Speciality feed additives manufacturer Pancosma S.A. has introduced new product features for its plant extract brand for monogastrics named XTRACT 6930, following further research into the application of essential oil compounds in poultry nutrition.

Numerous feeding trials have proven and quantified the positive effects of XTRACT 6930 on poultry performance and profitability in modern poultry meat production.

Based on the improved digestibility of nutrients by XTRACT, an extensive research programme with universities in the US and Brazil recently showed a scientifically validated energy upper value of XTRACT 6930 in the feed. As feed is the largest single cost factor in poultry meat production, the calculated energy equivalency for XTRACT 6930 will allow feed compounders to use the product in lower-cost feed formulations and will maintain higher profits for poultry integrators at the same time.

Also new research work examined with Dr. Hyun Lillehoj, USDA Beltsville (USA), shows a remarkable ''nutrigenomic'' effect of the product on cellular metabolism through gene and protein expressions. The main benefits reported are a stimulation of lymphocyte proliferation as well as enhancement of the immune status.

In addition, an inhibition of tumour cell growth underlines the immunological basis of the product offering an alternative method of disease control in poultry production.

Pancosma's Product Manager for Bioactives, Dr. Armin Vikari, said that these new features, both the energy upper value as well as the nutrigenomic actions will complete the dossier of XTRACT 6930 - making it essential for poultry nutrition.

XTRACT 6930 is a unique micro-encapsulated 3-way-combination of Carvacrol, Cinnamaldehyde and Capsicum Oleoresin created for its proven effects in poultry nutrition.