A shift among phytogenics: From first to second generation
Enhancing animal performance through advanced manufacturing and natural ingredients for more transparency, more efficacy and more profitability
Evolution and impact of phytogenic feed additives
Over the past few decades, the market for phytogenic feed additives has undergone significant transformation, shaped by evolving regulations, shifting consumer expectations, and advancements in research. The pioneering efforts of the late 20th century laid the foundation for the growth of this sector, though recent industry consolidation has led to a noticeable slowdown in innovation.
The use of phytogenics in animal nutrition has expanded, particularly following global bans on antibiotics as growth promoters (AGPs). Nutritionists have increasingly turned to plant-based additives to replicate AGP performance in broilers. Initially valued for their antimicrobial properties, plant extracts have since demonstrated a broader range of benefits for gut health. They can modulate microbiota composition by targeting harmful pathogens while preserving beneficial bacteria, stimulate digestive functions by enhancing enzyme activity and nutrient absorption, and modulate immune responses to reduce inflammation and support immunity. Additionally, these extracts contribute to gut integrity by promoting mucus production and epithelial cell growth. Sourced from various plant parts and extracted through methods ranging from simple milling to complex distillation, phytogenic ingredients offer diverse properties and effects, influencing their purity, stability, and overall efficacy in animal nutrition.
This shift has given rise to 'green' solutions, which bring new opportunities to the market, but in some cases, relied on opaque formulations or lack substantial evidence. Phytogenics, which first gained traction in the late 1980s, experienced a significant surge in demand over the last decade, driven by increasing consumer interest in sustainable ingredients. This period marked a transition from 'black box' solutions to more transparent, advanced, and innovative technologies.
Where does innovation lie for the future of phytogenics?
From Phytogenics to Phycogenics
While significant research has been conducted on phytogenics, derived from the Greek 'phyto,' meaning plant, the field of phycogenics, derived from 'phyko,' meaning algae, remains largely unexplored. There is growing interest in investigating the potential of marine algae through various approaches, with some studies focusing on seaweeds as a nutrient source and others examining their broader properties.
A novel approach within this domain involves identifying algae metabolites that can enhance animal gut health, rather than treating algae merely as a raw material. This research aims to establish connections between seaweed metabolites and their effects on animal physiology. Collaboration with experts, such as the ongoing partnership between NUQO© and the University of Wels in Austria, facilitates the exchange of expertise and ideas. This collaboration seeks to identify promising solutions and advance innovative bioprocessing technologies. The potential of phycogenics is still emerging, and there is growing enthusiasm for exploring its possibilities and advancing this innovative field.
Of course, when considering the future of phytogenics, seaweed metabolites, or 'phycogenics,' represent one avenue of innovation. Other possibilities include developing new methods for producing plant-based metabolites, refining processing techniques, or enhancing the activity of these natural compounds.
Manufacturing expertise is key
As the phytogenics market began to expand, the initial solutions developed were based on relatively rudimentary technologies. While these early products met emerging market demands for natural and sustainable alternatives, they faced several challenges, including the need to demonstrate stability over time and through the feed production process, particularly under harsh conditions like extrusion or pelletization. Additionally, these products had to ensure they did not negatively impact feeding behavior, show efficacy with a clear mode of action, and guarantee safety for both animals and workers in feed factories and farms. Many first-generation phytogenics contained volatile ingredients that were unstable during processing, dusty or irritant, or unpalatable. While these early products added value, they had limitations. Some remain available today, but they no longer meet the needs of modern farming.
Recent advancements in technology have addressed these limitations, resulting in products that better align with customer expectations. Notably, developments in micro-encapsulation have produced top-tier products: industry leaders now offer high-concentration, highly stable products that are effective even at low doses and under harsh feed production conditions. These products are dust-free, pose no irritation risk to workers, and are designed to release active ingredients precisely where needed in the digestive tract for maximum efficacy. However, the term ‘encapsulated’ is becoming overused, and it is important to verify suppliers' claims to ensure products rely on reliable production technologies rather than just marketing hype.
