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Avitech is a leading animal nutrition company involved in the manufacturing and
marketing of premixes and speciality feed additives to the compound feed
industry. Special attention is provided to the latest concepts and needs of
species/breed/age/challenge/area. At present Avitech’s major presence is in the
area of Poultry and Dairy Nutrition. Avitech aims to play a leading role in
Aqua, Equine and Companion animal nutrition sectors in the near future.
Apart from its own product development / R&D facility, Avitech also sources
technologies and products for the Indian livestock industry.
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| Avitech’s product are
designed and developed based on various concepts. |
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Oxidation is an extremely important process in the normal metabolism of
animals. Nutrients obtained from food are oxidised in a carefully controlled
manner where oxygen is consumed by the body tissues to generate heat, to
release energy for metabolic processes and to transform dietary materials into
body tissue.
Paradoxically, whilst oxygen is essential for the metabolism, growth and life
of animals, it is also inherently dangerous to their existence because many
different uncontrolled oxidation reactions, usually termed autoxidation, occur
which results in the damage of cellular tissues in living organisms. Therefore
living organisms have to contend with an oxidative stress brought about by
uncontrolled oxidation of important molecules in foods and body tissues.
There are many lipid components of feeds, which spontaneously react with
atmospheric oxygen and suffer deterioration in the process of autoxidation.
Oxidised lipids in general lose their desirable nutritional characteristics:
fat, oils and flavours become rancid and unpalatable; vitamins lose their
biological activity and pigments lose their colours.
This autoxidation of feed lipid components is a major cause of reduction in
feed quality, affecting nutritive value, taste, aroma, colour and texture. It
also generates by-products thought to be detrimental to health. Autoxidation is
a perennial danger for feeds in that it can occur at all stages: from storage
of raw materials; storage, distribution and final preparation of feed. Control
of autoxidation is of major importance for the storage and shelf life of feeds.
The use of synthetic antioxidants over the last decade has contributed to
optimal animal performance even with lipid rich diets and/or under extreme
conditions.
The addition of an antioxidant to feeds provides following benefits:
1. Control of oxidative stress to protect bird health and improve performance.
2. Protection of raw materials and manufactured compound feed.
3. Enables better exploitation of genetic potential.
4. Enhances meat quality.
Apart from these mycotoxins like DON and T-2, non–infectious diseases like
Ascites exert oxidative stress. Anti-oxidants assist in negating this effect. |
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Organic acids acts as
antibacterial, anti mould and are effective feed preservators. There are
normally two kinds of acidifiers used in the feed industry:
1. Feed Acidifier
2. Gut Acidifier.
Maintaining a healthy gut is of critical importance in poultry productivity.
Amongst various options available to poultry industry, short chain fatty acids
have shown tremendous promise in maintaining gut health through their varied
modes of action.
Feed acidifiers are acids included in feeds in order to lower the pH of the
feed and microbial cytoplasm thereby inhibiting the growth of pathogenic
microflora. This inhibition reduces the micro flora competing for the host
nutrients and results in better growth and performance of the chicken.
Acidifiers have various functions in monogastric animals
1. Help in maintaining an optimum pH in stomach, correct activation and
function of proteolytic enzymes.
2. Total protein digestion in the stomach.
3. Stimulate feed consumption.
4. Inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
5. Improve protein and energy digestibility by reducing microbial
competition with host nutrients and endogenous nitrogen losses.
6. Lower the incidence of sub clinical infections.
7. Reduces the production of ammonia and other growth depressing microbial
metabolites.
8. Increased pancreatic secretions and trophic effects on gastrointestinal
mucosa.
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They are included in feeds to
prevent coccidial infections.
Coccidiosis is a dreaded disease of advanced poultry production. It is caused
by intestinal protozoan parasites of Eimeria genus. There are seven species of
Eimeria that cause clinical diseases in chicken and immunity to any one specie
does not protect birds against other species. Caecal and intestinal coccidiosis
pose a major threat to intensive poultry production. The parasite is ubiquitous
because it can survive for long periods in infected birds and the environment.
