M. Bedford, Removal of antibiotic growth promoters from poultry diets: implications and strategies to minimise subsequent problems, WORLD POULT, 56(4), 2000, pp. 347-365
Studies with germ-free chicks and antimicrobial compounds have indicated th
e significance of the interaction between host nutrition and the intestinal
microflora, This interaction has suddenly leapt to prominence as a result
of the decision of the European Union to remove several antibacterial agent
s from use in animal feed. A consequence of this decision has been a loosen
ing of some of the constraints on intestinal bacterial growth rates which w
ill benefit from the use of slowly digested ingredients, because undigested
feed is a potential substrate for bacterial fermentation. The use of poorl
y digestible ingredients runs the risk not only of poor performance, which
has always been the case, but now there is an additional danger from bacter
ial overgrowth and subsequent disease/intestinal disorders. Variations in t
he nutritional quality of the ingredients are therefore of increased releva
nce, and any measures that reduce such variations are likely to be of benef
it. As a result, the use of enzymes, which are known to reduce variations i
n the performance of birds fed on barley-, wheat- and maize-based diets, wi
ll need to be revisited, particularly with reference to correct dosage. In
the past the use of antibiotics effectively reduced the need to consider en
zyme use and dose. Coccidiosis control is also of great interest because of
its association with necrotic enteritis. Prevention of coccidiosis and lim
itation of the damage to the intestines associated with this disease is of
paramount importance if necrotic enteritis is subsequently to be avoided. A
s a result, the use of coccidiostats for direct control and betaine and oth
er pronutrients for amelioration of the symptoms is receiving greater atten
tion. Ultimately it is hoped that nutritional control will lead to microbio
logical control, allowing for more consistent production responses in the a
bsence of antibiotics.