ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE September 2024 65 TIMELY PREVENTION SAVES ON TREATMENT Investing in animal health and reducing the working hours needed per animal can lower the overall demand for labour and improve workplace characteristics, positively influencing employee well-being, motivation and productivity. What can be done to prevent the introduction and spread of respiratory disease on the farm and make life easier for the workforce? Well-maintained and reliable ventilation systems optimise environmental moisture, temperature and ammonia levels and reduce the threat of airborne bacteria and viruses. Avoiding stress and following biosecurity principles and appropriate vaccination protocols are an essential part of a comprehensive management program to prevent respiratory disease. On top of that, there is power in natural solutions as we have learned from the pharmaceutical industry. Essential oils are often the first choice to prevent, support or replace antibiotic therapy in respiratory infections. While antibiotic therapy aims to reduce and control pathogen bacteria, essential oils target control of local and systemic inflammatory processes. The essential oil-based product Anta®Fresh contains valuable ingredients like thymol and carvacrol, which are known for their antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Mucolytic and expectorant activity helps with muco-ciliary clearance, transporting foreign particles and infectious agents out of the lungs, preventing their build-up and supporting the natural cleaning functions of the respiratory system. This reduces the risk of recurrent respiratory infections, relieving the animal’s organism. In this way Anta®Fresh can work synergistically in the treatment and management of symptoms that are associated with the respiratory tract and reduce the workload associated with respiratory disease in the barn. Practical experience has demonstrated that timely use of Anta®Fresh, such as at the change of season, with the first coughing symptoms, in poor conditions or in combination with conventional treatment, can reduce medication consumption, including antibiotics, by up to 50%. This not only reduces costs for farmers but also lessens the strain on animals and the environment, promoting animal welfare and sustainability in animal production. THRIVING LIVESTOCK, THRIVING BUSINESS Incorporating preventive health strategies and natural solutions like Anta®Fresh into livestock management not only promotes animal welfare but also creates a more efficient and motivated workforce. Healthy animals require less intervention, reducing labour demands and associated costs. By investing in animal health, farmers can secure a more sustainable and profitable future for their business, benefiting both the animals and those who care for them. About Dr. Elisabeth Holl Elisabeth Holl, an agronomist holding a doctorate in agricultural engineering, has been at Dr. Eckel for more than 25 years and knows the industry as well as the company inside out. The Senior Technical Manager is the point of contact for a large number of products and can provide help in a variety of matters due to her broad expert knowledge. About Dr. Bernhard Eckel Bernhard Eckel, an agronomist holding a doctorate in animal nutrition, knows the industry from scratch. He established Dr. Eckel with Antje Eckel and was the first employee. As Vice President and Chief Technical Officer, he is responsible for technical sales, product development and animal welfare, and thus plays a major role in the success of the company.
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