Precision glycan supplementation: A strategy to improve performance and intestinal health of laying hens in high‐stress commercial environments

Abstract

AbstractIn the dynamic world of animal production, many challenges arise in disease control, animal welfare and the need to meet antibiotic‐free demands. Emerging diseases have a significant impact on the poultry industry. Managing gut microbiota is an important determinant of poultry health and performance. Introducing precision glycans as feed additives adds another dimension to this complex environment. The glycans play pivotal roles in supporting gut health and immunological processes and are likely to limit antibiotic usage while enhancing intestinal well‐being and overall poultry performance. This study explores precision glycan product as a feed additive supplemented at a continuous dose of 900 g per tonne of feed, in a free‐range production system on a large commercial farm. Forty thousand 17‐week‐old pullets were randomly allocated to one of two separated sections of the production shed, with individual silos and egg‐collecting belts. The flock performance, gut microbiota and its functionality were analysed throughout the laying cycle until 72 weeks of age. The results demonstrated that introducing precision glycans improved a range of performance indicators, including reduced cumulative mortality, especially during a major smothering event, where the birds pile up until they suffocate. There was also significantly increased hen‐housed egg production, reduced gut dysbiosis score and undigested feed, increased number of goblet cells and improved feed conversion ratio. Additionally, microbiota analysis revealed significant changes in the composition of the gizzard, ileum content, ileum mucosa, and caecal and cloacal regions. Overall, the findings suggest that precision glycans have the potential to enhance poultry egg production in challenging farming environments.