Dietary mannan-oligosaccharides and their effect on chicken caecal microflora in relation to Salmonella Enteritidis

F Fernandez1, M Hinton, B Van Gils

  • 1Division of Food Animal Science, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Avon BS40 5DU, UK. Fresie.Fernandez@bristol.ac.uk

Insights

Mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) and palm kernel meal (PKM) supplements improved hen gut microflora and reduced Salmonella Enteritidis colonization in chicks. These diets promote beneficial bacteria, enhancing gut health and disease resistance in poultry.

Area of Science:

  • Animal Science
  • Microbiology
  • Poultry Nutrition

Background:

  • Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host health and disease resistance.
  • Dietary interventions can modulate the gut microflora in poultry.
  • Salmonella Enteritidis colonization is a significant concern in poultry production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) and palm kernel meal (PKM) supplemented diets on hen caecal microflora.
  • To evaluate the impact of hen caecal contents (HCC) from hens fed these diets on chick microflora and Salmonella Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) colonization.
  • To assess the long-term effects of MOS and PKM supplemented diets on S. Enteritidis colonization and microflora in chicks.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of caecal microflora in hens fed mash, MOS-supplemented, or PKM-supplemented diets.
  • Dosing chicks with HCC from hens on different diets and monitoring microflora and S. Enteritidis.
  • Longitudinal study of S. Enteritidis colonization and microflora in chicks fed MOS or PKM supplemented diets over time.

Main Results:

  • MOS and PKM diets increased Bifidobacterium spp. and decreased Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus spp. in hens.
  • Chicks dosed with HCC showed increased anaerobes and decreased aerobes, including coliforms and S. Enteritidis.
  • S. Enteritidis colonization decreased over time in chicks fed MOS or PKM diets; PKM birds showed increased Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus spp. at 4 weeks.

Conclusions:

  • Dietary MOS and PKM supplementation beneficially alter gut microflora in hens and chicks.
  • HCC from supplemented hens can positively influence chick gut microflora and reduce S. Enteritidis.
  • MOS and PKM supplementation reduce susceptibility to S. Enteritidis colonization in young chickens, indicating potential for improved poultry health.