Video: Artificial intelligence-powered platform helps translate microbiome data into practical management decisions

An AI-powered microbiome analysis platform that identifies gut-health patterns linked to flock performance could help poultry producers make more informed nutrition and management decisions.

Although links between the gut microbiome and broiler performance are well established, translating microbiome data into practical decisions has been a challenge, said Fernanda Castro, PhD, micronutrition and health technology lead for Cargill Animal Nutrition.

To address the gap, Cargill developed Galleon, a microbiome intelligence platform that uses non-invasive sampling to assess flock gut-health status. Combined with years of gut health and nutritional expertise, Galleon helps create nutritional, management and health-related recommendations tailored to individual production systems.

Microbiome maturity

Drawing on a database of more than 70,000 microbiome samples, Cargill researchers have identified a consistent pattern of microbiome development associated with good bird performance, Castro explained.

Young birds typically have high levels of lactate-producing and proteolytic bacteria, but as birds age, levels of proteolytic bacteria drop, while short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria increase.

“That switch to the microbiome that is richer in SCFA-producing bacteria typically suggests that the microbiome is more mature in broilers,” Castro said. “That’s because it indicates good ceca development and production of beneficial metabolites in the gut.”

Achieving microbiome maturation earlier in life can help support overall bird health and performance throughout production, she added.

Impacts of crude protein on microbiome development

In an analysis of data from five nutrition research trials, Cargill researchers used Galleon to investigate how crude protein levels impact microbiome development.

Birds fed lower crude protein diets showed the expected decrease in lactate-producing bacteria, while SCFA-producing bacteria increased.

In contrast, birds fed higher crude protein diets maintained elevated levels of lactate-producing bacteria at later ages, indicating that microbiome maturation was delayed, Castro explained.

The study also found that Campylobacter jejuni levels were higher at two sampling points in the higher-protein group.

“By knowing this information, we can provide recommendations to our customers,” Castro explained.

“[In this situation] we could add more fiber to the starter diet to promote more SCFA-producing bacteria. And we could also use postbiotics or some kind of essential oil.

“With Galleon, we’re not only looking specifically into nutritional alternatives. We can also make suggestions on changes in management,” she added. “By giving a snapshot of what’s happening over time, we can help customers make better, more informed decisions.”

The post Video: Artificial intelligence-powered platform helps translate microbiome data into practical management decisions appeared first on Modern Poultry.