New Turkey Feed Innovation Could Cut Antibiotic Dependency for Poultry Producers

Delaware's agricultural community may benefit from a breakthrough feed supplement that uses virus-derived enzymes to combat bacterial infections in turkeys. The technology targets harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial gut microbes, potentially offering farmers an alternative to traditional antibiotic treatments.

Delaware poultry producers could soon have access to a groundbreaking feed supplement that may help reduce their reliance on antibiotics while protecting turkey flocks from bacterial disease.

The innovative additive utilizes specialized enzymes called endolysins, which come from bacteriophages – viruses that naturally attack bacteria. Kane Miller, Ph.D., who serves as CEO and founder of Axitan, presented details about this technology at the recent 2025 Poultry Tech Summit in Atlanta, Georgia, held from November 3-5.

These enzymes work by attacking the protective outer layer of harmful bacteria, specifically targeting the peptidoglycan structure found in Gram-positive bacterial strains. Miller described how the enzymes break down critical bonds within bacterial cell walls, eventually causing the dangerous microorganisms to burst and die.

What makes this approach particularly promising is its precision targeting capability. The enzymes contain specialized binding components that allow them to focus exclusively on disease-causing bacteria while leaving helpful digestive microbes unharmed, Miller noted.

The technology also presents a solution to growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance. Since the enzymes attack fundamental structural components of bacterial cell walls, it would be extremely challenging for bacteria to develop immunity against this treatment method, according to Miller.

Axitan is currently developing the product as a direct feed ingredient that can be easily incorporated into existing turkey feed formulations. Though not yet available for commercial purchase, the company is engineering the supplement to survive the high-temperature pelleting process used in feed manufacturing through specialized enzyme modifications and protective formulations.

The target pathogen, Clostridium septicum, represents a significant threat to turkey operations as the leading bacterial cause of clostridial dermatitis in these birds. This condition continues to challenge turkey farmers despite improved biosecurity measures and sanitation protocols, often necessitating antibiotic intervention.

“Ultimately, we see our goal as trying to fill the gap left by antibiotics being taken out of the production process,” Miller explained. “We’re just trying to provide another tool to the industry to help them migrate away from antibiotic or heavy use of antibiotic production.”

Miller reported that the project has progressed beyond initial research phases, with the team now focused on refining the formula, developing proper formulations, and navigating regulatory approval processes. The next steps will include live animal testing and comprehensive field trials to validate the technology’s effectiveness in real-world farming conditions.