Alternative solutions to antibiotic growth promoters
by Dr. Sangita Jalukar, Technical Services Manager General“No antibiotics ever.” “Antibiotic free.” “Raised without antibiotics.” Whichever way you want to phrase it, consumers are looking for poultry options raised without antibiotics. Producers looking to meet those demands have options to remove antibiotics without sacrificing performance.
Remove AGP without sacrificing performance
When one of our clients was looking to market their broilers as antibiotic-free, we recommended they use CELMANAX™ instead of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP). CELMANAX is a multicomponent, all-natural feed supplement containing Refined Functional Carbohydrates™ (RFCs™). Contrary to antibiotics, which may kill good as well as bad bacteria and cause dysbiosis, the prebiotic and postbiotic nature of CELMANAX promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria. This may also reduce the pathogenic bacteria and thus maintain healthy gut microbiota.
Results that speak for themselves
We have conducted multiple studies in the university setting as well as in commercial operations to compare broiler performance while using CELMANAX as opposed to AGP supplementation.
Broilers supplemented with CELMANAX had higher body weight (BW) compared to broilers fed control diet and similar or higher BW compared to broilers fed diets with AGP. No difference in feed conversion ratio was noted between broilers fed CELMANAX or AGP.
These results support the application of CELMANAX as an alternative to AGP without affecting performance in commercial broiler operations.
Replacing AGP with CELMANAX also helps to reduce antibiotic burden and resistance in your flock. For more information on alternative solutions for all your flock’s challenges, contact your Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition rep today.
