8 Holistic Strategies for Poultry Health

NORMAN, Okla. — Every action matters when preserving the health of a farmer’s flock. Poultry farmers must simultaneously weigh their business values, consumer wants and current market insights when designing their health care plans. Some are replacing old strategies with novel solutions, like paying more attention to enzymes for poultry gut health and lowering stress factors. These actions may be more effective at keeping birds safe and more content.

Why Are Holistic Methods on the Rise?

Maintaining this balance is easier now than ever, as the three priorities are aligning more. As researchers expand their understanding of the landscape, holistic strategies are becoming more supported by data. More evidence suggests they could be as effective as conventional techniques like frequent antibiotic use, which has become controversial to consumers. Buyers want food products to contain little to no pharmaceuticals, so advertising antibiotic-free meat is ideal.

Additionally, traditional poultry care practices exploit the environment by polluting habitats with these substances. Animal welfare activists are also fighting against these behaviors. They want poultry care to be more considerate of the animals’ well-being. Small actions like spreading awareness of early outbreak signs and reporting sick birds do wonders for protecting farms and the industry.

Farmers may also want to transition to more holistic methods to help their bottom line. Shifting their business practices closer to the organic framework could help profit margins in the long run. It boosts reputations and regulates production by making flocks less prone to sickness. What are some of the strategies in these organizations that poultry farmers could start incorporating this season?

1. Using Enzymes for Poultry Gut Health Improvements

Outside of regular medical checkups, some farmers may rely only on visual inspections to determine their birds’ wellness. However, what is happening inside them is more important, so holistic methods would recommend enzymatic solutions for poultry gut health. Companies like Kemin are leading the charge, proving how much this helps the flock. Enzymes and proteins embedded into everyday food are crucial for regulating digestion and encouraging organs to absorb as many nutrients as possible.

Birds are known for being adaptable eaters. However, some of the food farmers may give them is more difficult for them to process. Adding more enzymes allows them to break down tough contents, like fiber and proteins, more easily. It reinforces their guts and lowers the risk of digestive struggles because it performs better overall.

2. Boosting Microbiomes With Pro- and Prebiotics

Another way to support better overall health and digestion is with probiotics. These establish a productive microbiome, and prebiotics support the bacteria that regulate the gut. Farmers should request the insights of a doctor to discover which strains of bacteria their flock needs, as it can vary widely. Giving birds the correct supplements will improve their immune systems, thereby defending them against the most threatening illnesses.

3. Installing Proper Ventilation for Regulation

The air the flock breathes is crucial for their respiratory and regulatory functions. Quality filters and airflow infrastructure lower ammonia levels, control dust and manage other pollutants from outside. The mechanisms work together to create more ideal conditions for poultry to thrive, including consistent humidity. Ventilation also encourages natural brooding. More consistent temperatures make it comfortable for the birds to care for their young, which keeps eggs turning regularly.

4. Installing Biosecurity Measures for Safety

Technology and holistic health strategies can coincide. Farmers can institute strict access controls for workers and animals. Knowing who and what comes in and out of the perimeter enables better oversight over disease prevention. If only certain individuals and animal movement are permitted, then it is more straightforward to find the source of an outbreak for quicker remediation than making guesses.

Some of the biosecurity measures farmers can use include foot baths and disinfecting stations. These techniques also extend outside of the farm. Sourcing chicks from reputable, ethical hatcheries is another way to ensure biomarkers are productive and supportive of a healthy flock. Researching suppliers and partners will verify the strength and authenticity of the birds, improving safety for the already established flock.

5. Designing Holistic Nutritional Management Plans

Scheduling regular checkups with doctors to review health metrics like gut and immune system health is vital. However, a daily diet is the cornerstone of those visits’ success. Farmers must design nutrient-dense, balanced meals based on the bird’s stage in life. Birds of all ages require different vitamins, amino acids and macronutrients. Considering variances, like a need for more calcium or protein, and curating diets as much as possible will make the flock even more resilient.

Many ranch birds are known for being adaptable eaters. They do not have picky diets, with some farmers giving them whatever they have available or a generic mass-produced feed. Becoming more intentional with nutrient distribution will improve the livelihoods of the birds while producing better results for buyers.

6. Addressing the Top Stress-Reduction Factors

Much like in humans, stress and anxiety are deceptively influential adverse health effects. They manifest in short- and long-term ailments, and this translates to birds. One of the most holistic and considerate techniques for establishing poultry health is identifying the most stressful aspects of their environment and lifestyle. Then, work to remove these stressors from their lives. This can include, but is not limited to:

• Overcrowding
• Extreme temperatures or humidity
• Noise pollution
• Lack of stimulating activities

Some stress factors may be specific to the farm’s geography or infrastructure. For example, a region may have an issue with droughts or water scarcity. Therefore, a pain point for the flock could be minimal access to clean water, which may also be a struggle for overall operations. Spending time to think about what challenges are most prevalent for the birds will allow farmers to prioritize action plans.

7. Staying on Top of Vaccination Programs

Some may debate if vaccines fall under holistic poultry care, but they are an effective way to stave off the most common infections. It could save entire seasons of profits, as one illness can spread and ruin every bird’s chances of growth. Farmers must speak with veterinary experts about the doses the flock needs regularly — whether it be yearly or less frequently — and receive advice about new and emerging illnesses where solutions are in development. Being some of the first farmers to receive new vaccinations could enhance competitive advantage because they will be unaffected by breakouts plaguing others.

8. Monitoring Health Biomarkers More Regularly

Awareness and education are the best ways to care for animals. Many ranchers observe their birds to learn more about their nuances. As experts become more familiar with the flock’s patterns, it becomes easier to notice when something is wrong with even the most subtle biomarkers. Companies can do this manually, by doing visual inspections of their flock regularly, or by complementing these actions with technological oversight, like cameras.

This practice is more than noticing changes in appearance. Biomarker observations include behavioral shifts, such as how the birds walk or socialize. It may take years for workers to identify these shifts, but it is worth the time commitment. If farmers know more about up-and-coming diseases and the most common adverse influences, it helps them take proactive and preventive actions.

Empowering Poultry Farmers With Healthier Flocks

Many farmers are adopting holistic methods to care for their flocks, from enzymatic solutions for poultry gut health to improved airflow. Experts should adopt one or more of these techniques, as case studies prove their effectiveness. Proactive farms will notice several advantages, including happier animals and greater resilience against disease. Professionals must commit to strategies as posed by industry leaders like Kermin to stabilize operations against uncertainties in the market’s future.

-Kemin