Productivity and sustainability in poultry production are under increasing pressure from mycotoxin contamination in feed, an issue of growing concern across the Middle East and Africa (MEA). Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive, integrated mitigation strategy.

Mycotoxins, the secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungi, along with their masked forms, are widely recognized as unavoidable contaminants within food and feed chains (Kovač Tomas & Jurčević Šangut, 2025). The problems can start already in the field and before harvest when cereals and cereal by-products (the main ingredients for poultry diets) become infected with field fungi such as Fusarium spp., favored by moisture during crop development. Additionally, storage fungi like Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp. thrive under warm and humid environments during storage and transportation, leading to common mycotoxin accumulation in feed.

THE BIG 6 MYCOTOXIN THREATS FOR POULTRY
While over 400 mycotoxins have been identified, the mycotoxins of greatest concern in poultry production consistently include aflatoxins (AF), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), T-2 toxin, fumonisins (FUM), and ochratoxin A (OTA). These compounds are among the most frequently detected contaminants in animal feed and are widely recognized for their detrimental effects on poultry gut health, organs, immunity, performance, and productivity (Filazi et al., 2017; Jalilzadeh-Amin et al., 2023; Ochieng et al., 2025).

Chronic exposure to these toxins, even at subclinical levels, can cause significant economic losses by reducing feed conversion efficiency, increasing mortality, weakening the immune system, and heightening susceptibility to infectious diseases such as coccidiosis, salmonellosis, and colibacillosis, and negatively affecting reproductive performance in poultry. Additionally, the transfer of toxic residues into meat and eggs poses a serious risk to consumer health, representing a major public health concern, particularly in regions with limited regulatory monitoring (Olariu et al., 2025; Song et al., 2023).

Aflatoxins (AF)
Aflatoxin exposure has been associated with a number of adverse effects in birds, including decreased egg production, organ damage, weaker immunity, and poor performance. Broiler liver and muscle tissues have been found to contain AFB1 residues, with levels of accumulation varying according to exposure time and dosage (Ochieng et al., 2025; Okasha et al., 2024; Olariu et al., 2025).

Deoxynivalenol (DON)
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is widely recognized for its detrimental effects on animal health, well-being and performance. In poultry, DON exposure has been demonstrated to suppress growth and immunological function and contribute to wet droppings. Notably, DON induces intestinal inflammation and disrupts tight‑junction integrity in laying hens, indicating direct impairment of the gut barrier and a potential role in the development of intestinal dysbiosis. Across livestock and experimental models, numerous studies show that DON impairs nutrient absorption and general physiological processes. Intestinal and immunity dysfunction, decreased feed intake, slower growth rates, and lower feed conversion efficiency are all consequences of chronic exposure (Okasha et al., 2024; Olariu et al., 2025; Zhai et al., 2022).

Zearalenone (ZEN)
Broiler chickens exposed to zearalenone (ZEN) show clear performance impairments, including reduced body weight and weight gain, decreased feed intake, and an increased feed conversion ratio (FCR). High dietary levels of ZEN also exert strong estrogenic effects that can lead to hormonal imbalance, reproductive disorders, and, in severe cases, infertility. Additionally, ZEN disrupts endocrine function by binding to estrogen receptors, leading to hormonal dysregulation and impaired reproductive health. (“Mycotoxin Impact on Egg Production,” 2017; Okasha et al., 2024). ZEN and its masked metabolites have been detected in several poultry tissues, including the liver, blood, kidney, muscle, intestine, and in excreta, demonstrating its systemic distribution. Findings from Okasha et al. (2024) further confirm the presence of ZEN residues in broiler liver samples, underscoring the risks associated with contaminated feed.

Fumonisins (FUM)
When exposed to high concentrations of fumonisins, poultry show significant health and performance impairments. Reduced weight gain, poor feed conversion, increased kidney and liver weights, and liver necrosis are among the consequences that have been reported. Because FB1 affects sphingolipid metabolism, it is frequently linked to hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity (“Mycotoxin Impact on Egg Production,” 2017; Okasha et al., 2024; Olariu et al., 2025). Clinical signs of fumonisin intoxication in poultry include lameness, leg weakness, wet droppings, decreased egg production, and, in extreme situations, mortality. There have also been reports of immunological disorders, including lymphocyte suppression, decreased humoral immunity, and immunosuppression. Furthermore, birds exposed to fumonisins often exhibit intestinal and hepatic congestion, as well as an increased risk of coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis (Júnior et al., 2022).

Ochratoxin A (OTA)
Poultry’s gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is significantly affected by ochratoxin A (OTA), which compromises the mucosal barrier through damage to intestinal epithelial cells, alterations in gut microbiota composition, and downregulation of tight junction proteins. These disruptions collectively impair nutrient absorption and consequently lead to reductions in body weight and weight gain. Beyond its intestinal effects, OTA poses major risks due to its nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, and immunosuppressive properties, making it one of the most harmful mycotoxins encountered in poultry production (Bonerba et al., 2024; Okasha et al., 2024; Olariu et al., 2025; S. Zhai et al., 2021).

T-2 toxin (T-2)
T-2 toxin exert a wide range of toxic effects in poultry. These include inhibition of protein, DNA, and RNA synthesis, leading to pronounced cytotoxicity, compromised immunological responses, and greater susceptibility to infectious diseases in poultry. In addition to neurological disorders and general declines in performance, such as decreased weight gain, decreased egg production, and decreased hatchability, affected birds frequently develop oral lesions as well as others in the digestive tract, liver, kidneys, skin, and other rapidly dividing tissues (Olariu et al., 2025; Vörösházi et al., 2024).

The global significance of the six major mycotoxins stems from their high prevalence, with estimates suggesting that more than 60% of feed commodities worldwide are contaminated, making mycotoxins among the most widespread natural toxins affecting animal health and nutrition (Hassan et al., 2026).

CHALLENGING CONDITIONS IN MEA REGION
In the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, mycotoxin contamination in animal feed is strongly influenced by a combination of climate change, agricultural practices, economic factors, and feed processing methods. Mycotoxin accumulation due to warm and humid conditions is especially challenging within MEA supply chains (Gomes et al., 2025; Kovač Tomas & Jurčević Šangut, 2025). In addition, many countries in the MEA region depend heavily on imported feed ingredients, where contamination can occur prior to importation, during transportation, or throughout storage. Inadequate storage conditions, warm climates, and lengthy supply chains further increase the risk, making effective mycotoxin management a persistent challenge (Jalilzadeh-Amin et al., 2023).

Furthermore, the co-occurrence of various mycotoxins in feed raw materials and finished feeds is commonly observed worldwide as individual fungi species may produce more than one mycotoxin, and several mycotoxins can also be synthesized by different fungi (Gomes et al., 2025). In addition, masked (hidden) mycotoxins and their metabolites may escape conventional detection yet be converted back into their toxic forms during digestion, further complicating risk assessment (Okasha et al., 2024). As a result, animal feeds often contain several mycotoxins simultaneously, creating complex interactions. Even when present at individually subclinical concentrations, these compounds may exert antagonistic, additive, or synergistic effects, thereby increasing their overall toxic impact. During challenging conditions, involving disease pressure or heat stress, feed that is contaminated with multi-mycotoxins can further spiral down bird health and performance.

ANALYSIS OF RAW MATERIALS IN LEBANON
Mycotoxin co-occurrence in animal feed is a prominent phenomenon, with interactions between toxins frequently resulting in additive or synergistic effects that increase their impact on animal health. According to previous studies, 30% to 100% of feed samples contained two or more mycotoxins (Jalilzadeh-Amin et al., 2023). The current monitoring of raw feed ingredients (corn and soybean meal) in Lebanon, based on an assessment conducted by UTRIX S.A.L. (hereafter called ‘UTRIX’), confirmed the widespread nature of co-contamination under local conditions by showing that 100% of examined samples were contaminated with at least two or more mycotoxins.

Using ELISA-based analysis, UTRIX conducted a three-year assessment (2023-2025) and found a consistent pattern of multi-mycotoxin contamination with significant temporal fluctuations (Figure 1). Zearalenone (ZEN) showed elevated levels in 2023 and 2025, while fumonisins (FUM) were the most common toxins in all years, with a notable increase in 2025. These results are consistent with research showing that FUM and ZEN are present in both summer and winter, demonstrating how toxicogenic fungi may adapt to different environmental conditions (Gomes et al., 2025). In Lebanon, where warm summers and mild, wet winters promote year-round fungal growth, this seasonal persistence is very significant and could account for the recurring prevalence of FUM and ZEN. In contrast, DON showed a declining trend, whereas AF increased over time, and surpassed locally applied thresholds in 2025. OTA remained consistently low, and T-2 toxin showed a gradual increase, indicating a potential emerging risk.

The 2025 results show exceedances for ZEN, FUM, and AF when compared to advisory threshold levels. The mycotoxins’ co-occurrence in this study highlights the importance of considering combined toxicological effects, while their seasonal persistence emphasizes the necessity for ongoing monitoring and integrated mitigation efforts in Mediterranean-like climates.

MULTI-LEVEL MYCOTOXIN CONTROL STRATEGIES
Various strategies are used to reduce mycotoxin contamination in feed, including proper post-harvest practices, strict quality control during sourcing and storage, and physical methods such as sorting and cleaning (Okasha et al., 2024).

Feed additives, particularly anti-mycotoxin solutions, play a central role by reducing toxin bioavailability. Compounds such as modified clays, yeast cell wall extracts, and enzymes can adsorb or biotransform a wide range of mycotoxins, including masked forms, thereby limiting their absorption in the GIT (Kolawole et al., 2025). Overall, effective management requires an integrated approach combining prevention, monitoring, and targeted mitigation strategies.

In line with these mitigation strategies, UTRIX offers a range of mycotoxin management solutions, including UtriSorb^®, UtriSorb^®PRO, KleenTox^®PLUS, KleenTox^®PRO, KleenTox^®ADVANCE, and KleenTox^®DW. Among these, KleenTox^®PRO is a broad-spectrum mycotoxin binder combining attapulgite clay, yeast cell wall extract, enzymes, and plant extracts, enabling simultaneous adsorption and biotransformation of multiple mycotoxins while supporting the immune system, liver function, and gut health. This multi-component approach enhances protection against complex mycotoxin challenges commonly observed under field conditions.

Additionally, KleenTox^®DW, a mycotoxin control solution for application in drinking water, provides a complementary strategy by delivering rapid and effective mycotoxin control through a synergistic blend of organic acids, yeast cell wall extract, and cinnamaldehyde, thereby supporting gut integrity and immune function. To address fungal proliferation at the source, UTRIX offers MoldBan^®, a mold inhibitor applied in feed that limits fungal growth and spoilage through organic acid-based antifungal activity. This helps preserve raw material quality, extend shelf life, and reduce the risk of mycotoxin production.

CONCLUSION
While mycotoxin threshold levels are designed to ensure feed safety, increasing evidence indicates that chronic exposure to low concentrations of multiple mycotoxins, even within accepted limits, can negatively impact animal performance. These subclinical effects often go unnoticed yet are associated with reduced feed efficiency and productivity losses across livestock systems (Kolawole et al., 2025).

Mycotoxin contamination arises from the proliferation of toxigenic fungi, including Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium, on feed ingredients. This contamination can occur both before and after harvest under favorable conditions such as high moisture levels, inadequate storage, and poor handling practices (Okasha et al., 2024). Given the strong influence of environmental and biological factors on fungal growth, understanding regional contamination patterns is crucial for accurate risk assessment and the development of effective control strategies (Kovač Tomas & Jurčević Šangut, 2025). It also emphasizes the necessity for ongoing monitoring and integrated mitigation efforts in Mediterranean-like climates.

Therefore, safeguarding animal health, performance, and productivity requires an integrated approach combining improved feed management, targeted mitigation strategies, and coordinated efforts among industry stakeholders to enhance monitoring and control systems.

References are available on request.

About Rola Jreissaty
Rola Jreissaty is a Product Manager at UTRIX S.A.L., a premier producer of premixes, concentrates, and feed additives and specialties. Jreissaty oversees the development and marketing of UTRIX’s anti-mycotoxin portfolio, as well as other product categories.

Mycotoxin challenges in mea requires integrated mitigation approach yazısı ilk önce Feed & Additive Magazine üzerinde ortaya çıktı.

Mycotoxin contamination in poultry feed is a persistent challenge in commercial production worldwide. Among the various mycotoxin groups, Fusarium toxins have gained increasing attention over the past decades, not only due to their widespread presence in commonly used grains but also because of their capacity to interact with and amplify the effects of other toxins. Understanding which Fusarium toxins are truly relevant in poultry, how to identify them, and how to select and evaluate effective control strategies is essential for any poultry health professional. This article provides a practical overview of the main Fusarium toxins affecting commercial poultry, the tools available for their detection, and the criteria for choosing and validating anti-mycotoxin additives.

The Fusarium mycotoxins group includes Zearalenone (ZEA) and Fumonisin (FUM). For decades, both toxins were irrelevant, to a certain extent, in commercial poultry, but are now constantly evaluated in feed analyses and considered important mycotoxins affecting performance. In the case of ZEA, despite being frequently present in grains and used as a marker for other mycotoxins, scientific and field reports indicate that it is not very toxic in either broiler chickens or hens. The situation with FUM is different because most of the corn produced globally shows its presence. In corn harvested in the United States, Argentina, and Brazil, it is common to detect levels of 1,500 to 4,000 ppb of FUM. As a result, many clinicians are diagnosing mycotoxicosis caused by FUM in cases where the etiologic agent is completely different. Inclusion Body Hepatitis (IBH), for example, is frequently misdiagnosed as mycotoxicosis.

Inside the Fusarium toxins, there is another classification called Trichothecenes, characterized by a similar chemical structure, which represents another important group affecting performance and causing specific gross lesions. T-2 toxin, DAS (diacetoxyscirpenol), and Vomitoxin/DON are the most relevant. The oral lesions caused by T-2 toxin and DAS are easily identified as a sign of mycotoxicosis in poultry farms. In the case of DON, identifying typical gross lesions is more difficult, though several scientific papers report microscopic damage to the intestinal integrity. Something widely accepted by the scientific community is that the presence of Fusarium toxins significantly potentiates the damage caused by mycotoxins traditionally recognized as more toxic, such as Aflatoxin, Ochratoxin, and T-2 toxin.

DETERMINING WHICH MYCOTOXINS CAUSE DAMAGE IN POULTRY PRODUCTION
Determining which mycotoxins cause damage is ideally one of the first steps to consider before choosing an anti-mycotoxin additive. Identifying characteristic lesions facilitates this task, since most mycotoxins affect specific target organs. For example, T-2 toxin, HT-2, or DAS can produce mouth ulcers, unlike Aflatoxin, which affects the liver and/or causes bruises in the skin and muscles. Under commercial conditions, most companies decide which product to include after evaluating feed mill analyses and, in some cases, reports of negative effects on performance. For farms that can identify which mycotoxins are affecting their flock through macroscopic or histopathological evaluations, this information allows them to select products with proven efficacy against the specific toxins present. Since more than one mycotoxin is generally present in the ration, combining two types of mycotoxin binders is sometimes necessary to achieve a broader spectrum of protection.

Although testing for mycotoxins in feed is a very practical way of finding out which ones are present, there are certain limitations to this tool. Results can vary due to the uneven distribution of mycotoxins in the samples analyzed, regardless of the laboratory technique used, whether simple tests such as ELISA (well known for its limited sensitivity) or more sophisticated methods such as HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) or LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry).

