ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE September 2025 37 the immune system, promote beneficial microbes and stimulate digestive secretions — all without contributing to antimicrobial resistance. Numerous studies have demonstrated improvements in performance, feed efficiency and gut morphology in animals fed with PFAs. This makes PFAs a key component for improved animal welfare, longer lifespan and future-proof, sustainable production. Yet it is when they are combined in the right way that they unleash their full power. Such synergy is the concept of Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition's well-approved Anta®Phyt, a phytogenic solution developed in Germany. In various trials, Anta®Phyt has led to an increase in immune cells in poultry. It tackles production challenges and supports gut health, performance and product quality in a natural way. Numerous studies have already demonstrated the positive effects of Anta®Phyt on resilience and productivity in livestock animals. EXTENDING THE PRODUCTIVE LIFE OF LAYING HENS A recent field trial with 30,000 white hens assessed the benefits of Anta®Phyt particularly in older laying hens (laying weeks 81–88). During the trial the decline in laying performance after production peak in the Anta®Phyt group was more than 20% lower than in the control group. Additionally, mortality of the hens fed Anta®Phyt was reduced by nearly 25%. Furthermore, the egg quality improved significantly, with fewer dirty and cracked eggs, stronger shells as well as better protein quality. As a result, the share of marketable eggs increased by 0.3% during the trial. The results demonstrate how Anta®Phyt aligns profitability, robust animals and consistent product quality (Figure 1). CONCLUSION The future of layer farming depends on balancing productivity with animal health, longevity and public acceptance. Phytogenic feed additives, such as Anta®Phyt, provide a scientifically grounded and natural approach to enhance gut health, productivity and to extend the productive lifespan of layers. This helps egg producers meeting the evolving demands of sustainable, responsible animal production. * p <0,001 * 0,5 1,5 2,5 3,5 Control Anta®Phyt Mortality (%) -23 % 90,0 85,4 90,4 87,0 80 85 90 95 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 Laying Rate % Laying Week Control Anta®Phyt +1 % Figure 1 Photo: natthawut ngoensanthia | ShutterStock
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