1Amlan International, Chicago, IL, 60061, USA 2Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville AR 72701, USA *E-mail: Hongyu.Xue@Amlan.com
Antibiotic resistance in foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella is a major concern for public health safety. The poultry industry is compelled to seek alternative solutions to antibiotics in reducing the incidence of Salmonella colonization in broiler chickens at the farm level. NeutraPath is a formulated feed additive that features a proprietary blend of essential oils, medium-chain fatty acids and an activated toxin-adsorbing mineral. This formula has been shown to neutralize a variety of key virulence factors of pathogenic bacteria in addition to exerting direct bacteriostatic/bacteriocidal effects. This study was aimed to evaluate in vitro and in vivo effects of NeutraPath on Salmonella enterica sv. Typhimurium (ST) infection in broiler chickens.
An in vitro digestion model was used to simulate three gastrointestinal compartments with physiologically relevant pH and enzymatic conditions correspondent to that of crop, proventriculus and intestinal section respectively. In the in vivo trial, one-day old male broiler chicks were randomly allocated to one of three groups (n=30 chickens), i.e., Challenged control with non-treated feed and NeutraPath supplemented at 0.25% and 0.5% in feed. Chickens were orally gavaged with 106 CFU of live ST per chicken at 9-d old. Twenty-four hours post challenge, ceca-cecal tonsils were removed to evaluate Salmonella recovery and serum was collected for FITC-d determination. Differences between treatments were analyzed using one-way ANOVA.
In the in vitro trial, 0.25% NeutraPath significantly reduced total CFU of ST recovered in the proventriculus and intestinal compartments compared with control (P<0.05). NeutraPath treatment at 0.25% and 0.5% resulted in a 41.7% and 33.3% reduction in the prevalence of ST in ceca respectively compared to the challenged control (P<0.05 for both comparisons). Both dose levels also significantly reduced total ST CFU recovered in the ceca by 1.84 and 1.79 Log10 CFU/g compared to the challenged control (P<0.05 for both comparisons). Further, NeutraPath at both doses significantly reduced serum FITC-dextran levels (P<0.05).
Based on these in vitro and in vivo data, the NeutraPath treatment had the therapeutic potential to reduce ST colonization in broiler chickens and preserve the functional integrity of the intestinal barrier of chickens during ST challenge.
Broiler growers worldwide are under pressure to reduce or eliminate growth-promoting antibiotics from bird diets. Promoting intestinal health through improved nutrition and immune system stimulation can help producers successfully replace or reduce antimicrobials without sacrificing bird health or performance.
BY DR HONGYU XUE, LIFE SCIENCES DIRECTOR, AMLAN INTERNATIONAL
Completely removing or significantly reducing the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) raises many issues for broiler producers. Their foremost concerns are whether their grow-out operations can remain competitive, profitable and free from performance-robbing intestinal diseases like necrotic enteritis.
Broiler growers moving to
antibiotic-free poultry production now
have the advantage of hindsight, unlike
those who were impacted by the first antibiotic bans of 20-plus
years ago.
Since then, many compounds have been studied for their ability to replace AGPs. Prebiotics, probiotics, enzymes, organ- ic acids, minerals and other additives can be used successfully to manage gut health instead of AGPs. But, and this is a big ca- veat, these products are often used in combination and in- crease feed costs. Formulated feed additives that combine the right ingredients to replace one or more other additives and help birds grow efficiently may be just what today’s broiler producers need. Certain formulated feed additives are de- signed to use different and (ideally) synergistic modes of ac- tion to achieve desired responses. Such products are typically tested by a team of specialists to determine the optimal for- mulation so growers don’t have to experiment. Those factors help formulated products deliver value.
Intestinal health is critical
A healthy gut is essential to a healthy bird. However, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the site of substantial disease challenges, including pathogens like Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. An effective antibiotic alternative should demonstrate activity in three areas:
The intestinal lumen to reduce bacterial disease challenges,
The intestinal epithelium to strengthen the intestinal barrier,
The gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) to stimulate immune function.
Varium is used worldwide in antibiotic-free poultry production to achieve equivalent outcomes as AGPs, often replacing one or more additional feed additives being used as replacements to AGPs. Multiple controlled studies and field trials demon- strate that Varium, a proprietary formulated feed additive, can replace some or all AGPs use in broiler diets. The components of the all-natural product work synergistically to provide a multifaceted approach to supporting intestinal health and im- munity, promoting efficient feed use and improving overall flock performance, see Figure 1. Those mechanisms of action support bird intestinal health and efficiency by:
Reducing total biotoxin load, which helps protect intestinal homeostasis,
Reducing pathogen load through type-1 fimbriae bacterial adhesion,
Providing enterocytes with a preferred energy source, which
enhances the intestinal barrier,
Stimulating the innate and adaptive immune responses to help birds defend against
pathogens.
