Science & Solutions Special Issue: PFA Survey 2017

Issue • Phytogenics 2017

Sp ecial

A magazine of

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Phytogenic Feed Additives Survey Results

Editorial

Science & Solutions is a monthly publication of BIOMIN Holding GmbH, distributed free-ofcharge to our customers and partners. Each issue of Science & Solutions presents topics on the most current scientific insights in animal nutrition and health with a focus on one species (aquaculture, poultry, swine or ruminant) per issue.

ISSN: 2309-5954 For a digital copy and details, visit: http://magazine.biomin.net For article reprints or to subscribe to Science & Solutions, please contact us: magazine@biomin.net Editor: Ryan Hines Contributors: Michael Noonan, Christine Hunger Marketing: Herbert Kneissl, Karin Nährer Graphics: Reinhold Gallbrunner, Michaela Hössinger Research: Franz Waxenecker, Ursula Hofstetter, Publisher: BIOMIN Holding GmbH Erber Campus, 3131 Getzersdorf, Austria Tel: +43 2782 8030 www.biomin.net ©Copyright 2017, BIOMIN Holding GmbH All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form for commercial purposes without the written permission of the copyright holder except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1998.

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Science & Solutions • Phytogenics 2017

Science in the Service of Industry At BIOMIN, we are strongly committed to scientific research and the development of innovative additives for animal production. The field of phytogenics has advanced considerably over the past three decades, as we gain a clearer picture of which active substances can deliver the most benefit to animal performance, and how.

What goes on in the lab is only half the story. Livestock producers face a range of on-farm issues on a daily basis. We’ve made it our mission to connect the science to customers’ operations in order to achieve better outcomes.

This inaugural BIOMIN Phytogenic Feed Additives Survey is part of the effort to reinforce that connection. By collecting clients’ views, we gain a greater understanding of where agribusiness professionals see value in the use of PFAs and what challenges they encounter in real life. Interestingly, we can observe some clear differences from region to region.

These results afford us the opportunity to enter into genuine dialogue about the current status of phytogenic feed additives, and how they can apply to specific on-farm scenarios. In this way, we will continue to harness the power of science in order to support the animal protein sector on our way to becoming the global market leader in phytogenics.

Michael Noonan Global Product Manager Phytogenics

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Science & Solutions • Phytogenics 2017

BIOMIN Phytogenic Feed Additives Survey 2017 The views of more than one thousand agribusiness professionals on the use of phytogenic feed additives reveals a number of insights.

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BIOMIN Phytogenic Feed Additives Survey 2017

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utritionists, growers, business owners, veterinarians and consultants located in over 100 countries provided their views on the use of phytogenic feed additives (PFAs or botanicals) in livestock within the framework of the 2017 BIOMIN Phytogenic Feed Additives Survey.

Nutritionists, veterinarians and consultants accounted for more than 70% of completed questionnaires (Table 1).

In total, 1140 respondents answered the survey over the course of October and November 2016. The sample group included many key decision-makers from across the world (Figure 1). Three-quarters (76%) of respondents play a role in selecting feed ingredients for their organization. Feed producers and consultants accounted for 43% of responses, followed by poultry (31%) and swine (14%) professionals (Figure 2).

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Current PFA users

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Just over half of respondents (51%) indicated that they currently use phytogenic feed additives as part of their livestock feeding program (Figure 3). Of those using PFAs, European respondents showed the most enthusiasm, with 57% of Europeans answering yes.

Respondents in Asia, Oceania, Africa and the Middle East all answered in line with the overall average of 51%, while those in the United States and Canada fell slightly below this mark, at 49%.

Respondents in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America were least likely to use PFAs, at just 41%.

By job profile, nutritionists accounted for 45% of those who answered yes, followed by veterinarians (25%) and consultants (12%). By business type, feed manufacturers and feed millers were most likely to say that they currently use PFAs—with 62% and 56% answering yes, respectively.

