Introduction

Gut: The First Line of Immune Defence
The intestinal defence system consists of several interconnected components, including the mucus layer, intestinal epithelial cells, tight junctions, antimicrobial substances, gut microbiota and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).

The epithelial cells form a physical barrier between the intestinal contents and the internal tissues. Tight-junction proteins such as occludin, claudins and ZO-1 regulate the movement of substances between epithelial cells. The mucus layer provides an additional protective environment, while immune cells located within and beneath the intestinal mucosa continuously monitor microbial and dietary antigens.
Thus, the intestine acts as both a selective absorption system and an immune surveillance system.

Gut Microbiota and Immune Development
The intestinal tract contains a complex microbial ecosystem. A balanced microbial population can contribute to pathogen exclusion, production of microbial metabolites, maintenance of intestinal integrity and modulation of host immune responses.
Beneficial microorganisms and their metabolites communicate with intestinal epithelial cells and immune cells. Among these metabolites, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate and butyrate are particularly important because they can influence epithelial health, immune-cell activity and inflammatory responses. Therefore, gut microbiota and immunity have a bidirectional relationship. A healthy microbiota supports a healthy intestinal barrier and balanced immune signalling. At the same time, the immune system regulates microbial populations and helps maintain intestinal homeostasis.
What Happens When Gut Health Is Compromised?
Commercial poultry are exposed to several factors capable of disturbing gut integrity, including coccidiosis, bacterial pathogens, mycotoxins, heat stress, poor water quality, nutritional imbalance and dysbiosis.

A compromised gut can result in epithelial damage, disruption of tight junctions, increased intestinal permeability, inflammation and oxidative stress, altered immune response and reduced performance. This process is sometimes described as increased “intestinal permeability” or “leaky gut.”

When intestinal integrity is compromised, nutrients may not be utilized efficiently and microbial products can interact more extensively with host immune mechanisms. The bird may consequently spend additional nutrients and metabolic resources on inflammation and tissue repair rather than growth or egg production.

Coccidiosis, Mycotoxins and Heat Stress

Coccidiosis is a classic example of the gut–immune relationship. Eimeria infection damages intestinal epithelial cells, alters intestinal morphology and stimulates an inflammatory and immune response. Consequently, coccidiosis control is not only a parasite-management issue but also a gut health, nutrition and immune-management issue.

Similarly, mycotoxins can affect intestinal integrity, oxidative status, microbial balance and immune function. Their impact may therefore extend beyond the feed itself to the overall gut–immune axis.

Heat stress is particularly important in tropical poultry production. Heat stress can alter feed intake, intestinal physiology, microbial balance and barrier integrity, potentially increasing inflammatory and oxidative stress. Maintaining gut integrity during heat stress is therefore an important component of maintaining flock resilience.

Gut Health and Vaccine Response
An effective vaccination program depends on the bird’s ability to recognize antigens and develop appropriate humoral and cellular immune responses. This requires adequate availability of energy, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Therefore, gut health indirectly supports the nutritional foundation required for immune responses. A healthy intestine facilitates nutrient digestion and absorption, while intestinal inflammation or damage can increase nutrient requirements for tissue repair and immune activity. It is important, however, to recognize that good gut health alone does not guarantee vaccine success. Vaccine quality, administration, maternal immunity, biosecurity, disease pressure, nutrition and environmental conditions also influence the final immune response.

Nutritional Support for the Gut–Immune Axis
Nutrition is one of the most important tools for supporting the gut–immune relationship. Zinc contributes to epithelial integrity, cellular proliferation, enzyme activity and immune-cell function. Selenium is an important component of antioxidant defence systems and supports cellular protection and immune function. Vitamins A and E also contribute to mucosal integrity, antioxidant protection and immune responses.
Nutritional interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, organic acids, enzymes, yeast-derived products, MOS and β-glucans may be used as part of integrated gut-health programs. MOS can support gut health through microbial interactions and pathogen-exclusion mechanisms, while β-glucans can interact with innate immune pathways and influence immune-cell activity. However, responses depend on product source, structure, dose, bird age, diet and challenge conditions; therefore, these products should be evaluated based on scientific evidence and field performance rather than assuming that all products have identical effects.

Practical Approach for Commercial Poultry
A successful gut-health program should not depend on a single feed additive. It should combine:
– High-quality and properly stored feed
– Regular mycotoxin monitoring and management
– Good drinking-water quality and sanitation
– Effective coccidiosis control
– Appropriate vaccination and biosecurity
– Heat-stress management
– Balanced amino acid, vitamin and mineral nutrition
– Appropriate use of probiotics, prebiotics/postbiotics and other gut-health products
– Monitoring of litter quality, feed intake, FCR, mortality and flock uniformity

Conclusion
The gut and immune system should be viewed as two interconnected components of the same biological defence network. A healthy intestinal microbiota, intact epithelial barrier and properly functioning GALT provide the foundation for balanced immune development and response. For commercial poultry, the concept is simple: “Protect the gut to support immunity, and support immunity to maintain flock resilience.”
Gut health is therefore not only about digestion and FCR. It is closely connected with nutrient utilization, immune development, disease resistance, vaccine responsiveness and ultimately flock productivity.
The future of poultry nutrition will increasingly focus on managing the gut–microbiota–immune axis through integrated nutrition, health and farm-management strategies rather than addressing individual problems in isolation.

India is now the world’s second-largest egg producer and among the largest producers of broiler meat. The sector turns over roughly ₹2.7 lakh crore a year, accounts for about 16 per cent of livestock output, and supports close to five million livelihoods.

For a business that began as a rural side activity, it has become one of the fastest-compounding parts of Indian agriculture — poultry’s share of agriculture and allied output has climbed from 2.9 per cent in 2011–12 to 5.0 per cent in 2023–24.

A record price season
The headline numbers are strong. On 5 September, the National Egg Coordination Committee’s average declared rate stood at ₹5.64 per egg across 34 markets, ranging from ₹4.90 in Hospet to ₹6.20 in Kolkata. Delhi was quoted at ₹6.00, Barwala at ₹5.43 and Ludhiana at ₹5.48. That is a comfortable band for layer farms that were selling below ₹5 through much of last year.

Broilers have swung harder. Farm-gate live bird prices in the Delhi region touched ₹140 a kilogram in July against roughly ₹90 a year earlier, while retail chicken moved from about ₹240 to nearly ₹300 a kilogram. Prices have since cooled as the monsoon supply cycle normalised — north Indian integrators were quoting live bird in the mid-₹90s per kilogram in late August — but the annual average is still tracking well above FY25. Care Edge Ratings estimates broiler realisations recovered about 5 per cent year on year in FY26, with live bird averaging ₹99 a kilogram in February–March 2026, more than 20 per cent above the bird-flu-depressed fourth quarter of Fy25.
Data Box 1 · Necc Egg Rates, 5 September 2026 (₹ Per Egg)

Why the margin is not where the price is
Feed accounts for 65 to 70 per cent of the cost of producing a broiler and roughly 68 to 70 per cent of the cost of producing an egg. In a business with that cost structure, a 15 per cent move in feed wipes out a 10 per cent move in output prices. That is precisely what has happened this year.

Compound poultry feed is now selling at about ₹4,400 a quintal against roughly ₹3,600 a year ago. Maize, the energy backbone of the ration, has moved from ₹18–19 a kilogram in April to ₹27–28 a kilogram. Soybean is ruling near ₹6,900 a quintal, well above the ₹5,708 minimum support price for the 2026–27 season.

Data Box 2 · The Cost Side

Two structural forces are behind the maize spike. First, ethanol. Grain-based distilleries have become a large, price-insensitive buyer of maize, and poultry feed mills are now bidding against a sector backed by a national blending mandate. Nearly 60 per cent of India’s maize output already goes to livestock, with poultry alone accounting for roughly 47 per cent of livestock maize consumption. Second, soybean meal. India is short by an estimated 1.5 million tonnes ahead of the new crop, and soybean acreage this kharif is down 4.5 per cent year on year at 10.6 million hectares.

“India is short an estimated 1.5 million tonnes of soybean meal before the new crop arrives — and soybean acreage this season is down 4.5 per cent.”

The policy knot: imports, GM corn and a farm lobby
The livestock and feed industry have asked the Centre to permit imports of about 1.5 million tonnes of soybean meal to bridge the gap. The soybean processing industry has opposed the move, arguing that domestic supply is adequate and that imports would discourage farmers from expanding oilseed acreage. It is a familiar standoff: the same protein deficit, the same two lobbies, a different year.

