ISSUE FOCUS 48 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE September 2025 THE CHANGING FACE OF PHYTOGENICS In the 1980s and 1990s, when phytogenic feed additives first emerged on the market, they were greeted as a natural and promising alternative to antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs). Formulated from herbs, spices, and other aromatic plants, these early blends brought a welcome “green” dimension to poultry production. They were embraced for their antimicrobial effects, ability to stimulate digestion, and potential to improve feed efficiency. But they were also products of their time - created with limited manufacturing technologies, reliant on volatile compounds that often degraded during feed processing, and typically built on formulations shrouded in mystery. For many years, the sector saw incremental progress rather than transformational change. The global ban on AGPs brought phytogenics into the spotlight, especially in broiler production, where nutritionists sought natural tools to close the performance gap left by antibiotics. These plantbased solutions broadened their scope: They could modulate gut microbiota, reduce inflammation, stimulate enzyme activity, and strengthen gut lining integrity. Yet, despite their promise, first-generation phytogenics were hampered by three recurring challenges: Stability during feed processing, palatability and handling safety, and a lack of transparent formulation backed by solid scientific evidence. Today, the sector stands at a turning point. The market is no longer satisfied with generic herbal blends that depend on marketing rather than measurable results. Instead, poultry producers are demanding precision, consistency, and proof. This has given rise to a second generation of phytogenics, products designed with advanced extraction techniques, rigorous quality control, and above all, manufacturing innovations such as micro-encapsulation that allow active compounds to survive processing and reach their target site in the digestive tract. This shift is not just a matter of science; it is transforming poultry farm economics by delivering higher feed efficiency, better growth rates, and measurable returns on investment. Micro encapsulated phytogenics are transforming poultry nutrition, moving beyond early herbal blends toward precision formulations that stabilize active compounds and target their release in the digestive tract. These innovations promise improved feed efficiency, growth performance, and gut health while addressing handling and processing challenges. Trials show measurable economic benefits, yet the full potential of combining plant and marine bioactives continues to evolve, inviting further exploration. Micro Encapsulated Phytogenics: REDEFINING POULTRY PERFORMANCE AND PROFITABILITY Dr. Stephanie Ladirat R&D Director Nuqo Feed Additives
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