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Prebiotics in the Poultry Industry

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In poultry production, bird health is greatly influenced by the microbial communities present in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the surrounding environment (i.e., bedding). The composition and diversity of these communities fluctuate tremendously throughout a growing period and must remain balanced to ensure proper nutrition, development, and disease suppression/bird immunity. Imbalances in the microbiota (a condition known as dysbiosis) can lead to the weakening of intestinal walls in the GIT, reduced nutrient digestibility, enteritis and diarrhea, and other consequences that diminish bird performance and limit a grower’s return on investment (Shang et al. 2018). Dysbiosis is a relatively common condition and can be triggered by the following factors: 

  • Nutritional imbalance
  • Poor management
  • Host genetics
  • Environmental stress
  • Increased abundance of harmful microorganisms and metabolites
  • Mycotoxins 

Dr. Edgar Oviedo, Professor of Broiler Nutrition and Management at North Carolina State University, suggests that three intersecting approaches may be used to maintain equilibrium within the gut microbiome of poultry: (i) mitigation of environmental stress; (ii) avoidance of malnutrition; and (iii) inclusion of feed additives, with a growing emphasis placed on the latter (Oviedo-Rondón). 

Non-antibiotic feed additives currently in the marketplace include…

  • Probiotics (live microbes)
  • Prebiotics (biomolecules that promote the growth of beneficial microbes)
  • Phytobiotics (plant-derived performance enhancers)
  • Nutritional supplements (enzymes, herb extracts, etc.)

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are among the most intensively studied feed additives and have been proven repeatedly to positively impact the microbiota present in the GIT and fecal matter. For example, various oligosaccharides have been documented to increase the abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus (beneficial bacteria) in the colon of different hosts as well as suppress pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli and Clostridium spp.) (Shang et al. 2018; Jung et al. 2008; Xu et al. 2003; Nywang and Gibson 1993). Additionally, carbohydrate-based prebiotics enhance nutrient digestibility, modulate intestinal tissue homeostasis, and help mitigate grower/consumer exposure to pathogens (Shang et. al 2018; Yang et al. 2009). The plethora of studies generated by the scientific community collectively demonstrates that prebiotics serve as an effective tool against dysbiosis, ensuring a balanced microbiome and continual bird health throughout a growing period.

The AgriGro® Difference…

AgriGro® is a prebiotic technology leader for agricultural use, providing a line of products that promote balanced microbial activity within the bird GIT and bed layer. Third-party research and real-world employment have demonstrated that IndigoLT® and NutriZyme®, two products offered by AgriGro®, work independently and in conjunction to increase the abundance of beneficial poultry microorganisms (i.e., Bifidobacterium), mitigate pathogens (i.e., Staphylococcus spp.), decrease mortality rate, and prevent wet litter, altogether improving flock performance and minimizing the onset of dysbiosis.

For more information about IndigoLT® and NutriZyme®, click below.








VIEW PREBIOTICS

Sources:  

Shang Y, Kumar S, Oakley B, Kim WK. Chicken gut microbiota: importance and detection technology. Front Vet Sci. (2018) 5:254.
Oviedo-Rondón, E. Dysbacteriosis, its causes and its impact. (https://www.dsm.com/content/dam/dsm/anh/en_US/documents/Dysbacteriosis,%20its%20causes%20and%20its%20impact.pdf)
Jung SJ, Houde R, Baurhoo B, Zhao X, Lee BH. Effects of galactooligosaccharides and a Bifidobacteria lactis-based probiotic strain on the growth performance and fecal microflora of broiler chickens. Poult Sci. (2008) 87:1694–9.
Xu ZR, Hu CH, Xia MS, Zhan XA, Wang MQ. Effects of dietary fructooligosaccharide on digestive enzyme activities, intestinal microflora and morphology of male broilers. Poult Sci. (2003) 82:1030–6.
Nywang X, Gibson GR. Effects of the in vitro fermentation of oligofructose and inulin by bacteria growing in the human large intestine. J Appl Bacteriol. (1993) 75:373–80.
Yang Y, Iji PA, Choct M. Dietary modulation of gut microflora in broiler chickens: a review of the role of six kinds of alternatives to in-feed antibiotics. World Poult Sci J. (2009) 65:97.  

