing gut barrier function, butyrate plays a role in immunomodulation and exhibits anti-inflammatory effects while helping to improve growth performance, as illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Functions of postbiotics

Butyric acid has demonstrated in vitro antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Enterococcus faecalis, Clostridium perfringens, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus suis) and Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica Typhimurium, Campylobacter jejuni) (Kovenda et al., 2019).

The mode of action of sodium butyrate involves its conversion to butyric acid, which can penetrate bacterial cell walls primarily through diffusion. Once inside the cell, butyrate induces cytoplasmic toxicity by lowering the intracellular pH. This acidification disrupts key metabolic processes, depletes energy reserves, and leads to the excretion of protons (H⁺), which further diffuse into the bacterial cell and contribute to toxicity. The increased proton concentration interferes with ATP synthesis by impairing the bacterial cell’s ability to maintain proton gradients essential for energy production and metabolism. Ultimately, the drop in pH and metabolic disruption result in bacterial cell death (Ahsan et al.,2016).

Maximize the effectiveness of postbiotics in target animals.
Based on researches, postbiotic can be able to target gut-brain axis influence on serotonin to improve growth performance (Sofie et al., 2021; Ishii et al.,2019), gut health and nutrient digestion (Ahmed et al., 2014; Kumar et al., 2014), antimicrobial (Mantziari et al., 2020; Fong et al., 2020), anti-inflammation and Immune-microflora balance (Torino et al., 2015; Miyazawa et al., 2015; Maghsood et al., 2018;) including postbiotic/probiotic as an alternative ATB/ZnO (Ali et al., 2023).

FermNutral® derived from the biological fermentation of the probiotic strain Clostridium butyricum, the main components of the product include amino acids, minerals, and beneficial metabolites classified as postbiotics. Rafique et al. (2023), writing in the Journal of Agriculture & Food Research, reviewed the principal classes of postbiotics with health-promoting effects:

1. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) –
Butyrate supports gut integrity, reduces intestinal permeability, modulates immunity, exerts anti-inflammatory actions, and suppresses pathogens. In broilers, butyrate also raises apparent total‑tract crude‑fat digestibility and apparent metabolizable energy (AME), enhancing overall digestion and nutrient absorption.
2. Antimicrobial peptides (bacteriocins) – These peptides display activity against common pathogens, including Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Escherichia coli.
3. Quorum‑sensing (QS) interference – Certain postbiotics inhibit pathogen biofilm formation by disrupting QS signaling, thereby curbing colonization and persistence.
4. Polysaccharides (e.g., teichoic acids) – Contribute anti‑ inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, further supporting host health.
5. B‑complex vitamins, proteins, and amino acids – Provide additional nutritional and functional benefits that complement the antimicrobial and immunomodulatory actions of other postbiotic fractions.

Postbiotic product in poultry trials
FermNutral (FN)® is a postbiotic product consisting of non-living microorganisms (inactivated bacteria) or their components that provide health benefits to the host. It also includes byproducts of probiotic activity in the gut, such as fermentation metabolites.

The main ingredient is calcium butyrate, which makes up 50% of the product. Other components include short-chain fatty acids (butyric acid, acetic acid, propionic acid), 18 amino acids, vitamins (B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, folic acid, E, and K), and minerals (Ca, Fe, Zn, Na, Mg, P, Mn, Cr).

Based on our trial data and correlated research publications, we can confidently say that FN improves productive performance and reduces feed costs, which contributes to higher profits and effective solutions in animal production.

Typically, we focus on both performance and economic returns in animal production, especially for pigs, poultry, and aquatic species. Through extensive research conducted by CP BIO, we have found that using FN in aquatic animals such as Tilapia, Ruby fish, Penaeus vannamei, and Micropterus salmoides significantly enhances growth performance, feed efficiency, survival rates, and overall economic returns, as shown in Table 1.

Conclusions
FermNutral (FN) is a biological fermentation product derived from the probiotic strain Clostridium butyricum. It primarily contains short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially butyrate, along with amino acids, minerals, and beneficial metabolites acting as postbiotics. Essentially, FN functions through the diet-gut-microbe axis to provide effective animal health solutions. Butyrate mainly supplies energy to the epithelial cells of the colon, improving digestion and nutrient absorption while controlling pathogens, maintaining immune balance, and reducing inflammation. Therefore, the multi-modal actions of FN help support gut function, enhancing animal performance and profitability.

References available on request.

Introduction
The poultry sector is a critical part of the livestock industry, encompassing various production levels such as breeding farms, hatcheries, feed factories, broiler and layer farms, and processing plants. It includes different species like chicken, quail, duck, turkey, guinea fowl, and goose. The infrastructure ranges from basic hatched sheds to automated, environmentally controlled ones, featuring automatic feeders, advanced watering systems, automatic egg collection, refrigeration systems, and units for manufacturing nutraceuticals, medicines, vaccines, mechanical components, and electronic gadgets. Poultry feed manufacturing involves processing different raw materials to meet the nutritional needs of birds, drawing on expertise in animal nutrition and mechanical engineering. Since the introduction of feed mills, numerous technologies have been employed to implement diverse feed manufacturing techniques. These technologies aim to produce well-balanced, cost-effective, and high-quality feed sustainably. Over the years, various technological innovations have further enhanced the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of feed manufacturing vaccine quality control, standardization and quality control of poultry feed, eggs, and meat, HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) compliance with WTO and CODEX norms, and efforts in grading, value addition, brand promotion, and export enhancement.

Globally, by the end of this decade, poultry meat is expected to account for 41% of all protein from meat sources, according to the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2030. The Indian poultry industry stands to gain from lifestyle and dietary changes, with the share of organized commercial farms increasing due to modernization and technical improvements. Government data shows a steady rise in egg production, from 95 billion in 2017-18 to 105 billion the following year, and 114 billion in 2019-20.
Similarly, poultry meat production grew from 3.7 million metric tons (mmt) in 2017-18 to 4.1 mmt the following year, reaching 4.3 mmt in 2019-20. Projections suggest that by 2023, the country could produce 136 billion eggs and 6.2 mmt of poultry meat.

The global poultry market was valued at nearly $319.2 billion in 2019, having grown at a CAGR of 5.5% since 2015, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% to nearly $405 billion by 2023. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% to nearly $465.7 billion by 2025 and at a CAGR of 6.8% to $645.7 billion by 2030.

