No animal can be bred in a sterile environment. Invariably Antibiotics are to be used. Since Resistance is rising and since residual antibiotics in food chain is becoming alarming several countries have banned use of Antibiotics in Animal rearing. Hence it is high time to probe, find and use alternatives which are safe and does not cause immunity. This article presents various alternatives that can be attempted right now.

1. RRREEEPPPLLLAAACCCEEE
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IIINNN AAANNNIIIMMMAAALLL HHHEEEAAALLLTTTHHHCCCAAARRREEE
Neither a commercial terrestrial animal housing nor an aqua pond environment is not, and
likely will never be, a sterile environment.
Hence need of Antibiotics is always there. However residual antibiotics in the food chain
forced the Agencies to ban Antibiotics in Animal Feeds.
(http://www.asiabiotech.com/articles/readmore/graphics/1602-02.jpg)

2. (http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v488/n7413/images/488601a-f1.2.jpg)
(http://healthblog.ncpa.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/rise-of-antibiotic-resistance-in-
various-common-infections-larger.jpg)
An intensive search for alternatives such as probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotics, enzymes,
toxin binders, organic acids, organic minerals, oligosaccharides and other feed additives has
started in the last decade (Fulton et al. 2002; Griggs and Jacob, 2005; Owens et al. 2008).
Before probing into these substitutes of Synthetic Antibiotics and Hormones, we may revisit
anatomy of Poultry.
Broilers have an outstanding genetic potential for growth and meat production; however, in
order to realize this potential, they must be fed to meet their nutritional requirements. In
addition, they must be able to digest the ingested feed, and to absorb the nutrients

3. contained in it. These processes are directly correlated to the development of the
gastrointestinal tract, particularly of the small intestine.
Immediately after hatching, broiler chicks are submitted to drastic nutritional changes, from
a lipid-rich nutrition from the yolk sac to a carbohydrate-rich exogenous diet.
However, after hatching, broiler chicks remain in the hatchery until they are sexed, and
vaccinated. They are then transported to the farms to be housed. During this period, chicks
are deprived from feed and water, resulting in a significant growth reduction, with
consequences in the short and in the long term (Noy & Sklan, 1997).
From hatching until housing, chicks are nourished by the yolk sac, which is inside the
abdomen (Noy et al., 1996). There are indications that nutrient supply from the yolk sac is
not enough to support the rapid growth of the newly hatched chick of housing, and
therefore, feed supply, takes a long time (Gonzales et al., 2003).
The intestines are the parts of the DIGESTIVE SYSTEM responsible for the absorption of
nutrients and water. Two anatomic regions exist, the small intestine and the large intestine.
Both of these are further subdivided into anatomically discernible subdivisions. The small
intestine has three parts: the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum; the large intestine is
subdivided into the colon, cecum, rectum, and is continuous with the anus, the last portion
of the alimentary canal.
In the small intestines food is passed in a liquid state to facilitate the nutrient absorption.

4. Small intestine is a critical digestive organ involved in nutrient absorption, the development
of this organ is essential to poultry health and performance
(Kawalilak et al. 2011).
The large intestine primarily absorbs water, and compacts and dries out the fecal bolus: villi
would be a hindrance to movement of the semi-solid fecal mass, and would likely be injured
by its PASSAGE . hence there are no villi in the large intestine, and in addition, there are
numerous goblet cells whose secretions act as lubrication for the moving material.
Bi and Chiou (1996) found that broiler chicks developed larger intestinal villi resulting in
faster growth rates. It is demonstrated that improvement of gut morphology is paralleled by
increased digestive and absorptive function of the intestine due to increased absorptive
surface area, expression of brush border enzymes and nutrient transport systems
(Awad et al. 2008).
Structure of the small intestine
(http://www.vetmed.vt.edu/education/curriculum/vm8054/Labs/Lab19/Lab19.htm)
The inner surface of the small intestine is not flat, but is thrown into circular mucosal folds
that increase its surface area and aid in mixing the ingesta.
In the avian gut, villi exist throughout the length of the small and large intestine, steadily
decreasing in height along the way. The mucosa form intestinal villi – tiny, finger-like
projections that increase the surface and absorptive area of the intestinal wall, providing

