Enhancing Poultry Production: Key Insights from Huvepharma’s Intestinal Health Workshop

On November 19th and 20th, poultry professionals from across Indonesia gathered in Bogor for Huvepharma’s Intestinal Health Workshop. This event was designed to provide actionable strategies aimed at improving gut health, optimizing nutrition, and effectively managing diseases within poultry operations.

Day One: The Foundations of Intestinal Health

The first day of the workshop concentrated on the fundamentals of intestinal health, emphasizing both early-life gut development and effective coccidial control—both critical components for enhancing flock performance.

Understanding Gut Health Basics

Dr. Maarten De Gussem, a Global Poultry Consultant at Vetworks, inaugurated the session by stressing the importance of a thorough understanding of gut health fundamentals in effective poultry management. With their unique anatomy—short intestinal tracts and powerful gizzards—broilers experience distinct challenges in digestion and nutrient absorption. He noted that a poorly structured gut can lead to bacterial enteritis and decreased growth performance.

Dr. De Gussem also advocated for a data-driven approach to managing feed additives. “Evaluating all additives collectively can uncover synergies and prevent antagonistic interactions, ultimately reducing costs by 20-30%,” he explained.

Tony Unandar, a Private Poultry Farm Consultant in Indonesia, echoed this sentiment by emphasizing the significance of early gut development. He highlighted how beneficial microbes like Lactobacillus establish themselves early on, providing long-lasting support for intestinal health. “The initial development lays the groundwork for everything that follows,” he said, discussing the three critical stages of digestion: mechanical, enzymatic, and microbial.

Controlling Coccidiosis and Enhancing Performance

Coccidiosis continues to be a hidden yet costly challenge in poultry farming. Dr. Maarten elaborated that even minor infections can severely damage intestinal cells, impair nutrient absorption, and reduce feed efficiency.

In humid tropical climates such as Indonesia, conditions are ripe for rapid oocyst sporulation, making proactive management essential. Ben Dehaeck, Global Product Manager for Coccidiostats at Huvepharma, noted that while alternative approaches—like enzymes and probiotics—can support gut health, they cannot replace effective coccidial control. Combination products such as Monimax remain crucial for parasite management and ensuring consistent flock performance.

Nutrition’s Role in Gut Health Optimization

Miriam Alberto-Tempra, Global Head of Nutritional Consultancy Services at Vetworks, elaborated on how factors such as feed structure, ingredient selection, and functional additives can significantly enhance digestion and overall broiler performance while preventing dysbiosis.

Key Takeaways for Resilient Poultry Flocks

Ultimately, Dr. Maarten concluded that integrating a multi-faceted approach is vital for developing resilient, high-performing flocks. He underscored the following strategies:

• Deepening understanding of gut anatomy
• Encouraging early microbial development
• Strategically managing feed additives
• Proactively controlling coccidiosis
• Optimizing nutrition

Workshop attendees left equipped with practical knowledge, empowering them to implement solutions that enhance flock health, reduce costs, and maximize production efficiency.

Source: Huvepharma