Cattle

Phytogenic feed additives for antibiotic-free poultry production

Feeding phytogenic feed additives. (Image source: Delacon)

Delacon showcases its innovative product Biostrong Forte, which combines the benefits of phytogenic feed additives with fatty acids to support antibiotic-free poultry production, at VIV Asia 2017

Driven by consumers and by legislation to implement antibiotic-free poultry production, poultry producers’ demand for phytogenic solutions is rising – aiming for a strong gut microflora, to keep animal performance high, also under challenging conditions. Phytogenic feed additives company Delacon, developed Biostrong Forte to combine the benefits of the phytogenic actives in its product Biostrong 510 with the positive effects of esterified short and medium chain fatty acids on gut microflora in poultry.

The company commented that demand for the product is currently booming in Asian countries and the product is now available in most Asian Pacific countries.

For a long time, antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) have been used in broiler feed to enhance growth performance. This sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics, as well as the excessive application of antibiotics to treat diseases, has increased concerns about the development of antimicrobial resistance. Thus, research in alternatives like phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) has become prevalent to develop alternatives to in-feed antibiotics, as demanded by consumers and by legislation.

When it comes to antibiotic-free poultry production, nutritionists, veterinarians and animal producers often pursue a diet composition including phytogenic feed additives in order to support the intestinal health of the animal. The wide range of modes of action of phytogenic actives can optimise nutrient digestibility and support the intestinal health.

Studies have shown that under challenging conditions, the application of Biostrong Forte improves feed conversion ratio (-4.4 per cent) and body weight (+3.5 per cent). In addition, it improves resilience against necrotic enteritis, increases livability and profitability of poultry production. Delacon commented that nutritional strategies for antibiotic-free poultry production may include reliable, proven PFAs, such as Biostrong Forte.

VIV Asia opens its largest ever edition

The opening of the largest VIV Asia to date. (Image Source: Vani Venugopal/Far East Agricultural)

International livestock tradeshow, VIV Asia has launched the 13th edition of the show to packed halls at BITEC, Bangkok

Organised by VNU exhibitions on the theme ‘From Feed to Food’, the 2017 edition of the show is held at Bangkok from 15-17 March 2017. With more than 1,057 exhibitors from 55 countries including China, the USA, the Netherlands, France, Thailand, the event has already broken records in terms of exhibitor numbers.

The event was officially launched today, with an opening ceremony marking the event. The ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives Thanit Anekwit and attended by the president of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, ambassadors and diplomats from several nations as well as event sponsors and supporters from government and private sectors.

On the first day, six halls that covers more than 40,000 sq m of space, was completely packed and the exhibitor stalls buzzing with activity. VIV Asia’s comprehensive knowledge programme also got off to a good start on the first day with a wide range of seminars and conferences held on health and pet nutrition, dairy product business, swine productivity and aquaculture.

At the opening ceremony Thanit Anekwit said, “The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has a vision to integrate the development of traditional methods of agriculture, which is focused on administration and management and the distribution of wealth and income to all regions in Thailand, with an aim to enable the country to step into ‘Thailand 4.0’ in accordance with the policy of the ministry. The year 2017 is designated to mark the occasion upon which Thailand’s agricultural standards will be elevated and remain in continuous sustainable development.” He added that a number of companies were selected to provide showcases of their technology and innovation at VIV Asia with the aim to help Thailand become a hub of animal industry product exportation to the global market.

Nopparat Maythaveekulchai said, “VIV Asia is well celebrated as the trade exhibition and an event of seinars on agriculture and animal husbandry, whether it be in terms of superior quality of trade exhibitors, modern technology, presentation of innovations, new research and developments, not to mention a variety of special booths and international pavilions, as well as high level of professionalism of the organizers and alliance.”