5. efficient absorption of nutrients from the lumen. The luminal surface of each villus is, in
turn, increased by many microvilli to facilitate absorption on the surface of the cells.
Each villus is lined with epithelial cells (enterocytes) that are differentiated according to
location on the villus to absorb fluids and nutrients (tip), secrete electrolytes and fluids (side
and crypt), and to regenerate and replace damaged cells or those lost to normal attrition
(crypt). Crypts are moat-like invaginations of the epithelium around the villi. Toward the
base of the crypts are stem cells, which continually divide and provide the source of all the
epithelial cells in the crypts and on the villi.
Paneth cells are found in the small intestine but not in the large intestine.
It's recently been shown that the granules of Paneth cells contain a form of bactericide, and
lysozyme-like agents. This suggests they're responsible for protecting the gut against
bacterial overgrowth, and this is the current explanation of what they do—subject, of
course, to revision as new data is gathered.
The efficient breeder hens had longer (P=0.01) and wider (P=0.04) villi, resulting in a greater
absorptive surface area/villi (3.32 mm2) than in non-efficient birds (2.04 mm2; P=0.03). Also,
the efficient birds had significantly higher villus length to crypt depth ratio.
(http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/1895/improving-the-effectiveness-of-laying-hens-for-use-
in-valueadded-egg-production)
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6. Without doubt, antibiotics offered a high level of security against most common pathogens.
Without in-feed antibiotics, however, the whole farm biosecurity protocol must be
reevaluated and most likely elevated to new standards. Assuming that under current
commercial conditions, the achieved level of health status of animals is always around
“average,” we must still rely on certain additives. However, having a strict biosecurity
protocol in place will reduce reliance on (expensive) antibiotic in-feed alternatives.
(http://www.wattagnet.com/How_to_prepare_for_an_antibiotic_ban_in_poultry_and_pig_
feed.html)
SOMGUARD
Somguard a colloidal silver based product in drinking water and for
fumigating the sheds and surroundings can act as bactericide and virucide
without any toxicity to animal or in the food chain and without causing
resistance.
IIINNN FFFEEEEEEDDD
PPPRRROOOTTTEEEIIINNNSSS
Now research led by Doctor Udi Qimron of Tel Aviv University’s Department of Clinical
Microbiology and Immunology at the Sackler Faculty of Medicine has discovered a protein
that kills bacteria. The isolation of this protein, produced by a virus that attacks bacteria, is a
major step toward developing a substitute for conventional antibiotics.
(http://nocamels.com/2013/12/israeli-researcher-discovers-protein-that-could-replace-
conventional-antibiotics-and-kill-bacteria/)

7. AAAMMMIIINNNOOO AAACCCIIIDDDSSS
As most NaturalNews readers probably already know, there is a rapidly-growing resistance
to antibiotics that has given way to antibiotic-resistant "superbugs" like Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP),
and even the strongest antibiotic drugs available have all but lost their ability to treat even
the most common infections that afflict people today.
However, a research scientist from the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and
Immunology IZI in Leipzig, Germany, has discovered that simple, natural amino acids work
better than antibiotics at treating infections, and they do not cause harm to healthy cells in
the body.
"Antibiotic peptides (from amino acids) unlock their microbicidal effect within a few
minutes. They also work at a concentration of less than 1 microliter, compared with
conventional antibiotics which require a concentration of 10 microliters," said Schubert as
part of his test results. "The spectrum of efficacy of the tested peptides includes not only
bacteria and molds but also lipid-enveloped viruses. Another key factor is that the peptides
identified in our tests do not harm healthy body cells."
(http://www.naturalnews.com/032825_amino_acids_antibiotics.html#ixzz3Ae6MnI5m)
It is well known that broiler Arg dietary supplementation in the starter diet improved
production performance and small intestine morphometry, especially in the first week
Proteins and specific amino acids have been shown to alter mucin secretion and may
interact directly with goblet cells or with the enteric nervous system to elicit changes in
mucin secretion (Montagne et al., 2000; Claustre et al., 2002; Faure et al., 2005). Studies in
piglets showed between 80% and 90% to dietary Thr is used by the intestine (Schaart et al.,
2005). The portal-drained viscera (PDV) has a high obligatory visceral requirement for Thr
and the high rate of intestinal Thr utilization is due mainly to incorporation into mucosal
proteins (Schaart et al., 2005). Threonine is an integral constituent of intestinal mucin
proteins (Van Klinken et al., 1995; Lien et al., 1997).
Intestinal mucin synthesis is sensitive to dietary Thr supply, which suggests that the gut's
requirement for Thr may comprise a significant proportion of the whole body requirement
(Nichols and Bertolo, 2008). De novo synthesis of mucosal and mucin proteins is sensitive to
luminal Thr concentration, which demonstrates the importance of dietary amino acid supply
to gut protein metabolism (Nichols and Bertolo, 2008). The structure of Mucin gene (MUC2)
is composed by 11% Thr (Gum, 1992). The hydroxyl group of Thr and serine is necessary for

