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<OL> <LI> Utilize continuous-flow culture systems to select, isolate, and maintain defined mixed cultures of indigenous gut flora that are antagonistic to enteropathogen growth in poultry.<LI>Develop methods to prevent crop contamination by enteropathogens during feed withdrawal at growout. <LI> Utilize mixed microbial continuous culture models to study the effects of new enteropathogens, toxins, and feed additives on normal gut flora.
Continuous-flow culture systems will be used to isolate and maintain mixed cultures of indigenous cecal flora that are antagonistic to Salmonella and Campylobacter growth. Cultures of bacteria that are potentially protective will be identified and the defined mixed cultures will be tested as direct-fed microbials to control salmonellae, Campylobacter, and other enteropathogen growth in broiler and layer chickens and turkey poults. Management procedures and products that reduce enteropathogen contamination of the crop during feed withdrawal prior to slaughter will be developed and tested in commercial poultry flocks.