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Swine producers worldwide are navigating disease pressure alongside major shifts toward responsible antibiotic use and rising consumer expectations for responsible production.  These disease challenges can compromise gut health, weaken immune resilience, and lead to costly losses in performance which make maintaining efficiency and profitability increasingly difficult. As these challenges intensify, producers are prioritizing solutions that protect herd health while supporting sustainable, high‑performing operations. 

In response, many swine producers are exploring innovative feed technologies that help animals withstand environmental stressors and pathogenic threats. Varium®, a natural, non‑antibiotic additive designed to fortify gut integrity and help swine better achieve genetic potential, has established itself as a trusted production tool. By supporting intestinal health and growth under real‑world production stress, Varium offers producers a practical way to enhance productivity while reducing reliance on traditional antibiotic interventions. 

A Patented Defense for Gut Health 

Varium is built around a simple philosophy: a healthier gut delivers healthier, more productive animals. Its patented blend of synergistic ingredients supports gut integrity and immune function through three targeted modes of action: 

• Binding pathogenic bacteria and their toxins 

• Providing an energy source to fuel the growth and repair of healthy enterocytes  

• Stimulating immune response  

This holistic approach enables animals to perform at their full potential without reliance on antibiotic growth promoters. In a recent study conducted on a commercial farm in Vietnam, results demonstrated Varium’s support of overall well-being and performance in swine. This study highlights improvements in key metrics like feed conversion and daily gain. Additionally, pigs fed Varium in this trial displayed a more balanced microbiota as well as decreased disease incidence. The boost in these critical performance standards offered improved economics, strengthening the return on investment for production-related costs.   

Trial Summary 

To better understand the real-world impact of Varium in swine production systems, a commercial trial was conducted using 200 growing pigs (Duroc × [Landrace × Yorkshire] 25.39 kg ± 4.0) at 70 days old. These pigs were randomly assigned to one of two diets, with a total of 100 growing pigs per treatment. These groups were divided into four replicate pens per treatment, containing 25 pigs each. The first treatment was the designated control, with the growing pigs fed a standard diet without Varium. The second treatment included the control diet supplemented with Varium at a dosage of 1kg per ton of feed.  Data was collected in two phases, at 98 days of age and 120 days respectively.  

Results 

Improved Weight Gain and Feed Conversion 

Across every phase of the study, pigs fed Varium outperformed the control group in both average daily gain and feed conversion. These improvements indicate better nutrient utilization, healthier gut function, and more consistent growth throughout the production cycle. 

Healthier Microbiota & Lower Disease Incidence 

Varium reduced pathogenic load in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing beneficial bacteria to thrive in a less competitive environment. This shift created a more stable, productive gut environment. A 3% reduction in disease incidence was also observed, representing an overall healthier herd in the experimental group. 

Strong Economic Return 

Feed efficiency is one of the most important profitability drivers in modern swine production. By optimizing feed utilization and lowering health related costs, Varium helped reduce the production cost per kilogram of weight gained, a major advantage in a cost sensitive market. 

CONCLUSION 

Varium delivers consistent, measurable improvements in growth performance, health, and economic return. As pressure increases to reduce reliance on antibiotic use, this natural, research-driven formula provides a practical alternative that supports gut function and nutrient utilization.   By preserving feed efficiency and mitigating performance losses, Varium helps producers control feed costs, protect margins, and maintain productivity in the face of ongoing health and economic pressures.  

Amlan remains committed to supporting the swine industry with science-backed solutions designed to improve animal welfare, promote sustainable practices, and protect producer profitability. 

Product availability may vary by country, associated claims do not constitute medical claims and may differ based on government requirements. Varium is not for sale in the United States. 

Salmonella is one of the most common food-borne pathogens. The CDC estimates that Salmonella causes about 1.35 million illnesses in the United States each year, resulting in 26,500 hospitalizations annually. Previously, subtherapeutic levels of antibiotics used for growth promotion could control enteric pathogens like Salmonella. However, concerns about antibiotic resistance have led to regulations and restrictions on the use of antibiotics in animal feed. As a result, the demand for antibiotic-free alternatives that control enteric pathogens has increased dramatically.   

 To meet this growing need, Amlan International offers innovative solutions that support poultry health and performance without the use of antibiotics.   

 NeutraPath®, available in select international markets, optimizes poultry production efficiency and economic performance through a proprietary blend of essential oils, medium-chain fatty acids, and Amlan’s thermally processed calcium montmorillonite. This synergistic formula works through multiple modes of action to improve intestinal health, boost feed efficiency, and reduce mortality in disease challenged birds. 