Consistency, Education and Common Sense – Ross Nielson

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“With all of the inconsistencies in crop production practices, there are certain absolutes that will affect the bottom line.”

Ross Nielson | Western U.S. Development

 

Western US agriculture offers almost unlimited opportunities to learn and observe crop production practices. In California alone, there are over 200 different crops grown annually. Each state offers different crops, with different production practices, different soil types, different weather patterns, and differences in available irrigation water.

Consistency Is Hard To Find 

It’s fair to say that consistency is hard to find when you look at the whole; that’s Ag production and Ag business every day.

However, with all the inconsistencies there are certain absolutes that will affect production practices and the bottom line, with the simplest to understand being water.

Any crop that receives the water it needs will surely thrive compared to the same crop that is deprived.  While the point of this article is not about water, it is arguably the most critical input needed by any plant to grow and function.

From what I’ve observed in the western U.S., no matter which state, or what soil type, there is a direct correlation between using AgriGro’s Prebiotic technology and increasing the grower’s bottom line. It’s as consistent as the benefits of supplying irrigation to a plant. 

Regardless of Environment, Crop Type or Region

No matter the environment, I have seen many times the immediate and residual effects of AgriGro’s Prebiotic technology.  Account managers, and growers alike, are taken back by the synergy between typical NPK applications and AgriGro PreBiotics that drive microbial action. 

Elevating microbial counts in biologically deficient soils will typically have a much greater impact on yield and quality than applying more fertilizer.

Fall Wheat – Residual Effect 

For example, I began working with a 12,000 acre grower in Montana two years ago.  He applied AgriGro’s Prebiotics to 2,000 acres in the spring. It was a drought year and there wasn’t much yield increase.  Nothing worked, including his normal fertility program. He said he wanted to back out.

Early the next spring, he called me out of the blue and said, “You need to come back by and convince me I need your stuff again, my fall wheat looks amazing where I put your stuff down last spring.”

I rearranged my schedule and flew down to meet him. After discussing the agronomics again and looking at his fields, he said he wanted to try another 100 acres. A couple hours later he put an order in for 5,000 acres.  

Even with little rainfall the previous season, the products had a residual effect.  His 2018 crops were outstanding and in the fall of 2018 he applied AgriGro’s prebiotics to his whole operation.

His 2019 crops are producing yields 40% to 50% greater in peas, barley and wheat than other farms next door. He has had 10 other growers in his area call me this year that I am working with currently, one of them being his agronomist, who also runs a farm.

Consistency, Education and Common Sense

There is nothing flashy about what this grower and other growers I work with do in getting higher yields. But they do understand the importance of fine tuning their agronomic practices and applying principles to their production systems to continually push yield and quality. Principles like consistency, education, and using common sense are a great foundation to being productive. 

I have been on a steep learning curve the past six years and what I can confidently say is, regardless of region, soil type, or crop, it doesn’t matter if you are rain fed, drip irrigation, or pivot, a biologically active soil is the key to getting more out of your fertilizer and other inputs. For decades, agriculture has focused primarily on fertilizer, seed, and chemicals, as far as innovation is concerned. They are obviously important.   However, there is a new focus on increasing soil microbial counts in production, and this untapped aspect of production provides huge benefits to those who are willing to apply this strategic methodology.

Begin building consistency this fall for a better start next spring.

 

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Add Life with AgriGro® to Maximize Crop Production

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AgriGro® is passionate about creating innovative products that help growers maximize their production. A successful crop management plan must take several factors into consideration to drive production success. While the physical and chemical components of these plans often get the most attention, science is beginning to recognize an essential third factor: the biological component. Let’s take a closer look at each of these three components. 

