Introduction

Gut: The First Line of Immune Defence
The intestinal defence system consists of several interconnected components, including the mucus layer, intestinal epithelial cells, tight junctions, antimicrobial substances, gut microbiota and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).

The epithelial cells form a physical barrier between the intestinal contents and the internal tissues. Tight-junction proteins such as occludin, claudins and ZO-1 regulate the movement of substances between epithelial cells. The mucus layer provides an additional protective environment, while immune cells located within and beneath the intestinal mucosa continuously monitor microbial and dietary antigens.
Thus, the intestine acts as both a selective absorption system and an immune surveillance system.

Gut Microbiota and Immune Development
The intestinal tract contains a complex microbial ecosystem. A balanced microbial population can contribute to pathogen exclusion, production of microbial metabolites, maintenance of intestinal integrity and modulation of host immune responses.
Beneficial microorganisms and their metabolites communicate with intestinal epithelial cells and immune cells. Among these metabolites, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate and butyrate are particularly important because they can influence epithelial health, immune-cell activity and inflammatory responses. Therefore, gut microbiota and immunity have a bidirectional relationship. A healthy microbiota supports a healthy intestinal barrier and balanced immune signalling. At the same time, the immune system regulates microbial populations and helps maintain intestinal homeostasis.
What Happens When Gut Health Is Compromised?
Commercial poultry are exposed to several factors capable of disturbing gut integrity, including coccidiosis, bacterial pathogens, mycotoxins, heat stress, poor water quality, nutritional imbalance and dysbiosis.

A compromised gut can result in epithelial damage, disruption of tight junctions, increased intestinal permeability, inflammation and oxidative stress, altered immune response and reduced performance. This process is sometimes described as increased “intestinal permeability” or “leaky gut.”

When intestinal integrity is compromised, nutrients may not be utilized efficiently and microbial products can interact more extensively with host immune mechanisms. The bird may consequently spend additional nutrients and metabolic resources on inflammation and tissue repair rather than growth or egg production.

Coccidiosis, Mycotoxins and Heat Stress

Coccidiosis is a classic example of the gut–immune relationship. Eimeria infection damages intestinal epithelial cells, alters intestinal morphology and stimulates an inflammatory and immune response. Consequently, coccidiosis control is not only a parasite-management issue but also a gut health, nutrition and immune-management issue.

Similarly, mycotoxins can affect intestinal integrity, oxidative status, microbial balance and immune function. Their impact may therefore extend beyond the feed itself to the overall gut–immune axis.

Heat stress is particularly important in tropical poultry production. Heat stress can alter feed intake, intestinal physiology, microbial balance and barrier integrity, potentially increasing inflammatory and oxidative stress. Maintaining gut integrity during heat stress is therefore an important component of maintaining flock resilience.

Gut Health and Vaccine Response
An effective vaccination program depends on the bird’s ability to recognize antigens and develop appropriate humoral and cellular immune responses. This requires adequate availability of energy, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Therefore, gut health indirectly supports the nutritional foundation required for immune responses. A healthy intestine facilitates nutrient digestion and absorption, while intestinal inflammation or damage can increase nutrient requirements for tissue repair and immune activity. It is important, however, to recognize that good gut health alone does not guarantee vaccine success. Vaccine quality, administration, maternal immunity, biosecurity, disease pressure, nutrition and environmental conditions also influence the final immune response.

Nutritional Support for the Gut–Immune Axis
Nutrition is one of the most important tools for supporting the gut–immune relationship. Zinc contributes to epithelial integrity, cellular proliferation, enzyme activity and immune-cell function. Selenium is an important component of antioxidant defence systems and supports cellular protection and immune function. Vitamins A and E also contribute to mucosal integrity, antioxidant protection and immune responses.
Nutritional interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, organic acids, enzymes, yeast-derived products, MOS and β-glucans may be used as part of integrated gut-health programs. MOS can support gut health through microbial interactions and pathogen-exclusion mechanisms, while β-glucans can interact with innate immune pathways and influence immune-cell activity. However, responses depend on product source, structure, dose, bird age, diet and challenge conditions; therefore, these products should be evaluated based on scientific evidence and field performance rather than assuming that all products have identical effects.

