EUBIOTIC LIGNOCELLULOSE for dry litter and healthy feet
By Dr. Arthur Kroismayr, Agromed Austria
EUBIOTIC LIGNOCELLULOSE Eubiotic Lignocellulose (OptiCell®
, Agromed Austria) is a special
dietary fibre derived from fresh wood. In contrast to the first generation lignocellulose products that contain nearly 100% non-fermentable fibre (lignin, cellulose, and non-fermentable hemicellulose), eubiotic lignocellulose contains a synergistic blend of non-fermentable and fermentable fibre components.
FERMENTABLE AND NON-FERMENTABLE FIBRE Non-fermentable and fermentable fractions of dietary fibre are differentially degraded by intestinal microbes and, therefore, have different modes of action. The non-fermentable fibre fraction is minimally degraded by the
microbes and has primarily physical effects. It physically regulates digesta passage rate, influences faecal quality and extends important fermentation processes (production of volatile fatty acids) to the large intestine. With inadequate fibre levels in nutrient-dense diets, fermentation moves further up the intestine, where pathogens can negatively influence health status and production performance. Wet droppings contribute to sanitation problems. Fermentable fibre is, as the name suggests, fermented by bacteria
in the large intestine. The effects of fermentable fibre are directly related to this bacterial metabolism. The fermentable fibre fraction is not digested by the bird itself, but is utilized by the microbes in the large intestine, where lactate and the volatile fatty acids acetate, butyrate, and propionate are produced. Lactic acid and volatile fatty acids are essential to maintain eubiosis (=>stable and healthy micro- flora in the gut) in the large intestine and, due to their effects on water re-absorption in the gut (esp. butyrate), they lead to improved consistency of faeces. Additionally, some fermentable dietary fibre components are fermented by lactobacilli, which will naturally lead to an increased production of lactic acid. Lactic acid is known as an important antagonist to pathogens in the digestive tract and will therefore positively influence gut health status of the animals.
INCLUSION OF EUBIOTIC LIGNOCELLULOSE IN POULTRY DIETS Due to its remarkably high fibre content, low inclusion rates of eubiotic lignocellulose (1.0 – 1.5%) positively influence the digestive processes of birds. Therefore, dramatic changes in diet formulations are not necessary to maintain nutrient and energy densities when eubiotic lignocellulose is used in poultry diets. Traditional fibre sources available for animal diets are of varying quality and supply,
with mycotoxin contamination a constant concern. Because eubiotic lignocellulose is a wood product, it is guaranteed free of mycotoxins and supply is not influenced by climactic and growing conditions. Eubiotic lignocellulose is an exciting new feeding ingredient that can provide fibre in poultry diets without taking up significant amounts of valuable space in the diet.
BENEFITS ON LITTER CONSISTENCY AND FOOT PAD LESION SCORE Various scientific and practical studies show positive effects of eubiotic lignocellulose (OptiCell) on production parameters of poultry. Field studies showed that 1.0 to 1.5% OptiCell consistently improved growth performance and economic returns by 9% or more. Besides production parameters such as growth performance
and FCR, health issues are very important in poultry production. Wet litter is not only a symptom of the decreased health status of a flock, it also leads to higher incidence of foot pad dermatitis (FPD) due to the fact the birds continuously standing in a wet and sticky environment. Wet litter syndrome has to be avoided, ideally without resorting to the use of antibiotics. OptiCell has demonstrated its positive impact on wet litter syndrome i n p r a c t i c e i n numerous poultry production systems and as a result the product is used to improve the birds’ growing conditions and to avoid FPD. Recently, Agromed Austria published a study conducted at the Bangkok Animal Research Center (BARC) in Thailand proving that OptiCell improved the dry matter content of litter and reduced FPD scores. This effect on quality and health status of feet is an important issue for animal welfare, as well as for economics as chicken feet are a saleable part of the chicken carcass.
CONCLUSION Eubiotic lignocellulose can greatly improve production performance and the health status of poultry. Wet litter problems, in particular, can be decreased by using this high quality dietary fibre source. As a consequence foot pad dermatitis (FPD) of chicken can be decreased.
FEED COMPOUNDER JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 PAGE 29
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