In the third edition of Global Talks, I engaged in an insightful discussion with Mr. Ahmad Omar, Regional Strategic Account Manager at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, based in Dubai. The interaction explored the rapidly evolving dynamics of poultry health management across emerging markets and the increasing shift toward prevention-led, science-driven strategies that support sustainable, efficient, and responsible poultry production. Mr. Omar shared perspectives on Boehringer Ingelheim’s strong global commitment to animal health and welfare, outlining how innovative vaccine solutions, advanced vaccination technologies, and deep veterinary expertise are empowering poultry producers throughout the IMETA region (India, Middle East, Turkey, and Africa) to manage disease risks and enhance overall flock performance. He also highlighted India’s fast-growing poultry sector, pointing to significant opportunities for integrated health solutions, strengthened biosecurity frameworks, and collaborative partnerships to drive long-term, sustainable industry growth.

The Role of Prevention in Animal Health
Mr. Ahmad Omar highlighted that Boehringer Ingelheim firmly believes in “Prevention Works”, reflecting a strategic shift from treatment-focused approaches to preventive healthcare solutions. He explained that proactive vaccination, robust biosecurity, and science-based management practices are essential to ensure safe, sustainable, and efficient poultry production, particularly in fast-growing markets such as IMETA.

He also noted that animal health is closely linked to food security, public health, and economic development, making prevention-led strategies critical for governments, veterinarians, and producers alike. Dr. Omar further emphasized that early disease prevention not only reduces mortality and production losses but also helps improve predictability, consistency, and profitability at the farm level.

IMETA: A Strategic Growth Region
Discussing the IMETA region, Mr. Omar outlined why it is strategically important for Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health:
Key Portfolio Focus
– Poultry vaccines and vaccination technologies
– Parasiticides and preventive solutions for companion animals
– Ruminant health and productivity solutions
Market Drivers
– Expanding commercial poultry production
– Rising biosecurity and disease challenges
– Growing awareness of pet health and preventive care
Strategic Priorities
– Excellence in launching innovative vaccines
– Strengthening partnerships with distributors, veterinarians, and industry stakeholders
– Leveraging digital tools for disease monitoring and farmer engagement

India: A Key Driver of Regional Growth
Speaking about India, Mr. Ahmad Omar described the country as one of the fastest-growing poultry markets globally. He noted that the sector’s growth is driven by rising protein demand, increased focus on biosecurity, and strong interest in preventive health measures.

Mr. Omar highlighted Boehringer Ingelheim’s leadership in poultry health through vaccines such as Vaxxitek® and Prevexxion®, which help control major diseases like Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) and Marek’s Disease, thereby enhancing flock performance and improving food safety. He also emphasized the rapid expansion of India’s companion animal segment, with increasing pet ownership driving demand for parasiticides and preventive healthcare solutions, supported by strategic collaborations with local distributors.

Innovation, Partnerships, and Knowledge Sharing
Mr. Omar stressed that collaboration is central to Boehringer Ingelheim’s regional strategy:
– Veterinary and Academic Engagement: Partnering with veterinary associations and academic institutions to promote best practices in poultry and pet care.
– Digital Transformation: Deploying tools for disease tracking, planning, and data-driven decision-making for veterinarians and farmers.
– Training and Education: Conducting technical seminars, workshops, and programs to enhance preventive healthcare knowledge and improve on-farm implementation.

Sustainability and Community Impact
Mr. Omar highlighted Boehringer Ingelheim’s commitment to sustainability and responsible practices:
– Rabies Elimination: Supporting the global “Zero by 30” initiative to eradicate dog-mediated rabies through vaccination campaigns and awareness programs.
Reducing Antibiotic Dependence: Encouraging preventive vaccination and biosecurity measures to minimize antibiotic usage in livestock.
Capacity Building: Training veterinarians and farmers on responsible farming practices and animal welfare.
Community Development: Enhancing access to veterinary care in rural and underserved areas.
Environmental Responsibility: Reducing operational carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly packaging.

Future Outlook
Concluding the discussion, Mr. Ahmad Omar shared Boehringer Ingelheim’s forward-looking vision for IMETA and India:
– Leadership in next-generation poultry vaccines for Avian Influenza, IBD, and Newcastle Disease
– Expansion into emerging segments such as aquaculture and advanced diagnostics
– Continued investment in digital innovation, sustainability, and prevention-focused programs

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting India’s poultry sector through science-driven solutions, strategic partnerships, and long-term sustainable growth initiatives.

MS-associated EAA has a direct influence on income and biosecurity expenses because it increases cracked and degraded eggs, increases labour costs for sorting and cleanup and decreases hatchability through higher embryonic mortality when shell integrity is compromised. EAA manifests as irregularities at the egg’s apex, including thinning, increased translucency and susceptibility to cracks. These defects lead to increased egg breakage and spoilage, directly leading to degrading egg quality and marketability.

Etiology and Transmission:
Mycoplasma synoviae, belongs to the Mycoplasmataceae family and is fastidious about its culture conditions as it requires serum and NAD on modified Frey media. The pathogenicity of strains varies due to immune evasion, adhesins, sialidase activity, nitric oxide generation and antigenic diversity.

Fig. 1. Transmission of M. Synoviae
The host range of the MS infection includes chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, pheasants, quail and psittacines. Transmission occurs via both vertical and horizontal route. Vertical transmission takes place through transovarian infection, leading to early chick exposure, while horizontal transmission occurs via aerosol spread, respiratory secretions, fomites and human activity. Once introduced, the infection tends to persist, as infected flocks become lifelong carriers. Multi-age layer systems further support its persistence and contribute to episodic clinical outbreaks.

Pathogenesis:
M. synoviae primarily enters the host through the respiratory tract, with the upper respiratory mucosa serving as the initial site of colonization. With the help of specialized surface proteins and adhesions the organism attaches to the epithelial cells which help it to evade mucociliary clearance. From the respiratory tract, it can spread locally, causing tracheitis, airsacculitis and respiratory distress. In some birds, the pathogen disseminates via bacteraemia, reaching synovial membranes and joints, where it induces inflammation. This leads to synovitis, characterized by swelling, pain and lameness, often accompanied by exudation of yellowish synovial fluid. The organism may also localize in the tendon sheaths and bursae, producing tenosynovitis. Co-infections with other respiratory pathogens (e.g., E. coli, NDV and IBV) exacerbate disease severity. Chronic infections are common and affected birds may become carriers, serving as reservoirs for flock-to-flock transmission.

Clinical Signs:
Mycoplasma synoviae most commonly causes subclinical upper respiratory infections or infectious synovitis and tenosynovitis, while in layers it is also associated with eggshell apex abnormality (EAA) syndrome, characterized by thin, rough, translucent shell apices and intermittent production loss (Feberwee et al., 2009). The clinical expression of the disease is often expressed by stress and co-infections with pathogens such as infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and Escherichia coli (Lockaby et al., 1998).

Fig.2. Dull, depressed hen, Inflammation of foot pad, hock joint and cavity filled with exudates
Affected birds may show mild respiratory involvement, including slight tracheal rales and sinusitis which are more evident under poor air quality or concurrent respiratory infections. The musculoskeletal form is marked by lameness, reluctance to walk, swelling of the hock joint, wing joints and footpads with exudative tenosynovitis of tendon sheaths and sternal bursitis. In systemic or severe cases, signs include depression, inappetence, ruffled feathers, weight loss and pale to cyanotic head parts, with occasional vasculitis and keel bursitis. Morbidity typically ranges from low to moderate, while mortality is generally low but may increase in the presence of secondary bacterial infections, wet litter, cold stress and immunosuppression.