Components of Successful Crop Production

The Physical and Chemical Components

Traditional crop management techniques rely heavily on the physical component of production, including equipment, irrigation, tillage and seeding practices.  Growers must also give careful consideration to the chemical component of their crop management plan in terms of fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.

By carefully considering the physical and chemical components, you are taking the essential first steps to ensure bountiful crop production and high yields. However, the importance of the biological component cannot be overlooked when it comes to leveraging more crop production efficiently. 

The Biological Component

Your soil should include a balanced population of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, arthropods, earthworms, and other soil organisms. Supporting and enhancing this delicate balance is essential for maximizing your crop production. Doing so not only enhances soil health, but it also enhances the benefits gained from your physical and chemical components.

How AgriGro® Impacts Soil Microbiology

Dr. Elaine Ingham, a noted microbiologist says,

“Soil organisms support plant health as they decompose organic matter, cycle nutrients, enhance soil structure, and control the populations of other soil organisms, including crop pests.”

In other words, when you increase biological activity in the soil, there is a direct impact on both plant and soil health. AgriGro’s® SeedMaxx®, IgniteS2®, FoliarBlend® , and Ultra® help you do just that. 

These products are specifically formulated to trigger numerous benefits for crop production including:

  • Increased nutrient mineralization and availability in the soil
  • Increased natural plant growth hormone production
  • A boost in the plant’s natural ability to ward off fungal disease, soil-borne pathogens, insects, and other environmental stresses

Additionally, our products add life to the soil, enhancing your crop’s root growth, development, and nutrient uptake, as well as improving soil structure and its ability to retain moisture. 

Don’t just take our word for it, though — trust the research behind the claims. A study conducted by EMSL Labs in New York verified that our prebiotic formulation increased microbial population in soil by 5,000% within 24 hours of application. Even in the most ideal growing conditions, this is five times more microbial activity than a plant is capable of generating on its own.

Enhance Your Crop Production

You’ve addressed the physical and chemical components of your farming operation, now it’s time to add life to the equation with AgriGro®. Locate an AgriGro dealer or contact our team to learn more about the science behind our products.

 

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AgriGro® Meets with Compo Expert to Discuss Soil Health and Prebiotics

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At AgriGro®, we are passionate about producing sustainable soil health and prebiotic products that help growers maximize their return on investment while reducing their dependence on traditional agricultural inputs. Whenever possible, we partner with other reputable biotech companies to broaden our reach in the commercial agricultural sector. These opportunities allow us to introduce and provide technical information on our products so that we may distribute them to a wider audience.

On April 25, 2019, we had the opportunity to meet with Compo Expert®, an international producer of special fertilizers and biostimulants, at their Mexico head offices in Guadalajara. Stephen Smith, Co-Owner and President of AgriGro Marketing, Inc., and Tim Tesreau, VP of Agronomy and Technical Support were in attendance, along with AgriGro’s Latin American Representative, Fred Helwig and William Olyslager, owner of Fertilizantes Naturales AgriGro’s distributor in Guatemala.  The gentlemen participated in MSc. Mauricio Navarro Garcia’s three-day biostimulant course, bringing more than 70 combined years of experience to the table.

Mauricio Navarro Garcia has been an Agricultural Independent Technical Advisor for nearly 25 years and he is an invaluable Research Associate who has dedicated his work to helping companies like AgriGro develop effective high-quality bio-stimulant products. His work and research have helped revolutionize areas of plant nutrition, soil health, and bio-stimulation. Needless to say, our team was honored to have a booth at the event so that we could share our knowledge of soil health, yields, and profitability.

Whether on a global scale or a much more local scale, AgriGro is here to support local growers in all of their sustainable crop production needs and we would love to speak with you about how our prebiotic products can enhance your soil health. Contact us today or get in touch with a local dealer to learn more about all of the ways we can help you take your commercial agricultural operations to the next level.

 

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