We collect and analyze samples and data from commercial turkey flocks, with the aim of a better understanding of the interaction between factors influencing the risk of poor gastrointestinal health (including necrotic enteritis). We analyze field data in order to characterize the epidemiology of necrotic enteritis in turkeys, including age at risk and seasonal pattern. We characterize Clostridium perfringens strains in order to improve our understanding of distinctive features of turkey stains of this bacterial species causing necrotic enteritis. We investigate the effect of a probiotic product on Clostridium perfringens counts in commercial turkey farms. We also work with the establishment of a challenge model of necrotic enteritis in turkeys.
Project manager
Partners
- Monash University (Professor Julian Rood)
- Norwegian Meat and Poultry Research Centre
- Kemin Europa NV
- Felleskjøpet feed development
- Baastad Turkeys
- Nortura turkey farmers’ forum.