Trials find comparable performance
For broiler producers seeking evidence-based options, pre- adoption trial data from commercial broiler producers in Brazil demonstrate how Varium performs alone or in combi- nation with other feed additives. In a 40-day feeding trial conducted under natural challenge, 2,400 day-old chicks were assigned to one of four treatments (Table 1).
In addition to the specified treatments, all diets included common anti- coccidial treatments. Captured and calculated data included body weight, feed intake, mortality, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and percent mortality. Broilers fed diets containing Varium alone or in combination with other additives had weight gain and FCR comparable to those fed a diet contain- ing two antibiotics, a mycotoxin binder and a probiotic. No significant differences in day-40 weight gain or FCR were de- tected among treatments. However, mortality at day 40 was substantially lower for broilers consuming Varium in their di- ets. Broilers fed diets containing Varium had higher produc- tion efficiency indices (PEI) than the control group. A second trial in Brazil compared the performance of Varium to Tylosin when fed to birds at a commercial broiler grow-out operation that produced about 170,000 birds per day for slaughter. Tylosin at a rate of 55 ppm was added to diets between August 2017 and July 2018. Tylosin and a an enzyme-based mycotox- in deactivator were then removed and Varium was added at a rate of 0.1% from August 2018 through July 2019.
Captured and calculated data included body weight and age at slaughter, average daily gain, FCR, PEI, mortality and liver quality. No significant differences were detected between treatments for FCR, average daily gain, average body weight, average age at slaughter, PEI or percent mortality. Interesting- ly, faeces from broilers fed diets containing the feed additive were firmer, resulting in better quality litter than those birds receiving Tylosin in their diets, see Table 2. Better litter quality means decreased incidence of foot pad dermatitis.
Table 1 – Trial results under natural challenge. Treatments investigated in a 40-day feeding trial with natural challenge
Varium + halquinol + mycotoxin binder + B. subtilis
Va + Vir
Varium + virginiamycin + mycotoxin binder + B. subtilis
Varium
Varium (1 kg/MT)
Table 2 – Averages of key performance parameters.
Treatment
Body weight (kg)
Age (d)
Daily gain (g)
FCR
PEI
Mortality (%)
Liver quality (%)
Tylosin + mycotoxin binder
3.070
45.6
67.3
1.68
388
3.80
1.48
Varium
3.041
44.6
68.0
1.63
401
3.84
1.54
Profitable antibiotic-free production
Intestinal health becomes more important to profitable broiler production as AGPs are removed from bird diets. But it takes the right combination of feed ingredients and additives along with many other factors. Varium is helping commercial producers save money by replacing one or more feed addi- tives in broiler diets while maintaining or improving feed conversion and weight gain and decreasing mortality. Efficient broiler production without AGPs is possible.
Dr. Hongyu Xue’s research on Salmonella offers unique discoveries for global health
CHICAGO – December 5, 2019 — Dr. Hongyu Xue, Life Science Director at Amlan International will present his recent in vitro and in vivo research into reducing Salmonella enterica sv. Typhimurium (ST) colonization in broilers during the 3rd International Symposium on Alternatives to Antibiotics (ATA) in Bangkok, Thailand. The presentation will highlight two aspects of Salmonella control strategy that promise unique and wide-reaching impact for animal and human health.
Dr. Xue will speak on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 4:15 p.m. in the Mayfair Grand Ballroom at The Berkeley Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. His presentation will be followed by a roundtable discussion with other presenters.
Dr. Xue discovered a new formulated feed additive for controlling pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal environment of livestock and poultry. The product, NeutraPath, had a two-pronged effect on Salmonella challenge in a recent study. First, the product produced a 42% reduction in Salmonella prevalence and 1.84 log reduction in Salmonella load in the ceca among birds exposed to disease challenge. Second, the product’s proprietary blend of functional ingredients downregulated the expression of Salmonella’s key virulence factors, limiting pathogen colonization and preserving the functional integrity of the bird’s intestines.
NeutraPath will be available in select countries starting in late 2020. Contact Amlan for more information on NeutraPath and Amlan’s portfolio of performance feed additives.
