ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE July 2025 75 Traditional strategies for heat stress management often rely on physical cooling methods such as fans, misters, and shade structures. While these are important, they do not fully address the underlying biological disruptions caused by heat stress. This creates a critical opportunity for targeted nutritional interventions that support gut health, reduce inflammation, and promote efficient thermoregulation from within. A PRECISION TECHNOLOGY HARNESSING HYBRID CAPSAICIN Nuqo RED represents a breakthrough in feed additive technology specifically designed to combat heat stress. Its key active components are hybrid capsaicinoids - naturally occurring compounds derived from chili peppers, with capsaicin being the most studied molecule. Capsaicin is known for its potent anti-inflammatory and thermoregulatory effects mediated through the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptors. These receptors are sensory proteins distributed along the gastrointestinal tract, detecting noxious stimuli such as heat and acidity. Activation of TRPV1 triggers responses that help the animal regulate internal temperature and reduce inflammation, both critical during heat stress episodes. Despite its clear biological benefits, capsaicin’s use in animal nutrition has been limited by its high irritancy and instability. Raw capsaicin is pungent and can cause mucosal irritation in the mouth and digestive tract of animals. It is also volatile and prone to degradation in the rumen environment, reducing its efficacy. To overcome these challenges, Nuqo developed a proprietary microencapsulation technology that protects the hybrid capsaicinoids in a fat-based coating. Nuqo RED is developed and produced following Nuqo’s proprietary XPR (eXtra Protection & Release) approach, a technology platform designed to ensure that active compounds are protected during feed processing, and released in a timely, site-specific manner within the gastrointestinal tract. This technology enables Nuqo RED to deliver its effects at low inclusion rates, making it a highly efficient and targeted solution compared to conventional alternatives. This encapsulation also masks the irritant properties of capsaicin, making Nuqo RED safe and practical for use by feed manufacturers and farmers. Finally, it stabilizes the active molecules through feed processing and passage in the rumen, ensuring enhanced bypass properties. Most importantly, this microencapsulation enables targeted release of capsaicin in the lower gut, that is most damaged during the heat stress period. Therefore, delivering the molecule precisely where it can exert its effects maximizes bioavailability and therapeutic action. This controlled release profile is unique to Nuqo RED and distinguishes it from other capsaicin products. To summarize in few words, while capsaicin is a molecule of high interest in animal nutrition, it requires great care in terms of irritation control and precise release in the gastrointestinal tract. Nuqo RED has become extremely popular in recent years because, thanks to its advanced microencapsulation technology and hybrid formulation, it represents the safest option for handling capsaicin. Furthermore, it has consistently demonstrated superior rumen bypass properties, ensuring targeted release and on-spot action in the intestine of animals. HOW TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTS COWS UNDER HEAT STRESS The core mechanism through which Nuqo RED mitigates heat stress lies in modulation of the Photo: Nuqo
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUxNjkxNQ==