Understanding the Mechanism of Phytogenic Coccidiostat in Poultry
Coccidiosis is among the most important parasitic diseases in poultry, leading to intestinal damage, reduction of feeding efficiency, and heavy economic loss. This disease is generally characterized by protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Eimeria that infect the intestinal lining of poultry. It results in infections that cause damage to the intestinal epithelium, impairing nutrient […]
Role of Limiter in an Integrated Mite Management Strategy in Poultry
Red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) infestations are one of the most recurring and expensive issues in poultry production. The small parasite crawls about and feeds on birds’ blood, causing severe irritation, stress, and lowered egg production. They are particularly resilient. In poultry farming, red mites will live inside bark cracks of trees, waiting for long periods of time between feeds. In laying hens, long-term infestations can result in anemia, compromised immune function, and even mortality when infestations are extreme. The red mite life cycle develops quickly—from egg to adult in just a few days under ideal conditions. This makes continuous infestation cycles difficult to break using traditional means, highlighting the need for effective red mite control in poultry. Poultry Red Mite Life Cycle: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a widely used sustainable poultry farming method for controlling pest species in horticulture and offers a potential long-term solution for the effective and natural red mite control in poultry. The following are the steps involved in integrated pest management for poultry: Monitoring & Early Detection Check the poultry shed carefully at least weekly, including usual red mite hideaways: under perches, inside nest boxes, in crevices or in joints, under slats, and on or around conveyor belts. Utilize corrugated cardboard mite traps or sticky traps, or perform frequent inspections with a bright flashlight during night hours when mites are more active. Effective monitoring is key to poultry mite prevention. Biosecurity & Prevention Practicing good biosecurity is key to preventing the introduction and transmission of red mite infestations. Seal cracks, crevices, and joints in poultry farms to minimize areas where mites can settle and reduce hiding places. Avoid mite introduction from contaminated equipment, crates, and clothing by adopting cleaning protocols and issuing protective equipment. Prevent wild birds by closing entry points, removing nests, and maintaining clean feed areas to minimize cross-contamination risk. Such preventive measures contribute significantly to sustainable poultry farming. Cleaning & Disinfection Begin by thoroughly clearing out manure, litter, feathers, dust, and debris from the shed. Be sure to clean, especially the perches, slats, nest boxes, and all joint areas of the structure—these are popular mite locations. Remember equipment like feeders, crates, and conveyors that also provide shelter for mites. Spray an approved insecticide, acaricide, or disinfectant, using a rotation of active ingredients to prevent resistance. Structural joints, corners, and crevices should be given particular attention. Combining cleaning with natural red mite treatment options can help enhance long-term control. Conventional Treatment In poultry farming, the primary approach for treating and managing mite infestations has long been the use of chemical acaricides. However, their continuous use has led to the emergence of mite resistance, limiting their effectiveness. Additionally, the use of these chemicals has concerns about chemical residues in food and adverse environmental effects. Therefore, farmers are increasingly seeking safe and effective natural alternatives with high efficacy and species selectivity to replace traditional chemical acaricides. LIMITER: A Natural Solution for Poultry Red Mite Management Limiter is a natural red mite management supplement for poultry. It provides effective red mite control in poultry. Using a unique combination of plant-derived components, Limiter targets blood-sucking stages of mites with a three-way mode of action that helps in breaking the red mite life cycle naturally: Gustatory Avoidance Olfactory Repellence Contact Toxicity Mechanism of Action of LIMITER The essential oil in the Limiter acts via a dual neurotoxic mechanism: first, by competitive inhibition at postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors, preventing normal acetylcholine binding, and second, by inactivating acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine. This dual action results in persistent stimulation of muscle cells. The resulting hyperstimulation eventually leads to muscle fatigue, paralysis, and death in red mites. “Say Goodbye to Poultry Red Mites with Limiter!”
