259 A nutritionist’s guide to microbiome modulation strategies

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Abstract Both macro- and micronutrient components of the diet can influence the composition and functionality of gut mdqicrobiome in farm animals. Among macronutrients, carbohydrates and proteins and their availability in the hindgut can influence the dynamics of host-microbiome-pathogen interactions, affecting host physiology, health, and performance. On the other hand, there is a wide range of additives with claims of optimizing gut microbiome, reducing pathogen shedding, and improving gut health amongst other benefits. While claims are relatively similar, the mode of action (MOA) of these products and their impact on the microbiome can be drastically different. This makes it difficult for nutritionists to differentiate between products and identify the appropriate solution for different scenarios. To add to the complexity, the macro- and micronutrients of the diet may have synergistic or antagonistic effects on each other that modify the predicted behavior of microbiome. In this presentation, we provide a framework for developing a decision tree based on i) category of microbiome modulatory compounds, ii) their direct impact on the microbiome either as promotive or suppressive, and iii) the characteristics of needed intervention. Examples of microbiome-modulatory additives include, but are not limited to prebiotics, phytogenics, probiotics or direct fed microbials (DFM), postbiotics, synbiotics, ionophores, antibiotics, and a wide range of antimicrobial compounds. Prebiotics usually have a direct promotive effect on the microbiome. Phytogenics encompass a universe of compounds such as essential oils, tannins, and saponins to name a few with a diverse MOA. Depending on the microbial strain used for production of a postbiotic or formulation of a probiotic/DFM, they may have either a direct promotive or suppressive effect on the microbiome. Antibiotics, ionophores, and antimicrobial compounds have a direct suppressive effect on the microbiome. Depending on their MOA, each promotive or suppressive additive differentially impacts the composition and functionality of microbiome. Understanding the direct impact of an intervention is critical as it influences time to response and sustainability of impact. To formulate a strategy for microbiome modulation that can address the challenge and be practically implemented, we ask questions such as, Which aspects of microbiome need to be manipulated? Should we apply a direct promotive or suppressive strategy? Do we need to prevent or mitigate a risk? What is the risk and when is the risk? What is the expected time to response of our intervention? What are the key performance indicators (KPIs)? And what combination of the above strategies may maximize a KPI? The above considerations along with return on investment allow for development of herd-specific strategies that optimize feed cost while protecting animal health, maximizing performance, and improving food safety and environmental impact.