ROI: What can phytogenic feed additives deliver for broiler producers?

It is essential to prioritize broiler gut health, as only healthy birds perform well. A consistently high flock performance requires preventive management measures, a thorough hygiene concept, and the use of high-quality feed. Phytogenic feed additives can complement and enhance these measures – but how do they measure up in terms of the return on investment (ROI)?

Dr. Ruturaj Patil
Global Product Manager – Phytogenics
EW Nutrition

WHAT AFFECTS YOUR RETURN ON INVESTMENT?
Feed accounts for 60 to 70% of the total production costs in broiler production. The proportion tends to be higher in markets that rely on importing feed raw materials (2). With a compound feed price of 300 € / t as the basis, for example, an increase of 10 € / t results in a profit reduction of 0.016 € / kg live weight. On the other hand, an improvement in feed conversion from 1.60 to 1.55 results in a financial advantage of 0.015 € / kg live weight. The best possible feed efficiency is always desirable to keep production costs low.

A critical risk factor for high-yield broiler production lies in the significant “invisible” losses from subclinical necrotic enteritis. This disease worsens feed conversion on average by 11% (1). In the previous example, this would reduce feed efficiency from 1.60 to 1.78 points and reduce the contribution margin by 0.054 € / kg live weight. Stable gut health is critical for reducing the risk of subclinical necrotic enteritis.

ANTIBIOTIC REDUCTION? PRACTICE PREVENTION
The prophylactic use of antibiotics in compound feed was widely practiced for decades. With the EU-wide ban on antibiotic growth promoters, the occurrence of multi-resistant bacteria, and a globally increased demand for antibiotic-free chickens, producers must find alternative measures to ensure good broiler gut health.

Studies have shown that a comprehensive hygiene concept is the basis for reducing the formation of biofilms on stable surfaces and the recirculation of pathogens. Meticulous control of performance parameters and illness symptom-centered health monitoring can uncover irregularities at every production stage. Diseases can be avoided or recognized earlier, allowing for more targeted and efficient treatments.

Hygienically impeccable compound feed is the wish of every animal producer. However, the quality of the available raw materials is subject to fluctuations and can never be 100% guaranteed. Consequently, producers commonly seek to balance these uncertainties through feed additives, which positively influence the intestinal flora.

PHYTOMOLECULES NEED PROTECTION
Research shows that certain phytomolecules (second-ary plant metabolites) can support broiler gut health. By stimulating digestive enzyme activities and stabilizing the gut microflora, feed utilization improves, and broilers are less prone to developing enteric disorders (3).

Many phytomolecules are inherently highly volatile and need protection from the stringent feed hygienization process in the feed mill. A carrier with capillary binding and a protective coating offers an effective solution. It protects the ingredients during feed processing but allows activity at the right site in the intestine.

A COMPLETE SOLUTION: HOW VENTAR D MAXIMIZES YOUR ROI
Ventar D features an innovative delivery system technology that encapsulates its phytogenic ingredients for both optimal pelleting stability and gut health support.

The positive influence of Ventar D on intestinal health under increased infection pressure was assessed in multiple studies. In a study carried out in the United Kingdom, birds were challenged by being housed on used litter harvested from a previous trial. Moreover, increasing levels of rye were introduced into the diet, provoking an increased risk of intestinal infections in the broilers.

The use of 100 g of Ventar D per t compound feed improved the feed efficiency by 5 points, final body weight by 120 gms and the EPEF (European Production Efficiency Factor) by 33 points (Figure 1).

Another study took place in the USA, which also tracked data on intestinal health. In the group fed with Ventar D (100 g/t compound feed), 50% fewer necrotic enteritis-related lesions of the intestinal wall were found after 21 and 35 days. Compared to control group, the group fed with Ventar D, showed improvement with livability by 2.6%, feed efficiency by 3 points, final body weight by 170 gms and the EPEF (European Production Efficiency Factor) by 35 points (Figure 2).

THE FUTURE OF FEEDING IS HERE
Based on the results of the above studies, the ROI for Ventar D due to the improvement in feed efficiency by 3 and 5 points could be 1:3.5 and 1:6.5, respectively. Similarly, the net returns for using Ventar D could be 0.08 and 0.12 € / kg live weight, The ROI for Ventar D use could be even better thanks to better litter condition, fewer foot pad lesions, reduced veterinary cost, etc., depending on prevailing challenges.

These results indicate that Ventar D’s effective formulation and reliable delivery system support better gut health. With Ventar D, subclinical intestinal infections due to C. perfringens or other enteric bacteria can be very well kept in check, ensuring improved broiler productivity and production profitability.

References are available on request.

References
1. Skinner, James T., Sharon Bauer, Virginia Young, Gail Pauling, and Jeff Wilson. “An Economic Analysis of the Impact of Subclinical (Mild) Necrotic Enteritis in Broiler Chickens.” Avian Diseases 54, no. 4 (December 1, 2010): 1237–40. https://doi.org/10.1637/9399-052110-reg.1.
2. Tandoğan, M., and H. Çiçek. “Technical Performance and Cost Analysis of Broiler Production in Turkey.” Revista Brasileira de Ciência Avícola 18, no. 1 (2016): 169–74. https://doi.org/10.1590/18069061-2015-0017.
3. Zhai, Hengxiao, Hong Liu, Shikui Wang, Jinlong Wu, and Anna-Maria Kluenter. “Potential of Essential Oils for Poultry and Pigs.” Animal Nutrition 4, no. 2 (June 2018): 179–86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aninu.2018.01.005.