8. ester linkages on the mucin amino acid backbone to carbohydrate groups that make up the
majority (50% to 80%) of the molecular weight of mucin (Montagne et al., 2004). There is a
lack of information about the effects of Thr levels more than NRC (1994) on performance
and mucin dynamics in poultry, especially for starter period. However, Ross requirement
(0.94%) is 14% more than NRC (1994).
The essential amino acid Thr is typically the third limiting amino acid behind TSAA and Lys in
commercial broiler diets composed of corn or sorghum, soybean meal and meat meal (Kidd
and Kerr, 1996; Kidd, 2000). Thr is not only an essential amino acid for growth in young
chicks, but also its preferential utilization by the gut for mucus synthesis makes it
disproportionately essential for maintenance requirements. Up to 90% of dietary Thr is
extracted by the portal-drained viscera (versus only about a third for other essential amino
acids) (Stoll et al., 1998; Van Goudoever et al., 2000; Van Der Schooret al., 2002; Schaart et
al., 2005). Thr’s requirement for maintenance functions in the gut would be particularly
sensitive to Thr supply. The protective mucus layer in the gut predominantly consists of
mucins, glycoproteins that are particularly rich in Thr. More ever, mucins are continuously
synthesized and very resistant to small intestinal proteolysis and hence recycling; therefore,
mucin synthesis is largely an irreversible loss of Thr (Van Der Schoor et al., 2002). As a
result, a substantial and constant supply of Thr is necessary to maintain gut function and
structure (Law et al., 2007)
(http://www.aspajournal.it/index.php/ijas/article/view/ijas.2011.e14/2038)
EEESSSSSSEEENNNTTTIIIAAALLL OOOIIILLLSSS
NATURAL BOTANICAL MICROBICIDALS
BIOMED
is a broad spectrum bactericide, fungicide and is a powerful antiviral and versatile antiparasitic.
Vitis vinifera seed contains diphenyl hydroxy benzene
Trachyspermum ammi fruit essential oil contains thymol
Thymus vulgaris flower and leaves essential oil contains thymol, cymene & oleanolic acid
Papaver somniferum sap contains codeine, papaverine, vanilic acid

