These feed additives must clearly prove their positive effects in scientific studies before they can be used in practice. Consequently, producers are now commonly balancing these uncertainties with the use of feed additives, which have a positive influence on intestinal flora.ДЇor example, a distinction is made between whether living microorganisms such as probiotics are added to the intestinal flora, or whether the targeted addition of phytomolecules indirectly stimulates the intestinal flora and the intestinal epithelium.

However, the quality of the available raw materials is subject to fluctuations and can therefore not be 100% anticipated. To promote the development of a balanced intestinal flora, hygienically impeccable compound feed is the wish of every animal producer. Through targeted measures, diseases can either be avoided or at least recognised earlier and treatment can be carried out more efficiently. At every stage of production, irregularities can be detected through intensive control of the performance parameters and health monitoring focused on the symptoms of illness. Studies have confirmed that setting up a comprehensive hygiene concept to reduce the formation of biofilms on stable surfaces and to reduce the recirculation of pathogens is a solid basis. With the EU-wide ban on the use of antibiotic growth promoters, the occurrence of multi-resistant bacteria, and a globally increased demand for antibiotic-free chickens, producers have now had to cut down on antibiotic use.ДЇor this reason, alternative measures have been evaluated in recent years and their potential for maintaining a good broiler health has been assessed. The prophylactic use of antibiotics in compound feed was a well-known reality for decades. It is therefore critical to stabilise gut health to reduce the risk of subclinical necrotic enteritis. In addition, a live weight reduction of up to 12% can be observed. In the previous example, this would mean a reduction in feed efficiency from 1.60 to 1.78 points and would reduce the contribution margin by в‚¬0.054/kg live weight. This disease worsens feed conversion by, on average, 11%. In any case, the best possible feed efficiency is desirable to keep production costs low.ДЄnother risk factor for high-yield broiler production lives in the poultry intestines вЂ“ the greatest 'invisible' losses result from subclinical necrotic enteritis ( Clostridium perfringens).

On the other hand, an improvement in feed conversion from 1.60 to 1.55 results in a financial advantage of в‚¬0.015/kg live weight. The proportion tends to be higher in markets that rely on the import of feed raw materials.ДЇor example, using a compound feed price of в‚¬300/t as the basis, an increase of в‚¬10/t results in a reduction of profit of в‚¬0.016/kg live weight.

In broiler production, the cost of feed represents 60-70% of total production costs. What eats your return on investment (ROI)? In the case of an easily raised flock, the same measures also positively affect profits. Flock performance can be maintained through preventive management measures, a consistent hygiene concept and the use of high-quality feed. For these reasons, it is extremely important to improve broiler gut health, as only healthy birds will perform and become profitable for producers.

Poultry farm profit calculation