Runting doesn't just affect the birds themselves

In modern poultry production, the issue of runting—where chicks fail to grow properly—has become a growing concern with serious economic implications

 A recent study titled “Evaluation of microbial diversity, economic implication and level of awareness of possible causes of runting leading to hatchery condemnation in a commercial poultry hatchery hub” explores the impact of microbial diversity in hatcheries and how it relates to both bird health and financial performance.

The research, led by Adebiyi, Adeyemo, and Batubo, highlights the complex role of microorganisms in hatchery environments. Some microbes benefit developing chicks by supporting immunity and competing against harmful pathogens. However, if harmful microbes dominate, they can cause serious health issues, including runting. Understanding this balance is essential in protecting bird health and maintaining efficient hatchery operations.

One of the most striking findings of the study is the low level of awareness among hatchery managers about the causes of runting. This lack of understanding makes hatcheries more vulnerable to microbial contamination, which can lead to hatchery condemnations, lost income, and weakened supply chains. The researchers stress the importance of better education and training for hatchery staff to prevent these problems before they start.

“Some recent work is showing that excess calcium can exacerbate disease and pathogen challenges,” one quote from related research explains—a reminder of how multiple factors can contribute to disease susceptibility.

Runting doesn't just affect the birds themselves. It leads to higher mortality rates, reduced hatchability, and ultimately, condemned batches that cost businesses money. The financial toll includes not only the cost of lost production but also corrective efforts and possible reputational damage. Quantifying these losses, the researchers provide a clear picture of why proactive microbial management is essential.

The study also highlights the importance of biosecurity measures in protecting hatcheries. Clean environments, routine monitoring, and preventive protocols are essential tools for keeping harmful microbes in check. By focusing on prevention rather than cure, hatchery operators can avoid the pitfalls of microbial imbalance.

Emerging technologies like high-throughput sequencing allow hatcheries to better identify both beneficial and harmful microbes in their systems. These tools open the door to targeted interventions, improving both animal welfare and economic performance.

The authors also call for a collaborative approach. Hatcheries, scientists, and animal health experts must work together to create shared standards and improve industry-wide practices. With better understanding, tools, and teamwork, the poultry sector can tackle runting and build a more sustainable and resilient future.

While calcium is essential for bone strength, muscle function and enzyme activity, what truly matters in poultry diets is its bioavailability.

Even the smallest changes in poultry nutrition can lead to major financial gains, particularly when it comes to improving feed efficiency

In large-scale broiler production, a one-point drop in feed conversion ratio can cost upwards of $20 million annually. Recent research from the University of Arkansas is helping poultry producers get more precise with calcium, a key nutrient that significantly influences feed-to-weight gain efficiency.

While calcium is essential for bone strength, muscle function and enzyme activity, what truly matters in poultry diets is its bioavailability — how much of the calcium the bird can actually absorb and use. Traditional feed formulations focus on total calcium content without fully accounting for how accessible that calcium is from different sources.

Ben Parsons, assistant professor of poultry nutrition at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, explains the core issue: "The biggest challenge we have is analytically picking up the calcium content of our samples accurately." The variability comes from feed ingredients like limestone and dicalcium phosphate, which are mined minerals that vary in particle size and composition.

Parsons, along with Ph.D. student Rebekah Drysdale, conducted a comparative study of two methods to measure calcium bioavailability. The classic bone ash method — used for decades — assesses mineral content in the bird’s leg bone. A newer, faster method called the "apparent ileal digestibility test" analyses how much calcium is absorbed in the final section of the small intestine.

Drysdale developed the updated bone ash method during her master’s research. Parsons said, "The bone ash method is a classic approach that has been around for decades, mainly for trace minerals and phosphorus but very recently we've developed a regression approach for bone ash to measure calcium." The researchers found both methods to be reliable, but the ileal digestibility test offers results within 24 to 72 hours, compared to the two weeks required for the bone ash method.

Limestone remains the most common calcium source in poultry feed due to its low cost and availability. However, its digestibility can vary widely, from 20% to 80%, depending on particle size and solubility. Over-supplying calcium to compensate can negatively affect the absorption of other nutrients like phosphorus and even worsen disease susceptibility. "Some recent work is showing that excess calcium can exacerbate disease and pathogen challenges," Parsons said.

