Phytogen Improves Performance during Spotty Liver Disease by Impeding Bacterial Metabolism and Pathogenicity

Abstract

The present study establishes the beneficial effects of the continuous phytogenic supplementation reflected in reduced diarrhea and mortality and higher egg productivity under normal conditions and during a natural outbreak of Spotty Liver Disease. Our data points to the importance of phytogen-driven alteration of microbial pathogenicity and fitness-related functional capabilities revealed on the commercial layer farm.

Phytogenic Blend Improves Intestinal Health and Reduces Obesity, Diabetes, Cholesterol and Cancers: A Path toward Customised Supplementation

“…These beneficial properties are related to the course of physiological reactions driven by the enzymes, hormones, and metabolic changes in cells, hence improving the health and performance of birds [ 24 ]. PFA-induced improvements included higher quality of the eggs produced, reduced mortality, reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR), and an increase in weight gain [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ].…”

“…Here, we investigated the effects of a commercial PFA blend comprised of a mixture of essential oils from the Myrtaceae and Asteraceae plant families and saponins supplemented to commercial free-range layer birds. We have recently reported performance and microbiome, including functional metagenomic alterations, in the present study [ 28 ]. Birds supplemented with PFA had reduced mortality and lower number of dirty eggs, increased rate of lay, and increased average egg weight [ 28 ].…”

“…We have recently reported performance and microbiome, including functional metagenomic alterations, in the present study [ 28 ]. Birds supplemented with PFA had reduced mortality and lower number of dirty eggs, increased rate of lay, and increased average egg weight [ 28 ]. These performance benefits were particularly evident during a natural Spotty Liver Disease outbreak in these sheds.…”

“…These performance benefits were particularly evident during a natural Spotty Liver Disease outbreak in these sheds. Functional analysis established a considerable functional alteration in the microbial community, with PFA reducing a range of microbial functions, including the production of essential vitamins, cofactors, energy, and amino acids [ 28 ]. PFA supplementation induced a phenotypic shift in the intestinal bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) phenotype towards the less pathogenic form [ 28 ].…”

“…In this manuscript, we will continue this investigation to examine the effect of prolonged use of this PFA blend on the ileum transcriptome and evaluate possible mechanisms contributing to reduced mortality, reduced diarrhoea and improved egg production we previously reported in these birds [ 28 ].…”