Microbial Science: The Hidden Driver of Poultry Health and Performance 

In poultry production, the most powerful performance booster isn’t always visible.  

Microbial science, the study of the microscopic organisms that live in and around birds, especially in their gastrointestinal tract, is playing an increasingly important role in how producers manage health and productivity^{(1, 2)}. 

As the industry moves away from antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), producers are turning to science-backed strategies to maintain bird health and performance. Groundbreaking innovation begins when we study the gut microbiome, and how we can support it through targeted microbial solutions. 

What Is Microbial Science? 

Microbial science focuses on understanding how microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and viruses interact with their environment and host organisms. In poultry, the gut microbiome is a key area of interest. This diverse microbial community plays a vital role in digestion and nutrient absorption, immune function, and the overall poultry microbiome ^{(3, 4, 5, 6)} 

Figure 1: The interaction of microbes in the poultry gut.

The gut microbiome helps break down feed, extract nutrients, and produce beneficial compounds like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These SCFAs support gut integrity, reduce inflammation, and create an environment that supports the growth of beneficial bacteria^(4,7,8). When the microbiome is balanced, it creates a favorable gut environment that makes birds more resilient and efficient. When it’s disrupted by stress, poor nutrition, or pathogens, performance can quickly decline. 

In today’s production systems, where birds grow rapidly and face frequent stressors, maintaining a balanced, favorable gut microbiome is essential. It’s also a key strategy for reducing reliance on antibiotics while still achieving strong performance outcomes. 

From Science to Solution: Enviva® DUO 

Enviva® DUO is a waterline probiotic developed by IFF’s Danisco Animal Nutrition & Health. It’s built on microbial science and designed to support the gut microbiome in broilers through a practical, flexible delivery method. 

Figure 2: Enviva® DUO increases the presence of Ileal Lactobacillus at day 42 in challenged birds.
a,b Values without a common superscript are significantly different (P < 0.10).

The product contains two non-spore forming bacterial strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis. These strains were selected for their ability to colonize the gut, produce SCFAs like acetate and lactate, and support beneficial microbial populations^(5,9,10). Together, they help create a favorable gut environment that supports bird performance and health. 

Why Waterline Delivery Matters 

Unlike feed-based probiotics, waterline delivery ensures consistent dosing even when feed intake drops due to stress or illness. Enviva® DUO’s formulation is stable in water, disperses evenly, and reaches every bird in the house. 

This method allows producers to target specific flocks or production stages, respond quickly to stress events, and maintain gut health without reformulating feed. 

Enviva® DUO is supported by multiple studies showing its impact on bird health and performance. Research has demonstrated that an increase in key immunity markers that are known to improve broiler livability help aid the bird to perform better during common production challenges ^(8,11). 

These results highlight the real-world value of microbial science when applied through well-designed probiotic solutions. 

Figure 3: Enviva® DUO increases the production of Immunoglobulin A (IgA) at day 42 in challenged birds.
Values without a common superscript are significantly different (P < 0.05).

Looking Ahead 

Microbial science is evolving rapidly. Advances in sequencing and data analysis are giving us deeper insights into how the microbiome works and how we can influence it. Future innovations may include precision probiotics, microbiome monitoring tools, and more personalized nutrition strategies. For poultry producers, microbial science offers a new way to think about health and performance. Instead of reacting to problems after they occur, you can proactively support the gut microbiome and see measurable results. 

Enviva® DUO makes this easy. Formulated for stability and even dispersion, it ensures consistent delivery to every bird, every time.  

Explore how microbial science and Enviva® DUO can support your poultry operation: 

REFERENCES 

¹ R McNulty, D Sritharan, S Ho Pahng, J.P Meisch, S.Liu, M A Brennan, G Saxer, S Hormoz and A Z Rosenthal (2023).  Probe-based bacterial single-cell RNA sequencing predicts toxin regulation.  Nature Microbiology, Vol 8: 934-945.  

² V Bunesova, E Vikova, V Rada, J Killer and S Musilova (2014). Bifidobacteria from the gastrointestinal tract of animals: differences and similarities. Beneficial Microbes:5 (4) p377-388. 

³ K Lee, H S Lillehoj, G R Siragusa. (2010a). Direct-fed microbials and their impact on the intestinal microflora and immune system of chickens. Journal of Poultry Science, 47: 106-114.  

⁴ K Lee, S H Lee, H S Lillehoj, G X Li, S I Jang, U S Babu, M S Park, D K Kim, E P Lillehoj, A P Neumann, T G Rehberger, G R Siragusa. (2009). Effects of direct-fed microbials on growth performance, gut morphometry, and immune characteristics in broiler chickens. Poultry Science, 89: 203-216. 

⁵ Z Wu, K Yang, A Zhang, W Chang, A Zheng, Z Chen, H Cai and G Liu (2021).  Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus on the growth performance, immune response, and intestinal barrier function of broiler chickens challenged with Escherichia coli O157.  Poultry Science 100: 1-15. 

⁶ W A Awad, K Ghareeb, J Bohm. (2010). Effect of addition of a probiotic micro-organism to broiler diet on intestinal mucosal architecture and electrophysiological parameters. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 94: 486-494 

⁷ F Chaucheyras-Durand and H Durand. (2010). Probiotics in animal nutrition and health. Beneficial Microbes, 1 (1): 3-9.   

⁸ K C Klasing and T V Leshchinsky. (2010). Functions, costs, and benefits of the immune system during development and growth. In: N J Adams and R H Slotow, (eds) Proc. 22 Int. Ornithol Congr., Durban: 2817-2835. Johannesburg: BirdLife South Africa.  

⁹ C Forte, E Manueli, Y abbate, P Papa, L Vieceli, M Tentellini, M Trabalza-Marinucci, L Moscati. (2018) Dietary Lactobacillus acidophilus positively influences growth performance. Gut morphology and gut microbiology in rurally reared chickens.  Poultry Science, 97: 930-936. 

¹⁰ Z Li, W Wang, D Liu and Y Guo (2018) Effects of Lactobacillus Acidophilus on the growth performance and intestinal health of broilers challenged with Clostridium perfringens.  Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology 9:25. 

¹¹ C M Galdeano, S Cazorla, J M L Dumit, E Velez and G Perdigon (2019) Beneficial effects of probiotic consumption on the immune system. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism 74; 115-124.