“Antibiotic resistance in foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella is a major concern for public health safety,” Dr. Xue says. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 1.4 million cases of Salmonella infections occur annually. Notably, at least 100,000 of these infections are due to antibiotic-resistant Salmonella. Poultry is known to be a major reservoir of Salmonellas and eggs, and poultry meat are major sources of human food-borne Salmonellosis throughout the world. In response, the poultry industry is compelled to seek alternative solutions to antibiotics to control Salmonella at the farm level and thus reduce its spread to meat during processing.”
“The research that Dr. Xue will present at ATA is exciting for the industry,” says Flemming Mahs, President of Amlan International. “A greater understanding of how we can reduce the effects of bacterial disease in poultry will ultimately lead to a safer food supply for everyone.”
In humans, some Salmonella strains are multi-drug resistant and can be resistant to five or six conventional antibiotics. “Research showing the ability to disarm bacteria and find some level of control will be important for future developments in preventing antibiotic resistance in animal and human health,” Mahs adds.
Note to media: To schedule an interview with Dr. Xue, please contact Reagan Culbertson, Amlan International, at press@amlan.com.
###
MEDIA CONTACT Reagan Culbertson
(312) 706-3256
reagan.culbertson@amlan.com
ABOUT AMLAN INTERNATIONAL
Oil-Dri Corporation of America (NYSE: ODC), a Delaware corporation doing business as “Amlan International,” has grown its product offering across the intestinal health and antibiotic growth promoter (AGP)-alternative market, driven largely by the research conducted at its laboratory campus in Vernon Hills, Illinois. In 2017, the company added the Richard M. Jaffee Laboratory for Applied Microbiology to the campus. In 2013, the company’s global reach expanded with the establishment of its China subsidiary in Shenzhen. Further information on Amlan International is available at Amlan.com. Amlan International sells animal health products outside of the United States. Product-associated claims may differ based on government requirements, and product availability may vary by country. “NeutraPath” is a trademark of Oil-Dri Corporation of America.
Adds Second Research Facility to Accelerate Innovation
CHICAGO – November 6, 2019 — Amlan International, a division of Oil-Dri Corporation of America and a global leader in proven solutions that improve the intestinal health and productivity of livestock, announces the opening of an additional facility to support recent growth in Amlan’s Life Sciences initiatives.
A showcase for both customer education and new product development, the Richard M. Jaffee Center for Applied Microbiology is located within walking distance from the company’s Nick Jaffee Center for Innovation in Vernon Hills, Illinois. The proximity will allow for continued collaboration between Oil-Dri’s Materials Sciences and Life Sciences teams. The nearly 550 square meter facility houses the Life Sciences team and a state-of-the-art Biosafety Level-1 and 2 laboratory space.
Science and research are the foundation of Amlan’s discovery process. The Life Sciences team is focused on enhancing Amlan’s unique mineral to control microorganisms and deliver novel, natural solutions for disease management to the animal health market.
Amlan’s next generation products and programs are designed to target virulence factors within the intestinal environment. Reducing pathogenic bacteria and the harmful toxins they produce supports health and allows for efficient growth. Less inputs in animal diets can result in improved profit margins for producers.
The Life Sciences team will further investigate Amlan’s mineral technology as a means to disarm pathogenic bacteria by selectively blocking bacteria’s communication (i.e. quorum sensing) and other key virulence pathways essential to bacterial pathogens mounting successful infections.
“The Richard M. Jaffee Center for Applied Microbiology offers advanced customer support through new, proprietary analysis of intestinal tissue and unique disease control programs,” says Flemming L. Mahs, President, Amlan International.
In 2017, Amlan opened its first microbiology lab within its Innovation Center. It was named for Richard M. Jaffee, former chairman of Oil-Dri Corporation, in honor of his leadership, pioneering spirit and passion for health. Over the past two years, the Life Sciences team has had tremendous success and quickly identified the need for further investment.
“I was happy to invest in the expansion of our microbiological research. My father always understood the value of Research and Development in our quest to better serve our customers. The investment in this eponymous microbiology lab and Life Sciences research is a natural continuation of that vision,” said Daniel S. Jaffee, CEO of Oil-Dri Corporation of America. “This advanced facility and our customer driven solutions help position Amlan as a strategic partner in the market and can further cultivate sales across the world.”