New Trends in Poultry Farming:
The COVID-19 pandemic, declared by the WHO on March 11, 2020, severely impacted many economic sectors, including livestock production. It led to production and transportation disruptions, declining consumer demand, and volatile markets, causing financial difficulties and permanent closures of many farms. Social distancing, self-isolation, and travel restrictions reduced the workforce across sectors, leading to job losses. The need for medical supplies increased, while the need for commodities and manufactured products decreased. The food sector faced increased demand due to panic-buying and stockpiling. Labor management issues prompted innovative ideas in poultry farming. Despite the challenges, new technologies offer solutions for future success.

Emerging trends in poultry farming include:
1. Genetic solutions for preventing male chicks.
2. 3D cameras for capturing precise broiler weights.
3. MRI technology for identifying fertile eggs.
4. Smartwatches for solving labor problems in poultry processing.
5. 24/7 feedback loops for improving poultry flock outcomes.
6. Collaborative robots for further automation.
7. Improved in-line poultry chilling using kinematics.
8. Preventing antibiotic resistance using peptides.
9. Digital technologies for simplifying poultry data analysis.
10. Hyperspectral imaging for detecting poultry meat defects.
11. Machine vision for detecting broiler floor distribution.
12. CRISPR technology for transforming the poultry industry.
13. Robots for meeting processing challenges.
14. Automation for preparing case-ready poultry.
15. Digitalization for optimizing productivity planning.
16. Healthy chicks establishing adult microbiomes quickly.

Technologies disrupting future production and processing operations:
1. Remote sensing allows real-time visibility of poultry house conditions, bird performance, health, and welfare. Farmers can monitor sheds and birds via computer, with sensors providing alerts if parameters deviate from requirements.
2. Sensors streamline data collection for birds and workers, enabling precision poultry production. Smart phones can monitor real-time environmental contexts like temperature, humidity, ammonia levels, and water levels. Integrated solutions using WSN (wireless sensor network) and GPRS networks facilitate smart poultry monitoring.
3. Sensors help estimate body weights, measure flock uniformity, and solve labor issues. Wearable sensors improve worker retention and food safety.

Feed ingredients for poultry
Cereal grains and their by-products:
1. Dry matter: Dry matter of cereal grains should be 90%.
2. Proteins: Crude protein content of grains range from 8-12%. Cereal proteins are deficient in certain indispensable amino acids particularly lysine and methionine. 3. Lipids: Wheat, barley, rye, rice contain 1-3% lipids. Lipid content is highest in oat (46%) and lowest in wheat (1-2%).Cereal oils are unsaturated fatty acids main acids being lenoleic and oleic.
4. Crude fibre: Highest amount of crude fibre is present in oats and rice which contain a husk or hull. Crude fibre is lowest in naked grains, wheat and maize.
5. Starch: Cereal starch occurs in the endosperm of the grain in the form of granules. Cereal starches consist of 25% amylose and 75% amylopectine,
6. Minerals: All grains are deficient in Ca (0.1% or less) and P (0.3-0.5%) but part of this is present as phytic acid which is concentrated in the aleurone layer. Cereal phytates bind with Ca and probably Mg, thus preventing their absorption.
7. Vitamins: Cereal grains are deficient in vitamin A. With exception of yellow maize having good amount of vitamin A as carotene, Grains are good source of vitamin E and vitamin B1, but low content of vitamin B2.

Plant-Origin Oil Cakes and Meals:
1. Groundnut Cake (GNC):
o Composition: Contains 35-60% oil and 25-30% crude protein.
o Protein Content: In expeller varieties, crude protein (CP) is around 45% with 10% fat.
o Amino Acid Profile: Excellent source of arginine but deficient in lysine, methionine, and cystine. Lysine is the first limiting amino acid.
o Mineral Content: Poor in calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P).
o Toxic Factor: Contains aflatoxins from Aspergillus flavus, especially in warm, rainy seasons. It tends to become rancid in warm, moist climates and should not be stored longer than 6 weeks in summer or 3-4 months in winter. Ducklings are particularly susceptible.

2. Soybean Meal (SBM):
o Oil Content: Solvent-extracted SBM has about 1% oil.
o Protein Content: SBM is a high-quality protein source with a CP of 44% to 49%.
o Amino Acid Profile: Contains all essential amino acids but has sub-optimal concentrations of cystine and methionine. Lysine is abundant, while methionine is the first limiting amino acid.
o Usage: Suitable for a wide range of animals, including poultry.

3. Mustard Oil Cake:
o Oil Content: High at 14.1%.
o Protein Content: 35%.
o Mineral Content: High in calcium (Ca) at 0.29% and phosphorus (P) at 0.39%.
o Amino Acid Profile: Deficient in lysine.
o Usage: Deoiled mustard cake can be included up to 10% in poultry rations. Contains goitrogenic substances that can reduce growth rates in poultry. Limit to about 10-15% of the ration.

4. Cotton Seed Cake:
o Protein Content: High at about 40%.
o Amino Acid Profile: Low in cystine, methionine, and lysine, with lysine being the first limiting amino acid.
o Forms: Available as whole pressed (undecorticated) or dehulled (decorticated) cake. Dehulled varieties have less fiber and more protein.
o Usage: Can be used in poultry rations if free gossypol levels do not exceed 0.03%.

Animal-Origin Protein Sources:
1. Fish Meal:
o Production: Made by cooking fish and pressing to remove most oil and water.
o Protein Content: Ranges from 50-75%, with a digestibility of 93-95%.
o Amino Acid Profile: Rich in all essential amino acids, particularly lysine, cystine, methionine, and tryptophan.
o Mineral Content: High in calcium, phosphorus, manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and iodine.
o Vitamins: Good source of vitamins A, D, B-complex, particularly choline, pantothenic acid, B12, and riboflavin. It is the richest source of vitamin B12.

Summary:
– Plant-Origin Oil Cakes: Provide significant protein and fat, with varying amino acid profiles and potential limitations due to deficiencies or toxic factors. They are valuable sources of protein but must be used with consideration of their specific characteristics and potential issues.
– Animal-Origin Protein Sources: Fish meal stands out for its high protein digestibility and comprehensive nutrient profile, including essential amino acids and vitamins. It is a highly effective feed ingredient for enhancing growth and overall health in animals

Unconventional Poultry Feeds
1. Sunflower Meal:
o Composition:
o Protein Content: 40-44% in good quality, high-grade sunflower meal.
o Amino Acid Profile: Rich in methionine, but lysine is the first limiting amino acid.
o Decorticated vs. Undecorticated: Decorticated sunflower meal has a higher protein content (40-44%) compared to undecorticated varieties, which have only 20% protein.

