Principles of Competitive Exclusion Applied to Poultry

Principles of Competitive Exclusion Applied to Poultry

Competitive exclusion is a principle in ecology that states two species competing for the same limited resource cannot coexist indefinitely—one will outcompete the other and drive it to extinction or force it to adapt. This principle, also called Gause’s Law, explains how microorganisms, animals, and plants interact when competing for resources like food, space, or nutrients.

Farming application -
In our poultry,  competitive exclusion (CE) is commonly applied to gut microbiology and disease prevention. It works in two key ways:

Gut Microbiome Defense Against Pathogens:  A chickens’ intestines are home to beneficial bacteria that help with digestion, immune function, and nutrient absorption. When beneficial bacteria dominate, they prevent harmful pathogens from establishing themselves by:
• Competing for nutrients: Good bacteria consume food sources before harmful bacteria can.
• Blocking attachment sites: They coat the gut lining, preventing pathogens from attaching.
• Producing antimicrobial compounds: Some beneficial microbes release acids and bacteriocins that inhibit harmful bacteria. For example, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria in the gut can outcompete Salmonella and Clostridium by denying them resources and space.

The Result:  If our chickens have a strong, well-balanced microbiome, they are less likely to suffer from bacterial diseases like Salmonella, E. coli, or Clostridium perfringens (which causes necrotic enteritis). Our ongoing use of probiotics and fermented feed sources works to enhance competitive exclusion by boosting beneficial gut bacteria.

Feed Digestion & Nutrient Absorption:  Since we supplement whole, raw milk, whole apple cider vinegar along with other probiotics for our birds, we are actively supporting gut health and nutrient digestion. The milk, with its enzymes and beneficial microbes encourages Lactobacillus growth, which helps in:
• Breaking down lactose and improving gut acidity (preventing harmful bacterial overgrowth).
• Enhancing digestion of fiber and proteins in the feed.  

Competitive exclusion is one of nature’s best defenses against disease. By fostering a healthy gut microbiome in our chickens, we are naturally suppressing harmful bacteria while improving feed efficiency, gut health, and egg production.