Giving chicks the healthiest start

Removal of antibiotic growth promoters has revealed that it is crucial to manage the makeup of the birds’ intestinal microbiota to avoid, or at least limit, the risks of health problems inherent to intensive production. The main strategies for promoting intestinal health and intestinal microbiota in birds can be outlined as follows: Selectively introduce favourable bacterial populations from a very young age; provide a regular supply of nutrients specific to the beneficial bacteria; and act d