Improving Energy Metabolism and Milk Yield in Dairy Cattle through Phytogenic Choline – Vincholine
In ruminants, choline is an essential nutrient vital for fat metabolism and liver health, especially during the transition period of lactation. It is necessary for the liver to produce very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), which transport fats out of the liver, preventing their accumulation as triacylglycerols. Without adequate choline, the liver can accumulate excess fat, leading to fatty liver syndrome, and overproduce ketones, leading to ketosis, a costly metabolic disorder. Choline is particularly important during the transition period when cows experience negative energy balance and mobilization of body fats, making them susceptible to metabolic diseases. Adequate choline availability also improves the efficiency of lipid metabolism, which directly impacts milk yield and overall milk production in dairy cows. Supplementation can lead to a reduction in metabolic diseases like fatty liver and ketosis, improving the cow’s overall health and well-being. Why is Choline Important in Dairy Cattle? Fat mobilization and liver health Choline is a methyl donor and part of phosphatidylcholine, required for very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) assembly and export. This assists in mobilizing non-esterified fatty acids from exiting the liver as triglycerides, reducing the threat of fatty liver and clinical/subclinical ketosis in early lactation. Transition Period Nutrition Dairy cows experience stress during the transition period because of the negative energy balance. Consequently, the body fats are mobilized to provide sufficient energy to the body. The body fats must be converted into VLDL in the liver to be utilized as a source of energy by the various tissues of the body. Choline supplementation during this period maximizes VLDL packaging in the liver. Composition and yield of milk: Feeding a choline-rich diet to cows at parturition enhances milk yield and occasionally fat and energy-corrected milk, especially in cows facing extreme negative energy balance. Response size is inconsistent and dependent on parity, body condition, and feed. Reproduction & overall metabolism: Through its promotion of liver health and methylation potential, choline could assist overall metabolic resistance during the transition period, which can indirectly enhance reproductive performance and health. Limitations of Using Choline Chloride: Pure synthetic choline chloride is hygroscopic in nature, which leads to storage instability. It can be metabolized by gut microbes into trimethylamine (TMA), a potentially harmful compound. Phytogenic choline can replace synthetic choline chloride, which varies in how well it protects choline in the rumen and delivers it where needed. Choline stability in plants: In plants, choline is a component of complex, lipid-bound molecules, primarily phosphatidylcholine. Since it is not in a free form, a greater proportion of the choline in whole, unprocessed, plant-based solution can bypass the rumen and reach the small intestine, where it can be digested and absorbed. Vincholine Vincholine, predominantly in the form of phosphatidylcholine, offers a superior alternative. Besides being phytobiotic, it offers secondary metabolites with different liver health-enhancing properties. Vincholine has intrinsic bioactivities on liver physiology, metabolism, and ensures maximum bioavailability. Phosphatidylcholine bypasses several ATP-dependent conversion steps, reducing energy expenditure and ensuring more effective cellular utilization. By minimizing oxidative losses, avoiding toxic metabolite formation, and improving nutrient efficiency, Vincholine supplementation supports better liver health, reproductive performance, and milk production. It plays a crucial role in dairy cattle, particularly during the transition period (around calving) and lactation. Benefits Increases milk yield Supports milk production and milk fat synthesis Supports fat metabolism Reduces the risk of fatty liver syndrome Reduces metabolic disorders
Boosting Calcium Bioavailability in Pigs with Calsow +
