SBIR-STTR Award

This Phase I proposal is directed at developing and demonstrating the feasibility of using a mixture of metabolites and peptides derived from proprietary strains from anaerobic commensal bacterium(FPZ) to improve feed efficiency and reduce pathogens common in broiler chickens. This proposal is based on promising preliminary in vitro and in vivo research performed by Bactana during the past two years. The goals of this proposal align with USDA SBIR goals to improve animal productivity by enhancing feed efficiency and improve the safety of end products derived from animals. If the success criteria for Objectives 1 and 2 (see below) of this proposal are met FPZ will have potential to be used to both improve feed efficiency and reduce Salmonella pathogen load. This unique "Dual-Function" product strategy would place FPZ at the top of its class as a feed additive. The project objectives to be carried out by Bactana are: Objective 1.Use an in vivo poultry trial to demonstrate that orally administered FPZ can be used as an effective feed additive in poultry by providing benefit in either or both of the following: A) Reducing levels of the important bacterial pathogens Salmonella enteritidis to prevent downstream human infections. B) Reducing broiler chicken production costs by improving FCR. Objective 2. Use cell-based and other in vitro assays to assess the mechanism by which FPZ is leading to improvements in growth and FCR.