5 reasons to download Aviagen’s new Gut Health Toolkit
Aviagen has released a practical, easy-to-use toolkit focused on gut health – an essential foundation for resilient and efficient flocks.
Curious to know why it’s worth your time? Here are 5 compelling reasons to take a look at the new Gut Health Toolkit.
It’s packed with engaging, science-backed content
The Gut Health Toolkit isn’t just a single document – it’s a complete suite of resources developed by Aviagen to help producers strengthen digestive health while supporting bird welfare, sustainability and performance. With the toolkit, you’ll get:
- Focus document – A comprehensive overview of how gut function impacts performance, especially in systems with limited or no antibiotic use. It includes practical advice grounded in current research and field results.
- Expert video – Dr Richard Bailey, Aviagen’s head of Applied Physiology and a global expert in poultry immunology, shares real-world strategies for improving gut integrity.
- Technical brief – Titled ‘Understanding Gut Health Enhancement Products’, the Aviagen Brief outlines how to evaluate probiotics, competitive exclusion products, plant extracts, and acidifiers.
- Farm poster – The poster provides an easy-to-follow map through the chicken’s digestive system, with practical tips for brooding and beyond.
- Interactive on-farm guide – This is a step-by-step tool for implementing gut health best practices from placement through to processing.
Each resource stands on its own but is most effective when used together as part of a comprehensive gut health strategy – ideal for producers at any stage of their antibiotic-free production journey.
It’s a practical how-to resource for flock managers
Gut health isn’t just influenced by what birds eat or the enhancement products used – it is shaped by a range of day-to-day management practices. That’s why the toolkit covers factors like:
- Ventilation and air quality
- Litter moisture and condition
- Feed and water hygiene
- Stress management
- Biosecurity and cleanliness
By focusing on these fundamentals, the toolkit helps farm teams make meaningful improvements that directly impact bird health and performance.
Gut health makes a real difference
A healthy gut does far more than digest food – it plays a vital role in bird immunity, nutrient absorption, and disease resistance. With around 70% of a chicken’s immune cells located in the gut, it’s one of the most critical systems for overall health.
Here’s what a well-functioning gut does:
- Breaks down feed and absorbs nutrients for efficient growth and performance.
- Acts as a barrier against harmful pathogens and bacterial invasion.
- Supports immune responses, helping birds recover faster from challenges.
When gut health falters, the consequences are clear: poor feed conversion, wet litter, footpad lesions and other critical issues. Strong gut health not only reduces the need for antibiotics but also improves growth, uniformity, and livability – benefits that pay off in any production system.
It’s part of a balanced management strategy
Gut health doesn’t happen by chance – it depends on good day-to-day management. The toolkit reinforces the importance of strong stockmanship, focusing on areas like feed and water hygiene, ventilation, litter quality, and biosecurity.
Building a resilient digestive system takes consistent, thoughtful care across every part of the production cycle. That’s why this toolkit highlights practical, everyday actions that truly make a difference.
It’s part of Aviagen’s growing Focus Series
As consumer demand grows for poultry raised with fewer or no antibiotics, producers are seeking proven tools to support this shift. Aviagen’s Focus Series was created in response to this movement.
The new Gut Health Toolkit is the fourth release in this series. Each edition introduces a key concept in antibiotic-free and reduced antibiotic use broiler production and breaks it down into clear, actionable guidance.
“This series has become a key part of our global communication package. It’s about more than just sharing knowledge – it’s about empowering customers with the practical tools they need to succeed. It’s all part of Breeding Customer Success,” said Dr Vanessa Kretzschmar-McCluskey, Aviagen’s global head of Technical Transfer.
