Archivi Press Room

Rumen-protected methionine: a boost for primiparous dairy cows performance

Methionine is considered the most limiting essential amino acid for ruminants (Schwab & Broderick, 2017). This element has a pivotal role in their productive performance and nitrogen efficiency.

Organic acid and plant botanical supplementation in heat-stressed Holstein calves

Our findings in Holstein calves are early evidence that dietary microencapsulated OA/PB feeding is a means to partially restore feed intake and average daily gain post-weaning when challenged by heat exposure.

Effects of heat stress and dietary organic acids and botanicals on hepatic one-carbon metabolism

Heat stress develops with methyl donor deficiency in parallel with an impaired N metabolism. The supplementation of OA/PB improves the remethylation capacity in the liver. On-going transcriptomic analyses will provide a better understanding of the hepatic metabolism of dairy cows exposed to heat stress.

Effects of ambient heat exposure and dietary organic acids and pure botanicals on gut permeability and milk production

Heat exposure compromises the gastrointestinal barrier and leads to inflammation in non-ruminants. Our results indicate that heat stress increases gut permeability and inflammation markers rapidly and independently of dietary intake.

Intestinal health: organic acids and pure botanicals can be extremely useful

The impact that a molecule can have on animal metabolism and physiological functions is strictly linked to different modes of action of the molecule itself. These activities must be studied and well known to use the nutrition favoring both animal health and production effectively.

Effects of feeding 2 rumen-protected choline sources during the transition period on Holstein dairy cows performance and blood metabolites

During the first weeks of lactation, dairy cows typically experience negative energy balance, leading to the mobilization of body reserves. This predisposes early lactating cows toward metabolic diseases, such as fatty liver syndrome and ketosis.

Thymol as an Adjuvant to Restore Antibiotic Efficacy and Reduce Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Gene Expression in Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Strains

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential adjuvant effect of thymol to re-establish antibiotic efficacy against highly resistant ETEC field strains. Secondly, we evaluated the modulation of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes.

A mixture of organic acids and thymol protects primary chicken intestinal epithelial cells from Clostridium perfringens infection in vitro

In this study, the protective effects of a blend of thymol and organic acids against the effects of Clostridium perfringens type A on chicken intestinal epithelial cells were investigated and compared to bacitracin, a widely used antibiotic in poultry production.

Dual Antimicrobial Effect of Medium-Chain Fatty Acids against an Italian Multidrug Resistant Brachyspira hyodysenteriae Strain

In this study we tested four antibiotics (tylosin, lincomycin, doxycycline, and tiamulin) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA; hexanoic, octanoic, decanoic, and dodecanoic acid) against an Italian field strain of B. hyodysenteriae and the ATCC 27164 strain as reference.

Phenol-Rich Botanicals Modulate Oxidative Stress and Epithelial Integrity in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

The aim of this study was to screen the activity of different sources of phenol compounds on intestinal oxidation and barrier integrity in vitro.

Phenol-Rich Botanicals Modulate Oxidative Stress and Epithelial Integrity in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

The aim of this study was to screen the activity of different sources of phenol compounds on intestinal oxidation and barrier integrity in vitro.

Phenol-Rich Botanicals Modulate Oxidative Stress and Epithelial Integrity in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

The aim of this study was to screen the activity of different sources of phenol compounds on intestinal oxidation and barrier integrity in vitro.

Phenol-Rich Botanicals Modulate Oxidative Stress and Epithelial Integrity in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

The aim of this study was to screen the activity of different sources of phenol compounds on intestinal oxidation and barrier integrity in vitro.

Organic acids and botanicals supplementation on lactation performance in heat-stressed dairy cows

Twenty multiparous non-pregnant Holstein cows were enrolled in a study with a completely randomized design. Cows were assigned to one of two groups fed a basal diet supplemented with 25g/d of AviPlus®R (TRT) or basal diet supplemented equivalent triglyceride used for microencapsulation (CTR).

Intestinal health helps preventing milk loss linked to ketosis and heat stress

From an economic point of view, the lack of metabolic adaptation at the beginning of lactation (ketosis) and heat stress are two of the most important diseases for dairy cows as they seriously jeopardize the competitiveness of world animal husbandry and significantly reduce its efficiency.

Effects of feeding 2 rumen-protected choline sources during the transition period on Holstein dairy cows performance and blood metabolites

During the first weeks of lactation, dairy cows typically experience negative energy balance, leading to the mobilization of body reserves. This predisposes early lactating cows toward metabolic diseases, such as fatty liver syndrome and ketosis.

Assessing intestinal health. In vitro and ex vivo gut barrier models of farm animals: benefits and limitations

The concept of “gut health" is not well defined, but this concept has begun to play a very important role in the field of animal science. However, a clear definition of GIT health and the means by which to measure it are lacking. In vitro and ex vivo models can facilitate these studies, creating well-controlled and repeatable conditions to understand how to improve animal gut health.

Assessing intestinal health. In vitro and ex vivo gut barrier models of farm animals: benefits and limitations

The concept of “gut health" is not well defined, but this concept has begun to play a very important role in the field of animal science. However, a clear definition of GIT health and the means by which to measure it are lacking. In vitro and ex vivo models can facilitate these studies, creating well-controlled and repeatable conditions to understand how to improve animal gut health.

Assessing intestinal health. In vitro and ex vivo gut barrier models of farm animals: benefits and limitations

The concept of “gut health" is not well defined, but this concept has begun to play a very important role in the field of animal science. However, a clear definition of GIT health and the means by which to measure it are lacking. In vitro and ex vivo models can facilitate these studies, creating well-controlled and repeatable conditions to understand how to improve animal gut health.

Assessing intestinal health. In vitro and ex vivo gut barrier models of farm animals: benefits and limitations

The concept of “gut health" is not well defined, but this concept has begun to play a very important role in the field of animal science. However, a clear definition of GIT health and the means by which to measure it are lacking. In vitro and ex vivo models can facilitate these studies, creating well-controlled and repeatable conditions to understand how to improve animal gut health.