Post Mortem Lesions:
– Respiratory tract:
– Mild to moderate airsacculitis with thickening, opacity and presence of turbid or caseous exudate.
– Mucoid tracheitis and sinusitis (especially when complicated by co-infections).
– Joints and musculoskeletal system:
– Synovitis: Swollen joints (particularly hock, wing and foot joints) with accumulation of yellow to serofibrinous exudate.
– Tenosynovitis: Inflamed tendon sheaths filled with exudate.
– Sternal bursitis (breast blisters) with fibrinous to caseous material.
– Systemic involvement:
– Generalized fibrinous polyserositis in some cases, especially with secondary E. coli infection.
– Emaciation and poor body condition due to chronic disease.
– Eggshell apex abnormality (in layers):
No specific gross lesion in reproductive tract, but post-mortem examination may reveal rough, thin and translucent apices of eggshells in affected flocks.

– Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of MS relies on combination of clinical observation, serology, microbiology and molecular techniques. Observation of respiratory signs such as sneezing, coughing and nasal discharge, along with joint or tendon swelling indicative of synovitis or tenosynovitis and specially in layers, eggshell apex abnormalities like thin, rough or translucent apexes can be observed.
However, clinical signs alone are not definitive, as they can overlap with other infections like NDV, IBV or E. coli.

Serological tests, including ELISA, rapid plate agglutination (RPA) and hemagglutination inhibition (HI), are useful for flock-level monitoring, though maternal antibodies and past exposure can complicate interpretation. Microbiological isolation from choanal or tracheal swabs and synovial fluid using specialized media allows definitive identification of MS, but the process is slow and prone to contamination. Molecular methods such as PCR and real-time PCR offer rapid, sensitive and specific detection of MS DNA, even at low bacterial loads. For accurate diagnosis, a combination of clinical assessment, serology and molecular confirmation is recommended, especially in flocks showing respiratory disease, joint swelling, or eggshell defects.

Treatment
Along with careful use of antibiotics, proper management practices and vaccination strategies are very important in Mycoplasma synoviae management. Treatment typically relies on antimicrobials such as tylosin, tiamulin, doxycycline or enrofloxacin, which can reduce bacterial load and clinical signs, but complete eradication is difficult due to intracellular persistence. Widespread and indiscriminate antibiotic use has led to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in MS strains because of these challenges, thus, vaccination plays a central role in flock protection, lower bacterial shedding and prevent eggshell apex abnormalities in layers.

Prevention and Control:
Prevention focuses on biosecurity measures, including sourcing MS-free breeders, controlling movement of personnel and equipment and minimizing stressors that predispose birds to infection. Integrated control combining vaccination, strict biosecurity, monitoring via serology or PCR and responsible antimicrobial use is essential to minimize economic losses, maintain flock health and reduce the risk of AMR development. Thus vaccination, combined with good biosecurity and management practices can control MS spread, minimizing antibiotic reliance and maintaining flock productivity.

Stallen South Asia Pvt Ltd is offering a unique inactivated vaccine MS-VAC particularly against Mycoplasma synoviae.
Key Features of MS-VAC:
– The Only Vaccine Made from highly immunogenic strains of Mycoplasma synoviae
– High titre (1010 CFU)
– Oil adjuvant
– High immunogenicity.
– High safety, effective protection and field compatibility

Duration of immunity in MS-VAC

Fig. 5 Duration of immunity in MS-VAC (3 weeks after challenging with virulent MS)
MS-VAC is a vaccine produced from highly immunogenic strains of Mycoplasma synoviae. The culture is inactivated and emulsified in light mineral oil, to ensure a high degree of protection after first vaccination, however the immunity is strongest and long lasting after second inoculation.
– Clinical observation of eggs laid, in vaccinated and non vaccinated commercial hens, after infection by field MS.

Field efficacy of MS-VAC against eggshell apex abnormalities (EAA):

A significantly lower (p=0,000) percentage of EAA affected eggs was observed in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3 (statistically significant difference for p<0.001).
Hence, MS-VAC proved to be effective in protecting commercial hens from EAA, significantly more than the competitiors, in farms infected with MS.

References are available on request

Dr. Nilay Deshpande1, Dr. Saurabh Mane2
1PhD Poultry Science, ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad
1MVSc Poultry Science, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izzatnagar

Lipids represent one of poultry biology’s greatest paradoxes — simultaneously essential for optimal productivity and catastrophically dangerous when metabolism dysregulates. Modern chicken strains, refined through decades of genetic selection for explosive growth and extraordinary productivity, possess lipid metabolic machinery operating at remarkable efficiency. Yet this very efficiency, coupled with the metabolic stress of high-density production, creates a precarious system vulnerable to dysregulation. Understanding how chickens process dietary lipids—and critically, what happens when this process fails—is fundamental to contemporary poultry science. Lipids contribute over twice the energy per gram compared to proteins or carbohydrates, provide essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) vital for immune competence and reproduction, and serve as carriers for fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Yet when lipid metabolism spirals out of control, the consequences are severe: fatty liver syndrome, fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS), fatty liver kidney syndrome (FLKS), and hepatitis collectively represent one of the most significant challenges in modern poultry production.

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From Ingestion to Hepatic Processing: The Initial Lipid Journey
The lipid metabolic odyssey begins in the gastrointestinal tract. Dietary triglycerides, the predominant lipid form in poultry feeds, undergo enzymatic hydrolysis by pancreatic lipase in the small intestine, yielding monoglycerides and free fatty acids. Bile acids emulsify these hydrophobic molecules, facilitating their incorporation into micelles that traverse the intestinal epithelium with impressive efficiency—typically 85-90% digestibility. Once absorbed, enterocytes re-esterify these components into triglycerides and package them into protomicrons— lipoprotein particles analogous to mammalian chylomicrons. These protomicrons enter the portal circulation, delivering absorbed lipids directly to the hepatocyte, establishing the liver as the metabolic epicentre determining the fate of dietary lipids: oxidation for energy, incorporation into structural membranes, or re-export to peripheral tissues. The composition of dietary lipid sources profoundly influences downstream metabolic consequences. Plant oils (soybean, sunflower, canola) provide predominantly linoleic acid (omega-6 PUFA) and oleic acid (MUFA), while animal fats contribute greater quantities of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids.

The omega-3 to omega-6 ratio fundamentally shapes the lipid mediator profile—excessive omega-6 without compensatory omega-3 supplementation shifts the lipid-derived inflammatory mediator balance toward pro-inflammatory species, predisposing to metabolic dysfunction. Critically, chickens cannot synthesize linolenic acid, creating an absolute dietary requirement for this omega-3 PUFA.

Hepatic Synthesis and Export: The Metabolic Bottleneck
The liver functions simultaneously as processor of absorbed lipids and de novo fatty acid synthetic factory. In laying hens, the hepatic lipogenic capacity is extraordinary— synthesizing sufficient triglycerides to support daily yolk deposition, where lipids constitute approximately 33% of yolk mass by weight. This synthetic machinery operates through acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase, generating novel fatty acids from carbon skeletons derived from dietary carbohydrates or amino acids. These newly synthesized lipids, together with absorbed dietary fatty acids, must be exported from hepatocytes to peripheral tissues —predominantly through very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles and, in laying hens, through vitellogenin-mediated transport to the ovary.

