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The Feasibility of Using Nutritional Modifications to Replace Drugs in Poultry Feeds

Departamento de Producción Animal, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain

Correspondence: G. G. Mateos, E-mail: ggmateos{at}pan.etsia.upm.es

The restrictions in the use of in-feed antibiotics and proteins of animal origin in many European countries have increased the incidence of enteric disorders in poultry. Management and dietary changes have been suggested to reduce the negative effects of enteritis on broiler performance and carcass quality. Practices used in this respect are enhancement of the development of the gastrointestinal tract, improvement of nutrient digestibility, and modification of the conditions of the intestinal contents to promote a balanced growth of native flora. The most promising areas of research are the use of enzymes and the inclusion of whole grains in the diet. Areas of interest, but needing large amounts of basic information, include studies on the interrelationship between diet composition and the microbiota within the gastrointestinal tract. Also, the influence of processing of diets and ingredients and of the inclusion of natural additives on digestive physiology and microflora growth deserves attention. In conclusion, dietary manipulation of the diet together with management changes will reduce to manageable levels the problems associated with the ban of use of growth promoters in broiler feeds.

Key Words: growth promoter • commercial poultry production • diet modification