Heat stress develops with increased total-tract gut permeability, and dietary organic acid and pure botanical supplementation partly restores lactation performance in Holstein dairy cows

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of heat stress (HS) conditions and dietary organic acid and pure botanical (OA/PB) supplementation on gut permeability and milk production.

Development of an in vitro model to study intestinal integrity during an E. coli K88 challenge

Post-weaning diarrhoea is а striking issue of the pig industry and its onset is primarily associated with Escherichia coli К88 (Е. coli). То assess the effectiveness of bioactives in preventing the damages exerted bу the pathogen, the aim of this study was to set-up an in vitro model to mimic an Е. coli challenge on intestinal cells.

Effects of two rumen-protected choline sources during transition period on Holstein dairy cows performance

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two sources of rumen-protected choline (RPC) supplemented from 21 d pre- to 35 d postpartum.

Evaluation of a rumen-protected methionine product for lactating dairy cows at 2 concentrations of dietary crude protein

This study evaluated the effect of a supplemental rumen-protected Met product (Timet; VETAGRO S.p.A.; Reggio Emilia, Italy) on lactation performance and rumen measures of dairy cows fed 2 concentrations of dietary CP.

In situ rumen degradability and in vitro intestinal digestibility of rumen-protected methyl donors and lysine

Rumen degradation and intestinal digestibility of rumen-protected (RP) methyl donor and lysine products vary. Our objectives were to evaluate the in situ rumen degradability and in vitro intestinal digestibility of 4 RP products containing choline chloride, dl-methionine, betaine, and/or l-lysine in a triglyceride matrix.

Effects of supplementing rumen protected methionine on performance of primiparous dairy cows during Presynch-Ovsynch protocol

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of supplementing three levels of rumen-protected methionine (RPM) at two levels of protein (14 vs. 16% CP) on reproductive and productive performance in primiparous lactating dairy cows during timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol.

Effect of supplemental rumen-protected methionine on reproduction and production of Awassi ewes

Feeding a rumen-protected methionine (RPM) supplement improved milk production in lactating dairy cows, lactating goats, or ewes. In this study, we hypothesize that feeding RPM would enhance reproduction and production in Awassi ewes.

How to improve colostrum quality

Ruminants placenta avoids immunoglobulins transfer from the mother to the fetus (passive immunity). Calves are not protected against infections until they develop their own active immunity, except for antibodies received through colostrum.

A blend of microencapsulated organic acids and botanicals reduces necrotic enteritis via specific signaling pathways in broilers

The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of AviPlus®P (a microencapsulated blend of 25 % citric and 16.7% sorbic, 1.7% thymol, and 1% vanillin ) to reduce clinical NE and determine the signaling pathways associated with any changes.

Effects of microencapsulated methionine on milk production and manure nitrogen excretions of lactating dairy cows

The study objective was to determine the effects of rumen-protected methionine (Met) by microencapsulation (RPM) on amino acid (AA) supply to the udder, milk production, and manure nitrogen (N) losses of dairy cows.

From acidifiers to intestinal health enhancers: how organic acids can improve growth efficiency of pigs

Organic acids have been used for a long time to support pig growth particularly at weaning, and more recently have become the number one alternative to growth promoters to improve the production efficiency of pigs.

Evaluation of microencapsulated organic acids and botanicals on growth performance of nursery and growing-finishing pigs

Providing microencapsulated organic acids and botanicals during the nursery phase increased G:F in the early and overall nursery phase, but there was no effect on overall wean-to-finish performance.

An effective replacement herd is based on the optimal colostrum management

In general, 25-30% f the herd must be replaced every year. A restocking plan aims to rear healthy heifers to replace, two years later, the culled cows, with improved production and genetic value of the herd. High-quality heifers at the best cost possible are essential to put in place this plan and maximize income.

Single components of botanicals and nature-identical compounds as a non-antibiotic strategy to ameliorate health status and improve performance in poultry and pigs

The use of NIC allows us to properly combine pure compounds, according to the target to achieve. Thus, they represent a promising non-antibiotic tool to allow better intestinal health and general health status, thereby leading to improved growth performance.

Isolation, culture, and characterization of chicken intestinal epithelial cells

Enterocytes exert an absorptive and protective function in the intestine, and they encounter many different challenging factors such as feed, bacteria, and parasites. An intestinal epithelial in vitro model can help to understand how enterocytes are affected by these factors and contribute to the development of strategies against pathogens.

The biological effects of microencapsulated organic acids and botanicals induce tissue-specific and dose-dependent changes to the Gallus gallus microbiota

Microencapsulated organic acids and botanicals have the potential to develop into important tools for the poultry industry. A blend of organic acids and botanicals (AviPlus®P) has previously shown to reduce Salmonella and Campylobacter in chickens; however, changes to the microbiota of the jejunum and ileum have not been evaluated.

Organic acids and nature identical compounds can increase the activity of conventional antibiotics against Clostridium perfringens and Enterococcus cecorum in vitro

OA and NIC were always effective in a dose-dependent manner, even when the antibiotics failed. For several strains, selected combinations of OA or NIC with antibiotics increased the bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics. Therefore, OA and NIC have potential to enhance the efficacy of conventional antibiotics against C. perfringens and E. cecorum.

Thymol and Carvacrol Downregulate the Expression of Salmonella typhimurium Virulence Genes during an In Vitro Infection on Caco-2 Cells

A real-time PCR study highlighted a significant downregulation of the main virulence genes of Salmonella (hilA, prgH, invA, sipA, sipC, sipD, sopB, sopE2). These findings indicate that thymol and carvacrol could be good candidates for the control of Salmonella typhimurium in pigs.

