September 1, 2025

 

ADM: A holistic approach to gut health and immunity in poultry  

 

 

At the recent ADM Satellite Seminar held during the Broiler Quality Conference, Felicio Atienza, Jr, Technical Manager for Poultry Asia at ADM, delivered a compelling presentation titled "Integrating Postbiotics and Organic Minerals in Poultry Nutrition: A Holistic Approach to Gut Health, Immunity and Sustainable Performance."

 

Key points from his talk included:

 

Beyond Probiotics: The Emerging Role of Postbiotics

 

While probiotics are widely recognized as beneficial 'biotics,' postbiotics are increasingly gaining attention for their valuable role in supporting gut health. They help improve nutrient digestion, strengthen immune defences, and enhance overall poultry performance. Postbiotics consist of inactivated microorganisms and/or their components, with their microbial makeup precisely known prior to inactivation. Unlike live probiotics, postbiotics are highly stable and resistant to heat and storage challenges, making them easier to incorporate into feed formulations.

 

Powerful Pichia Postbiotic 

 

ADM's proprietary postbiotic, Citristim, is produced from whole-cell inactivated novel yeast and rich in immune-enhancing compounds such as nucleic acids, mannans, and 1,3- and 1,6-betaglucans. In contrast to traditional yeast-based additives derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Citristim offers unique biochemical properties that bolster immune function and help control harmful pathogens.

 

Glycine: Smallest Amino Acid, Biggest Impact on Bioavailability

 

Atienza highlighted glycine as the ideal ligand for chelated trace minerals. As the smallest amino acid, glycine allows for high mineral concentrations and forms stable bonds with metals, preventing unwanted interactions that reduce mineral effectiveness. Its neutral odor and sweet taste ensure feed palatability, while water solubility means BTraxim trace minerals can be delivered in drinking water. Glycine's lack of chirality means all molecules are fully bioavailable, contributing to enhanced mineral absorption. Plus, glycine is gaining attention as a limiting amino acid, especially in poultry.

 

Recognising its significance in poultry nutrition, ADM uses glycine as the ligand in its BTraxim line of zinc, copper, manganese, and iron organic trace minerals, offering superior stability and bioavailability.  

 

Better Bioavailability Boosts Performance 

  

BTraxim organic trace minerals utilize glycine-bound minerals within a patented crystalline structure, providing high stability and increased bioavailability compared to inorganic sources. This results in improved mineral uptake and reduced losses caused by gut antagonisms and interactions.

 

Compared to inorganic trace minerals, BTraxim organic minerals deliver multiple benefits for poultry, including:

 

    •  Improved performance marked by better feed conversion ratios and higher average daily gain

 

    •  Increased carcass yield and superior meat quality linked to enhanced antioxidant status

 

    •  Reduced rates of broken eggs

 

    •  Lower incidence of foot pad dermatitis

 

    •  Enhanced reproductive performance

 

    •  Superior tissue mineral retention coupled with reduced mineral excretion into the environment

 

Leading the Way in Holistic Poultry Nutrition  

  

"Through innovations like Citristime and BTraxim line, ADM continues to offer holistic nutritional solutions that support poultry health, enhance immunity, and promote sustainable production performance," concluded Atienza.

 

-      ADM

 

Felicio Atienza, Jr shares insights on holistic poultry nutrition