ANTI-MYCOTOXIN SOLUTIONS
Over the years, various anti-mycotoxin feed additives have been developed, including the following:
Traditional clays represent the first generation of products developed for aflatoxin control. Some clays can adsorb other mycotoxins in addition to aflatoxin, but their spectrum of action is not as broad as that of purified clays.

Purified clays are modified and activated through specialized processes—many are identified as organo-clays. Within this group, some have demonstrated efficacy in experimental trials against difficult-to-capture mycotoxins such as ZEA, as well as T-2 toxin and FUM.

Products containing bacteria, yeast cell walls, enzymes, and/or algae are frequently combined with clays. Some manufacturers claim that the microorganisms present can metabolize mycotoxins and convert them into less toxic metabolites.

HOW TO EVALUATE MYCOTOXIN BINDERS?
Considering the large number of products available in the global market, the following are key factors to consider before deciding which additive to use.

1. In vitro test
A preliminary test and essentially a quality control measure. If a product works in vitro, it does not mean that it works in vivo. The test consists of determining the adsorption capacity of a product against different mycotoxins using HPLC at two pH levels (3.0 and 6.0), simulating the conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Under no circumstances should the decision on which product to use be based solely on in vitro testing, it must always be accompanied by animal testing. The inclusion rate recommended in the feed should be the same as that used in this test.

2. In vivo test
When conducting this type of test, it is necessary to measure performance (body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, and target organ protection). For example, if the efficacy of a product against aflatoxin is being measured, its effect on the liver must be quantified. If a product is evaluated against T-2 toxin, the effect of the anti-mycotoxin additive on oral lesions must be assessed. Although T-2 toxin causes damage through direct contact due to its causticity when ingested, an effective additive will reduce the degree of oral lesions through its adsorption capacity in the intestines. Some mycotoxins, such as FUM, do not cause macroscopic damage to the chicken liver, so it is necessary to measure biomarkers such as sphingosine and sphinganine, which are produced by the toxic effect of FUM on sphingolipid metabolism in blood. The dose recommended under commercial conditions should be the same as, or close to, the one tested in vivo. When evaluating additives containing substances that act as growth promoters (yeasts, enzymes, immune stimulants), their effectiveness should not be based solely on favorable performance results.

3. Detection of markers/metabolites in blood
Metabolites of emerging mycotoxins such as Beauvericin, and other toxins such as Tenuazonic acid, are measured in blood and reported to poultry growers as indicators of mycotoxin exposure. Based on the scientific literature reviewed, the importance of these newer mycotoxins has not yet been established in commercial poultry production. For commercial farms fed with DON-contaminated feed, metabolites such as Deoxynivalenol-3-sulphate have been measured before and after using a mycotoxin binder.

4. Identification of lesions at the slaughterhouses
This tool demonstrates whether an anti-mycotoxin additive is working properly once it has been included in the diet. Every week, examine at least 200 to 300 birds at the slaughterhouse, looking for mycotoxin-associated lesions in the carcasses. To further support this evaluation, it is ideal to periodically submit formalin-fixed tissue samples for histopathological assessment.

CONCLUSION
It is critical to determine what type of mycotoxins are affecting the birds in order to decide which binder to include in the feed. Once an anti-mycotoxin additive has been selected, slaughterhouse evaluations will supply critical information regarding the efficacy of the product chosen.

Mycotoxins control in poultry: Fusarium toxins yazısı ilk önce Feed & Additive Magazine üzerinde ortaya çıktı.

Supporting poultry during heat stress requires a multi-faceted strategy addressing both environmental and nutritional factors. When high temperatures and humidity exceed birds’ tolerance, their behaviour, feed intake, and calcium metabolism are disrupted. This leads to issues like poor shell quality and reduced egg production. Practical management and precise diet formulation are key—but how can these be optimised to limit productivity losses?

By Phosphea
Heat stress can represent a pressing concern during the summer season. With temperatures frequently above 30 degrees surpassing the 25 degrees comfort range for a poultry, the physiological challenges become more pronounced.

WHAT IS HEAT STRESS IN POULTRY?
Heat stress in poultry refers to a condition where they are exposed to high temperatures and humidity levels that exceed their physiological tolerance. It occurs when the bird is unable to dissipate the heat leading to various changes in the behavior of the poultry. The impact on productivity is high, this is why preventing it, is mandatory.

To evaluate the level of heat stress, the Temperature Humidity Index (THI) is commonly used. It is a numerical value to measure the combined effect of temperature and humidity on the thermal comfort and stress levels of poultry. A higher THI value indicates a greater risk of heat stress (Habeeb, 2018).

For example, a temperature of 28°C with a Humidity Level of 95 % has the same THI level as a temperature of 38 degrees with a 20% humidity.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF HEAT STRESS IN POULTRY?
The bird resort to panting in order to dissipate heat from their body, by opening their mouth, their feathers and wings, often leading to a decrease in feed intake and nutrient absorption. This hyperventilation leads to low CO₂ levels in blood and an increase of the blood pH. To compensate it, the bird degrades part of the bones to obtain carbonates and restore the blood levels. This process can lead to decrease in calcium storage of medullary bone, essential to eggshell formation (30 to 40%) during laying period. Consequently, we can observe declines in egg size, shell quality, shell color and broken eggs more frequent (Soriano, 2021).

HOW CAN WE SUPPORT ANIMALS DURING HEAT STRESS?
The strategy to avoid maximum issues caused by heat stress should be a combination of:
• Management measures: Proper density and lighting, implementation of ventilation systems and roofing sprinklers, monitorization of feed and water intake and control of the water supply and its temperature.
• Formulation assessment: Good balance and digestibility of the diet, calcium incorporation rate and form. For example, the addition of fat instead of carbohydrates in the formulation may reduce the production of heat and increase palatability.
• Time adjustment: Feeding at the cooler time of the day is ideal to optimize the feed intake. Manipulation of the poultries should also be during those hours.

These security and prevention measures are the first steps to reduce the impact of the heat stress (Wasti, 2020).

HOW CAN CALSEAGROW HELP POULTRY UNDER HEAT STRESS?
To mitigate heat stress, Phosphea created a unique blend of Peptic-oligosaccharides prebiotics and antioxidants specifically designed for layers and breeders. Due to its specific synergy between marine calcium and citrus extract, CalseaGrow provides prebiotic (POS) and antioxidant properties to the bird leading to better calcium mobilization for the bones and eggshell and control of oxidative stress caused by Heat Stress. By incorporating CalseaGrow at 1kg/ton of feed into their diet it is possible to enhance calcium deposition in both bones and eggshell increasing the shell quality of the egg.

Additionally, this innovative approach reduces the oxidative stress, improves feed intake during stress by increasing the nutrient absorption. It maintains and promotes gut health, which contribute to sustain egg production.

Our recommendation is: Supplement CalseaGrow 2 weeks before the heat wave, in order to help counteract the negative effects of heat stress.

Supporting poultry during heat stress: Risks and technical solutions yazısı ilk önce Feed & Additive Magazine üzerinde ortaya çıktı.

Heat stress in poultry production is a common reality; its effects are quite complex and harmful and depend on the intensity and duration of the exposure to high temperatures. The gut is affected by heat stress through several pathways, including organ ischemia and hypoxia, as well as oxidative stress. In heat stress challenges, the intestinal barrier is compromised because of lower tight junction protein expression, enterocyte damage, and microbiome unbalance, leading to gut health issues such as dysbiosis and necrotic enteritis.

By the Technical Team of EW Nutrition
Stress in animals can be defined as any factor causing disruptions to their homeostasis, their stable internal balance. Stress engenders a biological response to regain equilibrium.¹ We can distinguish four major types of stress in the poultry industry: Technological or management-related stress; environmental stress; nutritional stress, including due to heavy metals, mycotoxins, and low-quality ingredients; and internal stress, which is related to health status and health challenges.² All types of stress lead to molecular and cellular changes that decrease health and productivity.

CLIMATE CHANGE, THERMOREGULATION, AND STRESS
High environmental temperatures are among the most important environmental stressors for poultry production, causing significant economic losses in the industry.³ Climate change has increased the prevalence and intensity of heat stress conditions in most poultry production areas all over the world.^4,5

The optimum temperature for poultry animals’ well-being and performance – the so-called thermoneutral zone – is between 18 and 22°C. When birds are kept within this temperature range, they do not have to spend energy on maintaining a constant body temperature.⁶

Heat stress is the result of unsuccessful thermoregulation in the animals, as they absorb or produce a higher quantity of heat than they can lose. It means that there is a negative balance between the net amount of energy flowing from the animal to the environment and the energy it produces.⁷

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO HEAT STRESS IN POULTRY
This energy imbalance is influenced by environmental factors such as sunlight, thermal irradiation, air temperature, humidity, and stocking density, but also by animal-related factors such as body weight, feather coverage and distribution, dehydration status, metabolic rate, and thermoregulatory mechanisms.^7,8 When the environmental temperature is above the thermoneutral zone, the animals activate thermoregulation mechanisms to loose heat through behavioral, biochemical, and physiological changes and responses.^9-12

Heat stress can be classified into two main categories: Acute and chronic. Acute heat stress refers to a short and fast increase in environmental temperature (a few hours), whereas under chronic heat stress the high temperatures persist for more extended periods (several days). Some studies suggest that, in some circumstances, poultry animals show a degree of resilience to acute heat stress.^7,9,10 However, in the long-run, their compensatory mechanisms are not sufficient to maintain tissue integrity and thus health and performance.¹¹

THE ANIMAL’S RESPONSE TO HEAT STRESS
The exposure of poultry to heat stress changes the gene expression of cytokines, upregulates heat shock proteins (HSP), and reduces the concentration of thyroid hormones.^10,12 When heat stress persists, these cascades of cellular reactions result in tissue damage and malfunction.

The animals exposed to heat stress suffer adverse effects in terms of performance, which are widely known and include high mortality, lower growth and production (Figure 1), and a decline in meat and egg quality.^13,14

OXIDATIVE STRESS – A CONSEQUENCE OF HEAT STRESS
Oxidative stress, simply put, occurs when the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS – such as superoxide anions, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals) exceeds the antioxidant capacity of the cells.^6,14,15 Oxidative stress is regarded as one of the most critical stressors in poultry production as it is a response to diverse challenges affecting the animals.^2,17

At a cellular level, the metabolism of the animal – its energy production – generates ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), such as hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anions, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide. These usually are further processed by antioxidant enzymes produced by the cell^2,15, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Nutrients such as selenium and vitamins E, C, and A also participate in antioxidant processes.^2,5 When the generation of ROS exceeds the capacity of the antioxidant system, oxidative stress ensues.^2,16

Heat stress in poultry leads to higher cellular energy demand, promoting the generation of ROS in the mitochondria¹³, which exceed the antioxidant capacity of the organism. As a consequence, oxidative stress occurs in several tissues, leading to cell apoptosis or necrosis.¹¹ Among these tissues, the gastrointestinal tract can be highly affected.

Oxidative stress damages cell proteins, lipids, and DNA, and reduces energy generation efficacy.6 Moreover, oxidized molecules can take electrons from other molecules, resulting in a chain reaction. If not controlled, this reaction can cause extensive tissue damage.¹⁶

In response to oxidative stress, all antioxidants in the organism work together to re-establish homeostasis. Several steps in the oxidative stress response have been identified. Whether they take place depends on the intensity of the stressor, with ROS and RNS acting as signalling molecules. These steps include the internal synthesis of antioxidants, the activation of transcription factors or vitagenes, and the production of protective molecules (Figure 2).

OXIDATIVE STRESS’ EFFECTS ON THE GUT
In the gastrointestinal tract, oxidative stress and the consequent tissue damage lead to increased intestinal permeability. This facilitates the translocation of toxins and pathogens from the intestinal tract into the bloodstream (Figure 3).

Under oxidative stress conditions in the gut, there is a demand for antioxidants to counteract the excess of ROS; hence, dietary antioxidants can help reduce ROS and improve animal performance.¹⁵ Research shows that certain phytomolecules have antioxidant properties and improve performance under conditions of oxidative stress.^14,18-20

Thermoregulation: Changes in blood flow
The gastrointestinal tract is profoundly affected by heat stress in poultry: to help with heat dissipation, the thermoregulatory mechanism of the animal shifts visceral blood flow towards peripheral circulation. Organ ischemia and hypoxia follow, limiting gut motility, nutrient utilization, and feed intake.^5,14 Enterocytes are particularly sensitive to hypoxia and nutrient restriction, which leads to oxidative stress.^2,12

Changes in intestinal barrier’s tight junctions
Several studies indicate that both acute and chronic heat stress increase gut permeability, partly by increasing oxidative stress and by disrupting the expression of tight junction proteins.^5,21 Heat and oxidative stress in the gut result in intestinal cell injury and apoptosis. When the tight junction barrier is compromised, luminal substances leak into the bloodstream, which constitutes the condition described as “leaky gut”.^4,21

Changes in intestinal morphology
Heat stress in poultry affects intestinal weight, length, barrier function, and microbiota, resulting in animals that have lower total and relative weight of the small intestine, with shorter jejunum and duodenum, shorter villi (Figure 4), and reduced absorption areas, in comparison to non-stressed animals.^11,12,23-26

Changes in intestinal microbiome
Due to reduced feed intake and impaired intestinal function, the presence and activity of the commensal microbiota can also be modified. Heat stress can lead to reduced populations of beneficial microbes. At the same time, it can boost the growth of potential pathogens and lead to dysbiosis, increased gut permeability, as well as immune and metabolic dysfunction.²⁷ Burkholder et al. (2008) and Rostagno (2020) point out that pathogens such as Clostridia, Salmonella, and coliform bacteria increase in poultry exposed to heat stress, while the populations of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria decrease.

Necrotic enteritis
Heat stress in poultry causes damage in the gut microbiota, intestinal integrity, and villus morphology, as well as immunosuppression. Consequently, feed digestion and absorption decline.^11,12,28,29 These factors increase the risk of necrotic enteritis outbreaks^5,28,30,31, one of the most problematic bacterial diseases in modern poultry production.

In a study by Tsiouris et al. (2018), cyclical acute heat stress was found to increase the incidence and severity of necrotic enteritis in broilers challenged with C. perfringens, and to produce the disease in animals that were not exposed to the bacteria. Other signs, such as growth retardation and a reduced pH of the intestinal digesta, were also observed in the heat-stressed birds.

By lowering feed digestibility, increasing gut permeability, and compromising immunity, heat stress leaves animals more susceptible to gut-health related issues such as dysbacteriosis and necrotic enteritis – and thus increases the need to use antibiotics.

MITIGATION STRATEGIES
Most intervention strategies deal with heat stress through a wide range of measures, including environmental management, housing design, ventilation, sprinkling, and shading, amongst others.⁸ Understanding and controlling environmental conditions is always a part of heat stress management: it is crucial for ensuring animal welfare and achieving successful poultry production.

Feed management and nutrition interventions are also recommended, together with environmental management, to reduce the effects of heat stress in poultry. They include feeding pelletized diets with increased energy, higher fat inclusions, reduction of total protein, supplemental amino acids, higher levels of vitamins and minerals, and adjusting the dietary electrolyte balance.^1,12,18 Nutrition is crucial, and the use of the right diets aid in attenuating heat stress in birds.

