Abstract
The global poultry market has experienced significant expansion over the past three decades, driven by rising incomes, urbanization, dietary shifts, improvements in production technologies, and evolving consumer preferences. Poultry meat and eggs are now among the most widely consumed animal protein sources globally. Despite robust growth trajectories, the sector faces multifaceted challenges, including disease outbreaks, feed cost volatility, sustainability pressures, trade tensions, regulatory complexity, and animal welfare concerns. This review examines the current dynamics of the global poultry market, identifies key growth opportunities, explores systemic and structural challenges, and outlines strategic considerations for stakeholders. The paper synthesizes production and consumption trends, discusses supply-chain transformation, and highlights policy implications relevant to producers, industry actors, and global food security agendas.
Keywords: poultry market, poultry production, consumption trends, animal health, sustainability, global trade, feed resource pressures

1. Introduction
The poultry sector occupies a central position in the global agri-food system, supplying an estimated 130 million tonnes of poultry meat and over 80 million tonnes of eggs annually (most recent FAO/USDA estimates). Poultry’s competitive advantage lies in its relative efficiency in converting feed to edible protein, rapid flock turnover, adaptability to diverse production systems, and broad consumer acceptance.

The global poultry market comprises diverse value chains—from large, vertically integrated producers in North America and Europe to smallholder and backyard operations in Africa and Asia. Structural transformation in emerging economies has accelerated poultry’s contribution to GDP, employment, and rural livelihoods. Consumption patterns reflect the interplay of economic growth, cultural food preferences, price elasticity, and health perceptions.

However, this dynamic industry operates within a complex environment marked by rising feed costs, global pandemics impacting animal and human health, environmental sustainability imperatives, and regulatory fragmentation.
Understanding the multifactorial opportunities and challenges shaping the poultry market is essential for sustainable policy and investment decisions.

2. Global Poultry Market Overview

2.1 Production Trends
Global poultry production has grown steadily, with compound annual growth rates (CAGR) of 3–4% over the last decade. Key producers include the United States, China, Brazil, the European Union, and India. Brazil has emerged as a dominant exporter, particularly in broiler exports to the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

Poultry’s growth outpaces other livestock sectors due to:
– Favourable feed conversion ratios (FCR).
– Short production cycles (5–7 weeks for broilers).
– Technological advancements in genetics and nutrition
– Expansion of commercial hatchery and feed mill capacity.

Regional production characteristics differ:
– North America and Europe: Highly industrialized, integrated supply chains.
– Latin America: Strong export orientation with competitive cost structures
– Asia: High consumption growth driven by population size and rising incomes
– Africa: Mixed systems with predominance of smallholder production and emerging commercial zones.

2.2 Consumption Patterns
Poultry consumption has outpaced other meats globally, with poultry meat now representing over 40% of total meat consumption in many countries. Drivers of demand include:
– Affordability relative to beef and pork.
– Perceived health benefits (lower fat content)
– Culinary versatility
– Cultural and religious acceptability (chicken widely accepted globally).

Egg consumption also remains strong as a low-cost source of high-quality protein, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
2.3 Trade Dynamics
Trade in poultry products is a critical factor shaping global market balances. Key export nations (Brazil, the United States, EU-27) supply major importing regions such as China, Japan, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Trade policies, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, and bilateral agreements influence market access and competitiveness.

Export growth is influenced by:
– Currency exchange rates
– SPS compliance
– Consumer preferences (e.g., halal, antibiotic-free)
– Logistic infrastructure and cold chain capacity

3. Opportunities in the Global Poultry Market
3.1 Rising Global Demand
Population growth and urbanization are projected to increase global demand for animal protein. The FAO projects meat demand to rise by 14% by 2030, with poultry accounting for a large share of this increase due to its cost competitiveness and consumer acceptance.

Key demand accelerators include:
– Expansion of the middle class in Asia and Africa
– Increased purchasing power and dietary diversification
– Retail and food service growth (quick service restaurants)
3.2 Technological Advancements
Innovation across the value chain presents opportunities to enhance productivity and sustainability:
– Genetics: Improved broiler and layer strains with better FCR and disease resilience.
– Precision nutrition: Formulation software and feed additives (enzymes, probiotics)
– Automation: Climate-controlled housing, automated feeders, and data-driven management
Digital tools—such as IoT sensors, predictive analytics, and blockchain for traceability—are transforming production, quality control, and supply chain transparency.

3.3 Value-Added Products and Market Segmentation
Consumers increasingly seek value-added poultry products (ready-to-eat, convenience cuts), organic and free-range options, and niche segments (e.g., antibiotic-free, non-GMO). Urban middle-income consumers drive demand for premiumization.
Emerging product categories include:
– Prepared meals.
– Specialty eggs (omega-3 enriched)
– Ethnic and functional poultry products
3.4 Export Growth and Market Diversification
Countries with cost advantages and efficient logistics can expand exports. Trade agreements (e.g., MERCOSUR preferences in the EU market) and niche market access (halal certification) create export opportunities.
Export prospects are amplified by:
– Infrastructure investment in cold chain and ports.
– SPS harmonization under WTO frameworks.
– E-commerce platforms facilitating cross-border trade
3.5 Sustainability and Circular Bioeconomy Practices
Sustainability imperatives offer opportunities for innovation:
– Feed efficiency reduces resource use and greenhouse gas emissions
– Alternative feed resources (DDGS, insect meal) reduce dependence on conventional grains
– Manure management technologies provide renewable energy and biofertilizers
Consumers and regulators increasingly value sustainability certification, carbon labelling, and responsible sourcing.

