Feed Compounders
Maintaining optimal gut health is essential for maximizing birds’ health and performance with the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and the urge to limit the use of antibiotics. Macroalgal extracts offer a natural alternative to strengthen gut integrity and support the immune system, thereby enhancing overall bird health and performance. A recent experimental trial conducted on broiler breeders demonstrated the efficacy and profitability of a macroalgal solution developed by Olmix.
Throughout their production cycle, broiler breeders receive a comprehensive vaccination program during the rearing period. Following this phase, the transfer to the laying facility induces significant stress, leading to an inflammatory status and a compromised immune function. This situation can result in health issues, increased flock heterogeneity, and challenges in achieving optimal onset of laying. In the latter half of the laying cycle, antibody titers tend to decline, rendering the birds more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections. Consequently, this increased vulnerability correlates with higher mortality rates, reduced egg production, and a decline in chick quality
The parietal polysaccharides of seaweeds present structural complexity and a unique composition that confer them high reactivity and explain their biological properties when used in animals. Olmix Group marine bioactive ingredient extraction know-how has led to the development of an in-feed product, Algimun®, which is based on the combination of two bioactive macroalgal extracts: MSP®BARRIER, a red algal extract, which enhances the gut barrier function; and MSP®IMMUNITY, a green algal extract, that modulates innate and adaptive immune responses. This dual action effectively addresses the critical challenges encountered by the animals during their production cycle.
An experimental trial conducted in broiler breeders
The aim of this latest experimental trial was to evaluate the effect of Algimun® on broiler breeders’ performance and immune status. A total of 720 female D line Hubbard were involved in the trial, separated in 2 groups of 360 animals (15 replicates of 24 hens per group). The trial lasted from week 23 (transfer to production site) to week 42 of age. Artificial insemination was implemented during the entire period of hatching egg production. Hubbard breeders feeding program was applied for both groups. The only difference between the groups was the incorporation of Algimun® at 1kg / T into the feed during the full trial period.
A significant improvement in overall health leading to better performance
The support of immunity and gut barrier function of the hens brought by the use of Algimun® led to more resistant animals and thus to a lower mortality from the week 23 to the week 42. The average laying rate was also improved for the hens in Algimun® group compared to the control group.
To provide more detailed insights, two metrics were used to assess hatchability rates during the trial. The first, HOES (hatch of eggs set), measures the number of chicks relative to the total number of eggs placed in the hatchery. The second, HOF (hatch of fertile), calculates the number of chicks relative to the number of fertile eggs, excluding clear or abnormal eggs. In both cases, the hens in Algimun® group presented a higher hatchability compared to control group, with statistically significant difference for hatchability HOF.
A direct effect on the immune system improving flock homogeneity
To assess the effect of Algimun® in supporting the hens’ immune response to vaccines, antibody titers for Infectious Bronchitis (IB) and Newcastle Disease (ND) were measured through blood sampling at weeks 23 and 42. The coefficients of variation (CV) are expressed as percentages in the table. The results indicate that hens in the Algimun® group exhibited an improved immune response to IB and ND vaccines, with higher antibody titers and lower
coefficients of variation, reflecting improved flock homogeneity.
Finally, the economic performance was calculated by factoring in the feed costs for both groups, including the cost of Algimun® for the test group, and the number of day-old chicks sold. Under the local conditions at the time of the trial, the reduction in mortality and the increase in the number of DOC sold brought a net benefit of +15 772€ (for a flock of 20 000 broilers breeders for 20 weeks), leading to a high return on investment with a ratio of 11:1.
These results highlight the importance of supporting breeders’ gut integrity and immune system during the production period. The product can also be used in the rearing period for breeders and commercial layers as well as in other species such as swine, ruminants, aquaculture and petfood. By reducing reliance on antibiotics and promoting overall health, Algimun® has demonstrated its effectiveness as a natural and sustainable solutions that enhance flock resilience and productivity and offers a promising approach for addressing the challenges of modern livestock farming.