Phytomolecules: Powerful antioxidants
It is practically impossible to avoid stress in commercial poultry production; hence it is common for animals to experience oxidative stress at times. Phytomolecules are natural antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and digestive properties^8,14, which have been shown to improve poultry performance, including during challenging periods. The antioxidant capacity of phytomolecules manifests itself in free radical scavenging, increased production of natural antioxidants, and the activation of transcription factors.^2,32,33

As compounds that have low bioavailability, they can remain at high concentrations within the intestine, when provided at the appropriate dosage and through encapsulation technology. Research has found that phytomolecules can effectively reduce intestinal ROS and thus alleviate heat stress in poultry^15,18-20, specifically mitigating oxidative stress in the intestine.

One heat stress study, for example, found that carvacrol elevates serum GSH-PX activity, compared to non-supplemented broilers.¹⁹ Other studies demonstrate that cinnamaldehyde also increases the activities of natural antioxidants in heat-stressed broilers.^32,35 A study by Prieto and Campo (2016) showed that dietary supplementation of capsaicin effectively alleviated heat stress, as indicated by a lower H/L ratio in supplemented animals.

Silibinin, a flavonolignan present in silymarin (milk thistle extract), is another powerful antioxidant. In the gastrointestinal tract, it can come into direct contact with cells, activating transcription factors such as Nrf2, and thus helping to upregulate the antioxidant protection.³⁴ Other phytomolecules, such as menthol and cineol, also aid animals under heat stress by simulating the sensory cold receptors of the oral mucosa. This gives them a cooling sensation and reduces heat stress behavior.¹⁸

References
¹ Das, S. et al., 2011. Nutrition in relation to diseases and heat stress in poultry. Veterinary World, 4(9), pp. 429-432.
² Surai, P. F., Kochish, I. I., Fisinin, V. I. & Kidd, M. T., 2019. Antioxidant defence systems and oxidative stress in poultry biology: An update. Antioxidants, 8(7).
³ St-Pierre, N., Cobanov, B. & Schnitkey, G., 2003. Economic Losses from Heat Stress by US Livestock Industries. Journal of Daairy Science, Volume 86
⁴ Tellez Jr., G., Tellez-Isaias, G. & Dridi, S., 2017. Heat stres and gut health in broilers: role of tight junction proteins. Advances in Food Technology and Nutritional Sciences, 3(1).
⁵ Lian, P. et al., 2020. Beyond heat stress: intestinal integrity disruption and mechanism-based intervention strategies. Nutrients, Volume 12.
⁶ Akbarian, A. et al., 2016. Association between heat stress and oxidative stress in poultry; mitochondrial dysfunction and dietary interventions with phytochemicals. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology, 7(37).
⁷ Lara, L. & Rostagno, M., 2013. Impact of heat stress on poultry production. Animals, Volume 3, pp. 356-369.
⁸ Saeed, M. et al., 2019. Heat stress management in poultry farms: a comprehensive overview. Journal of Thermal Biology, Volume 84, pp. 414-425.
⁹ Farag, M. & Alagawany, M., 2018. Phyisiological alterations of poultry to the high enviromental temperature. Journal of Thermal Biology, Volume 76, pp. 101-106.
¹⁰ Quinteiro-Filho, W. et al., 2010. Heat stress impairs performance parameters, induces intestinal injury, and decreases macrohage activity in broiler chickens. Poultry Science, Volume 89, p. 1905–1914.
¹¹ Santos, R. et al., 2015. Quantitative histo-morphometric analysis of heat-stress-related damage in the small intestines of broiler chickens. Avian Pathology, 44(1), pp. 19-22.
¹² Awad, E. et al., 2018. Growth performance, duodenal morphology and the caecal microbial population in female broiler chickens fed glycine-fortified low protein diets under heat stress conditions. British Poultry Science, 59(3), pp. 340-348.
¹³ Mujahid, A., Yoshiki, Y., Akiba, Y. & Toyomizu, M., 2005. Superoxide radical production in chicken skeletal muscle induced by heat stress. Volume 84, pp. 307-314.
¹⁴ Hu, R. et al., 2019. Polyphenols as potential attenuators of heat stress in poultry production. Antioxidants, 8(67).
¹⁵ Salami, S. et al., 2015. Efficacy of dietary antioxidants on broiler oxidative stress, performance and meat quality: science and market. Avian Biology Research, 8(2), pp. 65-78.
¹⁶ Lauridsen, C., 2019. From oxidative stress to inflammation: redox balance and immune system. Poultry Science, Volume 98, pp. 4240-4246.
¹⁷ Surai, P. F. & Fisinin, V. I., 2016. Vitagenes in poultry production: Part 1. Technological and enviromental stresses. World’s Poultry Science Journal, Volume 72.
¹⁸ Arab Ameri, S., Samadi, F., Dastar, B. & Zarehdaran, S., 2016. Efficiency of peppermint (Mentha piperita) powder on performance, body temperature and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens in heat stress condition. Iranian Journal of Applied Animal Science, 6(4), pp. 943-950.
¹⁹ Saadat Shad, H., Mazhari, M., Esmaeilipour, O. & Khosravinia, H., 2016. Effects of thymol and carvacrol on productive performance, antioxidant enzyme activity and certain blood metabolites in heat stressed broilers. Iranian Journal of Applied Animal Science, 6(1), pp. 195-202.
²⁰ Mishra, B. & Jha, R., 2019. Oxidative stress in the poultry gut: potential challenge and interventions. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 6(60).
²¹ Ruff, J. et al., 2020. Research Note: Evaluation of a heat stress model to induce gastrointestinal leakage in broiler chickens. Poultry Science, Volume 99, pp. 1687-1692.
²² Rostagno, M., 2020. Effects of heat stress on the gut health of poultry. Journal of Animal Science, 98(4).
²³ Abdelqader, A. & Al-Fataftah, A., 2016. Effect of dietary butyric acid on performance, intestinal morphology, microflora composition and intestinal recovery of heat-stressed broilers. Livestock Science, Volume 183.
²⁴ Jahejo, A. et al., 2016. Effect of heat stress and ascorbic acid on gut morphology of broiler chicken. Sindh University Research Journal, 48(4), pp. 829-832.
²⁵ Wu, Q. et al., 2018. Glutamine alleviates heat stress-induced impairment of intestinal morphology, intestinal inflammatory response, and barrier integrity in broilers. Poultry Science, Volume 97, pp. 2675-2683.
²⁶ Santos, R. et al., 2019. Effects of a feed additive blend on broilers challenged with heat stress. Avian Pathology, 48(6), pp. 582-601.
²⁷ Shi, D. et al., 2019. Impact of gut microbiota structure in heat-stressed broilers. Poultry Science, Volume 98, pp. 2405-2413.
²⁸ Burkholder, K. et al., 2008. Influence of stressors on normal intestinal microbiota, intestinal morphology, and susceptibility to Salmonella Enteritidis colonization in broilers. Poultry Science, Volume 87, pp. 1734-1741.
²⁹ Quinteiro-Filho, W. et al., 2012. Acute heat stress impairs performance parameters and induces mild intestinal enteritis in broiler chickens: role of acute HPA axis activation. Journal of Animal Science.
³⁰ Antonissen, G. et al., 2014. The Impact of Fusarium Mycotoxins on Human and Animal Host Susceptibility to Infectious Diseases. Toxins, 6(2).
³¹ Tsiouris, V. et al., 2018. Heat stress as predisposing factor for necrotic enteritis in broiler chicks. Avian Pathology, 47(6), pp. 616-624.
³² Abd El-Hack, M. et al., 2019. Herbs as thermoregulatory agents in poultry: An overview. Science of the Total Environment.
³³ Surai, P. F., 2020. Antioxidants in poultry nutrition and reproduction: An update. Antioxidants, 9(2).
³⁴ Surai, P. F., 2015. Silymarin as a natural antioxidant: An overview of the current evidence and perspectives. Antioxidants, 4(1).
³⁵ El-Maaty, A., Hayam, M., Rabie, M. & El-Khateeb, A., 2014. Response of heat-stressed broiler chicks to dietary supplementation with some commercial herbs. Asian Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 9(12), pp. 743-755.
³⁶ Prieto, M. & Campo, J., 2010. Effect of heat and several additives related to stress levels on fluctuating asymmetry, heterophil:lymphocyte ratio, and tonic immobility duration in White Leghorn chicks. Poultry Science, Volume 89, p. 2071–2077.

Managing heat stress in poultry: The role of oxidative stress and gut health yazısı ilk önce Feed & Additive Magazine üzerinde ortaya çıktı.

L-Arginine is a basic amino acid and serves as the most abundant nitrogen carrier in tissue proteins. In mammals, it is considered a conditionally essential amino acid. However, poultry are unable to synthesize arginine on their own, making it an essential amino acid that must be supplied through the diet. The dietary requirement for arginine in broilers varies with the season. During the summer, the requirement increases to support optimal growth under heat stress conditions, so higher levels of arginine should be included in the diet.

ARGININE IS AN ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID FOR BROILERS
Uric acid is the vehicle for nitrogen excretion in poultry metabolism. It originates from the purines which derive their nitrogen from amino acids. Therefore, arginine would not be expected to function in nitrogen transfer to the extent that it does in animals with an ornithine cycle (Figure 1). Klose (1938) and Leveille (1959) studied that arginine is essential for the growing chick as well as the adult bird. Arginine could not be replaced by ornithine and citrulline. Tamir and Ratner (1963) found that carbamyl phosphate synthetase has not been detected in any tissue, while ornithine transcarbamylase, argininosuccinate synthetase, and argininosuccinase lyase have been found in the kidney but not in the liver. Small amounts of argininosuccinate lyase activity were also presented in the spleen, pancreas, and intestinal tract. Jones et al. (1961) studied the enzymes of arginine metabolism in rats. Compared to the enzymes in rats, it can be concluded that arginine is essential for broilers because they lack carbamyl phosphate synthetase.

NUTRITIONAL EFFECT OF ARGININE IN BROILERS
The Requirements of Arginine in Broilers
Arginine is an essential amino acid for broilers. The requirement of arginine in broilers is affected by many factors such as breed, environment, etc. Moreover, Corzo (2020) indicated that the ratio of dArg/dLys increased as the birds’ age increased. The optimum dArg/dLys value to optimize BW gain and FCR from 1-14d was 106 for both parameters, however, it was determined to be 129 and 116 from 25 – 42d, respectively. The arginine requirement also increased in broilers fed diets without antibiotics. Ruan et al. (2020) demonstrated that growth performance of Qingyuan partridge chickens, which belong to the yellow-feathered broilers, was improved by increasing dietary Arg from 8.5 to approximately 12.0 g/kg in antibiotic-free diets. The study also showed that ileal secretary IgA levels were increased by Arg supplementation. Secretory IgA is the primary immunologic barrier preventing intraluminal pathogens from colonizing the intestinal mucosa, and this aids in maintaining homeostasis with the commensal microbiota. It may be expected that arginine plays important roles in intestinal health and immunity.

The Arginine Requirement Increases in Heat Stress
From market application experience, the requirement for arginine in broilers is different in different seasons. In the summer, nutritionists might appropriately increase the arginine level of the diets in order to avoid poor growth performance. A trial run by Sirathonpong et al. (2019) studied increasing arginine:lysine (Arg:Lys) requirement at high temperatures. Ross 308 broilers were reared under 27-30℃ and fed 5 different diets with Arg:Lys of 0.85, 0.95, 1.05, 1.16, and 1.26. Trial resulted in consistent improvements in feed conversion without any loss in growth and meat yield (results shown in Figure 2). Under heat stress, the organs such as the small intestine, liver, and spleen are experiencing ischemic and hypoxic conditions. Arginine was shown to have an important role in vasodilation and adversely changing blood flow. That may be why arginine plays a functional role under heat stress.

FUNCTIONAL EFFECT OF ARGININE IN BROILERS
Improve Intestinal Health
Zhang (2018) conducted six experiments to study the effects of L-arginine supplementation on the intestinal mucosal injury induced by the intestinal pathogenic bacteria in broiler chickens and related mechanisms. One experiment demonstrated L-arginine supplementation could inhibit Clostridium perfringens overgrowth and alleviate intestinal mucosal injury by promoting innate responses and maintaining intestinal barrier function. Dietary L-arginine supplementation prevented C. perfringens challenge-induced circulating arginine deficiency and normalized arginine transport and metabolism. L-arginine also plays a role in downregulated the activated JAK-STAT (jejunal Janus kinase, signal transducer and activator of transcription) signaling pathway. In another, L-arginine alleviated the intestinal inflammation and mucosal injury of chicken challenged by Clostridium perfringens. The arginine supplemented diet fed during the whole period exhibited more beneficial effects than that only fed during the infection stage.

Improve Immunity
Tan (2014) studied the effects of dietary L-arginine supplementation on growth performance, immunosuppression, inflammation, and intestinal barrier dysfunction in broiler chickens. The results demonstrated that additional dietary arginine supplementation is required to get the optimal growth performance and immune function for immunosuppressive broilers, and arginine supplementation attenuated IBDV (Infectious Bursal Disease Vaccine) inoculation induced immunosuppression via modulating circulating T cell subpopulations. Dietary arginine supplementation attenuated intestinal mucosal disruption of coccidiosis-challenged chickens probably through suppressing TLR4 and activating mTOR complex 1 pathway, and attenuated the overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines probably through the suppression of the TLR4 pathway and CD14+ cells percentage.

CONCLUSION
As an amino acid, arginine in poultry is essential. It plays a nutritional and functional role in broilers. The requirement of arginine is increased in antibiotic-free diets and during heat stress in order to ensure the growth performance of broilers.

About Xiaoli Dong
Getting her Ph.D in animal nutrition from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xiaoli Dong joined CJ BIO China in 2015 working in the amino acid technology department. Now, she works as a technical director and is responsible for the application and promotion of small variety amino acid in Chinese markets.

Arginine in broilers: Enhancing growth, immunity, and heat stress resilience yazısı ilk önce Feed & Additive Magazine üzerinde ortaya çıktı.

Heat stress compromises gut barrier function, creating favoring conditions for Clostridium perfringens proliferation and increased enteritis risk in broilers. Research demonstrates that specialized dietary solutions enhance mucosal integrity and tight junction protein expression while reducing pathogen load—translating to improved feed efficiency under challenging conditions. These findings reveal practical nutritional strategies that preserve gut homeostasis and maintain performance when temperatures rise.

Broiler production faces significant challenges when it comes to maintaining gut health and productivity, especially under heat stress conditions. One of the primary concerns is the increased risk of enteritis risk in broilers, driven by Clostridium perfringens proliferation and the development of necrotic enteritis, an important disease that can have severe consequences on broiler performance and producers’ profitability.

HEAT STRESS: OPENING THE DOOR TO CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS
Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) is an opportunistic pathogen that multiplies in the intestinal tract of broilers, particularly when there are excesses of nutrients and the gut barrier is compromised. Under heat stress conditions, broilers can have a cascade of physiological reactions such as the decrease of feed intake, poor nutrients’ absorption, furthermore in the broilers’ gut there can be disruption of the intestinal barrier function. All these changes can create favorable conditions allowing C. perfringens to proliferate and produce its potent toxins. The over-population of C. perfringens and its toxins can damage the intestinal epithelial cells, leading to necrosis and inflammation. This disruption of the intestinal barrier facilitates the bacteria and their toxins to penetrate deeper into the intestinal wall, further exacerbating the damage on broilers’ health and productivity.