The efficiency of hepatic lipid export fundamentally depends upon apolipoprotein synthesis, particularly apolipoprotein B (apoB), which serves as the structural scaffold of VLDL particles. This apoB synthesis, in turn, requires abundant phospholipid availability, which depends on choline—a nutrient that must be provided dietarily or synthesized through dietary methionine via methylation reactions. The lipotropic hypothesis elegantly explains why supplemental choline, methionine, and betaine mitigate fatty liver development: these nutrients are not direct energy sources but rather essential cofactors enabling the synthetic machinery supporting VLDL assembly and hepatic lipid export. When lipotropic substances become limiting, the hepatocyte becomes an anatomical traffic jam: lipids accumulate internally faster than export machinery can mobilize them peripherally, creating the pathological lipid accumulation characteristic of fatty liver.
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When Export Fails: Pathophysiology of Fatty Liver and FLHS
Hepatic steatosis—excessive hepatic triglyceride accumulation—arises when hepatocyte lipid uptake and synthesis exceed oxidation and export capacity. In laying hens, this dysregulation commonly emerges from the synergistic dysfunction of multiple regulatory pathways. High-energy or high-fat diets, particularly those rich in saturated animal fats, overwhelm export capacity through sheer substrate excess. Simultaneously, inadequate lipotropic nutrient provision cripples VLDL assembly. The gene regulatory landscape becomes progressively dysregulated: the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα and PPARγ), which normally enhance fatty acid oxidation and promote metabolic flexibility, show reduced hepatic expression, while sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), a master transcription factor governing lipogenic enzyme expression, becomes hyperactivated. The consequence is a metabolic phenotype characterized by relentless lipogenesis coupled with suppressed lipolysis.
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Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome represents the catastrophic progression of unchecked hepatic steatosis. Beyond simple triglyceride accumulation, FLHS involves severe impairment of VLDL secretion accompanied by oxidative stress, hepatocellular ballooning, and inflammatory cell infiltration. The accumulated lipids generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) as mitochondria become overwhelmed processing fatty acid substrates through β-oxidation. The hepatocellular accumulation of lipid droplets physically displaces functional hepatocytes, reducing synthetic capacity for essential proteins (albumin, clotting factors, cytochromes P450) and impairing detoxification function. Bile acid synthesis and signaling become dysregulated, further compromising lipid export. Ultimately, hepatic capillary rupture causes hemorrhage, often precipitating sudden mortality during capture or handling.
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FLHS epidemiology reveals particularly severe disease manifestations in caged laying hens during peak productivity—the combination of extreme hepatic lipogenic demand, minimal physical activity reducing fatty acid oxidation, and often suboptimal nutritional management creates a metabolic catastrophe. Prevention requires aggressive intervention: dietary fat restriction to 3-5%, polyunsaturated fat emphasis (soybean oil 2-3%), omega-3 supplementation (flaxseed or fish oil 0.5-1%), and robust lipotropic provision (choline 1200-1500 ppm, methionine and betaine at NRC-recommended levels). Antioxidant fortification with vitamin E (100+ IU/kg) and selenium (0.3-0.5 ppm) protects hepatocytes from oxidative damage.
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FLKS: The Young Broiler’s Metabolic Crisis
Fatty liver kidney syndrome predominantly affects rapidly-growing broiler chicks (2-6 weeks age), representing a distinct but equally severe lipid metabolism dysregulation. FLKS manifests as simultaneous pathological lipid accumulation in both liver and kidneys, precipitating growth depression, poor feed efficiency, and substantial mortality.
The pathophysiological substrate differs from FLHS: young broilers experience extraordinary anabolic demand for lipids required for cell membrane synthesis and organ development during rapid tissue accretion. The hepatic export system, dependent on lipotropic nutrient availability and coordinated gene expression, becomes rate-limiting under this intense metabolic stress.
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Choline emerges as the critical intervention point. Deficiency impairs both phospholipid synthesis (necessary for VLDL assembly) and apoB expression, directly constraining VLDL particle formation. The resulting lipid entrapment in hepatocytes, combined with dysregulated lipid transport to peripheral tissues, precipitates renal lipid accumulation through mechanisms not yet fully elucidated—potentially involving impaired renal lipid oxidation capacity or inflammatory responses to elevated circulating lipid levels. Management requires elevated choline provision (800-1200 ppm), particularly in starter diets, combined with polyunsaturated fat inclusion (soybean, sunflower oils 3-5%) and comprehensive antioxidant protection. Notably, excessive dietary energy density paradoxically increases FLKS risk—high carbohydrate-based energy triggers amplified de novo hepatic lipogenesis, overwhelming export capacity.
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Hepatitis and Metabolic Dysfunction: Inflammation Disrupts Lipid Homeostasis
Hepatitis—whether triggered virally, bacterially, toxically, or metabolically—fundamentally disrupts lipid homeostasis through multiple mechanisms. Hepatocellular inflammation directly impairs VLDL synthesis capacity, causing triglyceride and non-esterified fatty acid accumulation. Oxidative stress accompanying inflammation damages lipid membranes through peroxidation, generating lipid peroxides that perpetuate cellular damage. Heat stress-associated hepatitis particularly dysregulates lipid-related gene expression, specifically reducing PPARα and fatty acid oxidation capacity while maintaining or elevating lipogenic gene expression. The net result is secondary steatosis superimposed upon acute inflammation.
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Dietary management during hepatitis requires omega-3 enrichment (fish oil 1-2%) to support synthesis of pro-resolving lipid mediators (lipoxins, resolvins, protectins) that actively terminate inflammation. Saturated fat restriction minimizes pro-inflammatory lipid mediator generation. Comprehensive antioxidant support—emphasizing natural vitamin E (80-100 IU/kg), selenium (0.3+ ppm), and potentially additional antioxidants—counters oxidative stress. Identification and elimination of the hepatitis trigger (viral vaccination, bacterial antimicrobials or probiotics, mycotoxin removal) remains paramount.
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Integrated Prevention: Synthesizing Metabolic Knowledge into Practice
Effective prevention of lipid metabolism disorders requires systematic integration of nutritional, environmental, and managerial strategies. Dietary fat inclusion must balance energy requirements against metabolic risk—typically 3-5% for layers, 4-6% for broilers—with stringent prioritization of polyunsaturated plant oils over saturated animal fats. Lipotropic nutrient provision should exceed minimum requirements during stress periods: choline 1200-1500 ppm, methionine and betaine at NRC recommendations or above. Micronutrient fortification with vitamin E (50-100 IU/kg) and selenium (0.3+ ppm) protects against oxidative stress inherent to lipid-intensive metabolism.​
Environmental management—heat stress mitigation through ventilation, optimal stocking densities permitting normal activity, biosecurity preventing stress-inducing pathogens—directly supports metabolic resilience. Feed quality monitoring ensuring absence of rancid fats and mycotoxins prevents additional hepatic burden. Strain-specific considerations recognize that modern high-productivity genetics carry metabolic vulnerabilities requiring targeted nutritional support; consultation with poultry nutritionists familiar with your specific genetic line optimizes intervention strategies.
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Conclusion: Metabolic Excellence Through Informed Management
Lipid metabolism in chickens exemplifies the exquisite complexity underlying productive physiology—a system of extraordinary sophistication vulnerable to dysregulation under contemporary production stresses. The disorders arising from lipid metabolic failure—fatty liver, FLHS, FLKS, hepatitis—represent not arbitrary diseases but rather predictable consequences of pushing metabolism to or beyond biological limits. These conditions remain largely preventable through evidence-based nutritional and management practices informed by mechanistic understanding of underlying pathophysiology. By maintaining optimal dietary lipid balance emphasizing unsaturated sources, providing robust lipotropic and micronutrient support, managing environmental stressors, and employing strain-appropriate protocols, producers can sustain the metabolic machinery enabling both productivity and welfare. The lipid paradox—that lipids are simultaneously essential and potentially catastrophic—demands perpetual vigilance and informed decision-making; the reward is flocks maintaining both exceptional productivity and robust metabolic health.

