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.

Results from the study showed that SNPs found in the HNMT gene significantly increased carnosine levels in chickens. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Poultry meat is one of the most sought-after foods worldwide, valued not only for the nutrition it provides, but also for its palatability

Besides being popular for its protein, vitamin and mineral content, poultry meat also contains bioactive compounds, particularly carnosine and anserine that determine its palatability. Both these compounds contribute to the umami taste, known to be a key component of meat flavour, with their quantities primarily being influenced by genetics. Moreover, their levels tend to vary among breeds and are often used to determine meat quality.

Besides breed, the carnosine levels in meat tend to depend on a variety of other factors including muscle fibre type and whether the meat is raw or cooked. Meat from the breast and thigh muscles are usually found packed with carnosine, with concentrations being greater in Korean native chickens and Thai indigenous and hybrid native chickens.
On the other hand, anserine is generally found in the skeletal muscles of chickens, cattle and certain species of fish. Its levels are often higher in breast meat compared to thigh meat, given its function in buffering proton production in breast muscle. Moreover, similar to carnosine, the levels of this compound in meat can be determined by the type of meat and chicken line.

A recent study conducted at Chungnam National University aimed to explore the genetic and environmental factors that affect carnosine and anserine content in meat in Korean native chicken red brown line (KNC-R). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in the histamine-N-methyl transferase (HNMT) and histamine-N-methyl transferase-like (HNMT-like) genes and their association with the carnosine and anserine content was studied.

Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods were used to genotype one synonymous SNP (rs29009298C/T) of the HNMT gene. On the other hand, PCR allele competitive extension (PACE) genotyping technology was used to genotype four missense SNPs (rs734406537G/A; rs736514667A/G; rs15881680G/A and rs316765035T/C) of the HNMT gene, and one missense SNP rs737657949A/C of the HNMT-like gene.

Results from the study showed that SNPs found in the HNMT gene significantly increased carnosine levels in chickens. Moreover, breeding methods were also found to influence carnosine content to a great extent, with female chickens showing comparatively higher levels than males.

Two associations could be identified between the genotypes of the synonymous SNP: rs29009298C/T, missense SNP rs736514667A/G of the HNMT gene and the content of carnosine. Given its efficiency and precision, PACE technology was therefore regarded as a useful and reliable tool that could be used for the improvement of livestock systems.

Two species namely Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) are pathogenic for chicken. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Respiratory diseases in chickens are generally caused by a variety of bacteria belonging to the genus ‘Mycoplasma,’ that possess certain distinctive features that set them apart from typical bacteria

While a total of 20 Mycoplasma species have been isolated from avian hosts, according to the MSD Veterinary Manual, only four species are considered pathogenic in poultry. Out of these two particular species namely, Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) are pathogenic for chicken.

In broiler chickens, MG is a primary cause of chronic respiratory disease that can have detrimental impacts on both egg production and meat processing. The most notable impact includes a sharp drop in the number of eggs laid per hen over the production cycle. In case of large commercial operations, MG can cause increased condemnation in the processing plant. This means that a large number of carcasses may need to be discarded after being deemed unsafe for human consumption. Common symptoms of MG include coughing, sneezing and breathing difficulties, as well as the presence of nasal discharge and conjuctivitis with frothiness around the eyes. Severity may vary from mild to severe, with some cases occurring alongside E coli infections.

MS on the other hand, is transmitted through the egg and often causes subclinical infection of the upper respiratory tract. Infection rate is reported to be low, with some progeny even being free of infection. The infection affects layer flocks of various age groups, resulting in a decrease in egg production and significant abnormalities in egg shells. First signs of MS, also known as infectious synovitis include discolouration of head parts and difficulties in walking, mainly due to the occurrence of inflammation in their hocks and footpads. Morbidity of the disease is considered moderate, with the overall mortality rate ranging from 1-10%.

Controlling both MG and MS involves administering antibiotics. Treatment options for MG involves using tylosin or tetracyclines to reduce egg transmission. For MS, a live, temperature-sensitive vaccine (MS-H) is available in many countries.

Plukon has worked on minimising false rejections and ensuring the highest levels of metal detection by implementing Mitus from Minebea Intec. (Image source: Minebea Intec)

To address the challenge of metal detection in poultry production, Plukon, a leading player in the poultry supply chain, has implemented the metal detector Mitus from Minebea Intec

Metal detection is a critical aspect of food safety protocols, especially in environments where contamination risks are high. However, traditional metal detectors often struggle to accurately detect metallic foreign objects in poultry products due to their unique electromagnetic properties. This not only causes product wastage, but can also have a major impact on food safety. 

To combat these challenges, Plukon has worked on minimising false rejections and ensuring the highest levels of metal detection by implementing Mitus from Minebea Intec. Equipped with MiWave technology, Mitus works by significantly improving detection accuracy and reducing false rejects. By detection even the smallest metallic contaminants with unparalleled accuracy, the technology helps in overcoming the limitations of traditional metal detectors.

Moreover, the new design eases frequent cleaning procedures, which are essential and rigorous in this environment. Mitus also ensures compliance with HACCP standards, providing peace of mind to both Plukon and their customers regarding the safety and quality of their poultry products.

"We’ve faced many challenges with false rejects over the past few years, so I’m really pleased to have these new metal detectors on our lanes," said maintenance manager, Jeroen V. "They not only save us time and reduce costs, but also allow my hardworking team to stay focused on what truly matters.”