YEAST POSTBIOTIC’S PROVEN CONSISTENT EFFECTS
Preserving Gut Health
Numerous studies have shown that Safmannan^®, a premium quality yeast postbiotic, has positive impact on the preservation of the broiler’s gut barrier and the reduction of Clostridium perfringens load in the intestinal tract, under various challenging conditions including heat stress challenge.

The intestinal environment represents a critical interface between nutrition and health. When this environment is compromised due to heat stress, it creates a pathway for pathogens to proliferate, leading to inflammation and reduced nutrient absorption. Maintaining physiological balance at the gut level is therefore essential for efficient feed conversion and growth in commercial poultry operations.

Cheng et al. observed that Safmannan^® has the ability to help heat stressed-birds preserving their gut barrier and function, by increasing Mucin 2 secretion – main component of mucus, and gut tight junction proteins such as claudin-5. The same effects have been observed by Bungo et al. Birds in Safmannan^® group, challenged by heat stress, exhibiting significant higher levels of Mucin 2 and claudin-5, compared to the ones in both non-challenged group and heat stress-challenged group (Figure 1 and 2).

This indicates that Safmannan^® helps preserve the birds’ gut barrier integrity and proper function under heat stress conditions.

Reducing Clostridium Perfringens Load
Various environmental and management factors can disrupt homeostasis in poultry, with heat stress being particularly problematic in many regions. When birds experience heat stress, they activate physiological mechanisms to dissipate heat, which often comes at the expense of productive functions. The resulting imbalance can lead to reduced feed intake, impaired gut function, and increased susceptibility to pathogens like C. perfringens.

Modern poultry production requires a deep understanding of these biological mechanisms to implement effective interventions. By supporting natural homeostatic processes, producers can minimize the negative impacts of stress factors and maintain optimal performance.

Santovito et al. have studied the effectiveness of Safmannan^® in adsorbing Clostridium perfringens. The researchers used an equilibrium isotherm approach to measure the capability of Safmannan^® to adsorb C. perfringens. The study found that Safmannan^® can effectively absorb C. perfringens in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with high affinity and capacity. The researchers also observed that the adsorption of C. perfringens by Safmannan^® resulted in a reduction in the viability of the pathogen. This suggests that the antimicrobial activity of Safmannan^® against C. perfringens can be attributed to an adsorption mechanism, where the yeast postbiotic components bind to the bacterial cells and interfere with their metabolic functions.

Furthermore, Alqhatani et al. demonstrated that adding Safmannan^® to broilers’ diet can significantly decrease Clostridium perfringens load in the gut of broilers reared under natural heat stress conditions, compared to the challenged, non-supplemented birds (Figure 3).

Improving Poultry Performance
In addition to its positive effects on gut barrier preservation and Clostridium perfringens reduction, Safmannan^® has also been shown to help mitigate the detrimental effects of heat stress on broiler productivity. Multiple trials conducted in different regions around the world have demonstrated Safmannan^® capacity to improve feed conversion ratios (FCR) and survival rates in broilers under severe heat stress conditions (Figure 4).

These improvements align with the fundamental principle that maintaining homeostasis leads to improved feed efficiency and better growth rates. When birds can allocate energy to productive functions rather than combating stress and pathogens, the economic benefits become evident through enhanced performance metrics.

By preserving gut integrity and reducing the risk of enteritis in broilers, Safmannan^® enables broilers to better withstand the challenges of heat stress and maintain optimal performance. This makes Safmannan^® a valuable tool in the battle against the negative impacts of heat stress in broiler production.

Implementation of management practices that support homeostatic balance is increasingly recognized as essential in modern poultry production. Nutritional strategies, including the use of specialized dietary solutions like Safmannan^®, represent an effective approach to helping birds maintain physiological equilibrium even under challenging conditions.

Environmental controls that minimize stress are equally important, as they work synergistically with nutritional interventions to support optimal functioning. The economic benefits of supporting natural homeostatic processes translate directly to improved profitability, making these approaches highly relevant to poultry producers.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Safmannan^® has been shown to be an effective solution in preserving the gut barrier and reducing the risk of Clostridium perfringens-induced enteritis in broilers under heat stress conditions. By adsorbing the pathogen and reducing its viability, Safmannan^® helps maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier and enables broilers to better withstand the challenges of heat stress. The incorporation of Safmannan^® into broiler heat stress management can enhance the resilience of the flock, optimize production efficiency, and ultimately, improve the profitability of broiler operations.

References
1. Cheng, Y. et al. (2019). Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product on growth performance, intestinal barrier function, and immune response of broilers under heat stress. Poultry Science, 100(1), 100805
2. Bungo et al., (2021), Evaluating the effect of Safmannan^® supplementation on broiler chicks subjected to high ambient temperature, WPC 2021
3. Santovito, E. et al. (2019). Equilibrium Isotherm Approach to Measure the Capability of Yeast Cell Wall to Adsorb Clostridium perfringens. Foodborne Pathogens and Disease, 16(9), 1-8
4. Alqhatani, H. et al. (2024). Dietary supplementation of prebiotic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall promotes

About Dr. Alain Riggi
With extensive field experience as Chief Veterinarian in various poultry production companies, Dr. Alain Riggi joined MSD Animal Health in 2010. Since then, he has held several key roles, including Poultry Technical Director for Europe and North & West Africa. As poultry veterinarian, one of Dr. Riggi’s core missions at Phileo by Lesaffre is to help large poultry producers in the world (US, China, EU, Brazil, Thailand, etc.) to identify the issues in their farms and provide solutions.

About Lin Wang
With over 15 years of experience in animal nutrition and health, including a decade specializing in the poultry sector, Lin Wang brings deep expertise to her role at Phileo by Lesaffre. She is passionate about advancing quality protein solutions to address global nutritional challenges. Through her work, Wang contributes to developing sustainable animal production systems that enhance both producer profitability and animal welfare, aligning scientific innovation with practical industry needs.

Preserving gut integrity and reducing enteritis risk in broilers under heat stress yazısı ilk önce Feed & Additive Magazine üzerinde ortaya çıktı.

Digestible arginine requirements in broilers have traditionally focused on specific ratios to lysine, but emerging research highlights benefits of exceeding historical norms. Higher ratios have shown positive effects on growth, immunity, gut health, and even resilience during heat stress and enteric challenges. The article explores how arginine’s multifunctional roles may be more critical than previously assumed—especially under stress conditions.

By Dr. Chance Williams, Director of Nutrition, Wayne Sanderson Farms Inc.
      Dr. Jason Lee, Product Development Director, CJ Bio America
Historically, nutritionists have used formulating ratios for digestible arginine to digestible lysine (dArg:dLys) between 103% and 107% for broilers. However, recent research has reported that ratios above 107% can have beneficial impacts on performance, health and stress. Benefits include additional body weight gain, efficiency and carcass yield by increasing the dArg:d Lys ratio to 112-115%. Additionally, elevated levels of dArg:dLys demonstrated improvements in intestinal function and integrity during an enteric challenge, as well as performance during protozoal and bacterial infections. The functional properties of arginine have also shown to assist the health and well-being of poultry when reared in elevated temperatures. Increasing arginine concentration above historical norms appears to better meet the nutritional requirement of poultry and prevents growth performance losses due to prioritization of this important nutrient to metabolic pathways other than growth.

ARGININE IS A FUNCTIONAL AMINO ACID
Arginine is an essential amino acid for broilers, known for its direct influence on growth (Kidd et al., 2001), immunity (Collier and Vallance, 1989), tissue healing (Efron and Barbul, 1998), and carcass traits (Corzo et al., 2003). Arginine is the most versatile amino acid and is involved in numerous physiological functions, serving as a substrate for the biosynthesis of nitric oxide, creatine, glutamine, glutamate, and ornithine (Khajali and Wideman, 2010). Arginine modulates the immune response directly through the production of nitric oxide and ornithine (Le Floc’h et al., 2004) and promotes the proliferation of lymphocytes in Peyer’s patches and stimulates the secretion of anabolic hormones such as growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 which promote protein synthesis and wound healing. Nitric oxide acts as a cytotoxic mediator of immune-activated cells and regulator of the immune system (Hibbs et al., 1988). Arginine also serves as a precursor for the synthesis of polyamines, which are important for cell division and gene expression (Le Floc’h et al., 2004).

In a recent evaluation of the optimal ratio of arginine to lysine in Ross 708 broiler males, Corzo et al., (2021) observed that the ratio needed to optimize body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and breast meat weight was 129%, 116%, and 112% respectively (Figure 1). Corzo et al. (2021) also reported linear increases in thigh weight and yield with increasing arginine ratio during the finisher phase, concluding higher dArg/dLys needs as the bird ages are likely due to the considerably high maintenance value of arginine in broilers. Performance enhancement with increasing arginine to lysine ratios were also reported by Oliveira et al., (2022) with a linear increase in body weight with arginine ratios ranging from 96% up to 124% of dLys with similar linear reduction in feed conversion ratio in Cobb 500 broilers. Anderson et al., (2023) also reported linear effects on body weight with increasing arginine ratios in Cobb 500 broilers.

Interestingly, Oliveira et al., (2022) evaluated an arginine dose response on skin thickness and strength in addition to the increasing arginine impact on muscle creatine level. The authors reported a linear increase in skin thickness (sampled from the left and right pelvic back region) and skin strength at 44 days of age as arginine ratio was increased from 94% to 124% of dLys. The highest evaluated arginine level of 124% of dLys resulted in a skin thickness of 1.211 mm and a strength of 10.171 mm as compared to 0.898 mm thickness and 5.154 mm strength from broilers fed a diet containing an Arg ratio of 106% of dLys, which is historically considered the requirements in broilers. The authors concluded that mitochondrial arginase located in the kidney can hydrolyze arginine into ornithine (Furakawa et al., 2021) and then ornithine into proline by the enzyme ornithine-aminotransferase. This benefit in skin quality could have significant impact on broiler health and wellbeing during grow out, as well as economic importance due to improved performance, less disease challenge, and decreased condemnations during processing. Andeson et al., (2024;2025) reported in two separate studies that increasing dietary arginine led to linear increases in serum ornithine levels, thus supporting the conclusions put forth by Oliveira et al. (2022).

IMMUNOLOGICAL BENEFITS
Fathima et al., (2024) demonstrated the immunological modulating effects of arginine during gastrointestinal challenge as an increase in dietary arginine decreased the CD8+:CD4+ T-cell ratio and down regulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes preventing inflammatory injury to the tissues during necrotic enteritis challenge in broilers. The beneficial immunological impacts of elevated arginine ratios were also documented by Yazdanabadi et al., (2020), who reported that increasing the dietary arginine concentration to 125% of recommended levels increased nitric oxide and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines in coccidiosis challenge broilers. This immunomodulation effects of arginine resulted in improved growth performance compared to 100% recommended arginine levels (Yazdanabadi et al., 2020). This downregulated expression of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes could prevent inflammatory tissue injury during enteric intestinal challenge.

Anderson et al., (2023) also observed effects on the immune system when feeding increasing levels of digestible arginine in addition to improvements in growth performance. In a dose response study with dArg:dLys ratios between 80% and 133%, quadratic analysis determined that the optimal ratio to maximize body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (95% of vertex) in Cobb 500 broilers was 116%. Additionally, following an LPS challenge, the infiltration of heterophils, production of nitric oxide and the ratio of heterophils to lymphocytes increased linearly with increasing arginine concentration. These data support the fact that arginine plays a pivotal role in the initiation of the immune response against a foreign antigen.

These immunomodulatory effects of arginine could benefit production animals during times of enteric challenge and allow improved growth performance and ability to effectively fight and clear a pathogenic infection. Necrotic enteritis is an economically important disease in broiler chickens causing intestinal damage and loss of performance. Zhang et al., (2019) demonstrated the antipathogenic properties of arginine in a necrotic enteritis model. Intestinal infection via a direct challenge resulted in significant lesion development and Clostridium perfringens recovery in the liver. The addition of L-arginine to increase the ratio to 123% of dLys significantly decreased Clostridium perfringens recovery in the liver, as well as observed lesion score in challenged broilers (Figure 2 -adopted from Zhang et al., 2019). Wang et al., (2024) reported the benefits of increasing arginine concentration on Clostridium perfringens’ α toxin-induced intestinal injury in broilers. Feeding increased levels of arginine increased broiler body weight, increased serum IgA and IgG, increased villus height and reduced crypt depth, decreased IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 and increased mTOR expression. Figure 2 (adopted from Wang et al. (2024) illustrates the beneficial impact of L-arginine supplementation on intestinal morphology during a challenge situation and the improved gastrointestinal health with longer and healthier villi and shorter crypt depth. This was observed simultaneously with reductions in proinflammatory cytokines and activation of the SLC38A9/mTORC1 pathway. Anderson et al., (2025) also reported benefits of increasing arginine level during a necrotic enteritis challenge as they evaluated a dose response of digestible arginine ratio to digestible lysine ranging from 80 to 150 in Ross 708 broilers subjected to a necrotic enteritis challenge model. Anderson et al., (2025) reported a linear decrease in broiler FCR during the recovery phase of challenge with increasing arginine concentration and reported an optimal arginine ratio for FCR during the dose response period of 123% dArg:dLys. These series of experiments provide a comprehensive view of the immunomodulatory potential of arginine administration and a mode of action for the induced performance benefits during challenge.

HEAT STRESS
The ability of elevated levels of arginine to provide benefits to poultry when experiencing heat stress is not a new concept. Brake et al., (1998) demonstrated that increasing the digestible arginine concentration positively benefited broiler body weight during periods of elevated temperatures. However, at the time of this publication in 1998, a commercially available option for a concentrated form of arginine was not available. With the introduction of feed grade L-arginine since 2016, dietary arginine concentrations can now be easily adjusted. Anderson et al., (2024) conducted an arginine dose response in broilers that were subjected to cyclic elevated temperatures (32 vs. 24 °C) in an effort to replicate summer conditions. In their study results, broilers fed increasing Arg ratios had linearly reduced cloacal temperatures at 46 days of age. This effect on core body temperature directly correlated with a linear reduction in observed feed conversion ratio and quadratic effects on breast meat yield with the apex of breast yield occurring at a ratio of 116%. These data demonstrate that the functional properties of arginine benefited the bird’s ability to handle elevated temperatures while providing sufficient arginine to maintain growth performance and yield.

CONCLUSIONS
Arginine is the most diverse essential amino acid necessary for numerous metabolic pathways that are essential for the health and wellbeing of an animal. Its roles in immunological functions, nitric oxide production, polyamines, creatine, proline synthesis and antioxidant capacity are vital to the ultimate performance of poultry and economic return. Due to the importance of these roles in health and wellbeing, providing less than adequate amounts of dietary arginine will force the animal to prioritize and potential lack sufficient amounts of arginine necessary for optimal economic performance, growth and yield.