For context, PFAs are applied to approximately 5% of global livestock feed tonnage each year. This suggests that the

respondent group may not be a fully representative sample of livestock producers.

However, the roughly equal split of users and nonusers provides a useful point of comparison of the motivations and views of the two groups.

Past users

Proportionally, the swine industry had a higher percentage (20%) of respondents with past PFA experience, compared with 16% of all respondents who have used PFAs in the past but do not do so currently.

Nutritionists accounted for a third of respondents having past experience with PFAs, followed by veterinarians (27%) and consultants (20%).

Non users

33% of respondents have never used phytogenic feed additives. Of this group, respondents in the United States, Canada and South America were represented in higher numbers than their demographic presence would suggest. For example, 17% of those surveyed were located in the US and Canada, as were 23% of those having never used PFAs. Over half of growers, owners, and live production managers said that they had never used phytogenic feed additives. Turkey producers, poultry and swine breeders had the least experience with PFAs, with 55% to 62% of each group having not used them.

Motivation for PFA use

Digestibility enhancement ranked as the number one reason that the livestock industry uses phytogenic feed additives, followed by their perceived antimicrobial effects, their use within an AGP replacement strategy and growth promotion (Figure 4). Respondents also cited PFAs’ anti-inflammatory effects, good past experience with PFAs, a better feed conversion ratio (FCR), and higher feed intake as reasons that they use phytogenic feed additives. These aggregate results conceal considerable variation among respondents according to geography and business type.

Science & Solutions • Phytogenics 2017

�PFAs are applied to approximately 5% of global livestock feed tonnage each year.�

Table 1. Role of respondents.

Nutritionist

31.9%

Veterinarian

25.1%

Consultant

14.1%

Other

11.0%

Grower/owner

10.9%

Live production manager

7.0%

Source: 2017 BIOMIN Phytogenic Feed Additives Survey

Figure 1. Survey respondents by region.

Africa

Middle East Mexico, Central America, Caribbean

11%

South America

8%

5%

11% 25%

Europe

17% United States, Canada

23%

Asia, Oceania Source: 2017 BIOMIN Phytogenic Feed Additives Survey

Figure 2. Businesses represented by respondents.

Breeder farm Breeding herd / Piglet production Consultant

Broiler production 5%

5%

11% Swine integrator

29%

4% 9%

Egg production

13% 3% 11%

Feed mill

11%

Other

Poultry integrator Feed manufacturer Source: 2017 BIOMIN Phytogenic Feed Additives Survey

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3

CHO

CH=CH—CHO BIOMIN Phytogenic Feed Additives Survey 2017 CH2—CH=CH2

itronellal

Eugenol

Cinnamaldehyde

CH3

Digestibility

OH H3C Thymol Thymol

CH3

CH3

Respondents in Europe, Middle East, Asia and Oceania in particular cited better digestibility as the number one reason to use PFAs. Digestibility came in second among respondents located in HO the United States, Canada, Central and South America.

It also tied for first according to re3C who chose CH3 antimispondents inHAfrica, crobial effects equally often. For livestock producers,Menthol improved digestibility accounted for 15% to 20% of responses on average, depending on the sector. Professionals working at feed mills were the least likely to cite digestibility as a motivating factor.

The emphasis on digestibility is consistent with the scientific understanding of PFAs going back several decades, though it offers further advantages. Enhanced digestibility means a more complete use of feed—resulting in improved feed efficiency and lower emissions that accompany a reduced environmental footprint.

Antimicrobial effect

Globally, the antimicrobial effect of PFAs was the second most common reason for their application. Respondents in the United States, Canada, Central and South America and the Caribbean consistently reported that the antimicrobial effects were their top motivation for using phytogenic feed additives. The antimicrobial effect ranked as the second most common reason for respondents in Europe, Asia and Oceania.

PFAs have a range of biological properties. Oregano and thyme and their major active compounds –carvacrol and thymol– have known antimicrobial effects.