References are available on request.

Balancing Air Quality in Poultry Houses: Tackling Ammonia and Humidity for Health and Productivity

Dr. Pawar Rutik Namdev1 (MVSc Scholar), Dr. Shipra Tiwari1 (MVSc Scholar),
Dr. Mahendra Kumar Patel1 (Ph.D Scholar)
1College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, DUVASU Mathura (281001), India

Abstract
The environment within poultry houses plays a decisive role in the overall health, performance, and welfare of birds. Among various factors, the concentration of ammonia (NH₃) and the level of relative humidity (RH) are the most critical. Ammonia, released from the microbial breakdown of waste, and excessive humidity, which influences litter moisture, often work together to create poor air quality. This review highlights how these two factors are produced, their combined impact on broilers and layers, and outlines practical approaches for monitoring and management to maintain profitability and bird well-being.

1. Introduction
For poultry farmers, achieving optimal productivity requires not just good feed and genetics, but also maintaining a favorable environment inside the house. Air quality, ventilation, and litter condition all directly affect flock health. Ammonia gas and humidity levels are particularly important, as they can significantly influence bird growth, egg production, immune strength, and overall welfare. Excessive ammonia harms the respiratory tract, reduces feed intake, and lowers growth efficiency, while uncontrolled humidity leads to wet litter, higher ammonia emissions, and disease outbreaks. To ensure healthy flocks, ammonia should ideally be kept below 20–25 ppm and RH within 50–70%.

2. How Ammonia and Humidity Build Up
2.1 Generation of Ammonia
Ammonia is created naturally when uric acid in droppings is decomposed by bacteria. The process is intensified under warm, moist, and alkaline conditions. The type of litter material, stocking density, feed composition (especially protein levels), and frequency of manure removal all influence ammonia levels. Houses with poor cleaning routines or high moisture accumulation often experience higher NH₃ concentrations.

2.2 Role of Humidity
Humidity directly controls litter moisture content. High RH slows the evaporation of water from bedding, resulting in wet litter that promotes microbial activity and ammonia release. Conversely, very low RH increases dust particles in the air, which irritates the birds’ airways. Thus, moisture management is closely tied to controlling ammonia levels.

3. Impacts on Bird Health and Physiology
3.1 Respiratory Effects
Ammonia acts as a strong irritant to the respiratory tract. Continuous exposure damages the trachea and air sacs, reducing the ability of cilia to filter pathogens. Birds exposed to more than 20–25 ppm are more prone to respiratory diseases such as Newcastle, bronchitis, and Mycoplasma infections. Vaccination responses also tend to decline.

3.2 Eye and Skin Irritation
Chronic exposure to ammonia causes conjunctivitis, watery eyes, and corneal damage. High RH contributes to wet litter that leads to footpad dermatitis, hock burns, and breast blisters—all of which compromise welfare and reduce carcass quality at processing.

3.3 Growth and Feed Efficiency
High levels of ammonia reduce appetite, slow weight gain, and impair feed conversion. Even a small increase in feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly raises production costs, especially in large flocks. Performance losses become severe when ammonia concentrations exceed 50 ppm for prolonged periods.

3.4 Immunity
Birds raised in poor air quality often show weaker immune responses. Prolonged exposure to ammonia not only stresses birds but also reduces antibody production after vaccination, leaving them vulnerable to disease outbreaks.

3.5 Egg Production
In layer flocks, poor litter conditions and elevated ammonia cause stress, leading to reduced laying rates, smaller egg size, and poor shell quality. Mortality may also rise due to an increased risk of secondary infections.

4. The Combined Impact of Ammonia and Humidity
Although ammonia and humidity can each harm poultry, their combination is especially damaging. High RH makes litter wetter, which in turn boosts ammonia emissions. Humid air also traps ammonia at bird level, ensuring birds inhale more of it. Together, these conditions encourage respiratory infections, coccidiosis outbreaks, poor weight gain, higher mortality, and overall production losses.

5. Monitoring Levels
5.1 Threshold Values
Ammonia: Should remain below 20–25 ppm (ideally closer to 10 ppm). Birds show signs of irritation even at levels humans may not detect by smell.

Relative Humidity: Best maintained between 50–70%. RH above 75% promotes wet litter, while RH below 40% leads to dust and dehydration.

5.2 Measurement Tools
Ammonia: Can be monitored using portable gas detectors, color tubes, or continuous electronic sensors.
Humidity: Inexpensive hygrometers placed at bird height provide reliable readings and are often integrated into automatic ventilation systems.

6. Strategies for Control
6.1 Ventilation
Proper ventilation ensures air exchange, dilutes gases, and removes excess moisture.

In cold weather: minimum ventilation prevents humidity build-up without chilling the birds. fans and circulation systems increase air movement and reduce heat stress.

6.2 Litter Management
Maintaining dry litter is essential. Turning litter, replacing wet spots, using absorbent bedding materials, and preventing drinker leaks are key practices. Chemical litter amendments such as alum or sodium bisulfate can reduce pH, minimizing ammonia release.

6.3 Nutrition
Adjusting feed formulations to match amino acid requirements reduces nitrogen excretion. Enzyme supplements and probiotics may also improve digestion and reduce ammonia in manure.

6.4 Housing Design
Well-insulated poultry houses with good drainage and properly installed nipple drinkers minimize litter moisture. Preventing condensation on walls and ceilings also helps keep humidity under control.

6.5 Advanced Methods
Technologies like air scrubbers, biofilters, or controlled ozone applications are being tested for large commercial units. Automated environmental control systems that integrate NH₃ and RH sensors with fans and heaters are becoming increasingly popular.

7. Economic Importance
Poor air quality silently eats into farm profits. Lower feed efficiency, reduced weight gain, carcass downgrades, increased mortality, and higher veterinary costs all add up to significant economic losses. Studies show that ammonia-related performance drops can cost large poultry complexes thousands of dollars weekly. Investing in better litter management, ventilation, and nutritional adjustments often proves cost-effective in the long run.

8. Evidence and Case Studies
Field surveys often reveal ammonia exceeding safe levels during winter when ventilation is minimized, leading to higher respiratory issues and welfare concerns. Controlled trials consistently show that birds exposed to even moderate ammonia (20–30 ppm) suffer from lower growth rates, poorer immune response, and more lesions compared to those raised under optimal conditions. Interventions such as litter acidifiers, improved diet formulations, and enhanced ventilation schedules have been shown to significantly reduce ammonia emissions and improve performance.

9. Recommendations for Farmers
– Check RH daily: maintain between 50–70%.
– Monitor ammonia regularly: aim for <20 ppm.
– Fix water leaks immediately to avoid wet litter.
– Adjust ventilation by season to balance temperature, RH, and air quality.
– Work with a nutritionist to optimize protein levels in diets.
– Use litter amendments wisely to reduce ammonia emissions.

10. Future Outlook
The integration of smart sensors and artificial intelligence into poultry housing systems may soon allow farmers to predict ammonia build-up and adjust ventilation automatically. Further research is needed to quantify the long-term welfare and production benefits of advanced technologies and to make them affordable for small- and medium-scale farmers.

