Dr. Mueez Ahmad, poultry veterinarian with Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production, spoke to The Poultry Site’s Sarah Mikesell at IPPE in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Reducing of antibiotics in the poultry industry

“Basically, we want to bring this as a global approach for the poultry industry,” said Dr. Mueez Ahmad, poultry veterinarian with Arm and Hammer. “Instead of giving one possible option, we want to bring a program and we can summarize that program as a three-pillar program approach.”

One pillar is early succession of microbial succession where we want to make sure we introduce healthy bacteria to the day-old chick. And that way, they can start with those healthy bacteria. Pillar number two is for the internal microbiome of the GI tract, we want to make sure the healthy bacteria grow and promote there.

“In that case, we have a product called Celmanax that will enhance the good bacterial growth,” said Dr. Ahmad.

The third pillar is where some of those bacteria of the pathogen in the bird causes feed conversion and performance problems.

“So, we have a targeted approach where we have a bacillus-based product, lactobacillus base and product combination that is targeted to control those Clostridium, E. coli, and Enterococcus,” he explained.

Alternatives for antibiotic plan for producers

Use of antibiotics was entirely designed to improve the feed conversion and the performance of the bird, according to Dr. Ahmad.

“If the producer has a healthy or good alternative, they will definitely move to that,” he said. “With all the science and technology that Arm & Hammer has applied, we now have an easy, decent alternative to antibiotics.”

The program Arm & Hammer is offering the industry not only promotes good bacteria, but it also reduces the bad bacteria in the gut.

“This is a win-win situation because producers don't have to take the blame for using antibiotics. At the same time, we are managing their expectation for the best feed conversion and the best performance in the bird,” he noted.

Efficiency for producers

“This industry works on a fourth decimal (0.0001) profit basis, so if we do not have maximum efficiency coming out of the production, we really cannot thrive in this industry,” said Dr. Ahmad. “The goal is to really for every calorie we feed to the bird; we get converted into meat, and that's the name of the game of the industry.”