2. Rubber Seed Cake:
o Composition:
o Protein Content: 30% crude protein.
o Fat Content: 9-10% ether extract.
o Fiber Content: 5% crude fiber.
o Usage: Can be included up to 10% in poultry rations.

3. Neem Cake:
o Composition:
o Crude Protein: 34% in raw form; 48% in processed cake.
o Fiber Content: 4.4%.
o Amino Acid Profile: Comparable to groundnut cake (GNC) in lysine and methionine.
o Palatability: Unpalatable by itself; should be mixed with more palatable feedstuffs.

4. Karanja Cake:
o Composition:
o Crude Protein: 30% in deoiled variety.
o NFE (Nitrogen-Free Extract): 60%.
o Crude Fiber: 6.66%.
o Amino Acid Profile: Moderately rich in essential amino acids such as lysine and methionine.
o Palatability: Less palatable due to polyphenolic compounds; impacts growth and production.

5. Meat Meal:
o Composition:
o Crude Protein Content: 50-55%
o Ash Content: 21%.
o Calcium: 8%.
o Phosphorus: 4%.
o Amino Acid Profile: Low in tryptophan and methionine, but rich in other essential amino acids.
o Vitamins: Good source of B-complex vitamins, especially riboflavin, choline, niacin, and vitamin B12.

6. Blood Meal:
o Composition:
o Crude Protein: 80%.
o Moisture: 10%.
o Ash and Oil: Small amounts.
o Amino Acid Profile: Rich in lysine, arginine, methionine, cystine, and glycine.
o Mineral Content: Poor in calcium and phosphorus; can be unpalatable to animals.

7. Tapioca Chips:
o Composition:
o Moisture: 10%.
o Dry Matter: 90%.
o Carbohydrates: High in non-fibrous carbohydrates (77% NFE).
o Protein: 3.9%.
o Fat: 0.7% ether extract.
o Fiber: 11% crude fiber.
o Minerals: 0.58% calcium and 0.18% phosphorus.
o Usage: Can replace partial cereal grains in rations; protein deficiencies need to be addressed.
Level of Inclusion of common poultry feed ingredients

Summary:
Unconventional feeds can be valuable in poultry nutrition, providing diverse sources of protein, carbohydrates, and other nutrients. They can help reduce feed costs and enhance feed efficiency when used appropriately. Each feed type has unique characteristics, including protein and fat content, amino acid profiles, and palatability issues, which should be considered when formulating poultry diets.

Supplements are crucial nutritional additives used in animal feeds to address deficiencies in essential nutrients that are not adequately supplied by standard feed ingredients. These supplements ensure that animals receive a balanced diet, promoting optimal health, growth, and production.

Types of Supplements:
1. Mineral Supplements:
o Purpose: Provide essential minerals that may be lacking in the diet.
o Forms: Often added in synthetic forms, including organic complexes like chelated minerals.
o Examples: Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and trace minerals like zinc, copper, and selenium.
2. Vitamin Supplements:
o Purpose: Supply essential vitamins that are not sufficiently present in the feed.
o Forms: Provided in synthetic forms to ensure stability and bioavailability.
o Examples: Vitamins A, D, E, K, and B-complex vitamins.
3. Amino Acid Supplements:
o Purpose: Provide essential amino acids, especially those that are limiting in the diet.
o Forms: Available in synthetic forms to precisely meet dietary requirements.
o Examples: DL-methionine, L-lysine, threonine, and tryptophan.

Importance of Supplements:
1. Address Nutritional Deficiencies:
o Ensure a balanced diet by filling gaps in the nutritional profile of the feed.
o Prevent deficiencies that can lead to poor health, growth, and production.
2. Enhance Feed Efficiency:
o Optimize the use of available feed ingredients by ensuring all essential nutrients are present.
o Improve the overall nutritional quality of the feed.
3. Support Health and Growth:
o Contribute to the proper development and functioning of the animal’s body.
o Promote immune function, bone development, muscle growth, and overall well-being.
4. Improve Production:
o Enhance productivity in terms of weight gain, milk production, egg laying, etc.
o Support reproductive health and performance.

Conclusion:
Supplementation is an essential aspect of animal nutrition, ensuring that all necessary nutrients are available for optimal health and productivity. By addressing deficiencies in minerals, vitamins, and amino acids, supplements play a critical role in supporting the overall well-being and performance of livestock
Additives are non-nutritive substances incorporated into animal feed to enhance feed intake, digestion, absorption, and nutrient utilization, ultimately improving the growth and production performance of livestock, including poultry. Unlike nutritional supplements, additives do not directly provide essential nutrients but instead facilitate better use of the nutrients present in the feed.
Types of Feed Additives:
1. Antibiotics:
o Purpose: Used to prevent or control bacterial infections, thus promoting healthier and more productive livestock.
o Action: Suppress pathogenic bacteria in the gut, reducing disease incidence and improving feed efficiency.
o Consideration: Due to the risk of antibiotic resistance, the use of antibiotics as feed additives is now restricted or banned in many countries.
2. Probiotics:
o Purpose: Live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host.
o Action: Improve gut health by balancing intestinal microflora, enhancing digestion and nutrient absorption.
o Examples: Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces.
Additional Common Feed Additives:
3. Prebiotics:
o Purpose: Non-digestible food ingredients that stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
o Action: Serve as food for probiotics, promoting a healthy gut microbiome.
o Examples: Inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS).
4. Enzymes:
o Purpose: Break down anti-nutritional factors and complex feed components to improve digestibility.
o Action: Enhance the breakdown of fibers, starches, proteins, and phytates, leading to better nutrient utilization.
o Examples: Phytase, xylanase, protease.
5. Antioxidants:
o Purpose: Prevent the oxidation of feed ingredients, thus preserving feed quality and nutrient content.
o Action: Protect fats, vitamins, and other sensitive nutrients from oxidative damage.
o Examples: Vitamin E, selenium, ethoxyquin.
6. Growth Promoters:
o Purpose: Enhance growth rates and feed efficiency.
o Action: May include natural or synthetic substances that stimulate metabolic processes.
o Examples: Hormones, beta-agonists.
7. Flavoring Agents:
o Purpose: Improve palatability and feed intake.
o Action: Enhance the taste and smell of feed to encourage consumption.
o Examples: Sweeteners, flavor enhancers.
8. Mycotoxin Binders:
o Purpose: Neutralize or reduce the impact of mycotoxins present in contaminated feed.
o Action: Bind mycotoxins, preventing their absorption in the gut.
o Examples: Clays, yeast cell wall extracts.

