Category: Feed Additives

Swine diarrhea, also referred to as pig diarrhea, is a common condition that can affect pigs at any stage of life, from piglets to adults. A healthy Gastro-Intestinal Tract (GIT) of pig performs various functions such as digestion, nutrient absorption, and regulation of intestinal barrier function. However, the GIT is a direct path for disease-causing organisms (pathogens) to enter the pig and cause disease. Swine diarrhea is the most apparent symptom of intestinal dysfunction. It is among the most important problems due to their negative effect on productivity and profitability in pig production. Estimated costs for pigs affected by diarrhea with a mortality of 10% can be as high as 134 € per pig per year, as per some estimates from the EU.

Diarrhea in pigs is of many types like neonatal diarrhea, post-weaning diarrhea, porcine epidemic diarrhea, swine dysentery, coccidiosis, salmonellosis, porcine proliferative enteropathy, and rotaviral diarrhea.

Causes of pig diarrhea

• Parasites, such as coccidia, roundworms, and whipworms.
• Viral pathogens, like porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED), transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE), rotavirus types A, B, and C, and even porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome (PRRS).
• Bacterial causes, such as E. coli, Salmonella, and, occasionally, Clostridium perfringens or C. difficile.
• The stress of weaning can often trigger an enteric challenge in the nursery, allowing these organisms to affect piglets negatively.

How do pigs get infected?

Pig diarrhea is majorly associated with the proliferation of enterotoxigenic pathogens in the pig’s intesne

1.   It starts with ingesting pathogens from the surroundings, followed by colonization in the jejunum and ileum of the pig’s intestine.

2.  It damages the intestinal villi, which leads to the loss of water, electrolyte, and nutrient absorption in the pig’s body.

3.  It causes diarrhea, weight loss, and economic loss.

Cut off the use of antibiotics:

Historically, antibiotics as well as high doses of zinc oxide and copper sulfate have been commonly used to control diarrhea in pigs, but their contribution to the issue of antibiotic residues and/or antimicrobial resistance remains significant. As a result, the EU has banned the use of antibiotics in pigs. The high level of zinc oxide used to prevent and reduce the development of diarrhea can lead to toxicity in animals, and bioaccumulation. It may contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance. Due to the prohibition on the use of antibiotics, producers are turning towards natural alternatives.

Plant-based solutions are an effective natural alternative to antibiotics and can greatly prevent the harmful effects of antibiotics on pig health.

Roles of Phytoactive Ingredients :

Using phytoactive ingredients reduces the occurrence of pig diarrhea by more than 30%

• Phytoactive Ingredients possess direct microbiocidal action and avoid the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in the gut, during the colonization stage and stress disruptors. They do not kill the beneficial  bacteria in the intestines
• They can stimulate the growth of favorable bacteria. This is associated with an improvement in digestive and immune functions.
• Some phytoactive molecules are able to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, leading to better feed use and a significant increase in growth.
• These natural components also stimulate the immune system, making the animals more resistant to diseases.

DIAHALT

DIAHALT is the mixture of appropriately selected herbs and their blends, which positively reduce diarrhea in pigs. It is a natural solution for pig diarrhea. The phytomolecules present in each herb help to treat diarrhea in pigs by stimulating the natural defence mechanism of the intestinal epithelium, without any side effects on the pig’s health. They are responsible for the antidiarrheal activity, by increasing colonic water and electrolyte reabsorption and inhibiting intestinal motility. Natural fibres present in   help relieve mild-to-moderate diarrhea. It soaks up a significant amount of water in the digestive tract, making stool firmer and slower to pass.

                                     Pigs with healthy guts have healthier lives.

 

*References on request*

The physical appearance of the food is of great importance for its acceptance and demand in the market for consumers. While considering eggs along with shell color, taste, and appearance, yolk color is one of the most important factors in consumer perception of food quality, it influences consumer behavior and preferences for eggs. Carotenoids act as natural color pigments in a wide variety of organisms, including plants, algae, and some animals. They are responsible for the yellow, orange, and red hues found in fruits, vegetables, flowers, and even animal products like egg yolk and salmon fish.