9. Origanum vulgare volatile oil contains thymol
Olea europea fruits contains oleuropein, elenolic acid, aglycone
Ocimum gratisimum essential oil contains thymol, eugenol, citral
Datura metel contains hyosyamine, atropine, scopolamine,allantoin, Vit C
Cinchona ledgeriana contains cinchonine,quinine, quinidine, cinchonidine
Atropa belladonna contains atropine, hyoscyamine.
Effects of essential oils on animal physiology (after Günther, 1990)
Effect Physiological action
Intensification of taste Impulses to central nervous system
Increased secretion of digestive juices Improved digestion
Increased activity of digestive enzymes Improved nutrient digestion and absorption
Inhibition of oxidative processes Reduced level of peroxides in the GIT
Inhibition of growth of bacteria Reduction of toxins
and fungi in feed and GIT
MODE OF ACTION:
OCIMUM BASILICUM exhibits in vitro antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, E. coli,
Pseudomonas auerginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Strong activity was also shown against
Candida albicans.
ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS contains some of the most powerful candida killing substances
available.
GARLIC EXTRACT (from 66 mg fresh garlic) were found to be effective antibiotic agents against
many bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, salmonella enteritidis, Klebsiella
pneumoniae, and mycobacteria.
Rosemary contains camphor, a powerful anti-microbial. Thyme contains thymol, which clinical
studies have shown to kill staphylococcus and salmonella. Lavender contains antibacterial
compounds that are more concentrated than many chemical components used cleansers, like
phenol, and sage contains natural phenol.
CITATIONS:
Phytogenic effects have been proven in poultry for feed palatability and quality
(sensory aspects), growth promotion (improved weight gain and feed conversion
ratio, reduced mortality), gut function and nutrient digestibility (improved growth),
gut microflora (less diseases of the GIT, improved growth, reduced mortality),
immune function (improved health), and carcass meat safety and quality (reduced
microbial load, improved sensory)(after Mountzouris et al., 2009).
Phytogenic substances show a clear antimicrobial activity in vivo (e.g., Okitoi
et al., 2007). In the same way anticoccidial effects of phytobiotics are described
(Giannenas and Kyriazakis, 2009). The observed effects are probably caused by
the potential of hydrophobic essential oils to intrude the bacterial cell membrane,
to disintegrate membrane structure and to cause ion leakage (Windisch et al.,
2009).
CONTENTS
BLEND OF NATURAL ORGANIC COMPOUNDS LIKE
Vitis vinifera Trachyspermum ammi Thymus vulgaris Papaver somniferum Origanum vulgare Olea
europea Ocimum gratsisimum Datura metel Cinchona ledgeriana Atropa belladona.

10. INDICATIONS:
VAGINITIS, SHINGELLA, POLIO VIRUS, NEWCASTLE DISEASE, MENINGITIS,
LYME DISEASE, INFLUENZA, HERPES VIRUS, HEPATITIS –A& B & C, GIARDIA,
FIBROMYALGIA, EBOLA VIRUS, E.COLI, CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE,
CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME, CHOLERA, CHLAMYDIA, ANGINA PECTORIS ETC.
BIOMED
1. Halts the outbreak of colds and other viral diseases
2. Prevents invasions of mold, fungus, yeast and bacteria.
3. Protects from infestations of protozoan parasites.
4. Curbs need of increased dosages of antibiotics
5. Eliminates need of newer antibiotics
6. Improves immune system
7. Stops abuse of antibiotics
8. Inhibits growth, spread, survival of pathogenic microbes.
9. ELIMINATES USE OF ANTIBIOTICS, SYNTHETIC FUNGISTATS,BACTERIOSTATS
BIOMED
#Safe #New #Effective #Biodegradable #Non carcinogenic #GRAS

11. SSSYYYMMMBBBIIIOOOTTTIIICCCSSS
(http://www.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horseit.com%2Fen%2Fimages%2Fhealth%2
Farticles%2FIMPACT%2520ON%2520DIGESTION%2520CHART.GIF&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horseit.
com%2Fen%2FHealth2001%2Farticles%2Fdigestivehealth121005.htm&docid=IrDVsA_IRim_4M&tbnid=Rg2p
Ph4mGj3qKM&w=460&h=295&ei=WFzwU7KhG4KiugTk9YGoDA&ved=0CAQQxiAwAg&iact=c)
Yeast products have been proven as promising candidates for supporting the animals'
immune system and preventing intestinal adhesion of foodborne pathogens. Mannan-
Oligosaccharides (MOS) and beta-glucans as components of the yeast cell wall exert specific
functions.
Pichia guilliermondii can be directed against O and H antigens of Salmonella
enterica serotype Enteritidis to prevent bacterial adhesion to and invasion of HEp-2 cells.
A feeding trial was conducted on broiler chickens to study the effects of the synbiotic
BIOMIN IMBO [a combination of Enterococcus faecium, a prebiotic (derived from chicory)
and immune modulating substances (derived from sea algae)], with a dose of 1 kg/ton of
the starter diets and 0.5 kg/ton of the grower diets on the intestinal morphometry and
nutrient absorption. The general performance was improved (P < 0.05) by the dietary
inclusion of synbiotic compared with the controls. Furthermore, the addition of synbiotic
increased (P < 0.001) the villus height/crypt depth ratio and villus height in ileum. However,
the ileal crypt depth was decreased by dietary supplementation of synbiotic compared with
control. The addition of glucose in Ussing chamber produced a significant increase (P ≤
0.001) in short-circuit current (Isc) in jejunum and colon relative to the basal values in both
synbiotic and control groups. However, in jejunum the percentage of Isc increase after
glucose addition was higher for synbiotic group (333 %) than control group (45 %). In
conclusion, dietary inclusion of synbiotic BIOMIN IMBO increased the growth performance
and improved intestinal morphology and nutrient absorption.
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2635618/)

