Strengthening the inside: effect of nutrition on gut health and maintenance and its impact on the integument integrity.

Abstract

Abstract The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of poultry is equipped to perform several important functions. One of these functions is the protection of the underlying structures of the entire digestive tract and minimization of the translocation of materials that may be inimical to the health of the bird. The GIT also plays an important role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients and houses a vast array of microbiota with the potential to impact gut health. Strengthening the GIT involves early and proper establishment of the gut's physical, microbiological, secretory and immunological components to build strong intestinal barriers against potentially harmful organisms. As such, a strong and healthy gut, characterized by proper intestinal functionality, integrity and immunity, is essential for superior performance and overall well-being of the bird. To meet this goal, timely and balanced nutrition is important and is essential early in the life of the birds. The objective of this chapter is to discuss the impact of nutrition on the health of the GIT of poultry. Nutrition approaches for fostering a healthy gut include the maintenance of a healthy mucous layer throughout the GIT. Research has shown that adequate supply of dietary protein (amino acid) and specific carbohydrates are important for a healthy mucous layer. Also, early nutrition, both in ovo feeding and access to feed within the first 24 h post-hatch, has been shown to quicken the development and the establishment of the GIT and its associated organs. A healthy inside is a reflection of the integrity and functionality of the tight junction proteins that selectively allow the passage of nutrients across the intestinal epithelium layer into the mucosal layer while excluding agents that may be harmful to the bird. Research continues to show that cultivating a healthy microbial population in the GIT is important for the bird to thrive. Feed supplements such as pre- and probiotics have been supplemented to poultry diets for this purpose. However, the total withdrawal of antibiotics from poultry feed creates new challenges as well as more opportunities for cutting-edge research on the best approaches for improving gut health without the use of antibiotics.