In modern egg production, gastrointestinal health is a critical determinant of productivity, bird resilience, and production efficiency. Beyond digestion and nutrient absorption, the gastrointestinal tract plays a central role in immune regulation, intestinal barrier function, and microbiome stability, writes DR NATASHA WHENHAM of Anpario.

The reputation of fiber in poultry nutrition has changed over the last few decades. In the past, fiber was just seen as an undesired component that contaminates feed with mycotoxins, writes MANFRED PIETSCH and S V RAMA RAO. This has changed dramatically in the last decade.

The widespread use of antibiotics in livestock production has accelerated the spread of antimicrobial resistance, posing a direct threat to human health. The feed industry urgently needs safe and effective alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. Among various candidates, butyrate-based compounds have shown outstanding potential due to their unique mechanisms and favourable safety profiles. Dr Jun Gao, Senior Technical Director of VTR Biotech, notes that tributyrin—a butyrate precursor—stands out as a particularly promising option.

Liquid acidifiers are crucial for feed hygiene and preservation, but their interaction with metal infrastructure can lead to hidden costs. LEON HALL of BASF explains that neat1 formic acid is particularly aggressive to carbon steel at typical feedmill temperatures, causing pitting, leaks, and downtime.

For decades, fat digestion in monogastric nutrition has been explained by a familiar story: break fat into smaller droplets, increase surface area, help lipase do its job, and improve energy utilization. Kemin’s ZANCIA SWART writes that emulsifiers entered feed formulations largely to support this process—and for good reason.

Water is often referred to as the “forgotten nutrient” in animal nutrition, despite its critical role in maintaining health and performance, say BASF’s LEON HALL and DR ASHLEY ENGLAND. They explore the scientific rationale and practical application of drinking water acidification in poultry and swine production systems.