 NeutraPath: Proven to Inhibit Salmonella and Reduce Colonization

A study at the University of Arkansas evaluated  NeutraPath’s ability to inhibit Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium PHL2020 isolate (ST-PHL2020) intestinal colonization in broiler chickens. The research  demonstrated that NeutraPath effectively inhibits ST-PHL2020 colonization in various parts of the upper gastrointestinal tract using an in vitro model designed to simulates conditions of a live digestive environment.   

 The in vitro digestion model consisted of three compartments that were simulated to match the pH, enzymatic composition, and temperature of the crop, proventriculus, and intestinal section of the chicken gastrointestinal tract.   

 The lowest concentration of NeutraPath used in this model (0.25%) reduced ST-PHL2020 colonization in the proventriculus and intestinal compartments compared to the control. An increase of NeutraPath concentration led to increased inhibition of ST-PHL2020 colonization. The 0.5% treatment reduced colonization in the crop and there was no detectable colonization in the proventriculus and intestinal compartments.   

The in vivo section of this study revealed that a 0.25% supplementation of NeutraPath resulted in a 2-log reduction of bacterial load in the cecal tonsils compared to the control. This dosage of NeutraPath also reduced total prevalence of Salmonella in the ceca to 58% compared to 100% in the control. The findings from this study suggest that the unique blend of Amlan’s mineral, select essential oils and medium chain fatty acids inhibited Salmonella spp. in vitro and decreased Salmonella spp. populations within the chicken ceca in vivo.

Downregulation of Salmonella Virulence Genes

In addition to the inhibitory effect on Salmonella growth, NeutraPath also displayed the ability to modulate virulence gene expression. ST-PHL2020 was grown in LB culture media with or without supplementation of 1mg/mL of NeutraPath for 12 hours.  

 After incubation, RNA was extracted, reverse-transcribed, and then subjected to qPCR to analyze the expression of several Salmonella virulence genes. The expression of hilA and invF in samples treated with 0.5g/mL of NeutraPath was downregulated 1.71 and 10.71-fold respectively when compared to the control. The hilA and invF genes are necessary for the assembly of the TTSS (Type III secretion system) within Salmonella that is responsible for delivering effector proteins into the cytoplasm of host cells to promote virulence and colonization. NeutraPath also downregulated the expression of sopB, sopE, and sipA compared to the control. These genes encode effector proteins that stimulate inflammation and enhance the efficiency of host cell invasion.

These findings demonstrate NeutraPath’s ability to inhibit bacterial colonization in the chicken gastrointestinal tract and to neutralize important virulence factors. The results suggest that NeutraPath can be a viable alternative to antibiotics for controlling enteric pathogens in poultry production. To learn more about NeutraPath, visit amlan.com or connect with a local representative here. 

References:   

Eichelberg, K., & GaláN, J. E. (1999). Differential regulation of Salmonella typhimurium Type III secreted proteins by Pathogenicity Island 1 (SPI-1)-Encoded Transcriptional Activators INVF and HILA. Infection and Immunity, 67(8), 4099–4105. https://doi.org/10.1128/iai.67.8.4099-4105.1999  

 Xue, H., Wang, D., Hargis, B., & Tellez-Isaias, G. (2022). Research Note: Virulence gene downregulation and reduced intestinal colonization of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium PHL2020 isolate in broilers by a natural antimicrobial (NeutraPathTM). Poultry Science, 101(6), 101822.   

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases (DFWED)  

Estimates of the global cost of coccidiosis in poultry vary widely, but most place the figure in the tens of billions of U.S. dollars. Coccidiosis is characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, intestinal lesions, morbidity, and mortality, along with decreased weight gain and feed efficiency.   The intestinal damage caused by the disease can lead to secondary issues such as necrotic enteritis, which has become more prevalent as poultry producers reduce antibiotic use.  The majority of losses stem from reduced production due to subclinical coccidiosis.  The lack of overt disease emphasizes the importance of vigilance and proactive management systems.

To combat the impact of coccidiosis in poultry, producers rely on a range of methods, each offering unique benefits and presenting specific limitations.  Traditional control methods include the use of vaccines, ionophores, and chemical coccidostats.  However, natural alternatives for managing coccidiosis have been developed through the years, including the use of phytogenic compounds.

