ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2023 33 ly exploit their genetic potential and provide us with high-quality end products, like eggs, milk, or meat. In this context, not only are the feedstuffs important, but also the different kinds of feed additives that are used in diets make a, if not the, difference. This is the reason for us to take a closer look at common feed additives and share some thoughts about the necessity of these precious supplements. WHAT ARE FEED ADDITIVES? Every day, billions of livestock on farms around the world are supplied with feed. Excellent quality and good digestibility are the hallmarks of valuable feed. To further improve the efficiency of animal feed, certain additives have been added to the feed for decades. According to FAO and WHO, feed additive is defined as follows; “Feed additive: Any intentionally added ingredient not normally consumed as feed by itself, whether or not it has nutritional value, which affects the characteristics of feed or animal products. Micro-organisms, enzymes, acidity regulators, trace elements, vitamins, phytogenic substances, functional ingredients, and other products fall within the scope of this definition depending on the purpose of use and method of administration.” 1 A very similar definition is provided by EFSA2 – European Food Safety Authority, “Feed additives are products used in animal nutrition to achieve an effect on the feed itself, on the animals, on food products obtained from the animals consuming the feed additive, or on the environment. For instance, feed additives are used to enhance the flavor of feed, to meet the need for certain nutrients, or to increase the performance of animals in good health. They are used in feed for food-producing animals and in pet food.” According to the European Union regulation, feed additives are categorized as: • Technological additives – e.g. preservatives, antioxidants, emulsifiers, acidity regulators, silage additives. • Sensory additives – e.g. flavors, colorants. • Nutritional additives – e.g. vitamins, amino acids, trace elements. • Zootechnical additives – e.g. digestibility enhancers. • Coccidiostats and histomonostats.3 SMALL BUT MIGHTY As stated, feed additives optimize the nutritional value, color, aroma, or texture of the feed. This can affect the feed itself (e.g., prolong shelf life, prevent mold growth) or directly support the animal (e.g., provide vitamins and minerals, support intestinal microbiota, strengthen the immune system, and contribute to the general well-being), which in turn has
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