12. Higher villus height (VH) (p<0.01) were seen in the duodenum of birds fed diets without
prebiotics, whereas birds fed Bacillus subtilis-based probiotic and birds fed prebiotic based
on MOS and OA showed higher VH (p<0.01) in jejunum and ileum. Greater crypt depths (CD)
(p<0.01) were observed in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum of birds receiving B. subtilis,
and in the duodenum and jejunum of birds fed diets without prebiotics. Significant
interaction (p<0.01) between the evaluated factors was seen for both, VH and CD, in the
three intestinal portions. Greater VH was obtained in duodenum, jejunum and ileum with
the use of probiotics and prebiotics and greater CD with the use of probiotics, in relation to
the control group.
Final body weight at 42 d of age was higher in birds fed a diet with probiotics compared to
those fed a diet without probiotic (p<0.05). Inclusion of Bacillus subtilis based probiotic in
the diets also significantly affected feed conversion rate (FCR) compared with control birds
(p<0.05). No differences in growth performance were observed in birds fed different types
of probiotic supplemented diets. Inclusion of lactic acid bacteria based probiotic in the diets
significantly increased goblet cell number and villus length (p<0.05). Furthermore, diets
with Bacillus subtilisbased probiotics significantly increased gene expression (p<0.05), with
higher intestinal MUC2 mRNA in birds fed diet with probiotics compared to those fed the
control diet. In BS and LAB probiotic fed chicks, higher growth performance may be related
to higher expression of the MUC2 gene in goblet cells and/or morphological change of small
intestinal tract. The higher synthesis of the mucin gene after probiotic administration may
positively affect bacterial interactions in the intestinal digestive tract, intestinal mucosal cell
proliferation and consequently efficient nutrient absorption.
(http://www.ajas.info/journal/view.php?number=22810)
EEENNNZZZYYYMMMEEESSS
Combinations of acidifiers and enzymes give very cost-effective broiler production in the
absence of antibiotic growth promoters.
It is possible that improved feed digestibility brought about by enzymes may reduce the
residence time of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract and so give less opportunity for
growth of pathogenic bacteria.

13. FFFUUUNNNCCCTTTIIIOOONNNAAALLL FFFIIIBBBEEERRRSSS
Bolduan (1988) showed that the addition of 5% straw to a piglet starter diet reduced the
transit time of digesta through the gut. This led to a reduction in the percentage of days
with diarrhoea from 6.0 to 3.5. Since then, work with other sources of digestible fibre, such
as sugar beet feed, have shown an improved overall NSP digestibility of the diet and
reduced incidence of post-weaning diarrhoea.
(HTTP://WWW.THEPIGSITE.COM/ARTICLES/291/ALTERNATIVES-TO-ANTIBIOTICS-AS-GROWTH-
PROMOTERS)
IIIMMMMMMUUUNNNOOOMMMOOODDDUUULLLAAATTTOOORRRSSS
Immunomodulators--feed additives, such as the beta-glucan fraction of the yeast cell wall,
that help stimulate and normalize immune system function--have been used in weanling pig
diets at different inclusion levels as an alternative to subtherapeutic dietary antibiotics,
according to research conducted at Oklahoma State University.
(http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-130213779.html)
HHHEEERRRBBBAAALLL EEEXXXTTTRRRAAACCCTTTSSS
Dietary Berberis vulgaris extract enhances intestinal mucosa morphology in the broiler
chicken
It is well known that Euphorbia hirta in the presence of orgainic acids excellent antimicrobial
properties and as well villi surface area improvement which results in better performance of
the birds.