A Sustainable Natural Alternative

Phylox® (available from Amlan International in select international markets), a natural feed additive featuring a select blend of bioactive phytochemicals was researched to determine its effects on broilers challenged with multiple species of Eimeria. Phylox is designed to interrupt the complex Eimeria lifecycle at several key points, preventing damage to the host and reducing the risk of growing resistance. It works by compromising the sporozoites’ cell membrane, inhibiting oocyst sporulation, enhancing anticoccidial immunity, and supplying essential energy to the intestinal cells. By targeting all three stages of the coccidia lifecycle, Phylox helps protect intestinal integrity and support overall bird health. 

Research shows that Phylox decreases the effects of coccidiosis on gut health and improves bird performance. Two experiments that lasted 28 days each were used to study its effects on young broilers during an Eimeria challenge. Both studies used a multi-species coccidia challenge that included giving an oral dose of E. maxima (50,000 oocysts), E. acervulina (100,000 oocysts), and E. tenella (75,000 oocysts) to each bird on the 14^th day of the experiment. Six days post-challenge five birds per pen (eight pens per treatment) were euthanized so that intestines could be inspected for coccidial lesions. The Johnson and Reid (1970) scoring method was used to assess the severity of intestinal lesions caused by coccidiosis, with a score from 0 (no visible lesions) to 4 (severe, widespread lesions). No coccidia vaccine or medication was used in the first study, which evaluated the effect of Phylox on both unchallenged and challenged broilers. The second study was conducted to compare Phylox to drugs currently used to control coccidiosis in the field.

Feeding Phylox improved gut health in broilers challenged with multiple Eimeria species. This was evidenced by lower coccidia lesion scores in birds fed Phylox compared to untreated, challenged birds (Study 1), with scores decreasing from 2.43 to 1.85. Lower lesion scores, indicating improved gut health, are expected to result in better feed efficiency. Feeding Phylox to birds challenged with multiple Eimeria species improved feed conversion, both during the critical period following the challenge and overall. Additionally, no negative effects were observed in unchallenged birds fed Phylox.

In Study Two, feeding Phylox, salinomycin, or Nicarbazin equally reduced lesion scores compared to challenged but untreated birds. The resulting improvement in gut health led to improved feed conversion ratios for all treatments. Each of the three coccidiosis treatments produced similar results, with improvement in feed conversion observed both during the post-challenge period and throughout the overall experimental period. This research demonstrates that feeding Phylox to Eimeria-challenged broilers mitigated the effects of coccidiosis, with outcomes comparable to those of commonly used treatments.

Immune Function

The gut of any animal faces constant challenges. Broilers continuously ingest bacteria, parasites, toxins, and other harmful substances along with their feed and water. The intestinal wall acts as a crucial barrier, preventing these pathogens from entering the body. This is why the majority of a chicken’s immune tissue is located in the gastrointestinal tract.

A third experiment examined the effects of coccidia and Phylox on immunity and gut microbiota. The research showed that Phylox helped preserve immune homeostasis by enhancing the anticoccidial immune response during coccidial challenge. Specifically, Phylox preserved the function of protective mucosal immunity by promoting a non-terminally differentiated helper T-cell subset (CD8-CD28+). This helps ensure a competent T-cell response during pathogen challenges, such as the Eimeria challenge used in this experiment.

Additionally, Phylox reduced Eimeria challenge-associated upregulation of cecal IL-10. IL-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine with potent immunosuppressive effects. Intracellular parasites like coccidia can use the immunosuppressive properties of IL-10 to help them survive in a hostile environment. When coccidia causes an increase in IL-10 during a challenge, as seen in this experiment, it results in a decreased immune response just when the animal needs the immune response to help fight the disease. Phylox fed broilers showed suppression of IL-10 during the coccidia infection, allowing a proper and effective immune response to occur. This was shown by decreased cecal IL-10 mRNA when Phylox was fed.

Summary

To mitigate losses associated with coccidiosis in poultry, innovative solutions are essential to complement existing vaccines and drugs. Producers require new, consumer-accepted alternatives to effectively manage coccidiosis on their farms. Phylox serves as a valuable addition to the available tools, helping to address this persistent challenge and support poultry health and productivity. To learn more about Phylox, or to begin a field trial, contact your local Amlan representative here.

This week Dr. Wade Robey, President of Amlan International, sat down with Kimmi Devaney of Progressive Dairy for an engaging conversation on feed challenges. Join them as they delve into the critical issue of mycotoxin contamination in dairy feeds, explore management strategies, and asses the financial impact these challenges hold on dairy production. Dr. Robey’s expertise sheds light on the importance of proactive measures for maintaining animal health and productivity. Click here to listen.

