Abstract
A range of feed supplements, including antibiotics, have been commonly used in poultry production to improve health and productivity. Alternative methods are needed to suppress pathogen loads and maintain productivity. As an alternative to antibiotics use, we investigated the ability of biochar, bentonite and zeolite as separate 4% feed additives, to selectively remove pathogens without reducing microbial richness and diversity in the gut. Neither biochar, bentonite nor zeolite made any significant alterations to the overall richness and diversity of intestinal bacterial community. However, reduction of some bacterial species, including some potential pathogens was detected. The microbiota of bentonite fed animals were lacking all members of the order Campylobacterales. Specifically, the following operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were absent: an OTU 100% identical to Campylobacter jejuni; an OTU 99% identical to Helicobacter pullorum; multiple Gallibacterium anatis (>97%) related OTUs; Bacteroides dorei (99%) and Clostridium aldenense (95%) related OTUs. Biochar and zeolite treatments had similar but milder effects compared to bentonite. Zeolite amended feed was also associated with significant reduction in the phylum Proteobacteria. All three additives showed potential for the control of major poultry zoonotic pathogens.
Highlights
The use of antibiotic growth promoters as feed additives to suppress the pathogenic bacteria in the gut has been common in commercial poultry production, it is banned in Europe [1] because of concerns for the consequences it could have on human health in terms of the selection of antibiotic resistant microbiota and for the presence of residual antibiotics in poultry products [2]
Alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters are required in order to maintain bird health and deliver the productivity improvements that were sometimes associated with their use
Laying hens are in great need of antibiotic-free pathogen control given antibiotics can not be used due to residue carry over to eggs
Summary
The use of antibiotic growth promoters as feed additives to suppress the pathogenic bacteria in the gut has been common in commercial poultry production, it is banned in Europe [1] because of concerns for the consequences it could have on human health in terms of the selection of antibiotic resistant microbiota and for the presence of residual antibiotics in poultry products [2]. This disease is caused by Campylobacter species [3] and is currently controlled by antibiotics. Biochar, bentonite and zeolite are interesting candidates for selective pathogen control as there is mounting evidence that they are safe and beneficial products [4,5,6]. Properties of these three natural products are outlined below
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