References
1. Anderson, A., C. Beck, J. Santamaria, J. Lee, R. Adhikari, S. Rochell, and G. Erf. 2023. Influence of dietary arginine on local and systemic inflammatory responses to lipopolysaccharide in broilers. Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, PA. July 17, 2023
2. Anderson, A., J. Lee, R. Adhikari, and S. Rochell. 2024. Dietary arginine responses of Ross 708 broilers reared under cyclic elevated temperatures. International Poultry Scientific Forum. Alanta, GA. January 29, 2024
3. Anderson, A. J. Lee, R. Adhikari, R. Hauck, and S. Rochell. 2025. Dietary arginine response of Ross 708 broiler subjected to enteric challenge with Eimeria spp. And Clostridium perfringens. International Poultry Scientific Forum, Atlanta, GA January 27, 2025
4. Brake, J., D. Balnave, and J. Dibner. 1998. Optimum dietary arginine:lysine ratio for broiler chickens is altered during heat stress in association with changes in intestinal uptake and dietary sodium chloride. British Poultry Science 39:693-647. doi:10.1080/00071669888511
5. Collier, J., and P. Vallance. 1989. Second messenger role for NO widens to nervous and immune system. Trends Pharmacological Science. 10:427-431
6. Corzo, A., E. Moran, and D. Hoehler. 2003. Arginine need of heavy broiler males: applying the ideal protein concept. Poultry Science 82:402-407
7. Corzo, A., J. Lee, J. Vargas, M. Silva, and W. Pacheco. 2021. Determination of the optimal digestible arginine to lysine ratio in Ross 708 male broilers. Journal of Applied Poultry Research. 30:100136
8. Efron, D. and A Barbul. 1998. Modulation of inflammation and immunity by arginine supplements. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care 1:531-538
9. Fathima, S., W. Al Hakeem, R. Shanmugasundaram, and R. Selvaraj. 2024. Effect of arginine supplementation on growth performance, intestinal health, and immune response of broilers during necrotic enteritis challenge. Poultry Science 103:103815
10. Le Floc’h, N., D. Melchior, and C. Obled. 2004a. Modifications of protein and amino acid metabolism during inflammation and immune system activation. Livestock Production Science 87:37-45
11. Khajali, F., and R. F. Wideman. 2010. Dietary arginine; metabolic, environmental, immunological, and physiological interrelationships. World’s Poultry Science Journal 66:751-766
12. Kidd, M, E. Peebles, S. Whitmarsh, J. Yeatman, and R. Wideman. 2001. Growth and immunity of broiler chicks as affected by dietary arginine. Poultry Science 80:1535-1542
13. Oliveira, C., KK. Dias, R. Bernardes, T. Diana, R. Rodrigueiro, A. Calderano, and L. Albino. 2022. The effects of arginine supplementation through different ratios of arginine:lysine on performance, skin quality and creatine levels of broiler chickens fed diets reduced in protein content. Poultry Science 101:102148
14. Wang, X., T. Zhang, W. Li, H. Wang, L. Yan, X. Zhang, L. Zhao, N. Wang, and B. Zhang. 2024. Arginine alleviates Clostridium perfringens α toxin-induced intestinal injury in vivo and in vitro via the SLC38A9/mTORC1 pathway. Frontiers in Immunology. 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1357072
15. Yazdanabadi, F., G. Moghaddam, A. Nematollahi, H. Daghighkia, and H. Sarir. 2020. Preventative Vererinary Medicine 180:105031
16. Zhang, B., L. Gan, M.S. Shahid, Z. Lv, H. Fan, D. Liu, and Y. Guo. 2019. In vivo and in vitro protective effect of arginine against intestinal inflammatory response induced by Clostridium perfringens in broiler chickens. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology. 10:73. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40104-019-0371-4

New insights on digestible arginine requirements in broilers yazısı ilk önce Feed & Additive Magazine üzerinde ortaya çıktı.

Micro encapsulated phytogenics are transforming poultry nutrition, moving beyond early herbal blends toward precision formulations that stabilize active compounds and target their release in the digestive tract. These innovations promise improved feed efficiency, growth performance, and gut health while addressing handling and processing challenges. Trials show measurable economic benefits, yet the full potential of combining plant and marine bioactives continues to evolve, inviting further exploration.

THE CHANGING FACE OF PHYTOGENICS
In the 1980s and 1990s, when phytogenic feed additives first emerged on the market, they were greeted as a natural and promising alternative to antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs). Formulated from herbs, spices, and other aromatic plants, these early blends brought a welcome “green” dimension to poultry production. They were embraced for their antimicrobial effects, ability to stimulate digestion, and potential to improve feed efficiency. But they were also products of their time – created with limited manufacturing technologies, reliant on volatile compounds that often degraded during feed processing, and typically built on formulations shrouded in mystery. For many years, the sector saw incremental progress rather than transformational change.

The global ban on AGPs brought phytogenics into the spotlight, especially in broiler production, where nutritionists sought natural tools to close the performance gap left by antibiotics. These plant-based solutions broadened their scope: They could modulate gut microbiota, reduce inflammation, stimulate enzyme activity, and strengthen gut lining integrity. Yet, despite their promise, first-generation phytogenics were hampered by three recurring challenges: Stability during feed processing, palatability and handling safety, and a lack of transparent formulation backed by solid scientific evidence.

Today, the sector stands at a turning point. The market is no longer satisfied with generic herbal blends that depend on marketing rather than measurable results. Instead, poultry producers are demanding precision, consistency, and proof. This has given rise to a second generation of phytogenics, products designed with advanced extraction techniques, rigorous quality control, and above all, manufacturing innovations such as micro-encapsulation that allow active compounds to survive processing and reach their target site in the digestive tract. This shift is not just a matter of science; it is transforming poultry farm economics by delivering higher feed efficiency, better growth rates, and measurable returns on investment.

MOVING BEYOND THE “BLACK BOX” ERA
The early generation of herbal blends reflected the technological capabilities of their time. Simple grinding, milling, or crude distillation were used to obtain plant extracts, but these methods often failed to protect sensitive molecules from the heat, moisture, and pressure of feed manufacturing. Volatile oils would evaporate, phenolic compounds would oxidize, and efficacy could vary dramatically from one batch to the next. Worse, many products were dusty and irritant for feed mill workers, and their strong aromas sometimes reduced feed intake in poultry.

Modern poultry farming demands more. Today’s second-generation phytogenics address these shortcomings with a combination of scientific transparency and cutting-edge processing. One of the most transformative innovations is micro-encapsulation. Unlike simple coating, which offers limited protection, micro-encapsulation allows active ingredients to be embedded in a protective matrix. This stabilizes volatile compounds during storage and processing, ensures uniform distribution in feed, and enables targeted release exactly where they are most effective; usually in the small intestine, where nutrient absorption is most critical.

This precision is particularly valuable in poultry farming; indeed without targeted release, much of a phytogenic’s potential can be lost before it can act. Encapsulation also solves key safety and handling issues. Dust-free granules improve working conditions in feed mills, while the controlled aroma prevents negative effects on feed intake. Nuqo’s solution lies in XPR Technology, a proprietary micro encapsulation process that physically protects these sensitive bioactives and delivers them where they are needed most in the animal’s gastrointestinal tract. Unlike simple coatings or standard encapsulation, XPR creates multiple protective layers, ensuring thermal stability during pelleting or extrusion, preserving efficacy, targeted release in the intestine, where bioactives can exert the greatest effect and synergistic action between plant and seaweed components, boosting immune function, modulating gut microbiota, and improving nutrient utilization (Figure 1).

The technological leap is not only in the delivery system but also in the source of active molecules. While plants remain at the core of phytogenic development, the exploration of marine algae (phycogenics) is opening new frontiers. Certain algae metabolites have shown unique effects on gut health and immunity, adding complementary modes of action to those of traditional herbs and spices. The combination of plant and algae bioactives, delivered through robust micro-encapsulation, is setting a new industry standard for efficacy, stability, and profitability.

TRIAL RESULTS – MEASURING PERFORMANCE, PROVING PROFITABILITY
The transition from first-generation herbal blends to high-precision phytogenics is not just theoretical. Trials around the world have repeatedly demonstrated the tangible benefits of these advanced formulations in commercial poultry production. One example is Nuqo NEX (NQ), a second-generation solution combining high concentrations of active metabolites from both plants and marine algae, protected by proprietary micro-encapsulation technology. The formulation ensures superior concentration and stability compared to conventional solutions, integrating phytogenic compounds derived from thyme, cinnamon, and clove with phycogenic bioactives from Ascophyllum nodosum.

In a 39-day trial at the University of Arkansas, male Cobb 500 broilers were raised on a standard US three-phase diet (Starter, Grower, Finisher). Starter feeds were pelleted and crumbled, while Grower and Finisher diets were fed as pellets – conditions that typically challenge the stability of volatile phytogenic compounds. NQ was applied at 100 g/ton from day 0 to day 39 in the treatment group, while the control group received the basal diet only (Figure 2).

By the end of the trial, control birds achieved body weight gains close to their genetic potential. Yet, the NQ group gained an additional 57 grams per bird and improved feed conversion ratio by 2.1 points compared to controls. In practical terms, this meant that the supplemented birds not only matched but exceeded their genetic performance expectations for body weight, while moving closer to optimal feed efficiency. Economic analysis, based on prevailing US feedstuff prices, calculated a return on investment of 3:1 for the farm, demonstrating that the additional cost of supplementation was more than offset by gains in performance.

Beyond growth and feed efficiency, NQ supplementation improved carcass and breast yields without increasing the incidence of meat quality defects such as woody breast or white striping. Other meat quality parameters, including pH, drip loss, and color, were unaffected, confirming that the performance improvements did not come at the expense of product quality.

This trial is part of a broader body of evidence, with over 30 studies worldwide documenting the benefits of this second-generation technology across broilers, layers, and other species. The consistency of results, across different diets, climates, and feed processing methods, highlights one of the most important advantages of high-precision phytogenics: they work reliably in real-world conditions, not just in laboratory settings.

A NEW STANDARD FOR POULTRY NUTRITION
The evolution of phytogenics from generic herbal blends to high-precision, micro-encapsulated formulations marks a decisive turning point in poultry nutrition. The first generation played an important pioneering role, introducing the concept of plant-based performance enhancers and paving the way for antibiotic-free production. But the demands of modern farming, greater transparency, consistent efficacy, worker safety, and demonstrable economic returns, have rendered many of these older solutions obsolete.

Second-generation phytogenics, exemplified by products like NQ technology, offer a fundamentally different value proposition. They combine carefully selected plant and algae bioactives, produced and processed with scientific precision, and delivered through micro-encapsulation that protects, stabilizes, and targets their activity. The result is a reliable improvement in performance metrics such as body weight gain and feed conversion, alongside enhanced meat yield and quality, all translating into measurable profitability for the farmer.

For an industry facing tight margins, volatile feed prices, and increasing consumer demand for sustainable production, these innovations are more than just an upgrade – they are a necessity. Continued research into new natural metabolites, coupled with further refinement of encapsulation and delivery technologies, promises to push the boundaries of what phytogenics can achieve.

The era of herbal blends as “black box” solutions is over. Poultry producers now have access to transparent, scientifically validated, and economically proven phytogenic technologies. The next decade will likely see these high-precision products become the norm, setting new standards for performance, profitability, and sustainability in poultry farming.

About Dr. Stephanie Ladirat
Currently working as Nuqo’s Technology Director, Dr. Stephanie Ladirat obtained her MSc degree in Food Technology with a specialization in Food Ingredient and Functionality and her PhD degree in Food Chemistry from Wageningen University (The Netherlands). During her PhD thesis, she studied in depth the human gut microbiota composition and its modulation upon prebiotic supplementation and/or antibiotic treatments. From 2014 till 2020, she worked at Cargill Animal Nutrition, first as technology lead for gut health additives and, then, as swine portfolio manager. She provided global technical product support for a broad range of products (phytogenics, organic acids, short and medium chain fatty acids, probiotics) and trained technical and sales teams. She most recently managed R&D projects and developed innovative feed additive solutions to answer specific customer needs related to animal gut health and performance.

Micro Encapsulated Phytogenics: Redefining poultry performance and profitability yazısı ilk önce Feed & Additive Magazine üzerinde ortaya çıktı.

Feed pathogen control is a critical control point for Salmonella and other pathogens that compromise both food safety and production performance. Research analyzing multiple intervention strategies confirms feed contamination is both pervasive and persistent. Microbial-based interventions, postbiotics, bacteriophages, organic acid blends, heat treatment, and coarse grain diets demonstrate measurable effectiveness, while feed sanitizers provide both initial pathogen elimination and sustained recontamination protection.

Feed represents a key critical control point for Salmonella and other pathogens that compromise both food safety and production performance. As diagnostic capabilities advance through whole genome sequencing and CRISPR Sero-Seq technology, the question shifts from whether feed can harbor dangerous serotypes, to which interventions can effectively control them while preventing recontamination.

FEED CONTAMINATION DYNAMICS
Research analyzing multiple intervention strategies confirms that feed contamination with Salmonella is both pervasive and persistent (Bourassa et al, 2018; Chaney et al, 2022; Vilá et al, 2009). Historical data mapping Salmonella prevalence through feed mills shows contamination levels beginning at 27% during ingredient reception, decreasing to 6.5% immediately post-pelleting, then nearly doubling to 12.9% before loadout (Nape 1968; Hacking 1978; Jones 1991, 2004; Davies 1997; Whyte 2003). This recontamination pattern demonstrates that effective pathogen control must address both initial elimination and sustained protection throughout distribution.

Research has demonstrated that Salmonella serotypes isolated during poultry processing link to those found in feed mills, with studies showing over half of processing plant isolates trace back to feed sources (Corry 2002; Shirota 2000), reinforcing the need for comprehensive feed pathogen management strategies.

TREATMENT EFFICACY: THE EVIDENCE BASE
Microbial-Based Approaches
Microbial-based interventions operate through distinct mechanisms. Probiotics establish competitive exclusion by colonizing gut niches and producing antimicrobial compounds that create unfavorable conditions for pathogen growth.

Studies have shown that probiotic interventions demonstrate measurable effectiveness against Salmonella. For example, Knap et al (2011) documented that Bacillus subtilis DSM17299 achieved 58% reduction in Salmonella-positive samples while reducing cecal loads by 3 log units over 42 days. Vilá et al (2009) reported complete elimination in broilers (0% versus 42% in controls) using Bacillus cereus var. toyoi.

Postbiotics deliver bioactive metabolites and immunomodulatory factors that enhance intestinal barrier function and stimulate protective immune responses without requiring live organisms. Chaney et al (2022) found Saccharomyces cerevisiae-derived postbiotics reduced cecal prevalence from 12.2% to 3.4% (p = 0.0006) in a trial involving approximately 112,800 birds.

Bacteriophages provide highly targeted antimicrobial action through species-specific lysis of Salmonella cells while preserving beneficial microbiota. A study assessing bacteriophage delivery via feed achieved up to 100% reduction in some treatment groups with statistically significant load reductions (Thanki et al 2023).

NON-MICROBIAL APPROACHES
Organic acid blends can show measurable benefits. Bourassa et al (2018) found formic acid treatment (4 kg/ton over 6 weeks) reduced cecal positivity to 0% compared to 17% in controls, while combination treatments achieved 35% versus 60% positivity rates.

Physical modifications to feed can also demonstrate efficacy. Santos et al (2008) reported coarse grain diets resulted in lower cecal Salmonella loads (3.8-3.9 log MPN/g) compared to fine grain diets (4.4 log MPN/g), suggesting feed particle size represents an underutilized control parameter.

Treatments—including heat treatment and organic acids— act in feed to provide effective initial pathogen reduction but offer limited protection against recontamination during handling, transport, and storage.

Heat treatment exemplifies this limitation. While pelleting at 80-85°C for 20-40 seconds reduces general microbial load, it fails to achieve Salmonella elimination and provides no residual protection. Even extended protocols (6 minutes at 86°C) cannot prevent post-processing contamination from the moment the feed cools post-extrusion and during handling between mill and feeder.

