22 May 2014

 

Anitox launches pathogen control feed additive at VIV Europe

At VIV Europe, Anitox launched a high performance pathogen control additive for feed without formaldehyde - Finio, which offers 14-day post-application protection and broad spectrum control.

 

The new product gives those operating in restrictive regulatory environments a higher-performance alternative to traditional organic acid blends. Although formaldehyde--the active ingredient in Anitox's top-selling pathogen control additive Termin-8--remains the top choice in many countries, regulatory restrictions in some regions necessitate a switch to alternatives.

 

Trials have shown outstanding results in control of Salmonella, E.coli and Clostridia as well as residual effect for two weeks after application.

 

According to Dr Peter Street, vice president of R&D of Anitox, most organic acids do not offer the required level of control against feed-borne pathogens. He added that regulatory pressures have pushed many into using organic acid blends, with less than satisfactory results.

 

Anitox, which is dedicated to the control of microbes and pathogens in feed, food and fermentation applications worldwide, considers its new feed additive a 'game-changer'. Trials conducted in Anitox's R&D facility in Atlanta, Georgia, show that Finio is capable of delivering Salmonella control levels more than three times greater than existing organic acid products.

  

Dr Street said, "We're talking about control over and above 90% at low dose rates.  That far surpasses any competitor organic acid blend."

 

Dr Street pointed out that currently available organic acids offer little or no residual protection against pathogens. He warned that recontamination with pathogens, whether during transport, delivery to production units or in storage, is a continuing source of infection within the chain.

 

"Transportation and storage remain the weak link in the feed chain. Unclean transport trailers, or unsuitable - such as damp and/or warm - storage facilities can undo all the hard work in securing clean feed at the mill. That's especially the case where organic acids have been used," he added.

 

Research has shown that organic acids often 'mask' pathogen populations, so that even when feed samples are tested in the laboratory, their less-than-perfect ability to control Enterobacteriacae such as Salmonella often results in a population 'bounceback'.

 

Anitox has formulated Finio to provide a unique 14-day residual effect.  In fact, the company has conducted trials that have shown conclusively that, in feed treated with Finio, pathogen numbers are still being reduced 14 days after treatment.

 

Importantly, specialised atomising nozzles ensure Finio is applied evenly to the target feed.

 

Dr Streets said that Finio not only offers an efficient initial reduction as soon as it hits the target site, but it also retains that protection and prevents any risk of recontamination.

 

On the subject of application rates, Dr Street said, "Applied at a rate of 2kg/tonne, Finio delivers a Salmonella reduction of 90%. Organic acid blends simply can't compete, as they offer little to no residual control. The success of such low application rates is, in part, a result of the 'whole solution' approach that Anitox takes in delivering its products."

 

Head of engineering of Anitox, Richard York, explained, "To be effective, Finio needs careful application during the milling process. Anitox has an in-house team of technicians who provide mills with a carefully-assessed solution that identifies the best means of application."

 

York added, "Customer requirements differ, so our systems are calibrated to apply the liquid formula at a preset amount that's determined after consultation with the customer."

 

Dr Street presented as one of the speakers of the VIV Animal Health Summit held on May 21st 2014, part of the programme of VIV Europe at the Jaarbeurs Utrecht in the Netherlands.