ISSUE FOCUS 42 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE January 2026 or GLP-2 secretion for gut integrity. This ensures that our search for botanical candidates remains open and inclusive, allowing us to capture promising solutions regardless of whether all mechanisms are fully understood. Candidate plants are identified using ethnobotanical knowledge, phytochemical databases, and advanced data modeling. Screening is conducted to evaluate the full constellation of specialized metabolites each plant can produce. Genetically distinct samples, or accessions, are collected from around the globe. Each accession undergoes rigorous evaluation, including in vitro bioassays with animal-specific cell lines and phytochemical profiling. Only those candidates demonstrating consistent and relevant biological effects progress to the next stage. FROM FIELD TO FEED: DOMESTICATION, STANDARDIZATION, AND QUALITY ASSURANCE Once candidates are chosen, plants are cultivated under controlled conditions, following practices that safeguard their unique properties. The focus shifts from maximizing biomass to optimizing the yield of bioactive compounds most relevant to animal health outcomes. Cultivation protocols are implemented with a global network of experienced growers. These partners follow plant-specific production guidelines, which often differ significantly from conventional agricultural practices. Technical support and quality monitoring are provided throughout the growing season to maintain high standards. Growing plants specifically for animal nutrition - according to the physiological needs of animals - is both unique and challenging. It requires precision, adaptability, and a deep understanding of plant complexity to consistently produce feed additives that deliver the desired effects. Throughout this process, stringent quality control measures are applied. These include safety checks, microbiological testing, and phytochemical fingerprinting to confirm identity and assure consistency. The objective is to deliver a feed additive that is effective, safe, and traceable. What’s more, the complexity of the plant must be preserved while ensuring that the final product performs reliably in diverse production environments. THE POWER OF AN INTEGRATED APPROACH The distinguishing feature of Trouw Nutrition’s phytotechnology program is its integration. Discovery, development, and production are all housed within a single center of excellence, enabling seamless collaboration and full control over the supply chain - from initial plant selection to final product Identifying animal challenge Mapping biological targets Plant selection and screening The PhytoComplex Journey From Discovery to Delivery Cultivation and quality control Final product delivery 1 2 3 4 5
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