ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE March 2022 43 WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF A COMPLEX PRODUCT? As shown in Figure 1, each plant extract has its specific modes of action like stimulating the production of digestive juices and intestinal nutrient transporters, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, quorum sensing interference, and gut wall protection. On top of this, combining different extracts can bring added value to the final PFA: there are some synergistic (or antagonistic) effects between various sub-categories ingredients. Using the example of NH3 reduction again, we have seen that an aldehic EO is more efficient than a phenolic one. Figure 3 is a ternary plot showing the effects of different PFA combinations on the NH3 level in vitro by different colors. According to the scale, the redder, the weaker NH3 reduction, and the bluer, the stronger reduction than the negative control. Each triangle axis represents the quantity (from 0 to 100%) of the different PFAs considered in all the possible combinations between two essential oils (EO 1 and EO 2) and tannins. Based on the color scale, several conclusions can be drawn from this figure: • Each compound has a positive impact, when used individually, on NH3 reduction, as shown at each angle of the plot. • The even combination of the three compounds (33% of each) leads to a lower NH3 reduction than each substance individually, as shown in the center of the plot. This means that there is an antagonistic effect between these substances. • The most efficient NH3 reduction is obtained when there is no EO 2 in the combination, as shown at the bottom of the plot. The reduction is more important than just adding the respective individual effects of EO1 and tannins, meaning a synergistic effect between them. Therefore, a thorough evaluation of the single ingredients and their combination must be performed to obtain a high-quality and potent complex PFA based on the targeted effects on the animal. Once those targets are determined, individual plant extracts are screened based on literature, availability and evaluation of the plant extracts on the market, the regulation status of the substances, and in-house expertise to formulate combinations. The prototypes are produced in a small amount to check the galenic characteristics, such as granulometry, color, smell, etc., before being upscaled for in-vitro and/or in-vivo trial purposes. These trials are meant to generate data on the product's efficacy, adjust the recommendations, and give confidence to customers. Finally, strict sourcing of the different active substances, standardized production, quality check by an in-house laboratory, and compliance with quality labels lead to consistent and traceable high-quality products, ready to be shipped to customers for improving the efficiency of livestock. Therefore, formulating a PFA results from ingredients provided by Nature and their potentiation by identification, selection, combination, and encapsulation. HOW CAN PHYTOGENICS HELP IMPROVE MILK PERFORMANCE? Phytogenics feed additives developed at Delacon can address different challenges. In dairy, based Figure 3. Ternary plot showing the effect of different PFA combinations on the ammonia reduction in vitro (Adapted from Macheboeuf et al., 2006)
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