ISSUE FOCUS 32 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE November 2022 It is essential to prioritize broiler gut health, as only healthy birds perform well. A consistently high flock performance requires preventive management measures, a thorough hygiene concept, and the use of high-quality feed. Phytogenic feed additives can complement and enhance these measures – but how do they measure up in terms of the return on investment (ROI)? WHAT AFFECTS YOUR RETURN ON INVESTMENT? Feed accounts for 60 to 70% of the total production costs in broiler production. The proportion tends to be higher in markets that rely on importing feed raw materials (2). With a compound feed price of 300 € / t as the basis, for example, an increase of 10 € / t results in a profit reduction of 0.016 € / kg live weight. On the other hand, an improvement in feed conversion from 1.60 to 1.55 results in a financial advantage of 0.015 € / kg live weight. The best possible feed efficiency is always desirable to keep production costs low. A critical risk factor for high-yield broiler production lies in the significant “invisible” losses from subclinical necrotic enteritis. This disease worsens feed conversion on average by 11% (1). In the previous example, this would reduce feed efficiency from 1.60 to 1.78 points and reduce the contribution margin by 0.054 € / kg live weight. Stable gut health is critical for reducing the risk of subclinical necrotic enteritis. ANTIBIOTIC REDUCTION? PRACTICE PREVENTION The prophylactic use of antibiotics in compound feed was widely practiced for decades. With the EUwide ban on antibiotic growth promoters, the occurrence of multi-resistant bacteria, and a globally increased demand for antibiotic-free chickens, producers must find alternative measures to ensure good broiler gut health. Studies have shown that a comprehensive hygiene concept is the basis for reducing the formation of biofilms on stable surfaces and the recirculation of pathogens. Meticulous control of performance parameters and illness symptom-centered health monitoring can uncover irregularities at every production stage. Diseases can be avoided or recognized earlier, allowing for more targeted and efficient treatments. Hygienically impeccable compound feed is the wish of every animal producer. However, the quality of the available raw materials is subject to flucROI: WHAT CAN PHYTOGENIC FEED ADDITIVES DELIVER FOR BROILER PRODUCERS? Dr. Ruturaj Patil Global Product Manager - Phytogenics EW Nutrition
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