ISSUE FOCUS 34 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2023 a positive effect on the performance of the animals. As feed additives receive increased attention among scientists, nutritionists, feed manufacturers, and producers, research helps in developing more safe and efficient solutions. As an example, plant-derived (phytogenic) feed additives (PFAs) are a relative newcomer to commercial livestock production. Nevertheless, they are moving further into the spotlight due to their holistic and broad-spectrum functionalities. Phytogenics are standardized, specific, and science-based combinations of bioactive compounds found and inspired within the plant universe with benefits for animals, people, and the environment. A WORLD WITHOUT FEED ADDITIVES? Let´s assume that feed additives did not exist. What would livestock production look like? What would be the impacts? The first impact would be on feed quality and safety, as with the lack of technological additives, vast amounts of feed would be wasted, and animal health and welfare would be at risk. Certain feed additives are added to the ration to ensure a certain constant feed hygiene. Mycotoxin binders, for example, ensure that the animals' exposure to mycotoxins (metabolic products of molds) through possible contamination -in the field or through storage- is kept as low as possible. These additives are an excellent tool for us to be able to produce high-quality, safe, products as human and animal food. Without nutritional and zootechnical additives, the animals would probably have to eat much more to meet their nutritional requirements for performance in most instances. Not all species can spend the entire day eating large amounts of feed. In addition, feed costs would rise due to the increased "Sustainable food production without providing optimal all-around care for our livestock would hardly be possible. To achieve high performance and reduce environmental impacts, feed additives are generally included in the everyday feeding of livestock."
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