Poultry industry representatives have also pressed for approval of genetically modified corn, on the argument that higher-yielding maize would give both the feed and ethanol industries cheaper raw material. Under this year’s trade arrangement with the United States, India retained protection on corn and soybean — both predominantly GM crops there — while agreeing to allow imports of distillers’ dried grains and red sorghum for animal feed. That is a partial valve, not a solution. DDGS can replace part of the energy component of a ration; it cannot replace the protein that soybean meal supplies.

For business readers, the policy question is simple to state and hard to settle: India cannot simultaneously run an aggressive ethanol programme, protect oilseed growers from imports, and supply a poultry sector growing at 7 to 8 per cent a year with cheap feed. Something has to give, and so far, the adjustment has been borne by poultry farmers and, downstream, by consumers.

Volumes keep climbing anywayRemarkably, none of this has slowed production. India produced 149.11 billion eggs in 2024–25, second only to China, with commercial farms accounting for about 84.5 per cent of output and backyard poultry the rest. CareEdge estimates egg output at around 155 billion in FY26, rising to roughly 163 billion in FY27, with total meat production moving from about 11 million tonnes to 12 million tonnes over the same period.

Data Box 3 · Production Trajectory

Poultry India puts broiler production growth at 6 to 7 per cent a year for 2026–27, concentrated in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, with the layer segment expanding more moderately on the back of productivity per bird, automation and value-added products. Andhra Pradesh alone accounts for 18.4 per cent of national egg output, Tamil Nadu 15.6 per cent and Telangana 13.0 per cent; the top five states together produce 64.4 per cent of India’s eggs.

Exports remain a modest but real business. India shipped poultry products worth USD 317.79 million in FY26, with the UAE, Oman, Maldives, Indonesia and Japan the leading destinations. Against a sector of roughly USD 31 billion, exports are still a rounding error — which is itself the opportunity, constrained mainly by disease-free-zone certification and processing infrastructure.

The demand headroom argument
The most persuasive case for investing in Indian poultry is not this year’s price cycle. It is the consumption gap. Per capita egg availability is around 100 to 105 eggs a year against the National Institute of Nutrition’s recommended 180. Per capita chicken consumption is roughly 5 kg a year against a global average close to 17.5 kg. Industry estimates suggest that a one-kilogram rise in per-person chicken consumption would add about 1.43 million tonnes of annual demand.

That headroom is being converted by three commercial forces rather than by policy: quick-service restaurants, organised retail, and the shift from live-bird wet markets to chilled and frozen products. Vertically integrated producers — who own the hatchery, the feed mill, the contract farms and increasingly the processing plant — have been the main beneficiaries, because integration is what buffers a business against the feed-price whiplash described above.
The value-of-output data makes the compounding visible. Poultry meat and eggs generated about ₹56,200 crore of output in 2011–12. By 2023–24 that figure was ₹2.67 lakh crore — a growth rate of 9.3 per cent a year for meat and 6.1 per cent for eggs, against 5.3 per cent for milk and 2.1 per cent for cereals.

“Poultry’s share of agriculture and allied output has risen from 2.9 per cent to 5.0 per cent in twelve years. Few segments of Indian agriculture have compounded faster.”

The recurring tax: disease and weather
Avian influenza remains the sector’s single largest tail risk, and 2026 has been an active year. India reported eleven H5N1 outbreaks on farms in Kerala in December, killing roughly 54,100 birds. In February, about 6,000 birds were culled at a research centre in Patna, with movement restrictions imposed across a nine-kilometre surveillance zone. In March, more than 22,000 birds were culled in Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh, and in April Karnataka reported its first case of the year at a farm near Bengaluru.

The direct culling loss is rarely the biggest cost. The bigger hit is the demand shock: consumers step away from chicken for several weeks after every widely reported outbreak, and prices in unaffected states fall alongside those in affected ones. Q4 FY25 was a textbook case, and the strong February–March 2026 realisations look impressive partly because they are measured against that depressed base.

Weather has compounded the problem this season. A prolonged heat wave followed by a delayed and unevenly distributed monsoon raised bird mortality and cut egg production in several states, adding to the cost per marketable bird. For layer units, higher mortality in an inflated-feed environment is a double penalty: the feed has already been consumed before the bird is lost.

The industry’s answer, so far, is largely defensive — stronger vaccination protocols, farm-level biosecurity training and surveillance, alongside a push for indigenous vaccine development that would reduce cost for small and mid-sized farms.

What the ratings agencies see
For all the noise, the credit view is constructive. CareEdge describes FY26 as a year of stabilised operating performance — healthy production growth, resilient demand across retail, institutional and food-service channels, improved supply-demand balance and a recovery in profitability with a strong finish in the fourth quarter. Its FY27 outlook for the sector is stable.
The distinction worth drawing is between the organised and unorganised halves of the industry. Integrators with feed-buying scale, forward contracts and processing margins have ridden the cost cycle. Independent broiler and layer farmers, who buy feed at spot and sell birds at spot, have absorbed it. That gap is quietly accelerating consolidation — the most consequential structural trend in the sector right now, and one that will show up over the next few years in contract-farming penetration and in capital-market activity among the larger integrators.

Public support remains focused on the entrepreneurial end. The National Livestock Mission continues to offer a 50 per cent capital subsidy for parent farms, rural hatcheries and brooder-cum-mother units, aimed at small and rural producers rather than at large integrators. It builds capacity; it does not address the feed-price problem that is currently setting margins.

What to watch for the rest of FY27
• The soymeal decision. Whether the Centre permits the 1.5 million tonne import the livestock industry has requested is the single biggest swing factor for margins this year.
• New-crop maize and soybean arrivals. A good kharif arrival could pull feed back toward ₹4,000 a quintal; a poor one locks in current costs through the festive season.
• Ethanol demand for maize. The structural competitor for feed grain is not going away and will keep a floor under maize prices.
• Winter avian influenza. Outbreak seasonality peaks between December and March. Watch for demand shocks rather than culling losses.
• Festive and winter demand. Egg consumption typically strengthens from October, which should support NECC rates even if feed stays elevated.
• Consolidation and capital. Cost pressure is a filter. Expect more contract farming, more integration, and more interest in the sector from public and private capital.

“The bottom line for anyone with capital in this business: India’s poultry demand story is intact and structurally under-served, but 2026 has demonstrated that returns in this sector are set on the input side, not the output side. The operators who will do well over the next eighteen months are not the ones betting on higher chicken prices. They are the ones who have solved for feed.”

References are available on request.

The 10th edition of the Global Talks Series features an insightful conversation with Mr. Franck Vaillant, Commercial Director at IDENA, a renowned French company specializing in animal nutrition and feed additive solutions. With more than 30 years of experience in the animal production industry, Franck Vaillant has been actively involved in international business development across global markets. Throughout his professional journey, he has focused on advancing science-based nutritional solutions that support animal health, performance, and sustainable livestock production. In this edition, he shares his perspectives on the evolving global poultry industry, including key challenges such as antibiotic reduction, gut health management, feed efficiency, and sustainability. He also discusses how IDENA is helping poultry producers through innovative nutritional strategies designed to improve bird resilience and production performance under modern commercial farming conditions. The discussion further highlights the growing potential of the Indian poultry industry and the increasing demand for natural and functional feed additive solutions in the years ahead.

Career Journey in Animal Nutrition
Franck Vaillant is currently Commercial Director at IDENA, a position he has held since 2023. Prior to this, he served for 12 years as Managing Director of a French animal nutrition company specialized in feed supplements. He began his career in the animal production sector in 1994. Throughout his professional journey, he has focused on driving international business development across all continents.

IDENA’s Vision for Poultry Nutrition
IDENA’s core vision is to support animal production through science-based nutrition while actively contributing to demedication in livestock. Our main focus is to provide natural and functional alternatives to traditional medicinal approaches, helping producers maintain performance through nutrition rather than treatment. In poultry, we focus on gut health, mineral balance, feed efficiency, and resilience of birds under commercial conditions. Our solutions combine R&D, field validation, and practical formulation expertise to ensure both technical efficiency and economic viability.

Global Poultry Industry Trends and Challenges
According to Franck Vaillant, the poultry industry is currently shaped by strong pressure on antibiotic reduction, feed cost volatility, and increasing genetic potential of birds. One of the major challenges is maintaining gut stability and performance in a context of reduced medication use. This drives a global shift toward preventive nutrition, functional additives, and precision feeding strategies that improve nutrient efficiency and animal robustness.

Supporting Sustainability and Antibiotic Reduction
Sustainability, gut health, and reduced antibiotic use are central pillars of IDENA’s nutritional approach.
The company develops feed additive solutions that support intestinal health, microbial balance, digestion efficiency, and oxidative stress management, helping poultry producers reduce their reliance on antibiotics while maintaining productivity.

