Controlling Salmonellosis in Food chain through Alternative to Antibiotics

Salmonella Infantis in poultry, although a non typhoidal serovar but its propagation is under constant monitoring, strain was reported in 2019 in Pakistan in layers and highest prevailing serotype in the whole Asian & European community, with 52% of human cases connected to chicken production and processing products(EFSA 2024). A research focusing on Non-antibiotic alternative for Salmonella in poultry is conducted by Dr. Muhammad Zeshan Aslam.

This extension article is written by Dr. Muhammad Zeshan Aslam, Sandra Van Kuijk from Amersfoort Netherlands and Prof Dr. M. Yasin Tipu, UVAS Lahore

Since population of Pakistan currently struggling with antibiotic resistance issues majorly due to irrational use of drugs in human healthcare industry and microbial transfer through food sources. The concurrent survival at poultry processing units, farms & highly drug resistant nature because of transfer able plasmids (pESI) pushed scientist to find reliable non-antibiotic alternative for Salmonella in poultry for this strain to check one end of AMR and improve food safety without compromising food security since chicken is the cheapest source of protein in country.

Research Background on control of Salmonella in Poultry

In this context a research trial had been performed in poultry research centre, Toledo Spain under Trouw Nutrition Netherlands & Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences where different combinations of organic acids, medium chain fatty acids, targeted butyrate, phenolic compounds and phyto-genetics has been tested aiming the goal to find best non-antibiotic alternative for Salmonella in poultry (Salmonellosis in broilers) which can not only reduce bacterial incidence but also keep the intestinal health and performance metrics to their best. Another goal is to help farmers to export their meat and push the struggling economy of Pakistan.

Trial Design and Methodology

In strict biosecurity measures, these three drug combinations were given through feed with a control group as per supplier recommendations, and Salmonella colony forming units with performance indicators calculated under SOPs of Masterlab Spain.

Findings of Research on Salmonella in Poultry

All the combinations moved the objective in positive direction with different groups showing results i.e.

• Functional carbohydrates and OA group showing 50 % reduction in positive birds at end of cycle.

• Organic acids & MCFAs (C8,C10,C12) group shown tendency in salmonella count reduction at different time points in cycle as well as improvement in gut health.

• Targeted Butyrate & OA combination observed as group with best results of production metrics (BW,FI,ADW etc.) and least in gut lesions with an average score of 2.4 out of 10 at 28th day of cycle.

Short chain fatty acids appeared to be effective solution against Salmonella Infantis in poultry in general. Combining it with medium chain fatty acids and phenolic compounds would also increase the gastro intestinal health and butyrate can increase the chances to help birds in performance metrics and reduce chances of loss in terms of return on investment due to poor performance.

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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