14. Effect of Garlic on the performance of weaned piglets, 11-24 kg
Treatment 0% Garlic 0.05% Garlic 0.25% Garlic 50 ppm Mecadox
Feed Intake (g/d) 710 736 691 825
Growth rate (g/d) 382 414 376 465
Feed: Gain (g/d) 1.88 1.77 1.83 1.77
Losses (%) 15.6 - 3.1 9.4
Treatment for Diarrhoea (%) 6.3 6.2 9.4 21.9
(http://www.thepigsite.com/articles/291/alternatives-to-antibiotics-as-growth-promoters)
OOORRRGGGAAANNNIIICCC AAACCCIIIDDDSSS
An organic acid blend (benzoic, fumaric and 2-hydroxi-4-methylltio-butanoic - HMTBa)
in the dosage of 0.4% improves intestinal health and performance when nalidixic acid
resistant Salmonella Typhimurium is experimentally inoculated.
Effect on body weight gain Feed supplemented with 0.1% and 0.2% butyric acid had no
effect on body weight gain ( Leeson S. et al. ,2005). On the other hand , supplementation of
feed with 3% fumaric acid or 3% lactic shows highest birds body weight gain from 3 to 6
weeks of age
( Adil S. et al., 2010 &2011)
Effect on intestinal histomorphology Dietary supplementation of organic acids significantly
increase the villus height in the duodenoum , and jejunum, but there was non-significant
effect on the ileum.
( S.Adil et al., 2010 & 2011)
Organic acid reduce bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella in the gastro-intestinal gut .
Organic acids used as a salts (i.e. Sodium butyrate ) to prevent loss of acid in the upper
digestive system .
Mechanism of organic acids function on body weight gain: The increase of body weight gain
might be due to direct antimicrobial effect of organic acid on the microbial cell membrane
or energy metabolism in the microbial cell causing antibacterial effect.
Mechanism of organic acids function on FCR Improvement in FCR could be possible due to
better utilization of nutrient resulting by improving intestinal integrity by so improving feed
absorption and that reduce feed intake resulting in higher FCR.
(http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/abedalmalekhawam-1747237-effect-organic-
acid-supplementation-broiler-chicken-performance/)

15. It has been reported that organic acids stimulate the proliferation of normal crypt cells,
enhancing healthy tissue turnover and maintenance (Scheppach et al. 1995). This trophic
effect was demonstrated byFrankel et al. (1994), who found an increase in villus height and
surface area in the colon and jejunum of rats fed diets supplemented with butyric acid. Le
Blay et al. (2000) and Fukunaga et al. (2003) also reported that organic acids can accelerate
gut epithelial cell proliferation, thus increase intestinal tissue weight and changing mucosal
morphology. The short chain fatty acids are believed to increase plasma glucagon-like
peptide 2 (GLP-2) and ileal pro-glucagon mRNA, glucose transporter (GLUT2) expression and
protein expression, which are potential signals mediating gut epithelial cell proliferation
(Tappenden and McBurney, 1998). Paul et al. (2007) reported that the organic acid
supplementation increased duodenal villus height. Similar results were observed
by Garcia et al. (2007) who found improved villus height with formic acid and also greater
crypt depth but the villus surface area was not influenced. The increased villus height in the
small intestines could be associated with higher absorptive intestinal surface (Loddi et
al. 2004) which facilitates the nutrient absorption and hence, has a direct impact on growth
performance. Garcia et al. (2007) showed that diet supplementation with herbal plants and
plant derived products causes a higher villus in chickens. Herbal plants decrease the total
pathogen bacteria in the intestinal wall and cause a reduction in production of toxic
compounds and damage to intestinal epithelial cells, inhibit the destruction of villus and
decreases reconstruction of the lumen. This function could lead to a conversion in intestinal
morphology (Garcia et al. 2007; Hashemi, 2010).
It has been suggested that reduced microbial activity in digesta or microbial activity at the
level of the brush border would reduce both the damage to enterocytes and the need for
cell renewal in the gut (Hughes, 2003). Cook and Bird (1973) reported a shorter villus and a
deeper crypt when the counts of pathogenic bacteria increase in the GIT, which result in
fewer absorptive and more secretory cells (Schneeman, 1982).
MMMIIINNNEEERRRAAALLLSSS
Several studies indicated that dietary Zn supplementation appeared to alleviate the loss of
intestinal mucosal barrier function induced by S. Typhimurium challenge and the partial
mechanism might be related to the increased expression of occludin and claudin-1 in broiler
chickens.
The role of copper sulphate as a growth enhancing agent is well established.
It is just one of the tests that indicate that besides all classical ways to improve the piglet’s
gastro-intestinal health, it seems very interesting to focus on the use of organic trace
minerals.
(http://www.pigprogress.net/Special-Focus/Piglet-Feeding/Feeding-solution-to-reduce-use-
of-antibiotics/)

