ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2025 33 LEVEL 1: BENEFITS OF USING LAURIC ACID DURING VACCINATION Short- and medium-chain fatty acids (SCFAs and MCFAs) and their derivatives are well-established nutritional strategies for enhancing and supporting immune function. Among these, lauric acid (C12), a prominent MCFA, is particularly recognised for its potent antiviral, antibacterial, and immune-modulating properties. These characteristics make lauric acid an excellent candidate for promoting a robust immune response during vaccination and infection, as well as for reducing the risk of secondary infections associated with viral illnesses. Lauric acid is often esterified to form its glyceride derivative, as lauric glycerides demonstrate significantly greater biological activity in neutralising viruses and bacteria compared to free lauric acid (Lieberman et al., 2006). The glycerides of lauric acid are commercialised by Adisseo as a feed additive under the name FRA® C12. Many trials with FRA® C12 to date have confirmed its antiviral activities and abilities to trigger the humoral and adaptive immune response after vaccination or during viral challenges. HIGHER TITRES, STRONGER IMMUNE RESPONSES Current vaccination programs used in poultry production are often based on administering live attenuated viral strains. So when we apply a feed additive with anti-viral properties (FRA® C12) on top of vaccination, what does this mean? It should be complementary and not interfere (counteract) with the vaccine. In a study by De Gussem et al. (2021), the effect of FRA® C12 Dry on infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) vaccination was evaluated in Ross 308 broilers. This study showed that FRA® C12 (at 3 kg/ ton) did not influence oral IBV vaccination efficacy but, in contrast, has the potency to stimulate the (secondary) immune response that is elicited upon vaccination. A substantial increase in average IBV titre values was detected (Figure 2). FRA® C12 also stimulated INFγ, a type 1 cytokine that plays an important role in activating cellular mechanisms that lead to enhanced adaptive immune responses against (viral) pathogens. Level How Adisseo solutions Table 1. To enhance bird resilience, several proven solutions are available 1. Ensure optimal immune response to vaccination 2. Facilitate a good immune response during infection 3. Limit secondary infections FRA® C12 FRA® C12 Selisseo® FRA® C12 Adimix® FRA® Gut Protect FRA® Butyrin Hybrid Support the activation and regulation of the immune system Aid a rapid and robust antiviral response and limit replication shedding Ensure optimal intestinal barrier function Vaccine control Vaccine + FRA® C12 (3 kg/T of feed) Day 40 P+0.01 Average day 42-49 P+0.005 IB Antibody titre (x1,000) 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Figure 2. IBV antibody titres in the two treatment groups at the end of two different trials (average day 42-49 and at day 40)
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