ARTICLE FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE June 2025 77 RISE IN FEED ADDITIVE AWARENESS Also, the use of (specialty) feed additives and the awareness of them as a powerful tool for bird health is growing rapidly in the Middle East. Controlling diseases and production is still often done by using antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), which are still allowed in some countries. In Lebanon for example, the decision to fully ban AGPs was postponed due to recent crises and disruptions in the region. Yet, consumer awareness around antibiotic use is growing, and several larger integrators have started shifting toward antibiotic-free production models, a trend expected to gather pace as regional export ambitions rise. By promoting the use of specialty feed additives, farmers increase bird resilience and reduce reliance on AGPs and make them better equipped to fight diseases. While Avian Influenza is not a big issue in all countries in the Middle East, viral diseases such as Gumboro variant strains and Newcastle Disease are often present. When other problems coincide (such as heat stress or mycotoxins), the problems can accumulate, leading to even higher mortality levels and costs. Vaccines or good health management strategies and protocols from the government are often lacking. UTRIX is helping farmers with good biosecurity plans and solutions and delivers fresh premixes and feed additives (including mycotoxin binders), along with tailored advice and feed analysis services. In addition, precision formulation strategies are offered to their clients, such as balancing digestible amino acids, and incorporating cost-effective enzyme and emulsifier technologies. Also supplementing feed additives in the drinking water is in high demand for poultry farmers in MEA, as most small or medium-sized farmers typically lack the nutritional expertise required to formulate their own premixes and concentrates. BUILDING RESILIENCE AND GROWTH Despite facing significant hurdles, poultry farmers across the Middle East are showing resilience and adaptability and can overcome its challenges and unlock its full potential. And there is lots of room to grow. Even in countries where production has increased significantly over the last decades, the demand is still higher than the supply. The broiler meat sector in Lebanon, for instance, is currently only 65% self-sufficient. As a result, poultry carcasses are imported at a competitive price, making it harder for local producers to gain market access. Overcoming this challenge can only be achieved when farmers need clear regulatory frameworks, vaccines, and health strategies, more support for feed and product testing, and reliable access to nutritional expertise and feed additives. At the same time, local knowledge is crucial to effectively address heat stress, as managing this challenge is key to improving bird health, wellbeing, productivity, and overall farm profitability. Notably, temperatures are already rising in parts of the region, with Lebanon experiencing summer-like conditions several months earlier than usual. This year, UTRIX will be rolling out specialized nutritional, health, and performance solutions across the regions they operate in, as well as expanding its portfolio of liquid feed additives designed for easy use via drinking water. With these specialized products entering the market, poultry farmers in the Middle East have more nutritional tools at their fingertips, allowing them to further strengthen their position, farm profitability and export position as a whole sector. About Rony Makdessi Rony Makdessi is Senior Broiler Technical Support at UTRIX, focused on delivering strategic support to optimize broiler performance and overall farm efficiency. He is committed to data-driven solutions, with a strong emphasis on animal health, welfare, and sustainable poultry practices. He brings practical field expertise to support modern, high-performing broiler production systems. About Danielle Ayyash Danielle Ayyash is poultry specialist and Head of the Layer Technical and Nutrition Unit at UTRIX. She has strong expertise in animal nutrition, feed additives, and farm management, committed to delivering science-based solutions that enhance layer performance, sustainability, and innovation in the feed industry.
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