Practical Approach for Commercial Poultry
A successful gut-health program should not depend on a single feed additive. It should combine:
– High-quality and properly stored feed
– Regular mycotoxin monitoring and management
– Good drinking-water quality and sanitation
– Effective coccidiosis control
– Appropriate vaccination and biosecurity
– Heat-stress management
– Balanced amino acid, vitamin and mineral nutrition
– Appropriate use of probiotics, prebiotics/postbiotics and other gut-health products
– Monitoring of litter quality, feed intake, FCR, mortality and flock uniformity

Conclusion
The gut and immune system should be viewed as two interconnected components of the same biological defence network. A healthy intestinal microbiota, intact epithelial barrier and properly functioning GALT provide the foundation for balanced immune development and response. For commercial poultry, the concept is simple: “Protect the gut to support immunity, and support immunity to maintain flock resilience.”
Gut health is therefore not only about digestion and FCR. It is closely connected with nutrient utilization, immune development, disease resistance, vaccine responsiveness and ultimately flock productivity.
The future of poultry nutrition will increasingly focus on managing the gut–microbiota–immune axis through integrated nutrition, health and farm-management strategies rather than addressing individual problems in isolation.

FERMNUTRAL: A POSTBIOTIC INNOVATION TO MAXIMIZE GUT HEALTH AND EFFICIENCY IN POULTRY PRODUCTION

Gut Health: The Key to Modern Poultry Production
The expression of the genetic potential of poultry largely depends on intestinal health. The gastrointestinal tract houses nearly 70% of the immune cells and constitutes the primary barrier against enteric pathogens. However, during the early stages of life, immune immaturity increases susceptibility to infections and microbiota imbalances, particularly under intensive production systems.

Traditionally, antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) have been used to improve productive performance and reduce health-related challenges. However, their continuous use has been associated with antimicrobial resistance, intestinal dysbiosis, and concerns regarding food safety and public health.

In this context, postbiotics have emerged as a sustainable alternative. They are defined as preparations of inanimate microorganisms and/or their bioactive components, including short-chain fatty acids, bacteriocins, exopolysaccharides, peptides, and cell

wall fragments. Unlike probiotics, postbiotics offer greater stability, safety, and consistency, making them an effective alternative to AGPs (Zhong et al., 2022).

Postbiotics vs. Probiotics: A Real Competitive Advantage
The probiotics most commonly used in poultry production, such as Lactobacillus spp. and spore-forming Bacillus spp., present certain limitations when compared with postbiotics.

Lactobacillus species are heat-sensitive microorganisms; therefore, their survival during feed pelleting and storage may be compromised. In addition, factors such as chlorination of drinking water can reduce their viability and, consequently, their biological efficacy.

In contrast, Bacillus spp. exhibit high resistance to elevated temperatures due to spore formation. However, their beneficial effects may depend on successful intestinal germination and on the physiological and microbiological conditions of the host. Furthermore, these bacteria do not permanently colonize the gastrointestinal tract, meaning that their biological impact may depend on continuous administration through feed or drinking water.

Postbiotics exhibit high stability during feed processing and storage, as well as in chlorinated drinking water, because they do not rely on cell viability. Moreover, their bioactive compounds can exert their effects immediately upon ingestion, without requiring germination or intestinal colonization. This allows for a faster, more reproducible, and more consistent response (De Marco et al., 2018).

FermNutral: Bioactive Profile of a Full-Spectrum Postbiotic
FermNutral is a postbiotic developed and manufactured by CPBIO through the controlled biological fermentation of the Clostridium butyricum CPBIO3000 strain using natural raw materials. (Figure1)

The product is supplied as granules with demonstrated stability at temperatures exceeding 80°C (simulating the feed pelleting process). The recommended inclusion rate for poultry is 300–500 g/t of feed. FermNutral is produced under FAMI-QS, FDA-cGMP, and ISO 9001/14001/18001 certifications, which have been maintained since 2001.

FermNutral contains a diverse range of bioactive compounds generated during the fermentation process, including teichoic acids, lipoteichoic acids, butyricin, antimicrobial peptides, and exopolysaccharides.

