Effect of yeast mannan-rich fractions on reducing Campylobacter colonization in broiler chickens

Campylobacteriosis is considered to be the most frequently reported cause of zoonotic illness globally, with poultry being the main source of infection. Reducing the colonization level of Campylobacter spp. in broilers entering the processing unit could make an effective contribution at reducing the incidence of zoonotic transmission of this pathogen. It is essential to search for new, natural, and sustainable strategies to reduce the incidence of this bacterium in the broiler cecum. The aim of this study was to examine whether dietary supplementation of broilers with 3 different yeast mannan-rich fraction (MRF) supplements (supplements 1 to 3) reduced the level of natural Campylobacter spp. colonization in the broiler cecum. Birds were allowed to naturally become colonized with Campylobacter spp. from the environment. Weight gains and feed conversion ratios were measured throughout production. All 3 MRF based supplements resulted in higher weight gains over 35 d when compared with the control. Broiler pens were tested at d 21 post hatch using the boot swab method and confirmed Campylobacter spp. presence in the flock. At d 35 post hatch, colonization levels were measured using serial dilution plate counts and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) of cecal material. Enumeration of Campylobacter colonization level in cecal content by qPCR showed that both supplement 2 and supplement 3 significantly reduced the levels of Campylobacter spp. colonization in the broiler cecum at 35 days. In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, MRF based supplements significantly reduced Campylobacter colonisation levels in the broiler cecum while also offering improvements in weight gain.