Feed supplement fights cellulitis in turkeys

In turkeys with the agent that causes gangrenous dermatitis (cellulitis), Agratism improved feed conversion and weight gain, and reduced mortality, according to Vyta Corp and Justin Holdings, equal owners of joint venture, Bioagra.

This study* was designed to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness that the feed supplement can have when replacing antibiotics in the feed of turkeys that have been challenged by Clostridium septicum, the bacterium responsible for the condition known as gangrenous dermatitis. This is one of the most severe diseases afflicting the turkey, duck and broiler industries.

When gangrenous dermatitis is caused by Colostridium, morbidity is rapid and mortality is high, and in this study, resulted in high mortality and severe lesion scores. Overall, the Agratism treatment appeared to have positive effects on the performance and health of the tom turkeys receiving the severe bacterial challenge, said Davis, who further reported that even with the excessive challenge, the results show obvious treatment effects.