Case Study - Orego-Stim® Liquid Supports Turkey Flock Health Following Blackhead Challenge

CUSTOMER SUMMARY

A turkey producer based in North Carolina, USA. Producer grows Heritage Black Turkeys which are raised in conventional houses or barns, in a No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) system with no antibiotics and/or no artificial ingredients. It is a seasonal flock of Toms raised for the Thanksgiving market. At 4-5 weeks of age, the flock were experiencing elevated mortality and morbidity. After evaluation from farm management, it was determined that the flock had blackhead disease. The farm has a harsh history of issues with blackhead.

PRODUCT BACKGROUND

Orego-Stim® Liquid (OSL) is a high quality phytogenic eubiotic composed of 100% natural oregano essential oil. It has been designed for inclusion in livestock drinking water, with unparalleled suspension to ensure even product distribution. OSL has been developed to support intestinal health and maintain gut integrity.

APPLICATON AND PARAMETERS ASSESSED

The birds were given OSL from 38 days to market through the drinking water. An inclusion rate of 150-300ml per 1000 litres of water was advised. The producer began with a lower dose to ensure water intake was not impaired before increasing to the recommended inclusion rate. Mortality and culling rates were recorded throughout.

RESULTS

At 4-5 weeks of age the blackhead challenge was identified. By 6 weeks of age, mortality had reached 30 birds for the week which was the highest weekly mortality rate recorded (with the exception of Week 1 and Week 2 when culling occurred). The beneficial effects of OSL supplementation (indicated by the green background on the graph) were shown within less than 2 weeks following introduction into the drinking water. OSL reduced mortality by 33% and 60% at 7 and 8 weeks of age respectively.