At the roundtable, top poultry nutritionists discussed how nutrition could be used to stimulate immunity against gut disease early in the bird's life, maximising intestinal health and improving outcome.

Other topics in the proceedings include obstacles to improved performance – such as anticoccidial resistance and feed ingredient quality – the impact of coccidia on intestinal health and traditional versus alternative coccidiosis control. The experts also talked about tools for improving immunity, the challenges posed by restrictions on in-feed ingredients, cost control and lessons learned from antibiotic-free birds.

Nutritionists at the roundtable were Mike Blair, Ph.D., Pilgrim's Pride; Tom Frost, Ph.D. PAS, Wayne Farms; Bill Johnson, Tyson Foods; Shivaram Rao, Ph.D., Foster Farms; Robert Teeter, Ph.D., Oklahoma State University; and Paul Twining, Jr., Ph.D., PAS, Dipl, ACAD, independent poultry consultant. The roundtable was moderated by Leonard Fussell, DVM, MAM, poultry consultant, Cobb, Inc.

The printed and CD versions of the proceedings are available from Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health representatives. A PDF file and the proceedings and edited podcasts of the event can also be accessed online [click here].