Organic acids face similar constraints. Despite bacteriostatic properties and demonstrated efficacy at high inclusion rates, they do not actively protect feed from recontamination occurring during ingredient transport, mill processing, finished feed storage, delivery to farms, and bin-to-feeder transfer.

FEED SANITIZERS: ADDRESSING THE PROTECTION GAP
Over 40 years of research evidences that feed sanitizers represent the only commercially available solution providing both initial pathogen elimination and sustained recontamination protection. Wales et al (2013) documented that formaldehyde-based feed sanitizers, such as Termin-8®, effectively reduced Salmonella contamination while preventing recontamination throughout extended storage periods.

Recent Animal Plant and Health Agency work demonstrated that formaldehyde-free feed sanitizer, Finio®, controlled Salmonella more effectively at 1 kg/MT inclusion rates than organic acid blends applied at 6 kg/MT—significant for both efficacy and cost-effectiveness (Gosling et al., 2021). Research by Dr. Haraldo Toro expanded feed sanitizer effectiveness beyond bacteria, demonstrating avian influenza virus inactivation within feed matrices.

Feed sanitizers provide protection extending at least 14 days post-application, addressing the recontamination challenge limiting other strategies. This protection window covers typical mill-to-consumption timeframes, ensuring pathogen-free feed delivery to food-producing animals.

IMPLEMENTATION AND SELECTION CRITERIA
Continuous feed sanitation throughout the production cycle provides greater protection than partial approaches, as benefits accumulate over time to suppress pathogens more effectively. Early application is especially important, since exposure during initial gut development can establish long-lasting colonization that is difficult to control later. Collaborative research between Anitox and Colorado Quality Research has shown that birds receiving sanitized diets during critical windows may be better able to withstand enteric disease challenges, with lower mortality, reduced lesion scores and improved performance—highlighting the value of sustained, cycle-long interventions.

When evaluating feed pathogen control options, producers should consider two fundamental requirements:
Efficacy: Different treatments demonstrate varying capabilities against target pathogens. While some reduce general microbial load, specific pathogen elimination requires targeted approaches with documented effectiveness against Salmonella.

Sustained Protection: The feed mill and the extensive feed distribution network create ongoing recontamination risks from the point of extrusion in the mill all the way through to the feeder. Interventions providing residual protection offer advantages over those effective only at application point.

Feed pathogen management represents a practical component of comprehensive food safety programs. Research demonstrates multiple intervention categories can achieve measurable Salmonella reduction, with varying effectiveness and protection duration.

Producers implementing feed pathogen control strategies should evaluate options based on demonstrated efficacy, practical application requirements, and ability to maintain protection throughout the distribution chain. The goal remains straightforward: Ensuring feed quality at the mill translates to feed safety at the feeder.

As the industry optimizes production efficiency while maintaining food safety standards, evidence-based feed pathogen management strategies provide valuable tools for achieving both objectives simultaneously.

References
1. Al-Nass, A. Y., Al-Zenk, S. F., Al-Saff, A. E., Abdulla, F. K., Al-Baho, M., & Mashaly, M. (2011). Zeolite as a feed additive to reduce Salmonella and improve production performance in broilers
2. Bourassa, D., Wilson, K., Ritz, C., Kiepper, B., & Buhr, R. J. (2018). Evaluation of the addition of organic acids in the feed and/or water for broilers and the subsequent recovery of Salmonella Typhimurium from litter and ceca. Poultry Science, 97(1), 64-73
3. Chaney, W., Naqvi, S. A., Gutierrez, M., Gernat, A., Johnson, T., & Petry, D. (2022). Dietary inclusion of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae-derived postbiotic is associated with lower Salmonella enterica burden in broiler chickens on a commercial farm in Honduras. Microorganisms, 10(6), 1123
4. Knap, I., Kehlet, A. B., Bennedsen, M., Mathis, G., Hofacre, C., Lumpkins, B., Jensen, M. M., Raun, M., & Lay, A. (2011). Bacillus subtilis (DSM17299) significantly reduces Salmonella in broilers. Poultry Science, 90(12), 2787-2796
5. Santos, F. B. O., Sheldon, B. W., Santos, A., & Ferket, P. R. (2008). Influence of housing system, grain type, and particle size on Salmonella colonization and shedding of broilers fed triticale or corn-soybean meal diets. Poultry Science, 87(3), 405-420
6. Thanki, A., Hooton, S. P. T., Whenham, N., Salter, M., Bedford, M., O’Neill, H. M., & Clokie, M. R. J. (2023). A bacteriophage cocktail delivered in feed significantly reduced Salmonella colonization in challenged broiler chickens. Emerging Microbes and Infections, 12(1), 2181578
7. Vilá, B., Fontgibell, A., Badiola, I., Esteve-Garcia, E., Jiménez, G., Castillo, M., & Brufau, J. (2009). Reduction of Salmonella enterica var. Enteritidis colonization and invasion by Bacillus cereus var. toyoi inclusion in poultry feeds. Poultry Science, 88(5), 975-979
8. Wales, A. D., Carrique-Mas, J. J., Rankin, M., Bell, B., Thind, B. B., & Davies, R. H. (2010). Review of the carriage of zoonotic bacteria by arthropods, with special reference to Salmonella in mites, flies and litter beetles. Zoonoses and Public Health, 57(5), 299-314

About Dr. Alastair Thomas
With a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Bath, Dr. Alastair Thomas is the Global Head of Poultry Nutrition and Health at Anitox, where he leads a worldwide team of technical experts across 68 countries. A microbiologist by training, he focuses on optimizing poultry gut health, feed hygiene, and biosecurity, with particular expertise in early-life microbiome development and its impact on bird performance. He has contributed extensively to advancing antimicrobial-free production practices by highlighting the role of feed as a critical control point for pathogens such as Salmonella, Enterobacter, and Clostridia. Widely recognized as a thought leader in the field, Dr. Thomas integrates scientific research with practical, data-driven solutions to help producers safeguard flocks, improve nutrient absorption, and unlock the genetic potential of birds.

Feed Pathogen Control: Evidence-based approaches to salmonella reduction in poultry production yazısı ilk önce Feed & Additive Magazine üzerinde ortaya çıktı.

Modern egg production is increasingly focused on the goal of a 100-week laying period and 500 eggs per hen, while maintaining consistent eggshell quality. As hens age, calcium metabolism and shell formation become critical limiting factors for productivity and profitability. Activated vitamin D supports efficient calcium absorption and mobilization, helping sustain eggshell strength and laying performance throughout extended laying cycles.

By Phytobiotics Futterzusatzstoffe GmbH
Commercial egg producers are striving to produce more eggs with adequate eggshell quality within one laying period of their hens. Some poultry farmers already achieve the target of 500 eggs in 100 weeks by adjusting breeds, management and nutrition. These are great examples of how modern hens can achieve performance goals unimaginable only 10-20 years ago. Active D Product Manager Murat Devlikamov explains:

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN TERMS OF EXTENDED LAYING TIME?
Modern laying hens are truly high-performance animals that lay an egg almost every day. However, the eggs need to have a proper eggshell in order to be marketable; if this is not the case, economic losses are inevitable.

The eggshell requires calcium, which is mobilized from the feed and bones. The weight of the eggshell of the total egg mass remains relatively constant throughout the laying period as its share is genetically predetermined. Consequently, as the egg is getting larger, the eggshell is getting thinner. Considering the fact that the eggshell consists of 96% calcium carbonate the importance of calcium supply is evident to ensure stable eggshells. With age, shell thickness also decreases, because calcium availability reduces. As a result, the breaking strength of the eggshell declines and more and more eggs show cracks or abnormalities.

In the first half of the laying period, the percentage of broken eggs is neglectable, but increases in the second laying period and requires feeding-related or management measures.

HOW ACTIVATED VITAMIN D HELPS
It is not only the size of the egg that influences the breaking strength of the eggshell. It is also a proper absorption, mobilization and transport of calcium. Vitamin D is an essential molecule which activates calcium transport and influences its absorption rate. Because of the importance of both, a supplementation with vitamin D and calcium should be ensured throughout the whole production period. Unfortunately, it is not always the case, especially in older laying hens, as the function of organs such as liver and kidneys is impaired by environmental influences. The production of specific enzymes involved in the metabolization of vitamin D declines. The availability of calcium in bones also decreases as reserves are depleted. In this case plant based Active D may help as it provides the already activated vitamin D glycosides which are directly available for the hen.

Activated vitamin D offers the advantage that it does not require the vitamin D metabolic pathway and is therefore not dependent on enzymes or organs functionality. As a result, the mobilization of calcium from the feed is maintained in critical phases and more calcium is available for the formation of the eggshell.

A field study conducted by the University of Sydney and described below shows the positive effect of Active D in old hens.

USE OF ACTIVE D IN OLDER BROWN LAYING HENS
A total of 240 Hy-Line Brown layer hens, 55 weeks of age, were purchased from a commercial laying farm and housed in the high-rise layer facility at the University of Sydney’s Camden Campus. After an adaptation period of 5 weeks, during which the hens received standard commercial feed, the trial started. The animals were allocated into three groups. A control group with standard vitamin D levels in a control diet. Treatment 1 consisted of a control diet plus 75 g of activated vitamin D₃ product/ton of feed, while Treatment 2 consisted of the control diet plus 125 g of activated vitamin D₃ product/ton of feed. From the 60th week, following relevant data was collected, among others: Egg production, eggshell breaking strength, and eggshell thickness.

PROMISING RESULTS
In both treatment groups, shell thickness was maintained relatively throughout the trial, while dropped notably in the control birds at 80 weeks of age. Concurrently, supplementation of both concentrations of activated vitamin D₃ maintained eggshell thickness compared to the control diet, indicating that activated vitamin D₃ may counteract the decrease of shell thickness frequently observed as hens age, because it ensures the calcium absorption and transport to the eggshell. Significant improvements in relative shell weight and thickness indicate that supplementing activated vitamin D₃ in older laying hens may benefit eggshell quality. Additionally, a numerical increase of laying performance indicates that the overall productivity is maintained compared to the control group. This finding shows that Active D is a promising tool for egg producers to achieve the goal of 100 weeks and 500 eggs and thus enables longer economic production.

More eggs, stronger shells: The role of activated vitamin D yazısı ilk önce Feed & Additive Magazine üzerinde ortaya çıktı.

Our understanding of how nutrition influences growth and resilience in poultry has greatly expanded in recent years. It is now clear that animal performance stems to a large extent from a balance between metabolism, immune function, and the gut microbiome. These systems interact continuously, and even small nutritional or environmental changes can shift the animals’ physiological response. This growing knowledge has encouraged the development of nutritional strategies and feed components that work through adaptive, non-antibiotic mechanisms. One recent proposed explanation for these responses has rapidly gained ground: hormetic modeling.

Hormetic modeling describes how small or moderate doses of nutritional components can activate beneficial adaptive responses (improved resilience or metabolic efficiency), while excessive doses become harmful. This idea parallels, largely speaking, Paracelsus’s famous principle: “The dose makes the poison.” In poultry nutrition, such hormetic patterns are well recognized in nutrients like trace elements (selenium, zinc) and specific amino acids (for example, arginine). At optimal levels, these nutrients support antioxidant defense, growth, and immune balance, whereas excessive intake may cause oxidative or metabolic stress
This review examines the hormetic principle and its application to modern poultry/swine feeding concepts, exploring how balanced nutrient design and controlled inclusion of bioactive compounds can strengthen cellular adaptation, improve stress tolerance, and enhance production efficiency.

HOW DO AGPs ACTUALLY WORK?
Despite AGP’s widespread historical use, the precise mechanisms by which subtherapeutic doses of antibiotics enhance animal productivity remained poorly understood. Recent advances in systems biology and mitochondrial research propose new answers, much needed to develop future advanced nutritional systems.

The traditional explanations for AGP efficacy have focused primarily on antimicrobial effects:
• reducing nutrient competition from microorganisms
• decreasing harmful bacterial metabolites
• improving gut wall morphology (thinner gut wall → better nutrient absorption)
• preventing subclinical infections

However, these mechanisms alone could not fully explain why different classes of antibiotics with diverse mechanisms of action produce similar growth-promoting effects (Gutierrez-Chavez et al., 2025).

Niewold (2007) hypothesized that the primary mechanism of AGPs is non-antibiotic anti-inflammatory activity, reducing the energetic costs of chronic low-grade inflammation. Inflammation diverts nutrients from growth toward immune responses, with cytokine production (particularly IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) suppressing anabolic pathways (Kogut et al., 2018). AGPs appear to selectively inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine production without completely suppressing immune function.

A paper published in 2024 by Fernandez Miyakawa et al. proposes that antibiotics at subtherapeutic levels act primarily through mitochondrial hormesis and adaptive stress responses, and not simply through antimicrobial activity. In this model, mitochondria act as bioenergetic hubs and signaling centers. Low-dose antibiotics trigger mild mitochondrial stress, which triggers the activation of adaptive protective pathways. This in turn induces mitokine release, leading to systemic adaptive responses improving growth, feed efficiency, and disease tolerance.

MECHANISM OF ACTION IN THE HORMETIC MODEL OF AGP EFFICIENCY
Hormesis is a biphasic mechanism whereby high doses are toxic, but low doses stimulate adaptive responses and are beneficial. In the case of AGPs, Fernandez Miyakawa et al. propose that low doses stimulate growth, stress resistance, and cellular repair.

KEY SIGNALING PATHWAYS
As Bottje et al. (2006, 2009) shows, efficient animals often have mitochondrial inner membranes that are less permeable to protons and other ions, allowing for more effective coupling between electron transport and ATP synthesis, which reduces energy loss through proton leak and maximizes the production of ATP per oxygen molecule consumed. Lower membrane permeability is influenced by factors like decreased membrane surface area per protein mass, specific membrane protein content (such as adenine nucleotide translocase), and fatty acid composition in the membrane phospholipids, all contributing to a tighter barrier that prevents unregulated electron or proton flow and supports higher energetic efficiency. Such features make mitochondria in efficient species more capable of maintaining membrane integrity and ATP generation, especially when facing environmental stress, as seen in freeze-tolerant animals whose mitochondria do not undergo damaging permeability transitions under extreme conditions.

Nrf2
Many AGPs interfere with mitochondrial protein synthesis and electron transport chain. At subtherapeutic levels, they cause a mild ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) increase, which triggers the activation of redox-sensitive transcription factor Nrf2. Since Nrf2 regulates over 250 antioxidant, detoxification, and anti-inflammatory genes, the result is improved cell survival, redox balance, and tolerance to stress (Petri et al., 2012).

Mitokine production
Mitokines are “signaling molecules that enable communication of local mitochondrial stress to other mitochondria in distant cells and tissues” (Burtscher et al., 2023). Through fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), adrenomedullin2 (ADM2) etc, these stress signals are released systemically and coordinate tissue-wide responses, leading to improved growth and resilience.

INFLAMMATION AND DISEASE DEFENSE
While the negative side of antibiotic growth promoters is well researched and understood (Rahman et al., 2022), science can advance by isolating the positive effects and attempting to offer different pathways to the same benefits. One such lesson can be derived from understanding inflammation pathways and responses.

Chronic low-grade intestinal inflammation is common in modern poultry production, due to diet, microbiota shifts, high metabolic demands etc. This inflammation diverts energy from growth to immune responses.

