Enhancing Poultry Gut Health: A Comprehensive Guide to Feed Additives in Australia
- The Hen’s Pen
- Oct 8
- 4 min read
Poultry gut health is a cornerstone of sustainable and profitable poultry production. In Australia, where biosecurity and feed quality are paramount, the strategic use of feed additives plays a crucial role in maintaining intestinal health, improving productivity, and reducing reliance on antibiotics. This article delves into the scientific basis and practical applications of internal feed additives for poultry in Australia and explores how ChickenKoop™ CleanUp can complement these strategies.
The Importance of Gut Health in Poultry
The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in poultry is integral to digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. A healthy GIT not only supports optimal growth and egg production but also enhances disease resistance and overall welfare. Disruptions to gut health can lead to issues such as poor feed conversion, increased susceptibility to pathogens, and compromised immune responses.
Key Feed Additives for Gut Health
1. Mycotoxin Binders
Mycotoxins, produced by moulds like Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium, are prevalent in grains and can adversely affect poultry health.
Mycotoxin binders, such as hydrated sodium-calcium aluminosilicate (e.g., Zagribind), adsorb these toxins in the GIT, preventing their absorption and mitigating their harmful effects.
2. Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host.
In poultry, probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bacillus species enhance gut microbiota balance, improve digestion, and bolster the immune system.
The use of probiotics has increased as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters, promoting a healthier gut environment.
3. Prebiotics
Prebiotics are non-digestible feed ingredients that stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial gut microorganisms.
Substances like mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) serve as substrates for beneficial bacteria, enhancing gut health and performance.
4. Enzymes
Feed enzymes, such as phytase, xylanase, and protease, break down complex feed components, improving nutrient availability and digestion.
These enzymes support gut health by reducing undigested substrates that could otherwise promote pathogenic microbial growth.
5. Organic Acids
Organic acids like formic, citric, and butyric acids lower the pH of the GIT, creating an environment unfavourable for pathogenic bacteria.
They also enhance nutrient digestion and absorption, contributing to overall gut health.
How ChickenKoop™ CleanUp Complements Internal Gut Health
ChickenKoop™ CleanUp is a natural blend of attapulgite clay and DE (diatomite, diatomaceous earth) that works in the coop environment to support bird health externally. Its physical adsorption properties complement internal feed additives by:
✅ Moisture Control: Absorbs urine and droppings, keeping bedding dry and reducing conditions favourable for bacterial growth.
✅ Ammonia Reduction: Adsorbs ammonia and other odours, protecting respiratory health in poultry.
✅ Pest Management: Reduces fly and mite activity in coops, limiting pathogen transmission.
✅ Enhanced Biosecurity: By maintaining a cleaner environment, ChickenKoop™ supports the effectiveness of feed-based mycotoxin binders and probiotics, reducing the overall microbial load and stress on birds.
Using ChickenKoop™ CleanUp alongside Amlan feed additives or other internal gut health products creates a synergistic effect, combining internal chemical/biological protection with external physical control. This integrated approach helps maintain healthy flocks, improves feed conversion, and supports sustainable poultry farming practices.
Australian Suppliers of Feed Additives
Supplier | Products Offered |
Feedworks Pty Ltd | Mycotoxin binders, probiotics, enzymes, and organic acids for poultry nutrition |
Nutriment Health | Probiotics, prebiotics, and other feed additives for the Australian stockfeed industry |
Zagro Australia | Mycotoxin binders and other feed additives for poultry health |
AusPac Ingredients | A comprehensive range of feed additives and specialty ingredients for poultry production systems |
Amlan International | Mineral-based feed additives for mycotoxin binding, gut health support, and enhanced nutrient absorption |
Integrating Feed Additives and ChickenKoop™ CleanUp
Balanced Diets: Incorporate feed additives based on nutritional needs and production goals.
Coop Hygiene: Use ChickenKoop™ CleanUp consistently to maintain dry, odour-free bedding.
Regular Monitoring: Assess gut health and coop conditions through performance metrics and visual inspection.
Quality Control: Source products from reputable suppliers to ensure efficacy and safety.

Conclusion
In Australia, maintaining poultry gut health requires a holistic approach that combines internal feed additives and external environmental management. Feed additives like mycotoxin binders, probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, and organic acids support intestinal health, while ChickenKoop™ CleanUp enhances coop hygiene, reduces bacterial load, and improves bird welfare. Together, these strategies optimise productivity, biosecurity, and sustainability in modern poultry farming.
🐔 Leading Poultry Gut Health Brands in Australia
Brand Name | Key Products & Focus Areas |
Amlan International | Natural mineral-based feed additives like Sorbiam™, AmSure™, and NeutraPath® for gut health and performance. Amlan International+2Amlan International+2 |
Zagro Australia | Offers mycotoxin binders (e.g., Zagribind), probiotics, and digestive enhancers for poultry health. Zagro |
Nutriment Health | Australian-owned supplier of probiotics and prebiotics tailored for the Australian stockfeed industry. Nutriment Health |
AusPac Ingredients | Provides a comprehensive range of feed additives and specialty ingredients for high-performance poultry systems. AusPac Ingredients |
TeraGanix | Offers products like Ps300™, a direct-fed microbial probiotic for poultry gut health. trouwnutritionasiapacific.com |
Vinayak Ingredients | Supplies natural feed additives such as Nucleovin (probiotics and nucleotides) and Vinmos (prebiotic) for poultry. Vinaya Ingredients |
International Animal Health Products (IAHP) | Offers multi-strain probiotics like ProN8ure and digestive aids like Livamol for poultry. International Animal Health Products |
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