ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE September 2025 41 Understanding and respecting the dose-response relationship is essential for effective application. It also underscores the importance of precision formulation, rigorous testing, and consistent quality control which are foundational to the development of our PhytoComplexes. NOT A CURE, BUT A PREVENTIVE STRATEGY It’s crucial to understand that phytotechnology is not a treatment. PhytoComplexes are designed to support robust physiological functions and resilience, especially when used preventively. A powerful example of host-focused phytotechnology comes from a recent development project aimed at supporting calves during early-life challenges, particularly those related to gut health and resilience. In this case, researchers explored the effects of a PhytoComplex on calves exposed to Cryptosporidium parvum. Interestingly, in vitro studies showed that the phytogenic formulation did not directly affect the parasite — it neither killed nor inhibited the oocysts. Instead, the compound worked by modulating the animal’s own immune system. Specifically, it increased the expression of interleukin-18 (IL-18) in the intestinal tissue, a cytokine known to trigger the production of antimicrobial peptides that help the host combat intracellular pathogens. This immune modulation translated into improved gut morphology and mucosal integrity, even under infection pressure. Importantly, the PhytoComplex was administered before the calves were exposed to the pathogen, highlighting the preventive nature of phytotechnology (Figure 2). This example illustrates the core principle of our approach: Rather than targeting the pathogen directly, we aim to empower the animal’s physiological defenses, enhancing its ability to cope with environmental and microbial stressors. It’s not about curing disease — it’s about building resilience from within. BEYOND ANTIMICROBIAL REPLACEMENT While many phytogenic products on the market are still positioned narrowly as natural alternatives to antibiotics, the potential of phytotechnology extends far beyond this limited scope. Trouw Nutrition offers PhytoComplexes not merely as replacements, but as tools to unlock a broader spectrum of physiological benefits in animals. Their discovery and exploration efforts are increasingly focused on how PhytoComplexes can support key biological systems that influence animal health and performance. Calf 1 Calf 2 Calf 3 Calf 4 Calf 5 Unchallenged Control: Healthy mucosa and prominent villi Challenged & Untreated: Intestinal lesions characterized by villus atrophy Challenged & PhytoComplex: Mostly intact mucosa with prominent villi Figure 2. Intestinal morphology of healthy, unchallenged calves (top row), cryptosporidia-challenged, untreated calves (middle row) and cryptosporidia-challenged calves that received a PhytoComplex in their milk replacer (bottom row)
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