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MEDIA CONTACT Reagan Culbertson
(312) 706-3256
reagan.culbertson@amlan.com
ABOUT AMLAN INTERNATIONAL
Oil-Dri Corporation of America (NYSE: ODC), a Delaware corporation doing business as “Amlan International,” has grown its product offering across the feed additive and antibiotic growth promoter (AGP)-alternative market, driven largely by the research conducted at its laboratory campus in Vernon Hills, Illinois. Further information on Amlan International is available at Amlan.com.
Dr. Abelardo Pérez presented layer farm trial resulting in a 4:1 ROI using an Amlan performance additive program
CHICAGO – March 26, 2019 — At the recent Aviespecialistas de Mexico (AVEM) International Congress 2019, Amlan International presented trial results from a commercial layer producer’s implementation of an Amlan feed additive program that increased production and resulted in a return on investment of 4 to 1. Amlan, a global leader in the development of natural, innovative products that improve intestinal health and productivity in livestock, participated as an exhibitor and technical guest speaker at AVEM, held March 12–14 in Queretaro, Mexico.
The Amlan product portfolio featured at AVEM included performance feed additives, Varium™ for poultry feed efficiency and Calibrin®-Z for biotoxin control. Amlan International’s Poultry Advisor for Mexico, Dr. Abelardo Pérez H., MVZ, participated in the event’s technical seminar by presenting “Increased Layer Production Performance in the Field: Results using Varium and Calibrin-Z.” His talk highlighted a trial where Varium was used during the pullet-rearing age followed by the inclusion of Calibrin-Z until the end of layer production. The program resulted in increased production performance and improved return on investment.
“Producers have seen positive results in challenge reduction and improved feed efficiency in the poultry industry, both in clinical and on-farm trials, proving the efficacy and safety of our natural feed additive programs,” stated Justino Hernandez, Country Manager for Amlan in Mexico. “The trial presented by Dr. Pérez demonstrated that Varium and Calibrin-Z used consecutively provided significant overall health benefits for layer producers, leading to stronger economic performance.”
AVEM is known in the Mexican veterinary community as one of the most important poultry congresses in the country, and it attracts over 800 veterinarian and nutritionist attendees. The three-day event explored many topics related to poultry health and production and new products on the market, including the latest solutions for antibiotic-free production.
For more detailed product information, visit bioinsightsaml.wpengine.com. Contact us to today to set up a trial of our efficiency support programs.
###
MEDIA CONTACT Reagan Culbertson
(312) 706-3256
reagan.culbertson@amlan.com
ABOUT AMLAN INTERNATIONAL
Oil-Dri Corporation of America (NYSE: ODC), a Delaware corporation doing business as “Amlan International,” has grown its product offering across the intestinal health and antibiotic growth promoter (AGP)-alternative market, driven largely by the research conducted at its laboratory campus in Vernon Hills, Illinois. In 2017, the company added the Richard M. Jaffee Laboratory for Applied Microbiology to the campus. In 2013, the company’s global reach expanded with the establishment of its subsidiary in Shenzhen, China. Further information on Amlan International is available at Amlan.com.
Amlan International sells animal health products outside of the United States. Product-associated claims may differ based on government requirements, and product availability may vary by country.
CHICAGO, March 19, 2019 — Amlan International, a global leader in the development of innovative products that improve intestinal health and productivity for livestock, announces the addition of Ms. Clare Mari Torralba as Regional Sales Director for the Asia-Pacific region (APEC). In her new role, Ms. Torralba will plan and execute Amlan’s sales strategy and manage the regional sales team to deliver products and services that ensure long-term customer value and profitability.
Ms.Torralba brings extensive sales leadership in the feed additive industry to Amlan. Her experience includes serving as Sales Manager, Regional Vice President and most recently as Head of Global Business for Evonik Industries. Her proven professional expertise is in P&L management of multi-cultural businesses.
“We are extremely proud to welcome Ms. Torralba to the Amlan/Oil-Dri family,” said Flemming L. Mahs, President of Amlan International, a Nevada corporation. “Her elevated knowledge of sales, management and animal health makes her an ideal addition to the team.”
“I am thrilled to be a part of the growing team of accomplished animal health professionals,” Torralba said. “I look forward to building an empowered, customer-focused sales organization and driving the business of Amlan International to even greater levels of success.”
