July 22, 2014
Potential link found between feeding DDGS and necrotic enteritis in broilers
USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation have completed a research project at Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, that found a potential link between feeding DDGS and necrotic enteritis in broilers.
Necrotic enteritis, caused by Clostridium perfringens, is an important health issue for the broiler industry. The declining use of antibiotics makes controlling necrotic enteritis even more difficult.
The researchers studied the impact of feeding distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) on the incidence and severity of necrotic enteritis in broilers. It was found that feeding a high inclusion level (15%) of DDGS in the presence of a mild to moderate Clostridium perfringens challenge can lead to more severe cases of necrotic enteritis and can negatively impact adjusted feed conversion ratios. The research indicates that the DDGS inclusion rate should be considered in a programme to control necrotic enteritis.