4. Major Challenges Facing the Global Poultry Market

4.1 Feed Cost Volatility
Feed accounts for 60–70% of poultry production costs. Maize and soybean price swings due to weather events, commodity speculation, and biofuel policy interactions significantly influence profitability. Feed cost volatility impacts producers’ planning and price competitiveness.
Risk factors include:
– Climate change effects on crop yields
– Competing demand from biofuel sectors
– Trade disruptions and tariff barriers
4.2 Disease Outbreaks and Animal Health Risks
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), Newcastle disease, avian mycoplasma, and emerging viral pathogens pose ongoing risks. Outbreaks lead to flock depopulation, trade restrictions, and loss of consumer confidence.
Key challenges:
– Cross-border movement of pathogens.
– Wild bird reservoirs
– Vaccine access and cold chain logistics in LMICs
Biosecurity adoption is uneven, especially in smallholder systems.
4.3 Environmental and Resource Constraints
Poultry production, while more efficient than other meats, still contributes to environmental footprints:
– Nutrient runoff and water quality impacts.
– Greenhouse gas emissions from manure decomposition
– Land use for feed crop production
Environmental regulations impose compliance costs and may constrain expansion in sensitive regions.
4.4 Regulatory Fragmentation and Trade Barriers
Divergent regulations on food safety, animal welfare, antibiotic use, and labelling create complexity for multinational operations. SPS measures, though justified by food safety, are sometimes perceived as trade barriers.
Regulatory challenges include:
– Differing maximum residue limits (MRLs)
– Antibiotic growth promoter bans
– Varied certification requirements across markets
4.5 Consumer Perceptions and Animal Welfare Concerns
Public awareness of animal welfare, antibiotic resistance, and food safety influences purchasing behaviour. Negative media coverage of factory farming practices can suppress demand and lead to restrictive legislation.
Animal welfare certification (e.g., free-range, cage-free) increases costs and requires investment by producers.
4.6 Inequities in Market Access
Smallholder and family poultry producers face structural disadvantages:
– Limited access to quality inputs (chicks, feed, vaccines)
– Weak integration into formal value chains
– Poor access to credit and market information
Addressing inclusivity is crucial for food security in developing regions.

5. Analytical Perspectives on Key Systemic Issues

5.1 Feed Resource Dependence and Innovation Imperatives
The poultry sector’s dependence on maize and soybean meal exposes it to agricultural commodity risks. Strategic diversification requires:
– Development of alternative protein sources (DDGS, legumes, single-cell proteins)
– Feed enzymes and amino acid supplementation technologies
– Localizing feed ingredient value chains
Policy support for agricultural diversification and feed industry investment is necessary.
5.2 Disease Control and Biosecurity Scaling
Global disease control requires:
– Harmonized surveillance systems
– Rapid reporting and compensation mechanisms
– Biosecurity training and infrastructure, especially in smallholder settings
Public–private partnerships can accelerate vaccine deployment and extension services.
5.3 Environmental Sustainability Integration
Life cycle assessment (LCA) frameworks help identify hotspots for environmental mitigation. Opportunities include:
– Precision feeding to reduce nutrient excretion
– Renewable energy integration (biogas from litter)
– Water recycling systems in processing plants
Sustainability reporting and carbon footprint labelling are emerging market differentiators.
5.4 Digital and Data-Driven Transformation
Digital transformation can help optimize production and supply chains:
– Real-time flock monitoring
– Predictive analytics for disease and performance
– Blockchain for traceability and food safety assurance
Investment in digital literacy and infrastructure is essential.

6. Regional Market Insights
6.1 North America
North America exhibits high levels of industry integration, advanced genetics, and robust export markets. Regulatory frameworks increasingly emphasize antibiotic stewardship and traceability.
6.2 Europe
European poultry markets are mature, with emphasis on animal welfare, sustainability, and niche segments. Regulatory stringency presents compliance costs but also premium market opportunities.
6.3 Asia
Asia represents the largest consumption market with rapid per capita meat demand growth. China, India, and Southeast Asian nations present divergent market structures—ranging from industrial poultry to traditional smallholder systems.
6.4 Latin America
Latin America’s cost-competitive producers dominate export markets, especially for broilers. Investments in processing and compliance with SPS standards enhance competitiveness.
6.5 Africa
Africa’s poultry sector is heterogeneous; many countries have smallholder dominance, limited feed industry capacity, and infrastructure constraints. However, urban demand growth signals substantial opportunities.

7. Strategic Policy and Industry Actions
7.1 Supporting Research and Development
Public and private investments in R&D can accelerate:
– Genetics for disease resistance
– Nutritional innovations
– Sustainable housing systems
Collaborative research platforms and knowledge sharing can enhance global productivity.
7.2 Enhancing Value Chain Competitiveness
Investments in cold chain, logistics, and processing infrastructure reduce post-harvest losses and expand market access. Policies that facilitate credit for small and medium enterprises can strengthen inclusivity.
7.3 Strengthening Trade Cooperation
Harmonizing SPS standards and reducing tariff barriers under multilateral frameworks can expand global trade and reduce market fragmentation.
7.4 Promoting Sustainable Intensification
Incentivizing nutrient management, renewable energy adoption, and reduced GHG emissions aligns sector growth with climate commitments.
7.5 Consumer Education and Market Development
Transparent labelling, food safety assurance systems, and communication about nutritional benefits can bolster consumer confidence.

8. Conclusion
The global poultry market stands at the intersection of rapid demand growth, technological evolution, and systemic challenges that require integrated policy and industry responses. Opportunities abound in expanding consumption, trade, product diversification, and sustainability innovation. Simultaneously, feed cost volatility, disease risks, regulatory complexity, and environmental pressures demand strategic investment, coordinated governance, and adaptive industry practices. Sustainable growth of the global poultry sector hinges on balanced approaches that combine productivity enhancement with welfare, environmental stewardship, and economic inclusion. The interplay of global trade, domestic policy, and local production systems will shape the future trajectory of this vital agri-food sector.

During my interaction with Dr. Andreas Lewke, Managing Director (Thailand) at Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition, Germany, I gained valuable insights into how phytogenic feed additives and sustainable nutrition strategies are shaping the future of poultry production and why India remains a key growth market for science-based nutrition solutions. With over two decades of experience across Asia, Dr. Lewke has worked closely with poultry integrators, feed mills and nutritionists to improve gut health, feed efficiency, bird robustness and profitability through plant-derived active ingredients. Our discussion highlighted how these phytogenic solutions can help Indian poultry producers address challenges such as feed cost volatility, disease pressure, heat stress and reduced antibiotic use, while delivering measurable long-term value.

