ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE September 2023 49 Further trials where only the early stage of production was followed (112,000 birds), showed that CE administration led to 21% and 24% lower mortality at 7 and 14 days, respectively, and 5% and 8% higher liveweight for the same periods. A key factor in the adoption of any additive (feed or water) in livestock production, is return on investment; can the producer return a profit when applying the additive? The use of CE had an average ROI 2 when applied to over 120,000 birds across 3 production cycles, including CE crops that broke with infectious bronchitis. This financial benefit of using CE is attributed mainly to the improved liveability and additional body weight, particularly noteworthy when 10,000 birds were reared in temperatures > 33°C and still achieved 6 points lower FCR, 100g higher liveweight and 1.5% higher liveability. SUMMARY Hsps are recognised for their importance in cell homeostasis and protecting the cell against stressors. Due to the conserved nature of Hsps across taxonomic classes, stimulation of Hsps via a plant extract such as cactus extract (CE) can stimulate similar protective responses in vastly different animals. We can potentially enhance endurance in exercising horses, survivability of aquatic species and improve the performance of livestock species. For poultry producers, the use of cactus extract presented as Opuntech could be game changer. A single application at day-old can improve early chick viability and weight and lead to more efficient, healthier birds with the potential to reduce medicine usage, even when there is no heat stress. Hsps serve several essential and protective functions in the bird; we are simply giving nature a helping hand! About Dr David Harrington Dr David Harrington is the Managing Director at teamTWO Solutions (Denmark). He obtained his BSc (Hons) and MSc from Edinburgh University, UK, and his Ph.D from Newcastle University, UK researching avian immune responses to ectoparasite infections. His early career was focused on the development and commercial support of swine and poultry vaccines mainly in the EU before moving into feed additives in both commercial/strategic and technical roles globally. About Dr Reginaldo Teixeira Filho Reginaldo Teixeira Filho, graduated in Animal Science in 1990 from UNESP- Botucatu, MBA in commercial management, specialist in monogastric animals, with experience in national and multinational companies, currently CEO of Natturo Agronegócios focused on the southern region of Brazil, co-author of publications presented at world congresses mainly in the line of non-antibiotics. About Dr Charles Saliba Dr Charles Saliba is an entrepreneur with a strong technical background in the area of biotechnology and more than thirty years experience. After graduating in Applied Biological Sciences and undertaking a Ph.D thesis in vitro modelling he worked in the Agribusiness and Life Sciences sector setting up a number of research institutes and production facilities in various countries He also lectures at the University of Malta and has supervised over forty theses focusing on stress related issues in animal welfare. He has also served as an advisor on the board of various companies, education establishments and governmental agencies.
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