With the well-known functional properties of carotenoids such as antioxidant and anti-inflammation, fortification and enrichment of edible eggs with carotenoids can increase the content of carotenoids in egg yolk and improve the appearance of eggs. The principle of egg yolk pigmentation relies on carotenoid-rich diets, efficient absorption, and deposition of these pigments into the yolk. As the content of carotenoids in the feed increases, their concentration in the egg yolk rises in direct proportion.

Producers usually control and enhance yolk color by managing and optimizing the hen’s diet to meet consumer preferences and standards.

Yellow and Red Carotenoid Pigments: 

Absorption spectra of carotenoid pigments and La Roche scale :

The wavelengths of the colours of the carotenoids used for egg yolk pigmentation fall between 400–500 nm (blue-green region) within the visible range of the color spectrum. To the human eye, such compounds are yellow to red. Yellow and orange carotenoids have a wavelength range of 445 to 450 nm, whereas red carotenoids have a wavelength range of 465 to 470 nm.

Absorption and transport of carotenoids to egg yolks:

Like other animals, dietary carotenoids are absorbed by birds through the intestinal mucosa, where they are built into lipoprotein particles and transported via the blood to peripheral organs and tissues including the reproductive system during oocyte development, which results in pigment deposition in the egg yolk.

Key challenges of using synthetic pigments:

Synthetic pigment like apo-ester is most commonly used as a commercial source of color. However, some research data suggest that these substances can negatively affect human health. Hence, a demand for natural alternatives to synthetic pigments, for use in egg and broiler chicken skin colouring, is increasing to mitigate the harmful impacts of synthetic ingredients on consumer health.

Natural Pigments:

Natural sources of carotenoids such as marigolds, lutein, paprika, etc. promote a higher carotenoid concentration, increasing carotenoid deposition in egg yolk and improving egg quality. Natural pigments can be used as a way to substitute the use of synthetic pigment in the diet without affecting performance and the poultry egg quality.

Depending upon the requirement of the intensity of yellow and red color deposition, we have a natural feed additive specifically for poultry, supporting both egg yolk and broiler skin pigmentation.

‘Vin-Yellow’ is obtained from marigold flowers and provides a bright yellow color to egg yolks. These carotenoids are absorbed and deposited in the yolk, giving it a natural yellow shade.

Vin-Red is obtained from Paprika extract and provides a reddish or orange hue to the egg yolk. These carotenoids are absorbed and deposited in the yolk, giving it a natural orange-red shade.

By incorporating ‘Vin Yellow’ / ‘Vin Red’ in the poultry diet, producers can consistently achieve the desired skin and egg yolk color regardless of seasonal changes in raw material availability, ensuring a reliable and appealing product that aligns with the market expectations.

Vibrant Outcomes of Natural Shades in Poultry

*References on request

Salmon are among the most successful aquaculture species, and the production has grown drastically over the decade. This has been possible due to the ability of innovative aquaculture technologies to increase product diversity and trade while lowering production costs. However, these high-density food production environments are particularly susceptible to the spread of pests and diseases that are likely to generate economic damages. Parasitic sea lice infestation is one of the most important factors affecting salmon-producing countries.

WHAT IS A SEA LICE?

Sea Lice are a group of invertebrate crustacean copepods, of the family Caligidae, found world-wide. Out of many species, the two most highly parasitic species are:

• Caligus rogercresseyi, which infests over eighty different species of marine fish,
• Lepeophtheirus salmonis (the salmon louse), which primarily infests salmon species.

 

HOW IT ATTACHES TO THE FISH?

At the intermediate copepod stage, sea lice use their hooked antennas and frontal filaments to latch onto the fish. While they feed on their host, they remain too small to cause significant harm. However, as they mature into more mobile pre-adult and adult stages, sea lice shift their attachment method to suction, making them more lethal. They mostly feed on host mucus, skin, and underlying tissue.

