Prevention of avian colibacillosis: BIODEVAS Laboratoires partnership with the LDC Group, CAFEL, and CAVAC
Biodevas Laboratoires, a specialist in the production of phytogenic additives to reduce the use of antibiotics in livestock farming, is launching a research partnership on avian colibacillosis at the end of this year. Building on its success in tackling various issues in the poultry sector (histomoniasis, coccidiosis, parasitism, etc.), Biodevas will focus its efforts over the next three years on this major issue in the industry through a research collaboration with the LDC group, CAFEL, and CAVAC.
Colibacillosis is one of the major diseases affecting the poultry industry and causes millions of euros in direct and indirect losses for the French sector. It also represents a public health issue due to the numerous antibiotic resistances developed by colibacilli, which have led to regulatory controls on the use of so-called "critical" antibiotics in veterinary medicine. In addition, the specifications of restaurant and retail chains go beyond the regulations and are moving towards a ban on the administration of all types of antibiotics in the near future.
Based on these findings, the consortium formed by Biodevas Laboratories aims to develop a new preventive strategy for digestive infections caused by Escherichia coli. This strategy is based on the administration of phytogenic solutions formulated by Biodevas Laboratoires, using natural plant active ingredients extracted using the laboratory's own extraction technology.
Launched in September, it will take place in hatcheries and broiler farms belonging to various production organizations over a period of 18 months. The trial will involve at least 18 batches of day-old chicks for each PO. The same number of control batches will also be used. The validation of experimental protocols, data collection, statistical interpretation, and sample analysis will be carried out by the Livestock Farming Systems Research Unit at the Angers School of Agriculture and by Inovalys, which brings together the departmental laboratories of the Pays-de-la-Loire region. Mortality, antibiotic administration, water consumption, average slaughter weight, GMQ, IC, seizures, etc. will be scrutinized.
This trial demonstrates Biodevas Laboratoires expertise in R&D Biodevas Laboratoires its ability to offer innovative solutions to players in the poultry industry. These solutions are tailored to the zootechnical and economic constraints of farms, as well as to societal challenges related to health. Through this partnership, the three manufacturers are demonstrating their commitment to developing new approaches to their farming practices.
The LDC Group is Europe's leading poultry processor, owning numerous brands such as Le Gaulois, Maître Coq, Marie et Traditions d'Asie, Toque Angevine, and Réghalal. The group contracts its supplies with 5,700 poultry farmers directly or through partners.
Cafel, the Loué Farmers' Agricultural Cooperative, brings together 1,100 livestock farmers who adhere to strict specifications and, since 2003, has generalized the use of alternative medicine.
The CAVAC cooperative group has 5,000 member farmers and four areas of activity: plants, animals, green distribution (garden centers), and agribusiness. In the poultry sector, VOLINEO, the CAVAC poultry division, brings together 270 farmers.
