USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation announce the completion of a funded research project at Auburn University, Auburn, Ala., that found a potential link between feeding DDGS and necrotic enteritis in broilers. The project is part of the Association’s comprehensive research program encompassing all phases of poultry and egg production and processing. A brief summary of the completed project is shown below. A complete report, along with information on other Association research, may be obtained by going to USPOULTRY’s website, www.uspoultry.org. The project summary is as follows:

Project #F048: Role of Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) in Necrotic Enteritis Development
(Dr. Kenneth Macklin and Dr. William Dozier III, Auburn University, Auburn, Ala.)

Necrotic enteritis, caused by Clostridium perfringens, is an important health issue for the broiler industry. The diminishing use of antibiotics makes controlling necrotic enteritis even more difficult. Researchers at Auburn University, led by Dr. Kenneth Macklin, studied the impact of feeding distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) on the incidence and severity of necrotic enteritis in broilers. It was found that feeding a high inclusion level (15 percent) of DDGS in the presence of a mild to moderate Clostridium perfringens challenge can lead to more severe cases of necrotic enteritis and can negatively impact adjusted feed conversion ratios. This research indicates that the DDGS inclusion rate should be considered in a program to control necrotic enteritis.

For a detailed summary, click here.