The following article was originally published by WattPoultry and gives a great overview of the different feed additives and their mechanisms of action. This info can be helpful when discussing animal health goals with your nutritionist and vet and working towards reduced antimicrobial use while maintaining health and welfare.

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Sustainability has become a guiding principle in modern agriculture, with poultry production being no exception. As the industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint while maintaining high productivity levels, the strategic use of feed additives has emerged as a key component in achieving these goals.

This article explores 20 feed additives that can play a critical role in enhancing the sustainability of poultry production.

Understanding sustainability in poultry production

Sustainability in poultry production involves adopting practices that ensure the long-term viability of the industry across environmental, economic and social dimensions. The primary objectives include minimizing environ-mental impact, improving feed efficiency and bolstering animal health. Feed additives can be a powerful tool in the sustainability toolbox. By strategically incorporating these additives, poultry producers can significantly contribute to a more sustainable future.

Methodology for assessing feed additives

The evaluation of feed additives in terms of their contribution to sustainability involves the following index markers:

Feed conversion ratio (FCR): Evaluating improvements in FCR provides insight into the efficiency of feed utilization. Additives that improve FCR directly contribute to reducing the amount of feed required for optimal growth, thereby minimizing resource use and waste.

Nutrient excretion: Measuring reductions in nutrient excretion, such as phosphorus or nitrogen, helps assess the environmental impact of feed additives. Additives that lower nutrient excretion reduce the potential for water and soil pollution.

Greenhouse gas emissions: Some additives can lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with feed production and digestion. Quantifying these reductions supports efforts to mitigate climate change.

Health benefits: Assessing improvements in animal health, such as reduced disease incidence and enhanced immune function, indicates the effectiveness of additives in promoting overall well-being and reducing the need for medical interventions.

Economic impact: Analyzing cost savings from reduced feed use, lower disease rates and improved feed efficiency helps quantify the economic benefits of additives. These savings contribute to the overall economic sustainability of poultry production.

1. Probiotics 

Probiotics enhance gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, improving nutrient absorption, and reducing the need for antibiotics. Their use can lead to a 2% to 5% improvement in FCR and a reduction in antibiotic use by up to 50%. This improves animal health and contributes to a decrease in antimicrobial resistance, which is crucial for public health.

2. Prebiotics

Prebiotics support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, leading to a healthier microbiome. Their inclusion in poultry diets can improve FCR by 1% to 3% and reduce the need for antibiotics by 20% to 40%. This enhances gut health and supports the overall well-being of the birds, leading to more sustainable production practices.

3. Organic acids

Organic acids lower gut pH, inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria and enhancing nutrient absorption. They can reduce pathogen load by up to 90% and improve FCR by 2% to 4%. By creating a healthier gut environment, organic acids help decrease the need for antibiotics and contribute to more efficient feed utilization.

4. Phytase

Phytase increases the bioavailability of phosphorus in feed, reducing the need for inorganic phosphorus supplements. This enzyme can reduce phosphorus excretion by 30% to 50% and decrease feed costs by 3% to 6%. By minimizing phosphorus waste, phytase plays a critical role in reducing the environmental impact of poultry production.

5. Enzymes (e.g., xylanase, beta-glucanase)

Enzymes such as xylanase and beta-glucanase improve the energy digestibility of feed ingredients, leading to better nutrient absorption. These enzymes can enhance FCR by 3% to 8% and reduce energy use by up to 5%. By improving feed efficiency, these enzymes contribute to the sustainability of poultry production by reducing the amount of feed required for growth.

6. Functional fibers

Functional fiber improves gut motility and overall digestion, leading to better nutrient absorption and health. Their inclusion can improve FCR by 3% to 5% and enhance gut health by 15% to 25%. By promoting efficient digestion, functional fibers contribute to the sustainability of poultry production through better feed utilization and reduced waste.

7. Essential oils

Essential oils possess natural antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, reducing the need for synthetic antibiotics. They can decrease antibiotic use by 20% to 30% and reduce pathogen load by up to 60%. By offering a natural alternative to antibiotics, essential oils support the sustain-able management of poultry health.

8. Algae-derived additives

Algae-based additives are a sustainable source of omega-3 fatty acids, reducing reliance on fishmeal. These additives can increase the omega-3 content in poultry products by 50% to 70% and completely replace fishmeal in some cases. By using algae, poultry producers can lower the environ-mental impact associated with traditional omega-3 sources.