Effects of increasing dietary level of organic acids and nature-identical compounds on growth, intestinal cytokine gene expression and gut microbiota of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) reared at normal and high temperature

The application of the microencapsulate blend tested can be a useful strategy to improve growth and feed utilization in rainbow trout under normal temperature conditions. According to the results, organic acids and nature-identical compounds did not revert the effects triggered by the increased temperature of the water.

Single components of botanicals and nature-identical compounds as a non-antibiotic strategy to ameliorate health status and improve performance in poultry and pigs

The use of NIC allows us to properly combine pure compounds, according to the target to achieve. Thus, they represent a promising non-antibiotic tool to allow better intestinal health and general health status, thereby leading to improved growth performance.

A microencapsulated feed additive containing organic acids, thymol, and vanillin increases in vitro functional activity of peripheral blood leukocytes from broiler chicks

4 days of supplementation with a microencapsulated blend made up of citric and sorbic acids, thymol, and vanillin enhanced the in vitro PBL functions of degranulation, oxidative burst, and nitric oxide production compared with the control diet. Collectively, the data suggest feeding broiler chicks a diet supplemented with a microencapsulated blend of citric and sorbic acids, thymol, and vanillin may prime key immune cells making them more functionally efficient and acts as an immune-modulator to boost the inefficient and undeveloped immune system of young chicks.

Dietary supplementation with a microencapsulated blend of organic acids and botanicals alters the kinome in the ileum and jejunum of Gallus gallus

The objective of this project was to determine if feeding a microencapsulated product comprised of a blend of organic acids and botanicals (AviPlus®P) impacts the intestinal kinome of broiler chickens (Gallus gallus).

Thymol modulates the endocannabinoid system and gut chemosensing of weaning pigs

The purposes of this study were to investigate the presence of markers of the endocannabinoid system and the chemosensing system in the pig gut and, second, to determine if thymol modulates these markers.

Cannabinoid and Cannabinoid-Related Receptors in the Myenteric Plexus of the Porcine Ileum

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has opened the door to novel therapeutical approaches targeting cancer, pain, anxiety, stress, and inflammatory diseases. The ECS is ubiquitously expressed in almost all members of Animalia, but its precise localization outside the central nervous system is still under investigation.

Tributyrin differentially regulates inflammatory markers and modulates goblet cells number along the intestinal tract segments of weaning pigs

Butyric acid is widely used in pig production as feed additive to improve growth performance at weaning, based on its intestinal health-promoting action. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intestinal architecture and expression of inflammatory cytokines and tight junctions (TJ) markers in weaning piglets fed with tributyrin, either free or microencapsulated, as dietary source of butyric acid.

Animal performance passes through gut health

Intestinal health is one of the most important aspects of animal production. The intestine acts as the main line of defense against pathogens and it is the organ deputed to nutrient absorption. Both functions have pivotal importance for animal health and production.

Gut health is the key for animal health and production

The general concern about animal welfare, especially for laying hens, is continuously increasing in consumers and farmers. This attention leads to spending time and efforts to understand if our birds are stressed or not, through many different indicators both deriving from animal observation (behavior, performance, fearfulness) and laboratory analysis (Alm et al., 2016; Rodenburg et al., 2008).

A microencapsulated blend of organic acids and natural identical flavours reduces necrotic enteritis-associated damages in broiler chickens

Six-hundred ROSS 308 broilers were allocated in 24 pens divided into 3 experimental groups (d0): the control diet (CTR), the control diet added with Galliacid®S at 300 ppm (GAL S), a microencapsulated blend of organic acids and natural identical flavours (EU patent 1391155B1; Vetagro srl, Italy), and the control diet added with a different blend of organic acids (WSB) added at 300 ppm.

Role of carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde in broiler cecal fermentations

Aim of the study was to investigate the role of carvacrol and cinnamladehyde in modulating cecal microflora in broilers in an in vitro fermentation system.

Microencapsulation allows slow release of organic acids in the GI tract of broilers

Aim of the study was to investigate intestinal concentrations of citric and sorbic acid (OA) from a microencapsulated blend and the possible consequences on intestinal fermentations.

Dietary inclusion of low doses of microencapsulated zinc oxide affects inflammatory cytokine and tight junction protein expression in the ileum of piglets

Aim of this study was to investigate the expression of inflammation markers and tight junctions protein (TJ) in the ileum of piglets fed with low doses of microencapsulated zinc oxide (ZnO; Zincoret, Vetagro SpA, Italy) in comparison with either a pharmaceutical dose of free ZnO (positive control) or a negative control.

Antimicrobial power of organic acids and nature-identical compounds against two Vibrio spp.: an in vitro study

Vibrosis is one of the major threats in aquaculture farming, and due to the increasing antimicrobial resistance of different Vibrio species, there is an urgent need to replace conventional treatments with more sustainable solutions.

Characterization of the plasma lipidome in dairy cattle transitioning from gestation to lactation: identifying novel biomarkers of metabolic impairmentCharacterization of the plasma lipidome in dairy cattle transitioning from gestation to lactation: identifying novel biomarkers of metabolic impairment

The discovery of novel biomarkers for peripartal diseases in dairy cows can improve our understanding of normal and dysfunctional metabolism, and lead to nutritional interventions that improve health and milk production.

Effect of microencapsulated blend of citric acid, sorbic acid, thymol and vanillin on growth performance of commercial broilers

Aim of the study was the investigation of alternative products which can modulate the intestinal microflora beyond the stomach barrier, obtaining animal growth performance comparable to the one obtainable with antibiotic growth promoters.

Microencapsulated sodium selenite supplementation in dairy cows: effects on selenium status

The objective of this study was to compare the efficiency of transfer of selenium (Se) to plasma and milk from inorganic sodium selenite, either free or microencapsulated, and from selenized yeast in dairy cows.

Microencapsulated lysine and low-protein diets: effects on performance, carcass characteristics and nitrogen excretion in heavy growing -finishing pigs

Two studies were conducted to assess the effects of dietary protein and Lys reduction on growth performance, carcass quality, N excretion, and plasma N profile in growing-finishing pigs from 35 to 180 kg.

