ARTICLE F&A Alternative Proteins Edition October 2023 33 isting feed additives or protein sources already used in animal feed. These can include yeast cell-wall extracts, algae, or plant material, such as corn or wheat. PROVEN RESULTS Studies have been conducted with Southern Poultry Research Group to test the efficacy of NBXs against necrotic enteritis caused by Clostridium perfringens. NovoBind has evaluated the virulence factors of C. perfringens and selected two antigens for our NBXs to target. These antigens are well described in the literature to be critical in the manifestation of disease. Two formulations of NBXs were tested in the study: (1) a microencapsulated nanobody (ME-NBX) and (2) a probiotic secreting NBX (PB-NBX) (Table 1). The ME-NBXs from semi-purified yeast supernatant showed a 53% reduction in necrotic enteritis caused mortality (Figure 1). Additionally, the MENBX showed equal efficacy as the antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) control, signifying oral delivery of NBXs is an effective alternative. Strikingly, the probiotic secreting NBX showed superior performance. While the probiotic alone (PB) with no NBX showed a 37% reduction to necrotic enteritis caused mortality, the probiotic secreting NBX (PB-NBX) reduced death by necrotic enteritis by an impressive 68%, outperforming the AGP treatment. This validates the synergistic potential of combining the NBXs with a probiotic. Therefore, for farmers already using probiotics in practice, there would be no extra cost to achieve an additional 50% reduction in mortality when switching to a probiotic that delivers NBXs. FUTURE VISION The efficacy findings are not only encouraging but also highlight the potential of the NBX technology. Looking forward, more clinical trials are crucial to refine the application of NovoBind’s precision biologics against necrotic enteritis in poultry. As demonstrated, NovoBind’s NBXs are most effective when combined with other health promoting feed additives, as there is no magic bullet in reducing disease. Collaboration across industry is essential to ensure we continue to meet the worlds demand for protein sources. About Sarah Zaytsoff Sarah Zaytsoff obtained her PhD in poultry intestinal health from the University of Alberta. Her doctoral research focused on how stress can influence the onset of necrotic enteritis in poultry and worked on microbial based alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. Since graduating, Zaytsoff has been working as a Poultry Scientist at NovoBind Livestock Therapeutics. Her role involves running the probiotic department and managing innovation projects related to nanobody delivery. Description Code No pathogen challenge or NBX treatment NE challenge = C. perfringens and E. maxima challenge NE challenge + Bacitracin methylene disalicylate NE challenge + Microencapsulated NBX NE challenge + Probiotic secreting no NBX NE challenge + Probiotic secreting NBX NC PC AGP ME-NBX PB PB-NBX Table 1. Description of experimental treatments for poultry necrotic enteritis challenge study Figure 1. Bird mortality due to necrotic enteritis from Days 0-28.
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