Minerals serve a variety of structural and metabolic functions in swine and are found in all body components, including bone, muscle, internal organs, blood, and other tissues and fluids of the body. Calcium is an important nutrient in the swine diet, which is required in large amounts. It aids skeletal development, muscle contraction, nerve function, and metabolic regulation. Most commonly used calcium sources are calcium carbonate and dicalcium phosphate, but their content of digestible calcium is variable, resulting in variable absorption. There has been evidence that alternative natural sources of calcium improve calcium digestibility and utilization. Additionally, research on grower and finisher pigs suggests that having the appropriate Ca/P ratio greatly improves feed intake, growth, and mineral metabolism. Calcium–Phosphorus Balance: The Ca:P ratio is critical in swine nutrition. While pigs need both minerals, too much calcium can bind phosphorus in the intestine, lowering its absorption. The ideal calcium (Ca) to phosphorus (P) ratio in swine diets is crucial for growth and bone development, with the optimal ratio generally ranging from 1.1:1 to 1.4:1, and can vary by age and weight class. Studies show that when the Ca:P ratio exceeds 1.5:1, phosphorus digestibility may fall by 15–20%, directly affecting growth and feed efficiency. Optimizing this balance with swine calcium absorption natural source solutions ensures efficient mineral utilization. The Hidden Dangers of Poor Calcium Absorption Dysfunctional calcium absorption has adverse effects on pig performance. Deficiency in calcium supply compromises bone formation, hoof durability, and immune and metabolic processes. Impaired calcium-phosphorus balance upsets nutrient absorption and may decrease feed efficiency. New research indicates that adequate calcium levels not only enhance mineral balance but also feed morphology and gene expression of calcium transporters in pigs. In contrast, excessive intake of dietary calcium derived from poor-quality sources can crystallize with fatty acids that inhibit fat absorption. These problems highlight the necessity of having very bioavailable and balanced calcium supplementation. Why Traditional Calcium Sources Are Falling Short? Historically, calcium absorptive problems are managed through augmented supplementation from inorganic forms such as limestone or phosphates, vitamin D analogues, or reconstitution of food ratios. These methods, though, have definite disadvantages. Inorganic calcium tends to be more variable in solubility and digestibility, while oversupplementation minimizes phosphorus uptake and leads to waste in the environment. Financial inefficiency and unacceptable long-term sustainability also constrain these methods. The Rise of Organic Calcium Organic calcium is bound to organic molecules, which makes it easier for the body to recognize and absorb. Studies have shown that calcium from organic sources like algae and marine minerals shows bioavailability up to 90 to 95%, which is significantly higher than inorganic sources like calcium carbonate. Absorbed calcium goes directly into supporting skeletal development, muscle function, and even metabolic processes, and leaves less waste behind. As more farmers turn towards sustainable and natural solutions, organic calcium stands out as a smart choice that promotes not only animal welfare but also farm profitability. CALSOW PLUS CALSOW PLUS is a perfect combination of organic calcium supplements for a quick and long-lasting effect, enhanced with organic sources of calcium, to prevent and treat a decline in milk production in swine. With its high bioavailability, organic calcium meets the needs of pigs across all life stages, supporting growth, skeletal health, and reproductive function more effectively than inorganic options. It also provides the benefits of added glucogenic precursors to prevent energy imbalance during pregnancy and lactation. BENEFITS: Ensures higher bioavailability Enhances milk production Improves bone development Strengthens the immune system Maintains better growth Improves general health
The Natural Solution to Superior Pellet Stability in Aquaculture
Fish farming is continuously increasing to meet the rising global demand for seafood. Feed is the main cost in aquaculture, which represents about 60-70% of total expenses. In aqua feed production, stabilizing feed pellets against nutrient leaching and breakage is important. Physical integrity of the pellets assures that pellets maintain their shape during handling, storage, and transport, and hence reduce nutrient loss and wastage of feed. Low integrity yields fines (small particles) that fish often ignore and can damage water quality. Pellet integrity has a direct effect on fish growth, FCR, and the environment; hence, enhancing pellet quality optimizes feed intake and minimizes waste. Influence of Pellet Integrity in Aquaculture: Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) FCR is defined as the amount of feed ingested per unit of weight increase in fish. Since fish do not efficiently consume disintegrated feed, more feed is required per unit of weight gain, increasing the FCR and overall feed cost. The quality of pellets and their integrity result in efficient feeding, where fish are able to ingest the feed effectively, thus having a lower FCR. Poor-quality pellets increase wastage and results in higher FCR. Fish Growth The physical characteristics