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Efforts in this study will contcentrate on: <OL> <LI> Investigating the medicinal properties, compositions, and utilization/application of fungus myceliated grain biomass as feed supplement for improved broiler and layer health and performance <LI> Investigating the effects of various combinations of fungus myceliated grain'mushroom supplementation on general health, fecal integrity, growth performance, foodborne pathogens (Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni) and intestinal microbial profile in broiler chickens and commercial laying hen during forced molt <LI> Studying and facilitating the development of novel strategies utilizing myceliated grain mushroom to reduce economic losses due to infectious diseases and foodborne pathogens of poultry.
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The administration of therapeutic and sub-therapeutic antimicrobials to animals has become a serious problem worldwide. This is due primarily to the emergence and spread of multiple antibiotic resistant zoonotic bacterial pathogens. An alternative approach to sub therapeutic antibiotics use in poultry is medicinal mushrooms that stimulates the immune system and enriches certain beneficial bacteria populations.
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APPROACH: Sorghum grain will be inoculated with different strains of edible mushrooms and allowed to generate biomass. This biomass will be grounded and added as a supplement to a normal standard broiler mash ration at various percentages and combinations to establish good bacteria in the gut and modulate the broilers immune system. Commercial laying hens will be given the same supplements signally or combination during a force mult period to modulate innate immunity.