Native plants could be the solution for poultry feed in Alberta

At Lethbridge Polytechnic, Dr. Sophie Kernéis-Golsteyn, a microbiologist, is leading research into antibiotic properties of native Alberta plants to find a natural feed additive for poultry.  

The project, funded with $80,000 from the Egg Farmers of Canada, will run for 2.5 years in the Microbial Research Laboratory, focusing on natural phytobiotics—plant-based antibiotic alternatives that protect chickens against Avian Pathogenic E. coli (APEC). 

Kernéis-Golsteyn’s team has been studying local plants since 2016, gathering 150 samples with potential antibiotic properties. For this project, they will examine two specific plants, from the Rumex and Potentilla genera, which showed potential in earlier tests.  

If successful, these plants could create a new crop for Alberta farmers, especially as they thrive in dry conditions and require less water. Kernéis-Golsteyn notes that adding such diverse crops can also improve soil health, benefiting local agriculture overall. 

Plant-based additives are already used in poultry feed to reduce infections. However, a local plant with antibiotic properties would offer a sustainable, climate-suited solution without the expense of importing materials.  

The demand for antibiotic-free poultry has grown as the livestock industry faces restrictions on antibiotic use for growth or preventative purposes due to concerns over antibiotic-resistant bacteria and consumer interest in safer food products. 

 Since 2018, only veterinarians can prescribe antibiotics for sick animals, further increasing the interest in natural solutions. 

APEC bacteria pose a serious challenge for poultry, leading to high costs for producers due to flock illness, mortality, and reduced growth and egg production. The financial impact can reach $10 to $50 million annually, highlighting the need for effective and safe control methods. 

The research team will be testing plant extracts on APEC bacteria to see if they inhibit its growth. 

This research offers valuable training for Lethbridge Polytechnic students like Alessandra Chan and John Gil Casallas, who will assist in the lab and learn essential skills in microbiology and critical thinking.  

In collaboration with Dr. Roy Golsteyn from the University of Lethbridge, the team will also explore the anti-inflammatory effects of these plants on chicken cells, with further testing on live chickens planned if initial results are promising. 

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the result of excessive antibiotic use, remains a global issue, and research like this contributes to sustainable solutions.