The physiology of birds is regulated by the interplay internally between the gastrointestinal functioning, endocrine, nervous and defensive systems (immune and anti-oxidative). Acting on these are external factors such as nutrition and the gastrointestinal microbiome. One focus of this Research Topic is the importance of various nutritional physiological approaches, the parameters to be employed and an assessment of their reliability and feasibility. Aims of this topic include the following: 1) Identify specific interventions to facilitate the elimination of food borne pathogens in poultry 2) Develop nutritional strategies to reduce food borne colonization in poultry and reduce prevalence of food borne pathogens in poultry products Increasing numbers of poultry are raised without antibiotics. There is growing attention to using dietary supplements to replace antibiotics, to alter intestinal microbial populations, to stimulate antioxidative and immune systems and to improve overall intestinal health. This Research Topic will include a focus on determining the viability of nutritional intervention like probiotics and non-antibiotic growth promoters, alone or in combination, as a means to mitigate food borne contamination, particularly in the context of an antibiotic-free setting. Particular attention will be paid in determining the effects of dietary supplements on intestinal integrity, gene expression, antioxidative systems and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Reviews and research papers, among other article types, on all aspects of the interactions between nutrition, physiology and microbiology in birds, particularly poultry.

Derived from the 28th Poultry Science Symposium of the World's Poultry Science Association (UK), this book focuses on the current interest of the phasing out of antibiotic use in poultry and covers in-depth interactions between the bird, its diet and potential pathogens. It also demonstrates. the understanding of the gut health in the 21st century of commercial poultry and flocks and the ultimate safety of poultry product in the human food chain.

The aim of this Special Issue is to publish high quality papers concerning poultry nutrition and the interrelations between nutrition, metabolism, microbiota and the health of poultry. Therefore, I invite submissions of recent findings, as original research or reviews, on poultry nutrition, including, but not limited to, the following areas: the effect of feeding on poultry meat end egg quality; nutrient requirements of poultry; the use of functional feed additives to improve gut health and immune status; microbiota; nutraceuticals; soybean meal replacers as alternative sources of protein for poultry; the effects of feeding poultry on environmental impacts; the use of feed/food by-products in poultry diet; and feed technology.

Microbial agents (particularly bacteria) represent the greatest risk to public health. The traditional end-product oriented food inspection systems are inadequate for identifying and eliminating the usually symptomless animal carriers of agents causing foodborne infections and intoxications. Modern, risk-based, prevention approaches are the only effective way to reduce the prevalence of these hazards from our foods. As an additional 'safety-valve' microbial decontamination procedures are currently being suggested and its implementation in industrial food processing has, at least in some parts of the world, met with governmental approval. The residues in foods of some non-microbial agents have more recently also caused substantial consumer disquiet. This equally applies to non-conventional foods containing GMO's. In this publication these issues are addressed by invited expert scientists from various disciplines, many of which have key-positions in EU-funded research programmes on these very topics and/or are advisers to international public health bodies. The editors firmly believe that the very nature of the theme, the excellence of the papers and the holistic approach chosen will draw an audience from both an industry and academic background.

Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics: Bioactive Foods in Health Promotion reviews and presents new hypotheses and conclusions on the effects of different bioactive components of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics to prevent disease and improve the health of various populations. Experts define and support the actions of bacteria; bacteria modified bioflavonoids and prebiotic fibrous materials and vegetable compounds. A major emphasis is placed on the health-promoting activities and bioactive components of probiotic bacteria. - Offers a novel focus on synbiotics, carefully designed prebiotics probiotics combinations to help design functional food and nutraceutical products - Discusses how prebiotics and probiotics are complementary and can be incorporated into food products and used as alternative medicines - Defines the variety of applications of probiotics in health and disease resistance and provides key insights into how gut flora are modified by specific food materials - Includes valuable information on how prebiotics are important sources of micro-and macronutrients that modify body functions