IMPACT OF SEA LICE INFESTATION ON FISH-

Primary host responses include reduced appetite and growth. The increased stress, external wounds, and reduced vitality due to lice infection are also likely to increase host susceptibility to secondary infections of viral or bacterial disease. Although lice are rarely observed to directly induce host mortality, secondary health impacts resulting from infestation may increase mortality.

ECONOMICAL IMPACT OF SEA LICE

Abolofia, Asche and Wilen (2017) estimated that the cost of sea lice damage to the Norwegian salmon industry alone was USD 436 million annually.

STRATEGIES FOR SEA LICE MANAGEMENT –

The cost of treating sea lice infestations is generally high, regardless of the time and number of treatments. Among the most popular management strategies used, chemical overuse can lead to resistance, while mechanical treatments often induce stress in the fish, raising mortality rates. Out of the various management options available, using a feed through repellent can be a coordinated approach for prevention and control of sea lice.

‘CRUSTAXE’ is a synergistic combination of plant derived semio-chemicals that precisely targets the planktonic copepod crustaceans by avoiding all the unintended negative effects to the ecosystem. It can be incorporated into the functional feeds as a feed additive to repel the copepods. The bioactives of ‘CRUSTAXE’, even at a very low concentrations, have the ability to interfere with the host location and disrupt copepodid settlement on salmonid fish.

CRUSTAXE is an eco-friendly, natural solution for controlling sea lice in salmon farming, reducing reliance on chemical treatments. It meets food safety requirements of consumers and avoids harmful bioaccumulation, ensuring safe, sustainable aquaculture.

 

CRUSTAXE – The Ultimate Solution to Sea Lice Infestation!

*References on request

Growth promoters have been used in the poultry industry for decades to enhance production, promote growth performance and body weight gain, and protect birds from pathogenic microbes. This improvement is observed by increased feed conversion efficiency, stimulation of the immune system, increased overall health, and regulation of the intestinal microflora. Antibiotic growth promoters are also used to fight against infectious pathologies such as necrotic enteritis, coccidiosis, etc. There are different types of growth promoters that have been used in poultry birds, some of them are listed below

Types of growth promoters in poultry:

Probiotics:

These are live microbial feed supplements that are used for balancing the population of microbes in the intestines, preventing digestive problems, and improving the overall health of poultry.

Prebiotics:

Prebiotics stimulate the growth of harmless bacteria by providing energy and other limited nutrients to the intestinal mucosa.

Phytogenic Feed Additives:

Also known as PFAs or botanicals, phytogenic feed additives are added to animal diets to improve performance and productivity. Phytogenics include essential oils, spices, and herbs. These are natural growth promoters.

Organic Acids:

These acidifiers help to lower gut pH in the birds, which in turn reduces the presence of pathogenic organisms.

Vitamins and minerals:

These are used to improve growth as well as feed utilisation, which in turn helps in better production. Certain vitamins also have the ability to reduce weight loss in birds caused by heat stress.

Antibiotics:

Antibiotic Growth Promoters (AGP) involve the use of antibiotics in poultry feed to improve overall growth and feed conversion. It promotes growth by reducing growth-suppressing metabolites caused by microbes.

But these chemically synthesized antibiotics have certain harmful side effects on poultry, environment as well as consumer health.

Side effects of using antibiotic growth promoter:

• Antibiotic Resistance: Overuse of antibiotics in animals leads to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can spread to humans and animals, making infections harder to treat.
• Public Health Concerns: Resistant bacteria from poultry farms can enter the food chain and environment, posing serious risks to public health.

Spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria:

Ban on Antibiotic Growth Promoters

Due to the above-mentioned reasons, the World Health Organisation (WHO), along with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), encourages the health, agriculture, and veterinary sectors to reduce the injudicious use of antibiotics as growth promoters and further decrease the spread of resistant bacteria. The rapid spread of drug-resistant pathogens as well as the emergence of antibiotic-related environmental pollutants is of global concern.

Alternatives to Antibiotic Growth Promoters:

To minimize health risks, poultry farmers have great preferences for antibiotic residue-free chicken, resulting in a shift to antibiotic-free broiler meat production around the globe.

