The gut microbiome of birds plays a crucial role in maintaining their overall health and performance. Since its development is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, diets, and exposure to pathogens, understanding those factors is essential to promoting gut health. In this episode, Dr. Douglas Korver discusses the role of the gut as an immune organ, aspects that affect the immune function, and the impact of antibiotic removal on the gut microbiome.

“The importance of the gut as an immune organ has been really placed under the spotlight – and if we think about it, it actually is the largest point of contact with the outside environment." - Dr. Douglas Korver

What you’ll learn:

• Highlight (00:00)
• Introduction (2:17)
• Background (5:29)
• Research mission (9:56)
• How the removal of antibiotics affects the gut microbiome (12:59)
• How feed can impact immune system function (15:15)
• The impacts of changing the macro ingredients on gut microbiome (19:04)
• Factors affecting the development of the gut microbiome (21:21)
• How to select a probiotic feed additive (24:13)
• Genetic components of the immune system (28:57)
• Hot topics in layer nutrition (35:10)
• Three final questions (42:47)

Meet the guest: Dr. Douglas Korver

Experience:

• Current: Assistant Professor of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta

Background:

• Ph.D., Nutrition (University of California, Davis)

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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