Low doses of microencapsulated zinc oxide improve performance and modulate the ileum architecture, inflammatory cytokines and tight junctions expression of weaned pigs

The aim of this study was to compare low doses of microencapsulated v. pharmacological ZnO in the diet of piglets on growth performance, ileum health status and architecture.

Effects of microencapsulated blend of organic acids and essential oils as a feed additive on quality of chicken breast meat

The present study aims to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation based on a blend of microencapsulated organic acids (sorbic and citric) and essential oils (thymol and vanillin) on chicken meat quality.

Effects of pelleting temperature on microencapsulated AviPlus® and the gastrointestinal recovery of thymol in broiler chickens

Thermal treatment of poultry feed is common practice to improve the biological and nutritional value of some ingredients (i.e., soybean) and to sanitize the feed from Salmonella or prevent pathogens and spoilage bacteria contamination (Leaver, 2008; Jones, 2011).

Effects of a microencapsulated feed additive on growth performance and sanitary status of broiler chickens

The aim of this study was to compare the growth performance and sanitary status of chickens receiving a control diet (CTR) and a feed containing a combination of citric acid, sorbic acid, thymol and vanillin microencapsulated (zootechnical additive 4d 3, EU Regulation No. 849/2012; AVIP).

In vitro effects of some organic acids on swine cecal microflora

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different organic acids on bacterial growth and ammonia production by swine cecal microflora in an in vitro fermentation system.

An organic acid blend can modulate swine intestinal fermentation and reduce microbial proteolysis

The increased use of slow-release organic acids in swine nutrition has prompted more research to assess their possible role in modulating the intestinal microflora as an alternative to antibiotics.

Low dose of microencapsulated zinc oxide increases growth performance and reduces fecal zinc level in weanling pigs

Zinc is one of the most important trace elements in animal nutrition because it ensures the activity of several enzymes involved in cellular signalling, digestion, cellular respiration, and nucleic acid metabolism...

Ruminants clinical and functional nutrition by Vetagro

Ruminants clinical and functional nutrition

Improved livestock sustainability through dietary protein correct management

Global market means that every fluctuation in the raw material price has an impact on the worldwide economy and our farms. In addition to raw material price decrease, farmers often face fluctuation in milk selling prices. Economic efficiency is kept under continuous review: some fields of the livestock sector are already used to manage tight margins of profit, while dairy cows rearing has a hard time identifying its weak points.

Blood methionine and lysine concentration in lactation dairy cows supplemented with commercial rumen-protected methionine and lysine products

It is well known that methionine (Met) and lysine (Lys) are two of the most limiting amino acids (AA) for milk and protein production in lactating dairy cows fed corn-based diets (Schwab et al., 2003; Rulquin, 2004).

Impact of dietary organic acids and botanicals on intestinal integrity and inflammation in weaned pigs

Organic acids, such as citric and sorbic acid, and pure plant-derived constituents, like monoterpens and aldehydes, have a long history of use in pig feeding as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. However, their effects on the intestinal barrier function and inflammation have never been investigated.

Feed additives can improve piglets performance during the weaning period

Weaning is a physiological and unavoidable period in mammals life but, at the same time, it is extremely stressful. There are several stressors in animal life at this age, both psychosocial and physical: separation from the sow and the littermate, dietary and environmental change, a new social hierarchy with unknown piglets.

Modulation of the immune response to improve health and reduce foodborne pathogens in poultry

Salmonella and Campylobacter are the two leading causes of bacterial-induced foodborne illness in the US. Food production animals including cattle, swine, and chickens are transmission sources for both pathogens. The number of Salmonella outbreaks attributed to poultry has decreased.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of supplementing micro-encapsulated organic acids and essential oils in diets for sows and suckling piglets

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of microencapsulated organic acids and essential oils (MOE) on reproductive performance, nutrient digestibility, piglet diarrhoea score, and blood profiles in sows and suckling piglets.

Effect of microencapsulated blends of organic acids and essential oils supplementation on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in finishing pigs

Background: positive effects of organic acids and essential oils (MOE) on livestock are well documented. Microencapsulation allows the slow release of core materials in a specific moment or environment.

Is it necessary to add nicotinic acid to the dairy cow diet?

There are different names for nicotinic acid: niacin, vitamin PP (Pellagra preventis), and vitamin B3. Vitamin B3, and its inclusion in the vitamin B group, is not quite accurate. In organisms, niacin is presented as nicotinamide and is necessary for the synthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide dinucleotide phosphate (NADP (H)).

Post weaning diarrhea in piglets: how can we manage the problem with the upcoming ban of ZnO at pharmacological level?

Intestinal health is a concern for everybody working in pig production. Enteric diseases are an often seen problem in raising piglets that can cause severe economic losses and reduced piglet performance.

How to improve goats milk quality through nutrition

Goats milk is frequently used for dairy and the final quality of cheese and milk-derived products depends on milk quality.

Improved intestinal health leads to enhanced performance

The first parameter that we are normally interested in when we are rearing animals is their live performance: this is the easiest way to have a return on investment (R.O.I.). Anyway, the improvement of animal health and management are useful as well to reduce the rearing costs (and even to achieve better production and growth).

The power of synergy

We are all used to hear about the concept of synergy among different substances and to use this word in any area of interest addressing solutions that allows better results in animal husbandry. It is important to define what “synergy” stands for, particularly in the microbiological area

Essential oils or nature identical compounds? Pros and cons

Essential oils are widely used as flavorants and food preservatives since many centuries. More recently, further biological properties have been attributed to this wide category of molecules and compounds that make them suitable active ingredients in cosmetics and supplements as well as feed additives.

Intestinal microflora: a very delicate balance among many different microorganisms

Gut microbiota is one of the most important players in poultry intestinal and general health. During the last years, researchers increasingly focused on this microflora using cutting-edge techniques to detect the composition of the chicken gut microbiota: it is composed of Bacteria, fungi, Archea, protozoa, and virus with the bacterial compartment as the predominant one.