11. Conclusion
Ammonia and humidity are closely linked environmental challenges in poultry houses. Both negatively affect bird health, welfare, and productivity when not controlled. Together, they magnify each other’s harmful effects, resulting in economic losses and compromised flock performance. Regular monitoring, proactive litter and ventilation management, balanced nutrition, and modern environmental control tools are essential for maintaining a healthy environment. Addressing these issues not only supports profitability but also improves animal welfare, ensuring sustainable poultry production.

In today’s poultry industry, two factors play a decisive role in ensuring profitable, sustainable, and disease-free production:

Water Treatment and Biosecurity.
Together, they safeguard flock health, enhance performance, and reduce dependence on antibiotics.

1. Water Treatment in Poultry
Water is often called the “forgotten nutrient,” yet it is the most critical element in poultry production. Birds consume twice as much water as feed, and any compromise in water quality directly impacts growth, egg production, and immunity.

Key Challenges in Water Quality
– Microbial contamination: Bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella spread through untreated water.
– Biofilm formation: Organic residues in pipelines harbor pathogens.
– Chemical impurities: High TDS, hardness, iron, or nitrates affect digestion and performance.
– pH imbalance: Acidic or alkaline water reduces feed intake. Water Treatment Practices
– Filtration to remove physical impurities.
– Acidification to maintain pH (5.5–6.5) and inhibit bacterial growth.
– Chlorination / Hydrogen Peroxide / Ozone for disinfection.
– Regular waterline flushing to prevent biofilm buildup.
– Monitoring TDS, hardness, and microbial load routinely.

2. Biosecurity in Poultry
Biosecurity means preventing disease entry and spread on the farm. With rising concerns about Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and the push toward antibiotic-free production, biosecurity has become more important than ever.

Three Levels of Biosecurity
1. Conceptual Biosecurity – Farm location, distance from other poultry units, controlled entry points.
2. Structural Biosecurity – Physical barriers, fencing, bird-proof sheds, water sanitation system.
3. Operational Biosecurity – Day-to-day practices like disinfection, vaccination, and visitor control.

Practical Biosecurity Measures
– Restrict farm access (only authorized persons allowed).
– Provide footbaths, hand sanitizers, and farm clothing.
– Disinfect vehicles, crates, and equipment before entry.
– Implement rodent and wild bird control programs.
– Maintain strict mortality disposal methods (incineration/composting).
– Regular vaccination and health monitoring.
– Keep detailed farm records for traceability.

3. Water Treatment + Biosecurity = Sustainable Poultry
While water treatment ensures internal health and performance, biosecurity provides external protection from infections. Both are complementary and essential.
– Clean water reduces gut-related diseases like colibacillosis and diarrhoea.
– Biosecurity reduces the risk of respiratory and viral infections.
– Together, they help in antibiotic-free poultry production, improve FCR (Feed Conversion Ratio), enhance bird welfare, and boost farmer profitability.

Water Quality Monitoring & Water-Borne Diseases in Poultry

Diagram shows that, the source of water we need to check, Ph, TDS, COLOUR, BACTERIA & VIRAL LOAD. This water will go to overhead tank & from there it will distribute to different Poultry shed tanks & through pipe & nipple it will available for birds, here we need to monitor the quality of water.

Importance of Water Sanitation in Poultry Production
In modern poultry production, the use of feed additives such as water and feed acidifiers, toxin binders, probiotics, and antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) is a common recommendation by poultry nutritionists. Farmers are also increasingly incorporating low-cost protein sources like Rice DDGS, Maize DDGS, and Meat Meal (sometimes adulterated with leather powder) to reduce feed costs.

However, ignoring water sanitation remains one of the most critical mistakes in poultry farming. Even with balanced feed formulation and additives, if the water provided to the birds is contaminated, it results in:
• Loose droppings due to microbial contamination.
• Poor nutrient absorption – birds fail to utilize protein, energy, minerals, and vitamins in the diet.
• Increased incidence of diseases such as E. coli infections and Salpingitis.
• Weakened immunity and consequently poor production performance.

In contrast, a farm with proper water sanitation shows remarkable differences. For example, in one of my ideally managed farms, the birds consistently showed dry droppings (“DRY BEAT”), a clear indicator of good gut health and proper nutrient absorption. This success was achieved through:
• Regular water sanitation practices (disinfection, acidification, and monitoring).
• Ensuring feed hygiene along with the use of safe, food-grade raw materials.
• Strict biosecurity and management protocols.

Safe Water Treatment – A Farmer’s Responsibility

Many farmers currently use different chemicals such as chlorine gas, bleaching powder, and sodium hypochlorite for water treatment. They are not safe for poultry or humans. These compounds often leave harmful residues, alter water taste, reduce consumption, and may even add toxic by-products into the water. According to WHO guidelines, only food and pharmaceutical grade salt should be used for drinking water treatment — both for humans and poultry. The safest and globally recommended option is NaDCC (Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate), which ensures:
• Broad spectrum disinfection with very effective bacterial control
• Safe for poultry & human consumption
• No significant change in taste or odour
• Eco-friendly & easy handling
• Stable and longer shelf life compared to other chlorine sources

Using sub-standard chemicals not only compromises poultry performance (loose droppings, poor nutrient absorption, higher
disease load, chlorine toxicity) but also risks human food safety through residues in meat and eggs.
Key Impact: Farmers must understand that safe water treatment is not about the cheapest chemical, but about using WHO- recommended, food & pharma grade NaDCC for long-term health, productivity, and profitability.

Note: Why NaDCC (Food & Pharma Grade) is Always Better.

Among all the available chlorine-base compounds for water sanitation, Food & Pharma grade Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) is the safest and most effective choice.

• WHO Recommended – Approved for safe drinking water treatment globally.
• Broad Spectrum Effectiveness – Provides strong and stable disinfection (48 hours’ stability).
• Safe for Birds & Humans – No harmful residues, no significant change in taste or odor.
• Eco-Friendly – No toxic by-products or sludge formation.
• Long Shelf Life – Up to 3 years, with easy effervescent tablet formulation.
• Ease of Use – Simple handling, no heavy cylinders or high manpower required.
• Therefore, NaDCC (Food & Pharma Grade) is always better than chlorine gas, bleaching powder, sodium hypochlorite, or halozone for ensuring Zero-Bacteria Water in poultry Farms.

Conclusion
In poultry management, prevention is always better than cure. Poultry farming success is not just about what we feed the birds, but also about the quality of water they drink every single day. Feed can be fortified, sheds can be modernized, but without clean water and strict sanitation, the full genetic potential of the flock can never be realized. Water is the simplest yet most powerful tool to secure healthy birds, higher productivity, and long-term profitability. Water treatment and biosecurity are not costs but investments that return multiple benefits in productivity, profitability, and sustainability.

By: Dr. Priyanka Kamble, Senior Marketing Manager Huvepharma

Introduction

Newcastle Disease (ND), caused by Avian Paramyxovirus Type-1 (APMV-1), remains one of the most devastating viral infections affecting the poultry industry in India. With high mortality rates, reduced egg production, and severe economic losses, ND poses a constant threat to both small-scale poultry farmers and large commercial producers. Despite advancements in vaccination and biosecurity, the disease continues to challenge the sustainability of India’s poultry sector, which contributes significantly to the nation’s agricultural GDP.