Within its short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) fraction, butyric acid represents approximately 40% of the total SCFAs. Other SCFAs are present at lower concentrations, including acetic acid (21.6 mg/kg) and propionic acid (81.6 mg/kg).
The vitamin fraction includes vitamin E (13.9 IU/kg), vitamin B1 (17.2 mg/kg), vitamin B2 (5.08 mg/kg), vitamin B5 (57.3 mg/kg), vitamin B6 (98.3 mg/kg), vitamin B12 (0.34 mg/kg), folic acid (30.9 mg/kg), and vitamin K3 (1.97 mg/kg). The mineral profile provides calcium (15.2%), total phosphorus (0.76%), iron (760 mg/kg), zinc (42 mg/kg), magnesium (3,600 mg/kg), and chromium (11.67 mg/kg). Additionally, FermNutral contains 17 amino acids, including glutamic acid (1.37%), alanine (0.59%), valine (0.46%), leucine (0.50%), and lysine (0.29%). Altogether all amino acids are between 10-12% in product.

This unique combination of bioactive metabolites, nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids supports intestinal integrity, microbial balance, immune function, and productive performance in poultry.

Figure 1: A postbiotic product derived from biological fermentation of Clostridium butyricum CPBIO3000 using natural raw materials

FermNutral: Bioactive Compounds
FermNutral contains a wide range of bioactive compounds generated during the fermentation process, with butyric acid being the predominant short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), representing approximately 40% of the product. Butyrate serves as a major energy source for enterocytes and promotes epithelial renewal, mucin synthesis, and the expression of tight junction proteins. These effects contribute to maintaining intestinal barrier integrity and reducing intestinal permeability.
In addition, butyrate exhibits immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties through its ability to regulate epigenetic processes, promote goblet cell differentiation, and stimulate the activation of regulatory T lymphocytes. It may also enhance intestinal serotonin release, which has been associated with the gut-brain axis and productive performance. Acetic and propionic acids complement these effects by regulating the intestinal environment and inhibiting undesirable microorganisms.

FermNutral also provides teichoic acids and lipoteichoic acids, which are recognized by Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) on the intestinal mucosa. These components modulate both innate and adaptive immune responses, promoting a balance between immune defense and tolerance while helping to control intestinal inflammation (Pasquina et al., 2013; Muhammad et al., 2021).

Furthermore, FermNutral supplies butyricin (a bacteriocin), bioactive peptides, and antimicrobial peptides produced during fermentation, which contribute to the control of undesirable microorganisms and the modulation of intestinal microbiota. Exopolysaccharides are also present and have been reported to stimulate secretory IgA production and strengthen the mucosal barrier. In addition, the product’s vitamin and mineral profile acts synergistically to support immune function, antioxidant status, intestinal integrity, and productive performance.

FermNutral in poultry production
Several experiments conducted in China and Thailand have demonstrated the efficacy of FermNutral in poultry production. In a study at Guizhou University (China) comparing a control diet with additives such as FermNutral, Clostridium butyricum, protected sodium butyrate, and tributyrin in broiler chickens, the postbiotic (FermNutral) was confirmed to improve weight gain (+13%) and reduce feed conversion ratio (-11.68%) compared with the control and other experimental treatments.

In addition, another experiment carried out in a commercial broiler farm in China found that FermNutral reduced the feed conversion ratio (1.73 vs 1.77) and improved viability (+1.94) and the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF; 338.70 vs 315.30) in relation to the control diet.
Likewise, in a commercial broiler farm in Thailand, the use of FermNutral increased weight gain (+4.2%) and EPEF (+11.70%) and reduced feed conversion ratio (-7.69%). Furthermore, other trials conducted at Guizhou University (China) showed that FermNutral increased villus height in the duodenum (+9%), jejunum (+4%), and ileum (+8%), and improved the villus height to crypt depth ratio (V/C) in the duodenum (6.92 vs 6.27) and jejunum (5.71 vs 5.04).

