SPECIAL STORY FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE August 2022 57 How large was the study and how were conditions set up? The study was carried out in Norway in 2020 and included 7,040 one-day-old Ross broiler chickens. The birds were housed in floor pens with a stocking density of 14.3 birds per m2 and a 50/50 ratio of female to male birds per pen. To introduce a challenge situation, a 10-fold dose of Paracox-5 (live attenuated) coccidiosis vaccine was administered to birds. No other vaccines were administered and no antibiotics or coccidiostats were provided. What phase of development did the research look at? Two rearing phases were studied. Researchers looked at an unchallenged phase from 0 to 14 days, followed by a challenged phase between days 14 and 28. These times are important, given developmental milestones in the bird. Most of microbiome development occurs in the first two weeks, so additives that can support a healthy microbiota balance are important for young birds to build a strong and resilient microbiome. What different feed additive blend treatments were in the trial? The team designing the study evaluated different class combinations of feed additives, the active components in each blend, and dosages for both the starter diet and grower diet. The diets included a negative control group as well as a feed additive blend developed by Selko (Presan®-FY) and five commercial blends offered by other organizations. Blend 1 (Presan®-FY) is a blend of short- and medium-chain fatty acids (SMCFA), slow release C12, target release butyrates, and phenolic compound (capsicum extract). The organic acids aim to deliver antibacterial and gut integrity effects, whilst the plant feed additives are known to deliver antioxidative, immunomodulatory effects and support morphological benefits. Blend 2 was a combination of probiotics and prebiotics containing a jejunum isolate, ileum isolate, caeca isolate, and plant-derived fructo-oligosaccharides from inulin. Blend 3 included a combination of organic acids and plant extracts with benzoic acid and a blend of essential oils. Blend 4 was a blend of organic acids and plant extracts, including short- and medium-chain fatty acids and essential oils. Blend 5 included organic acids and plant extracts/ phytogenics with glycerol-esterified SMCFAs and phytogenics, including essential oils, saponins, and bitter and pungent substances. Blend 6 combined a prebiotic and plant extracts, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall extracts, oleoresins from turmeric, and chili peppers. Blend 7 combined organic acids and prebiotics and included dehydrated Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture with whole cells metabolites and medium nutrients and diformate. What were the key performance findings from the research? Looking at the growing cycle, the birds receiving the Presan-FY blend showed significantly higher body weight gain compared to the control group (+7.8%) and all the other blends (+6.6% average) (Figure 1). Figure 1. Body weight gain (BWG) and Feed conversion ratio (FCR) results of broilers Presan-FY compared to mixed feed additive products, from 0-28 days
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