Elanco’s 2025 Health Tracking System (HTSi) has recorded the highest annual average Intestinal Integrity (I2) score seen in the past five years.
Louise Ashworth, Elanco’s strategic services lead and account manager, said the I2 figure averaged 95.56 across 2025.
“Building on strong performance in 2024, I2 scores remained exceptionally high throughout 2025, demonstrating the impressive work done by producers to maximise bird health and performance,” said Ashworth.
One of the most pertinent results was the further improvement to gizzard health, with prevalence of erosions falling to 15.2% – the lowest recorded level; down from 21% in 2024, and 26% in 2023, which Ashworth suggested could be linked to stricter on-farm biosecurity.
Although cellular sloughing, excessive intestinal mucus and watery intestinal contents remain the most prevalent intestinal lesions in UK broilers, the frequency of cellular sloughing and excessive intestinal mucus has continued to decline year-on-year, contributing to stability in the average I2 score.
Coccidiosis challenges are another key influencer on Intestinal Integrity.
Ashworth said that while reductions in Eimeria maxima and Eimeria tenella species captured in the HTSi report are encouraging, there remains room for improvement, reinforcing the importance of a stable and continuous coccidiosis control programme.
“Average levels of E. maxima and E. tenella cases have fallen compared to 2024, but remain elevated relative to 2022,” she said.
“By contrast, the prevalence of E. acervulina has increased by an average of 4.8% compared to 2024, with no clear seasonal pattern evident.
“In light of the reduced stocking densities, this modest increase underlines the importance of remaining vigilant and maintaining high hygiene standards during shorter turnaround times.”
While tibial dyschondroplasia does not form part of the overall I2 score, a marked reduction in cases was observed towards the end of the year, but Ashworth cautioned producers against complacency.
“The condition is still a concern, and the message remains clear, producers must check and monitor leg culls and if an increase in cases is seen, a vet must be contacted,” she said.
Ashworth said there is no doubt that reduced stocking density is having a positive impact on flock health, but it is important that producers do not overlook the issues still present among healthy birds.
“Although bird performance has been impressive, there are still cases of disease and suboptimal gut health which shouldn’t be overlooked,” she said.