ADVERTORIAL 66 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE May 2025 mon, and the reference value may shift toward caloric conversion instead. Another trend in animal nutrition is the use of alternative raw materials (by-products, insect meals, etc.) to reduce feed costs. These new compounds can show more anti-nutritional factors. In any case, digestive efficiency is a critical factor to consider in any feeding strategy that includes the use of specific additives, especially in an environment where gaining flexibility is a trend in dietary formulation with the use of alternative feed ingredients of local production. • Such a drastic reduction in antibiotic use requires deeper investment in areas like biosecurity, but above all, special attention to intestinal integrity, which is undoubtedly one of the most important immune-related organs in poultry. Intestinal inflammatory processes—previously partially mitigated by antibiotics—lead to reduced nutrient absorption and weakened immune protection. Among other strategies, additives with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions are now taking center stage. • Protection against highly specific diseases such as coccidiosis will require different strategies and the support of feed additives, whether in vaccination programs or in the use of ionophore versus chemical coccidiostats. • Production cycles are becoming longer. The best example of this evolution is laying hens, which now have production cycles exceeding 100 weeks, while still maintaining good egg production and quality. Without a doubt, maintaining these quality standards beyond 50 weeks of age requires maximum hepatoprotection and a resilient gut integrity. • Heat stress, in a world facing profound climate change, is becoming an increasingly recurrent issue. Feed intake is compromised in this situation and a higher appearance of intestinal issues as leaky gut occurs. It is a must to sustain intake and animal homeostasis with strategies that contribute to a more resilient poultry production. • The quality of poultry products, beyond being a hallmark demanded by consumers, is also a clear indicator of essential animal welfare. Meat free from myopathies, with lower risk of lipid oxidation, and the absence of footpad dermatitis are now essential requirements. • Welfare measures that free laying hens from cages expose them to a different feeding pattern. Until now, feed intake was not seen as an issue. From now on, with free-cage hens, achieving target weight and pre-lay uniformity is no longer straightforward, and specific techniques are needed to ensure proper feed intake. • Last but not least, everything proposed must be approached through a lens of sustainability and under the close watch of the circular economy. Making the most of existing resources to reduce the use of natural ones and prevent waste generation is the driving force that should guide the economy. LUCTA is a company that celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024. Dedicated to the production of
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