The natural antibiotic alternatives, including probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotics, organic acids, and phytogenics (phytobiotics), including herbs, botanicals, essential oils, and oleoresins, are the feed additives that acquired popularity in the poultry industry following the ban of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs).

An Effective NATURAL GROWTH PROMOTER:

HERBOFLOXIN

It is a promising alternative to antibiotics in poultry. A unique micro-emulsified formulation of phytoactive ingredients such as Thymus vulgaris, Eucalyptus, Syzygium, and Citronella. Our natural formulation not only helps to prevent the antibiotic resistance but also ensures healthy meat production for consumers. Hence, it effectively replaces the antibiotic growth promoters.

How Does Herbofloxin Work? 

Gut immune response:

It improves the gut’s immune barrier and reduces pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli in the gut. The improved gastrointestinal microclimate favors digestibility and uptake of nutrients.

Immune stimulant:

Herbofloxin contains phytomolecules with immunomodulatory effects that stimulate immune organs such as the spleen, thymus, and bursa, improving the number and function of lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells.

Haematopoietic cell production:

Herbofloxin exhibits a positive effect on the haematopoietic system and improves blood parameters and feed conversion by promoting the activity of digestive enzymes.

Reduces microbial load:

The addition of Herbofloxin to drinking water supports digestion and metabolism in the body, stimulates the growth and development of a useful microbiome, limits the multiplication and adhesion of pathogens, and changes the morphology and functioning of enterocytes. It also helps to reduce harmful intestinal loads and ultimately prevents meat contamination.

Natural growth promoter:

Improves the overall health of poultry by enhancing its nutrient utilization capability.

Benefits:

• Acts as a natural growth promoter in poultry
• Improves gastrointestinal microflora by reducing pathogenic bacteria
• Stimulates immune cell production and immune response
• Improves blood parameters
• Balances the pH of gut

For Sustainable Antibiotic- Free Production

*References on request*

Pork is one of the most extensively consumed meat globally. It is a vital source of animal protein for humans because of its nutritional value, distinctive chemical composition, and well-balanced protein content. Fat content and composition, water holding capacity, color, oxidative stability, and uniformity are the main attributes determining pork quality.

While it is true that exponential human population growth has occurred over the last few decades resulting in a significant rise in the demand for meat and its products. In the past, when the pork producers were paid strictly on a live-weight basis, it was to their advantage to optimize average daily gain and feed conversion ratio, this often resulted in carcasses with excess fat. But today’s modern consumers are increasingly critical of the food they eat hence for producers who market on a lean value-based system, carcass parameters are equally important along with growth performance.

WHY THERE IS INCREASE IN DEMAND OF LEAN PORK?

High levels of fat in the human diet can lead to excessive weight gain which increases the risk of the occurrence of health problems. Therefore, consumers are concerned about reducing the quantity of fat consumed in their diets and consequently prefer meat that is lean and has less visible fat. A major focus of the pork industry in the past few decades has been to increase lean tissue deposition to produce pig carcasses with a higher lean-to-fat ratio.

Lean pork is a nutrient-dense source of protein and several other nutrients such as thiamine, vitamin B6, phosphorus, niacin, potassium, riboflavin, and zinc.

WHY SUPPLEMENTATION IS PREFERRED TO ENHANCE PORK QUALITY?

Nutrition is one of the most influential factors that have an effect on pork quality and the overall profitability of pork production. Numerous feeding strategies can be used in growing-finishing pigs like manipulating the quantity and composition of the feed given, which will be effective in achieving desirable carcass composition and muscle characteristics per consumer demands in cost effective manner.

In an attempt to meet consumer demand for lean meat, synthetic additives like ractopamine (RAC) have been used in swine feed. Ractopamine (RAC)  is known to promotes muscle mass development, limit fat deposition, and reduce feed consumption. However, it has several undesirable behavioral side effects including restlessness, agitation, excessive oral-facial movements, and aggressive behavior. This leads to increases in necessity of alternatives to attend lean pork in swine.