IDENA’s solutions are backed by extensive R&D, laboratory studies, in vivo trials, and field validations conducted under different farming conditions worldwide. In addition, the company works on optimizing mineral and nutrient utilization to reduce environmental impact and improve sustainability at the farm level.

“The future of poultry production will
depend on our ability to combine
performance, sustainability,
and reduced medication use through
science-based nutrition and
innovative feed solutions.”

— Franck Vaillant, IDENA

Perspective on the Indian Poultry Industry
Franck Vaillant views India as one of the world’s fastest-growing poultry markets, driven by rising demand for affordable animal protein and rapid industry modernization. At the same time, he recognizes that the Indian market remains highly competitive and price-sensitive, requiring nutritional solutions that deliver both technical performance and strong economic returns.

He believes there are significant future opportunities for IDENA in India, particularly in supporting poultry producers with natural feed additive solutions focused on gut health improvement, feed efficiency optimization, and reduced medication use under local production conditions.

Monsoon Broiler Management: Mitigating Humid-Heat Stress

Dr. Sikander1, Dr. Pooja Kundu2 and Dr. N K Mahajan3
1M.V.Sc student, Department of Veterinary Pathology, LUVAS Hisar,
2Veterinary Surgeon, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Govt. of Haryana,
3Retd. Professor and Dean, LUVAS Hisar.

Monsoon brings a unique and formidable set of challenges for commercial poultry farming. As monsoon advances, ambient temperatures remain high while relative humidity level also increases, flocks face dangerous dual threat of severe humid-heat stress and a higher prevalence of systemic viral infection with respiratory manifestations – such as Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV), Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), or Low pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) and Multi Drug Resistance Avian pathogenic E coli (MDR-APEC). Unlike mammals, birds lack sweat glands and rely on panting (evaporative cooling) and behavioral mechanisms like seeking shade, gular fluttering and standing in cool areas to regulate their body temperature. When relative humidity increases defense mechanism fails entirely, the consequences extend far beyond a drop in performance. Humid- heat stress triggers systemic physiological disruptions that compromise the intestinal barrier, suppress the immune system, and open the floodgates for opportunistic infections and catastrophic mortality.

Effectively managing a poultry farm requires a proactive approach balancing environmental humidity control, intensive litter management, strict water sanitization, and precise nutritional adjustments.

1. Environmental &Ventilation Control
Primary challenge is no longer just cooling the air, but moving moisture away from the birds and preventing the shed from becoming hot and humid.
· Stocking Density: Maintain strict reduction in stocking density by 10% to 15% compared to winter baselines. Allowing extra floor space per bird is critical during high-humidity periods to minimize micro-climate heat accumulation between individuals.

· Ventilation and Operational Air Velocity: Ensure that fans are running at peak efficiency. In environmentally controlled (EC) sheds, maintain an air velocity of at least 2.5 to 3.0 meters per second directly across the birds. Because evaporative cooling drops in efficiency when relative humidity exceeds 70%, farmers must rely on the wind-chill effect (convective cooling) to strip heat from the birds’ bodies. Regularly check house manometers. Maintain static pressure within the optimal 0.08 to 0.12 inches of water column depending on house width. High static pressure indicates restricted air inlets (clogged pads), causing fan motors to overheat and air speed to drop. Low static pressure indicates structural air leaks (loose curtains or unsealed doors), which causes short-circuiting of air currents and dead air spaces.

· Evaporative Cooling Pads: On high humidity days when relative humidity exceeds 70–75%, turn off the water pumps to the pads completely. Running water over the pads when air is already saturated will not lower temperature; it will only increase humidity, exacerbating respiratory distress. Run exhaust fans at maximum capacity to maximize pure wind velocity. Clean pads regularly with descalants to remove dust and monsoon-induced mold or algae blooms.

· Internal Fogger Restrictions: For open-sided poultry houses, discontinue use of internal low-pressure foggers entirely during rainy or high-humidity days. Fogger droplets will fail to evaporate in mid-air, falling directly onto the litter, causing wet floors, severe ammonia release, and coccidiosis outbreaks. High-pressure systems (400–600 PSI) should only be cycled briefly if dry, hot spells occur.

2. Water Security & Quality Management
Warm, humid monsoon conditions cause rapid bacterial proliferation and heavy biofilm formation in pipeline networks. Since water consumption remains high, biological water security is critical.

· Water Acidification and Sanitization: Efficacy of chlorine-based sanitizers is fundamentally tied to pH. In alkaline water (pH above 7.5), chlorine converts primarily into hypochlorite ions (OCl-), which are highly inefficient at killing bacteria. By utilizing organic acidifiers (Formic, Propionic, or Citric acid) to maintain an optimized, acidic water pH of 5.5 to 6.5, chlorine converts instead into hypochlorous acid (HOCl). This active form is up to 80 times more effective at destroying bacterial cell walls, preventing water lines from becoming breeding grounds for E. coli and Salmonella.

· Water Temperature Regulation: Particularly during hot spells birds will reject water if it is too warm (more than 22°C). Overhead water storage tanks must be fully shaded, or completely insulated with glass wool or local materials like gunny bags. Flush water lines regularly during the day to clear standing warm water and deliver cool, clean water to the nipples.

· Water Line Biofilm Removal: Between bird batches, or as a quick preventative step, water lines must be deeply cleaned to break down slimy bacterial buildup (biofilm). To do this, fill the pipe system with a 1–2% mix of hydrogen peroxide stabilized with silver nitrate. Leave this solution sitting still in the pipes for 4 to 6 hours so it can chemically dissolve the organic matrix completely. Immediately after; flush the lines thoroughly with high-pressure fresh water to wash away all the loosened dirt and leftover chemicals before the new chicks arrive.

3. Nutritional Adjustments & Electrolyte Therapy
In humid weather, broilers voluntarily reduce feed intake to minimize the metabolic heat generated by digestion. Feed consumed must be nutrient-dense but easy to metabolize.

4. Operational Practices
Minimizing physical and physiological stress and preserving litter quality are vital to avoiding sudden spikes in mortality.

· Feeding Schedule: Do not feed the birds during hottest, most humid hours of the day (typically 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM). Shift feed distribution to early morning/late evening when ambient conditions are more favorable. This prevents the peak of metabolic digestion from coinciding with the peak of environmental stress.

· Intensive Litter Management: Litter management is highly critical. Wet, caked litter undergoes rapid anaerobic fermentation, releasing toxic ammonia gas (NH3). Ammonia damages the protective cilia in the bird’s respiratory tract, leaving them highly vulnerable to viral infections (IBV/NDV). Rake the litter regularly during dry periods, add agricultural gypsum or alum to control ammonia release, and immediately replace wet patches with dry, pre-treated rice husk or sawdust.

· Zero Disturbances: Avoid shifting birds, vaccinations, flock grading, litter raking, and mortality collection, or weighing during peak heat hours. Any forced physical activity compels the birds to generate more internal metabolic heat load, which can quickly trigger acute heat stroke and fatal cardiovascular arrest.

Key Dietary Implementations

5. Critical Emergency Protocol:
· Assess Humidity and Disable Water Inputs: Immediate Check the relative humidity. If it is above 70%, ensure all cooling pad pumps and internal foggers are turned off immediately. Introducing more water vapor into saturated air will accelerate mortality.

· Maximize Wind Velocity: Within 2 minutes.
Override automated fan settings and force all exhaust fans to operate at 100% capacity. Achieve maximum operational air velocity (greater than 3.0 m/s) to maximize heat dissipation via the wind-chill effect.

· Charge Water Lines with Electrolytes: Within 10 minutes.
Ensure that cool water (under 22°C) infused with highly concentrated electrolytes—specifically Potassium Chloride and Sodium Bicarbonate—is fully charged into the drinking lines to combat respiratory alkalosis.

· Enforce Absolute Shed Calm: Continuous
Cease all human movement inside the shed. Do not collect mortality, adjust curtains, or walk along the lines during the crisis, as forcing a heat-stressed bird to stand up can induce instant heart failure.

Summary for Monsoon Management: Successful monsoon poultry management requires a complete shift from evaporative cooling to heavy wind-chill ventilation, aggressive litter moisture controls, and feed protection against molds. Managing the farm proactively before seasonal humidity peaks eliminates induced physiological stress, secures optimal feed conversion ratios (FCR), and safeguards overall farm profitability.

