Scientific Literature Summary: Nutritional & Clinical Applications of Phages
Recent international animal science trials demonstrate significant efficacy of targeted bacteriophages in replacing antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) across livestock production:
1. Swine Nutrition & Health:
In suckling and post-weaning piglets, dietary inclusion of anti-ETEC (Enterotoxigenic E. coli) and anti-Salmonella phage cocktails reduced post-weaning diarrhea incidence by over 45%, increased daily weight gain by 8.5%, and improved ileal villus height-to-crypt depth ratios.
2. Poultry Performance:
Broiler trials showed that supplying virulent Clostridium perfringens and Salmonella phages in drinking water achieved equivalent or superior necrotic enteritis control compared to bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD), reducing mortality by 60% and lowering FCR by 4–6 points.
3. Layer & Breeder Flocks:
Vertical transmission of Salmonella enterica serovars was effectively blocked by oral phage administration, achieving clean eggshell surfaces and higher hatchability rates.