Balanced immune system and better productivity go hand-in-hand
David McBride, Cargill’s commercial poultry manager
Bird health and welfare are the cornerstones of productivity in our poultry units. And while genetics, the environment and nutrition will help to promote flock well-being, these units still face many challenges. “Our flocks have to be well-equipped and prepared to meet
these challenges,” says Cargill’s commercial poultry manager David McBride. “Layer and breeder flocks are expected to meet relentless productivity improvements while facing disease threats, such as E coli and IB, and seasonal challenges, including heat stress, while making efficient use of expensive, and ever-increasing, feed costs.” With tight margins and a firm focus on reduced reliance on
treatments, particularly antibiotic use, the focus is on the bird’s immune system. “This needs to be well-primed and ready to act immediately,”
explains Mr McBride, likening it to a television on standby, as opposed to one that’s turned off at the mains. “I know this is a simple analogy, but the bird’s immune system is its natural defence. So whatever we can do to keep this in tip-top condition, and ready to act immediately, is worth doing.” Diet is a key player in keeping this immune system at the top of
its game. And the role of nutritional products that have a proven track record of supporting the immune system, such as the fermentation product Diamond V XPC™, justifies consideration. “It’s a relatively new product to our poultry portfolio in the UK,” he
adds, “but one that we welcomed when Cargill took over Diamond V, and Cargill Animal Nutrition became the UK and Ireland distributor in January 2020. It is already used in 75% of layer flocks in the US, and it’s an ideal ‘fit’ in the Cargill poultry product range here.” Diamond V has been developing world-leading natural
fermentation products since 1943 and it is a very science-led company, where innovation and new developments continue to be produced across all species – not least in the poultry sector. Like all Diamond V products, the feed product XPC supports
the immune system to improve production and ensure food safety. It is a product that can help producers meet disease challenges and reduce the reliance on antibiotic use, with a particularly favourable return on investment seen in layer flocks and in all systems, breeder and turkey flocks.
PAGE 32 MARCH/APRIL 2021 FEED COMPOUNDER Formed from Diamond V’s anaerobic fermentation process, the
combination of compounds in Diamond V XPC™ work synergistically with the bird to provide a unique and natural immune-support product that enhances overall health and wellness. Cargill describes Diamond V XPC™ as a postbiotic, which is the
result of probiotic activity that releases micro-organisms to support the immune system and the gastro-intestinal tract. It has a strong immunity mode of action including activation of
the natural killer cells and improving mucosal immunity. The main antibody in the mucus is SIgA, and the feed product XPC™ will promote a stronger response from this antibody, which in turn reduces the uptake of toxins and pathogens. “We also see a stronger immune response to vaccinations which supports their effectiveness,” adds Mr McBride. In trials, a significant decrease of salmonella faecal shedding in
a week was recorded where the feed product XPC™ was included in diets. This positive effect continued up to 42 days. And in commercial field trials, a reduction in the prevalence of salmonella in caeca samples for all types of birds fed diets with this feed product was recorded. Overall, the benefits of the feed product XPC™ relate to improved
immunity, better gut health and improved performance, as shown in Figure 1. Extensive trials have been carried out in all poultry systems. In
laying flocks, improved production, egg quality, and reduced mortality have been recorded.
Figure 1
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