The 9th edition of the Global Talks Series features Dr. Bernhard Eckel, Vice President and Co-Founder of Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition, Germany, a globally recognized leader in feed additive innovation and sustainable animal nutrition. This edition explores Dr. Eckel’s journey from his roots in practical farming to becoming one of the industry’s most respected voices in animal nutrition. With more than three decades of experience, he has played a pivotal role in advancing phytogenic feed additives, feed hygiene, gut health solutions, and nutritional technologies that support animal welfare, production efficiency, and sustainable livestock farming worldwide. A trained farmer and agricultural scientist with a doctorate in Animal Nutrition from the Technical University of Munich-Weihenstephan, Dr. Eckel continues to inspire the global feed and livestock industries through scientific innovation, practical expertise, and a strong commitment to sustainable protein production.

A Lifelong Passion for Animal Nutrition
Dr. Bernhard Eckel’s journey into animal nutrition began on a family farm, where he developed a deep understanding of agriculture from an early age. His practical training as a farmer revealed the close relationship between feed quality, animal health, productivity, and farm profitability. This realization inspired him to pursue agricultural science and specialize in animal nutrition.

Throughout his career, he has remained motivated by the opportunity to bridge scientific knowledge and practical application. For Dr. Eckel, animal nutrition represents a unique intersection of biology, economics, and sustainability, offering opportunities to improve production efficiency while simultaneously supporting animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and global food security.

Three Decades of Transformation in Feed Additives
Reflecting on more than thirty years of industry experience, Dr. Eckel identifies the transition away from antibiotic growth promoters as one of the most significant developments in animal nutrition. This shift fundamentally changed livestock production and accelerated innovation in scientifically validated alternatives, particularly phytogenic feed additives.

The industry’s growing emphasis on preventive health approaches has strengthened efforts to improve animal resilience, gut health, and overall performance. At the same time, the understanding that animal welfare and production efficiency can coexist has become increasingly accepted. Modern livestock systems now recognize that sustainable productivity depends on maintaining high welfare standards.

Consumer expectations have also evolved considerably. Today’s feed solutions must not only deliver performance but also meet demands for sustainability, safety, transparency, and economic viability.

The Growing Importance of Phytogenic Feed Additives
According to Dr. Eckel, the market for advanced feed additives will continue to expand in response to regulatory pressures, sustainability targets, and the need for efficient animal protein production.

Phytogenic feed additives are gaining increasing attention due to their broad range of functional benefits. Their antimicrobial properties, support for digestive health, and contribution to production stability make them valuable tools for modern livestock producers. As global markets become more volatile and producers seek greater resilience within production systems, plant-based nutritional solutions are expected to play an increasingly important role.


While regional differences will continue to influence adoption patterns, significant growth opportunities are anticipated across Asia and Latin America, where livestock production systems are undergoing rapid modernization and intensification.

Future Focus Areas: Gut Health, Feed Hygiene, and Endotoxin Management
Looking ahead, Dr. Eckel believes that future innovation will increasingly focus on supporting gut health and improving the resilience of production systems under challenging conditions. The next generation of feed additives will likely combine multiple functional benefits within a single solution, delivering antimicrobial support, microbiota stabilization, and improved digestion simultaneously.

Producers are increasingly seeking integrated solutions that address several production challenges while remaining practical and cost-effective.

Feed hygiene remains another critical area of focus. During the Dr. Eckel World Tour seminar in Bangkok, discussions highlighted the role of improved feed hygiene in reducing the risk of African Swine Fever transmission through contaminated feed. This continues to be an important issue in many regions worldwide and emphasizes the need for stronger biosecurity throughout the feed chain.

Equally important is the growing awareness of endotoxin management. Once viewed primarily as a livestock concern, endotoxins are now receiving increasing attention within the aquaculture sector. Discussions during the Aquatic Conference at VIV Health & Nutrition Asia demonstrated the industry’s growing recognition of the impact endotoxins can have on animal health and production performance.

“The future of livestock production lies in combining science, innovation, and sustainability. By strengthening gut health, feed hygiene, and animal welfare, we can create more resilient and efficient food systems for generations to come.”

— Dr. Bernhard Eckel

Shaping the Future of Animal Nutrition
Dr. Eckel believes the future of animal nutrition will be driven by the need to balance efficiency, resilience, and sustainability while ensuring reliable protein production in an increasingly uncertain world.

Several key trends are expected to define the industry’s future. Greater emphasis on gut health, wider adoption of multifunctional feed additives, and continued efforts to reduce antibiotic use will remain central priorities. Transparency and traceability across the livestock value chain will become increasingly important as consumers seek greater confidence in food production systems.

At the same time, digital technologies and artificial intelligence are expected to transform decision-making processes. Data-driven management tools will enable producers to optimize nutrition strategies, improve efficiency, and manage production complexity with greater precision.

For Dr. Bernhard Eckel, the future of animal nutrition lies in combining scientific innovation with practical solutions that strengthen animal health, support sustainable livestock production, and contribute to global food security.

The poultry industry invests significant resources into genetics, hatching and breeding to ensure high-quality birds enter the supply chain. How do you preserve that value through catching, transport, lairage, and processing – without compromising welfare, quality, or operational efficiency? Live bird handling has become one of the most critical control points in modern poultry processing. It directly influences product quality, compliance, yield, and overall plant performance.

Efficient, low-stress live bird handling is essential for the performance and success of any poultry processing operation.

The Challenge Behind Live Bird Handling
In today’s poultry industry, processors operate under increasing pressure from multiple directions.
Higher processing speeds demand more from every part of the system. At the same time, labour challenges make manual handling more difficult to sustain. Stricter animal welfare regulations continue to raise expectations, while sustainability targets require reductions in energy use, emissions, and waste. On top of this, biosecurity risks must be tightly controlled to protect both product and plant integrity.

These external pressures translate into very real operational challenges:
– Avoiding dead-on-arrivals and bird injuries
– Ensuring high standards of animal welfare throughout catching, transport, lairage, and reception
– Maintaining consistent product quality
– Ensuring steady line feeding without disruption
– Reducing reliance on manual labour
– Managing variability in farm and transport conditions

Even small inefficiencies in live bird handling can cascade through the entire production process, affecting both cost and output.

Automation in the reception area ensures smooth, efficient handling while reducing reliance on manual labour.

Why It Matters More Than Ever
Live birds represent a high-value input that has already required significant investment before they reach the plant. Any loss in quality during handling translates directly into lost yield and reduced profitability.

Poor handling conditions during catching, transport, or reception can lead to stress, injury, and inconsistent product quality. These issues do not remain isolated – they impact downstream efficiency, outcome quality, and customer expectations.

In contrast, well-designed handling systems help maintain control over a process that has traditionally been variable and labour-intensive.

Transport equipment should be robust and allow for a safe journey from farm to plant.

The Role of Modern Live Bird Handling Systems
To address the above-mentioned challenges, the industry is increasingly moving toward integrated, automated, and welfare-focused handling systems.
Modern solutions are designed to manage the full journey from farm to shackling in a controlled and consistent way, reducing variability and improving outcomes across multiple dimensions.

Key capabilities include:
Gentle and Controlled Handling
Reducing stress and physical impact during catching, transport, and unloading helps preserve both welfare and product quality.

Automated Processes Where It Counts
Automation in key areas such as catching, unloading, stacking, or equipment washing reduces labour dependency while improving consistency and throughput.

Stable Line Feeding
Reception systems are designed to ensure a continuous and controlled flow of birds to the shackling area, even at high processing speeds.

Environmental Control
Proper airflow during transport and lairage helps prevent heat stress and supports animal welfare under varying climate conditions.

Hygiene and Biosecurity
Washable and disinfection-ready systems help reduce pathogen risks and maintain strict hygiene standards between flocks.

Scalability and Flexibility
Modular system designs allow processors to expand capacity or adapt layouts as production needs evolve, without major operational disruption.

Highly effective washing equipment eliminates the risk of inconsistencies associated with manual cleaning, ensuring reliable and repeatable hygiene standards.

Key Factors in System Design
Selecting the right live bird handling approach depends heavily on operational context. Farm layout, infrastructure, and access conditions all influence system design.
Large-scale operations require high-capacity systems capable of handling volume efficiently, while maintaining gentle handling principles. In contrast, labour availability may determine the level of automation required.

Climate conditions also play an important role. Systems must support adequate airflow and temperature control to prevent heat stress during transport and lairage.
Finally, biosecurity requirements and cleaning protocols are increasingly important, requiring equipment designed for effective washing and contamination control.