Newcastle Disease: A Persistent Menace

Newcastle Disease is highly contagious, affecting chickens, turkeys, and other avian species. The virus spreads through direct contact, contaminated feed, water, equipment, and even airborne transmission. Clinical signs vary depending on the strain but commonly include:

• Respiratory distress (gasping, coughing, nasal discharge)
• Nervous signs (twisting of the neck, paralysis, tremors)
• Greenish diarrhoea
• Sudden drop in egg production (thin-shelled or shell-less eggs)
• High mortality (up to 100% in unvaccinated flocks)

In India, velogenic strains (highly virulent) are predominant, causing severe outbreaks that cripple poultry operations. (APMV-1 Velogenic NDV is responsible for Velogenic Viscerotropic ND (VVND) outbreaks in India).

Economic Impact on the Indian Poultry Industry

India is the third-largest egg producer and fifth-largest poultry meat producer globally, The poultry sector in India, valued at more than USD 28 billion in 2021-22, has been a vital component of the country’s agriculture and food processing industry. Newcastle Disease disrupts this growth through:

1. Direct Losses Due to Mortality & Culling

• Unvaccinated or poorly managed flocks face mortality rates of 80-100%, leading to massive financial losses.
• Government-mandated culling during outbreaks further exacerbates losses.

2. Reduced Egg & Meat Production

• Layers: A single ND outbreak can cause a 20–50% drop in egg productionand reduce egg quality, with recovery taking weeks.

• Broilers: Cause severe mortality. Infected birds suffer stunted growth, leading to lower market weights and downgrading at processing plants.

3. Increased Vaccination & Treatment Costs

• Farmers must invest in regular vaccination schedules (Live & Inactivated ND vaccines), adding to operational costs.
• Secondary bacterial infections (E. coli, Mycoplasma) increase antibiotic usage, raising concerns over antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

4. Trade Restrictions & Market Losses

• ND outbreaks lead to quarantine zones, restricting movement of poultry and products.
• Export markets (Middle East, Southeast Asia) impose bans on Indian poultry products during outbreaks, causing revenue losses.

5. Impact on Small & Marginal Farmers

• Over 70% of Indian poultry farmers are small-scale, lacking resources for strict biosecurity.
• A single ND outbreak can bankrupt small farmers, pushing them out of the industry.

Strategies to Combat Newcastle Disease

1. Strict Vaccination Protocols
2. Enhanced Biosecurity Measures

• Farm-level hygiene: Disinfection of footwear, vehicles, equipment.
• Restricted access: Prevent contact with wild birds & other farms.
• All-in-all-out systems: Reduce viral persistence in multi-age flocks.

3. Early Detection & Rapid Response

• Regular serological monitoring (HI tests for antibody titers).
• Rapid reporting of suspected cases to Veterinarians.

4. Proactive Measures for ND Outbreak Prevention

• Compulsory ND vaccination programs in high-risk zones.
• Farmer awareness campaigns on biosecurity best practices.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Newcastle Disease is not just a health issue—it’s an economic catastrophe for India’s poultry industry. With the sector growing at 8-10% annually, unchecked ND outbreaks disrupt livelihoods and threaten national food security.

The solution lies in:
 Proactive vaccination
 Robust biosecurity
 Farmer education
 Stronger policy enforcement

As veterinarians, researchers, and industry leaders, we must unite to safeguard Indian poultry from Newcastle Disease—ensuring sustainability for farmers and safe, affordable protein for millions.

Dr. Pawar Rutik Namdev1 (MVSc Scholar), Dr. Shipra Tiwari1 (MVSc Scholar)
1Department of Livestock Products Technology,
College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, DUVASU Mathura (281001), India

Introduction
India’s poultry farming sector is one of the fastest-growing segments of agriculture, transitioning from small-scale backyard flocks to an organized, technology-driven industry. Today, India ranks as the third-largest producer of eggs and fifth-largest producer of broiler meat globally, contributing significantly to nutritional security, rural livelihoods, and export earnings. The adoption of innovative technologies and sustainable practices is the driving force behind this transformation. The convergence of automation, biotechnology, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and renewable energy solutions is redefining efficiency, profitability, and animal welfare in Indian poultry production.

1. Automation and Environmental Control Systems
Modern poultry farms increasingly rely on automatic feeders, nipple drinkers, robotic cleaning systems, and conveyor-based egg collection. Climate-controlled housing systems use tunnel ventilation, cooling pads, and heating systems to maintain optimal growth conditions year-round. IoT-enabled climate controllers adjust temperature, humidity, and lighting schedules automatically. Case example: A large poultry farm in Tamil Nadu reported a 15% improvement in feed conversion ratio (FCR) and 12% lower mortality after adopting IoT-based environmental monitoring.

2. AI and IoT for Health and Productivity Monitoring
AI-powered surveillance systems analyze movement patterns, vocalization changes, and feeding behavior to detect early disease signs. IoT sensors track feed and water intake, body weight, and environmental parameters in real time, alerting farmers via smartphone apps. Global Insight: In Japan, smart poultry houses with AI-based monitoring achieve over 95% accuracy in predicting disease outbreaks 48–72 hours before visible symptoms appear — a model now being adapted in Indian research centers.

3. Sustainable Feeding Solutions and Waste Utilization
Feed constitutes 70% of production costs, making feed innovation a critical area. Innovations include:
– Black Soldier Fly larvae meal — high protein, produced from organic waste.
– Algal biomass — boosts omega-3 content in meat and eggs.
– Enzyme-enriched feeds — improve nutrient absorption.
– Crop residue-based feed formulations — reduce costs and waste.
Impact: Lower costs, enhanced nutritional quality, and improved environmental sustainability.

4. Vertical Integration and Supply Chain Efficiency
Leading companies like Suguna Foods, Venky’s, and Godrej Tyson operate fully integrated supply chains — controlling breeding, feed milling, hatcheries, grow-out farms, processing, cold chain logistics, and retail sales.This ensures biosecurity, quality consistency, and traceability while supporting contract farmers with inputs and technical guidance.

5. Biotechnology and Genetic Advancements
Advanced breeding programs use CRISPR-Cas9, marker-assisted selection, and QTL mapping to produce birds with higher productivity, disease resistance, and adaptability to India’s climate. Example: Dual-purpose breeds like Vanaraja and Gramapriya — developed by ICAR — thrive in rural, low-input systems while producing 180–200 eggs annually alongside quality meat.

6. Antibiotic-Free Production and Biosecurity Innovations
The shift toward antibiotic-free poultry production is gaining momentum through:
– Farm-specific vaccination programs.
– Probiotic and phytogenic additives like oregano oil and neem extracts.
– Strict biosecurity protocols — footbaths, controlled farm access, and vehicle disinfection.

7. Blockchain, RFID, and Digital Traceability
Blockchain-backed farm-to-fork tracking ensures that consumers can verify a product’s origin, quality, and safety. RFID-tagged batches enable instant recalls in case of contamination.

8. Renewable Energy and Eco-Friendly Practices
Sustainable poultry farms are implementing:
– Solar panels to power fans, lights, and heating.
– Biogas digesters to convert manure into usable energy.
– Rainwater harvesting and water recycling for operations.
Case Example: A Maharashtra farm reduced electricity costs by 40% after installing a rooftop solar plant and biogas unit.

9. Government and Institutional Support
Government initiatives such as the National Livestock Mission (NLM), Poultry Venture Capital Fund, and ICAR-led AICRP on Poultry Breeding have accelerated technology adoption. Subsidies for equipment like solar panels, hatchery automation, and cold chain infrastructure are making modernization accessible to small and medium-scale farmers.Training programs by Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and state veterinary universities ensure that farmers can adopt and maintain new technologies effectively.

