IISER Kolkata on Poultry Health
In an impressive study conducted at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata (IISER Kolkata), researchers Amirul Islam Mallick and Subhadeep Gupta have unveiled a transformative approach to poultry health. As India transitions from domestic poultry farming to a techno-commercial sector meeting the growing demand for quality eggs, meat, and meat products, challenges arise from the overuse of antimicrobials and growth promoters, leading to the emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms.
The research focuses on a novel feature of Campylobacter jejuni, a leading cause of poultry infections, which utilizes a syringe-shaped puncturing device known as Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) to mediate self-destruction under environmental stress. This discovery presents an innovative opportunity to translate T6SS functionality principles from the laboratory bench to the field, enhancing the gut health of poultry.
The study diverges from conventional approaches by proposing a probiotic-based feed supplement designed from an ‘eco-evolutionary’ perspective. Unlike the historical concept of feeding probiotics as supplements, this innovation ensures the optimal benefits of probiotics for poultry health. The outcome is the development of an affordable poultry feed additive with the capacity to significantly reduce the cecal load of Campylobacter jejuni in commercial chickens.
Key Highlights:
– Targeted Gut Pathogen Depletion: The probiotic-based feed additive specifically targets and reduces the cecal load of Campylobacter jejuni, addressing a crucial concern in poultry production.
– Affordability: The innovative feed additive offers an affordable solution, mitigating the economic burden associated with poultry health management.
– Eco-Evolutionary Perspective: Departing from traditional approaches, the study emphasizes an ‘eco-evolutionary’ perspective, ensuring sustainable and beneficial probiotic effects for poultry.
– Translating Lab Discoveries to Field Impact: The research holds the potential to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and on-field impact, revolutionizing poultry health practices.
– Multidisciplinary Approach: The study integrates microbiology, poultry science, and ecological principles, showcasing a multidisciplinary approach to addressing complex challenges in the poultry industry.
This research signifies a paradigm shift in poultry health management, offering an affordable and effective solution to enhance gut health, reduce pathogens, and contribute to sustainable poultry production practices.
For more information, contact Amirul Islam Mallick at amallick@iiserkol.ac.in
-Raja Aditya
