International Animal Health Journal III
Gut health is a term used by many, but how can it be quantified and influenced? What is clear is that since the ban on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), the occurrence of digestive disturbances in poultry has increased. In addition to their antimicrobial effects, AGPs have been shown to also have an antiinflammatory effect. That is why any alternative solutions should also be able to prevent inflammatory
responses.
Probiotics can be used as additives in order to improve gut health, balancing the gut microbiota and optimising the host inflammatory response. New research has shown that a specific Bacillus subtilis strain is able to reduce inflammatory responses by modulating the NF-κB signalling pathway, as well as improving intestinal barrier integrity. This information can now be used by nutritionists to make informed choices about the products they add to poultry feed in order to promote gut health and therefore animal performance.