10. Global Best Practices and India’s Adoption
Internationally, countries like the Netherlands, the US, and Brazil have long embraced precision poultry farming — a data-driven approach that integrates AI, robotics, and real-time analytics. India is adapting these practices to local conditions and cost constraints, ensuring scalability for farms of all sizes.

11. Future Trends and Opportunities
The next wave of innovations in Indian poultry farming may include:
– Robotic farm assistants for cleaning, egg collection, and surveillance.
– Wearable health trackers for breeder birds.
– Fully automated AI-driven hatcheries for precision chick management.
– Advanced climate-resilient poultry housing to withstand extreme weather events.
– 3D imaging and AI for carcass yield optimization in processing plants.

12. Regional Success Stories: Innovation at the Grassroots
While large corporates drive vertical integration, many small and medium poultry farmers are embracing low-cost tech solutions with significant results.

– Andhra Pradesh: Farmers use low-energy tunnel ventilation systems designed by local engineering colleges, reducing summer mortality by 20%.

– Kerala: Co-operative societies invest in solar-powered incubators, enabling village-level chick production and reducing dependency on urban hatcheries.

– Punjab: Backyard poultry programs using Vanaraja and Gramapriya breeds help women farmers earn ₹15,000–₹20,000 annually from egg sales alone.
These success stories highlight that technology adoption is scalable — from backyard to industrial scale.

13. Start-Up Innovations Driving Change
India’s agri-tech start-ups are entering poultry farming with AI-driven farm management apps, e-commerce feed platforms, and precision health tools.
– Eggoz – Uses IoT-based farm monitoring for premium “antibiotic-free” eggs with QR-coded traceability.
– PoultryMon – Offers sensor-based farm health and productivity analytics.
– Kheyti – Introduces low-cost modular poultry shelters for climate-resilient small-scale farming.
Start-ups are bridging the gap between traditional farming and high-end technology, making advanced tools affordable and accessible.

14. Export Opportunities for Indian Poultry Products
India’s poultry exports (mainly hatching eggs, table eggs, and frozen chicken) have strong demand in Middle Eastern, African, and Asian markets.
Innovations in cold chain logistics, biosecurity compliance, and product quality assurance are enabling Indian producers to compete internationally.
Key Factors Boosting Export Potential:
– Adoption of Global G.A.P. certification for biosecurity and welfare.
– Processing innovations for value-added products like pre-cooked chicken.
– Government-backed export incentives under APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority).

15. Challenges and Pathways to Overcome Them
Despite progress, the sector faces challenges:
Challenges
– Feed cost volatility due to climate-driven crop fluctuations.
– Biosecurity threats from avian influenza outbreaks.
– Gaps in cold chain and logistics for rural production clusters.
– Limited financing options for small-scale modernization.
Solutions
– Development of alternative protein sources (insects, algae, single-cell proteins).
– Regional disease surveillance networks linked via AI dashboards.
– Public-private investment in cold chain and processing hubs.
– Microfinance and government-backed credit schemes for smallholder poultry farmers.

16. The Road Ahead: Towards Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive Poultry Farming
The future of Indian poultry farming lies in integrating technology with inclusivity — ensuring that innovations reach small and marginal farmers alongside industrial players. With AI-driven analytics, IoT-enabled health monitoring, climate-resilient infrastructure, and renewable energy adoption, India can position itself as a global leader in sustainable poultry production.
If the sector continues on this trajectory, poultry farming in India could become:· Economically stronger – by reducing costs and increasing market access. · Environmentally responsible – through renewable energy and waste recycling.
– Socially empowering – by creating livelihoods, especially for rural women.

Conclusion
India’s poultry farming sector is undergoing a historic transformation, shifting from traditional backyard systems to a highly organized, technology-enabled, and market-oriented industry. Through automation, AI, IoT-based monitoring, sustainable feed innovations, genetic advancements, blockchain-enabled traceability, and renewable energy integration, productivity is rising while environmental impact is being reduced. Government support, institutional research, and the rise of agri-tech start-ups have accelerated technology adoption not just among large integrated players but also among small and medium-scale farmers. Regional success stories prove that innovation is scalable and adaptable to local needs.

The sector’s future lies in smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth — where advanced tools are accessible to all farmers, where poultry products meet the highest global safety and quality standards, and where exports grow alongside domestic food security. By embracing innovation while addressing challenges like feed cost volatility, biosecurity risks, and logistics gaps, India is poised to become a global leader in sustainable poultry production, delivering economic growth, environmental responsibility, and social empowerment in equal measure.

Lode Nollet, Global Product Manager Poultry Enzymes, Huvepharma

Nutritional strategies to support the production of high quality, low cost and safe animal products are a must nowadays. The relationships between health, nutrition, welfare, and environment need to be considered. In poultry production, increasing feed costs are imposing pressure on the profitability of the farmer, so nutritionists seek to reduce feed costs whilst maintaining animal performance and gut health. Several strategies, with tangible tools to support this, are discussed in this article.

CONTROLLING COCCIDIOSIS

Coccidiosis, caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria, is one of the most widespread and difficult to manage poultry diseases, resulting in considerable economic losses in the broiler industry. Insufficient or inadequate control of coccidiosis will result in gut health damage and provide a pathway for other pathogens to proliferate.

For instance, suboptimal coccidiosis control combined with a high amount of undigested protein will create an ideal situation for the proliferation of Clostridia spp. Birds suffering from clinical coccidiosis will show typical signs like diarrhoea, bloody droppings, increased mortality, decreased feed intake and impaired performance.

Inadequate control of coccidiosis leads to impaired growth and feed conversion ratio, without the presence of evident clinical signs. This is subclinical coccidiosis.

Intensive methods of production of poultry favour the reproduction of Eimeria. Consequently, coccidiosis is a continuing problem requiring constant attention and, in the case of broilers, a need for continuous supplementation with anticoccidial drugs or coccidiosis vaccines, in addition to in-feed anticoccidials. Coccidiosis control combined with a good monitoring programme will be the base of any gut health management programme.

IMPROVING FEED DIGESTIBILITY

Improving digestibility of the feed can be achieved by selecting highly digestible feedstuffs. However, this will increase the feed price. The improvement of the digestibility of feed by using enzymes able to degrade Non-Starch Polysaccharides (the so-called NSPases) will not only lead to lowering the feed cost at formulation, but also exert a positive effect on the bird’s gut health.

The NSPases contain xylanase or xylanase-based enzymatic complexes, and their mode of action includes the hydrolysis of soluble arabinoxylans, which minimises intestinal viscosity, preventing the overgrowth of microflora and thereby reduces gut health disorders.

Together with the efficient reduction in viscosity, NSPases will also hydrolyse insoluble arabinoxylans. This action will unlock nutrients (mainly starch and proteins) which are trapped in the cell walls of the vegetable feed ingredients (the so called ‘cage effect’ of insoluble fibres).

Using the correct NSPase leads to improved digestibility of starch and protein. The latter is of particular importance as high levels of undigested protein in the (last) part of the intestine is a breeding ground for protein-loving pathogens like Clostridium spp, causing necrotic enteritis.

The breakdown of arabinoxylans by NSPase also yields arabino- oligosaccharides (AXOS) which are known to be fermented by the microflora in the lower part of the intestine to butyrate, which is a major energy source for villi regeneration allowing good gut health status.

Phytases have been shown not only to break down phytate to release phosphorus, but by doing so, to also destroy the anti-nutritional factor phytate.

This not only leads to a reduction of endogenous protein losses, but also liberates protein and amino acids which are complexed by phytate, enhancing their digestibility.