MEDIA CONTACT Reagan Culbertson
(312) 706-3256
reagan.culbertson@amlan.com
ABOUT AMLAN INTERNATIONAL
Oil-Dri Corporation of America (NYSE: ODC), a Delaware corporation doing business as “Amlan International,” has grown its product offering across the intestinal health and AGP-alternative market, driven largely by the research conducted at its laboratory campus in Vernon Hills, Illinois. In 2017, the company added the Richard M. Jaffee Laboratory for Applied Microbiology to the campus. In 2013, the company’s global reach expanded with the establishment of its China subsidiary in Shenzhen.
Amlan International sells animal health products outside of the United States. Product-associated claims may differ based on government requirements and product availability may vary by country.
Industry experts to speak on enteric disease management
CHICAGO – FEBRUARY 25, 2019 — Amlan International will feature three presentations highlighting USA and Brazilian implementations and strategies for antibiotic-free poultry production at the VIV Asia Conference in Bangkok, Thailand. The presentations will explore protecting livestock from enteric disease and improving production efficiency from the perspectives of a producer, a poultry processor and an in-field technical consultant of the company. Amlan is a global leader that develops innovative solutions that naturally defend animals, improve production efficiency and protect profits.
The Amlan-sponsored presentations will be held on Wednesday, March 13, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 213 of the Bangkok International Trade & Exposition Center. The featured speakers and topics are:
10 a.m.: Dr. Phillip Smith, Senior Nutritionist, Tyson Foods, Lessons Learned from Transitioning to Antibiotic-Free Poultry Production
11 a.m.: Rovaldo Scariot, Sales Manager, BR Solutions, Results from the Brazilian Poultry Industry Using Varium, a Natural Performance Additive to Enhance Efficiency
11:45 a.m.: Dr. Maximillian Sim, South Asia Commercial and Technical Consultant, Amlan International, Anti-Virulence Strategies in Livestock Disease Management
“Poultry producers worldwide lose US $6 billion annually due to clinical and sub-clinical disease in their flocks,” says Flemming Mahs, president of Amlan International, a Nevada corporation. “We’re pleased to host these leading animal health experts for an in-depth look at best production practices, natural feed additive programs and pioneering innovation that can target virulence factors to enhance intestinal health and improve efficiency.”
Varium™ is one of the natural feed additives in Amlan’s portfolio of products that reduces the level of pathogenic challenges in the gut, strengthens the functions of the intestinal barrier and supports a healthy immune function. Over the last four years, the product has gained traction internationally as it has been trialed and adopted on commercial farms across Latin America and Asia.
VIV Asia is a biennial international feed-to-food trade event that covers all species and every part of the animal protein value chain. At the last conference in 2017, producers, processors and industry executives from more than 120 countries attended to discover the latest technological advancements in all aspects of animal protein production.
Note to media: To schedule an interview with one of the speakers, please contact Reagan Culbertson, Amlan International, press@amlan.com.
###
MEDIA CONTACT Reagan Culbertson
(312) 706-3256
reagan.culbertson@amlan.com
ABOUT AMLAN INTERNATIONAL
Oil-Dri Corporation of America (NYSE: ODC), a Delaware corporation doing business as “Amlan International,” has grown its product offering across the intestinal health and antibiotic growth promoter (AGP)-alternative market, driven largely by the research conducted at its laboratory campus in Vernon Hills, Illinois. In 2017, the company added the Richard M. Jaffee Laboratory for Applied Microbiology to the campus. In 2013, the company’s global reach expanded with the establishment of its subsidiary in Shenzhen, China. Further information on Amlan International is available at Amlan.com.
Amlan International sells animal health products outside of the United States. Product-associated claims may differ based on government requirements, and product availability may vary by country.
By: Dr Hongyu Xue Director, Life Sciences, Amlan International
Understanding how bacterial communication results in virulence is providing new insights into animal gut health and disease, insights that today’s feed industry can leverage now.
The risk of disease is a fact of life for farmers, ranchers and food animal producers whether they are raising crops, pigs, poultry, fish or shrimp. Disease results from a pathophysiologic process that involves not only the pathogen (e.g. bacterium, virus or fungus) but also the host’s microbiota and immune response. At the root of enteric infections is an imbalance in the intestinal immune-microbiota axis. Consequently, the complex interactions between feed, microbiome and host immune system have emerged as a primary focus for devising new strategies to combat livestock intestinal health issues.
“The Richard M. Jaffee Center for Applied Microbiology offers advanced customer support through new, proprietary analysis of intestinal tissue and unique disease control programs,” says Flemming L. Mahs, President, Amlan International.
