.jpg){kind=logo}
Product introduction
IMW50® is a yeast cell wall extract which is highly concentrated in β-glucans (> 35%), while still offering excellent levels of mannan-oligosaccharide, MOS (19%). MOS is known for its capacity to agglutinate pathogens, and it will prevent the colonization in the gut as it offers a binding site to harmful bacteria that possess type 1 fimbriae present in the intestinal tract. The β-glucans present in IMW50® (β-1,3 and 1,6) modulate the innate immune system response, resulting in greater protection for the intestinal cells and better response to the challenges.Since consumers, distributors, and producers are concerned with food contamination and quality, especially for commercial eggs, food safety has been a pressing issue all over the world. Salmonella enteritidis (SE) is known to colonize the ceca and internal organs in commercial hens resulting in SE translocation to the ovary. As a consequence, SE can be found in eggs, by either ovarian or intestinal tract infection. Producers employ interventions to decrease egg contamination. The practicality and costs of intervention are considerations when instituting a pathogen reduction program.
In order to study the effectiveness of IMW50® for mitigating intestinal and ovarian colonization by SE, a recent research trial was conducted at Southern Poultry Research Group (Athens, GA – US) by Hofacre, et al. (“Effectiveness of yeast cell wall extract in commercial layers against intestinal and ovary colonization of S. enteritidis”, presented at IPSF 2017, Atlanta).
An extremely high SE challenge dose was required in this trial to establish sufficient transmission of the SE to the ovaries (>40% control birds were positive on ovarian culture vs. 33.3% in IMW50®). IMW50® was very effective in reducing the prevalence of cecal infection (93.8% IMW50® vs. 97.9% Control at 7 days, and 47.9% IMW50® vs. 53.2% Control at 14 days). A significant reduction in cecal colonization by SE occurred at 7 days (IMW50® SE positive ceca had slightly more than 102 SE/gram vs. the Control at nearly 103 SE/gram of ceca content) resulting in corresponding reductions in ovarian prevalence and colonization.
It is important to point out that a reduction in cecal colonization with the use of IMW50® will result in a decrease in the fecal contamination of the egg surface. After an egg is laid, it begins to cool and draws surface bacteria into the pores of the shell. Less SE contamination of the surface should result in less contamination of the egg interior. The use of IMW50® can be an integral and vital part of a comprehensive SE intervention strategy resulting in decreased ovarian colonization and environmental contamination.
IMW50® was approved and is recommended by Walmart in US as a part of non- antibiotic feed additives program called Walmart “Best in Class” Fresh Shell Egg Program for laying hens, after 2 years of evaluation of several products.