Innovative feed additives and supplements can be used as alternative to synthetic additives like ractopamine. They are designed to enhance nutrient absorption, promote muscle growth, and improve overall meat quality.  ‘METALEAN’ is a leading example.

Enhancing Pork Quality with METALEAN: A Lean Meat Feed supplement

‘METALEAN’, a phytogenic lean growth supplement for pigs. It promotes uniform growth performance, improves feed efficiency and carcass characteristics.

The back-fat thickness in pigs could be considered as a primary index for predicting the yield of lean meat. The higher back fat thickness can impact lean meat quality adversely, ‘Metalean’ helps to lower back fact thickness and improves dressing percentage.

HOW METALEAN WORKS?

‘METALEAN’ can be efficiently used as a lean meat feed additive in pigs. The phytoactives in METALEAN influence insulin-like growth factors, which are one of the potent growth factors associated with a wide range of metabolic processes. The biological actions of IGF I are controlled mainly through the stomach, duodenum, and muscle tissue. METALEAN triggers the IGF-targeted gut-brain axis, which controls the fat and protein metabolism. It also upregulates fatty acid breakdown and limits fatty acid synthesis. Additionally, components from Allium and Piper species enhance diet-induced thermogenesis, further supporting fat reduction and muscle development.

Supplementation with METALEAN not only promotes a leaner meat profile but also enhances key pork quality parameters such as color, firmness, marbling, and water-holding capacity. These improvements make the pork more attractive to consumers and increase its marketability.

Choose ‘METALEAN’ for an effective, natural solution to meet consumer demand for leaner pork!

*References on request

 

 

The eggshell is an important structure of an egg, as it forms an embryonic chamber for the developing chick, providing mechanical protection, a controlled gas exchange medium and it is a container for the market egg, providing protection of the contents from pathogens and a unique package for a valuable food. Balancing proportion between calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D³, and the hormonal system in calcium metabolism during egg formation is important for Eggshell quality.

 

COMPOSITION OF THE EGGSHELL

The eggshell contains about

• 94- 97% calcite (calcium carbonate mineral)
• 2% organic matrix (proteins)

The complex structure of the eggshell is the end result of the interaction between calcium carbonate crystals and organic matrix molecules.

Key organic matrix proteins like ovocleidin-17, ovotransferrin, and osteopontin play important roles in regulating mineralisation, crystallographic texture and biomechanical properties of eggshell.

Eggshell cracking is one of the major concerns for the farmers as it causes pathogenic contamination and economic loss throughout the world. Estimates for the incidence of broken eggs in commercial production range from 6 to 8% of all eggs produced which have a negative impact on the profitability of any egg producer. However, incomplete hairline-cracked eggs are less obvious upon visual inspection and may inadvertently be used in commercial poultry which can lead to reduced hatchability and increases risk of contamination.

There are also external egg quality issues related to other shell defects like rough shells, misshapen eggs, body-checked eggs, shell-less eggs and stained or dirty floor eggs which do not necessarily result in egg breakage but give rise to increased risks of contamination along with lower hatchability and consumer acceptance.

FACTORS AFFECTING EGG SHELL QUALITY IN POULTRY –

Inadequate calcium intake and the factors affecting availability of essential organic matrix proteins can lead to degradation in egg shell quality. Approximately 60 to 75% of shell calcium (Ca) is derived directly from the diet. While calcium is important for eggshell formation, the role of organic matrix proteins like ovocleidin-17, ovotransferrin, and osteopontin is also significant. These proteins are crucial for the appropriate mineralization and structure formation of the eggshell, ensuring its strength and quality. The availability and activity of these proteins, along with minerals like phosphorus, zinc, manganese, and vitamin D are key factors that can greatly enhance eggshell quality. Improving these proteins’ effectiveness along with calcium supplement can lead to stronger and more resilient eggshells.

IMPROVE EGG SHELL QUALITY WITH SHELLVIN….