Ricky Thaper: For our readers in India, could you briefly introduce Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition?
Dr. Andreas Lewke: Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition is a family-owned company from Germany, founded more than 30 years ago. From the very beginning we have focused on innovative feed additives that combine animal health, performance and sustainability. Today we are one of the international specialists for phytogenic solutions based on plant-derived active ingredients. Our products are used in poultry, swine, ruminant and aquaculture nutrition around the world. The aim is always the same: to help our customers achieve direct and long-term success with healthy growth, high-quality products and efficient, resource-friendly production.

” Phytogenic nutrition isn’t a concept for tomorrow—it’s delivering performance, health and profitability in poultry production today.”

– Dr Andreas Lewke

Ricky Thaper: What makes Dr. Eckel’s solutions particularly relevant for poultry producers in a market like India?
Dr. Andreas Lewke: In many markets, advanced feed additives are sometimes still seen as “nice to have” products. Our experience in Asia shows that, under today’s competitive conditions, they are much more than that: in fact, they are important tools for securing performance and profit.

Our phytogenic products support gut health, feed efficiency and overall robustness of the birds, whether by helping them cope with stress, pathogen pressure or by diminishing the burden of endotoxins. Together, these concepts help producers to get more value from every kilogram of feed, to stabilise performance under challenging conditions and to protect product quality, while supporting strategies to reduce the reliance on antibiotics and to respond to customer expectations for safe, high-quality poultry meat and eggs. We know that Indian poultry professionals already run very sophisticated operations. Our goal is to offer solutions that fit into these systems and add measurable value where it matters most.

Ricky Thaper: Could you tell us a bit about your own role and background?
Dr. Andreas Lewke: I am Managing Director of Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition in Thailand and responsible for our activities in Asia. I have been working in the region for more than 20 years, always in the field of animal nutrition and feed additives. Over the years I have worked closely with integrators, feed mills and farmers across Asia. My main interest is how innovative, sustainable nutrition concepts can support both healthy animals and healthy profits.

Ricky Thaper: How do you see your connection to the Indian poultry sector in particular?
Dr. Andreas Lewke: India is a key part of our Asian focus. The scale, professionalism and speed of development in the Indian poultry industry are impressive. Over the years I have had many discussions with Indian colleagues at conferences and during customer visits in the region.

What I see is a very strong base of local expertise and entrepreneurial spirit. Indian poultry professionals are highly knowledgeable and very open to new ideas, but they rightly expect clear evidence and practical benefits. They ask tough, practical questions: does it work in my conditions, is it economic, does it help me secure my business in the long run? This mindset fits very well with how we work at Dr. Eckel.

Ricky Thaper: From your perspective, how would you describe the Indian poultry industry today – its strengths and its main challenges?
Dr. Andreas Lewke: India is already one of the largest poultry producers in the world and still has significant growth potential. Rising incomes, urbanisation and changing food habits are driving demand for affordable, high-quality animal protein. Poultry is often the first choice because it is accessible, versatile and fits well with consumer preferences.

At the same time, the industry needs to manage several challenges. Feed raw materials can be expensive and volatile, so producers need to get the maximum value from every ration. Disease pressure and biosecurity are constant topics, especially in high-density production areas.
There is also a clear move towards reducing antibiotic use and towards more sustainable, welfare-orientated production systems that make better use of resources. For us, this combination of strong market growth and pressure on costs and resources makes India not only one of the most important poultry markets globally but also one of the most inspiring to work with.

Ricky Thaper: In this context, how do you see Dr. Eckel contributing to Indian poultry in the coming years?
Dr. Andreas Lewke: We see our role as a trusted partner. Our task is to contribute proven tools and know-how that support the goals Indian companies have set for themselves. In practical terms, this means working to implement phytogenic concepts that fit Indian conditions. Our products support better gut health, more stable performance and consistent meat and egg quality, even under heat or pathogen stress and other challenges.

With our experience in the phytogenic sector, our solutions that unite profit, health and quality, our innovative portfolio and our flexible, customer-orientated service, we believe we can make a meaningful contribution to the continued success of the Indian poultry sector.

Ricky Thaper: Finally, what message would you like to share with Indian poultry professionals who are reading or watching this interview?
Dr. Andreas Lewke: First of all, I have great respect for what the Indian poultry industry has achieved. Indian poultry industry has built a strong, dynamic sector that keeps moving forward despite many external challenges. My message would be : “We at Dr. Eckel are keen to learn from Indian poultry industry leaders experience and to share our own expertise where it can help. If Indian poultry industry is interested in practical, sustainable nutrition concepts that support healthy growth, product quality and long-term success, we would be very happy to exchange ideas and explore how we can work together.”

Feed Cost Volatility & Raw Material Availability in the Indian Poultry Sector

Prof. (Dr.) P.K. Shukla and Dr. Amitav Bhattacharyya
Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Mathura (U.P.)
– President, Indian Poultry Science Association.
– Chairman, Scientific Panel 13 of FSSAI on Meat and Meat Products including poultry.
– Vice President, World Veterinary Poultry Association(I)

Abstract
Feed constitutes the largest single cost component in commercial poultry production, typically accounting for 60–75% of total production cost. In India, volatility in feed costs and irregular availability of key raw materials (maize, soybean/soybean meal, rapeseed meal, fishmeal, and others) have created recurring pressures on producer margins, market stability and food security. This article examines the drivers of feed cost volatility in the Indian poultry sector, assesses patterns of raw material availability, and evaluates short- and medium-term strategies used by industry and policymakers to manage risk. We synthesise recent market evidence (2023–2025), identify structural vulnerabilities—such as dependence on a narrow set of feed ingredients, fragmented procurement, and policy mismatches—and review practical mitigation strategies including alternative feed ingredients, feed formulation optimisation, vertical integration, risk-sharing contracts, and public policy interventions (market intelligence, buffer stocks, and targeted support). The article concludes with recommendations for research priorities and policy measures to improve resilience of the poultry value chain to feed cost and supply shocks. Key messages include: (1) diversification of feed ingredient base and adoption of precision feed formulation can materially reduce vulnerability; (2) industry–government coordination on trade and stock policy is essential to stabilise domestic supplies without harming producers or farmers; and (3) investment in local value chains (oilseed processing, maize storage, and by-product utilisation) plus real-time price information systems are high-impact, actionable steps.

