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Poultry productivity, particularly in the broiler and layer industries, relies heavily on the health of the gastrointestinal tract, or gut health. This concept encompasses the physiological, microbiological, and immunological conditions of the digestive system that support nutrient absorption and protect against pathogens. Recent studies demonstrate that maintaining a healthy gut is a prerequisite for achieving optimal growth, high feed efficiency, and robust disease resistance in poultry. 

The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Poultry 

The gut microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms (bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses) that inhabit the poultry gastrointestinal tract. Its composition is highly dynamic, shifting according to age, environment, diet, and management practices. 

Key functions of the gut microbiome in poultry include: 

• Protecting the host from pathogen colonization through competitive exclusion.
• Producing vitamins, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and digestive enzymes.
• Supporting maturation of the intestinal mucosal immune system and inducing immune tolerance.
• Maintaining intestinal integrity by enhancing villi development for efficient nutrient absorption. 

When microbial imbalance (dysbiosis) occurs, poultry become more susceptible to enteric infections, nutrient malabsorption, reduced production performance, and even increased mortality. 

Gut Health and Poultry Productivity 

A well-balanced gut ensures efficient feed conversion, consistent growth, optimal egg production, and reduced prevalence of infectious diseases. Direct impacts of optimal gut health on poultry performance include: 

• Improved body weight gain and daily growth rate in broilers.
• Significant enhancement of feed conversion ratio (FCR).
• Increased egg production and quality, particularly through better absorption of essential minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which are critical for eggshell strength.
• Strengthened mucosal and systemic immunity, resulting in greater resistance to infections such as Salmonella and E. coli. 

Ultimately, gut health serves as the foundation of productivity and overall poultry well-being. Preserving and engineering the intestinal microbiota through science-based feed management, environmental control, and probiotic supplementation are essential strategies to achieve a strong, efficient, healthy flock that is well-adapted to the challenges of modern poultry production.