With the continuous genetic improvement of broilers, layers and breeders, productivity has improved to a great extent in India in the last 15 years. Along with the genetic development, the nutritional requirements of the birds also have undergone tremendous changes.

Nutribiotics are proteins and fats, which play an important role in replacing antibiotics in animal feeds. These nutrients have a beneficial effect on the commensal microflora in the gastrointestinal tract of broilers.

Commercial feeds are often supplemented with fats and oils to provide a diet with sufficient energy content. To assure that these energy sources are absorbed efficiently by the bird's digestive system one should add emulsifiers. How do these emulsifiers work and how important are they?

Turkeys are known to respond to various treatments differently than chickens. Since production without antibiotic growth enhancers is being encouraged and several antibiotics have been banned from use in poultry, the industry is searching for alternatives. Which of these can be used for turkeys?

From January 2006 antibiotic growth promoters will be banned in the EU. Cases of antibiotic resistance in humans have frightened consumers and forced the livestock industry to change production practices. This affects poultry growers not only in the EU but also in other parts of the world. What is the story behind the ban?

Wet litter, a common problem in poultry production, is often caused by an imbalance in the intestinal micro flora. Trials show that carob pod powder has intestinal stimulating properties and improves the litter quality.

Birds absorb minerals from plant material, not the inorganic ores currently added to feed. With organic forms available commercially, maybe it's time to redefine mineral nutrition.

Over 250 posters depicting the results of scientific research were presented late May a the 20th Annual Symposium on Nutritional Biotechnology in the Feed and Food Industries, arranged by Alltech in Lexington, Kentucky.

In Sri Lanka research into the application of feed additives common to other areas of the world in ongoing. In fact, where the global development of enzymes and probiotics are concerned, the more results, the merrier. Veterinarian and nutritionist Dr Susil Silva travelled half way across the world to share his team's research with UK experts.

The history of feed flavours goes back to 1946 when these were first used under practical farm conditions. These additives have been widely accepted for cattle, sheep, pigs, and other farm stock. But in the poultry industry the matter is still a subject of debate.