([Plants + Algae] x Micro-Encapsulation Technology) = The new standard
In recent years, one company took lessons from the past to develop a portfolio that addresses the strengths and weaknesses of traditional phytogenics. One of the first products designed through this approach, NUQO©NEX (referred to hereafter as ‘NQ’), is an exclusive product that stands apart from other classic plant-based solutions. It contains a high concentration of metabolites from both plants and seaweed. Not only does it rely on a transparent formulation, but it also boasts one of the highest concentrations of active ingredients, coupled with exceptional stability. This ensures high efficacy at low doses compared to other solutions. The product's protection has been evaluated under various feed processing conditions, for different species, including mash, pelletization, or extrusion processes, demonstrating consistent recovery over time. It does not negatively influence feed quality or palatability and is both safe and easy to handle for factory operators.
Extensive research has been conducted to demonstrate the overall efficacy of these technologies on animal performance, as well as to elucidate their modes of action. Various publications have shown how this technology can release active ingredients precisely in the gut to stimulate digestive functions, enhance gut integrity, and support immune functions, ultimately optimizing energy and nutrient utilization and boosting feed efficacy and farm profitability.
Research Evaluates the added value of New Phytogenics technology
This new technology has gained substantial market share in recent years. From both a technical and economic standpoint, formulators and nutritionists have recognized the value of this new generation of phytogenic feed additives. This has been confirmed by numerous trials and publications across Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Latin America.
A recent trial was conducted at the university of Arkansas, US, during 39 days in autumn with male cobb 500. The broilers were fed a typical US 3-phases diet (Starter/Grower/Finisher). Starter feeds were pelleted and crumbled, Grower and Finisher diets were fed as pellets. NUQO©NEX was added on top of the basal diet from d0 till d39, resulting in two treatments: Control (NC) and NUQO NEX at 100g/ton (NQ).
On day 39 of the trial, male Cobb 500 broilers demonstrated body weight gain (BWG) close to their genetic performance expectations. The addition of NUQO© NEX enhanced BWG by 57g and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) by 2.1 points compared to the control group, bringing the birds closer to their genetic potential for FCR and exceeding their potential for BWG. Considering the current feedstuffs price in US and the bird performance of this trial, it was calculated that using NQ technology on-top of the feed brought a return on investment (ROI) of 3 to 1 for the operation.
Additionally, NQ improved both carcass and breast weights without increasing the incidence of woody breast or white striping, and it had no negative effects on other meat quality traits (pH, drip loss, colour). In conclusion, NQ treatment not only enhanced BWG and feed efficiency but also significantly boosted the farm's ROI.
With over 30 trials worldwide, the NQ technology has demonstrated a clear advantage over other technologies, particularly older phytogenics. It is now used in broilers, laying hens, and other species, both as a standalone additive and to optimize feed formulation.
Conclusion: Embracing the latest phytogenic technologies
The phytogenic market was still in its infancy two decades ago and has since developed significantly, addressing essential industry needs driven by new regulations, consumer expectations, and technical advancements. The early pioneers who explored the potential of plants and herbs laid the groundwork for this growth. However, with the passage of time, new technologies have elevated industry standards, making phytogenic feed additives even more effective. Through the discovery and application of new metabolites from plants and seaweed, alongside the development of advanced manufacturing technologies, the industry has developed more reliable solutions: products with high concentration and stability, greater safety for workers and animals, and consistent performance with better economic returns. Extensive research supports these advancements, and there is no longer a reason to rely on outdated products when new technologies are both affordable and more effective. The pioneers who launched the first phytogenics 20 years ago have not significantly upgraded their technologies. Looking ahead, continued innovation in sourcing natural molecules and improving processing methods will bring more transparency and science and will further drive the evolution of the feed industry and support sustainable animal nutrition in the future.