Feed additives play a crucial role in optimizing the health, growth, and productivity of poultry by enhancing the efficiency of nutrient utilization and improving overall feed quality. Their strategic use, tailored to the specific needs and conditions of the livestock, can lead to significant improvements in animal performance and well-being
Antibiotics have historically been used as feed additives in poultry and swine production to promote health, growth, and productivity by mitigating the adverse effects of pathogenic organisms present in the animal’s environment. These organisms can cause subclinical infections, consuming nutrients and producing toxins that lead to intestinal inflammation and reduced nutrient absorption. Antibiotics, when administered in small amounts over prolonged periods, can suppress these microorganisms, enhance nutrient availability, reduce toxin production, and improve the overall health and growth of the animals.

Benefits of Antibiotic Feed Additives:
1. Suppression of Pathogenic Organisms: Reduces the load of harmful microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Improved Nutrient Availability: By reducing microbial competition, more nutrients are available for the host animal.
3. Reduced Intestinal Inflammation: Leads to thinner intestinal mucous membranes, enhancing nutrient absorption.
4. Enhanced Growth and Production: Better health and nutrient absorption result in improved growth rates and productivity.
Commonly Used Antibiotics:
– Tetracycline
– Oxytetracycline
– Auriomycins

Benefits of Probiotics as Feed Additives:
1. Enhanced Gut Health:
o Prevention of Gut Disorders: Probiotics help in maintaining a balanced gut microflora, which can prevent digestive disorders and improve nutrient absorption.
2. Improved Growth and Production:
o Growth Promotion: By enhancing nutrient absorption and gut health, probiotics contribute to better growth rates and productivity.
3. Immune System Support:
o Immune Function: Probiotics can boost the immune system, helping animals resist infections and diseases.
4. Reduction in Pathogen Load:
o Pathogen Control: By preventing pathogen colonization and reducing pathogen load, probiotics help in maintaining overall health.
Probiotics offer a valuable alternative to antibiotics in animal feeds by promoting gut health and enhancing growth and production. Their ability to competitively exclude pathogens and produce beneficial substances makes them effective in supporting overall animal well-being..

Benefits of Probiotics as Feed Additives:
1. Enhanced Gut Health:
o Prevention of Gut Disorders: Probiotics help in maintaining a balanced gut microflora, which can prevent digestive disorders and improve nutrient absorption.
2. Improved Growth and Production:
o Growth Promotion: By enhancing nutrient absorption and gut health, probiotics contribute to better growth rates and productivity.
3. Immune System Support:
o Immune Function: Probiotics can boost the immune system, helping animals resist infections and diseases.
4. Reduction in Pathogen Load:
o Pathogen Control: By preventing pathogen colonization and reducing pathogen load, probiotics help in maintaining overall health.
Probiotics offer a valuable alternative to antibiotics in animal feeds by promoting gut health and enhancing growth and production. Their ability to competitively exclude pathogens and produce beneficial substances makes them effective in supporting overall animal well-being.
Prebiotics Prebiotics are not organism, these are the substance which required by the probiotics organism or in other words these are the substance which promote the growth of probiotic organism for example FOS (fructan oligosaccharide) MOS (mannan oligosaccharide) these are carbohydrate in nature and used as energy source by probiotic organism.

– Common Prebiotics:
1. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS):
o Nature: A type of carbohydrate consisting of short chains of fructose molecules.
o Source: Found in foods like onions, garlic, bananas, and asparagus.
o Function: FOS is used as an energy source by beneficial bacteria, promoting their growth and activity in the gut.
2. Mannanoligosaccharides (MOS):
o Nature: A carbohydrate composed of mannose sugars.
o Source: Derived from yeast cell walls.
o Function: MOS can act as a prebiotic by binding to pathogenic microorganisms, preventing their adhesion to the gut lining and supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria.

Benefits of Prebiotics:
1. Support for Probiotics:
– Enhanced Growth: By providing a food source for probiotics, prebiotics help maintain a healthy balance of gut microflora.
o Improved Function: Support the activity of probiotics, enhancing their ability to inhibit pathogenic bacteria and promote gut health.
2. Improved Digestive Health:
o Gut Health: Promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation by stimulating beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids.
o Nutrient Absorption: Improve the absorption of minerals like calcium and magnesium.
3. Immune System Support:
o Immune Function: By fostering a healthy gut microbiome, prebiotics can enhance immune responses and overall health.
4. Disease Prevention:
o Pathogen Inhibition: Help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal infections and diseases by maintaining a balanced gut environment.

With nearly three decades of experience in the Animal Nutrition and Poultry Industry, Ms. Sandhya Shetty exemplifies passion, perseverance, and leadership. Her career began in the pharmaceutical sector with Norris Medicines as a Medical Representative at Mangalore HQ before transitioning into Animal Nutrition. Over the years, she has contributed to esteemed organizations such as Vetcare, Provimi, Lotus Farms, and Cargill in various roles. These experiences allowed her to gain invaluable industry insights and collaborate with visionary leaders who have shaped the poultry sector.

Currently, Sandhya serves as Vice President – HR at Noveltech, a Goldman Sachs-owned company. Over the years, she has taken on key roles across Marketing Administration, Product Management, Customer Relationship Management, Corporate Communication, Sales Force Effectiveness, and Business HR. Her contributions have significantly driven organizational growth, people development, and strategic transformation.

Academically, she holds a Science degree from St. Aloysius, an MBA in Marketing from Symbiosis and an Executive MBA in HR from IIM Kolkata. Her unwavering commitment to innovation, leadership, and mentorship makes her a vital force in the poultry industry.

