We see phytogenics entering a whole new phase. It’s not only about what’s in the plant—it’s about how we use it, how we target it, and how we integrate it into the bigger picture. We’re continuing to innovate across species and production systems, expanding our Micronutrition and Health Solutions portfolio, and using digital tools to make nutrition smarter and more responsive.
Senior Director, Monogastrics & Phytogenics
Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health
Animal agriculture is evolving quickly, and producers are under growing pressure to keep pace. From supporting gut development in fast-growing broilers to improving feed efficiency in dairy cows and building resilience in nursery pigs, the need for precise, science-based nutrition strategies has never been greater.
To explore how nutrition is stepping up to meet these challenges, we sat down with Marc Decoux, Senior Director, Monogastrics & Phytogenics at Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health (ANH). With deep expertise in species-specific nutrition and a passion for innovation, Decoux shares how phytogenics expertise at Cargill, along with the broader Micronutrition and Health Solutions (MHS) portfolio, is helping producers unlock performance, support animal health, and build more resilient production systems globally.
What are the biggest challenges facing animal producers today, and how are these shaping the role of nutrition?
Producers today are under intense pressure to do more with less. They’re being asked to reduce antibiotic use, meet rising consumer and regulatory expectations, and still maintain profitability and sustainability. These demands are also evolving rapidly. In fast-paced systems like poultry and swine, for example, genetic advances mean animals are growing faster and placing greater demands on gut development and resilience.
To keep up, producers need more efficient and targeted ways to support animal health and performance. Across all species, producers are looking for the best solutions that work consistently across geographies, climates, and production systems.
That’s where nutrition really makes the difference. We’re no longer only looking at feed; it’s about science-based strategies that support health, efficiency, and long-term performance. And phytogenics have a major part to play in addressing producer challenges and consumer demands.
How are phytogenic feed solutions helping producers respond to these challenges?
Phytogenics offer a nature-inspired, science-backed way to support gut health, immune function, and overall performance. These feed solutions, using standardized combinations of bioactive compounds found in herbs, plants, and their extracts, have proven effective across species.
They help improve feed conversion and support faster growth, and because they can be tailored to species-specific needs, they’re incredibly versatile. Whether it’s gut maturation in poultry, resilience in swine, or rumen efficiency in ruminants, phytogenics can help producers meet their goals while reducing reliance on antibiotics and supporting more sustainable production.
What makes Cargill’s approach to phytogenics different?
What sets us apart is how deeply we invest in science and partnership. First, our solutions are backed by a strong R&D pipeline and validated through everything from genomic studies to large-scale animal trials. We also work closely with universities to ensure independent validation and keep pushing science forward.
Second, we don’t just offer products; we build solutions. Our One Portfolio strategy brings together phytogenics, postbiotics, enzymes, and anti-mycotoxin agents to create tailored programs for each species at every life stage. And we’re integrating digital tools to help producers optimize feeding and prevent health issues before they start.
Third, we’re serious about quality and transparency. Our phytogenic products are made in state-of-the-art facilities with rigorous sourcing and quality control. Thanks to our global reach, we have access to a wide range of active compounds, and our use of AI and microbiology helps us understand exactly how each one works. That means we can design products with precision and confidence to support specific benefits.
Can you share examples of how you are applying phytogenics across species?
Absolutely. Across species, Cargill offers phytogenic solutions that help producers and their animals by supporting gut development and immunity, as well as feed efficiency and resilience.
In poultry, Biostrong™ Dual supports early gut maturation, leading to improved body weight gain and reduced feed conversion ratio in broilers.
In swine, Cinergy™ Protect helps support a healthy immune system which, as part of good farming practices, can reduce the need for antibiotics and zinc oxide.
For ruminants, Actifor™ Boost enhances protein utilization and feed efficiency, improving milk yield and ration cost.
And in aquaculture, Syrena™ Boost strengthens resilience and enhances growth performance in both fish and shrimp.
These are all part of our Micronutrition and Health Solutions (MHS) portfolio, which, as mentioned earlier, integrates all our nutritional solutions into species-specific programs.
What trends are driving innovation in phytogenics today, and how is Cargill responding?
There’s a lot happening. Producers want functional ingredients that do more than fill a nutritional gap; they want solutions that support health, efficiency, and sustainability. At the same time, our understanding of the gut microbiota is growing fast, and that’s opening up new possibilities for health-by-nutrition strategies.
Cargill is investing heavily in research, partnerships, and digital tools to stay ahead. We’re evolving phytogenics from simple plant extracts to next-gen solutions that are precise, scienc e-based, and integrated into broader nutritional programs.
What’s next for phytogenics at Cargill?
We see phytogenics entering a whole new phase. It’s not only about what’s in the plant—it’s about how we use it, how we target it, and how we integrate it into the bigger picture. We’re continuing to innovate across species and production systems, expanding our MHS portfolio, and using digital tools to make nutrition smarter and more responsive.
One area we’re especially excited about is how phytogenics might influence animal behavior and welfare through compounds that act beyond the gut, even on brain function. That could help simplify farm labor and improve productivity in ways we haven’t seen before. At the end of the day, our goal is simple: Help producers succeed through science, partnership, and innovation.
If any of the readers would like to find out more about what we are doing in this space at Cargill ANH, and would like to know how we can apply our science to their operations, we encourage them to visit us online today.
About Marc Decoux
Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health’s Senior Director, Monogastrics & Phytogenics, Marc Decoux is based in the Netherlands. With over 25 years of experience in animal nutrition, he has led global innovation in animal health & nutrition, linking science, product development, and market strategy. His work focuses on advancing micronutrition and phytogenic solutions that align animal performance with consumers demand and sustainability.
