Intestinal health is a fundamental pillar in livestock production, as it directly influences proper growth, nutrient utilization, and animal well-being. However, various bacteria and pathogenic microorganisms can disrupt this balance, negatively affecting production efficiency and food safety. These microorganisms, known as enteropathogens, pose an ongoing challenge to the livestock industry.
What Are Enteropathogens?
Enteropathogens are microorganisms that affect the intestinal tract of animals, causing digestive disorders, nutrient absorption issues, and, in severe cases, systemic diseases. The most common enteropathogens in livestock production include:
• Escherichia coli (E. coli): Causes neonatal diarrhea in piglets and calves, impacting their development and survival.
• Salmonella spp.: Responsible for salmonellosis in poultry, pigs, and cattle, affecting both production and food safety for humans.
• Clostridium perfringens: Causes necrotic enteritis in poultry and enterotoxemia in ruminants, leading to high mortality rates.
• Lawsonia intracellularis: Leads to ileitis in pigs, resulting in chronic diarrhea and reduced weight gain.
• Cryptosporidium spp.: A protozoan that causes diarrhea in calves and lambs, with significant impact on intensive production systems.
How Are Enteropathogens Acquired?
The transmission of these bacteria and protozoa occurs primarily through the fecal-oral route, via:
Contaminated water and feed: A common source of infection on farms is the consumption of water or feed contaminated with feces from carrier animals.
Poor sanitary conditions: Facilities with low biosecurity allow pathogens to spread among animals.
Stress and overcrowding: Factors such as transport stress, weaning, or dietary changes can weaken the immune system and promote infections.
Vertical transmission: Some bacteria, like Salmonella, can be transmitted from mothers to offspring, perpetuating infection on the farm.
Impact on Production
Enteropathogen infections negatively impact livestock production in several ways:
❌ Reduced feed conversion efficiency and weight gain.
❌ Increased mortality rates and veterinary costs.
❌ Economic losses due to condemnations at slaughterhouses.
❌ Risk of zoonotic disease transmission to humans.
Biotechnological Solutions: Innovation for Enteropathogen Control
To address these challenges, biotechnology applied to animal nutrition has developed innovative strategies to improve intestinal health without relying on the indiscriminate use of antibiotics. At Bialtec, we develop microencapsulated probiotics designed to modulate the intestinal microbiota, reduce pathogenic bacteria, and strengthen digestive health in animals.
The use of these biotechnological solutions enables more efficient, sustainable livestock production aligned with global food safety requirements. Investing in intestinal health innovation is key to the future of livestock farming.