9. Insect meal

Insect meal provides a sustainable and highly digestible protein source, reducing the dependency on traditional feed ingredients. Its use can lead to an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and fully replace traditional protein sources. Insect meal represents a significant advancement in sustainable feed practices, addressing environmental and resource use concerns.

10. Phytochemicals (e.g., curcumin, resveratrol)

Phytochemicals such as curcumin and resveratrol reduce oxidative stress and enhance immune function, contributing to better growth performance. Their use can decrease oxidative stress by 20% to 40% and improve growth performance by 5% to 10%. Phytochemicals offer a natural approach to enhancing poultry health and productivity, supporting sustainable production practices.

11. Organic selenium

Organic selenium enhances antioxidant defense and immune function, leading to better overall health in poultry. Its use can improve immune function by 10% to 30% and increase antioxidant activity by up to 20%. By improving the birds’ resilience to stress and disease, organic selenium supports a more sustainable approach to poultry health management.

12. Yeast cultures

Yeast cultures support gut health by promoting microbial balance and improving nutrient absorption. They can enhance FCR by 2% to 5% and improve gut health by 10% to 20%. By fostering a healthy digestive system, yeast cultures help poultry producers achieve better feed efficiency and reduce the need for medical interventions.

13. Herbal extracts (e.g., turmeric, garlic)

Herbal extracts such as turmeric and garlic offer natural antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits, improving feed palatability and reducing oxidative stress. These extracts can reduce oxidative stress by 20% to 30% and improve FCR by 1% to 3%. The use of herbal extracts provides a natural, sustainable way to enhance poultry health and productivity.

14. Amino acid supplements (e.g., methionine, lysine)

Amino acid supplements improve protein utilization and reduce nitrogen excretion, contributing to more efficient feed use. These supplements can improve protein utilization by 5% to 10% and reduce nitrogen excretion by up to 30%. By optimizing protein intake, amino acid supplements minimize the environmental impact of poultry production.

15. Trace mineral chelates

Trace mineral chelates enhance the bioavailability of minerals, reducing mineral excretion and environmental pollution. They can decrease mineral excretion by 20% to 40% and improve FCR by 2% to 4%. By ensuring efficient mineral absorption, chelates play a crucial role in reducing the environmental footprint of poultry farming.

16. Beta-glucans

Beta-glucans boost the immune system and reduce disease incidence, leading to healthier birds. Their use can improve immune response by 15% to 25% and reduce disease incidence by up to 30%. By strengthening the immune system, beta-glucans contribute to a more sustainable approach to managing poultry health.

17. Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS)

Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) improve gut health by preventing pathogen colonization and enhancing nutrient absorption. They can improve FCR by 2% to 5% and reduce pathogen load by 20% to 30%. By promoting a healthy gut environment, MOS supports the sustainability of poultry production by reducing the need for antibiotics.

18. Electrolytes

Electrolytes maintain hydration and support the electrolyte balance in poultry, especially under heat stress conditions. Their inclusion can reduce heat stress by 10% to 20% and improve FCR by 1% to 3%. By helping birds cope with environmental stressors, electrolytes contribute to a more resilient and sustainable production system.

19. Sodium bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate helps alkalinize feed and water, reducing acidosis and improving feed intake during heat stress. Its use can reduce acidosis by up to 30% and improve FCR by 2% to 4%. By maintaining optimal pH levels, sodium bicarbonate supports better digestion and feed efficiency, contributing to more sustainable poultry production.

20. Betaine

Betaine is a naturally occurring compound found in plants such as sugar beets. It acts as an osmolyte, stabilizing cellular structures and protecting cells from stress. In poultry diets, betaine enhances growth performance and reduces heat stress impact. It can improve FCR by approximately 2% to 4%, reduce heat stress effects by up to 20% and lower mortality rates associated with heat stress by 10% to 15%. By improving feed conversion and minimizing stress impacts, betaine contributes to more efficient resource use and better overall health in poultry.

Embracing innovation for a sustainable future

The poultry industry is at a pivotal juncture where innovation and sustainability must go hand in hand. The integration of advanced feed additives into poultry diets represents a proactive approach to meeting these dual objectives.

Each of the additives discussed offers unique benefits, contributing to improved feed efficiency, reduced environmental impact and enhanced animal health. By adopting these solutions in a strategic manner, specific for each farm operation, poultry producers can achieve significant strides toward a more sustainable future.

Ioannis Mavromichalis, Ph.D., is an animal nutrition industry consultant. He may be contacted at imavromichalis@icloud.com .