BENEFITS OF BALANGUT

BalanGut is not an organic acid. It is a blend of mono-, di- and triglycerides of short- and medium-chain fatty acids. As opposed to organic acids, BalanGut's activity is not pH-dependent and has much better handling properties because it is neither corrosive nor volatile. It is also heat-stable. BalanGut keeps digestion in balance and targets poultry, swine and aquaculture production to support the intestinal health of the animal, maintaining animal well-being and (thus induce) optimal development.

COMPLEMENTING BALANGUT WITH ORGANIC ACIDS

We believe that feed or water-delivered additives can strategically support livestock farming in different stages as stand-alone products or in combinations. The expected positive effects to be seen are uniformity and livability. These are related to the fortification of intestinal health, which implies increased beneficial microbial populations, stimulation of the digestive function and strengthening of defenses. Initial findings have suggested that the supplementation of BalanGut LS P and Amasil NA at different feeding phases may achieve superior performance improvement in broilers.

BALANGUT’S EFFECT ON PRODUCTION COST

While the current COVID-19 situation is indeed challenging, profitable production is still based on keeping as many animals healthy as possible, from birth or hatching to harvest. BalanGut can make an important contribution to this by supporting the resilience and viability of animals. As a result, farmers can sell more end products and become more economically successful.

BalanGut also provides a complementary option for producers looking for efficient and effective ABF programs. In specific applications, the energy value in BalanGut could also help offset some costs in formulation, especially during situations when energy sources are particularly expensive.

GUT HEALTH AND ANTIBIOTIC REDUCTION

The best way to lessen antimicrobials use in animal production is by supporting animal resilience, in particular gut health. Growing awareness of antimicrobial resistance and continued trending in favour of ABF production in the West lead us to think that Asia-Pacific will eventually follow suit. Antimicrobial resistance is not only of public concern. Animals also fall sick, and when they do, it is crucial that they are effectively treated with antibiotics to which there is no antibiotic resistance. Therefore, reduced and sensible use of antibiotics, where the use is mainly restricted to therapeutic use, are in the best interest of everybody.

Because no single product can completely replace antibiotic growth promoters on its own, biosecurity and husbandry practices play an important role in animal production. At BASF, we are keen to work with our customers to come up with solutions to address their specific needs to their markets. BASF offers a comprehensive product portfolio that can help our customers build ABF programs to maintain the gut health of their animals, including using enzymes whenever alternative raw material ingredients are used; organic acids for feed hygiene, ingredient preservation and water quality; and BalanGut to support intestinal health and animal wellbeing.

SUGGESTIONS TO CUSTOMERS

While considering different solutions or ABF programs, it is important to understand the mechanism of action of feed additives as stand-alone products. This will help recognize the best way to apply them under the different stages and challenges during production and to identify how to best combine them, to fit the individual challenges of each production system.

We believe that BalanGut can be part of the solution.