New Aviagen gut health toolkit supports antibiotic-free poultry production
New resource suite helps producers raise robust, high-performing chickens with fewer antibiotics
We are pleased to introduce the Gut Health Toolkit, part of our growing Focus Series on Antibiotic-Free (ABF) and Reduced Antibiotic (ABR) Broiler Production.
Who it’s for
The toolkit is designed for everyone involved in broiler production – from farm managers and hatchery staff to biosecurity teams, veterinarians, nutritionists, feed suppliers, and processing support teams. It’s suitable for operations of all sizes and regions, whether fully ABF, reduced-antibiotic or conventional, offering value at every stage of the production cycle.
What’s inside?
This practical collection offers a range of tools to help producers strengthen gut health and boost flock resilience:
Focus document
A comprehensive overview of how digestive health impacts performance, especially in systems with limited or no antibiotic use. It includes practical recommendations based on recent field and research insights.
Aviagen Brief
Understanding Gut Health Enhancement Products, covering probiotics, competitive exclusion products, plant extracts and acidifiers—along with how to assess their suitability and mode of action.
Farm poster
An easy-to-follow visual outlining the chicken’s digestive tract and practical tips for encouraging strong gut development, particularly during brooding and early growth phases.
Interactive on-farm guide
Designed to support hands-on application of best practices, this guide walks users through key management checkpoints from placement through to processing.
Expert video
Dr. Richard Bailey, Aviagen’s Head of Applied Physiology and a respected voice in poultry immunology, shares strategies for maintaining internal health and overcoming common challenges in gut management.
Gut health: Cornerstone of bird health and performance
The gut is central to how birds digest feed, absorb nutrients, and fight disease. About 70% of a chicken’s immune cells reside in the gut, making it a first line of defense against challenges. A strong, well-functioning gut allows birds to grow evenly, convert feed efficiently, and maintain good welfare—even in the absence of antibiotics.
A healthy gut:
- Breaks down feed and absorbs nutrients.
- Acts as a barrier to harmful bacteria.
- Supports the immune system’s function and recovery.
When gut health suffers, producers may see slower growth, poor uniformity, wet litter, footpad issues, and increased mortality.
Management is key
Gut-enhancing products offer support—but only when combined with strong management fundamentals. The toolkit highlights key areas such as feed and water hygiene, ventilation, litter quality, and biosecurity.
“A resilient digestive system doesn’t develop by accident,” explained Vanessa Kretzschmar-McCluskey, PhD, Aviagen’s Global Head of Technical Transfer. “It takes thoughtful, consistent care. This toolkit brings our latest practical guidance to help producers raise strong birds while reducing reliance on antibiotics.
Whether you're just beginning with ABF production or fine-tuning your methods, Aviagen’s Gut Health Toolkit offers the support you need to raise healthy, high-performing flocks.”
Part of a growing resource library
This toolkit is the fourth installment in Aviagen’s Focus Series – a growing set of tools designed to support poultry producers facing evolving consumer expectations and regulatory landscapes. As global demand for ABF and sustainably raised chicken grows, producers are increasingly looking for proven, science-based methods to maintain bird health without relying on antibiotics. The Gut Health Toolkit is a direct response to this need.
With this latest release, Aviagen continues its commitment to helping producers raise more resilient chickens with fewer antibiotics—by equipping them with the tools and knowledge to prioritize health from the inside out.