Keywords
Feed cost, volatility, raw material availability, poultry, maize, soybean meal, rapeseed meal, India, risk management

1. Introduction
Poultry production in India is a rapidly expanding sector that plays a major role in animal-sourced protein supply and rural livelihoods. Feed cost remains the dominant expense for broiler and layer operations; fluctuations in feed ingredient prices directly translate into margin volatility for producers and price variability for consumers. The Indian feed matrix is dominated by maize (energy) and oilseed meals—primarily soybean meal—as the primary sources of energy and protein respectively. Rapid changes in global commodity markets, domestic crop yields driven by weather variability, policy changes (tariffs, minimum support prices), and trade disruptions have amplified feed input volatility in recent years. Reports and market analyses from 2023–2025 document episodic spikes and falls in ingredient prices, with corresponding effects on broiler and egg producers and regional market dislocations.

This paper systematically analyses drivers of feed cost volatility and raw material availability in India’s poultry sector, evaluates consequences across the value chain, and presents mitigation strategies with policy recommendations.

2. Scale and composition of poultry feed demand in India
The Indian poultry feed market is large and growing; recent industry estimates place the market value in 1.11 billion USD in 2024, with poultry feed comprising the lion’s share of the animal feed market. Poultry feed typically represents 60–75% of the cost of broiler production (varying by system and region), and maize and soybean meal together form the largest portion of feed formulations. Market reports project continued growth driven by rising protein demand, urbanisation and improved cold-chain and retail infrastructure and the Market size is expected to touch 2.02 billion USD by 2033.

3. Key feed raw materials: roles and supply characteristics

3.1 Maize (corn)
Maize is the principal energy source in poultry rations. Domestic maize production in India is concentrated in certain states (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and others) and is highly seasonal. Maize price at mandis shows substantial spatial variability and seasonality; mandi price dashboards indicate continuing price swings across districts and markets. Maize accounts for a large share of the feed mix and therefore small percentage price changes in maize can significantly change total feed cost.
3.2 Soybean and soybean meal
Soybean is the main oilseed in India; soybean meal derived from oil extraction is the major protein source in poultry feed. Soybean/ soymeal price movements are influenced by domestic sowing area, yields, global soybean markets (U.S., Brazil, Argentina), and policy levers such as import/export duties and MSPs. Price indices show notable volatility over 2023–2025, impacting meal costs for feed mills.

3.3 Rapeseed/rape meal and other oilseed meals
Rapeseed meal and other oilseed by-products can substitute partially for soybean meal, depending on amino acid profile and anti-nutritional factors. Global demand shifts (for example, China’s import changes) can affect availability and price of rapeseed meal. Recent trade flows have seen China increase purchases of Indian rapeseed meal, affecting local supply-demand dynamics.

3.4 Fishmeal, meat-bone meal, and other protein concentrates
Fishmeal is used in some high-performance rations but is expensive and subject to marine resource constraints and import dynamics. Alternative protein sources (pulses, by-products, microbial proteins) remain in experimental or pilot phases for large-scale adoption in India.

3.5 By-products and alternative ingredients (DDGS, bakery waste, millet, pulses)
By-products (distillers dried grains with solubles—DDGS), local pulses, oilseed cakes, and agricultural residues can be used in formulations. Their utilisation depends on consistent supply, nutritive value, cost, and processing infrastructure.

4. Drivers of feed cost volatility

Feed cost volatility arises from an interplay of supply-side and demand-side factors. Major drivers include:
4.1 Weather, crop yields and climate risks
Weather shocks (droughts, unseasonal rains, floods) directly affect maize and soybean harvests. India’s monsoon variability and localised extreme events have produced year-on-year yield swings that ripple into feed markets.
4.2 Global commodity markets and trade linkages
Soybean and maize are global commodities; shifts in harvests in Brazil, the US and Argentina, along with currency movements and shipping costs, influence Indian domestic prices—especially when domestic supply is insufficient and imports or exports respond. For soymeal, global price trends were an important factor in 2024–2025 price fluctuations.
4.3 Policy and trade measures (MSP, import/export duties, subsidies)
Government measures such as minimum support prices (MSP) for oilseeds, import duty changes, and export controls can abruptly change domestic availability and prices. For example, MSP changes and state procurement interventions for soybeans and maize have been signalled as drivers of local price movements. Industry commentary has pointed to expected MSP-related maize/soybean price increases and consequent feed-cost pressure.
4.4 Biofuel and competing demand
Increasing demand for biofuels (producing ethanol from maize or oilseed-derived biodiesel) and food processing (edible oil demand) can redirect feed-grade grains toward other uses, tightening availability for feed.
4.5 Supply-chain and storage losses
India’s post-harvest handling, limited cold-storage/controlled-environment large-scale feed reserves in some regions, and fragmented procurement by smallholder farmers contribute to localized shortages and price spikes during lean months.
4.6 Disease outbreaks and market sentiment
Avian influenza outbreaks periodically depress demand for poultry meat and disrupt distribution channels, complicating producers’ ability to manage feed purchases and inventories. Downward price shocks in broiler market can lead to abrupt feed demand reductions (and vice versa), creating cyclical volatility.

5. Recent evidence (2023–2025): patterns and episodes
Recent studies and market reports highlight episodic volatility. Industry analyses and rating-agency reports documented significant corrections in broiler prices in early 2025 due to demand shocks from disease events, and analysts reported large swings in feed ingredient costs during FY2024–25. Price series for soybean meal and maize show variability across months, with soybean meal monthly indices demonstrating notable up-and-down swings in 2023–2025. Industry associations warned of feed-cost increases of 7–8% in specific years owing to MSP hikes and lower oilseed crops, and regional news reported local maize price increases that narrowed poultry margins.

