PPILOW

Poultry and Pig Low-input and Organic production systems' Welfare
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6.3.1 – Feed treatments for improved laying hen health

In vitro tests were carried out to evaluate the antiparasitic and immunomodulatory effects of ethanol extracts of plants (C. officinalis, S. hortensis L., C. sativum, A. absinthium L., A. sativum and C. pepo). Based on this powders, oil extracts or essential oils from the plants showing the most promising effects were added to the feed administered to layers experimental infected with Ascaridia galli. Besides the plants tested in vitro, fermented rape seed meal/seaweed (European Protein EP199, Fermentation Experts, Denmark) and powder from Aronia melanocarpa were also administered to the layers. With respect to the practical control of A. galli, no firm recommendations can be given based on the present results. However, among the additives tested in vivo during the project (C. sativum, A. sativum and C. pepo, from Aronia melanocarpa and fermented rape seed meal/seaweed), the best candidate seems to be garlic, which can be mixed into the feed as dried powder. However, it should be said that most of the plants added to the diets had a beneficial effect on gut health as evaluated by microbial fermentation and higher numbers of potentially beneficial bacteria (lactic acid bacteria) and lower numbers of potentially harmful bacteria considering E. coli as an indicator of related pathogenic enterobacteria, i.e. Salmonella.

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