LTO Noord Innovation Fund Enables Development of Test for Growth in Slow-Growing Broilers
Thanks to support from the LTO Noord Innovation Fund, a new test has been developed to better understand growth development in slow-growing broilers. The test provides poultry farmers and advisors with deeper insights into gut function, without the need to sacrifice any animals.
The test was developed through a collaboration between veterinarian Rick van der Ende (Avecur) and Joost Thijssen (Florates), a specialist in microbiome research in poultry. Their goal was to offer a tool specifically designed to identify and support broilers that lag in growth development.
Using a simple cloacal swab, the test analyses five biomarkers to assess three key factors: productivity, gut damage, and microbial balance. This enables early detection of intestinal health issues, well before clinical symptoms appear.
Joost Thijssen: “The financial contribution from the fund gave us the opportunity to develop and validate this test specifically for slow-growers. It allows poultry farmers to act earlier and more precisely, supporting both animal health and operational efficiency.”