of feed pellets, including hardness and water stability, impact directly on fish digestion and nutrient uptake. Pellets which break down too rapidly can leach nutrients out into the water and lower the nutritional content presented to fish. Conversely, well-shaped pellets improve digestion efficiency and lead to improved growth rates. Pellet Quality Binders are feed additives that enhance pellet stability. Natural binders, i.e., plant-based products, enhance pellet strength, suppress nutrient leaching, and inhibit fragmentation during handling and storage, which ensures better feed quality and fish growth. Sustainable Practices The inclusion of binder in feed and pellet quality optimization are key in ensuring aquaculture practice sustainability. Achieving high pellet integrity improves not only feed efficiency and fish growth but also reduces environmental effects by lessening feed losses and nutrient runoff. Limitations of Synthetic Binder: Traditionally, synthetic binders like Polymethylol Carbamide (PMC) have been widely used to strengthen pellets. Although effective, it exhibits certain drawbacks. PMC is a urea formaldehyde resin that leaves formaldehyde residues during pelleting and digestion. Formaldehyde is known as an irritant and a potential carcinogen. Some studies suggest that PMC shows an adverse effect on the taste or texture of feed, which results in reduced feed intake. However, with growing concerns about sustainability, performance efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, researchers are exploring more and more natural organic binders that can be considered as a viable organic alternative to PMC. EASYBIND EASYBIND is an all-purpose, organic binder that is stable at room temperatures which is also compatible with other feed ingredients. Once the feed mix is exposed to moisture and heat in the conditioner, EASYBIND bonds well with other feed ingredients. It enhances pelleting capacity and reduces energy consumption even at a very low inclusion rate. EASYBIND creates uniform pellet quality, resulting in similar pellet hardness and water stability. Fish fed with high-quality pellets absorb nutrients more effectively due to even nutrient distribution and improved digestibility. It offers major benefits to feed operations in terms of cost-effectiveness and nutritional efficiency. EASYBIND is a cost-efficient solution to your pelleting requirements. Benefits Reduces the occurrence of fines Optimum durability and hardness Improves Pellet consistency Optimum water stability Provides good texture and fewer cracks on pellet Protects essential nutrients
Turning Feed Loss into Profit: The Role of Moisture Retention
The cost of feed is emerging as a critical determinant of operational efficiency in animal feed mills. Pellet quality, measured as the Pellet Durability Index (PDI), is an important key performance indicator for commercial feed manufacturing, as it can impact both mill efficiency and performance of animals fed moisture-retentive feed. Factors such as production energy […]
Keeping Calves Healthy: Hygiene Tips to Prevent Cryptosporidiosis
In recent years, the incidence of diarrhea in calves has been steadily increasing, becoming a major challenge for cattle farmers worldwide. Among the various causes, parasitic illnesses such as Cryptosporidiosis are less well-known. Cryptosporidiosis in calves is mainly caused by a protozoan parasite, Cryptosporidium parvum, which affects the gastrointestinal tract and leads to diarrhea in […]
Natural Binders: The Future of Aqua Pellet Stability
As global demand for seafood continues to climb, fish farming is stepping up to meet the challenge. A solid, nutritious pellet made with the use of a good binder is responsible for every healthy, fast-growing fish. Pellet stability in water, known as aqua-stability, is one of the important quality criteria of aqua feeds. Aqua feeds […]
How to Improve Gut Health in Chickens Using Feed Additives
In modern poultry farming, gut health is about productivity, disease resistance, and a bird’s performance. The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is not only a site of digestion but also contains a diverse ecosystem with trillions of microorganisms called the gut microbiome. These microbes interact with nutrients directly and enhance their absorption through intestinal villi. The […]
Natural Choline: A Sustainable and Superior Choice
The choline used in commercial broiler feed is an important factor in enhancing growth performance and regulating lipid metabolism. It plays various biological functions in acetylcholine neurotransmitter production in the nervous system, maintenance of cell membranes and organelles, hepatic lipid transport, methyl group donation, and bone cartilage maturation. Its importance in hepatic lipid transport is […]