Parsons hopes future poultry diets will be based on digestible, not total, calcium levels. "You want a limestone that's in the middle of this solubility distribution," he said, pointing out that too rapid or too slow solubility both cause issues. By using both testing methods, producers can better identify high-performing calcium sources and reduce waste while maximising bird health and growth.

The poultry sector is undergoing a profound transformation.

The global poultry keeping machinery market is forecast to grow steadily, with projections indicating a rise from US$5.6bn in 2025 to US& 8.1bn by 2035.

This expansion, supported by a 3.8% CAGR, is being driven by rising demand for poultry products worldwide, growing adoption of automation, and a strong focus on sustainable and efficient farm management.

The poultry sector is evolving fast, with technology playing a pivotal role in modernising how farms operate. Automation is becoming the standard across poultry operations, making labour-intensive tasks like feeding, watering, egg collection, and waste disposal more streamlined. Integration of IoT and AI tools is allowing farmers to monitor bird health, feed levels, and environmental conditions in real time.

According to a leading industry analyst, “The poultry sector is undergoing a profound transformation, moving rapidly towards sophisticated automation to enhance efficiency, ensure biosecurity, and meet the soaring global demand for protein. This growth is not just about quantity; it’s about quality, sustainability, and intelligent farm management.”

This market growth is further supported by increasing poultry consumption, particularly in urban areas where protein-rich diets are in higher demand. Governments are also backing the shift towards more secure and modern farming practices, offering support for the adoption of biosecure housing and automated disinfection systems.

Sustainability is another key area shaping the market. With climate pressures and environmental regulations on the rise, poultry farms are turning to energy-efficient technologies such as solar-powered systems, intelligent ventilation, and waste-to-energy innovations to reduce their environmental footprint.

Feeding and climate control technologies are emerging as the most significant segments within the poultry machinery market. Automated feeding systems help deliver balanced nutrition while cutting down on manual labour and feed waste. With fluctuating feed prices, these systems are crucial for improving feed conversion ratios and optimising bird growth. Climate control systems, meanwhile, ensure healthy farm conditions by regulating temperature, humidity, and airflow, helping to prevent heat stress and disease outbreaks.

The largest demand continues to come from poultry farms and processing factories. Modern farms are investing in smarter, tech-driven solutions to improve productivity and animal welfare, while large factories are implementing fully automated lines to handle growing demand for processed poultry products.

Regional trends show the Asia-Pacific market leading growth, with countries like China, India, and those in Southeast Asia heavily investing in farm upgrades. North America maintains a strong market share due to industrial-scale production and smart farm adoption, while Europe’s growth is being driven by strict animal welfare laws and sustainable farming initiatives.

While high initial investment costs and biosecurity threats remain challenges, the opportunities far outweigh the risks. Smart automation, renewable energy integration, and AI-powered analytics are reshaping the future of poultry farming, ensuring it becomes more productive, secure, and environmentally responsible.

Microsaf is an innovative probiotic combining three Bacillus strains enhanced with GO Technology.

Phileo by Lesaffre has announced that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a positive scientific opinion on its probiotic product, Microsaf, confirming its efficacy and safety for poultry production

Microsaf is an innovative probiotic combining three Bacillus strains enhanced with GO Technology, which improves spore germination and efficiency. Designed to support digestive health and performance in broiler chickens, the product has now gained EFSA's backing as a zootechnical feed additive in the categories of 'gut flora stabilisers' and 'other zootechnical additives'.

Elen Rondel, Western Europe poultry manager at Phileo by Lesaffre, said, "We are thrilled to receive this positive EFSA opinion, which validates the efficacy and safety of Microsaf. Microsaf is a testament to our commitment to providing reliable, science-backed solutions that support animal health, performance and welfare."

She added, "Microsaf is the trademark for Phileo's innovative probiotic that combines three unique Bacillus strains in one product to address some of the key challenges faced by poultry producers today. Together, these novel strains have been proven to effectively support digestive performance in broilers, while simultaneously improving production profitability."

Microsaf has already been adopted globally, with producers reporting consistent improvements in feed conversion, gut health, and weight gain. "Over the past years, we have witnessed very positive adoption of Microsaf by customers globally. The feedback from producers has been exceptional, confirming the product's efficacy in real-world commercial settings," Rondel said. "We are excited to bring this proven solution to European poultry producers soon."

Pending final EU authorisation, Phileo is preparing for a European launch. "Microsaf represents our ongoing commitment to developing innovative solutions that help address the increasing complexity of food production while supporting animal health and welfare," Rondel concluded.