As part of Poultry Creations ‘Pioneering Women in the Poultry Industry’ feature, we had the privilege of interviewing Sandhya Shetty to gain insights into her journey, challenges, and vision for the future.

Welcoming Women to the Poultry Industry: A Call to Make a Difference
The poultry industry offers vast opportunities beyond farming—spanning innovation, technology and sustainability

…Sandhya

Poultry Creations: Your journey in the animal nutrition and poultry industry spans nearly three decades. What inspired you to transition from the pharmaceutical sector to this industry?

Sandhya: Back in 1995, I would call it the nascent era of poultry in India. The Animal Nutrition & Poultry industry was not as organized as it is today. When I moved to Bangalore in search of a Sales Representative job in this industry, I realized that companies were reluctant to hire women for sales roles due to security concerns and the necessity of working in rural areas. Despite these barriers, I was determined to break through. During my job search, I had the opportunity to face an interview with Mr. O.P. Singh, a name that needs no introduction in the poultry industry. The interview process was challenging and rigorous, but it was a turning point in my career. He saw potential in me and assured me that while the journey was tough, it would also be rewarding, offering me a career filled with exposure and growth.

My transition from pharmaceuticals to animal nutrition was not just a career shift; it was a bold step into an industry. The lack of structured opportunities made it even more challenging, but I saw this as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and prove my capabilities by joining a sales-supportive role.
Over the years, I have worked with leading organizations like Vetcare, Provimi, Lotus Farms, and Cargill. Each role shaped my understanding of nutrition, poultry management, and business strategy. Working closely with visionary leaders helped me develop a deep industry perspective and navigate the evolving landscape.

Today, as Vice President – HR at Noveltech, I look back at my journey with immense pride. My experiences across Sales & Marketing Administration, Product Management, Customer Relationship Management, Sales Force Effectiveness, Corporate Communication and Business HR have allowed me to contribute significantly to organizational growth and people development.
The journey was never easy, but the passion, perseverance, and mentorship I received helped me carve a niche in the poultry industry. Looking ahead, I remain committed to innovation, leadership, and mentorship, ensuring that more talented individuals, especially women, find their place in this dynamic field.

Poultry Creations: Having worked across various domains such as Product Management, CRM, Sales Force Effectiveness, and HR, which role has been the most challenging and rewarding for you?

Sandhya: Each role I have taken on has come with its own set of challenges and rewards. However, the two roles stand out as the most challenging and fulfilling:
Sales Force Effectiveness (SFE) and Business HR.
Sales Force Effectiveness: Driving Revenue and Business Growth
My time in SFE was particularly interesting as it directly influenced revenue-generating teams. In both animal nutrition and pharmaceuticals, the sales force is the backbone of the business, determining market penetration, customer relationships, and revenue growth.
A key challenge was ensuring the sales team provided value-based solutions rather than just selling products. This requires:
– Implementing structured training programs to enhance product knowledge.
– Standardizing sales processes for better market penetration.
– Introducing performance metrics to improve sales productivity.
– Bridging the gap between marketing and sales for seamless execution.
By introducing Sales Force Automation, these efforts translated into higher efficiency, improved customer relationships, and revenue growth. The most rewarding part was witnessing the transformation of sales professionals into highly effective market influencers.
Business HR: Building a Strong People-Centric Organization
Unlike SFE, which focused on revenue, Business HR was about people – the true drivers of the organization. When I stepped into this role, HR policies lacked structure, unlike sales and production, which had clear processes.
The focus was on building:
– A structured recruitment and onboarding process.
– Employee engagement programs to retain talent.
– Career development frameworks for internal growth.
– A performance-driven culture balancing accountability and motivation.
Designing HR policies from scratch to be both business-centric and employee-friendly was complex yet fulfilling. Business HR required close collaboration with leadership teams and industry peers to balance business goals with people aspirations.

Poultry Creations: What major transformations have you witnessed in the poultry industry, particularly in terms of people development and workforce management?

Sandhya: The poultry industry has undergone significant transformations over the years, not just in terms of technology and production efficiency, but also in people development and workforce management. The sector, once unstructured and male dominated, has evolved into a more professional, process-driven, and inclusive industry. Some key transformations include:
-Shift from an unstructured workforce to a professional industry.
– Greater emphasis on sales and technical training.
– Inclusion of women in sales and leadership roles.
– Adoption of structured performance management systems.
– Employee retention and engagement strategies.
– Integration of technology in workforce management.
– Greater focus on work-life balance and employee well-being.
– Evolution from family-run businesses to corporate-led organizations.
– Structured career progression for veterinarians and nutritionists.
– Rise of leadership development programs.
The future of the poultry industry lies in continuous upskilling, digital transformation, and advancing a strong, engaged workforce.

Poultry Creations: As a leader in HR, how do you adopt a culture of excellence and innovation at Noveltech?

Sandhya: At Noveltech, excellence and innovation are embedded in our culture. As an MNC driven organization, we prioritize a people-centric approach, ensuring employees feel valued, empowered, and motivated to perform at their best.

People-Centric & Ethical Culture
Our guiding principle is simple: our people are at the heart of everything we do. We invest in continuous learning, leadership development, and career progression to nurture talent and drive business success. Integrity and transparency form the foundation of our organization, with a zero-tolerance policy for corruption and unethical practices.

Safety & Governance Excellence
Employee safety is non-negotiable at Noveltech. We maintain stringent safety standards, regularly reviewed and aligned with best practices. Our whistleblowing policy advances an open work environment where employees can raise concerns without fear of retaliation.

Leadership & Business Excellence
Our CEO & Managing Director, Dr. Sandeep Karkhanis, a renowned nutritionist and scientist, firmly believes that leadership drives success. We cultivate leaders at every level, encouraging ownership and informed decision-making. Our highly qualified board provides strategic direction for long-term sustainability.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement
Innovation is central to our operations. We create an environment where creativity thrives, empowering employees to contribute new ideas in process optimization and technology adoption.

Sustained Growth Through Culture
A strong organizational culture translates into business success. By adopting integrity, transparency and excellence, we ensure high engagement, productivity, and alignment with business goals.

Poultry Creations: Being one of the pioneering women in a traditionally male-dominated sector, what challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?

