The modern broiler integrator is continually challenged to improve production efficiency and performance. New research has demonstrated the potential benefits of a proprietary blend of plant extracts and direct-fed microbials (DFMs) to help improve the overall health and efficiency of growing broilers.
The research study conducted by Prince Agri Products Inc., was presented at the 2013 Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting in San Diego, Calif. The objective was to assess the impact of Quillaja saponaria and Yucca schidigera and two commercially available DFMs, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans, when used alone and in combination in broiler diets, as an augmentation of the current, standard antibiotic program.
The new study demonstrated that the best diet contained the Quillaja saponaria/Yucca schidigera plus Bacillus coagulans combination. It provided further synergistic and/or additive benefits, in that a 5 percent improvement in feed utilization related to improved health status was observed. Results also showed that using either the Quillaja/Yucca or Bacillus coagulans separately provided performance benefits – supporting similar research presented at last year’s Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting.
“The trial demonstrated that these products represent viable alternatives for maintaining health and production efficiencies in commercial broiler production,” said David Calabotta, Ph.D., vice president of marketing and technology deployment for Prince Agri Products. “The assessment of the economic and management ‘fit’ of these products is of keen interest within both the broiler industry and scientific community.”
Calabotta said further analysis is needed to quantify, qualify and expand upon these results in commercial operations under other application scenarios.
Prince Agri Products markets the Quillaja/Yucca proprietary blend under the brand name Nutrafito Plus and Bacillus coagulans under the brand name Provia 6086. These uniquely patented products have demonstrated gut health and immune function benefits, which may help maintain health and enhance performance and profitability in poultry and other production animals.
Prince Agri Products Inc. is a leading provider of high-quality trace minerals and nutritional supplements that advance nutrition for dairy cows, beef cattle, swine, poultry and companion animals. Prince offers innovative, science-based solutions that help enhance health, productivity and profitability in all classes of livestock. Prince is headquartered in Quincy, Ill., and is a division of Phibro Animal Health Corporation. For more information, visit princeagri.com or call 217-222-8854.
