Enhancing animal performance through advanced manufacturing and natural ingredients—delivering greater transparency, efficacy, and profitability
The Evolution and Impact of Phytogenic Feed Additives
Over the past few decades, the market for phytogenic feed additives has undergone a significant transformation, driven by evolving regulations, shifting consumer expectations, and advances in scientific research. The pioneering work of the late twentieth century laid the foundation for the growth of this sector. However, in recent years, industry consolidation has contributed to a noticeable slowdown in true innovation.
The use of phytogenics in animal nutrition expanded rapidly following global bans on antibiotics as growth promoters (AGPs). In response, nutritionists increasingly turned to plant-based additives to replicate AGP-like performance in broilers and other species. Initially valued mainly for their antimicrobial properties, phytogenic compounds have since demonstrated a much broader range of benefits for gut health.
Research has shown that plant extracts can modulate gut microbiota by selectively inhibiting harmful pathogens while preserving beneficial bacteria. They stimulate digestive processes by enhancing enzyme activity and nutrient absorption and can modulate immune responses, helping to reduce inflammation while supporting immune function. In addition, phytogenics contribute to gut integrity by promoting mucus production and epithelial cell regeneration.
Derived from various plant parts—including leaves, seeds, roots, and bark—and extracted using methods ranging from simple milling to advanced distillation techniques, phytogenic ingredients exhibit diverse properties. These differences influence their purity, stability, and ultimately their efficacy in animal nutrition.
This shift toward “green” solutions has opened new opportunities for the feed industry. However, in some cases, these solutions relied on opaque formulations or lacked robust scientific validation. Phytogenics, which first gained commercial traction in the late 1980s, experienced a sharp increase in demand over the past decade, fueled by consumer interest in sustainability and natural ingredients. This period marked a transition from so-called “black-box” solutions to more transparent, scientifically supported, and technologically advanced products.
Where Does Innovation Lie for the Future of Phytogenics?
From Phytogenics to Phycogenics
While extensive research has been conducted on phytogenics—derived from the Greek word phyto, meaning plant—the emerging field of phycogenics, derived from phyko, meaning algae, remains relatively unexplored. Increasing attention is now being directed toward the potential of marine algae, with some studies focusing on seaweeds as nutrient sources and others investigating their functional bioactive properties.
A novel approach within this field involves identifying specific algae-derived metabolites capable of enhancing animal gut health, rather than treating algae simply as a raw material. This research seeks to establish clear links between seaweed metabolites and their physiological effects in animals. Collaboration with academic and industrial experts enables the exchange of knowledge and accelerates the identification of promising compounds, while also advancing innovative bioprocessing technologies.
Although still in its early stages, phycogenics represents a rapidly emerging area of interest. Alongside algae-based solutions, future innovation in phytogenics may also come from developing new methods for producing plant-derived metabolites, refining processing techniques, or enhancing the biological activity and delivery of natural compounds.
Manufacturing Expertise Is Key
As the phytogenics market expanded, early solutions were often developed using relatively simple technologies. While these first-generation products addressed the growing demand for natural and sustainable feed additives, they also faced notable limitations. Key challenges included ensuring stability during storage and feed processing—particularly under harsh conditions such as pelleting or extrusion—as well as avoiding negative effects on feed intake and palatability.
Many early phytogenic products contained volatile compounds that were unstable during processing, dusty or irritating for workers, or poorly accepted by animals. Although these products provided value at the time, their limitations became increasingly evident. Some remain on the market today, but they no longer meet the requirements of modern, performance-driven animal production systems.
Recent technological advancements have helped overcome many of these challenges. In particular, innovations in micro-encapsulation have led to the development of high-concentration, highly stable products that remain effective at low inclusion rates—even under demanding feed manufacturing conditions. These next-generation products are dust-free, safe to handle, and designed to release their active ingredients precisely where needed in the digestive tract, maximizing efficacy.
However, as encapsulation has become a popular marketing term, it is increasingly important for customers to verify supplier claims. Not all “encapsulated” products rely on robust, scientifically validated manufacturing technologies.
(Plants + Algae) × Micro-Encapsulation Technology: A New Standard
This technology combines a high concentration of metabolites derived from both plants and seaweed, delivered through an advanced and transparent formulation. It offers one of the highest active ingredient concentrations available on the market, together with exceptional stability. As a result, it achieves high efficacy at low inclusion rates compared with other solutions.
The product’s protective technology has been evaluated under a wide range of feed processing conditions—including mash, pelleting, and extrusion—and across multiple species. These evaluations demonstrate consistent recovery of active compounds over time. Importantly, the product does not negatively affect feed quality or palatability and is safe and easy to handle for feed mill operators.
Extensive research has been conducted to demonstrate not only the performance benefits of this technology but also its mode of action. Published studies show that the encapsulated metabolites are released precisely in the gastrointestinal tract, where they stimulate digestive processes, strengthen gut integrity, and support immune function. These effects optimize energy and nutrient utilization, ultimately improving feed efficiency and farm profitability.
Research Confirms the Added Value of New Phytogenic Technologies
This new generation of phytogenic technology has gained significant market traction in recent years. From both technical and economic perspectives, formulators and nutritionists have recognized its value, as confirmed by numerous trials and peer-reviewed publications conducted across Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Latin America.
One recent trial conducted at the University of Arkansas (USA) evaluated the technology over a 39-day period in male Cobb 500 broilers during the autumn season. Birds were fed a standard U.S. three-phase diet (starter, grower, finisher). Starter diets were pelleted and crumbled, while grower and finisher diets were fed as pellets. The new technology was added on top of the basal diet from day 0 to day 39, resulting in two treatments: a negative control (NC) and the new technology at 100 g/ton (NQ).
At day 39, broilers in the trial performed close to their genetic potential for body weight gain (BWG). The NQ treatment significantly improved BWG (+57 g) and feed conversion ratio (−2.1 points) compared with the control. These improvements brought birds closer to their genetic potential for FCR and beyond their genetic benchmark for BWG.
Based on current U.S. feed ingredient prices and the performance results observed, the use of the technology generated an estimated return on investment (ROI) of 3:1. In addition, the technology improved carcass and breast yield without increasing the incidence of woody breast or white striping and without negatively affecting other meat quality parameters. Overall, the technology enhanced growth performance and feed efficiency, leading to improved farm profitability.
With more than 30 trials conducted worldwide, the technology has consistently demonstrated advantages over older phytogenic solutions. It is now used in broilers, laying hens, and other species, both as a standalone additive and as a tool to optimize feed formulations.
Conclusion: Embracing the Next Generation of Phytogenic Technologies
Two decades ago, the phytogenic feed additive market was still in its infancy. Since then, it has evolved significantly in response to regulatory pressures, consumer expectations, and technological progress. Early pioneers laid the groundwork by demonstrating the value of plant-derived compounds in animal nutrition. Today, however, new technologies have raised the bar.
Through the discovery and application of novel metabolites from both plants and seaweed, combined with advanced manufacturing and delivery technologies, the industry now offers more reliable and effective solutions. These next-generation phytogenics deliver higher concentrations, greater stability, improved safety for workers and animals, and consistent performance with superior economic returns.
Extensive research supports these advancements, leaving little justification for continued reliance on outdated technologies. As innovation continues in sourcing natural molecules and refining processing methods, the future of phytogenics will be defined by greater transparency, stronger scientific foundations, and a continued commitment to sustainable animal nutrition.
by NUQO team