Photo: iStock

AGP replacement

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Thyme

A full 223 respondents selected AGP replacement as a reason to use PFAs— more than double the number of respondents who reported using PFAs in combination with AGPs. Antimicrobial properties accounted for 5% to 17% of

responses from CH3livestock producers, on average, depending on the species and production phase.

OH

Growth promotion

The growth promoting effects of phytogenic feed additives were ranked as the third most common reason for use among respondents in Asia, Oceania H3Africa.

C 3 grower-finisher and BroilerCH and producers were most keen on growth Carvacrol promotion as a reason to use PFAs.

Anti-inflammatory effects

Proportionally, respondents in Europe and Central America selected the anti-inflammatory effects of PFAs more frequently than those located elsewhere.

The anti-inflammatory effects of PFAs were commonly cited by breeders, egg producers, meat producers, feed producers and feed millers.

Integrators were slightly less likely to select PFAs’ anti-inflammatory effects while for growing-finishing operations it was the least cited reason. According to Prof Theo Niewold of KU Leuven, biomarkers and ‘-omics’ technologies have demonstrated that effective growth promoters are anti-inflammatory by nature.

Plant extracts and essential oils such as clove and rosemary are known to exert anti-inflammatory effects.

Good past experience

South American and Middle Eastern respondents more frequently cited good past experience with PFAs as a motivation for their current use than did others.

Good past experience was most often cited by swine and poultry breeders, along with turkey producers.

Better FCR

Overall, a better feed conversion ratio was selected as a motivating factor by all job profiles. Swine and poultry integrators put more emphasis on FCR enhancement than other respondents including breeders, broiler producers and growing-finish operations.

Globally, a better FCR was more

Science & Solutions • Phytogenics 2017

“Digestibility enhancement ranked as the number one reason that the livestock industry uses phytogenic feed additives, followed by their perceived antimicrobial effects, their use within an AGP replacement strategy and growth promotion.”

Figure 3. Do you use phytogenic feed additives?

Yes, have used in the past but not currently using

16%

No, have not used

33%

51% Yes, currently using

Source: 2017 BIOMIN Phytogenic Feed Additives Survey

Figure 4. Top reasons that respondents use PFAs. Digestibility enhancement

54.0%

Antimicrobial effect

50.8%

AGP replacement strategy

42.1%

Growth promotion

37.0%

Anti-inflammatory effect

32.6%

Good past experience

31.3%

Better FCR

30.2%

Higher feed intake Used with AGPs Other

0.0%

25.7% 20.4%

8.5%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

Source: 2017 BIOMIN Phytogenic Feed Additives Survey

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H—CHOBIOMIN Phytogenic Feed Additives Survey 2017 CH2—CH=CH2 Eugenol

yde

commonly reported CH3 as a reason for PFA use by respondents in the Middle East and South America. OH

CH3

Higher feed intake

HO

H

H3C

CH3

Menthol Menthol

Higher feed intake mattered to Asian and European respondents. It was more frequently cited by piglet producers, growing-finishing operations and broil3C CH3 egg producers er H producers.

Conversely, were the least likely to identify higher Carvacrol feed intake as a motivating factor.

Multiple products common

A majority of respondents use several different PFAs. Europe, the US and Canada showed the highest affinity for multiple products, with over 70% of those respondents using 2 to 5 products (Figure 5).

The US and Canada also had the highest proportion of respondents selecting more than 5 phytogenic products— accounting for one quarter of this group.

Of all the regions, Asia had the most single product use.

Barriers to PFA use

The top two reasons among those surveyed to not use phytogenic feed additives are 1) uncertainty about which product to choose and 2) a lack of sufficient commercial trial results—each selected by 174 respondents (Figure 6).

Photo: iStock

Unsure which product to choose

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Mint

In Europe, uncertainty regarding which product to choose was the top reason not to use phytogenic feed additives—a view that was also shared by respondents elsewhere though to a lesser degree.