In a recent blog post on the cumulative effect of multiple mycotoxins, we discussed how, in reality, animals are more likely to be affected by multiple mycotoxins in their feed, unlike a single mycotoxin typically studied in research. In the real world, animals are likely to encounter both mycotoxins in their feed and bacteria in their environment simultaneously. To demonstrate this, Amlan funded research that compared a Necrotic Enteritis (NE) challenge with a co-challenge of Necrotic Enteritis and Aflatoxin (NE+AFL) published in the Journal of Applied Poultry Research.  

Necrotic Enteritis is a common infectious disease in broiler production which has increased in incidence in recent years due to the reduction in the use of antibiotics. Toxins produced by Clostridium perfringens have been identified as the causative agents of NE along with a coccidiosis challenge.  Aflatoxin is a very common mycotoxin that contaminates feedstuffs worldwide. It decreases feed intake and gain as well as causing a general decrease in immune function. This decrease in immune function and general gut damage caused by AFL enables AFL to increase the effects of intestinal diseases such as NE. 

Calibrin®-Z, an all-natural feed ingredient available in select international markets from Amlan® International, has shown the ability to decrease the effects of a broad spectrum of mycotoxins as well as the ability to bind exotoxins and endotoxins produced by bacteria, like the toxins produced by C. perfringens known to cause NE.  For this reason, Calibrin-Z was used in this research study compared to Virginiamycin, a traditional antibiotic used in the poultry industry. 

In this study, there were three challenges: No challenge (control), Necrotic Enteritis challenge (NE), and Necrotic Enteritis + 1.0 ppm aflatoxin (NE+AFL). Each challenge was conducted with control birds (no product), birds with Calibrin-Z (0.5%) in the diet, and birds with Virginiamycin (22 ppm) in the diet.  Eight replicate pens of 22 males of a common breed were placed in floor pens at day of age and grown to 24 days of age. The AFL challenge diets were created by the addition of purified Aflatoxin to the diets. The NE challenge was induced by placing challenge groups on used litter from birds challenged with C. perfringens cultures while non-NE challenged birds were placed on clean litter.  At day 10 the NE challenged birds were given a 10X dose of coccidiosis vaccine. 

As expected, the Body Weight performance worsened with the inclusion of the NE challenge from the control and again with the inclusion of the AFL challenge on top of the NE challenge (NE+AFL).  For Feed Conversion the NE challenge alone did not statistically worsen FCR, however, the NE+AFL challenge was statistically higher than the NE challenge alone. 

Virginiamycin, as an antibiotic commonly used to prevent or treat NE, was very successful in improving KPI’s in the NE-challenged birds, but was less successful when the AFL challenge was added on top of the NE (NE+AFL). Calibrin-Z, however, numerically improved performance in the NE-challenged broilers and statistically improved performance for both Body Weight and FCR in the broilers challenged with both NE and AFL. When FCR is adjusted to a common body weight to account for the reduced weights from the challenge (adjustment = 1 pt FCR per 30g BW), the Calibrin-Z fed broilers performed 3 points better than the Virginiamycin fed broilers and 7 points better than the NE+AFL challenged control broilers. 

During a Necrotic Enteritis challenge in the field, Virginiamycin or Calibrin-Z can both help to decrease the effects of the challenge. In today’s world, where antibiotic usage is being reduced through NAE (No Antibiotics Ever) or NAIHM (No Antibiotics Important for Human Medicine) programs, or simply through responsible product rotation, Calibrin-Z offers an effective natural alternative. It matches the effectiveness of commonly used antibiotics due to its inherent ability to bind the toxins produced by C. perfringens. 

With the addition of Aflatoxin in the feed to challenge the broilers concurrently with NE, which is more common in the real world than any of us wish to believe, the negative performance effects of the NE challenge were significantly increased. Calibrin-Z proved a distinct performance advantage over the antibiotic alone. 

To learn more about Calibrin-Z and how to incorporate it into your production program, or to begin a field trial, contact your local representative at amlan.com  

Company Information 

Amlan is the animal health business of Oil-Dri Corporation of America, a leading global manufacturer and marketer of sorbent minerals. Leveraging over 80 years of expertise in mineral science, Oil-Dri Corporation of America, doing business as “Amlan International,” is a publicly traded stock on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ODC). AmIan International sells feed additives worldwide. Product availability may vary by country, associated claims do not constitute medical claims, and may differ based on government requirements.