Sandhya: Entering the poultry and animal feed industry three decades ago was a formidable challenge, as it was predominantly male dominated. Throughout my journey, I encountered different leadership styles—some supportive, others rigid. As professionals, we must navigate such dynamics with agility and adaptability. Resilience plays a crucial role in sustaining success, and I learned early on to handle these variations without losing focus.
One major challenge was balancing career and motherhood. Despite being a top performer, I faced scrutiny over work hours rather than my contributions, based on outdated norms. When I rose to a leadership role, I prioritized policies that supported working mothers, including a dedicated nursing time from 12 PM to 4 PM for up to six months after maternity leave till baby turns one year, to help women transition back to work.
Initially, there was resistance, but I believed performance should be measured by outcomes, not rigid hours. Over time, we saw higher retention of skilled female employees, increased engagement, and improved efficiency. This experience reinforced my belief that leadership is not just about driving profits but about understanding real workplace challenges and implementing solutions that help employees thrive. Seeing more women excel in our industry today is a witness to the impact of these changes.

Poultry Creations: As a marketing expert, what strategies do you recommend for effectively promoting poultry products like chicken and eggs? How can industry enhance consumer awareness and drive increased demand for these products?

Sandhya: I am not an expert, there are several stalwarts in the industry who can suggest us good strategy to lead on this…. However, to share my opinion….
India’s struggle with malnutrition makes it essential to promote protein-rich foods like chicken and eggs. Raising consumer awareness through public campaigns, advertisements, and school nutrition programs can highlight their affordability and health benefits. Industry associations like CLFMA, PFI, NECC, and IPSA should collaborate to advocate for policies integrating poultry into national nutrition initiatives.

Government support, including eggs in Mid-Day Meals, subsidies for poultry farmers, and improved farming techniques, can enhance accessibility.
Marketing should target both urban and rural consumers through digital campaigns, influencer collaborations, and grassroots activations. Social media can help debunk myths, while partnerships with healthcare providers and NGOs can drive nutrition-focused efforts. Retail promotions, loyalty programs, and restaurant collaborations can boost demand. By uniting government, industry leaders, and educators, India can make poultry a dietary staple, promoting better health nationwide.

Poultry Creations: How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your family life?

Sandhya: Balancing professional responsibilities with family life is no longer just about work-life balance; it’s about work-life integration. In today’s world, where remote work, travel, and global collaborations are common, seamlessly blending work and personal life has become the key to managing both effectively.

I work in Hyderabad while my family is in Bangalore, and frequent travel is part of my job. Rather than seeing this as a challenge, I have built a strong support system and trained my family to manage routines independently while maintaining constant communication. Prioritization and delegation help both at work and home, ensuring efficiency and self-sufficiency.
Technology plays a vital role – video calls, messaging, and shared calendars keep me connected. Setting boundaries ensures I am mentally present for my family despite limited time. Instead of perfect balance, I focus on flexibility, adapting as needed. Work and life coexist, and integrating them allows me to stay productive, fulfilled, and connected.

Poultry Creations: What message would you like to share with the younger generation, especially women, who aspire to build a career in the poultry industry?

Sandhya: Welcoming Women to the Poultry Industry: A Call to Make a Difference
The poultry industry offers vast opportunities beyond farming—spanning innovation, technology, and sustainability. Women are already making strides as farm managers, feed technologists, and entrepreneurs, and there is immense potential for more to lead and innovate. Success in this field requires passion, perseverance, and continuous learning, from technical expertise to business strategy. Networking, mentorship, and adaptability are key to overcoming challenges and excelling in leadership roles. The industry is evolving, and strong, visionary women can drive its future, Are you ready to make your mark?

Poultry Creations: How do you think Poultry Creations Magazine can enhance its content quality to better serve the industry and its readers?

Sandhya: Poultry Creations Magazine has established itself as a valuable resource for poultry professionals, farmers, and enthusiasts….
I recommend, Be Local – Go Global Approach
Poultry Creations Magazine can enhance its impact by integrating industry insights, academic collaborations, and a global perspective. Partnering with institutions like ICAR, IVRI, and agricultural universities will attract researchers, students, and industry professionals while boosting credibility. Expanding content to include market trends, technological advancements, and expert interviews will provide diverse perspectives and actionable insights. A dedicated section for young professionals, career guidance, and success stories will bridge the gap between academia and industry. Strengthening digital presence with interactive content, webinars, and mobile-friendly formats will increase accessibility. By encouraging knowledge exchange and inclusiveness, the magazine can become a leading global resource for the poultry industry.

Dear Sir/Madam,

You are all informed that this year election of office bearer is due for the post of below mentioned office bearers. Election will take place when more than one nomination is received on the specified date for the same post at 35^th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Poultry Federation of India (PFI) on 27 December 2024 at Hotel The Leela, Gurugram.

The Elections are scheduled for the following office bearers:

(i) President

(ii) Vice President (HQ)

(iii) Secretary

(iv) Treasure

Eligibility for nomination and voters

1. All eligible candidates and voters must clear their dues. All eligible candidates, the proposer, and the seconder must clear their dues before submitting the nomination papers. No eligible voter should have Arrearsof annual subscription will be accepted till 20 DECEMBER 2024 by e payment. (Bank Account details: A/C Name: POULTRY FEDERATION OF INDIA, A/C Number: 67211011 0006234, Bank Name: Bank of India, Branch Address: Rai, Sonipat (Haryana), NEFT/IFSC Code: BKID0006721, PAN Number: AATP0444K)
2. The List ofeligible members will be available from PFI office on written request.
3. The candidate, the proposer, and the seconder should be members of PFI and shall not be in arrears of payment to their dues including the year of election i.e. 2024 – 2025.

Returning officer for the proposed elections:

1. Shri S. S. Katyal, M/s S. S. Katyal & Co., CA, 202 Vishwa Deep Building, Plot No.4, District Centre, Janakpuri, New Delhi – 110 058. Tel.: MOB: – 9891229218 will act as the Returning Officer.
2. As per clause 8(b) Election of Executive Committee, the election shall be by secret ballot.

Schedule for The proposed elections:

1. The election to the following office bearers of PFI shall be held at10.00 AM at the venue of AGM. Only for the post where more than one nomination is received.

(i)President      (ii) Vice President (HQ)      (iii) Secretary (iv) Treasurer

Explanatory Notes.