SUPPORTING THE MICROBIOTA

The relationship between a healthy gut and the animal’s microbiota is undeniable. As part of the holistic approach, the inclusion of probiotics in the nutritional programme offers a way of supporting gut health from a microbial perspective.

The mode of action of probiotics is usually multifactorial, including (but not limited to) the production of beneficial metabolites or the direct competition with unwanted bacteria. As a result, probiotics often help to balance the present microbiota and improve its robustness, supporting general gut health in the process. Probiotics can be incorporated into the feed or drinking water, depending on the strain and formulation used.

Although there are many commercial options available, the preferred product of choice should be based on a single unique strain, capable of forming spores and with a proven and researched mode of action. Such probiotics increase the ease of use, whilst ensuring product efficacy.

Good examples are B-Act®, containing viable spores of Bacillus licheniformis, based on Clostridium butyricum. Probiotics allow producers to support their animals’ gut health efficiently, setting them up for a successful production period from start to finish.

CONCLUSION

Gut health management is of paramount importance to the profitability of poultry farming. The strategy behind managing optimal gut health should contain a combination of the most important control tools on the market available today: an adequate and well thought-through coccidiosis control programme, combined with an NSP enzyme and a phytase, and topped off by a well-functioning probiotic.

To know more, please contact Huvepharma technical team

Huvepharma SEA (Pune) Pvt. Ltd.

42, ‘ Haridwar’, Road 2 A/B, Kalyani Nagar, Pune 411006 Customer Care Contact: +91 20 2665 4193

Email: salesindia@huvepharma.com Website: www.huvepharma.com

By : Dr Maloshrie Bora, Program Manager (Trace Minerals), Trouw Nutrition South Asia

Trace minerals such as zinc, copper, and manganese are fundamental to poultry health, acting as cofactors in vital biochemical pathways: skeletal development, immune defenses, antioxidative systems, enzyme functions, feathering, and reproductive performance. Yet, the typical composition of feed ingredients often falls short of modern poultry standards. That’s why precision mineral nutrition—providing the right mineral at the right time and in the right form—is essential to support optimal broiler growth, eggshell integrity in layers, and fertility in breeders.

While inorganic sources like sulfates and oxides have been staples for decades, they suffer from low bioavailability and reactiveness. These soluble compounds can prematurely release minerals, which then form insoluble complexes with phytate or binding agents in the gut, diminishing absorption and even degrading vitamins or enzymes in the premix. This not only reduces feed efficiency but also increases mineral excretion, raising environmental concerns. Organic (chelate) minerals improved this situation, but often at a premium cost and with variable potency. Enter the next generation: hydroxy trace minerals. Hydroxy trace minerals, like copper, zinc, and manganese hydroxychloride, represent the latest leap in mineral nutrition. Their crystalline, covalent structure is non-hygroscopic and non-reactive in feed and the upper gut. This structure allows slow, controlled release of minerals at the ideal intestinal absorption site, significantly improving bioavailability. They resist premature dissolution, ensuring minerals are released more slowly and absorbed where it matters most.

Research across poultry sectors consistently shows that hydroxy trace minerals outperform inorganic sources. Broilers fed hydroxy copper and zinc achieved 7–8% heavier carcasses and a noticeable boost in breast meat yield. In independent trials, hydroxy-supplemented flocks maintained or improved feed conversion ratios while using lower inclusion levels than sulfate-based diets . Moreover, in antibiotic-free or necrotic enteritis challenge models, hydroxy minerals reduced pathogen load and mortality, performing on par with ionophores. Layers also benefit: eggshell quality improves, feed remains stable longer (less oxidation), and FCR gains are consistent when inorganic Cu, Zn, Mn are replaced with hydroxy versions. Breeder flocks, too, see enhanced fertility and hatchability under precision hydroxy mineral regimes.
Beyond performance, hydroxy trace minerals contribute to gut integrity and immune defense. Broilers on hydroxy mineral diets exhibited reduced cecal enterobacteria and maintained tight junction integrity, translating into healthier birds and better carcass quality.

Discover IntelliBond®: Precision You Can Trust
Among hydroxy trace mineral solutions, Trouw Nutrition’s IntelliBond® stands out as a premium, thoroughly validated choice. Designed to optimize delivery of copper, zinc, and manganese, IntelliBond features:

– High bioavailability and potency : thanks to stable, covalent crystalline bonds that release minerals at the optimal intestinal site.

– Enhanced feed stability and nutrient preservation : safeguarding enzymes like phytase and vitamins from degradation in premixes

– Improved bird performance and economics : with independent studies showing better feed conversion, heavier carcasses, superior egg output, and healthier flocks under stress.

– Environmental sustainability : with reduced inclusion rates and lower mineral excretion promoting cleaner production.

– Unmatched versatility across poultry species and life stages : including broilers, layers, and breeders—even under challenging conditions like heat stress or compromised hygiene. This adaptability has been validated across multiple trials and production environments.

Proven Performance Across Poultry Types
A Spanish study comparing hydroxy vs. sulfate-fed broilers at nutritional levels found that those receiving hydroxy minerals (IntelliBond C and Z) achieved 7.4% higher live weights, 7.7% heavier carcasses, and 16.1% breast meat yield, versus 15.3% in the sulfate group. Another Trouw Nutrition joint trial with the University of New England demonstrated improved bone integrity (tibia breaking strength) and breast meat zinc content in broilers fed 100 ppm IntelliBond Zn, with gut integrity maintained. In antibiotic-free commercial conditions, hydroxy copper-chloride combined with organic acids matched or exceeded the performance gains of feed antibiotics while improving egg weight, mass, and feed efficiency in layer hens. These findings highlight the ability of IntelliBonds to deliver consistent productivity gains across broilers, layers, and breeders—even under stress or antibiotic-free regimes. Trouw Nutrition India has been pioneering mineral-precision feeding. “Trouw Talks” events in Karnal and Hyderabad, unveiled IntelliBond’s OptiSize® technology—highlighting uniform, stable crystals that protect premix integrity and animal performance. Trouw Nutrition’s new premix plant near Hyderabad supports local production of trace minerals, vitamins, and specialized premixes—readying India for advanced feed solutions. This investment and local research infrastructure underline Trouw Nutrition’s strong commitment to validating hydroxy mineral efficacy under Indian production conditions.

Why IntelliBond® Stands Out
Developed over two decades and backed by 200+ global trials, IntelliBond® hydroxy trace minerals ensure predictable delivery and dependable results through:
– Superior bioavailability due to controlled release and crystalline stability

– Enhanced feed stability, maintaining vitamins, enzymes, and reducing oxidation in premixes

– Animal performance gains, improving carcass weight, egg production, feed conversion, and profitability

– Gut health, by reducing pathogenic bacteria and preserving gut barrier integrity in broilers
– Environmental responsibility, lowering mineral excretion while supporting sustainability-focused operations

Precision Manufacturing and Traceability
Trouw Nutrition’s OptiSize® technology guarantees uniform particle size and non-hygroscopic behavior. Its low reactivity protects feed integrity, while rigorous traceability—from raw material origins to lot distribution—ensures feed safety and compliance.

Modern poultry production demands precision: the right trace mineral, in the right form, at the right level. Hydroxy trace minerals—especially IntelliBond®—deliver on that promise. Scientific evidence and Trouw Nutrition’s local investments prove that these superior minerals enhance productivity, welfare, and sustainability in broilers, layers, and breeders. By choosing IntelliBond®, nutritionists and producers gain a trusted, research-backed solution that fosters better performance, protects investments, and advances poultry industry goals in India and beyond.

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.