May 21, 2025 | 03:21 GMT +7

  • Click to copy
Wednesday- 09:21, 09/08/2023

New bacteriophage to tackle salmonella in broilers

(VAN) Global feed company AB Agri has joined forces with researchers at the University of Leicester to develop a new bacteriophage product to prevent Salmonella in broilers.
In the EU, around 91,000 people are infected with Salmonellosis annually, a severe form of food poisoning. Photo: Canva

In the EU, around 91,000 people are infected with Salmonellosis annually, a severe form of food poisoning. Photo: Canva

In the EU, around 91,000 people are infected with Salmonellosis annually. To limit the spread of Salmonella and other food-borne pathogens in the food chain, bacteriophage therapy can be used during rearing or pre-harvest stages of animal production.

This study was conducted to determine if a phage cocktail delivered in feed is capable of reducing Salmonella colonisation in experimentally-challenged chickens and to work out the optimal phage dose.

The study format

A total of 672 broilers were divided into 6 treatment control groups to test whether the bacteriophage was effective in differing doses. The liquid phage cocktail was added to mash diet with ad libitum access available throughout the study.

By the concluding day of the study (day 42), no Salmonella was detected in faecal sampled collected in one of the trials. Phage treatment at all 3 doses had a positive impact on growth performance in challenged birds with increased weight gains in comparison to challenged birds with no phage diet.

Positive results

Researcher Dr Anisha Thanki, of the Leicester Centre for Bacteriophage Research, said: “We tested whether the bacteriophage product delivered in feed at different doses wiped out Salmonella in chickens over a 42-day period. We found that all those infected and treated with the lowest dose at the beginning of the trial, tested negative for Salmonella on day 42.

“It’s hugely exciting to have a developed a product which could help reduce infection in chickens and prevent Salmonella ultimately entering our food chain. If successfully commercialised it could reduce reliance on existing antimicrobials and potentially save the farming industry billions of pounds each year.”

Dr Natasha Whenham, head of innovation at AB Agri, said: “We are passionate about finding innovative technologies that enable responsible food production globally. AB Agri is proud to support ground-breaking research into novel solutions that help drive our industry towards a more sustainable future.”

HD

(PW)

Runaway rice prices spell danger for Japan’s prime minister as elections loom

Runaway rice prices spell danger for Japan’s prime minister as elections loom

(VAN) Attempts to bring down the price of the Japanese staple have had little effect amid a cost-of-living crisis.

Climate crisis threatens banana, world’s most popular fruit, research shows

Climate crisis threatens banana, world’s most popular fruit, research shows

(VAN) Fourth most important food crop in peril as Latin America and Caribbean suffer from slow-onset climate disaster.

Early nutrition research in poultry is speeding up

Early nutrition research in poultry is speeding up

(VAN) Shifting market dynamics and the noise around new legislation has propelled Trouw Nutrition’s research around early life nutrition in poultry. Today, it continues to be a key area of research.

Fears among India’s farmers rise over US food imports crossing ‘red line’

Fears among India’s farmers rise over US food imports crossing ‘red line’

(VAN) India is concerned about its food security and the livelihoods of its farmers if more US food imports are allowed.

FAO participates in ADB annual meeting, strengthens cooperation in key agricultural areas

FAO participates in ADB annual meeting, strengthens cooperation in key agricultural areas

(VAN) FAO's Director-General emphasises the need to work together to transform agrifood systems.

FAO warns: Enhanced awareness and action needed amid foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in Europe and the Near East

FAO warns: Enhanced awareness and action needed amid foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in Europe and the Near East

(VAN) Europe is facing its worst outbreak of foot-and-mouth since the start of the century.

Young talents need nurturing to drive rural vitalization

Young talents need nurturing to drive rural vitalization

(VAN) The central authorities, in early April, released a 10-year plan for rural vitalization.

Read more