6. Impact on poultry producers and value chain

6.1 Producer margins and market stability
Given feed’s dominant share in production cost, price increases in maize or soybean meal quickly compress producer margins. Smaller and mid-size producers—operating with narrow working capital—are particularly vulnerable and may be forced to reduce stocking density, delay restocking or exit, causing supply-side shocks.
6.2 Consumer prices and food security
Large feed cost shocks can translate into higher retail prices for meat and eggs, impacting affordability and consumption patterns, especially for low-income consumers.
6.3 Contract farming and backward linkages
Feed volatility influences contracting: integrators that can secure raw materials through backward integration or long-term contracts are better cushioned. Small independent farmers, by contrast, face higher input-price risk.
6.4 Investment and sectoral growth
Unpredictable input costs deter long-term investment in production capacity and in value-chain improvements (cold chain, processing), affecting sectoral growth trajectories.

7. Industry and technical mitigation strategies

To manage feed cost volatility and raw material shortages, poultry producers and feed mills deploy a combination of technical, commercial and managerial strategies:
7.1 Feed formulation optimisation and least-cost formulations
Modern feed mills use least-cost linear programming and precision formulation to rebalance rations when ingredient prices shift—substituting cheaper yet nutritionally acceptable ingredients while maintaining performance. Adoption of real-time formulation tools and laboratory quality checks improves response speed.
7.2 Ingredient substitution and use of alternatives
Use of alternative protein/energy sources (rapeseed meal, sunflower meal, local pulses, DDGS, millet by-products, and processed oilseed cakes) can reduce dependence on soybean meal. However, substitution must account for amino acid balance, digestibility, and anti-nutritional factors. Industry publications and trade articles list practical alternatives but caution about scale and consistency of supply.
7.3 By-product valorisation and localised sourcing
Using agro-industrial by-products (bakery waste, oil-extraction cakes from local mills, brewery wastes, and vegetable-processing residues) can lower costs if processed to ensure feed hygiene and nutritive stability.
7.4 Vertical integration and contract farming
Integrators invest upstream in feed mills, oilseed crushing units, maize procurement and storage. Contract farming for maize and oilseeds can secure supplies but requires well-designed contracts, extension services, and price-sharing mechanisms.
7.5 Hedging, forward buying and inventory management
Larger companies hedge exposure through forward purchase contracts, forward pricing arrangements, and by maintaining strategic inventories at critical times. Smaller producers lack these instruments; cooperatives or producer groups can pool purchases.
7.6 Feed efficiency and management
Improving feed conversion ratio (FCR) via genetics, health management, and precision feeding reduces feed required per unit of product and partially offsets price pressure.

8. Policy and institutional options
Policy measures and institutional mechanisms can mitigate volatility and improve raw material availability:
8.1 Market intelligence, price transparency and early warning systems
Timely, disaggregated market data on mandi prices, stock levels, and international signals helps stakeholders make informed procurement decisions. Public–private platforms can disseminate such data.
8.2 Trade policy calibration and temporary measures
Careful use of tariffs, import concessions and export restrictions can be deployed temporarily to stabilise domestic availability, but must be calibrated to avoid perverse incentives for farmers and traders. For example, import duties on vegetable oil and oilseed-derived products were adjusted in 2025 to support local farmers; such policies have complex downstream effects for feed users.
8.3 Encouraging domestic oilseed and maize production
Longer-term measures include supporting oilseed and maize productivity—through R&D, improved seeds, extension, and post-harvest storage—to reduce dependency on imports and narrow seasonal supply gaps.
8.4 Strategic buffer stocks and credit support
Targeted buffer stocks (at state or cooperative level) for critical feed ingredients and credit facilities for feed procurement during lean months can stabilise supplies for small producers.
8.5 Quality and safety standards for alternative ingredients
Regulatory clarity on the use of non-conventional ingredients and by-products (including testing, permissible inclusion rates, and safety) would accelerate adoption of substitutes.

9. Case studies and illustrative examples
9.1 Regional maize price surge impacting Namakkal farmers (Tamil Nadu)
Regional media reported maize price increases (e.g., reports of maize price rising from Rs 2,400 to Rs 2,800 per quintal in certain contexts), which narrowed producer profits and illustrated how regional price swings can rapidly erode margins in poultry-dense areas.
9.2 Anticipated feed-cost increase due to MSP and oilseed dynamics
Industry associations warned in 2025 that government MSP changes and expected soybean crop responses could raise feed costs by 7–8% in a season, highlighting the sensitivity of poultry margins to policy-induced price movement.
9.3 Rapeseed meal trade and global demand shift
Trade news in 2025 showed China increasing purchases of Indian rapeseed meal following tariffs on Canadian supplies; this affected local availability and price dynamics of an alternative protein feed ingredient. This example shows how distant policies can have immediate consequences for domestic feed availability.

10. Strategic recommendations (short-, medium-, long-term)

Below are actionable recommendations organised by time horizon and stakeholder.
10.1 For producers and industry (short to medium term)
1. Adopt dynamic feed formulation tools (least-cost and nutrient-constraint optimisers) to respond rapidly to price changes.
2. Farm purchasing cooperatives among small/mid-size producers to aggregate demand and negotiate forward contracts.
3. Invest in feed efficiency via genetics, health management (biosecurity, vaccination), and precision feeding to reduce FCR.
4. Explore regional alternative ingredients (subject to safety and nutritional validation) to diversify supply.
10.2 For feed manufacturers and integrators (short to medium term)
1. Backward integrate into oilseed crushing and maize procurement where feasible.
2. Strengthen quality-control labs to validate alternative ingredients and mix consistency.
3. Use hedging and forward buying selectively; offer producer-friendly contract products for small farmers.
10.3 For policymakers (medium to long term)
1. Enhance market transparency: Build or support real-time price and stock platforms for feed raw materials.
2. Calibrate trade policy to avoid unintended domestic shortages—use time-limited import concessions when domestic shortages are acute.
3. Support oilseed and maize productivity: incentivise improved seed adoption, crop diversification and investment in storage.
4. Facilitate safe use of by-products: create standards and guidelines for utilisation of agro-industrial by-products in feed.
5. Promote research on alternative protein sources (microbial proteins, insect meal, and pulses) to reduce long-run dependence on a narrow ingredient base.

