MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Cargill researchers
are focusing on improving gut health in poultry to promote feed
efficiency and keep birds healthy. Cargill has been researching the
use of non-medicated feed additives for several years as an
alternative to antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs). As an
independent supplier, Cargill has performed cross-additive research
and determined the most beneficial types of feed additives for
individual customer needs. For consistent performance improvement,
essential oils turned out to be a key solution because they impact
all four key gut function areas (listed below).
Since 2009, a combined total of 77 comprehensive in vitro
and in vivo trials have been conducted at Cargill's Animal
Nutrition Innovation Centers in Velddriel, the Netherlands, and Elk River, Minn., as well as at regional
facilities in Jordan, France, Poland, India
and the U.S., on additives including essential oils, probiotics,
yeast derivatives and medium chain fatty acids (MCFA).
Essential oils key in gut health support
Gut health is
important in poultry production because the digestive system
performs key functions essential to ensuring birds' optimum
performance. Cargill seeks to better understand optimal gut
function in four key areas:
- Managing microflora for a well-balanced bacterial
population
- Controlling immune function and inflammatory response
- Maximizing nutrient digestion and absorption
- Improving the physical barrier against pathogens
While all additives studied showed some benefit in these areas,
Cargill researchers found that selected essential oil compounds,
particularly those derived from thyme, cinnamon and oregano, had
the most comprehensive effect on overall gut health. Benefits
included:
- Antimicrobial activity
- Modulation of immune response
- Antioxidant activity
- Improvement of nutrient digestibility
- Stimulation of mucus production
"Only essential oils have both a broad spectrum of activity
against pathogens and a direct impact on digestive function," said
Stephanie Ladirat, global technology lead for gut health additives
in Cargill's animal nutrition business.
Essential oils role in antibiotic reduction
In
addition, essential oils were found to be particular efficient in
conditions where intestinal infections such as Salmonellosis
and Coccidiosis were present. They were also found to be a
viable alternative to antibiotics as more than 85 percent of the
results showed a minimal difference between the positive control
(antibiotics) and essential oils.
The research also showed that essential oils are just one facet
of a feeding program that promotes ideal gut health and allows
antibiotic reduction. Research findings support combining essential
oils with organic acids to get maximum efficacy. "Cargill's local
nutrition experts are working directly with poultry producers to
develop customized, holistic feeding programs encompassing
nutrition, additives and farm management based on the study
results," says Twan Van Gerwe,
poultry R&D director in Cargill's animal nutrition business.
Combined study results from 12 trials demonstrated that birds given
Cargill's PROMOTEĀ® Biacidā¢ Nucleus additive, which contains a
proprietary mixture of seven carefully selected essential oil
compounds, in combination with an antibiotic-free diet,
consistently improves body weight gain by 2 percent and feed
conversion by 1.5 percent, producing a return on investment (ROI)
of 5:1 for producers.
Long-term benefits of healthy digestion in poultry
For
poultry producers the high return on investment is a top benefit of
intestinal health support. However, promoting gut health also helps
address issues in food safety and animal welfare. Healthy
poultry intestines may result in a lower risk of bacterial food
contamination and in healthier barn environments.
Finally, feed efficiency has become increasingly important due
to the growing world population and limitations in feed resources.
Supporting gut heath contributes to efforts to meet increasing
demand for global animal protein in an efficient way. "Promoting
gut health while reducing AGPs is critical for sustainable animal
performance and profitability," adds Van
Gerwe. "Our R&D work in improving poultry gut health is
an important part of Cargill's commitment to nourishing the world's
population."
About Cargill
Cargill provides food, agriculture,
financial and industrial products and services to the world.
Together with farmers, customers, governments and communities, we
help people thrive by applying our insights and 150 years of
experience. We have 150,000 employees in 70 countries who are
committed to feeding the world in a responsible way, reducing
environmental impact and improving the communities where we live
and work. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News
Center.
Cargill Animal Nutrition
Cargill's animal nutrition
business has more than 17,000 employees at more than 250 facilities
in 37 countries offering a range of products and services to feed
manufacturers, animal producers, and feed retailers around the
world. In 2011, Cargill completed the acquisition of Provimi, a
global leader in premix and animal nutrition solutions, adding to
Cargill's portfolio of animal nutrition offerings. Today, Cargill's
animal nutrition business offers a range of compound feed,
premixes, feed additives, supply chain and risk management
solutions, software tools and animal nutrition expertise that is
unmatched in the industry. For more information about Cargill
Animal Nutrition, visit: http://www.cargill.com/feed.
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