Intestinal health means general health

Healthy animals have optimal live performance and little need for veterinary interventions. As a consequence, the aim of animal rearing is to maintain them as healthy as possible for the highest return of the investment. There are multiple approaches to reach this ambitious goal: the first tool is good nutrition. It is important to correctly balance the nutrients intake to meet animal requirements during each phase of their productive life.

AviPlus®P to help chickens against kinky back syndrome

Kinky back is scientifically defined as Bacterial Chondronecrosis with Osteomyelitis (BCO) and is a complex syndrome mostly affecting broilers with some episodes in turkeys as well. The syndrome manifests itself with symptoms like lameness, starting at 3 weeks of age and resulting in lowered feed intake, reduced weight gain, and up to 5-7% mortality.

Stress affects intestinal health: feed additives can help

We normally think of stress as psychophysical fatigue, but stress is medically defined as the functional response of an organism to any kind of stimulus (stressor, that can be of any intensity and duration). Stressors can have different nature (microbial, toxic, thermal, traumatic, emotional) and alter the neurohormonal equilibrium of the organism, leading to an overproduction of cortisol, the “stress hormone”. During their life, reared animals are exposed to many stressors.

The magic powder doesn’t exist

During the rearing cycle, chickens can experience different health problems. For what concern bacterial infections, in the very first period of life, one of the most common causes of chicken illness and death is omphalitis, often due to E. coli infections.

How can we transition from antibiotics growth promoters to feed additives?

Since animals are reared in intensive conditions, antibiotics are needed to treat bacterial infections, but they are also very well known because of their effect on animal feed conversion, growth, and performance.

The last chance for antibiotics as growth promoters

Meat is increasingly consumed globally so that the farming industry is constantly improving animal production. In poultry, genetics and nutrition for broilers are continuously selected to answer this demand, improving animals’ performance and final weight.

Intestinal metabolism of weaned piglets fed a typical United States or European diet with or without supplementation of tributyrin and lactitol

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of supplementation of a microencapsulated blend of tributyrin and lactitol (TL) to a standard European (EU) diet without antibiotic growth promoters on intestinal metabolism and mucosa development of weaned piglets and to compare it with a standard US diet containing animal proteins, zinc oxide, copper sulfate, and carbadox.

Tributyrin and lactitol synergistically enhanced the trophic status of the intestinal mucosa and reduced histamine levels in the gut of nursery pigs

At 28 d after birth, the piglets were weighed and allotted into four groups and fed a standard nonmedicated diet (control) or the control diet with tributyrin (butanoic acid 1,2,3-propanetriyl ester; 10 g/kg), or with lactitol (β-Dgalactopyranosyl-(1→4)-D-sorbitol; 3 g/kg), or with tributyrin (10 g/kg) plus lactitol (3 g/kg).

Microencapsulated Sorbic Acid and Pure Botanicals Affect Salmonella Typhimurium Shedding in Pigs: A Close-Up Look from Weaning to Slaughter in Controlled and Field Conditions

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a combination of sorbic acid, thymol, and carvacrol in reducing the prevalence and shedding level of Salmonella Typhimurium in pigs either in a controlled challenge environment or in a production setting.

Development of a feed additive to reduce caecal Campylobacter jejuni in broilers at slaughter age: from in vitro to in vivo, a proof of concept

Aim: In vitro and in vivo challenge studies were undertaken to develop an in-feed additive of microencapsulated propionic, sorbic acids and pure botanicals to control Campylobacter jejuni in broilers at slaughter age.

Microencapsulated sorbic acid and nature-identical compounds reduced Salmonella Hadar and Salmonella Enteritidis colonization in experimentally infected chickens

The reduction of Salmonella prevalence in broilers is a priority in European Union agricultural policies because treatment with antibiotics is forbidden by Regulation (EC) 2160/2003. Two trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a microencapsulated blend of sorbic acid and nature-identical compounds (i.e., chemically synthesized botanicals; SAB) on the reduction of the cecal prevalence and contents of Salmonella enterica serovars Hadar and Enteritidis in experimentally infected chickens.

Lipid microencapsulation allows slow release of organic acids and natural identical flavors along the swine intestine

The purpose of the present work was to investigate the in vivo concentrations of sorbic acid and vanillin as markers of the fate of organic acids (OA) and natural identical flavors (NIF) from a microencapsulated mixture and from the same mixture non-microencapsulated, and the possible consequences on the intestinal microbial fermentation.

Effects of microencapsulated complex of organic acids and essential oils on growth performance, nutrient retention, blood profiles, fecal microflora, and lean meat percentage in weaning to finishing pigs

A total of 90 pigs (6.47 ± 0.27 kg; 21 d of age) were used in this 22 wk feeding trial to evaluate the effect of microencapsulated complex of organic acids and essential oils (MOE) on growth performance, nutrient retention, blood profile, fecal microflora, and lean meat percentage in pigs.

Feeding a microencapsulated blend of organic acids and nature identical compounds to weaning pigs improved growth performance and intestinal metabolism

One-hundred and seventy weaning pigs were divided in two groups, and housed in 34 pens (17 replicates, 5 pigs each). Piglets received a basal diet without (control diet, CTR) or with the addition of a microencapsulated blend of organic acids and nature identical compounds at 3 kg/ton (AviPlus®, EP1391155B1, Vetagro SpA, Italy).

Effect of supplemented microencapsulated zinc oxide and organic acids and pure botanicals on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, feces microflora, and zinc level of feces in weanling pigs

A total of 125 crossbred pigs with initial body weight (BW) of 7.66 ± 1.30 kg were randomly distributed into one of five dietary treatments. Each treatment had five replicate pens with five pigs per pen.

How AviPlus®S can help animals during stressful periods

Despite common use, stress is medically defined as the functional response of an organism to any kind of stimulus (stressor, that can be of any intensity and duration). Stressors can have different nature and alter the physiological equilibrium of the organism.

