As global concerns over antibiotic resistance grow, the poultry industry is exploring natural alternatives to enhance broiler health and performance. A promising avenue involves utilizing locally available, plant-based compounds that offer antimicrobial and health-boosting properties without the drawbacks of antibiotics. Among the pioneers in this field is Dr. Deborah Adewole, alongside PhD student Fisayo Oretomiloye, who are researching innovative alternatives like grape pomace and red osier dogwood extract to combat heat stress and promote gut health in broilers.
The Need for Antibiotic Alternatives in Broiler Production
Antibiotics have traditionally been used in poultry production to prevent diseases and promote growth. However, their overuse has led to increased antibiotic resistance, posing a significant threat to both animal and human health. Additionally, regulatory restrictions on antibiotic use in animal feed have spurred interest in finding natural substitutes.
Dr. Adewole, now an assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan, has been at the forefront of this research. Her work aims to discover natural, plant-based compounds that can enhance broiler health, especially under challenging conditions like heat stress, a growing concern due to climate change.
Understanding Heat Stress in Broilers
Heat stress occurs when broilers are exposed to high temperatures that disrupt their physiological balance. It is a significant challenge in poultry farming, as it reduces feed intake, growth performance, and overall productivity. “Heat stress consistently reduces growth performance, especially feed intake, in broilers,” notes Dr. Adewole.
This challenge underscores the need for dietary solutions that not only support broiler growth but also mitigate the adverse effects of heat stress.
The Role of Phytochemicals in Poultry Nutrition
The focus of Dr. Adewole and Oretomiloye’s research is on phytochemicals—naturally occurring compounds in plants known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Specifically, they are exploring polyphenols found in grape pomace and red osier dogwood extract.
Grape Pomace: A Nutrient-Rich Byproduct
Grape pomace, a byproduct of winemaking, is rich in polyphenols and dietary fiber. It has shown potential in improving gut health and nutrient absorption. While not yet approved as a feed ingredient in Canada, its local availability and promising benefits make it an attractive candidate for further research.
Red Osier Dogwood Extract: A Proven Alternative
Red osier dogwood extract, derived from a shrub native to North America, is rich in concentrated polyphenols. It has been used traditionally in medicine and is already registered as a veterinary health product in Canada. This extract has shown remarkable potential in improving broiler performance and resilience to heat stress.
The Research: Testing Natural Alternatives in Heat-Stressed Broilers
To evaluate the efficacy of these alternatives, Dr. Adewole and her team conducted a study with two groups of broilers. One group was raised under normal conditions, while the other was exposed to heat stress by increasing the temperature by 10°C during the day for a week.
Each group was further divided into four dietary treatments:
1. A control diet with no additives.
2. A diet with antibiotics.
3. A diet supplemented with 2.5% grape pomace.
4. A diet supplemented with 0.3% red osier dogwood extract.
At the end of the 28-day trial, blood and tissue samples were analyzed to assess nutrient absorption, gut health, and immune response.
Key Findings
1. Growth Performance
Birds on the antibiotic diet showed the highest overall performance. However, broilers fed with red osier dogwood extract achieved comparable body weight gains and feed efficiency during critical growth phases.
2. Heat Stress Management
Birds receiving dogwood extract exhibited increased levels of creatine kinase, an enzyme that supports energy production, helping them cope with heat stress. This suggests that dogwood extract may enhance the birds’ ability to manage stressful conditions.
3. Gut Health and Nutrient Absorption
Both grape pomace and dogwood extract increased the surface area of the small intestine, improving nutrient absorption. They also promoted a healthier gut microbiota, with higher levels of Lactobacillus, a beneficial probiotic.
4. Immune System Support
Polyphenols in the extracts enhanced overall immune responses, making broilers more resilient to diseases.
Implications for Broiler Diets
The findings indicate that red osier dogwood extract is a viable alternative to antibiotics in broiler diets. Dr. Adewole recommends including 0.3% dogwood extract to maintain health and reduce heat stress impacts. While grape pomace also showed promise, further studies are needed to validate its benefits and secure regulatory approval.
Future Directions
Dr. Adewole’s team plans to conduct larger-scale studies and extend their research to other poultry species, such as laying hens. This will provide a broader understanding of how these natural additives can improve poultry production.
Conclusion
As the poultry industry seeks sustainable and effective alternatives to antibiotics, natural compounds like grape pomace and red osier dogwood extract emerge as promising options. Dr. Adewole’s research not only addresses the challenges of antibiotic resistance but also offers practical solutions to enhance broiler health and performance under heat stress.
Producers looking to adopt innovative, locally sourced ingredients can benefit from these findings, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient poultry industry.
