Once inside, endotoxins trigger inflammation and disrupt vital metabolic functions. In laying hens, this may impair nutrient absorption and calcium utilisation and cause systemic stress. The visible effects include weaker eggshells, smaller eggs and higher mortality. Because endotoxins remain invisible, farmers only see the consequences — poorer chick viability and declining profitability.
Technical Sales Manager
Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition
Vice President
Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition
Success in poultry farming is not measured solely by how many eggs are laid, but rather by their quality, hatchability and the welfare of the hens that lay them. In breeder operations, this significance is even greater. Every egg counts, because each egg holds the flock’s genetic potential and represents an investment in the next generation. Any loss therefore affects both current results and future performance.
Still, on many farms, trouble develops quietly — cracked shells, small eggs, unexpected mortality — and the real cause remains hidden. Often, an underestimated threat is at work, silently eroding performance and profitability: Endotoxins.
INSIDE THE GUT: THE DANGER YOU CAN’T SEE
Endotoxins are fragments of the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria such as E. coli. They are naturally present in the gut, but when animals face stress — from heat, feed changes, infections or antibiotic treatments — their levels can rise sharply. At high concentrations, endotoxins can pass through a weakened intestinal barrier and enter the bloodstream.
Once inside, they trigger inflammation and disrupt vital metabolic functions. In laying hens, this may impair nutrient absorption and calcium utilisation and cause systemic stress. The visible effects include weaker eggshells, smaller eggs and higher mortality. Because endotoxins remain invisible, farmers only see the consequences — poorer chick viability and declining profitability.
Endotoxin stress means far more than a few sick birds. It lowers hatchability, disrupts genetic continuity and leads to losses that should be avoidable. Each cracked or undersized egg is a loss in productivity.
Beyond the birds themselves, the impact reaches farm staff, who must spend more time caring for weak animals. Costs rise through wasted feed, veterinary treatment and additional labour. And in a production system where margins are already tight, such preventable losses are a serious concern.
THE HOLISTIC ANSWER TO ENDOTOXIN STRESS
Managing endotoxins effectively requires more than a single feed additive — it calls for a holistic approach. Anta®Catch was designed specifically to help animals defend themselves against these hidden enemies.
Unlike standard binders or general toxin management products, Anta®Catch works on several fronts. Its activated surfaces reduce the endotoxin load in the digestive tract, its prebiotic components strengthen the intestinal barrier and its phytogenic complex supports liver function and reduces inflammation. Together, this triple protection helps breeder hens maintain egg quality and health even under stressful farm conditions.
In a commercial field trial in Taiwan involving more than 4,000 broiler breeder hens, Anta®Catch was tested under real production conditions. Two barns were included, both following a sequential off-on design.
During the control phase (barn 1: 32–39 weeks; barn 2: 34–42 weeks), hens received a standard diet. In the subsequent treatment phase (barn 1: 39–45 weeks; barn 2: 42–47 weeks), the same diet was supplemented with Anta®Catch at 1 kg per tonne of feed. Environmental and management factors remained comparable.
The results were impressive (Figure 1). Mortality dropped by up to 37 %, and the occurrence of small eggs fell dramatically — by 81 % in barn 1 and 57 % in barn 2. Eggshell quality improved significantly: Soft-shelled eggs decreased by 23 % and 34 %, while broken eggs were reduced by up to 11 % (Figure 2).
For farmers, these figures translate directly into better results: Fewer downgraded eggs, fewer handling losses and more eggs suitable for hatching. With fewer weak birds and less variation in egg size, overall flock performance became more stable and efficient.
DON’T LET HIDDEN LOSSES STEAL YOUR SUCCESS
In an increasingly competitive market, hidden losses are unaffordable. Each bird and each gram of feed is an investment — one that endotoxins quietly undermine.
They lead to fragile eggs, smaller eggs and higher mortality — and thus to fewer chicks and more stress for farmers. Field experience shows that effective endotoxin control makes a visible difference: Flocks are healthier, easier to manage and more resilient.
With its holistic triple-action approach, Anta®Catch reduces endotoxin damage and delivers visible results: More viable eggs, healthier hens and a stronger flock. For breeder farmers, where every egg truly matters, Anta®Catch provides reliability, peace of mind and a path to sustainable success.
About Muhammad Umar
With a degree in veterinary medicine and a master in dairy science, Muhammad Umar has already several years of experience in the field of animal nutrition. His special expertise are ruminants and the use of phytogenic feed additives to improve performance and sustainability.
As Technical Sales Manager at Dr. Eckel, Muhammad Umar focusses on supporting the company’s customers with the best phytogenic solutions for their needs.About Dr. Bernhard Eckel
An agronomist holding a doctorate in animal nutrition, Dr. Bernhard Eckel knows the industry from scratch. He established Dr. Eckel with Antje Eckel and was the first employee. As Vice President and Chief Technical Officer, he is responsible for technical sales, product development and animal welfare, and thus plays a major role in the success of the company.