Difficulties with product selection was the most frequent choice among growers, owners and live production managers. The wide range of products available on the market may contribute to the dilemma of choosing the right PFA. At BIOMIN, our global team of technical sales managers provide on-site support and advice in order to help clients achieve the best outcomes.

Commercial trial results

Asian, African and Middle Eastern respondents selected lack of commercial trial results as the most frequent reason not to use PFAs. Similarly, commercial trial results ranked first among veterinarians and egg producers.

The question of trial results may be an issue of communication and awareness.

At BIOMIN, we have conducted over 300 commercial trials using phytogenic feed additives in the major livestock species in various production stages and different regions over the past years.

Scientific studies

154 respondents cited a lack of scientific studies available regarding PFAs. Respondents in Asia, Europe, the United States and Canada accounted for most of the responses suggesting a lack of scientific studies on phytogenics. Breeder farms, broiler productions and growing-finishing operations selected a lack of scientific studies as the most frequent justification for not using phytogenic feed additives.

The scientific understanding of PFAs in livestock continues to progress. In 2016 alone, BIOMIN co-authored 20 peer-reviewed scientific papers on phytogenics.

Cost and ROI

The fourth and fifth most common reasons that respondents do not use PFAs both relate to the required investment: 138 respondents highlighted the extra costs of a phytogenic product and 135 respondents said there was uncertainty regarding the return on investment. In the United States and Canada, respondents said that an uncertain ROI was the top reason for not using PFAs. Return on investment is a key criterion for successful, continued PFA application. Generally, enhanced feed efficiency and reduced medical costs contribute to net positive results for livestock producers in economic terms.

Additional factors in the equation are: choice of product, species, produc-

Science & Solutions • Phytogenics 2017

Photo: pagadesign

“Generally, enhanced feed efficiency and reduced medical costs contribute to net positive results for livestock producers in economic terms.”

Figure 5. How many different phytogenic products do you use?

1 30%

65%

2 to 5

5% More than 5

Source: 2017 BIOMIN Phytogenic Feed Additives Survey

Figure 6. Top reasons that respondents do not use PFAs. Not enough commercial trial results are available

30.6%

Not sure which product to choose

30.6%

Not enough scientific studies are available

27.1%

Extra costs for PFA

23.9%

Uncertain about ROI

23.8%

Using antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) Not reliable, lacking consistent efficacy Other

22.2% 18.8%

15.7% Feed/Water application issue 8.6%

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

30.0%

35.0%

Source: 2017 BIOMIN Phytogenic Feed Additives Survey

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BIOMIN Phytogenic Feed Additives Survey 2017

CH2—CH=CH2 Eugenol

CH3

3

OH

tion system and stage—where support of BIOMIN technical experts can offer guidance.

AGP use

CH3

H3C

ol

CH3

Carvacrol Carvacrol

Roughly 12% of respondents indicated that their current use of AGPs, which is still permitted in some countries, was a reason not to use PFAs. Over half of respondents who said that their current use of AGPs was a reason not to use PFAs were located in Asia or South America.

Through several meta-analyses, we have demonstrated that BIOMIN additives can deliver better FCR and average daily gain results than AGPs in both swine and poultry.

Other factors

107 respondents cited concerns about reliability or consistent efficacy. 49 people said that a feed or water application issue was a factor. About 1.5% of respondents

reported either a lack of awareness about PFAs or lack of access to PFA products.

The importance of feed efficiency

Respondents were also asked about the importance of various benefits that phytogenic feed additives can deliver, rating each one from 1 to 5 (5 being the most important). For poultry, swine and feed professionals a better feed conversion ratio/enhanced feed efficiency was identified as the most important benefit of PFAs. Figures 7, 8 and 9 show the benefits in ranked order. Reduced medical costs came in second for the swine and feed groups, while uniformity filled that spot for poultry. For the remainder of the PFA benefits, respondents gave them roughly equal importance with the exception of emissions reduction which garnered less importance among swine and feed respondents.

