ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE August 2025 41 Another dimension of Anta®Ox Aqua’s value lies in its alignment with circular and sustainable production models. Many of the botanicals used in phytogenic feed additives can be sustainably sourced from agricultural by-products, making them low-impact, renewable alternatives to synthetic growth promoters. As the market shifts toward natural and eco-conscious aquafeeds, phytogenics like Anta®Ox Aqua are perfectly positioned to deliver both performance and peace of mind. ACIDIFIERS: PRECISION MODULATORS OF DIGESTION AND DEFENSE Alongside phytogenics, acidifiers are carving out a critical role in aquafeed strategies. While phytogenics like Anta®Ox Aqua strengthen immune defenses and oxidative resilience, acidifiers provide a complementary mode of action focused on digestion and microbial control. CaPlus ME, Dr. Eckel’s advanced acidifier for aquaculture, reflects this evolution with its unique combination of buffered organic acid salts and microencapsulated phytogenic compounds. The primary function of CaPlus ME is to lower the pH in the gastrointestinal tract. This acidification has two powerful effects. First, it creates an environment that favours digestive enzyme activity, particularly proteases and lipases, which are essential for breaking down protein and fat. Improved digestion leads to better nutrient absorption and reduced feed waste—benefits that not only boost feed conversion ratios but also support cleaner pond ecosystems. Less undigested material in the water means lower organic loading, reduced ammonia accumulation, and ultimately better water quality. Second, the acidic environment in the gut helps suppress the proliferation of acid-sensitive pathogens such as Aeromonas, Edwardsiella, and certain strains of Vibrio. By lowering the pH, CaPlus ME inhibits the colonisation and replication of these harmful microbes, reducing the risk of disease and the need for medical treatments. This mode of action is especially important in early growth stages or under stress conditions, when animals are more vulnerable to infections. Unlike earlier-generation acidifiers, the CaPlus ME formulation goes further by incorporating essential oils in microencapsulated form. This provides targeted release in the lower gut, where pathogenic bacteria often reside. This dual mechanism—broad-spectrum microbial suppression and improved digestion—makes CaPlus ME a versatile tool across multiple species and production systems. Field trials with fish and shrimp have demonstrated the value of CaPlus ME in improving growth rates, feed efficiency and survival. Whether used as a routine supplement or during critical production phases, CaPlus ME offers a smart, dual-function solution that supports both health and environmental sustainability. Its role in optimising digestion and controlling microbial threats makes it a natural complement to Anta®Ox Aqua in a holistic feed strategy. ENDOTOXIN ADSORBENTS: THE HIDDEN LINE OF DEFENSE Not all threats to aquaculture productivity are visible. While phytogenics and acidifiers focus on promoting a healthy and balanced gastrointestinal environment, endotoxin adsorbents play a defensive role, protecting aquatic animals from one of the most insidious threats in intensive farming: Lipopolysaccharides or LPS. These endotoxins, derived from the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, can trigger intense immune responses even at low concentrations. Chronic exposure can lead to inflammation, reduced growth, immunosuppression and increased mortality. In high-density, intensive systems, endotoxins are a common and often underestimated problem. When fish or shrimp ingest feed contaminated with LPS, or when gut bacteria die off and release endotoxins internally, the immune system is activated, diverting energy away from growth and towards inflammatory responses. Over time, this can reduce feed efficiency, impair health and increase the risk of secondary infections.
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