SHELLVIN is an organic egg shell supplement for poultry which helps overcoming calcium deficiencies, positively influences the formation of the shell ultra-structure. It contains organic calcium, shell enzyme co-factors, vitamin D3 absorption enhancer, and a precursor of the organic matrix of shell along with minerals which helps to decrease eggshell cracking. SHELLVIN triggers the organic constituents (proteins) of the egg shell matrix to modify the morphology of calcite crystals which eventually improves the texture and reduces thin egg shells in poultry.                  

BENEFITS –

Ensure stronger eggshells and healthier hens with SHELLVIN!

*References on request*

Essential fatty acids are gaining important not only for improving the health and productivity of animals and humans but also because our health-conscious society prefers properly balanced diets to minimize adverse health issues.  Among various fatty acids, omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids are proving indispensable for numerous beneficial health functions.

WHAT ARE OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS?

Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of essential polyunsaturated fats that are critical for various biological, physiological, developmental, reproductive, and many other health functions.  The three important omega-3 fatty acids are –

• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA),
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA),
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

These fatty acids play crucial roles as components of the phospholipids forming the structures of cell membranes. Retina (eye), brain, and sperm cells contains high DHA levels. Along with this, they act as source of energy and have wide-ranging functions in the cardiovascular, pulmonary, immune, and endocrine systems. Researchers have seen remarkable benefits of omega fatty acids in cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetic conditions in humans.

WHY ARE THEY ESSENTIAL?

ALA is considered essential fatty acid, as it must be obtained from the diet. ALA can transform into EPA and then to DHA , but this  conversion is limited—only 1-10% of ALA typically turns into EPA, and just 0.5-5% into DHA. Hence, direct consumption of EPA and DHA from dietary sources is the most practical way to elevate levels in the body.

WHO recommends 0.3 to 0.5 g per day of EPA + DHA and 0.8 to 1.1 g per day of ALA as a dietary inclusion level of omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy person. But due to current food habits there is reduction in the daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids than recommended amounts. Across the world humans are finding ways to incorporate rich omega sources in diet, however due to the seasonal availability, affordability and consumers’ preference, they are inclined in search of an alternative which satisfy their preferences.

Among other sources available, enriching poultry products with omega fatty acids is more beneficial as the global consumption of poultry meat and eggs has continued to accelerate in recent decades, due to their monogastric feature, wide availability, short rearing cycle, and low cost.  Also, poultry is an excellent feed converted channelling nutrients from feed into eggs and meat quickly, efficiently, and with relatively low environmental impact. The omega fatty acid content in poultry can be significantly improved by supplementing their diets with rich sources like flaxseed, safflower oil, fish oil, fish meal, or algae/algal oil.

HOW OMEGA FATTY ACID ARE BENEFICIAL FOR POULTRY?

Dietary supplement of Omega fatty acid in poultry –

• Supports Skeletal Development.
• Improves Weight and Carcass Quality by enhances Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR).
• Boosts Antioxidant Properties and prevents inflammation.
• Enriches Fatty Acid Profile of meat and eggs.
• Enhances Reproductive Performance:

1. Reduces embryonic mortality.
2. Enhances fertility and hatchability.
3. Improves sperm quality and quantity.

• Improves Egg Quality:

1. Improves egg size and shell quality.
2. Enriches yolk fatty acid composition.

ALPHALINOMEGA –

The enrichment of omega-3 fatty acids in poultry is directly linked to the amount provided via diet.ALPHALINOMEGA is an omega fatty acid supplement for omega fortified chicken and eggs. It is an innovative poultry feed supplement that contains major essential fatty acids and can be easily administered via water. ALPHALINOMEGA also helps in high absorption of omega fatty acids (up to 98%) and improves FCR , leading to better weight gain, and improved overall health of the poultry.

ALPHALINOMEGA—the smart choice for omega-3 enrichment that benefits both your flock and your customers!

*Reference on request

Choline is an essential nutrient in poultry and plays a major role in combating fatty liver syndrome. Please refer previous blog for more details on fatty liver syndrome in poultry

Biochemical functions of Choline:

Let’s Understand the Metabolism of Choline:

Dietary choline is metabolized by two distinct biochemical pathways: the one-carbon metabolism pathway and the CDP-choline pathway. In the one-carbon metabolism pathway, choline is converted into a methyl donor, whereas in the CDP-choline pathway, it is converted into phosphatidylcholine through the action of various enzymes.

Phosphatidylcholine is one of the phospholipids, which is composed of a glycerol backbone linked to two fatty acid chains, a phosphate group, and a choline molecule. It is packed in lipoproteins (VLDL) in the liver and transported to the body’s various organs. Hence, phosphatidylcholine plays an important role in fat transportation. Maximum phosphatidylcholine formation may alleviate the severity of fatty liver syndrome in poultry. This can be achieved by elevating the CDP-choline pathway and downregulating the genes involved in one-carbon metabolism.

Genes encoding the enzymes in one-carbon metabolism:

• Chdh encodes Choline dehydrogenase (CHDH)
• Mat 1a encodes Methionine adenosyl transferase 1A (MAT 1A)
• Bhmt encodes Betaine-homocysteine methyl transferase (BHMT)
• Pemt encodes Phosphatidylethanolamine methyltransferase (PEMT)

 

What if the expression of these genes are downregulated?

It will result in…

• Reduced influx of choline through a one-carbon metabolism pathway, hence enhancing the access to choline required in other pathways such as CDP-choline.
• Maximum metabolism of dietary choline through the CDP-choline pathway, hence increasing the formation of phosphatidylcholine.
• Improved lipoprotein transport, which will lead to reduced fat accumulation in a bird’s liver.

Thus, by downregulating the genes involved in the one-carbon metabolism of choline, maximum free choline will be available to metabolize through the CDP-choline pathway. It will ultimately synthesize phospholipids, primarily phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylethanolamine in the liver.

To regulate this gene expression in fatty liver syndrome, choline is been used but it has certain key challenges hence natural plant-based alternative can be a great option

VinCholine is a “natural source of plant-derived Choline conjugates” that helps to regulate fatty liver syndrome in poultry. It is a natural product with no harmful side effects on poultry health, which can replace synthetic choline in feed. The phytoactive compounds in VinCholine have an action to improve liver physiology and metabolism and ensure maximum bioavailability. The essential fatty acids, phospholipids, and other metabolites play a significant role in the metabolism and biosynthesis of a natural form of choline. It is an excellent product with the action of enzymatic modulation that regulates lipid metabolism and plays a significant role in the mobilization of excess abdominal fat.

It effectively enhances the development; performance, and creativity and improves the zootechnical aspects of the poultry birds.

*References on request

The intensive rearing practices of commercial poultry operations and the unique anatomical and physiological features of the respiratory tract of poultry species render them highly susceptible to respiratory infections with a broad range of microbial pathogens. The losses incurred by respiratory diseases in particular account for the majority of the economic burden associated with poultry production performance including reduced growth rate, less egg production, poor carcass quality, and low-quality meat, which is a significant threat to global health. Their high prevalence, wide range of mortality, as well as morbidities cause significant economic losses.

Common respiratory diseases in poultry-

• Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD)
• Newcastle Disease (NCD)
• Infectious Bronchitis (IB)
• Avian Influenza (AI)
• Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT)

Causative agents-

• Predisposing agents (dust, ammonia, etc) of an environment.
• Poor ventilation
• Heat stress
• Overcrowding
• Viral, bacterial, fungal, or mycoplasma infections.

Symptoms –

• Sneezing.
• Difficulty in breathing.
• Nasal exudate.
• Discharge from the eyes and nostrils.

Poultry’s Defence Mechanism

The trachea of avian lungs is covered with a mucous membrane that has a lining of ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium with mucus-secreting “goblet cells”. Poultry’s natural defence mechanism provides a protective role by trapping dust particles and other debris with the help of cilia before they reach the lungs and is further moved in the direction of the larynx from where it is expectorated, called a mucociliary escalator or swallowed.