Clinical coccidiosis causes unthriftiness, poor feed conversion, reduced weight
gain, drop in egg production and has great economic importance in poultry
industry. Sub-clinical coccidiosis is a warning sign of worse things to follow
and is, by itself, a major cause of economic losses in poultry production.
To prevent coccidiosis, broilers are given anti coccidials in their feed
continuously from day one to close to slaughter. There is a potential challenge
of anticoccidial resistance. Hence optimal control of coccidiosis during the
critical phase of broiler crop can be ensured by proper selection of
anticoccidials, which should include products from different chemical/ionophore
groups. Since Eimeria can develop resistance, strategic and appropriate use of
available anticoccidial product is advised and this can be achieved by
appropriate shuttle/rotation programme. |
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Antibiotic growth promoters are
feed additives that are administered at a low, sub therapeutic doses to
suppress sensitive populations of bacteria in the gut and improve growth and
performance of bird.
According to the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH, 2001), antibiotic
growth promoters are used to "help growing animals digest their food more
efficiently, get maximum benefit from it and allow them to develop into strong
and healthy individuals".
It has been estimated that as much as 6 % of the net energy in the diet could
be lost due to microbial fermentation in the intestine (Jensen, 1998) and
stimulation of energy-consuming immune responses. If the microbial population
could be better controlled, it is possible that the lost energy could be
diverted to growth. Whatever the mechanism of action, the result of the use of
growth promoters is an improvement in daily growth rates between 1 and 10 %
resulting in meat of a better quality, with less fat and increased protein
content (Peter Hughes and John Heritage).
Antibiotics prevent thickening of intestine ensuring more nutrient absorption.
Thus they spare the critical nutrients for the host by reducing the competition
between host and microbes. For example use of AGPs spare glucose by preventing
lactic acid production and amino acid by preventing toxic amines production.
The effects of antibiotic growth promoters are much more noticeable in animals
housed in cramped, unhygienic conditions. These act essentially in the gut and
reduce harmful gram-positive bacteria in the gut, thereby enhancing growth.
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Enzymes are added
to feeds to digest the non-soluble polysaccharide component in feeds. These
nutrients, if not digested properly, are consumed by bacteria thereby reducing
available nutrients to support growth. Enzymes are substrate specific and hence
need to be carefully formulated according to the feed formulation.
Enzymes are naturally occurring proteins that act as biological catalysts. The
complex metabolic reactions of living organisms are regulated by thousands of
enzymes, each promoting a specific reaction that takes place countless times
every day. The primary function of the enzymes in the gut of the bird is to
breakdown larger molecules into smaller ones that are easier to utilise.
Feed enzymes have been available to the animal industry for the last four
decades, but have found limited practical use until recently. The main limiting
factors are cost, specificity and potency.
To determine the appropriate enzyme to be added in the feed, following factors
should be considered.
· Species of animal
· Types of cereals used
· Inclusion rate of cereals
· Levels of antinutritional factors present in the feed
ingredients
Emphasis must be given to factors that affect enzymatic activity. The success
of an enzyme formulation depends on the following:
· Presence of respective substrates
· Optimum temperature
· Pelleting and storage stability
· Resistance against gastric acidity and proteolytic attack
· Optimum pH
· Spectrum of enzymatic activity
· Age of the bird
Avitech employs its in-depth understanding of nutrition to formulate enzymes
that play an effective role in poultry nutrition.
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Due to the improved genetic
potential and performance in animal production, the requirement of nutrients
has increased. The absorption of trace minerals is not directly proportional to
the increased feed intake, because of their unique absorption characteristics.
Trace minerals are required in very small amounts. These are not
synthesized in the body. Apart from this their unique absorption pattern limits
their bioavailability. High performing animals are under continuous stress and
require higher levels of trace minerals to cope up with the situation. Since
immunity and maximum productivity is compromised if the trace mineral status is
not maintained, it becomes imperative to supplement the animals with more
bioavailable minerals.
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| To be absorbed inorganic minerals
need to attach themselves to an organic carrier or ligand such as an amino
acid/starch/fatty acid molecule. Minerals often get attached to antagonists,
or, unable to find a suitable ligand /carrier are excreted from the system.
