A recent market research study commissioned by Pancosma examined current attitudes
within the animal feed industry to the removal of antibiotic growth promoters
and what alternative strategies, if any, are being adopted.
The key findings of the research were:
Most producers have adopted alternative strategies and are using a wide range
of different feed additives.
65 % of all feed manufacturers interviewed are using some form of plant extract.
Plant extracts in combination with an acidifier are popular in piglet and
broiler feeds.
Producers are only convinced about plant extracts when they can see scientific
evidence in product efficacy and through their own trials.
An assessment of these results has lead to us launching a marketing campaign
under the banner "MORE EVIDENCE". The objective is to bring to the attention
of feed and livestock producer nutritionists the latest scientific information
documenting the mode of action of the plant extract active substances contained
in XTRACT, and the consistency of the product's efficacy in animal production
systems.
There is still some confusion about what plant extracts can do but are considered
to be important products for the future.
François Gautier, manager of Pancosma's internal Bioactive Division acknowledges
that some nutritionists still have many questions about the use of plant extracts
in animal nutrition. However, after many years of research by ourselves and independent
scientific establishments, the value of phytogenic feed additives is well established.
This view is supported by a considerable amount of data published in several scientific
journals, such as Journal of Animal Science.
François goes on to say that not all the questions are yet answered and new discoveries
will continue to be made. The priority is establishing modes of action and economic
benefits, whilst providing the industry with credible published scientific data.
This will enable the nutritionist to make decisions with confidence and in the
knowledge that a new strategy can be adopted; which benefits the animal, the livestock
producer and the feed supplier.
To support the More Evidence campaign several new publications are available:
The Farmer's Voice is a testimonial newsletter featuring the
experience of dairy farmers using XTRACT Dairy in their feeding programmes. This
publication is available to download: www.xtract.cc
Technical Support - manuals detailing the nutritional benefits
of XTRACT in various livestock production systems. The first four available are:
Gut health and piglet performance
Gut health and broiler performance
Gut health and turkey performance
Sow performance and piglet health
Research Report - detailed documents summarising research data investigating
the action and benefits of specific plant extracts. The subjects of the first
Research Reports are:
Quantitative analysis of the effects of XTRACT 6930 in broiler diets.
Quantitative analysis of the effects of XTRACT 6930 with piglets during the weaning
phase
Quantitative analysis of the effects of XTRACT 6930 in laying hen diets.
These reports are available to see at: www.plant-xt.com
