Recently, Biovet S.A. has carried out an in vitro trial which demonstrated the efficacy of the natural antimicrobial, Alquermold Natural, against Clostridium, E. coli, and Salmonella among other potential pathogens that alter feed quality and may cause animal diseases. The trial compared the effects of organic acids, formaldehyde, and Alquermold Natural.
Veterinary Manager
Biovet S.A. Laboratories
Generally, products based on combinations of different organic acids and formaldehyde are used to prevent major economic losses in farms worldwide caused by pathogenic microorganisms. However, they have certain disadvantages, such as corrosiveness and high doses.
Alquermold Natural is a natural product with bactericide and fungicide activity, suitable for its use in animal production. It is based on a natural active principle, the Cimenol Ring, which causes an immediate release of the cell content to the medium, generating an instant death of the pathogens. Therefore, it works as a natural preservative for feed and acts as an intestinal biocide promoting the welfare of digestive flora.
The trial was carried out in an independent laboratory in the American continent. Two substrates were used, ground corn and balanced feed, with two levels of microbiological contamination (moderate and high). In the test, the use of Alquermold Natural L (0,5 L/t) was compared with a product based on organic acids (1L/t) and another product which combines organic acids and formaldehyde (2L/t).
Results showed a powerful microbicide effect of Alquermold Natural. It was able to reduce markedly the contamination of Clostridium in both feed and corn, achieving a reduction of more than 85.8% after seven days of usage in feed.
Similar results were shown for E. coli where Alquermold Natural was able to achieve a reduction of more than 99.7 % after seven days of usage in corn. Results were similar in feed.
Finally, against Salmonella, Alquermold Natural reduced the CFU by more than 96% after 24 hours of usage and by more than 99% after seven days of usage in both corn and final feed.
The effect of Alquermold Natural is superior even at half the dose than the other products tested, whether at moderate or high contamination. In addition, we should consider that the product is completely natural, not corrosive, nor harmful for machinery, animals, or workers, and it does not leave residues in animal products.
In addition to this, other different trials performed around the world, both experimental and commercial, demonstrate that in addition to this preservative effect, Alquermold Natural can prevent gut disorders, such as necrotic enteritis, thanks to the effect of the natural antimicrobial active principles against Clostridium. The product can be administered in drinking water as a natural treatment or mixed in feed as a preventive measure for these disorders.
Thanks to the control of Clostridium and proper feed preservation, a positive impact can be observed in the main production parameters, such as weight and feed conversion rate (FCR). Also, mortality is significantly reduced due to the control of this highly pathogenic bacterium.
In conclusion, the natural antimicrobial Alquermold Natural is consolidated as an effective alternative to organic acids due to its long-term effect, broad spectrum of action, and safe usage. Its use avoids the potentially harmful effects of formaldehyde and the restrictions on the use of formaldehyde that apply in most places globally. Alquermold Natural is also a powerful tool for the control of gut pathogens, such as Salmonella or Clostridium, causative agents of major diseases in the poultry industry. Furthermore, it promotes the beneficial flora (Lactobacillus-type microorganisms) and creates a positive impact on the main productive parameters.