AGPs reduce the energy costs of this inflammation in three main ways:
• Reduces inflammation through adaptive stress response
• Raising the threshold to trigger inflammation
• Promoting overall resilience, rather than simply killing pathogens

Fernandez Miyakawa et al. suggest, in this emerging model, that disease defense can operate two different actions: resistance to health challenges through reduction of the pathogen load (which is driven by the immune system and is energy costly); and overall resilience by reducing host damage without reducing the pathogen load. AGPs, the authors claim, mainly promote resilience by enhancing mitochondrial stress responses and tissue repair, i.e. more precisely:
• Direct mitochondrial stimulation in intestinal epithelial cells
• Systemic mitokine signaling coordinating organism-wide adaptive responses
• Selective microbiota modulation enhancing beneficial host-microbe interactions
• Improving resilience without immune system costs
• Metabolic optimization supporting growth and feed efficiency

In this context, “metabolic optimization” refers to the enhancement of metabolic processes within livestock or poultry to support efficient growth, feed conversion, and physiological resilience, without relying on immune-mediated pathways that are energetically costly. Scientific evidence shows that metabolic optimization involves improving nutrient assimilation, promoting more efficient energy production in tissues (such as mitochondrial ATP synthesis), and minimizing wasteful metabolic byproducts, resulting in reduced feed intake per unit of growth and better utilization of dietary nutrients (Rauw 2025, El-Hack 2025).

FUNCTION OF FEED ADDITIVES AND FEED COMPONENTS
Feed additives and feed components in many ways represent the complete other side of the spectrum from antibiotics, but are there some features where antibiotics and feed additives come close in their functions? There is a good case to be made for certain feed additives ultimately working in the animal to achieve similar benefits to the desirable, non-medicinal usage of AGPs. Especially with the emergent model of AGP mechanism described above, it is worth discussing how certain feed additives can support the same end goal: promoting animal resilience.

Lillejhoj et al (2018), Gutierrez-Chavez et al. (2025) and others outline the end-results such products must achieve:
• Growth performance & feed conversion efficiency
• Promotion of animal productivity under
real-world conditions
• Support gut homeostasis
• Non-adverse effect on the immune system
• Reduction of oxidative stress
• Support organism in mitigation of enteric inflammatory consequences

Within the hormetic model, possibly the most important systemic benefit is, in one phrase, promoting resilience. Phytomolecules have long been used, in human and animal medicine, for the same end goal. The mechanisms described below should naturally be seen with caution, as phytomolecule microbiome effects can be subtler and context-dependent. However, the substantiating literature has been increasingly accumulating on these specific topics.
1. Immunometabolic regulation
Phytomolecules demonstrate remarkably similar anti-inflammatory effects to what Niewold (2007) suggested was a primary mechanism of AGPs: non-antibiotic anti-inflammatory activity, reducing the energetic costs of chronic low-grade inflammation. Inflammation diverts nutrients from growth toward immune responses, with cytokine production (particularly IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) suppressing anabolic pathways (Kogut et al., 2018). AGPs appear to selectively inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine production without completely suppressing immune function. A similar effect can be observed with various types of phytomolecules, which significantly reduced pro-inflammatory and/or increased anti-inflammatory cytokine expression in animals challenged with several pathogens. The anti-inflammatory mechanism appears to involve inhibition of NF-κB activation and modulation of MAPK signaling pathways (Kim et al., 2010; Long et al., 2021).

2. Mitochondrial hormesis and energy metabolism
Fernández Miyakawa et al. (2024, see above) proposed that AGPs exert growth-promoting effects through mitochondrial hormesis – subtherapeutic antibiotic doses induce mild mitochondrial stress, triggering adaptive responses that enhance mitochondrial function, energy metabolism, and cellular resilience. This mechanism, while requiring further validation, explains why different antibiotics with diverse targets produce similar growth outcomes.

The mitochondrial stress response involves activation of the IL-6 receptor family signaling cascade, which regulates metabolism, growth, regeneration, and homeostasis in liver and other tissues (Perry et al., 2024). Subtherapeutic antibiotic exposure activates proteins involved in growth and proliferation through IL-6R gp130 subunit signaling, including JAK, STAT, mTOR, and MAPK pathways.

Phytomolecules demonstrate similar mitochondrial effects. Perry et al. (2024) showed that increased activity of AMPK, mTOR, PGC-1α, PTEN, HIF, and S6K can also be available via phytomolecule activity, suggesting enhanced anabolic metabolism.

Capsicum oleoresin supplementation in broilers increased jejunal lipase and trypsin activity, enhanced ileal amylase activity, improved jejunal morphology, and modulated immune organ development, indicating enhanced digestive efficiency and nutrient utilization (Li et al., 2022).

Compounds such as vanillin, thymol, eugenol have been shown to improve glucose and lipid metabolism through TRPV1 activation and mitochondrial function enhancement (Gupta et al., 2022; Zhang et al., 2017).

3. Gut microbiota modulation
AGPs selectively reduce specific microbial populations, particularly Lactobacillus species that produce bile salt hydrolase (BSH). Since BSH reduces fat digestibility and thus weight gain, AGP-mediated reduction of BSH-producing bacteria enhances energy extraction and growth (Lin, 2014; Bourgin et al., 2021).

Recent research by Zhan et al. (2025) using single-molecule real-time 16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated that therapeutic antibiotic doses (lincomycin, gentamicin, florfenicol, benzylpenicillin, ceftiofur, enrofloxacin) significantly altered chicken gut microbiota composition, with Pseudomonadota and Bacillota becoming dominant phyla after exposure. Different antibiotics produced distinct temporal effects on microbial diversity and community structure.

Phytomolecules exert targeted antimicrobial effects while promoting beneficial bacteria. Dietary supplementation with 800 mg/kg Capsicum extract in Japanese quails reduced cecal counts of pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella spp., E. coli, coliforms) while modulating Lactobacilli populations (Reda et al., 2020).

In pigs, 80 mg/kg natural capsicum extract increased cecal propionic acid and total volatile fatty acid concentrations, with increased butyric acid in the colon – indicating enhanced fermentation by beneficial bacteria (Long et al., 2021).

Capsicum and Curcuma oleoresins altered intestinal microbiota composition in commercial broilers challenged with necrotic enteritis, reducing disease severity through microbiome modulation (Kim et al., 2015).

Capsaicin demonstrates selective antimicrobial activity, inhibiting pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria while favoring development of certain Gram-positive bacteria. The antibacterial mechanism involves induction of osmotic stress and membrane structure damage (Adaszek et al., 2019; Rosca et al., 2020).

4. Intestinal barrier function and gut health
AGPs have been associated with improved intestinal morphology, including increased villus height and reduced crypt depth, which enhance absorptive capacity (Gaskins et al., 2002).

Phytomolecules produce similar or superior effects. Capsicum extract (80 mg/kg) in pigs increased ileal villus height and upregulated MUC-2 gene expression, indicating enhanced gut barrier function and integrity. The improved barrier function correlated with reduced diarrhea incidence (Liu et al., 2013; Long et al., 2021).

Allium hookeri extract increased expression of tight junction proteins (claudins, occludins, ZO-1) in LPS-challenged broiler chickens, demonstrating direct enhancement of barrier integrity (Lee et al., 2017).

5. Oxidative stress mitigation
Oxidative stress impairs growth by damaging cellular components and triggering inflammatory responses. AGPs reduce oxidative stress indirectly through anti-inflammatory effects and microbiota modulation (Bortoluzzi et al., 2021).

Phytomolecules possess direct antioxidant properties. Capsicum extract (50 mg/kg) in heat-stressed quails reduced serum and ovarian malondialdehyde (MDA) while increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. Ovarian transcription factors showed decreased NF-κB and increased Nrf2 and HO-1 expression (Sahin et al., 2016).

A mixture of herbal extracts including pepper reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and MDA in broiler liver and muscle, while increasing glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and improving antioxidant enzyme expression (Saleh et al., 2018).

Capsicum extract (80 mg/kg) in pigs increased total antioxidant capacity, SOD, and CAT while reducing MDA levels, demonstrating robust antioxidant effects (Long et al., 2021).

STANDARDIZATION AND CONTROLLED RELEASE: CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS
A major criticism of phytomolecules has been inconsistent efficacy across studies. However, this variability largely reflects differences in:
• Active compound concentrations
• Bioavailability and stability
• Dosing precision
• Product quality and standardization

Microencapsulation is one of the technologies that address the standardization and bioavailability challenges. It protects volatile compounds from degradation during feed processing and storage, with encapsulated essential oils showing significantly higher retention compared to unprotected forms (Stevanović et al., 2018). By creating a protective barrier around active ingredients, microencapsulation enables controlled release in specific regions of the gastrointestinal tract, improving absorption efficiency and reducing dose variability (Bringas-Lantigua et al., 2011). The technology also masks unpalatable flavors that can reduce feed intake while standardizing active ingredient concentrations through precise manufacturing processes (Gharsallaoui et al., 2007). Studies demonstrate that spray-dried microencapsulated essential oils achieve encapsulation efficiencies exceeding 93% with minimal loss during storage (Hu et al., 2020), and can be engineered for enzyme-mediated release to ensure bioactive delivery at optimal intestinal sites (Elolimy et al., 2025).

MECHANISTIC SYNTHESIS: AN INTEGRATED MODEL
The evidence indicates that both AGPs and phytomolecules operate through an integrated network of effects:
1. Primary Level: Selective antimicrobial effects modify gut microbiota composition
2. Secondary Level: Reduced microbial metabolites (ammonia, endotoxins) decrease inflammatory signaling
3. Tertiary Level: Reduced inflammation conserves energy for growth; enhanced barrier function improves nutrient absorption
4. Quaternary Level: Mitochondrial hormesis and metabolic optimization increase energy efficiency
5. Systemic Level: Improved immunometabolic homeostasis supports optimal growth

This integrative model explains why multiple antibiotics with different mechanisms produce similar growth outcomes: they converge on common pathways regulating immunometabolism and mitochondrial function (Fernández Miyakawa et al., 2024).

Phytomolecules operate through the same mechanistic framework but with potential advantages:
• Multiple bioactive compounds providing redundancy
• Antioxidant effects enhancing stress resilience
• Lower AMR (Antimicrobial Resistance) selection pressure
• Potential prebiotic-like effects supporting beneficial microbiota

SAFETY AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS
Antibiotic exposure significantly disrupts gut microbiota diversity and stability, with effects persisting beyond withdrawal periods. The study by Zhan et al. (2025) demonstrated that different antibiotics produce varying degrees of microbiota disruption, with florfenicol and gentamicin showing the strongest and most persistent effects.

In contrast, phytomolecules generally do not generate resistance through the same mechanisms as antibiotics. Some phytochemicals may actually enhance antibiotic efficacy and resensitize resistant bacteria through structural modifications of bacterial membranes (Khameneh et al., 2021; Suganya et al., 2022).

However, one study reported increased correlation between antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements in pig feces after mushroom powder supplementation, suggesting that certain phytogenic compounds may increase ARG mobility (Muurinen et al., 2021). This emphasizes the need for continued surveillance of phytomolecule effects on resistance gene dynamics.

Capsaicinoids and capsinoids have well-established safety profiles. Capsiate, a non-pungent analogue of capsaicin, exhibits substantially lower toxicity while maintaining similar metabolic and growth-promoting effects (Gupta et al., 2022). No adverse effects on animal health or product quality have been reported at recommended dosages in reviewed studies.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS AND RESEARCH NEEDS
Despite substantial progress, several areas require further investigation:
1. Mechanistic refinement: Detailed characterization of signaling pathways, particularly the IL-6R/gp130 cascade and mitochondrial stress responses
2. Precision formulation: Development of combinations optimized for specific production stages, environmental conditions, and disease pressures
3. Bioavailability optimization: Advanced delivery systems ensuring consistent active compound release and absorption
4. Microbiome-host interaction mapping: High-resolution characterization of microbial community shifts and their functional consequences
5. Economic validation: Large-scale production trials assessing cost-effectiveness compared to AGPs and disease management costs

CONCLUSIONS
The scientific evidence demonstrates that standardized phytomolecules operate through well-characterized biological mechanisms that substantially replicate those of AGPs:
1. Anti-inflammatory effects reducing energetic costs of immune activation
2. Mitochondrial hormesis enhancing energy metabolism and cellular resilience
3. Selective microbiota modulation supporting beneficial bacteria while controlling pathogens
4. Intestinal barrier enhancement improving nutrient absorption and reducing translocation
5. Antioxidant activity mitigating oxidative stress and supporting immune function

When properly standardized and formulated for controlled release, phytomolecules deliver growth promotion, feed efficiency improvements, and disease resistance comparable to AGPs, while potentially offering advantages in AMR risk profile, stress resilience, and consumer acceptance.

The mechanistic convergence between AGPs and phytomolecules, coupled with demonstrated efficacy in controlled trials, provides producers with confidence that science-based phytomolecular interventions represent legitimate alternatives to AGPs. Success depends on product standardization, appropriate dosing, and understanding that phytomolecules work through fundamental biological pathways rather than undefined or mystical mechanisms.

As the livestock industry continues to navigate the post-AGP era, standardized phytomolecules offer a scientifically sound, mechanistically validated approach to maintaining animal performance, health, and welfare while addressing antimicrobial resistance concerns.

