Paving the path to a healthy gut
BY KATRIEN DESCHEPPER, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, IMPEXTRACO T
he intestine is the most important interface between the animal and the environment. The intestinal epithelium acts as a natural barrier against pathogenic bacteria and toxic substances that are
present in the intestinal lumen. Stressors, pathogens, and chemical substances cause disturbances that may alter the permeability of this natural barrier, facilitating the invasion of pathogens and the ability to digest and absorb nutrients, and leading to chronic inflammatory processes. Consequently, there is a decrease in the villi length, an increase in the cell turnover and a decrease in the digestive and absorptive activities. Promoting a healthy and large absorption surface therefore results in optimal nutrient absorption.
Microbial ecosystem A healthy gut is one that has a stable and diverse microbial ecosystem. Microbial colonisation of the digestive tract of the chickens evolves very rapidly after hatching and achieves its functional capacity, including optimal digestion and fermentation of nutrients, during the first week. As chickens age, changes in environmental conditions in different
Figure 1 - Duodenum morphology was improved with Butifour CCB. Comparison of mean ranks for both treatments based on
Duodenum morphology 120 Control BUTIFOUR® CCB b 100
Gut health is crucial for optimal zootechnical performance and is determined by the reciprocal interaction between the mucosa, the diet composition and the microflora.
segments of the intestine such as pH, nutrients and oxygen tension result in the development of a specific bacterial community for each intestinal compartment. A typical adult gut microbiota consists of more than 1012
bacteria and is
established within maximum three weeks. The establishment of the small intestinal microbiota is faster than the caecal microbiota, but the microbial community in the caeca has greater richness and diversity in comparison to the ileal community. The more diverse and richer the microbiome, the healthier the animal. To ensure the microbial flora develops to a healthy and diverse bacterial population, it is of utmost importance to control pathogens as soon as possible from the stomach and let the beneficial bacteria flourish.
Diet
As the ingested nutrients can play a role in the development and functionality of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), diet composition can influence the development and function of the digestive system. The optimisation of the diets should consider the various aspects of gastrointestinal functionality that contribute to the improvement of animal health and reduce the use of antibiotics. The ideal nutritional approach (feed ingredients and additives) protects the whole intestinal tract from the stomach to the end of the intestine. It balances the bacterial flora by eliminating pathogens and letting the good ones flourish. It stimulates villi growth for maximum nutrient absorption and increases enzyme secretion for better digestion. It strengthens the mucus layer to stop pathogens entering the bloodstream and triggers proper immune response to maintain optimal gut health.
80 a 60 40 Cysts
Specific coated calcium butyrate An important and essential molecule in such protective nutritional concept is butyrate. This four-carbon short chain fatty acid (SCFA) has multiple beneficial effects on host health. Butyrate is the energy source for epithelial cells in the hindgut and is involved in the maintenance of the gastro- intestinal mucosal health. In addition, butyrate stimulates the growth and differentiation of healthy epithelial cells. Butyric acid-based products are used as a salt (sodium or calcium) or as a glyceride. By using a specific coated calcium butyrate (Butifour CCB), a slow release of butyric acid is obtained thanks to the coating and the slower solubility compared to
118 ▶ GUT HEALTH | DECEMBER 2020
Mean ranks
PHOTO: IMPEXTRACO
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