Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition, a feed additive company from Germany has introduced its newest phytogenic innovation AntaShield to close the gap in the existing biosecurity measures in the livestock industry
According to the company, combating the spread of the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) is currently a top priority in the industry. The spread of the virus poses a serious challenge to pig production, with the threat of major losses.
Outbreaks and cases have been reported on five continents and in 35 countries so far, with the data indicating further spread. The virus can be transmitted in a number of ways, including infected animals, equipment, human traffic and swill feeding.
While the possibility of infection through the feed is low, experts at Dr. Eckel opine that it cannot be excluded entirely. The virus is known to be stable for up to 30 days in some feed materials and can be transmitted via mash and pelleted compound feed and certain feed additives.
Proprietary plant extract combination shows high effectivity
AntaShield makes use of powerful bioactive plant metabolites, including those derived from hops, which have been cultivated for thousands of years for the very purpose of safeguarding food from pathogens. Since the ASFV is an enveloped virus with an outer glycoprotein layer, experts at Dr. Eckel tested plant extracts that are known to destabilise biomembranes of gram-positive bacteria for their effect on ASF infectivity in pig feed.
The result: 100 times less infectivity with AntaShield after 24 hours. The plant extracts were more effective than an organic acid treatment, while the final formulation of Anta Shield showed the best effect overall, proving the synergism of the chosen active principles.
Protecting feed naturally
Dr. Eckel suggests choosing the protection that is best to keep animals, food and the environment safe. The company’s AntaShield is an all-natural, non-chemical feed formulation with highly active ingredients that have been shown to work against viruses in feed and is made entirely from natural ingredients, for farm owners to safeguard their animals as well as maintain profitability.