1. As per Rule 3 Membership (G) (i) ‘a new member has the right to vote provided he / she has been enrolled latest by 31^stDecember of the previous year in which elections are being held’ i.e. a new member enrolled till 31^st December 2023 shall have right to vote.
2. A member shall have the right to vote provided he / she pays the annual membership fees (including the year in which elections are being held) before the start of the election process. It is therefore requested that PFI members who are still in arrears may kindly send their dues by e payment.(Bank Account details: A/C Name: POULTRY FEDERATION OF INDIA, A/C Number: 67211011 0006234, Bank Name: Bank of India, Branch Address: Rai, Sonipat (Haryana), NEFT/IFSC Code: BKID0006721, PAN Number: AATP0444K). Please send payment acknowledgement at poultryfederation@gmail.com The renewals will also be accepted till the 20 December 2024.
3.  one member one vote,even if he / she is heading / representing more than one firm / company’.
4. A member whose name is proposed should have been enrolled as a member of the Federation and he / she should not be in arrears of payment as per Para 3 Membership (G) (ii) including the year 2024 – 2025. The same rule will apply to both the proposer and the seconder.
5.  Any member proposed to the post of President should have been a member for a period not less than 5 years with all arrears paid up and should be at post of any Executive Member, PFI.
6. 6. Any member proposed to the post of Vice- President/Secretary/Treasurer should have held the membership of PFI for a period not less than 5 years with all arrears paid up.
7. 7. Members can file nominations for one post only and not for multiple posts (one member one post).

The nomination papers must also carry the consent to the candidate with his PFI membership number. The members proposing the name of the Candidate should also mention their membership number with the proposal. Nominations where these conditions have not been met will be summarily rejected.

Enclosures:

1. Election Notice
2. Nomination Form

Regards,

On behalf of,

Ranpal Dhanda

President

Poultry Federation of India

49, First Floor, Omaxe Plaza

Omaxe City, G.T Karnal Road

Sonepat, Haryana

PIN 131001

Office: +91 85752 22224

Direct: +91 9215700133

Attachment:
Poultry Federation of India Election Notice PFI Nomination Paper
PFI Nomination Paper

 CLFMA OF INDIA, a non-profit organization and the apex chamber representing the “One Voice” of the livestock industry, proudly announces its newly elected leadership team for the term 2024-2026. Established in 1967, CLFMA has played a pivotal role in promoting the animal husbandry sector, focusing on balanced animal nutrition to enhance productivity. Since 2002, it has grown to represent a diverse membership of over 250 stakeholders, including dairy, poultry, and aqua sectors, as well as feed additives manufacturers, breeders, integrators, and vaccine producers.

On 20th September 2024, the new Managing Committee and Office Bearers of CLFMA OF INDIA officially took the charge following the Election. The newly elected Chairman for the period 2024-2026, Mr.Divya Kumar Gulati, Managing Director of Nurture Technology, leads the association along with the other newly elected office bearers, an experienced and capable team, committed to driving innovation and growth in the Indian livestock sector.

A Legacy of Leadership

The outgoing Chairman, Mr. Suresh Deora, Director of S.A. Pharmachem Pvt. Ltd., has been an instrumental force in CLFMA’s recent success. Under his stewardship, CLFMA has grown in stature, building stronger government engagement and hosting numerous impactful seminars. Mr. Deora’s expertise in human and animal nutrition, coupled with his significant influence in industry forums such as the Indian Red Cross Society and the India-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, set a high benchmark for the association. His dedication has been deeply appreciated, and his legacy will serve as a guiding light for future leaders.

Introducing CLFMA OF INDIA Chairman Mr. Divya Kumar Gulati

Bringing over 30 years of invaluable experience in healthcare, nutrition, and the food industry, Mr. Divya Kumar Gulati is well-poised to lead CLFMA into its next chapter. As a pioneer of probiotic culture in Indian shrimp farming and a champion of sustainable farming technologies, Mr. Divya Kumar Gulati has a proven track record of introducing innovative solutions that have transformed industry standards. His ability to merge modern technologies with traditional ayurvedic herbal ingredients has yielded groundbreaking results in poultry and dairy farming.

For over 12 years, Mr. Divya Kumar Gulati has played a key role within CLFMA OF INDIA, most notably as Deputy Chairman. His participation and expertise in navigating government relations, especially with the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, has been instrumental in shaping policies that benefit the livestock industry.

CLFMA’s New Leadership Team 2024-2026

Following Office Bearers were elected for the period 2024 – 2026:

1. Chairman: Divya Kumar Gulati, Nurture Aqua Technology Pvt. Ltd.
2. Deputy Chairman: Sumit Sureka, Shivshakti Agro (India) Pvt. Ltd.
3. Deputy Chairman: Naveen Pasuparthy, Nanda Feeds Pvt. Ltd.
4. Deputy Chairman: Abhay Parnekar, Godrej Tyson Foods Ltd.
5. Deputy Chairman: Abhay Shah, Spectoms Engineering Pvt. Ltd.
6. Honorary Secretary: Nissar F. Mohammed, Coastal Exports Corporation
7. Treasurer: R. Ramkutty, Niswin Enterprises
8. Immediate Past Chairman: Suresh Deora, S.A. Pharmachem Pvt. Ltd.

The other members of the Managing Committee 2024-2026 comprise of:

15. Rajneesh KR Jha : Anmol Feeds Pvt. Ltd.
16. Balaram Bhattacharya :  Avitech Nutrition Pvt. Ltd.
17. Vijay D. Bhandare :  Bhavani Agrovet Pvt. Ltd.
18. Prashant Shinde : Cargill India Pvt. Ltd.
19. Saikat Saha : Evonik India Pvt. Ltd.
20. (Dr.) A.Y. Rajendra : Godrej Agrovet Ltd.
21. Anushrav Gulati : Herbs & Health Biotech Pvt. Ltd.
22. Devender Hooda : Huvepharma SEA (Pune) Pvt. Ltd.
23. Vijay Makhija : Intervet India Pvt. Ltd.
24. K A Sujit Chandan : Komarla Feeds & Foods Pvt Ltd
25. Anil M. : KSE Limited
26. R. Lakshmanan : Shanthi Feeds Pvt. Ltd.
27. Jaison John : U. S. Soybean Export Council, Inc.

With this new leadership team in place, CLFMA OF INDIA is poised to continue its mission of strengthening the livestock industry and fostering innovation, sustainability, and collaboration across sectors. Together, they aim to create a robust ecosystem that nurtures growth and addresses the evolving challenges of the industry.

