SPECIAL STORY 58 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE August 2022 The birds receiving Presan-FY also had a lower FCR compared to the control group (-2.2%), with Presan-FY improving the FCR by 2% on average compared to all the other treatments. How does the nature of the additive support these improvements? The ingredients in Presan-FY were selected based on their proven influence on intestinal health. Organic acids with high pKa, MCFAs, and alkyl ester of C12 have been shown to reduce total bacterial counts and improve microbial diversity of the microbiome. Additionally, the target release butyrates and capsicum extract have been shown to support tight junction build up and increase villi length, supporting gut integrity. How were economics influenced? Researchers sought to compare the cost of the feed additive treatment to the benefit in terms of value per bird. Zootechnical results from this study were analyzed. The additional value was highest for birds receiving the Presan-FY product, with an additional value of €0.055 per bird (Figure 2). Considering other options, only one other product delivered a positive value per broiler, meaning that the improvement in performance compensated for the cost of adding the feed additive solution. So, as we consider the findings of this large study, we see that the Presan-FY product was interesting from an economic as well as zootechnical performance perspective. Why are so many different classes of feed additives available to address gut health? Poultry producers are under increasing pressure from both regulatory bodies and consumers to raise birds without antibiotics and antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs). This pressure reflects concerns about antimicrobial resistance and its harmful effects on human health. Legislation restricting antibiotics and AGPs in poultry production is requiring producers to identify new tools for supporting bird performance. Research – such as the study above – is essential to validating the performance of not only different ingredients but ingredient blends. In studies conducted in the lab and on validation farms, we see growing evidence of a strong association between production performance and intestinal microbiota and structural integrity. Indicators of improved gut health, such as morphological changes of the intestines, immunomodulatory effects, and enhanced gut barrier function contribute to animal performance. Thus, there are many targets and mechanisms for feed additives to potentially steer gut-supporting actions. What’s the most significant takeaway from the study? We know that broilers in commercial production environments are exposed to various stressors that can threaten their growth and performance. Feed additive blends can deliver synergistic benefits that support bird performance, but the cost of implementing any nutritional intervention should be considered in context with the benefit delivered. These findings show that the right combination of ingredients can support bird performance, especially in challenging environments, while also providing an economic benefit to the producer. Figure 2. Additional value per broiler of broilers fed mixed feed additive products compared to broilers from the negative control group from 0-28 days.
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