A well-designed live bird handling system takes conditions across the farm, transport, and reception areas into account to ensure best performance

A System-Level Approach to Performance
The most effective live bird handling strategies treat the entire process as one integrated system rather than isolated steps.
From farm loading to plant reception, every stage must work together to maintain flow, protect bird welfare, and support consistent processing.
When this is achieved, processors benefit from:
– Improved animal welfare outcomes
– Higher and more consistent product quality
– Reduced dead-on-arrivals and injuries
– Better operational efficiency and throughput stability
– Lower labour dependency
– Stronger compliance with regulatory standards
–   Greater long-term scalability

Choosing the Right Provider
To meet these diverse needs of a global market, BAADER offers crate handling and module/drawer solutions in a variety of modular layout options. These solutions are designed to adapt to specific operational requirements, ensuring flexibility and efficiency in handling processes.

Our live bird handling specialists provide processing audits to effectively analyse current and future challenges, helping processors design reception layouts that meet market demands. With over 80 years of proven expertise in handling live birds, we offer solutions supported by both global and local services to ensure equipment operates smoothly and efficiently.

Visit: https://poultry.baader.com/live-bird-handling to learn more about the BAADER live bird handling solutions

Every day, a broiler’s intestine processes several times its body weight in feed and water, encounters billions of microorganisms, responds to environmental stress, and continuously decides what enters the body and what remains outside.

In many ways, the gut functions as a customs checkpoint, security system, digestive factory, and immune headquarters—all at the same time.

In fact, nearly 70% of the bird’s immune cells are associated with the gastrointestinal tract, making it a key player in both health and performance. The remarkable aspect is that when the gut is functioning well, nobody notices it. When it begins to fail, everybody notices the consequences.

The Modern Poultry Bird: Built for Speed
Today’s broiler is a biological marvel. Through decades of genetic selection, modern birds reach market weight faster and more efficiently than ever before.
However, this achievement comes with a hidden challenge.

The digestive tract has become one of the most critical performance-limiting organs in poultry production. Every gram of feed must be digested, absorbed, and converted into muscle within an increasingly compressed production cycle.

Twenty years ago, a small reduction in nutrient absorption might have gone unnoticed. Today, even minor intestinal inefficiencies can translate into measurable losses in body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and profitability. Modern birds can no longer afford a lazy gut.

The Gut Is Constantly Making Decisions
Traditionally, we think of the intestine as a nutrient absorption organ.
In reality, the gut is making thousands of biological decisions every second.

– Should nutrients support growth or immunity?
– Should a microorganism be tolerated or eliminated?
– Should energy be invested in production or defense?
– Should the intestinal barrier remain open for absorption or tighten to prevent invasion?

These microscopic decisions ultimately determine flock performance.
In many ways, poultry production is not simply about feeding birds—it is about influencing the decisions being made within the gut.

The Hidden Cost of Inflammation
One of the most important concepts emerging in poultry science is that inflammation carries a nutritional cost.
Whenever the intestine encounters stress from pathogens, mycotoxins, heat, poor litter quality, or microbial imbalance, the immune system becomes activated.
The immune response is essential for survival, but it is expensive.
Energy that could support growth is redirected toward immune activity.
Amino acids that could build muscle are utilized to produce immune proteins and inflammatory mediators.
Vitamins and minerals become involved in tissue repair and antioxidant defense.
The bird continues eating, yet a significant proportion of nutrients may no longer be contributing to production.
This phenomenon is often referred to as the “hidden feed cost” of inflammation.

The Silent Performance Thief
One of the greatest misconceptions in poultry production is that intestinal problems always produce visible symptoms.
– Not necessarily.
– Many flocks show normal feed intake, acceptable mortality, and no obvious disease outbreaks. Yet they consistently fail to achieve target performance.
– A slight reduction in nutrient absorption.
– A minor microbial imbalance.
– A low level of intestinal inflammation.
– A subtle increase in intestinal permeability.
Individually these changes may appear insignificant. Collectively they can result in substantial economic losses. This is why gut health is increasingly viewed not as a disease issue but as a performance issue.

The Microbial Workforce Inside Every Bird
Perhaps the most fascinating discovery in recent years is the realization that birds are never truly alone.
The digestive tract contains trillions of microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiome.
These microbes help digest feed ingredients, produce beneficial metabolites, support intestinal development, influence immune responses, and compete with harmful bacteria.
Some scientists now describe the microbiome as an additional organ because of its profound influence on bird health.
This raises an interesting question:
Are we feeding the bird, or are we feeding its microbiome?
The answer is both.
The future of poultry nutrition may depend as much on managing microbial populations as on balancing nutrients.

Heat Stress: The Gut’s Greatest Enemy
In many poultry-producing regions, heat stress has become one of the most significant challenges affecting gut health.
High environmental temperatures reduce blood flow to the intestine, increase oxidative stress, and compromise intestinal barrier integrity.
As a result, harmful bacterial toxins can cross the intestinal wall and trigger inflammation.
Often the first casualty of heat stress is not growth—it is gut integrity.
This may explain why heat-stressed flocks frequently show poorer FCR, increased wet litter, reduced nutrient utilization, and greater disease susceptibility.
As global temperatures continue to rise, protecting gut health during periods of heat stress will become increasingly important.

The Gut in the Antibiotic-Free Era
The poultry industry is rapidly transitioning toward antibiotic-free and reduced-antibiotic production systems.
While this shift addresses consumer concerns and regulatory requirements, it has also increased attention on intestinal health.
Without routine antibiotic growth promoters, producers must rely on alternative strategies to maintain gut stability.
Probiotics, prebiotics, β-glucans, mannan oligosaccharides (MOS), organic acids, phytogenic compounds, and postbiotics are increasingly being used to support intestinal resilience and microbial balance.
The focus is shifting from killing pathogens to creating an intestinal environment where beneficial microbes and the host can thrive together.

More Birds or More Protein?
The global poultry industry is not being asked to produce more birds.
It is being asked to produce more protein.
As the world’s population grows and consumers increasingly seek affordable animal protein, poultry production continues to expand. Industry projections estimate the sector will grow at a CAGR of approximately 5–7% over the coming years.

But growth alone is not enough.
Producers are expected to deliver more meat with fewer resources, lower feed costs, and a smaller environmental footprint.
This means that every gram of feed matters more than ever before.
And that brings us back to the gut.
Because the difference between feed consumed and protein produced is ultimately determined by the efficiency of the digestive system.

The Future Begins in the Gut
For decades, poultry production focused on genetics, nutrition, and disease control.
The next frontier may be intestinal resilience.
Future improvements in productivity will likely come from better management of inflammation, enhanced barrier integrity, optimized microbiomes, and improved nutrient efficiency within the gastrointestinal tract.
The question may no longer be:

“How much feed did the bird consume?”

Instead, the more important question may be:
“How much of that feed actually became growth?”
The answer lies within the gut.
Not because it is merely another organ, but because it is the organ that determines how effectively all the others perform.
In an era of narrow margins, rising feed costs, heat stress, and antibiotic-free production, the healthiest gut may ultimately become the most valuable asset in the poultry house.

Introduction
Inclusion Body Hepatitis (IBH) is an economically important viral disease of broiler chickens characterized by sudden mortality, hepatitis, and the presence of intranuclear inclusion bodies in liver cells. The disease is primarily caused by Fowl Adenoviruses (FAdVs), particularly serotypes belonging to species D and E. IBH has become increasingly significant worldwide due to its impact on broiler performance, increased mortality, poor feed conversion, and substantial economic losses. The disease mainly affects young broiler chickens between 3 and 7 weeks of age, although birds of other ages may also be affected. Vertical transmission from breeder flocks and horizontal spread through contaminated litter, water, equipment, and personnel play major roles in disease dissemination.

Etiology
IBH is caused by Fowl Adenoviruses (FAdVs), non-enveloped double-stranded DNA viruses belonging to the genus Aviadenovirus within the family Adenoviridae. Several serotypes have been associated with disease outbreaks, including FAdV-2, FAdV-8a, FAdV-8b, and FAdV-11.
Predisposing factors include:
– Immunosuppression caused by Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD)
– Chicken Infectious Anemia (CIA)
– Mycotoxicosis (Poor quality of feed ingredients contaminated with fungus and Mycotoxins).
– Poor Biosecurity and Management
– High stocking density

Clinical Signs
Affected broiler flocks may exhibit:
– Sudden increase in mortality
– Depression and lethargy
– Huddling with Ruffled feathers
– Reduced feed and water consumption
– Usually affects birds of 3 to 5 weeks age, but can be seen in the chicks aging from 4-5 day old.
– Pale comb and wattles
– Poor weight gain
– Diarrhoea with mucoid droppings or green droppings
– Anemia in severe cases
Mortality rates generally range from 5–15%, but outbreaks may occasionally result in mortality exceeding 30%.