Fatty liver and metabolic consequences in the lactating dairy cow

Fatty liver is a metabolic disease with high incidence in dairy cows, sheep, and buffaloes. Before calving and in the first weeks of lactation, the energy requirements of lactating ruminants are greater than the capacity of producing energy from ingested nutrients. This negative energy balance triggers a massive release of fatty acids (and amino acids) from the adipose tissue.

AviPlus®P: a tool to improve antibiotics efficacy against resistant infections

Poultry industry is facing many different pathologies that affect not only animal health but also their live performance. For example, C. perfringens (with coccidia as a predisposing factor) causes necrotic enteritis (NE), with billion dollars losses every year.

AviPlus®P helps poultry to cope with kinky back syndrome

Kinky back is a complex syndrome mostly affecting broilers with some episodes in turkeys as well, defined in medical terms as Bacterial Chondronecrosis with Osteomyelitis (BCO). The rapid growth of heavy birds during the first phase of life is often accompanied by an inadequate skeleton’s development.

How to control necrotic enteritis with organic acids and botanicals

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a poultry intestinal disease caused by the proliferation of toxigenic strains of Clostridium perfringens (CP), with coccidia infections being the best-known predisposing factor. CP causes subclinical infections, with chronic damage and inflammation of the intestinal mucosa and significant loss in performance. The increase in NE in the poultry industry requires new strategies to improve the growth of the animals by supporting intestinal health in challenging conditions.

A review of Towards Zero Zinc Oxide: Feeding Strategies to Manage Post-Weaning Diarrhea in Piglets, by Bonetti et al. (2021) Animals. 11, 642

Vetagro Student Corner

In vitro anticoccidial activity of thymol, carvacrol, and saponins

The anticoccidial activity of thymol, carvacrol, and saponins was assessed in an in vitro model of coccidiosis. Eimeria spp. sporozoites were collected from field samples, characterized, and used for 2 different invasion assays on Madin-Darby Bovine Kidney cells (MDBK).

Effects of dietary organic acids and nature identical compounds on growth, immune parameters and gut microbiota of European sea bass

A 71-day study was conducted to explore the effect of increasing dietary levels (0, 250, 500,1000 mg/kg feed; D0, D250, D500 and D1000, respectively) of a blend of microencapsulated organic acids (OA, specifically citric and sorbic acid) and nature identical compounds (NIC, specifically thymol and vanillin), on growth, intestinal immune parameters and gut microbiota (GM) of European sea bass juveniles reared under normal and subsequently suboptimal environmental conditions (high temperature, 30.0 ± 0.4 °C and low oxygen, 4.6 ± 0.6 mg/L).

Nature-Identical Compounds and Organic Acids Reduce E. coli K88 Growth and Virulence Gene Expression In Vitro

Post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) is one of the long-standing challenges in pig husbandry. Due to the risks of resistance caused by antibiotics (AB) misuse, conventional treatments against Escherichia coli K88 (E. coli K88), the PWD etiological agent, urgently need to be replaced. Organic acids (OA) and nature-identical compounds (NIC) are currently finding a central role in infection management thanks to their recognized antimicrobial activity.

Towards zero zinc oxide: feeding strategies to manage post-weaning diarrhea in piglets

This article reviews the utilization of ZnO in piglets, the biological rationale behind its powerful activity, and the emerging threats that are leading towards a significant reduction in its use. Finally, a wide analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of innovative alternative strategies to manage PWD at the nutritional level is given.

Methyl donor supplementation suppresses the progression of liver lipid accumulation while modifying the plasma triacylglycerol lipidome in periparturient Holstein dairy cows

Co-supplementation of methyl donors may lower hepatic lipid content in transition cows.

The importance of an efficient transition

The transition period, calving and the first month of lactation, are the moments of the entire production cycle of the dairy cow that involve the greatest risks. Although ketosis is a problem considered "typical" of this period, it is certainly not the only one and should be considered only as the tip of the iceberg.

Animal production is the only culprit

Nowadays society pointed at animal production and intensive livestock farming as the cause of several global problems linked to animal protein: climate crisis, environmental sustainability, pollution, greenhouse gas, animal welfare, ethics, antibiotic resistance, viruses spread, diseases.

The transition period for small ruminants: balanced nutrition is frequently understate but makes the difference

The transition period is extremely delicate for all ruminants, including sheep and goats. In these species, the transition starts 2-3 weeks before and lasts 2-3 weeks after calving.

Peripartum in dairy goats: nutritional strategies

The transition period is the most delicate in dairy goats management, but diagnostic aids are not available yet. At the date, precise and functional nutrition is the only effective strategy to optimally face peripartum and transition periods. An accurate analysis of the real needs is mandatory to reach the goal.

Peripartum in dairy goats: know it to get it better

Dairy goat breeding is slowly increasing as well as the interest in goats derived products. These animals have the same rearing problems and they are linked to milk cost and economical sustainability as dairy cows are. Goat milk is more expensive than bovine so that we can improve the return on investment in two ways: performance optimization and product valorization.

The importance of the dry period in dairy cows

To dry-off a cow means stopping milking for a certain period before the next calving. Usually, this interruption is at 220 days of pregnancy to ensure 60 days of production stop. Genetic selection in the last decades and the continuous attempts to obtain a calving-fertilization period as short as possible led to dry-off cows with very high milk yield.

Fat-soluble vitamins: precious allies of the immune system and beyond

The aim of clinical nutrition is to improve animal health and reducing the use of antibiotics to the bare minimum. If the immune system of dairy cows is efficient, there is a reduction in pathologies prevalence and they have a better recovery, especially for metritis and mastitis, without the use of a large amount of antibiotics.