Organic minerals are specifically designed for enhanced bioavailability by
bonding inorganic minerals to a suitable carrier. All organic minerals are,
however, not the same; the bioavailability of an organic mineral will depend on
the quality and strength of the bond. |
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Current intensive live stock farming has
necessitated dense, highly nutritive rations. Performance is enhanced when
nutrients from these denser rations are absorbed efficiently. Modified
lysophospholipids help in efficient absorption of nutrients as well
emulsification of dietary fats.
In recent years there has been an increasing interest in using fat as an energy
source in poultry diets. Fat is an excellent energy source, with an energy
value of approximately 2.25 times that of carbohydrates.
For animals to utilize fat, they have to digest and absorb it from the
gastro-intestinal tract. Since fat is insoluble in water, and difficult to
handle in a water medium, as in the gastrointestinal tract, water insoluble
ingredients like fatty acids, fat –soluble vitamins and certain amino acids
rely on emulsification to become water soluble and thereby, bio-available.
Phospholipids are surface-active substance, and can therefore be used in a wide
variety of ways: as an emulsifier, absorption enhancer, dispersion agent and
wetting agent.
Phospholipids play an important role in nutrition as emulsifying agents and
assist in the digestion of fat. They also help in fatty acid absorption by the
formation of micelle structures.
A specific class of phospholipids, the lysophospholipids , are
of particular interest in the absorption of nutrients as they are more
hydrophilic than other phospholipids. Lysophospholipids spontaneously form
micelles with bile salts, fatty acids and monoglycerides. These micelles are
smaller and more stable then those formed with other phospholipids found in
lecithins for example.
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A premix is a mixture of
vitamins, trace minerals, medicaments, feed supplements and diluents either
individually or a in a combination. It is a value added solution for feeds with
sustainable safety and quality. The main objective of premixes is to deliver
the micro-ingredients in a manner desired by customer. These blends of
Micro-ingredients need to be carefully selected, analysed and homogenously
manufactured in controlled conditions.
Good quality premixes are manufactured following four fundamental principles,
that determine premix quality and performance.
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KNOWING THE CHEMICAL & PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES
DESIRED IN THE MICRO-INGREDIENT TO BE INCORPORATED.
TESTING TO ENSURE THAT ALL MICRO-INGREDIENTS MEET THE SPECIFICATIONS AS
STATED ABOVE.
CONTROLING THE INCLUSION IN A FOOLPROOF AND SECURE METHOD.
BLENDED TOGETHER IN SPECIALITY MIXERS AFTER A CAREFUL STUDY OF VARIABLES AS
MIXING ORDER, MIXING TIME ETC. |
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Electrolyte mixes are included in
the feed to alleviate environmental and routine managemental practice stresses.
The balancing of electrolytes in poultry feed is essential in order to spare
the bird utilizing energy in attempting to do the same in metabolizing the
feed. Apart from salts such as Sodium Chloride, Sodium Bi-carbonate and
Potassium Chloride etc., Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium and Chloride) are also
derived from feed raw materials. Electrolytes are further derived from feed
additives like Chloride from Lysine Hydrochloride, Choline Chloride etc. An
assessment and adjustment in the electrolytes balance is important whilst
formulating feeds. |
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Toxin binders are added in the
feed to alleviate the risk of mycotoxins and other toxins.
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by molds as they grow. Not all
molds produce mycotoxins and the ones producing are known as toxigenic molds.
Over 500 toxigenic molds have been identified so far, however, those of only a
few genera have been found to be of significant economic importance such as
Aspergillus (Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 and M1 and M2), Fusarium
(Zearalenone, Zearalenol, Trichothecenes, T2, HT2, Diacetoxyscirpenol, etc),
Penicillium (Ochratoxin, Citrinin, Penicillinic Acid, etc), Stachybotrys and
Myrothecium. The levels of toxin production depend on the mold strain,
nutritional and environmental conditions, presence or absence of other
competing microorganisms. Certain molds are believed to produce higher
quantities of mycotoxins when they are stressed. The levels of toxins required
to cause adverse effects vary among toxins and the immune responses of the
host. Mycotoxins are known to exert synergy with other toxins and also are
demonstrated to have cumulative effects over longer periods.