Figure 7. The importance of PFA benefits: poultry respondents.

Enhanced feed efficiency/better FCR

3.93

Better uniformity

3.74

Enhanced egg production

3.68

Enhanced growth (carcass yield)

3.65

Reduced medicinal costs

3.65

Less wet litter

3.56

Better meat quality Increased feed intake Emissions reduction (e.g. ammonia)

Photo: robynmac

Nutrient-sparing effect

10

3.37 3.34 3.22 3.18

1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 Oregano

Source: 2017 BIOMIN Phytogenic Feed Additives Survey

Science & Solutions • Phytogenics 2017

“For poultry, swine and feed professionals a better feed conversion ratio/enhanced feed efficiency was identified as the most important benefit of PFAs.”

BIOMIN and Phytogenics in Numbers

20

Est.

1989

300+

... peer-reviewed scientific papers on phytogenics published in 2016

Digestarom® is a leading

... commercial trials conducted with PFAs

global brand with a long history of success

Figure 8. The importance of PFA benefits: swine respondents.

Enhanced feed efficiency/better FCR

4.22

Reduced medicinal costs

4.02

Enhanced growth (carcass yield)

4.01

Enhanced reproductive performance

3.87

Better uniformity

3.69

Increased feed intake

3.49

Better meat quality

3.49

Nutrient-sparing effect

3.43

Emissions reduction (e.g. ammonia) 1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

2.90 3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

Source: 2017 BIOMIN Phytogenic Feed Additives Survey

Figure 9. The importance of PFA benefits: feed and other respondents.

Enhanced feed efficiency/better FCR

3.90

Reduced medicinal costs

3.71

Better uniformity

3.41

Better meat quality

3.32

Increased feed intake

3.28

Nutrient-sparing effect

3.22

Emissions reduction (e.g. ammonia) 1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

2.92 3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

Source: 2017 BIOMIN Phytogenic Feed Additives Survey

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BIOMIN Phytogenic Feed Additives Survey 2017

A selection of survey respondents’ comments “I believe use of PFAs will only increase in the future. Enhanced understanding of their mode of action will allow for more targeted use and result in clearer benefits being observed in the field.”

Nutritionist at feed mill, Canada

“The increased number of products makes it harder to decide which are good products, so good research trials are critical.”

“Love ‘em” Veterinarian consultant, United Kingdom

Nutritionist at feed manufacturer, United States

“It helps me to improve the performance of the poultry flock.”

Nutritionist at poultry integrator, Dominican Republic

“They reduce consumption of AGPs, improve feed intake and decrease mortality in young animals.”

Consultant, Colombia

“The use of PFAs is one of more important things in animal production today.”

Consultant, Chile

Actual free-form responses from 2017 BIOMIN Phytogenic Feed Additives Survey respondents 12

Science & Solutions • Phytogenics 2017

about phytogenic feed additives

“Especially when used for sows, the piglets will perform better.”

Veterinarian at piglet production, China

“Best for growth promotion and best for FCR improvement.”

Live production manager at poultry integrator, Saudi Arabia

“PFAs cannot replace or fix poor management practice.”

Nutritionist at poultry integrator, Thailand

“It is improving overall performance.”

Nutritionist at poultry integrator, Malaysia

Veterinarian at feed mill, India

“They have to be cost effective and give consistent results.”

Nutritionist at feed manufacturer, South Africa

“PFAs cannot be the sole contributor to eliminate antibiotics. Combinations of different non antibiotic products like probiotics, prebiotics, PFAs and acidifiers are the best way to eliminate antibiotics.”

“Very useful when the operation is going antibiotic-free.”

Veterinarian at poultry integrator, Philippines

“This is an increasing market that not only has production advantages but also an increasing awareness of better feed methodology by consumers.”

Nutrition consultant, Australia

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