Post-Mortem Lesions
The most characteristic lesions are observed in the liver.
Gross Lesions
Liver
– Enlarged, swollen, and pale liver
– Yellowish discoloration
– Multifocal necrotic foci
– Petechial and ecchymotic hemorrhages
– Friable consistency
Kidneys
– Enlarged and pale kidneys
– Congestion
Heart
– Hydropericardium may occasionally be present
– Pale myocardium
Spleen
– Enlargement and congestion
Histopathological Lesions
Microscopic examination reveals:
– Severe hepatic necrosis
– Basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies in hepatocytes
– Degeneration and destruction of liver cells
– Mononuclear cell infiltration
The presence of characteristic intranuclear inclusion bodies is considered pathognomonic for IBH.

Serology
Serological testing is useful for monitoring flock exposure and breeder immunity.
Common serological methods include:
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)
– Detects antibodies against Fowl Adenovirus
– Useful for flock monitoring
– Evaluates maternal antibody levels
Virus Neutralization Test (VNT)
– Determines serotype-specific antibodies
– Primarily used in research and epidemiological investigations
Interpretation
– High antibody titers in breeders provide maternal protection to progeny.
– Seroconversion in broilers indicates field exposure.
– Paired serum samples can help determine recent infection.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis should be based on a combination of clinical history, post-mortem findings, histopathology, and laboratory confirmation.
Field Diagnosis
Suspect IBH when:
– Sudden mortality occurs in 3–7 week-old broilers.
– Enlarged, pale, hemorrhagic liver is observed.
– There is a history of immunosuppressive diseases.
Laboratory Diagnosis
Histopathology
– Demonstration of intranuclear inclusion bodies in hepatocytes.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
– Highly sensitive and specific.
– Detects and identifies FAdV serotypes.
Virus Isolation
– Performed in chicken embryo liver cells or embryonated eggs.
Immunohistochemistry
– Detects adenoviral antigen within tissues.
Sequencing
– Used for epidemiological studies and strain characterization.

Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment for Inclusion Body Hepatitis.

Management is mainly supportive:
Supportive Therapy
– Multivitamin supplementation
– Vitamin E and Selenium administration
– Use D’Bio-Mix 20-25 mL per 100 birds and ABES-URZZA 20 ml for 100 birds.
– Ionic electrolyte (ABESTRAL) supplementation and probiotic prebiotic supplementation
— Adequate hydration
Control of Secondary Infections
– Antibiotics may be administered under veterinary supervision to control secondary bacterial infections.
Management Measures
– Reduce stress factors
– Improve ventilation
– Maintain litter quality
– Ensure proper nutrition

Prevention and Control
Effective prevention relies on biosecurity and breeder vaccination.

Biosecurity Measures
– All-in/all-out management
– Thorough cleaning and disinfection
– Restriction of farm visitors
– Proper disposal of dead birds
– Control of rodents and insects
– Sanitation of equipment and vehicles
Breeder Flock Management
– Monitor antibody levels regularly.
– Vaccinate breeders to ensure maternal antibody transfer.
– Prevent immunosuppressive diseases such as IBD and CIA.
Control of Vertical Transmission
– Maintain healthy breeder flocks.
– Conduct routine serological surveillance.
– Implement strict hatchery hygiene.

Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination strategies vary according to local epidemiology and circulating serotypes.
Breeder Vaccination Program
Age Vaccine
8–10 weeks Killed IBH (primary dose)
14–16 weeks Booster dose
18–20 weeks (before lay) Optional booster in high-risk areas
Broiler Vaccination
Routine vaccination of broilers is generally not practiced in many regions because protection is primarily achieved through maternal antibodies. However, live or inactivated vaccines may be considered in endemic areas under veterinary guidance.
Objectives of Vaccination
– Prevent vertical transmission
– Enhance maternal antibody levels
– Reduce mortality and production losses
– Improve flock uniformity

Economic Impact
IBH can result in:
– Increased mortality
– Poor growth performance
– Reduced feed efficiency
– Higher medication costs
– Increased carcass condemnation
– Significant financial losses to poultry producers

Conclusion
Inclusion Body Hepatitis remains an important viral disease of modern broiler production. Early diagnosis, strict biosecurity, breeder vaccination, and effective management practices are essential for disease prevention and control. Maintaining strong maternal immunity through breeder vaccination and minimizing immunosuppressive conditions can significantly reduce the impact of IBH on commercial poultry operations.

It was a pleasure to visit the Gurgaon office of Dovoy Chemicals India Pvt. Ltd., a biotechnology-driven company that has been delivering innovative solutions to industries worldwide. With a strong presence across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, Dovoy has established itself as a trusted partner in animal health, nutrition, grain processing, food ingredients, and industrial solutions.

During my visit, I had the opportunity to interact with Mr. Amit Kaushik, Director, Dovoy Chemicals India Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Duttle Bing, General Manager – ASPAC & EMEA, Dovoy Inc. Singapore; Dr. Vipul Gohel, Director, MIV Biosolutions and Channel Partner for Dovoy; Mr. Anand Singh, Business Head – Animal Health; Dr. Sumit Raja, Technical Manager – Animal Health; Mr. Shyam Sunder Sharma, Business Head – DGP; Ms. Dhanashri Shitole, Zonal Sales Manager-South & Maharashtra and Ms. Akanksha Sethi, Dovoy.
Mr. Amit Kaushik highlighted that what truly differentiates Dovoy is its unwavering commitment to innovation, research, and quality. The company operates advanced ISO 17025:2017 accredited laboratories where product development, quality assurance, enzyme assays, thermostability testing, and customized solution development are carried out to meet the evolving needs of modern industries.

Mr. Kaushik further emphasized that Dovoy’s vision extends beyond supplying products. The company is focused on delivering holistic solutions and value-added services to customers. Complimentary amino acid profiling services, supported by their ISO 17025:2017 accredited laboratory, provide customers with greater confidence in feed quality and nutritional accuracy. Dovoy’s state-of-the-art laboratory is equipped with sophisticated technologies including the Agilent HPLC 1260, advanced spectrophotometers, Kjeldahl Distillation systems, Class-II Biosafety facilities, biodigesters, and Neogen Raptor platforms. These capabilities support quality assurance and the development of innovative biotechnology solutions across multiple sectors.

According to Mr. Shyam Sunder Sharma, Dovoy’s expertise in proximate analysis, protease enzyme thermostability testing, aflatoxin reduction solutions, microbial load analysis, amino acid profiling, and advanced enzyme assay testing provides a significant competitive edge. The company adheres to globally recognized standards including ISO, GMP, REACH, Halal, FSSAI, Kosher, ZDHC, and D&B certifications.

In the Animal Health & Nutrition sector, Dovoy offers a comprehensive portfolio of feed additive solutions including enzymes, organic trace minerals, yeast-based products, antioxidants, immune modulators, gut health solutions, toxin binders, acidifiers, and lipid metabolism enhancers. These technologies are designed to improve nutrient utilization, gut health, productivity, and overall farm profitability, as shared by Mr. Anand Singh and Dr. Sumit Raja.

The visit was followed by an engaging podcast hosted by Ms. Dhanashri Shitole and Ms. Akanksha Sethi, where I shared my thoughts on the “Future of the Indian Poultry Feed Industry.” I look forward to its release of this Podcast in the coming days.

The visit provided valuable insights into how biotechnology, innovation, and scientific excellence are shaping the future of animal nutrition and sustainable livestock production. It was inspiring to witness Dovoy’s commitment to developing practical, performance-oriented solutions backed by robust research and field validation.

1. Introduction
Nutrition forms the cornerstone of human health, productivity, and national development. A country’s demographic dividend can only be realised when its population enjoys adequate nutrition throughout the life cycle. India, home to nearly one-fifth of the world’s population, has made extraordinary progress in food production since the Green Revolution. Today, the nation is largely self-sufficient in cereal production, ensuring food availability for millions through extensive public distribution systems.

However, the concept of food security has evolved beyond ensuring adequate calorie intake. Modern nutrition science emphasizes that food security without nutritional security cannot guarantee healthy populations. Balanced diets require adequate amounts of proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds that support optimal growth, immunity, metabolism, and cognitive development.

Protein deficiency remains one of India’s most under-recognized nutritional challenges. Although the protein-energy malnutrition has declined compared with previous decades, suboptimal protein intake persists among vulnerable population groups. Many Indian diets continue to rely heavily on cereals that provide energy but relatively limited quantities of high-quality protein and certain essential amino acids. Consequently, children experience impaired physical growth, women face increased nutritional vulnerability during pregnancy and lactation, elderly individuals lose muscle mass more rapidly, and recovery from illness becomes slower.