Figure 3 : FermNutral effect on Immunoglobulins

Additional results from this experiment reported that FermNutral decreased the population of Escherichia coli in the duodenum (0.014 vs 0.234) and jejunum (0.0004 vs 0.013). Moreover, it promoted the growth of Lactobacillus in different intestinal segments, as determined by the relative abundance of microorganisms through 16S rDNA sequencing. (Figure 2) Finally, the inclusion of FermNutral in the diet improved the concentration of IgA (+13%), IgG (+19%), and IgM (+24%) compared with the control diet. (Figure 3)

Figure 2 : 16S rDNA sequencing to determine relative abundance of microorganisms in Poultry Intestine

Other trials conducted on a commercial farm in China with 48-week-old laying hens showed that FermNutral improved laying rate (+1.4) and shell thickness (+0.05 mm), while reducing feed conversion ratio (-0.06) and broken eggs (-2.6%), without affecting other productive performance parameters.

Likewise, in an experiment carried out at Henan Agricultural University, China, using 50-week-old laying hens, FermNutral increased egg weight (61.63 vs 59.77 vs g) and improved feed conversion ratio (2.08 vs 2.11 vs), while reducing dirty eggs (0.17 vs 0.45 %), broken eggs (0.32 vs 0.47 %), and unfit eggs (0.15 vs 0.28 %). These results demonstrate that FermNutral is an innovative and differentiated alternative within the new generation of postbiotics.

References
De Marco S, et al. (2018). Probiotic cell-free supernatants exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Liu H, et al. (2023). Postbiotics modulate gut health and laying performance in laying hens. Animal Nutrition, 14, 244–256.
Muhammad I, et al. (2021). Lipoteichoic acid from Bacillus subtilis improves immune function of broiler chickens. Antioxidants, 10(9), 1414.
Pasquina LW, et al. (2013). Teichoic acid biosynthesis as an antibiotic target. Current Opinion in Microbiology, 16(5), 531–537.
Zhong R, et al. (2022). Gut microbiota and its interactions with postbiotics in animal production. Frontiers in Microbiology, 13, 831495.
About CPBIO – A Global Biotech Company, Based on the global practice of Charoen Pokphand Group in the agricultural, animal husbandry and food industry chain, CPBIO has extensively and deeply participated in the health cause of animals, the earth and human beings with the thinking of the whole industry chain. Organizations and individuals in large-scale validated products and solutions.

About CPBIO – A Global Biotech Company, Based on the global practice of Charoen Pokphand Group in the agricultural, animal husbandry and food industry chain, CPBIO has extensively and deeply participated in the health cause of animals, the earth and human beings with the thinking of the whole industry chain. Organizations and individuals in large-scale validated products and solutions.

Every day, a broiler’s intestine processes several times its body weight in feed and water, encounters billions of microorganisms, responds to environmental stress, and continuously decides what enters the body and what remains outside.

In many ways, the gut functions as a customs checkpoint, security system, digestive factory, and immune headquarters—all at the same time.

In fact, nearly 70% of the bird’s immune cells are associated with the gastrointestinal tract, making it a key player in both health and performance. The remarkable aspect is that when the gut is functioning well, nobody notices it. When it begins to fail, everybody notices the consequences.

The Modern Poultry Bird: Built for Speed
Today’s broiler is a biological marvel. Through decades of genetic selection, modern birds reach market weight faster and more efficiently than ever before.
However, this achievement comes with a hidden challenge.

The digestive tract has become one of the most critical performance-limiting organs in poultry production. Every gram of feed must be digested, absorbed, and converted into muscle within an increasingly compressed production cycle.

Twenty years ago, a small reduction in nutrient absorption might have gone unnoticed. Today, even minor intestinal inefficiencies can translate into measurable losses in body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and profitability. Modern birds can no longer afford a lazy gut.

The Gut Is Constantly Making Decisions
Traditionally, we think of the intestine as a nutrient absorption organ.
In reality, the gut is making thousands of biological decisions every second.

– Should nutrients support growth or immunity?
– Should a microorganism be tolerated or eliminated?
– Should energy be invested in production or defense?
– Should the intestinal barrier remain open for absorption or tighten to prevent invasion?

These microscopic decisions ultimately determine flock performance.
In many ways, poultry production is not simply about feeding birds—it is about influencing the decisions being made within the gut.

