ARTICLE FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2025 87 BEYOND THE HIGH DIGESTIBILITY OF EGG POWDER While high protein digestibility is a fundamental requirement in pre-starter diets, the functional properties of egg powder elevate it into a distinct category of functional feed ingredients. 1. Immunoglobulins (IgY): The dominant immunoglobulin in egg, IgY, supplies crucial passive immunity. It binds effectively and specifically to a wide array of intestinal pathogens, including ETEC (e.g., K88 fimbriae) and Salmonella spp. By blocking the adhesion sites of these microorganisms to the intestinal mucosa, IgY reduces the pathogen load and mitigates the risk of PWD without driving antimicrobial resistance. 2. Antimicrobial Proteins: Egg powder also contains key antimicrobial proteins such as Lysozyme, which hydrolyzes the cell walls of Gram-positive bacteria, improving the balance of the gut microbiota. Ovotransferrin acts as an iron-binding protein, sequestering iron required by pathogenic bacteria for proliferation, thereby exerting a potent antibacterial effect. The synergistic action of these proteins promotes a healthy gut microbiota balance, essential for optimal nutrient absorption and defense. 3. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Components: Molecules like Yolkine and carotenoids such as Lutein and Zeaxanthin are naturally concentrated in egg powder. Yolkine helps regulate the immune system, reducing the risk of inflammatory diseases. The antioxidants combat oxidative stress—a common consequence of weaning and inflammation—protecting enterocyte integrity and supporting overall epithelial barrier function. This multifaceted defence strategy ensures the intestinal barrier remains intact, which is paramount to preventing bacterial translocation and systemic infection. NAVIGATING THE INGREDIENT BASKET: EGG POWDER AND THE ALTERNATIVES Choosing the optimal protein source for the starter phase is a critical decision for feed formulators. When critically evaluated against three common high-value alternatives—Soy Protein Concentrate (SPC), Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC), and Highly Digestible Fish Meal (FM) - egg powder presents a superior combination of nutritional quality and functional efficacy. Apparent/Standardized Ileal Digestibility (AID/ SID): Egg powder provides an amino acid profile and digestibility (often exceeding 95% for crude protein) comparable to or surpassing WPC, the gold standard. SPC, while significantly improved over soybean meal, retains a lower digestibility profile. The high digestibility of egg powder is crucial, as any excess of undigested protein reaching the hindgut serves as a substrate for pathogenic bacteria, exacerbating PWD. Egg Powder Soy Protein Concentrate (SPC) Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) Highly Digestible Fish Meal (FM) Digestibility Anti-Nutritional Factors (ANFs) Palatability/Feed Intake Immune Efficacy Impact on PWD Price ++ = ++ ++ ++ + = -- - = -- ++ ++ = ++ = + -- + = = = + + Ingredients showing a + sign show advantages, = sign shows equal performance and - sign show disadvantages across the compared ingredients
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