Feed and raw materials contain all the nutrients and offer favourable
environmental conditions for molds to grow. Mycotoxins are non-volatile
chemical substances and are not susceptible to common ways of detoxification
like Ultra violet treatment, heat treatment, pelleting, extrusion etc.
Mycotoxins once produced cannot be easily removed or neutralized. Once absorbed
by the animal, these cause their respective characteristic effects and lesions,
which adversely affect animal health and eventually farm economics.
Several methods have been tried to neutralize or detoxify mycotoxins in feed
and raw materials, but with limited application and efficacy. The most
practical way of minimizing their effects is by using Mycotoxin Binders or
Adsorbents. Mycotoxin binders are inert chemical / biological substances
capable of stable adsorption of the mycotoxins present in the feed / ground raw
materials without undergoing any change, thereby rendering the mycotoxins
biologically unavailable to the host.
Research has shown that several clays and silicates can bind the mycotoxins by
way of their porous structure and make them biologically unavailable. The
critical factors for efficacy of such silicate and clay based products are the
spectrum and extent of coverage of mycotoxins, the pH, the pore size, and the
stability of binding of mycotoxins so that it is stably bound in a wide range
of pH of the gut until it is excreted.
Activated charcoal has shown great level of efficacy in binding other toxins
such as pesticides, insecticides, and bacterial endotoxins apart from
mycotoxins
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Modern day intensive production
systems involve high levels of concentrates (non-fibrous carbohydrates) to
fulfill the energy needs of lactating animals in order to maximize milk
production. Such a feeding regime and diet predisposes animals to rumen
acidosis
The rumen micro-flora enables animals to digest high-fibre matter through
fermentation whilst maintaining the pH. Introduction of starch into the rumen
or increased fermentable carbohydrates leads to rapid fermentation and increase
production of VFA (Volatile fatty acids). As the production rate exceeds the
removal rate of these VFA’s the rumen pH falls leading to acidosis. Ruminal pH
is a resulting balance between factors that lead to the production of
fermentation acids and those that remove or neutralize acids. Saliva acts as
natural buffer and maintains a constant pH in rumen
Ruminal acidosis occurs when the production of fermentation acids exceeds the
ability of the animal to remove or neutralize the acids produced. Most animals
suffer from sub-clinical acidosis which is often difficult to detect.
When ruminal pH falls below 6.0 fibre digesting microbes become less active and
lactate producing bacteria proliferate. This leads to lowered fibre digestion,
decrease in feed intake, milkproduction, and milk fat apart from ruminitis,
ruminal atony, diarrhoea, laminitis and liver abcesses.
Intensive production systems involve feeding of high level of concentrates to
dairy animals probably predisposing the animals to rumen acidosis. Ruminal
buffer helps to maintain the optimal pH level in the rumen for longer duration
and maintains the higher productivity of animals without reducing the milk
quality. |
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Milk yield is related to both
intrinsic (genetic) and extrinsic (nutritional and environmental) factors.
Cross breeding programmes have increased genetic potential of Indian milch
animals quite significantly. However, to extract optimal productivity, the
Indian farmer needs to improve husbandry practices and nutrition.
Vital micronutrients are drained out through the milk. These need to be
replenished daily to maintain the milk productivity of animals.
Optimization of these nutrients boosts milk production. |
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Salt, minerals both
macro and micro are indispensable for good health and high productivity. Each
animal has an individual salt requirement, which is dependent on large number
of factors: body weight and growth rate, age, pregnancy, lactation phase and
milk yield, perspiration and performance. A salt deficiency manifests itself in
a loss of appetite, weight loss, decrease in milk yield, breeding problem,
reduced growth and a decline in natural resistance.
The normal ration –compound feed and roughage – fulfills the general needs of
the animals, whereas salt licks fulfill the individual need for salts and
minerals. |
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