11. Research gaps and future directions
Key research areas that could strengthen resilience include:
– Nutritional evaluation and scaling pathways for novel proteins (insect meal, single-cell proteins) under Indian conditions.
– Socio-economic studies of contracting models that allow input price risk-sharing between integrators and farmers.
– Systems-level modelling of supply shocks and policy responses to evaluate trade-offs between farmer incomes, consumer prices and food security.
– Life-cycle assessments of alternative feed ingredients to ensure environmental sustainability with cost-effectiveness.

12. Conclusion
Feed cost volatility and raw material availability are structural challenges for the Indian poultry sector with both immediate and long-term implications. The dominance of maize and soybean meal in the ration, combined with weather sensitivity, global market linkages, and policy dynamics, creates recurring vulnerability.
However, a combination of industry practices (formulation optimisation, alternative ingredients, vertical integration), collective action (cooperatives, contract purchasing), and well-calibrated policy measures (market information, targeted trade measures, productivity support) can materially reduce exposure and enhance resilience. Concerted action across stakeholders—feed mills, producers, input suppliers, researchers and policymakers—will be necessary to stabilise costs, protect producer margins, and ensure reliable, affordable availability of poultry products for consumers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 1: Functions of postbiotics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

References available on request.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Introduction
The poultry industry has seen exponential growth over the last few decades, driven by the demand for high-quality protein sources such as chicken. However, the intensification of poultry production has also brought challenges, particularly in managing the health of broilers, which are reared under conditions that can predispose them to stress and diseases. Among these, gut health is a critical area of focus because it directly influences the overall health, performance, and productivity of the birds.

Traditionally, antibiotics have been used extensively to manage gut health issues and prevent diseases. However, the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and global consumer demand for antibiotic-free poultry has necessitated a shift toward non-antibiotic solutions. Phytomolecules, bioactive compounds derived from plants, have emerged as a promising alternative for maintaining gut health in broilers. This article delves into the significance of gut health in broilers, explores the role of phytomolecules and highlights their effectiveness as a sustainable solution in modern poultry operations.

Understanding Gut Health in Broilers
Gut health refers to the optimal functioning of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which is essential for nutrient absorption, immune response, and overall well-being of broilers. In poultry, the gut is not only responsible for digestion but also acts as a key barrier against pathogens, playing a critical role in the immune system. (Image 1)

(Image 1) Source: Guillermo Tellez-Isaias et al 2023, Engormix

A healthy gut consists of a balanced microbial population (microbiota), an intact intestinal barrier, and a well-regulated immune response. Any imbalance in these components can lead to gut dysfunction, manifesting as poor nutrient absorption, diarrhoea, increased susceptibility to infections, and reduced growth performance.

Common gut health challenges in broilers include:
1. Dysbiosis: An imbalance in the gut microbiota, often caused by stress, poor nutrition, or infections, can disrupt gut function.
2. Enteric diseases: Diseases like necrotic enteritis (caused by Clostridium perfringens) and coccidiosis (caused by Eimeria species) can severely damage the intestinal lining.
3. Leaky gut syndrome: Increased intestinal permeability can allow harmful substances to pass into the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and immune responses.
4. Poor nutrient absorption: Impaired gut function can reduce the efficiency of nutrient absorption, affecting growth rates and feed conversion ratios.

Source: Self Field observations

Maintaining optimal gut health is, therefore, essential to achieving high productivity, reducing mortality, and ensuring efficient feed utilization in broilers.

The Role of Phytomolecules in Gut Health
Phytomolecules are bioactive compounds derived from plants, including essential oils, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenes. These molecules possess a wide range of biological activities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, making them effective in maintaining and improving gut health.

Over the years, research has demonstrated the potential of phytomolecules to support gut health in poultry. Several studies have shown that these plant-derived compounds can modulate the gut microbiota, strengthen the intestinal barrier, and enhance immune responses, thus promoting better growth and health in broilers.

1. Antimicrobial Properties
One of the primary benefits of phytomolecules is their ability to exert antimicrobial effects. Many essential oils and plant extracts contain compounds like carvacrol, thymol, and eugenol, which have been found to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Clostridium perfringens. These antimicrobial properties help maintain a balanced gut microbiota, reducing the risk of infections and dysbiosis. (Image 2)

A study by Burt (2004) demonstrated that essential oils containing carvacrol and thymol are effective in inhibiting the growth of Salmonella and Campylobacter in broilers. Similarly, Liu et al. (2012) found that phytogenic compounds such as oregano and thyme oils can significantly reduce the colonization of pathogenic bacteria in the poultry gut.

2. Antioxidant Effects
Oxidative stress is a common challenge in modern poultry production, especially under intensive farming conditions. Excessive oxidative stress can damage the intestinal lining, leading to inflammation and compromised gut integrity. Phytomolecules such as flavonoids and phenolic acids have strong antioxidant properties, which help neutralize free radicals and protect the intestinal cells from oxidative damage. (Image 3)

Flavonoids, such as quercetin and catechins, have been shown to enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes, reduce inflammation, and promote gut integrity. In a study conducted by Rehman et al. (2020), supplementation with flavonoid-rich plant extracts improved the gut health of broilers by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing the intestinal barrier function.