India’s epidemiological transition further complicates the challenge. While undernutrition continues to affect millions, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases are increasing rapidly. This “double burden of malnutrition” demands dietary strategies that improve nutritional quality without contributing to excessive caloric intake.

Animal-source foods provide highly bioavailable nutrients that complement cereal-based diets. Among these, eggs and chicken offer particularly attractive advantages because they are nutritionally dense, affordable, culturally accepted across large sections of society, and can be produced efficiently with relatively modest environmental impacts. Their integration into regular diets represents one of the most practical approaches to improving protein intake at the population level.

2. India’s Nutrition Gap: A Continuing Public Health Challenge
India’s nutritional landscape reflects a paradox. Despite becoming one of the world’s leading producers of milk, eggs, poultry meat, cereals, fruits, and vegetables, nutritional deficiencies remain widespread. Economic growth alone has not translated into equitable access to diverse and balanced diets.

The concept of the “nutrition gap” extends beyond hunger. It refers to the difference between the nutrients people require for healthy living and those they actually consume. This gap encompasses inadequate intake of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.

Several factors contribute to India’s persistent protein gap: eg. Heavy dependence on cereal-based diets, Limited dietary diversity, Socioeconomic inequalities, Regional disparities in food availability, Inadequate nutrition awareness, Cultural and religious dietary preferences, Rising food prices affecting access to nutrient-rich foods etc.

Protein inadequacy is particularly concerning because proteins are indispensable for virtually every physiological function. Unlike carbohydrates and fats, proteins supply essential amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the human body and therefore must be obtained through food.

Children suffering from inadequate protein intake often exhibit poor linear growth, delayed cognitive development, weakened immune responses, and reduced educational performance. In adults, chronic protein deficiency contributes to diminished work capacity, slower wound healing, increased susceptibility to infections, and reduced muscle strength. Among older adults, inadequate protein accelerates sarcopenia, frailty, falls, and disability.

Women represent another nutritionally vulnerable group. Pregnancy and lactation substantially increase protein requirements. Inadequate maternal protein intake adversely affects fetal growth, birth weight, neonatal survival, and long-term health outcomes.

India also continues to face widespread deficiencies of iron, vitamin B12, zinc, vitamin D, and other micronutrients that frequently coexist with inadequate protein intake. These overlapping deficiencies magnify health risks and reduce economic productivity.

3. Understanding Protein: More Than a Bodybuilding Nutrient
Public perception often associates protein exclusively with athletes and bodybuilders. Contemporary nutritional science, however, recognizes protein as an essential nutrient required by every individual from conception through old age.

Proteins are composed of twenty amino acids, nine of which are considered essential because the human body cannot synthesize them. These essential amino acids must be supplied through the diet in appropriate proportions.

Protein performs numerous vital biological functions: eg. Growth and repair of tissues, Formation of muscles, skin, hair, and connective tissues, Production of enzymes and hormones, Synthesis of antibodies for immune defense, Maintenance of blood proteins, Transport of oxygen and nutrients, Regulation of fluid balance, Maintenance of healthy bones, Support of cognitive function and neurotransmitter synthesis etc.

The quality of dietary protein depends on both amino acid composition and digestibility. High-quality proteins contain all essential amino acids in sufficient quantities and are readily digested and absorbed.

Animal-source proteins generally possess superior digestibility and amino acid profiles compared with most plant proteins. While plant-based diets can meet protein requirements when carefully planned, combining cereals and pulses often requires larger quantities of food and may still provide lower bioavailability for certain nutrients.

4. Why Protein Quality Matters
Meeting daily protein requirements involves more than consuming sufficient grams of protein. Equally important is the biological quality of that protein. Protein quality is evaluated using indices such as the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) and the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS). These measures assess both amino acid composition and digestibility.

Egg protein has long been regarded as one of the highest-quality dietary proteins, often serving as the reference standard against which other proteins are compared. Its amino acid profile closely matches human physiological requirements, and its digestibility exceeds 95%.

Chicken meat likewise provides highly digestible complete protein rich in leucine and other branched-chain amino acids that stimulate muscle protein synthesis. These characteristics make eggs and chicken particularly valuable for growing children, pregnant women, athletes, recovering patients, and older adults.

Beyond protein itself, eggs and chicken deliver numerous complementary nutrients that enhance overall nutritional status. Eggs supply choline, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins A, D, E, B12, riboflavin, selenium, and iodine. Chicken provides haem iron, zinc, phosphorus, niacin, pyridoxine, and vitamin B12, all of which support immunity, neurological function, and metabolic health.

The synergy of complete protein with highly bioavailable micronutrients distinguishes eggs and chicken from many other dietary protein sources, making them powerful tools for combating hidden hunger and improving population health.

5. Eggs: Nature’s Most Complete Functional Food
Among all naturally available foods, the egg occupies a unique position in human nutrition. Often referred to as “nature’s perfect package,” an egg delivers nearly every nutrient required for life, except vitamin C, in a highly digestible and bioavailable form. For decades, eggs have served as the reference protein against which the quality of other dietary proteins is compared because of their balanced amino acid composition and excellent digestibility.

A standard hen’s egg contains approximately 6–7 g of high-quality protein, with all nine essential amino acids present in proportions closely matching human physiological requirements. Importantly, egg protein exhibits a Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) approaching the maximum value and a Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) that places it among the highest-quality dietary proteins available.

Beyond protein, eggs are a rich source of nutrients that address several common deficiencies in Indian diets:
– Choline, essential for brain development, memory, and liver function.
– Vitamin B12, critical for red blood cell formation and neurological health.
– Vitamin D, important for calcium metabolism and skeletal integrity.
– Vitamin A, supporting vision and immunity.
– Riboflavin, biotin, folate, and pantothenic acid for energy metabolism.
– Selenium and iodine, important antioxidants and regulators of thyroid function.
– Lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids associated with improved eye health and reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Eggs also contain high-quality fats, including phospholipids that support cellular membrane function and neurological development. Contrary to earlier concerns, contemporary nutritional research indicates that moderate egg consumption has little adverse effect on cardiovascular risk in healthy individuals, and eggs are now widely recognized as an integral component of balanced diets.

6. Chicken Meat: Affordable Lean Protein for a Healthier Nation
Chicken meat has emerged as one of the fastest-growing animal-source foods globally, driven by its nutritional value, affordability, versatility, and comparatively efficient production system. In India, poultry meat consumption has increased steadily over the past two decades, reflecting rising incomes, urbanization, changing lifestyles, and greater awareness of dietary protein.

Chicken provides approximately 20–24 g of high-quality protein per 100 g of edible meat, making it one of the most concentrated natural protein sources available. Importantly, this protein contains all essential amino acids required for tissue growth, enzyme synthesis, immune function, and muscle maintenance.

Unlike many red meats, skinless chicken contains relatively low levels of saturated fat while supplying substantial amounts of Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Phosphorus, Zinc, Selenium, Iron (highly bioavailable haem iron), These nutrients play indispensable roles in energy metabolism, immune competence, cognitive performance, oxygen transport, and antioxidant defence.

Health Advantages of Chicken Consumption
Growing evidence indicates that incorporating lean poultry into balanced diets offers multiple health benefits i.e. Supports healthy muscle development, Promotes satiety and healthy weight management, Helps preserve lean body mass during ageing, Facilitates recovery following illness and surgery, Contributes to improved immune function, Provides bioavailable iron and zinc essential for children and women, Supports optimal athletic performance.

For populations transitioning away from protein-deficient diets, chicken represents an economically viable option capable of substantially improving nutritional quality without excessive caloric intake.

7. Scientific Evidence Linking Animal Protein to Improved Nutrition
The importance of animal-source foods in combating undernutrition has been demonstrated across numerous epidemiological studies, randomized trials, and systematic reviews.

Child Growth and Development
Children receiving diets supplemented with eggs demonstrate improvements in Linear growth, Weight gain, Cognitive performance, Language development, School attendance and Physical activity.

The inclusion of eggs in complementary feeding programmes has been associated with reductions in childhood stunting and improved nutrient adequacy. Similarly, diets incorporating poultry meat improve iron status, enhance haemoglobin concentrations, and reduce the prevalence of anaemia in vulnerable populations.

Muscle Health
Leucine, abundant in eggs and chicken, acts as a powerful stimulator of muscle protein synthesis. Adequate intake helps maintain skeletal muscle during ageing, prevents frailty, and accelerates recovery after illness or hospitalization.