During Upper and lower respiratory tract inflammations, inflammatory exudates contain mucin, inflammatory cells, cellular debris, and the deposition of fibrinous exudates. Fibrinous and mucoid debris become solid and dry on the discharge from the respiratory system. After it dries, birds experience a severe lack of oxygen in the blood; oxygen deprivation because of problems associated with expulsion of the substance through normal respiratory and coughing mechanisms.

• Sometimes natural defence system of poultry cannot effectively function, if it is saturated with too much dust, paralyzed by excess ammonia concentration, or destroyed by a viral infection, which causes excessive mucus secretion and blocks the airway in the trachea. It may cause the death of birds.
• Common solutions for such diseases are antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic drugs that can lead to antibiotic resistance, which has become a major cause of concern. In place of antimicrobials and antibiotics, plant extracts or essential oils are being examined for their ability to enhance poultry production, particularly for their ability to enhance the avian immune system, enabling them to naturally control infection. Plant photoactive compounds can be used as natural non-antibiotic growth promoters in chickens where resistance problems are inevitable.

How do Phytomolecules boost poultry’s respiratory system naturally?

The phytoactive compounds derived from essential oil are rich in phenolic compounds, which smooth tightened muscles, hence act as decongestants, and also stimulate the response of the respiratory system naturally. They not only thin out the mucus but also facilitate its removal from the airways. As a result, the airways are cleared, and breathing during inflammation becomes easier. Essential oils can also protect the integrity of respiratory cilia in the presence of pathogens such as Mycoplasma gallisepticum and respiratory viruses.

Exhibit following properties –

• Anti-microbial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Immunostimulant
• Mucolytic and Expectorant

MucoFort

A natural preparation of MucoFort helps respiratory cells by releasing mucolytic and fibrinolytic substances; it also enhances the secretion of more mucous from goblet cells to liquefy the thick mucoid material from the respiratory tract. Its decongesting properties provide instant relief. It is a natural tonic that replaces synthetic drugs and ensures the rapid recovery of poultry.

Phytoconstituents derived from Eucalyptus globulus, Mentha arvensis, Ocimum basilicum, etc of MucoFort® stimulate natural protective mechanisms of the respiratory system.

“Respiratory Relief for Poultry through Natural Care”

*References on request

The pig intestine is home to a dynamic microbial community that has a symbiotic interaction with the host and forms a complex ecosystem that is critical to the pig’s nutritional, physiological, and immunological functions. To meet production goals in the swine industry, piglets are weaned early and abruptly, which imposes enormous stress, that causes perturbations in the gut microbiota, host physiology, and immune function which lowers the defences against pathogen entry, leading to an increased risk of enteric diseases like neonatal diarrhoea (ND) and post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD)). Common causes leading to development of enteric diseases includes Escherichia coli (E. coli) , Clostridial enteritis, Coccidia , transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea), salmonellosis, other causes include rotavirus, cryptosporidiosis and Brachyspira hyodysenteriae.

Clinical symptoms depend upon the type of diarrhoea involved, age of the piglet and severity diarrhoea that includes yellow- watery diarrhoea, shivering, vomiting, dehydration, sunken eyes, leathery skin, and mortality.

The high level of zinc oxide used to prevent and reduce the development of diarrhoea can lead to toxicity in animals, bioaccumulation and may contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance. Managing dietary changes, avoiding sudden transitions, and ensuring feed quality can contribute to improve gut health in piglets, reducing chances of digestive issues. Given low drug residual contamination and low environmental pollution, feed-related measures are being highly used. In pigs, supplementation of organic acids, probiotics, and essential oils via feed can improve performance, and reduce infections due to enteric pathogens.

DIABOULARD is phytogenic antidiarrheal supplement for pigs which can help suppress diarrhoea-causing bacteria and their enterotoxins. It  contains chosen medium-chain fatty acids with anti-diarrheal effects and Saccharomyces boulardii which acts as probiotic. These components work together to prevent and treat conditions like ND and PWD caused by bacterial overgrowth or viral infections along with nutritional diarrhoea and improves gut health in piglets.

DIABOULARD is an innovative biotherapeutic option for piglet diarrhoea!

*References on request