Salmonella is a bacterial infection that can affect humans and animals. In the production of broiler chickens, Salmonella is a significant concern as it can lead to food contamination and foodborne illness. Therefore, proper biosecurity measures should be implemented to prevent Salmonella contamination. New emerging technologies also represent promising solutions for Salmonella prevention as they aim at controlling the pathogen in the gut of the birds. By implementing strict biosecurity measures and using effective feed additives, broiler producers can produce safe and high-quality broilers while minimizing the risk of Salmonella infection.

A double-encapsulation technology to target specific pathogens.

Recently, a biotech company developed a new technology, based on an exclusive formulation and a new double encapsulation approach (NUQO ©SAFE). The company worked on one advanced concept: a double micro-encapsulation with one layer made of phytogenics and phycogenics (active molecules from plants and algae) and one inner core containing multiple organic acids. The new product enables an accurate and precise controlled released of ingredients in the gut; active compounds are released specifically between the duodenum up to the colon, with a sequenced release of the different ingredients, so that every compound gets released on spot to enhance digestive functions and control gut microflora.

Assessing the efficacy of technology in reducing salmonella colonization.

Multiple trials have confirmed a positive effect. One recent trial was performed at Ridgeway Research in UK. Ross 308 female day-old chicks were brought into the facility on day 0, weighted and randomly allocated to different treatments. At day 14, all chicks were inoculated with 0,1 ml containing 1 x 10 8 CFU of Salmonella enteritidis suspension. The animals were separated in 2 groups: One control group (NC) and one group fed with this new technology (NQ) at 400 g/t.

Prior to infection, no birds were infected with Salmonella. Postinfection, 63% and 38% of the birds in the NC group were infected at day 21 and day 35, respectively. The number of Salmonella positive samples was reduced by half at both time points for the animals from the NQ group. From the birds that were positive at day 21, one part naturally recovered from the infection ("previously positive"). The recovery rate is similar in both treatment group (~60%). From the birds positive at day 35, a part was already positive at day 21 and a part turned positive between day 21 and day 35 ("new positive"). The NQ group had much less 'new positive' than the NC group, which indicates a stronger support against salmonella, not only shortly after the infection but during the whole production cycle. Overall, there were fewer birds ever infected with Salmonella for the NQ group (33% total infection rate vs 75%) and, at day 35, there were much fewer positive birds in the NQ group than in the control (16% vs 38%).

In parallel, scientists measured the immune response via the concentration of Salmonella IgA in blood. Prior to infection, the base level of IgA was around 15ng/ml in both treatment groups. At day 21, the blood IgA concentration increased to about 40 ng/ml in the NC group, showing the immune response of the birds to the Salmonella infection. Birds from the NQ group had 11% more blood IgA at day 21 than birds from the NC group, which indicates a better immune response. Finally, scientists measured the impact of both treatments on performance. The birds from the NQ group had a 1-point improvement in feed conversion ratio, which shows the effects of some of its components on digestibility and gut integrity.

An Innovative and Exclusive Solution for Sustainable Salmonella Control

This new exclusive technology based on phytogenics, phycogenics and organic acids with a double encapsulation structure is a safe and effective solution to reduce Salmonella in poultry farms. The double encapsulation structure ensures that the active ingredients are released only when they reach the intestines, for optimal effect. The technology targets the pathogen specifically and enhances the natural immune response of the bird. By reducing the risk of Salmonella infection, this technology improves the health and welfare of the birds, and reduces risk of food contamination and foodborne illness.

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Article made possible through the contribution of Dr Stéphanie Ladirat R&D Director, NUQO

Emerging technology prevents salmonella infection in poultry production