The efficient conversion of feed into its basic components for optimal nutrient absorption is vital for both broiler and broiler breeder production and welfare. Gut health, an intricate and complex area combining nutrition, microbiology, immunology, and physiology, has a key role to play. When gut health is compromised, digestion and nutrient absorption are affected which, in turn, can have a detrimental effect on feed conversion leading to economic loss and greater susceptibility to disease.

As global animal production has rapidly shifted towards reduced Antibiotic-free, “gut health” has become a popular expression and all-encompassing concept in the scientific community. The gastrointestinal tract must provide a barrier function protecting against harmful environmental elements (e.g. toxins and pathogenic microbes), while simultaneously permitting appropriate nutrient absorption. Successful animal performance depends on the interplay between the intestine, microbiota, diet, and a multitude of environmental factors.

A healthy chicken gut is essential for optimum digestibility, maximum nutrient absorption, immunity development, and disease resistance. For the last few decades in poultry production, antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) have been widely used in poultry diets to promote growth, improve feed efficiency and control dysbacteriosis and enteric diseases. However, antibiotic-free poultry production is a common trend worldwide recently because the use of antibiotics has been banned by governments in many countries and due to increasing concerns about antibiotic resistance.

Dr. Vaibhav Nagpal, vice president and chief commercial officer - Novus Asia, and Neeraj Kumar Srivastava, managing director - Novus South Central Asia, explain how Novus is doing just that through its multi-phase business plan Project Destiny. The goal? To become the animal agriculture industry's leader in providing health through nutrition.