(Image 3) Source: Yammine, Jina et al. Heliyon, Volume 8, Issue 12, e12472

3. Anti-inflammatory Action
Chronic inflammation in the gut can lead to poor nutrient absorption, tissue damage, and increased susceptibility to infections. Phytomolecules possess anti-inflammatory properties that can mitigate gut inflammation and support tissue repair. Compounds such as curcumin (found in turmeric) and gingerols (found in ginger) are well-known for their anti-inflammatory effects. A study by Khaleel et al. (2021) demonstrated that dietary supplementation with curcumin significantly reduced gut inflammation in broilers and improved their overall performance. Similarly, ginger extract has been found to decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhance gut health in poultry.

4. Enhancing the Intestinal Barrier
The intestinal barrier is the first line of defence against harmful pathogens and toxins. Phytomolecules, particularly tannins and essential oils, can strengthen the intestinal lining by promoting the production of tight junction proteins that seal the spaces between intestinal cells. This helps reduce intestinal permeability (leaky gut) and prevents the translocation of harmful substances into the bloodstream. (Image 4)

In a study by Yang et al. (2015), tannin-rich plant extracts were found to enhance the expression of tight junction proteins in the intestinal mucosa of broilers, resulting in improved gut integrity and reduced incidence of leaky gut.

5. Modulating the Gut Microbiota
Phytomolecules have prebiotic effects that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, while inhibiting pathogenic bacteria. A balanced gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health by enhancing nutrient absorption, stimulating the immune system, and protecting against infections.

Research by Windisch et al. (2008) found that phytogenic feed additives, including essential oils and polyphenols, can modulate the gut microbiota by promoting beneficial bacteria and reducing pathogenic bacterial populations. This microbiota modulation helps maintain gut homeostasis, which is essential for optimal growth and performance in broilers.

Phytomolecules in Commercial Broiler Production
The use of phytomolecules as feed additives in broiler production is gaining popularity as a natural and effective alternative to antibiotics. Various commercial phytogenic products containing essential oils, plant extracts, and other bioactive compounds are now available for use in poultry diets.

Benefits of Phytomolecules Supplementation
1. Improved Growth Performance: Several studies have shown that phytomolecules supplementation can enhance growth rates, feed conversion ratios, and overall performance in broilers. For example, Yang et al. (2015) reported that broilers supplemented with a blend of essential oils and polyphenols exhibited higher weight gain and better feed efficiency.

2. Reduced Mortality and Morbidity: By promoting gut health and enhancing the immune system, phytomolecules help reduce the incidence of enteric diseases and lower mortality rates in broilers. A study by Ciftci et al. (2010) found that broilers fed with a diet containing thyme and rosemary essential oils had a lower incidence of necrotic enteritis and improved survival rates.

3. Enhanced Feed Efficiency: Phytomolecules improve nutrient absorption by maintaining gut integrity and supporting the activity of digestive enzymes. This leads to better feed efficiency and reduced feed costs, which are critical factors in commercial broiler production.

4. Sustainability and Consumer Acceptance: The use of phytogenic feed additives aligns with the growing consumer demand for antibiotic-free poultry products. As these additives are derived from natural sources, they are perceived as safe and environmentally friendly, contributing to the sustainability of poultry production.

Challenges and Considerations
While the benefits of phytomolecules in poultry production are well-documented, there are some challenges associated with their use.
These include:

– Variability in Efficacy: The efficacy of phytomolecules can vary depending on factors such as plant source, extraction method, dosage, and the overall diet composition. Standardization of phytogenic products is essential to ensure consistent results.

– Cost: Phytogenic feed additives can be more expensive than traditional antibiotics. However, the long-term benefits, including improved bird health and performance, can offset the higher initial costs.

– Regulatory Approval: Globally in some regions, the use of certain phytomolecules in animal feed may be subject to regulatory approval. Producers should ensure that the phytogenic products they use comply with local regulations.

Conclusion
Gut health is a cornerstone of successful broiler production, influencing not only the health and welfare of the birds but also their growth performance and profitability. As the poultry industry continues to shift toward antibiotic-free production systems, phytomolecules offer a natural and effective solution for maintaining gut health in broilers.
By leveraging the antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and microbiota-modulating properties of phytomolecules, poultry producers can improve gut integrity, reduce the incidence of enteric diseases, and enhance the overall performance of their birds. The multiple mechanisms through which phytomolecules support gut health, such as promoting beneficial microbial populations, protecting the intestinal barrier, and mitigating oxidative stress, make them a valuable tool in the pursuit of sustainable poultry production.

The growing body of research supporting the efficacy of phytomolecules in improving broiler gut health underscores their potential as a reliable alternative to antibiotics. Studies have consistently demonstrated that these plant-derived compounds can improve growth performance, reduce mortality, and enhance feed efficiency, all while aligning with consumer demands for natural, antibiotic-free products.

In conclusion, phytomolecules represent a promising, natural solution for enhancing gut health in broilers, offering benefits that extend beyond disease prevention to improving overall flock performance. As the poultry industry moves toward more sustainable and consumer-friendly practices, phytomolecules will likely play an increasingly important role in maintaining the health and productivity of broilers in antibiotic-free production systems.
The future of broiler production lies in sustainable practices that prioritize animal health and welfare without relying on antibiotics. Phytomolecules offer a natural and scientifically backed solution to the challenges of maintaining gut health in broilers, making them a critical component of the next generation of poultry feed additives.

References:
References are available on request.

By Dr. Shiva Kumar, Director – Technical, TN South Asia

Poultry derived food products are the most important animal protein sources globally. India is the third-largest egg producer and the fourth-largest chicken producer in the world. Poultry meat and eggs are the most important animal protein sources available, and a significant increase is forecasted in demand.

But there is also a significant number of challenges facing the Indian poultry and allied industries with respect to sustainable production of poultry meat and eggs where market demands, and consumer needs will put more constraints on the production systems and methods. These challenges are dynamic and diverse, and solutions and opportunities will require development of appropriate technology, using and advancing our knowledge base.

Sustainable poultry farming is based on three pillars: environmentally sound, socially responsible, and economically viable. For all these pillars, innovation will be key and hence, advances in animal nutrition will play an important role, where we have concrete challenges in economical optimization of the value chain and meeting product quality demands, whilst safeguarding animal wellbeing and human health.

