Aviagen: It's what's inside that is important - Managing gut health on the farm

Abstract

The chicken gut contains a diverse population of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, known as the gut microbiota. The major development of this community starts fromhatching onward, as birds come into contact with the farm environment, people, andfeed. Pathogenic and commensal bacteria that are harmful to humans can establishthemselves in early life, so steps to avoid exposure to these must be in place.