Revolutionary alternatives in poultry feeds
Anita Dame - Head of R&D, Framelco, The Netherlands
Olena Kochetova – Marketing Manager, Framelco, the Netherlands
Nowadays animal production suffers from pathogenic pressure and disease incidence
that negatively influence the animal performance. It harmfully affects rates of growth,
feed intake and reproductive performance.
In order to prevent or reduce these negative effects particularly different types of
antibiotics are used. Since the introduction of antibiotics in animal production the
preventive use of antibiotics has extensively increased, mainly for its growth
stimulating properties. Moreover antibiotics are cheap and are highly effective on
farms with multiple problems regarding animal performance and disease incidence.
However, there are disadvantages that come with the use of antibiotics. The intensive
use of antibiotics in poultry is considered to be one of the risk factors of development of
antibiotic resistance. Further more during the past few years it is assumed that the
preventive use of antibiotics is a risk factor of MRSA (Methicillin Resistant
Staphylococcus Aureus) in different types of animal husbandry.
Based on these reasons there is need for alternative products. Framelco therefore
developed a product line consisting of monoglycerides of fatty acids: the Fra C-line.
Products of the Fra C-line consist of 1-monoglycerides of propionic acid, butyric acid
and lauric acid, combined with phytogenics. 1-monoglycerides are formed via
esterification of a fatty acid with glycerol (Figure 1). In 1972, Kabara et al., showed
already that monoglycerides of fatty acids have a strong antimicrobial effect. In vitro
studies showed that 1-monoglycerides, due to their properties are up to 30 times more
effective compared to pure organic acid.
One of the products in the Fra C-line is AC34. Earlier trials showed that treatment with
Fra AC34, consisting of 1-monopropionin, 1-monobutyrin and phytogenics, has positive
influence on general performance. A field trial in Malaysia showed an increase of body
weight of broilers of around 100 gram at day 35 (Figure 2). Also an improved feed
conversion ratio of the Fra AC34-group was reported.
Figure 1 Effects of Fra AC34 on broiler performance
Age (day)
7
14
21
28
32
35
Body weight (g)
Farm A (40 000 broilers)
Farm B (12 000 broilers)
Control
Fra AC34
Control
Fra AC34
200
210
210
190
485
508
450
480
1200
1000
830
840
1450
1500
1300
1350
1600
1700
1650
1750
1900
2025
2015
2030
Malaysia, 2012
Another large trial in Czech Republic showed that broilers treated with Fra AC34 liquid
during the first 10 days of their life are performing better in terms of end weight (1.93
versus 1.88 kg) and FCR (1.81 versus 1.85) at slaughtering compared to birds belonging
to the control group (Figure 3).
Figure 2 Effects of Fra AC34 on broiler performance
AC34 Liquid*
Control
Number of birds
49335
End weight (kg)
1.93
FCR
1.81
*2 kg AC34 liquid/1000 litter drinking water during day 0-10
49335
1.88
1.85
Czech Republic, 2012
Fra LBB contains 1-monoglycerides of propionic acid, butyric acid and lauric acid and
essential oils. This combination shows good results on animal performance in
problematic farms with for example E.coli and Salmonella issues. Moreover, Fra LBB
contains di- and triglycerides of butyric acid, which acts as an energy source for the gut,
resulting in increased villi length and improved digestion of nutrients (Leeson et al.,
2005). Naturally, this improved the animal performance. A recent field trial in Thailand
showed effect of LBB on bodyweight (increase till day 35 from 1867 g to 1934 g) and
on mortality (decrease from 1.88% to 0.88% at day 42). Feed costs per kg live weight
were comparable (0.48 EUR for control group versus 0.49 EUR for LBB group at day
35). Next to that, a large decrease in mortality was deserved. Adding Fra LBB to the
feed leads to a much better profitability.
Figure 4 Effects of Fra LBB on broiler performance
Day
Body Weight (g)
Cumulative FCR
Cumulative Mortality (%)
Control
21
829
1.310
0.75
28
1292
1.479
1.00
35
1867
1.597
1.50
42
2421
1.725
1.88
LBB*
21
846
1.310
0.13
28
35
42
1337
1934
2419
1.477
1.586
1.753
0.25
0.38
0.88
*LBB day 7-21: 3 kg/ton of feed, day 21-35 2 kg/ton of feed, day 35-42 1 kg/ton of feed
Thailand, 2011
These trial results from different parts of the world show that the use of Fra C-line
products result in increased animal performance regardless any climate related
circumstances. Fra C-line products can be used as preventive measurements in poultry
industry to support animal performance, without having any negative effects.
Kabara, J.J., Swieczkowski, D. M., Conley, A.J., Truant, J.P. 1972. Fatty acids and derivatives as
antimicrobial agents. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2:23–28.
Leeson, S., Namkung, H., Antongiovanni, M., Lee, E.H. 2005. Effect of Butyric Acid on the Performance and
Carcass Yield of Broiler Chickens. Poultry Science 84:1418–1422.