References
1. Adaszek, Ł., et al. “Properties of Capsaicin and Its Utility in Veterinary and Human Medicine.” Research in Veterinary Science, vol. 123, 2019, pp. 14 – 19.
2. Bottje, W., et al. “Mitochondrial proton leak kinetics and relationship with feed efficiency within a single genetic line of male broilers”. Poultry Science, Volume 88, Issue 8, 1 August 2009, p. 1683-1693.
3. Bortoluzzi, C., et al. “A Protected Complex of Biofactors and Antioxidants Improved Growth Performance and Modulated the Immunometabolic Phenotype of Broiler Chickens Undergoing Early Life Stress.” Poultry Science, vol. 100, 2021, p. 101176.
4. Bourgin, M., et al. “Bile Salt Hydrolases: At the Crossroads of Microbiota and Human Health.” Microorganisms, vol. 9, no. 1122, 2021.
5. Bravo, D., et al. “A Mixture of Carvacrol, Cinnamaldehyde, and Capsicum Oleoresin Improves Energy Utilization and Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens Fed Maize-Based Diet.” Journal of Animal Science, vol. 92, 2014, pp. 1531 – 1536.
6. Bringas-Lantigua, M., et al. “Influence of Spray-Dryer Air Temperatures on Encapsulated Mandarin Oil.” Drying Technology, vol. 29, 2011, pp. 520–526.
7. Burtscher, J., et al. “Mitochondrial Stress and Mitokines in Aging.” Aging Cell, vol. 22, no. 2, 2023, e13770.
8. El-Hack, M. et al. “Integrating metabolomics for precision nutrition in poultry: optimizing growth, feed efficiency, and health”. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Sec. Animal Nutrition and Metabolism, Volume 12 – 2025. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1594749
9. Elolimy, Ahmed A., et al. “Effects of Microencapsulated Essential Oils and Seaweed Meal on Growth Performance, Digestive Enzymes, Intestinal Morphology, Liver Functions, and Plasma Biomarkers in Broiler Chickens.” Journal of Animal Science, vol. 103, 2025, p. skaf092, https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf092.
10. Fernández Miyakawa, Mariano E., et al. “How Did Antibiotic Growth Promoters Increase Growth and Feed Efficiency in Poultry?” Poultry Science, vol. 103, no. 2, 2024, article 103136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2023.103136
11. Gaskins, H. Rex, C. T. Collier, and D. B. Anderson. “Antibiotics as Growth Promotants: Mode of Action.” Animal Biotechnology, vol. 13, no. 1, 2002, pp. 29 – 42.
12. Gharsallaoui, A., et al. “Applications of Spray-Drying in Microencapsulation of Food Ingredients: An Overview.” Food Research International, vol. 40, no. 9, 2007, pp. 1107-21.
13. Gutiérrez-Chávez, Vanesa, et al. “Capsaicinoids and Capsinoids of Chilli Pepper as Feed Additives in Livestock Production: Current and Future Trends.” Animal Nutrition, vol. 22, 2025, pp. 483 – 501. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aninu.2025.03.014.
14. Gupta, A., et al. “Capsaicin and Capsinoids: Recent Updates on Their Health Benefits and Mechanisms of Action.” Phytotherapy Research, vol. 36, no. 5, 2022, pp. 1898 – 1912.
15. Hu, Q., Li, X., Chen, F., Wan, R., Yu, C.-W., Li, J., McClements, D. J., & Deng, Z. (2020). “Microencapsulation of an essential oil (cinnamon oil) by spray drying: Effects of wall materials and storage conditions on microcapsule properties”. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 44(11). https://doi.org/10.1111/jfpp.14805
16. Khameneh, B., et al. “Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance Resensitization by Phytochemicals: Review.” Phytomedicine, vol. 85, 2021, p. 153529.
17. Kim, D. K., et al. “Effects of Capsicum and Curcuma on Necrotic Enteritis in Broilers.” Poultry Science, vol. 94, 2015, pp. 2314 – 2321.
18. Kim, J. S., et al. “Anti-inflammatory Effects of Plant-Derived Molecules via NF-κB and MAPK Pathways.” International Immunopharmacology, vol. 10, no. 3, 2010, pp. 306 – 314.
19. Lee, S. H., et al. “Allium Hookeri Extract Enhances Tight Junction Proteins in Broilers.” Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, vol. 101, no. 1, 2017, pp. e48 – e56.
20. Li, X., et al. “Capsicum Oleoresin Supplementation Improves Digestive Enzyme Activity and Gut Morphology in Broilers.” Poultry Science, vol. 101, no. 7, 2022, p. 101844.
21. Lin, J. “Effect of Antibiotics on the Intestinal Microbiota and Their Role in Animal Growth.” Animal Biotechnology, vol. 25, no. 3, 2014, pp. 149 – 157.
22. Lillehoj, H., et al. “Phytochemicals as Antibiotic Alternatives to Promote Growth and Enhance Host Health.” Veterinary Research, vol. 49, no. 76, 2018.
23. Liu, Y., et al. “Dietary Capsicum Extract Enhances Intestinal Barrier Function and Growth in Pigs.” Journal of Animal Science, vol. 91, 2013, pp. 518 – 525.
24. Long, L., et al. “Phytogenic Feed Additives Modulate Intestinal Immunity and Antioxidant Status in Pigs and Poultry.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science, vol. 8, 2021, p. 620998.
25. Muurinen, J., et al. “Mushroom Powder Supplementation Increases Antibiotic Resistance Gene Mobility in Pig Feces.” Frontiers in Microbiology, vol. 12, 2021, p. 676678.
26. Niewold, T. A. “The Non-antibiotic Anti-inflammatory Effect of Antimicrobial Growth Promoters, the Real Mode of Action? A Hypothesis.” Poultry Science, vol. 86, 2007, pp. 605 – 609.
27. Perry, F., C. N. Johnson, L. Lahaye, E. Santin, D. R. Korver, M. H. Kogut, and R. J. Arsenault. “Protected Biofactors and Antioxidants Reduce the Negative Consequences of Virus and Cold Challenge by Modulating Immunometabolism via Changes in the Interleukin-6 Receptor Signaling Cascade in the Liver.” Poultry Science, vol. 103, no. 9, 2024, article 104044. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2024.104044
28. Rahman, Md, et al. “Insights in the Development and Uses of Alternatives to Antibiotic Growth Promoters in Poultry and Swine Production.” Antibiotics, vol. 11, no. 6, 2022, p. 766, https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11060766.
29. Rauw, W.M. et al., “Review: Feed efficiency and metabolic flexibility in livestock”. Animal. Vol. 19 (2025) 101376. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.animal.2024.101376
30. Reda, F. M., et al. “Capsicum Extract Supplementation Modulates Gut Microbiota and Performance in Japanese Quails.” Animal Feed Science and Technology, vol. 265, 2020, p. 114507.
31. Rosca, I., et al. “Capsaicin Induces Osmotic Stress in Gram-negative Pathogens.” Veterinary Sciences, vol. 7, no. 4, 2020, p. 172.
32. Sahin, K., et al. “Dietary Capsicum Extract Reduces Oxidative Stress in Heat-stressed Japanese Quails.” Poultry Science, vol. 95, no. 2, 2016, pp. 231 – 240.
33. Saleh, A. A., et al. “Herbal Extract Mixtures Improve Antioxidant Status and Performance in Broilers.” Poultry Science, vol. 97, no. 11, 2018, pp. 3927 – 3936.
34. Stevanović, Z. D., et al. „Essential oils as feed additives—Future perspectives”. Molecules, 23(7), 2018, pp1717.
35. Suganya, R., et al. “Phytochemicals in Combination with Antibiotics: Antimicrobial Resistance Breakers.” Antibiotics, vol. 11, 2022, p. 123.
36. Zhang, Benyuan et al. “Mitochondrial Stress and Mitokines: Therapeutic Perspectives for the Treatment of Metabolic Diseases.” Diabetes & Metabolism Journal vol. 48,1, 2024, pp. 1-18.
37. Zhan, Ru, et al. “Effects of Antibiotics on Chicken Gut Microbiota: Community Alterations and Pathogen Identification.” Frontiers in Microbiology, vol. 16, 2025, article 1562510. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1562510
38. Zhang, Y., et al. “Effects of Vanillin, Thymol, and Eugenol on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism via TRPV1 Activation.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, vol. 65, no. 13, 2017, pp. 2719 – 2727.

Learning from AGP mechanisms to advance poultry nutrition yazısı ilk önce Feed & Additive Magazine üzerinde ortaya çıktı.

Precision nutrition is reshaping commercial poultry production by extending beyond feed formulation into data-driven health and performance management. Advances in sensor technologies, blood biomarkers, and machine learning now enable more accurate, timely nutritional decisions. By integrating multiple data streams, precision nutrition supports improved bird performance, flock uniformity, animal welfare, and long-term sustainability in modern poultry systems.

HAS NUTRITION NOT ALWAYS BEEN PRECISE?
The term ‘precision nutrition’ could suggest that current nutrition practices are ‘imprecise’. However, nutrition has been, and will always remain, a precise science, striking a balance between providing enough nutrients to meet the requirements of the animal for optimal growth, without unnecessarily inflating feed cost or nutrient excretion into the environment.

Production animal nutrition has also been a constantly evolving discipline, with regular adoption of novel concepts e.g. digestible nutrient formulation systems, net energy etc. In the past few years, improved access to sensor technologies, data science tools such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, has accelerated this evolution. Systematic data generation, advanced analytics, and interpretation, offer disruptive opportunities to better understand the nutrition and health status of the flock.

In this new paradigm of animal nutrition, veterinary health, and live production, data is the new currency. Companies that collect, monitor, map, visualize, analyze, and interpret their data will be the most competitive and sustainable. The new tools available to the poultry industry present an opportunity to be more precise.

Figure 1 shows how data are gathered, collected, and interpreted in the Verax™ platform. First, blood samples are taken from birds and analyzed on site. The analysis results are added to the secure Verax™ cloud database via a dedicated app. The results are benchmarked, and the significance of the analysis results are given to the producer who can then make more informed management decisions. Over time, comparisons can be made to previous seasons or flocks, helping to identify changes. Using Verax™ is especially helpful when implementing new flock management changes or nutritional changes, as the data can be used to see how the changes are affecting the physiology of the bird.

ALL IN THE DETAIL
What makes Verax™ so valuable is the systematic and thorough method of data collection, notation, and storage. It is only by having such detailed notes on each sample that disruptive insights are found. The level of detail in Verax™ allows certain biomarkers to be linked with veterinary health outcomes. Any high value phenotype can be plugged into machine learning to produce algorithms for diagnostics and predictive tools.

Verax™ is accessed via a user-friendly and secure app interface on a mobile device. There are already many benefits to digitizing necropsies, but the real value comes from the thorough annotation and standardization of the data capture, allowing more in-depth insights to be drawn from the samples. The consistency of capturing several blood biomarkers and veterinary observations from every animal, house, farm and complex, allows machine learning to alert Verax™ users to potential problems before they develop.

Verax™ is part of a wider precision animal farming platform. Blood biomarkers are only one source of input, but data can be gathered from a whole range of biological matrices including saliva, digesta and excreta contents, feed and water consumption, and genetics (Figure 2).

EXAMPLES OF GETTING CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS RIGHT
Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) are the most abundant mineral elements in the body. Most of the body’s Ca and P is stored in the skeleton which is why these minerals are so closely linked to bone health and skeletal integrity. But Ca and P are also involved in several other important pathways such as energy metabolism, blood clotting and neuromuscular function. Insufficient levels or an inadequate ratio of these minerals in the diet can cause several problems such as rickets, tibial dyschondroplasia, lameness, nerve function problems, poor appetite and body weight uniformity.

Total blood Ca is typically around 11.5-12 mg/dL, and P is usually approximately 6-7 mg/dL (Figure 5). Approximately 47-48% of blood Ca is ‘ionized’ (metabolically active; Figure 4), whereas the remainder of blood Ca is covalently bound to plasma proteins or associated with anions such as phosphate or lactate. These concentrations do not substantially change with bird age or gender but can be disrupted by various nutrition and management factors.

For example, ionized Ca has been observed as low as 0.6 mmol/l. Birds with levels of ionized Ca as low as this will display atypical behaviour, nervous paralysis and elevated mortality. More often, subclinical hypocalcemia or hypophosphataemia are observed, which is associated with low body weight (Figure 6) and poor flock uniformity.

Skeletal abnormalities such as bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO), enterococcus, and femoral head necrosis, are significantly more prevalent when ionized Ca levels drop below 1.1-1.2 mmol/L or when plasma total Ca concentration is below 10-10.5 mg/dL. Low plasma phosphorus, which is often associated with high plasma Ca, is also associated with skeletal abnormalities but most commonly is related to poor growth rate and body weight uniformity.

ENVIRONMENTAL pH CAN IMPACT Ca LEVELS IN THE BLOOD
Verax™ data has shown an association between the Ca and P status of the bird and season. This may be related to blood pH or a more general disruption to the acid/base balance of birds as ambient carbon dioxide concentrations rise and fall with altered respiratory tract health and ventilation rates. Blood pH is important as this influences the proportion of Ca that is metabolically active. This interplay is one example of why more systematic analysis of multiple data streams can shed light on underlying physiological changes relevant for efficiency and welfare. Further investigation is currently being carried out to assess seasonal variations in data held in the Verax™ platform, with the possibility of making recommendations for different feeding programs in warmer or colder seasons that go beyond the traditional adjustments made by nutritionists.

USING BLOOD BIOMARKERS TO ADJUST FEED FORMULATIONS
Even though Ca levels are hormonally regulated, blood Ca and P does respond to dietary inputs. Parathyroid hormone, calcitonin and vitamin D will regulate blood Ca levels to some extent, but not completely. Figure 6 shows a statistically significant association between dietary Ca and plasma Ca. This has also been shown for P (Figure 7). Interestingly, whilst dietary P has an influence on blood P, diet Ca is capable of influencing both Ca and P. Specifically, over-feeding dietary Ca has a supressing effect on blood P and vice versa. Whilst dietary Ca and P do have some influence on blood Ca and P, blood pH and acid/base balance may be more important in order to optimise blood Ca and P concentrations. For example, the proportion of total blood Ca that is metabolically active and can contribute to skeletal mineralisation is normally around 47-48% in broilers. However, this can drop by 2-4% for every 0.1 unit increase in blood pH. These interactions highlight the importance of monitoring biomarkers beyond blood Ca and P when attempting to optimise the nutrition and health status of the bird.

A common disturbance to optimal blood pH in commercial broilers is high chloride intake. Chlorine based sanitizers and water treatments are not unusual, plus sources of chloride are used in the feed. These can all, inadvertently, push blood pH down which might have negative implications, not only for Ca and P, but for renal health, litter quality and growth rate. Nutritionists need to understand the balance between cations and anions, and use them as levers within the least-cost formulation strategy to produce desirable outcomes.

EARLY DETECTION OF HEALTH PROBLEMS
In 2019, a trial was conducted looking at the response time of certain blood biomarkers to a coccidiosis challenge. Potassium and carotenoids began to shift 3-7 days before any other obvious or macroscopic symptoms becoming apparent. This rapid response sparked the idea for an early warning system for coccidiosis. The hypothesis was proposed that with enough data, machine learning could be used to create a classifier model with a forecasting capacity for coccidiosis.

MACHINE LEARNING
Verax™ uses supervised machine learning to create classifier and regressor models. There are currently many tens of thousands of data points in the database, gathered from commercial broilers with a naturally occurring prevalence of coccidiosis. To create the model, the data set was split into two sections; 60% used for training, and 40% used for validation. All the birds with coccidiosis were identified and a biomarker profile was created which predicted that phenotype. The model was then validated on the other subset of birds. Over time and with more data, especially from birds that have coccidiosis, the accuracy of the model increases and permits the identification of specific Eimeira species.

This principle was applied in practice on a farm in the US. Blood samples were taken from birds on four different farms on day 14. The blood analysis results were used to predict that two of the farms would have a coccidiosis outbreak later, and the other two would not. A second visit to the farms on day 28 confirmed the predictions.

Although the model is not 100% accurate yet, there is a very strong association with excellent statistical performance in terms of false positive and false negative rates on the forecasting ability of the model. Figure 8 shows an example of the user interface in Verax™ for tracking flocks, including coccidiosis scores, over time.

CONCLUSIONS
• The importance of data cannot be overstated. Data science will continue to unlock new opportunities for poultry producers if a more systematic approach is taken towards data handling, capturing, and processing.
• New technologies and tools are allowing nutrition to be more precise than ever before. Nutritional optimization is getting easier with improved monitoring and shorter feedback loops.
• By collecting and analyzing data from a variety of sources, nutritionists are better able to unlock new levels of bird performance. New tools like large language models are making it much easier to ingest unstructured data sources, but the data must be accessible to begin with.
• Blood biomarkers can be used to predict disease outbreaks earlier than ever before.

About Dr. Markus Wiltafsky-Martin
As Director of Service Commercialization in Evonik’s Animal Nutrition business, Dr. Markus Wiltafsky-Martin received his degree in Agricultural Science from the Technical University of Munich, Germany. He has been with Evonik since 2009 and has more than 16 years of experience in conducting projects with stakeholders of the animal protein business, focusing on the importance of feed ingredient quality for the overall business. In the last 13 years, Wiltafsky-Martin has worked intensively on the quality evaluation of feed ingredients and on the translation of analytical data into valuable information for the feed industry via advanced data evaluation.

Precision nutrition in commercial poultry production yazısı ilk önce Feed & Additive Magazine üzerinde ortaya çıktı.