During my recent visit to Canada, I had an opportunity to visit the state-of-the-art facility of SyntBioLab Inc based at Lévis, Quebec, Canada, a bioengineering company that develops alternative antimicrobials against pathogenic bacteria affecting livestock.

Ricky Thaper

SyntBioLab Inc., based in Levis, Quebec, Canada is doing pioneering work in providing alternatives to antibiotics for healthy growth of the livestock sector. After strengthening its presence in Canada, USA and Europe, the company is looking to expand its presence in Asia including India.

Antibiotics have been used for the past many decades in rearing poultry birds. Global livestock production continues to witness robust annual growth annually as the industrialised model of livestock and fish production spreads to several continents including Asia with poultry accounting for an increasingly large share of meat production globally. However antimicrobial resistance is emerging as a key issue in the poultry industry. It is this growing use of antibiotics that has resulted in increased concern over the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the poultry industry. Over consumption of antibiotics in animals raised for meat is linked to an increase in antibiotic resistant infections not only in animals but also in humans and in the environment.

Mr. Ricky Thaper with SyntBioLab Inc Senior Management Team in their office at Lévis, Quebec, Canada

During my recent visit to Canada, I had an opportunity to visit the state-of-the-art facility of SyntBioLab Inc based at Lévis, Quebec, Canada, a bioengineering company that develops alternative antimicrobials against pathogenic bacteria affecting livestock. The company set up in 2013 uses bacteriophages to fight bacteria infecting livestock. They provide animal health and public safety by avoiding antibiotic resistance. It uses bacteriophages to fight bacteria infecting livestock including poultry birds. They provide animal health and public safety by avoiding antibiotic resistance.
The company focuses on the development of natural, unique, and innovative solutions that are effective solutions that address the issue of concern. SyntBioLab has a strong culture of excellence that is transposed by its team to its high-added-value products for the industry.

Many facets of human life are affected by bacterial pathogens. Bacteria can cause both animal and plant diseases. Extensive use of antibiotics to contend with pathogenic bacteria has resulted in an increase of multi-resistance to antimicrobials. Even when antibiotics are used vigilantly, their application in poultry or other fields of animal production can lead to increased spreading of drug resistance. Natural adversaries of bacteria – bacteriophages – are now considered as an alternative to antibiotics. Reducing use of antibiotics is also important as decreased use of antibiotics in livestock should limit increases in emergence antibiotic resistant E. coli and other bacteria associated with foodborne infections in humans.

In the Group Picture (L to R) Mr. Viachesla Liato, Production Manager,
Mr. Rodrigue Dubar, President and Chief Executive Officer,
Mr. Ricky Thaper, Mr. Simon Labrie, Chief Scientific Officer and Mr. Nicolas
Lemire, Project Manager in their very well-established Laboratory.

As the industrial partner, SyntBioLab Inc. pursues the possibility of upscaled production and marketing of such a product. The company says that the isolation of such bacteriophages and development of an effective alternative to antibiotics would be a definite benefit to the partner organization. The company is led by very experienced and passionate Mr. Rodrigue Dubar, President and Chief Executive Officer of the board and founder since 2013. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science, Biochimie from University of Laval, Quebec, Canada.
According to Mr. Dubar, the project by SyntBioLab Inc is to identify and characterize bacteriophages (bacterial viruses) that can reduce the presence of E. coli bacteria that are an important cause of disease and production loss to the poultry industry. The reduction of levels of E. coli that can cause disease in poultry by use of bacteriophages would be an important means of controlling this economically important disease and also reduce use of antibiotics to control such infections.

Mr. Ricky Thaper with Ms. Julianne Langlais, International Trade Agent, Mr. Rodrigue Dubar, President and Chief Executive Officer and
Mr. Simon Labrie, Chief Scientific Officer, SyntBio Lab in their highly sophisticated production facilities in Quebec, Canada.

The company’s alternatives to antibiotics use bacteriophages offer high-rate metabolic optimization services related to industrial microorganisms, enabling scientists to develop new bacteria strains that improve manufacturing processes, especially in the dairy industry, protein production, and bacteriological population biocontrol. Mr. Simon Labrie, Chief Scientific Officer and partner with the company, was a postdoctoral fellow at the Chisholm Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and holds Ph.D. in Microbiology from university of Laval (Quebec), has nineteen years of experience in phage research. He is currently designing phage-based solutions to provide alternatives to antibiotics for the livestock and food industry. Mr. Labrie updated that Lytic bacteriophages (phages) are bacteria-specific viruses that can lyse and kill their bacterial targets. Unlike antibiotics which show broad range killing, bacteriophages only kill specific bacterial species or strains, and are harmless for others. One of the focuses of the company is to develop applications to control bacterial pathogens by using phages.
Escherichia coli is a major problem for food safety and animal health. In particular, in poultry including chickens and turkeys and other species, avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is the predominant cause of respiratory and systemic infection.

Mr. Viachesla Liato, Ph.D, Production Manager and Mr. Nicolas Lemire, Project Manager have been passionately working towards expanding the company’s presence across the globe. Primarily, SyntBioLab’s solutions aimed at limiting the impact of Escherichia coli in the poultry productions. Mr. Liato said that Bacterial pathogens of importance to animal health and food safety have major impacts on agriculture and food industries across the world. There has been an increase in bacterial resistance to antimicrobials, and antibiotic use in the livestock and poultry sector. The phenomenon is attributed to the likelihood of increased antimicrobial resistance. Alternative strategies to contend with bacterial pathogens within the food production chain are therefore needed.

Ms. Julianne Langlais, Business Development Director of the company is wholeheartedly pursuing expansion of the company around the globe. Ms. Langlais updated that the company has also filed a patent application on the subject ‘Bacteriophage composition and method of preventing bacterial infections in livestock,’. After establishing itself in USA, Canada and European markets, the company is looking at expanding its products presence in Asia countries including India.

As the Indian poultry industry is growing at around 7-8% annually, to protect poultry birds against AMR, the solution provided by the SyntBioLab Inc could help the sustainable growth of the Indian poultry sector. Mr. Rodrigue Dubar, President informed that the company is seeking to work with Indian counterparts to expand its presence here and to help poultry, dairy and aqua farmers in productivity enhancement through unique products which improves poultry birds’ health.