Many diseases in poultry are largely under control, but the "Holy Grail" for broiler chicken growers

is achieving good gut health. The efficient conversion of feed into components for optimal nutrient

absorption is vital for both broiler production and welfare. If gut health is compromised, digestion

and nutrient absorption is affected, and bird’ performance and welfare are compromised. Gut

health problems in broiler chickens mainly arise from a high feed intake, coccidiosis, EU ban on

antimicrobial growth promoters, and continuous exposure to environment- and feed-related

toxins. Endotoxin or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is part of the outer membrane of Gram-negative

bacteria, and is ubiquitously present in the feed and in Gram-negative bacteria in the intestinal

microbiota. It induces intestinal inflammation, especially upon intestinal barrier dysfunction.

Mycotoxins on the other hand are fungal metabolites and among the most hazardous feed

contaminants in terms of chronic toxicity. My doctoral research demonstrated a negative impact

of the mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisins (FBs) on the intestinal barrier. Moreover,

both LPS and DON/FBs share common pathways in the inflammatory response. Therefore we aim

to study if DON and FBs facilitate the endotoxin-induced intestinal inflammation, weakening bird’

immune system and impairing performances. This information is essential to develop prevention

and treatment strategies to tackle gut health problems in broilers.