On November 19th and 20th, poultry professionals from across Indonesia gathered in Bogor for Huvepharma's Intestinal Health Workshop. The event provided a deep dive into practical strategies for enhancing gut health, optimising nutrition, and managing diseases, offering participants actionable insights they could apply immediately to their farms.
The first day focused on understanding the fundamentals of intestinal health, early-life gut development, additive management, and coccidial control, critical elements for maximising flock performance.
Mastering the basics of gut health
Dr. Maarten De Gussem, Global Poultry Consultant at Vetworks, opened the session by emphasizing that effective poultry management begins with a clear understanding of the fundamentals of gut health. He explained that the unique anatomy of broilers, with their short intestinal tracts and strong gizzards, significantly affects digestion and nutrient absorption. Poor gut structure can trigger bacterial enteritis, reduce feed efficiency, and hinder growth performance.
He also discussed the management of feed additives, emphasizing a holistic, data-driven approach. "Only by listing and evaluating all additives together can you find synergy, prevent antagonism, and save 20-30% of costs," he said.
Tony Unandar, Private Poultry Farm Consultant in Indonesia, reinforced this point, stressing that early-life gut development is crucial. Beneficial microbes such as Lactobacillus, establish themselves in the first days and provide long-term support for intestinal health.
"Early development determines everything that follows," he said, highlighting the three stages of digestion: mechanical, enzymatic and microbial. He explained that each stage plays a pivotal role in ensuring nutrient absorption, which allows birds to withstand environmental and health challenges.
Controlling risks and boosting performance
Coccidiosis remains a silent but costly threat in poultry production. Dr. Maarten explained that even minor infections destroy intestinal cells, impair nutrient absorption, and reduce feed efficiency.
In tropical countries like Indonesia, heat and humidity create ideal conditions for rapid oocyst sporulation, making proactive management essential. Ben Dehaeck, Global Product Manager for Coccidiostats at Huvepharma, emphasized that while alternative products such as enzymes, probiotics and fibres can support gut health, they cannot replace effective coccidial control. Combination products such as Monimax remain critical for parasite management and maintaining consistent flock performance.
Nutrition also plays a central role in optimising gut health. Miriam Alberto-Tempra, Global Head Nutritional Consultancy Services at Vetworks, highlighted how feed structure, ingredient selection, and supplementation with functional additives enhance digestion, nutrient absorption and overall broiler performance while preventing dysbiosis.
Dr. Maarten concluded that integrating the following approaches is the foundation of resilient, high-performing flocks.
- Understanding gut anatomy
- Promoting early microbial development
- Managing additives strategically
- Controlling coccidiosis
- Optimising nutrition
By applying these insights, participants gained practical knowledge, enabling them to implement solutions that improve flock health, reduce costs and maximise production efficiency.
