Research Note: Effect of a phlorotannin extract of the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum as a potential control strategy against Campylobacter in broilers

Poultry is generally recognized as the main source of human campylobacteriosis and Campylobacter is highly prevalent at the farm level. To reduce the relative risk of human campylobacteriosis attributable to broiler meat, it is necessary to reduce Campylobacter loads in broiler ceca but to date, no effective, reliable and practical strategy is available. The marine environment is a rich source of original natural compounds exhibiting different biological activities. The objective of this study was to test a phlorotannin extract of the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum as a potential control strategy against Campylobacter in broilers. Bactericidal activity has been demonstrated in vitro, on several Campylobacter spp. strains at a range of 0.06 to 0.47 mg/mL. Therefore, an in vivo trial in experimental facilities was performed to evaluate addition of 0.2% (w/w) of an A. nodosum extract to feed distributed at the end of rearing from day 31 to day 35, and to assess the effect on artificial Campylobacter jejuni colonization. No statistical differences in Campylobacter enumeration were observed between the treated and control groups. Another trial was performed in a commercial broiler flock. Feed containing the extract at 0.2% (w/w) (2 kg/t) was distributed during the last 5 days of rearing (day 33–day 38). No significant effects on Campylobacter colonization and on growth parameters were observed compared to the control group. Additional studies are needed to assess whether active polyphenols are found in the cecum.