ISSUE FOCUS 22 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE November 2022 ed at a commercial broiler farm (Ross 308). Broilers in the control group got the full spectrum of antibiotics: at the hatchery they were injected with ceftiofur, via the drinking water they received enrofloxacin, colistin, trimethoprim (day 1 to 5) and ciprofloxacin (day 18 to 21) and via the feed they were given spectinomycin, lincomycin (day 0 to 9) and virginiamycin (whole period). To replace this intensive use of antibiotics, a specific program has been designed with a combination of three glyceride-based products: FRA® C12 Dry and FRA® Butyrin Ultra Dry in the diet and FRA® AC34 Liquid via drinking water. Comparable growth performance Results show that this strong combination was able to compete with the intensive use of antibiotics: broilers without any antibiotic performed evenly well as the control group. No differences were found between the control and treatment group regarding survival rate, feed conversion ratio and EPEF. They even showed an improved daily weight gain of 1.3%. Comparable health status Also antibody titer values against Newcastle Disease (Figure 3), Infectious Bronchitis Virus and Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (also known as Gumboro disease) were higher for the treatment group, suggesting an immunostimulating effect of glycerides. Essential blood parameters, intestinal morphology and microbiota as well as development of intestinal lymphoid tissue, cecal tonsils and pancreas were comparable between both groups, indicating that broilers receiving a combination of FRA® products without antibiotics were well developed and able to maintain a good health status. CONCLUSIONS Compared to conventional organic acids and medium chain fatty acids, their glycerides are much more effective in supporting broiler performance, health status and natural immunity. This is mainly due to their unique molecular structure and is probably the reason that they are gaining popularity in broiler farming. The results from this study indicate that a strong combination of FRA® glyceride products is able to replace the preventive use of antibiotics provided via the feed and drinking water without compromising animal health and performance. Broilers even showed an improved immune response as shown by the higher number of antibodies against typical poultry diseases. This possibly provides better protection in case a viral challenge occurs. Data in this article is based on our current knowledge and experience. Since many factors can affect the performance of our products during and after application, processors are responsible for conducting their own tests and investigations. Certain statements may not apply in all geographic regions. For specific advice please contact Adisseo NL. Figure 3. Blood serum antibody titer value against Newcastle Disease (ND) at day 22 and day 40 of life for the control group (preventive antibiotics; AGPs) and treatment group (FRA® glyceride combination).
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