Vitamin C: the endogenous synthesis is not enough

Vitamin C is an essential molecule for humans so that its dietary intake is needed. Many animals are able to synthesize this vitamin starting from precursors such as glucose and galactose, through the glucuronic acid metabolic pathway. In ruminants, vitamin C is strongly degraded (about 60%) by rumen microflora and depends on their endogenous hepatic production.

The subtle (secondary) deficiency of methyl groups

One of the most important goals of bovine genetic selection is to improve milk protein production. Thanks to this selection and to the specific nutrition, today the high genetic merit (HGM) Holstein cows produce 3% casein during winter. This extremely high protein production is causing more and more fertility and immune problems to the animals.

Summer low performance: reduced feed intake is not the only cause

The perceived temperature is closely linked to the environmental one and to the relative humidity increase and increase significantly during summer. Every animal species can correctly dissipate endogenous heat to maintain the physiological temperature in a specific perceived temperature range: past this, the body temperature increases, and the animal experiences heat stress.

Essential fatty acids and fertility

Lipids are among the most important component of dairy cows' diet. The high energy deriving from lipids, but most of all the dietary intake of specific fatty acids, have a positive impact on ovarian and reproductive function. They stimulate prostaglandin activity, steroid hormones synthesis from cholesterol, and insulin production.

Rumen protected methionine to improve buffalo milk quality

Bovines and buffaloes are very different, there are two different typologies of reared buffaloes: swamp buffalo and river buffalo.

Differences between buffaloes and cows

In “Nutrition Ecology of the Ruminant” (1982), Peter J. Van Soest introduced new nutrients that were subsequently used for the development of the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS®), and accurately described the ecological position of ruminants.

How to improve colostrum quality

Ruminants placenta avoids immunoglobulins transfer from the mother to the fetus (passive immunity). Calves are not protected against infections until they develop their own active immunity, except for antibodies received through colostrum.

Oxidative stress: the most insidious of metabolic diseases

ATP is the fundamental energy molecule for the organism's metabolic function. Its production is derived from the oxidation of different substrates such as carbohydrates and fatty acids. ATP is like a charged battery: when the energy is finished the molecule becomes ADP and is subsequently “re-charged” into ATP.

Functional nutrition helps to prevent the economic losses related to the transition period

The passage from the dry period (or the last weeks before calving in heifers) to the puerperium (the 20 days after calving) is really challenging for dairy cows. During this period (the transition period) there is a higher incidence of metabolic pathologies and of related infections.

Ruminants need amino acids, not proteins

In ruminant nutrition, it is still quite common to look at the general crude protein level, with only marginal attention to the amino acid content. At the same time, high CP (and carbohydrates) is accused of the increased podal diseases and mastitis, and reduced fertility (Butles, 1998; Moretti, 1991).

B vitamins supplementation of ruminant diets is really useful?

Water-soluble vitamins are vitamin C and vitamins of the B group. Choline is also, improperly, inserted among these vitamins because of its certain metabolic functions and defined dosage of use. These vitamins are synthesized by the rumen and intestinal microflora and their supplementation with the diet is still debated.

Nutrients bioavailability

Each feed in the diet contains different and different quantities of nutrients, molecules needed by the animal metabolism. Nutritionists balance these nutrients in the diet to fulfill the requirements of different animal species. During diet formulation, is important to consider the real nutrients bioavailability, defined as the amount of the ingested nutrients absorbed and used by the animal and its metabolism.

PUFA omega-3: an important help for dairy cows health and fertility

The use of fats in ruminant nutrition is widely accepted. Fat supplementation is connected to improved milk, fat yield, better health status, and improved fertility. While there are several reasons fertility problems occur, (i.e. low pregnancy rates or ovarian cysts) a diet with higher energy will be usually suggested. To obtain this the easiest way is to increase the fat content.

Nutrition and heat stress of dairy cows

Different mechanisms to reduce metabolic heat production and to increase dissipation are activated at 22°C with 40% humidity in order to maintain the body temperature constantly around 38.5°C. The first reaction is the dry matter intake reduction, to reduce rumen fermentation and the consequent heat production. Then, the animal moves less to contain the muscles' heat.

What about hepatic function?

Fatty liver (hepatic steatosis) is the most frequent metabolic pathology for dairy cows and high producing sheep, goats, and buffalo. The incidence is higher for high genetic value animals, because of the high requirement of nutrients of the udder and the insulin resistance that most of them experience.

The potential offered to ruminants by clinical and functional nutrition

The genetic selection of animals bred to produce meat or milk has profoundly changed their metabolism.

A review of cell-based meat: the need to assess holistically, by Faustman et al., 2020

Vetagro Student Corner

A review of the financial impact of production diseases in poultry production systems, by Jones et al., 2018

Vetagro Student Corner

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Press Room

Rumen-protected methionine: a boost for primiparous dairy cows performance

Organic acid and plant botanical supplementation in heat-stressed Holstein calves

Effects of heat stress and dietary organic acids and botanicals on hepatic one-carbon metabolism

Effects of ambient heat exposure and dietary organic acids and pure botanicals on gut permeability and milk production

Intestinal health: organic acids and pure botanicals can be extremely useful

Effects of feeding 2 rumen-protected choline sources during the transition period on Holstein dairy cows performance and blood metabolites

Thymol as an Adjuvant to Restore Antibiotic Efficacy and Reduce Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Gene Expression in Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Strains

A mixture of organic acids and thymol protects primary chicken intestinal epithelial cells from Clostridium perfringens infection in vitro

Dual Antimicrobial Effect of Medium-Chain Fatty Acids against an Italian Multidrug Resistant Brachyspira hyodysenteriae Strain

Phenol-Rich Botanicals Modulate Oxidative Stress and Epithelial Integrity in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Phenol-Rich Botanicals Modulate Oxidative Stress and Epithelial Integrity in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Phenol-Rich Botanicals Modulate Oxidative Stress and Epithelial Integrity in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Phenol-Rich Botanicals Modulate Oxidative Stress and Epithelial Integrity in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Organic acids and botanicals supplementation on lactation performance in heat-stressed dairy cows