16. LLLIIIQQQUUUIIIDDD FFFEEEEEEDDD
Another option for the future may be liquid feeding. Improvements in post-weaning growth
rates have been reported in most of the investigations where piglets have been fed liquid
compared with dry feed (Jensen & Mikkelsen, 1998, Brooks, 1999). Similar benefits have
been established with fermented liquid feed, where the feed is soured to a pH of <4.0.
(http://www.thepigsite.com/articles/291/alternatives-to-antibiotics-as-growth-promoters)
FFFEEERRRMMMEEENNNTTTEEEDDD FFFEEEEEEDDD
Fermented feed may be a better option if wet mash is fermented with specific probiotics,
Enzymes and other additives for about 8 hours (To become a predigested feed) before
feeding to Animals.
An alternative to organic acids is fermented mash. This is characterised by a low pH (<4.5), a
high concentration of lactic acid (> 150 mmol/l), and high densities of lactic acid bacteria (>
109 organisms/g) and yeast cells (> 107 organisms/g). Research at the Danish Institute for
Agricultural Sciences has shown that fermented mash affects microbial metabolism in the
alimentary canal of both baby and bacon pigs. The investigations show that pigs which
received fermented mash had lower microbial activity in the stomach and small intestine. A
similar result was found earlier when pigs were fed growth promoter antibiotics. The results
also show that the number of coliform bacteria was markedly reduced in the alimentary
canals of pigs fed on fermented mash, suggesting a more healthy gut environment. On the
other hand no significantly better animal growth or feed utilisation was observed. The same
has been found in English studies. Selection for particularly effective lactic acid bacteria
and/or yeast cells appears to hold great potential to optimise this response.
(http://www.thepigsite.com/articles/291/alternatives-to-antibiotics-as-growth-promoters)
RRREEEFFFEEERRREEENNNCCCEEESSS
1. Abdel Fattah S.A., El Sanhoury M.H., El Mednay N.M. and Abdel Azeem F. (2008). Thyroid activity,
some blood constituents, organs morphology and performance of broiler chicks fed supplemental
organic acids. Int. J. Poult. Sci. 7,215-222.
2. AdibmoradiM., Navidshad B., Seifdavati J. and Royan M. (2006). Effect of dietary garlic meal on
histological structure of small intestine in broiler chickens. Poult. Sci. 43, 378-383.
3. Ao T.A. Cantor H., Pescatore A.J., Ford M.J., Pierce J.L. and Dawson K.A. (2009). Effect of enzyme
supplementation and acidification of diets on nutrient digestibility and growth performance of broiler
chicks. Poult. Sci. 88, 111-117.

17. 4. Awad W., Ghareeb K. and Böhm J. (2008). Intestinal structure and function of broiler chickens on diets
supplemented with a synbiotic containing Enterococcus faecium and oligosaccharides. Int. J. Mol.
Sci. 9, 2205-2216.
5. Canibe N., Engberg R.M. and Jensen B.B. (2001). An Overview of the Effect of Organic Acids on Gut
Flora and Gut Health. Danish Institute of Agricultural Science. Research Center Foulum, Denmark.
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