Research Explores Natural Alternatives to Antibiotics in Poultry Production

New research from Clemson University suggests that natural feed additives such as black cumin, kefir, and bacteriophages could offer poultry producers effective alternatives to antibiotics. Doctoral student Vishal Manjunatha’s research showed that black cumin oil helps chickens survive necrotic enteritis, a common gut disease in chickens. In addition, a mix of black cumin and bacteriophages stopped chickens from dying from necrotic enteritis and improved gut health. Meanwhile, this research found that kefir boosts the immune system of chickens and helps good bacteria grow in the gut. These natural feed additives are readily obtainable by both small and large-scale poultry producers and offer a path toward providing consumers with antibiotic-free meat that is in demand.