Trouw Nutrition is an organisation that deeply cares about building a more sustainable future – both for our industry and for consumers. We are committed to transform science into actionable, practical nutrition and farm management solutions to help customers produce quality poultry meat and eggs. We support food producers with the technology that puts advice and data at their fingertips.

Feeding the Future is the essence of Trouw Nutrition (a Nutreco company), expressing the challenge to double food production while halving the carbon footprint. Our ambition is to contribute meeting the rising global demand with growing number of world population in a sustainable manner. The Trouw Nutrition way focuses on innovation, quality, sustainability, and integrated solutions.

Our solutions are built on four solid pillars. Each one contributes to help our customers adding more value to their business in a sustainable and a safe way.

Trouw Nutrition is built on a strong commitment to transform science into actionable, practical nutrition and farm management solutions. We focus on our four innovation pillars that deliver sustainability benefits to animals, farms, and the environment:

Early Life Nutrition:
Birds are confronted with various stressful events during their life, especially in critical transition periods such as hatch and transport. Provision of nutrition and water during the immediate post-hatch period and during transit from hatchery to farm has shown promising effects on broiler performance and health in the first days and weeks of life (Bergoug et al., 2013; Published results, Trouw Nutrition 2016). Early life interventions do not per se result in higher market weights or improved feed efficiency in each flock, but it will contribute to more stable and consistent performance and a reduced risk of birds developing health problems.

Health Life:
Animal Nutrition is an important part of the solution to help to contain Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Adequate animal nutrition (well-balanced and well-formulated feed) combined with good hygiene practices on farms and proper housing are key in promoting animal health and welfare. A balanced diet of compound feed supported by specialty feed ingredients/additives meets the animal’s physiological requirements and maintains the balance of the gut flora. Poultry Gut health is in fact a key factor in keeping birds healthy and resilient to stressors, such as heat or pathogens.

Trouw Nutrition Poultry Gut Health Solution, integrates Farm, Feed and Health approach.

Feed​ – Premixes, Young Animal Feed (ChickCare, NutriOpt, feed formulation advice including Intellibond C,
Feed safety: Fysal/Fylax/Toxo
Farm​ – Advice on farm management​ and biosecurity​, Selko pH (drinking water) with dosing systems
Health​ – Selko pH (water) + Selacid (feed), Gut health evaluation​

Water and feed acidification will contribute to maintaining a stable microbiota in poultry. The efficacy of organic and inorganic acids can be further enhanced by inclusion of medium chain fatty acids or other natural antimicrobial compounds that exert a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity at relative neutral pH ranges.

Precision Nutrition:
From an economical point of view, we need in general to meet nutrient requirements of the birds in the most efficient and economical way and assure that animals are in good health to exploit their potential.

Efficient use of resources e.g. feed ingredients will benefit environmentally sound production. In this respect, use and conversion of co-products from the food and biofuel industry to highly animal nutrition products is contributing to sustainable production as well. One of the challenges in our industry is to be flexible with our raw material usage to manage higher use of low-quality ingredients and anticipate on fluctuations in raw material prices, whilst at the same time we need to have grip on variation in raw material quality and assure that the feed delivers the same high performance.

Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) is a rapid technique to evaluate the nutrient profile of feed ingredients. A more advanced precision nutrition system such as NutriOpt from Trouw Nutrition has incorporated NIRS, with its extensive nutrient databases.

NutriOpt is an integrated nutritional precision-feeding tool from Trouw Nutrition, which enables the poultry farmer or grower or feed miller to optimize both feed costs and production results to maximize financial benefits in the value chain. It consists of several key elements that complement and support one another in optimizing animal nutrition, performance and associated costs through precise real-time analysis, modelling and calculation.

To offer real-time feed analysis, Trouw Nutrition has introduced the NutriOpt On-site Adviser (NOA). This innovative solution reveals the real nutritional value of your feed ingredients and helps to improve performance and profitability. Powered by our comprehensive NutriOpt database, the NutriOpt On-site Adviser provides with accurate analytical results to make better-informed choices.

The portable NIR scanner and the mobile app enable you to get analytical results of nutrients in raw materials and finished feed onsite. The mobile app connects the handheld scanner to the NutriOpt nutritional database and advice on the nutritional value of the scanned materials. The NutriOpt On-site can be even connected to your decision-making tools for a smooth optimisation process.

NOA can perform convenient analysis without samples leaving your farm, and the poultry farm owner can enjoy a greater control over their animal performance.
In relation to feed safety, mycotoxins are probably one of the most important risk factors that need to be controlled among the Indian poultry Industry. It is also encouraging to note, that rapid diagnostics are now more widespread globally adopted for quality control to take appropriate measures once mycotoxin contamination in raw materials is detected. It is an essential part of feed quality assurance and with the right measures the risks can be mitigated, which will prevent unexpected performance losses and health problems.

Measuring mycotoxin levels in feed can be time-consuming and requires specialised and costly methodology. Trouw Nutrition offers “Mycomaster”, a tool to analyse mycotoxins.

Mycomaster provides rapid, cost-effective, and quantitative mycotoxin analyses of over 40 validated feed raw materials and final feed. And it works on-site, bringing flexibility to testing frequency, in support to Feed quality control, formulation decisions and remediation strategies.

Tackling the challenges:
The importance of using a holistic approach to enable successful conversion of feed into high quality poultry protein in a sustainable way is evident for the Indian poultry producers. These high producing birds must be able to consume, digest, absorb and convert sufficient nutrients to meet their genetic potential, and do this consistently from flock to flock. To do this successfully and achieve high consistent production with acceptable risk will require increased use of existing technology and expanding our knowledge and information network. At Trouw Nutrition, we have the tools to support the challenges faced by the poultry producers to make better choices to support the production chain. For a complete overview of our tools and services, please contact your nearest Trouw Nutrition expert/representative.

For further information, kindly write to us at customercareindia@trouwnutrition.com
or visit our website: www.trouwnutrition.in