Intestinal health helps preventing milk loss linked to ketosis and heat stress

Effects of feeding 2 rumen-protected choline sources during the transition period on Holstein dairy cows performance and blood metabolites

Assessing intestinal health. In vitro and ex vivo gut barrier models of farm animals: benefits and limitations

Assessing intestinal health. In vitro and ex vivo gut barrier models of farm animals: benefits and limitations

Assessing intestinal health. In vitro and ex vivo gut barrier models of farm animals: benefits and limitations

Assessing intestinal health. In vitro and ex vivo gut barrier models of farm animals: benefits and limitations

Heat stress develops with increased total-tract gut permeability, and dietary organic acid and pure botanical supplementation partly restores lactation performance in Holstein dairy cows

Development of an in vitro model to study intestinal integrity during an E. coli K88 challenge

Effects of two rumen-protected choline sources during transition period on Holstein dairy cows performance

Evaluation of a rumen-protected methionine product for lactating dairy cows at 2 concentrations of dietary crude protein

In situ rumen degradability and in vitro intestinal digestibility of rumen-protected methyl donors and lysine

Effects of supplementing rumen protected methionine on performance of primiparous dairy cows during Presynch-Ovsynch protocol

Effect of supplemental rumen-protected methionine on reproduction and production of Awassi ewes

How to improve colostrum quality

A blend of microencapsulated organic acids and botanicals reduces necrotic enteritis via specific signaling pathways in broilers

Effects of microencapsulated methionine on milk production and manure nitrogen excretions of lactating dairy cows

From acidifiers to intestinal health enhancers: how organic acids can improve growth efficiency of pigs

Evaluation of microencapsulated organic acids and botanicals on growth performance of nursery and growing-finishing pigs

An effective replacement herd is based on the optimal colostrum management

Single components of botanicals and nature-identical compounds as a non-antibiotic strategy to ameliorate health status and improve performance in poultry and pigs

Isolation, culture, and characterization of chicken intestinal epithelial cells

The biological effects of microencapsulated organic acids and botanicals induce tissue-specific and dose-dependent changes to the Gallus gallus microbiota

Organic acids and nature identical compounds can increase the activity of conventional antibiotics against Clostridium perfringens and Enterococcus cecorum in vitro

Thymol and Carvacrol Downregulate the Expression of Salmonella typhimurium Virulence Genes during an In Vitro Infection on Caco-2 Cells

Effects of increasing dietary level of organic acids and nature-identical compounds on growth, intestinal cytokine gene expression and gut microbiota of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) reared at normal and high temperature

Single components of botanicals and nature-identical compounds as a non-antibiotic strategy to ameliorate health status and improve performance in poultry and pigs

A microencapsulated feed additive containing organic acids, thymol, and vanillin increases in vitro functional activity of peripheral blood leukocytes from broiler chicks

Dietary supplementation with a microencapsulated blend of organic acids and botanicals alters the kinome in the ileum and jejunum of Gallus gallus

Thymol modulates the endocannabinoid system and gut chemosensing of weaning pigs

Cannabinoid and Cannabinoid-Related Receptors in the Myenteric Plexus of the Porcine Ileum

Tributyrin differentially regulates inflammatory markers and modulates goblet cells number along the intestinal tract segments of weaning pigs

Animal performance passes through gut health

Gut health is the key for animal health and production

A microencapsulated blend of organic acids and natural identical flavours reduces necrotic enteritis-associated damages in broiler chickens

Role of carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde in broiler cecal fermentations

Microencapsulation allows slow release of organic acids in the GI tract of broilers

Dietary inclusion of low doses of microencapsulated zinc oxide affects inflammatory cytokine and tight junction protein expression in the ileum of piglets

Antimicrobial power of organic acids and nature-identical compounds against two Vibrio spp.: an in vitro study

Effect of microencapsulated blend of citric acid, sorbic acid, thymol and vanillin on growth performance of commercial broilers

Microencapsulated sodium selenite supplementation in dairy cows: effects on selenium status

Microencapsulated lysine and low-protein diets: effects on performance, carcass characteristics and nitrogen excretion in heavy growing -finishing pigs

Low doses of microencapsulated zinc oxide improve performance and modulate the ileum architecture, inflammatory cytokines and tight junctions expression of weaned pigs

Effects of microencapsulated blend of organic acids and essential oils as a feed additive on quality of chicken breast meat

Effects of pelleting temperature on microencapsulated AviPlus® and the gastrointestinal recovery of thymol in broiler chickens

Effects of a microencapsulated feed additive on growth performance and sanitary status of broiler chickens

In vitro effects of some organic acids on swine cecal microflora

An organic acid blend can modulate swine intestinal fermentation and reduce microbial proteolysis

Low dose of microencapsulated zinc oxide increases growth performance and reduces fecal zinc level in weanling pigs

Ruminants clinical and functional nutrition by Vetagro

Improved livestock sustainability through dietary protein correct management

Blood methionine and lysine concentration in lactation dairy cows supplemented with commercial rumen-protected methionine and lysine products

Impact of dietary organic acids and botanicals on intestinal integrity and inflammation in weaned pigs

Feed additives can improve piglets performance during the weaning period

Modulation of the immune response to improve health and reduce foodborne pathogens in poultry

Evaluation of the effectiveness of supplementing micro-encapsulated organic acids and essential oils in diets for sows and suckling piglets

Effect of microencapsulated blends of organic acids and essential oils supplementation on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in finishing pigs

Is it necessary to add nicotinic acid to the dairy cow diet?

Post weaning diarrhea in piglets: how can we manage the problem with the upcoming ban of ZnO at pharmacological level?

How to improve goats milk quality through nutrition

Improved intestinal health leads to enhanced performance

The power of synergy

Essential oils or nature identical compounds? Pros and cons

Intestinal microflora: a very delicate balance among many different microorganisms

Intestinal health means general health

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