Scientific research confirms that nutritional technologies focused on intestinal functionality enhance animal performance and reduce environmental footprint.
Poultry and swine producers who adopt nutritional technologies focused on animal gut health are able to increase efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. “The balance of the microbiome is what enables animals to reach expected performance, with better feed conversion and nutrient absorption, lower mortality and optimized resource use, which increases meat and egg production while reducing environmental footprint,” explains agronomist Felipe Fagundes, Alltech’s Latin America Manager. The company offers producers a range of solutions supported by scientific research that help manage challenges and maximize results.
According to the specialist, animal performance is ensured when the intestinal microbiome is functional, meaning beneficial bacteria prevail over pathogenic ones. “The nutritional strategy for a balanced microbiome starts with the breeder, because she transfers the first microorganisms that will colonize the gastrointestinal tract of chicks or piglets. Passing on a favorable bacterial population to offspring and properly managing the environment to reduce challenges helps prevent problems early in life that are often difficult to solve later,” he notes. A study conducted by George Girgis and published in 2020 in the scientific journal PLOS ONE confirmed that supplementation with Actigen®, an Alltech additive developed with mannan rich fractions, significantly reduced Salmonella prevalence in ovarian tissue and Salmonella concentration in the cecum of laying hens after challenge.
Another critical situation that requires producers’ attention is bacterial resistance on farms. “The search for natural additives has increased, whether as part of a protocol to reduce antibiotic use or to act synergistically with these molecules,” Fagundes points out. According to an article by Helen Smith and colleagues published in 2022 in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, supplementation with Actigen increased the production of reactive oxygen species, ROS, in antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli by 42 percent. When combined with antibiotics, MRF supplementation increased ROS production in resistant E. coli by 59 percent. “In the current context, where no new antimicrobial molecules are being developed, these results point to a pathway to address bacterial resistance through oxidative stress mechanisms,” the specialist adds.
A study by Paola da Silva and her team published in Poultry Science in 2024 further supports the effectiveness of natural microbiome focused solutions during sanitary challenges. The researchers found that the use of Viligen™, an Alltech additive based on short chain fatty acids and organic proteinated minerals, resulted in less intestinal damage in broilers with subclinical necrotic enteritis compared to birds that received the antibiotic enramycin. “Decisions guided by intestinal functionality, such as the inclusion of scientifically backed nutritional technologies, deliver excellent results, allowing animals to develop properly and reach the end of the production cycle with lower contamination and fewer carcass condemnations at processing plants,” emphasizes Fagundes.
SIAVS
In addition to Actigen and Viligen, Alltech offers a broad product portfolio to meet different producer needs, including the mycotoxin adsorbent Mycosorb® A+ and the Allzyme® enzyme line, which also impact animal microbiomes. The company will present these and other nutritional solutions at the International Animal Protein Exhibition, SIAVS, Brazil’s largest technical trade fair and congress for production chains, to be held from August 6 to 8 at Distrito Anhembi in São Paulo. Under the theme “Think big, focus on the micro,” Alltech’s stand will welcome clients and visitors from Brazil and other countries, such as Peru and Mexico. “Our technical team is prepared to analyze each producer’s challenges and focus on the best nutritional program to ensure efficiency and sustainability,” states the manager.
About Alltech
Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech delivers efficient and sustainable technologies for agribusiness. Its solutions improve plant and animal health and nutrition, resulting in more nutritious products for people and reduced environmental impact. For more information, visit alltech.com.
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Gabriel Santos 41 99505-8888
contato@centrodecomunicacao.com.br
