Innovative Feed Supplement for Poultry Farmers in Delaware

Poultry growers in Delaware are on the verge of a breakthrough in their battle against bacterial diseases affecting turkey flocks. A promising new feed supplement is being developed to reduce the reliance on antibiotics while specifically targeting harmful pathogens.

Endolysins: The Key to Disease Management

The upcoming product utilizes endolysins—enzymes that are derived from bacteriophages, which are viruses that naturally infect and eliminate bacteria. During a presentation at the Poultry Tech Summit, held from November 3–5 in Atlanta, Kane Miller, the founder and CEO of Axitan, elaborated on this innovative technology.

How Endolysins Work

Engineered specifically to target harmful bacteria, these enzymes dismantle the protective outer structure of certain pathogens. They focus on the peptidoglycan layer prevalent in Gram-positive bacteria by cleaving the crucial bonds within the cell wall. This targeted action leads to the rupture and death of the bacterial cells.

Selective Action and Gut Health

A prominent advantage of this method is its selectivity. The binding domains in the endolysins enable them to home in on disease-causing bacteria while leaving beneficial microbes in the bird’s digestive system unscathed. This precision could promote gut health, alleviating infection risks in turkey flocks.

Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance

The approach also tackles rising concerns surrounding antimicrobial resistance. Since the enzymes attack vital structural components that are essential for bacterial survival, Miller asserts that it would be challenging for pathogens to adapt and develop resistance to this treatment.

Integration into Standard Rations

Axitan is working on formulating this innovative product as a feed ingredient that can be seamlessly integrated into typical turkey rations. Although it hasn’t yet entered the market, the company is modifying the enzymes and applying protective formulations so that the additive can endure the high temperatures involved in feed pelleting.

Targeting Clostridium septicum

The primary target for this new supplement is Clostridium septicum, the main bacterial culprit behind clostridial dermatitis in turkeys. Despite advancements in sanitation and biosecurity measures, this disease continues to pose a challenge for producers, often necessitating antibiotic treatment.

Looking Ahead

The development of this feed supplement has progressed beyond initial research stages. Axitan is refining its formulation, preparing for regulatory review, and planning live-bird studies along with broader field trials to verify its effectiveness under commercial production conditions.