Nor-Feed Newsletter #109
The Nor-Feed Newsletter is out! This time we focused on the management of coccidial risk in livestock. You can also read about the use of?Durelax in aquaculture. You can read our newsletter below or?subscribe to it and receive it by e-mail.
Managing coccidial risk in livestock: Natural and effective products to meet the need for sustainable solutions
Over the last few decades, the performance of poultry production has improved considerably, thanks to major advances in genetics, feed and rearing parameters. The intensive production system, characterized by high stocking densities and large numbers of birds, is leading to an increase in challenges. One of the many challenges that threaten poultry productivity, particularly in broilers, is coccidial risk.?Its annual cost is estimated at around 12 billion euros worldwide or 0,19€/broiler (Blake et al., 2020). This figure includes losses during production (mortality, reduced growth, and poor FCR), the cost of coccidiostat additives in feed, and the cost of curative treatment with veterinary drugs when prophylaxis fails. Widely used for decades to manage coccidial risk, synthetic coccidiostats and ionophores are reference solutions. They offer a very attractive efficacy/price ratio.
However, intensive use of these anticoccidials increases the development of resistance. This phenomenon has been known for several years, as evidenced by many studies conducted on the sensitivity of field strains to anticoccidial drugs (Chapman, 2022). A recent study investigated the sensitivity to nicarbazin and a combination of narasin and nicarbazin of 26 isolates of Eimeria, collected from 2003 to 2006 in the USA. ?The results show that the isolates were sensitive to nicarbazin but only 22% overall were sensitive to the combination tested. The authors concluded that the decline in sensitivity was due to the over-usage of such drugs for many years in the poultry industry?(Bafundo et al, 2008).
Another resistance of common coccidiostats largely used worldwide has been report in Brazil. The sensitivity of field isolates of E. acervulina and E. maxima to 6 different coccidiostats and 2 combinations indicated that strains were resistant or partially resistant to all these compounds (Kraieskli et al, 2021).
Although fighting resistance against anticoccidials is a difficult task, shuttle programs and rotation of compounds are approaches that help prevent or postpone its emergence?(Quiroz-Castaneda and Dantan-Gonzalez, 2015).
Moreover, new alternatives are emerging, as is the case with natural plant extracts. One of the advantages of using natural extracts is the lower risk of developing resistance (Quiroz-Castaneda and Dantan-Gonzalez, 2015). ?However, there is a large variability among these natural alternative solutions. It is therefore essential that producers ask for all guarantees from suppliers to ensure that such a transition is conducted safely. This requires standardized products with a proven efficacy over time and on a large scale.?This major zootechnical development for the poultry industry is a response to demand. These new alternatives also offer technical and/or economic advantages.?
Saponin-Rich Plant Premixture Supplementation Is as Efficient as Ionophore Monensin Supplementation Under Experimental Eimeria spp Challenge in Broiler Chicken
Extract from the last scientific publication made by Dr. Mohammed el Amine BENARBIA, PhD (Nor-Feed), published in Frontiers, 2022.
Three trials were carried out in three experimental facilities. The same experimental design was applied in each facility. The trials took place in Belgium (Wolvenhof, Poulpharm), the United States (Willington, Colorado, COLORADO QUALITY RESEARCH, INC.) and Spain (Murcia, IMASDE Campus de Espinardo). These three centers were chosen to consolidate results by maximizing the diversification of production systems.?
Here is the experimental design of the 3 stations:?
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Chickens were divided into 4 groups:?
Infestation occurred with sporulated oocysts suspended by oral gavage.?
Results
Zootechnical performance:
A significant reduction in weight gain was observed in the IUC group, proof that oocyst infestation had worked. Norponin XO was as effective as Monensin in significantly limiting weight loss associated with Eimeria infestation.?
Sources: Kuttappan et al., 2021; Mitchell et al., 1998; Zheng et al., 2020; Vecerek et al., 2016; other sources available upon request
Conclusion
Norponin XO?is as effective as the ionophore Monensin in the case of experimental Eimeria infestation in broilers. For more details on the publication:?https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.946576/full
Durelax Liquid, an effective tool in aquaculture!
Recent trials conducted in Chile by our partner,?Montana Chile, focusing on Atlantic salmon, Pacific salmon, and rainbow trout, have yielded promising results.?
Durelax liquid, used at 250ml/m3 in water, reduces fish stress. Notably, during transport via truck and well-boat, salmonids exhibited lower cortisol levels, indicating reduced stress. This reduction in stress during transport has the potential to decrease mortality rates and promote better post-transport recovery. For instance, the mortality rate during the transportation of smolts to sea cages was nearly halved (-48%).?
Durelax is not an anesthetic, as it does not make the fish "sleep", but it effectively calms animals naturally. Its application in salmon vaccination procedures has shown that the dose of conventional anesthetics such as eugenol can be reduced by more than half, while allowing faster recovery after. Durelax presents no danger to fish or the environment and carries no risk even if overdosed (up to 4 times the recommended dose). The onset of Durelax Liquid's effects on fish is rapid, typically observed within approximately 30 minutes after application.?
In summary, Durelax calms animals naturally. The solution is recommended during handling, vaccination, sampling, and transportation in fish.