Immune Function
Protein deficiency compromises immune competence by reducing antibody production, impairing immune cell proliferation, and weakening resistance to infections. Eggs and chicken provide both protein and immune-supportive micronutrients including zinc, selenium, vitamin A, and vitamin B12.

Maternal and Neonatal Health
Adequate maternal protein intake improves fetal growth, birth weight, placental development, and infant survival while reducing risks associated with intrauterine growth restriction.

Cognitive Development
Nutrients abundant in eggs—particularly choline, iodine, vitamin B12, and high-quality protein—are increasingly recognized for supporting brain development, memory formation, and learning capacity during early childhood.

8. Poultry Sector: Powering Nutrition, Livelihoods, and Economic Growth
India’s poultry industry has evolved into one of the country’s most dynamic agricultural enterprises. Through advances in genetics, nutrition, disease control, housing, and supply chain management, the industry has achieved remarkable gains in productivity while keeping eggs and chicken affordable for consumers.
Today, poultry contributes substantially to:
– National food and nutrition security.
– Agricultural GDP.
– Rural employment.
– Women’s empowerment.
– Entrepreneurship development.
– Allied industries including feed manufacturing, veterinary pharmaceuticals, equipment production, processing, logistics, and retail.

Millions of farmers depend directly or indirectly on poultry production for their livelihoods. The sector provides opportunities for landless labourers, smallholder farmers, women self-help groups, and rural youth, making it a powerful instrument for inclusive economic development.

Women’s Empowerment
Backyard poultry remains particularly important for rural women. Income generated from egg and chicken sales often supports household nutrition, children’s education, healthcare expenditures, and financial independence. Numerous development programmes have demonstrated that poultry farming can enhance women’s decision-making capacity while improving household dietary diversity.

Employment Generation
The poultry value chain creates employment across multiple sectors: eg. Hatcheries, Feed manufacturing, Veterinary services, Equipment manufacturing, Farm management, Transportation, Processing plants, Cold chain logistics, Retail marketing, Food service industries As demand for animal protein increases, these employment opportunities are expected to expand further.

9. Barriers to Achieving “Protein in Every Plate”
Despite clear nutritional advantages, several obstacles continue to limit egg and chicken consumption in India.
Economic Constraints
Although eggs and chicken are among the most affordable animal-source foods, financial limitations still restrict access for many low-income households, especially during periods of food inflation.
Nutrition Awareness
Many consumers remain unaware of daily protein requirements or the health benefits associated with regular consumption of high-quality protein. Misconceptions regarding cholesterol, body weight, and dietary protein continue to influence food choices.
Cultural and Religious Diversity
India’s remarkable cultural diversity shapes dietary practices. While vegetarianism is respected and remains an important component of Indian food culture, many populations that do consume animal-source foods still consume eggs and poultry below nutritionally desirable levels.
Regional Inequalities
Consumption varies considerably across states due to differences in production infrastructure, market accessibility, purchasing power, cultural preferences, and public nutrition programmes.
Supply Chain Challenges
Inadequate cold-chain infrastructure, transportation losses, fluctuating feed prices, disease outbreaks, and seasonal market volatility can affect affordability and availability, particularly in remote regions. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts involving policymakers, public health professionals, educators, researchers, and the poultry industry to ensure equitable access to affordable, safe, and nutritious protein sources.

10. Policy Initiatives and the National Nutrition Agenda
India has recognized the importance of nutrition as a cornerstone of human development. Over the past decade, several flagship programmes have sought to improve nutritional outcomes, particularly among women and children. However, the emphasis has gradually shifted from food security to nutrition security, recognizing that adequate calories alone cannot eliminate malnutrition.

POSHAN Abhiyaan
The POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) represents India’s flagship initiative to reduce stunting, undernutrition, anaemia, and low birth weight. The programme promotes convergence among multiple ministries while emphasizing behavioural change communication, growth monitoring, maternal nutrition, and dietary diversity.
Incorporating affordable, high-quality proteins such as eggs into supplementary nutrition programmes can significantly enhance the nutritional impact of POSHAN interventions.

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
ICDS remains one of the world’s largest early childhood nutrition programmes. Anganwadi centres provide supplementary nutrition to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children below six years of age.

Several Indian states have successfully included eggs in ICDS meals, demonstrating improvements in dietary quality, child acceptability, and programme effectiveness. Wider adoption of this evidence-based intervention could substantially improve protein intake among vulnerable populations.

PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal Scheme)
The school meal programme reaches millions of children every day and offers an excellent opportunity to address childhood protein deficiency.
States that provide eggs in school meals have reported:
– Improved attendance.
– Better student satisfaction.
– Enhanced nutritional quality of meals.
– Increased dietary protein intake.
– Improved growth indicators.
Expanding egg inclusion while respecting regional dietary preferences can strengthen India’s investment in human capital.

11. Strategies for Achieving “Protein in Every Plate”
Addressing India’s protein gap requires coordinated action across agriculture, health, education, food industries, and public policy.
1. Promote Nutrition Literacy
Public awareness campaigns should emphasize: Daily protein requirements, Importance of protein quality, Benefits of eggs and lean poultry, Protein needs across different age groups, Dispelling myths surrounding egg consumption.
Nutrition education should begin in schools and continue through community health programmes.
2. Strengthen School Nutrition Programmes
Including eggs in school feeding programmes can simultaneously improve: Child nutrition, School attendance, Learning outcomes, Cognitive development, Long-term productivity.
Where eggs cannot be provided because of cultural preferences, nutritionally equivalent alternatives should be offered to ensure that children receive adequate protein.
3. Improve Maternal Nutrition
Pregnant and lactating women require substantially higher protein intake. Maternal nutrition programmes should prioritize affordable sources of complete protein, including eggs where culturally acceptable, alongside counselling on balanced diets and micronutrient supplementation.
4. Expand Poultry Production Sustainably
Increasing poultry production through scientific farming practices can improve affordability while minimizing environmental impacts.
Priority areas include: Improved genetics, Precision nutrition, Disease surveillance, Vaccination programmes, Climate-resilient housing, Waste recycling, Renewable energy adoption, Digital technologies for farm management etc.
5. Support Smallholder Poultry Farming
Backyard and small-scale poultry systems remain critical for rural livelihoods and household nutrition.
Policies should strengthen: Access to quality chicks, Veterinary healthcare, Credit facilities, Farmer producer organizations, Women’s self-help groups, Local hatcheries, Market linkages.
6. Reduce Supply Chain Losses
Investments in: Cold-chain infrastructure, Modern processing, Refrigerated transport, Food safety systems, Value-added poultry products etc. can improve year-round availability while reducing post-harvest losses.
7. Encourage Public-Private Partnerships
Collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, universities, poultry industries, non-governmental organizations, and international development agencies can accelerate nutrition-sensitive interventions and evidence-based policymaking.

12. Summary
India stands at a pivotal moment in its journey toward achieving comprehensive nutrition security. While remarkable gains have been made in agricultural production and food availability, ensuring access to high-quality dietary protein remains a pressing public health priority. The persistence of protein inadequacy, micronutrient deficiencies, childhood stunting, maternal undernutrition, and age-related muscle loss underscores the need for nutrition-sensitive strategies that extend beyond calorie sufficiency.

Eggs and chicken offer a compelling solution to this challenge. They provide highly digestible, complete proteins together with an array of essential vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that support growth, cognitive development, immunity, reproductive health, and healthy ageing. Their affordability, wide availability, and compatibility with diverse dietary patterns make them particularly well suited to addressing India’s nutritional needs across all stages of life.

Equally important is the contribution of the poultry sector to livelihoods, rural development, women’s empowerment, and economic growth. As one of the most efficient livestock production systems, poultry offers an environmentally responsible pathway for expanding access to animal-source foods while minimizing pressure on natural resources.

The vision of “Protein in Every Plate” is therefore more than a nutritional aspiration—it is a national development strategy. Achieving this vision requires coordinated efforts involving government, academia, healthcare professionals, educators, the poultry industry, civil society, and consumers. Investments in nutrition education, scientific poultry production, evidence-based public policies, and inclusive food programmes will not only improve dietary quality but also strengthen human capital, economic productivity, and national resilience.

Ultimately, bridging India’s nutrition gap is not simply about increasing food production; it is about ensuring that every citizen, irrespective of geography or socioeconomic status, has regular access to safe, affordable, and nutrient-rich foods. Eggs and chicken can play a transformative role in this endeavour, helping build a healthier, stronger, and more prosperous India—one protein-rich plate at a time.