The Hidden Cost of Inflammation
One of the most important concepts emerging in poultry science is that inflammation carries a nutritional cost.
Whenever the intestine encounters stress from pathogens, mycotoxins, heat, poor litter quality, or microbial imbalance, the immune system becomes activated.
The immune response is essential for survival, but it is expensive.
Energy that could support growth is redirected toward immune activity.
Amino acids that could build muscle are utilized to produce immune proteins and inflammatory mediators.
Vitamins and minerals become involved in tissue repair and antioxidant defense.
The bird continues eating, yet a significant proportion of nutrients may no longer be contributing to production.
This phenomenon is often referred to as the “hidden feed cost” of inflammation.

The Silent Performance Thief
One of the greatest misconceptions in poultry production is that intestinal problems always produce visible symptoms.
– Not necessarily.
– Many flocks show normal feed intake, acceptable mortality, and no obvious disease outbreaks. Yet they consistently fail to achieve target performance.
– A slight reduction in nutrient absorption.
– A minor microbial imbalance.
– A low level of intestinal inflammation.
– A subtle increase in intestinal permeability.
Individually these changes may appear insignificant. Collectively they can result in substantial economic losses. This is why gut health is increasingly viewed not as a disease issue but as a performance issue.

The Microbial Workforce Inside Every Bird
Perhaps the most fascinating discovery in recent years is the realization that birds are never truly alone.
The digestive tract contains trillions of microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiome.
These microbes help digest feed ingredients, produce beneficial metabolites, support intestinal development, influence immune responses, and compete with harmful bacteria.
Some scientists now describe the microbiome as an additional organ because of its profound influence on bird health.
This raises an interesting question:
Are we feeding the bird, or are we feeding its microbiome?
The answer is both.
The future of poultry nutrition may depend as much on managing microbial populations as on balancing nutrients.

Heat Stress: The Gut’s Greatest Enemy
In many poultry-producing regions, heat stress has become one of the most significant challenges affecting gut health.
High environmental temperatures reduce blood flow to the intestine, increase oxidative stress, and compromise intestinal barrier integrity.
As a result, harmful bacterial toxins can cross the intestinal wall and trigger inflammation.
Often the first casualty of heat stress is not growth—it is gut integrity.
This may explain why heat-stressed flocks frequently show poorer FCR, increased wet litter, reduced nutrient utilization, and greater disease susceptibility.
As global temperatures continue to rise, protecting gut health during periods of heat stress will become increasingly important.

The Gut in the Antibiotic-Free Era
The poultry industry is rapidly transitioning toward antibiotic-free and reduced-antibiotic production systems.
While this shift addresses consumer concerns and regulatory requirements, it has also increased attention on intestinal health.
Without routine antibiotic growth promoters, producers must rely on alternative strategies to maintain gut stability.
Probiotics, prebiotics, β-glucans, mannan oligosaccharides (MOS), organic acids, phytogenic compounds, and postbiotics are increasingly being used to support intestinal resilience and microbial balance.
The focus is shifting from killing pathogens to creating an intestinal environment where beneficial microbes and the host can thrive together.

More Birds or More Protein?
The global poultry industry is not being asked to produce more birds.
It is being asked to produce more protein.
As the world’s population grows and consumers increasingly seek affordable animal protein, poultry production continues to expand. Industry projections estimate the sector will grow at a CAGR of approximately 5–7% over the coming years.

But growth alone is not enough.
Producers are expected to deliver more meat with fewer resources, lower feed costs, and a smaller environmental footprint.
This means that every gram of feed matters more than ever before.
And that brings us back to the gut.
Because the difference between feed consumed and protein produced is ultimately determined by the efficiency of the digestive system.

The Future Begins in the Gut
For decades, poultry production focused on genetics, nutrition, and disease control.
The next frontier may be intestinal resilience.
Future improvements in productivity will likely come from better management of inflammation, enhanced barrier integrity, optimized microbiomes, and improved nutrient efficiency within the gastrointestinal tract.
The question may no longer be:

“How much feed did the bird consume?”

Instead, the more important question may be:
“How much of that feed actually became growth?”
The answer lies within the gut.
Not because it is merely another organ, but because it is the organ that determines how effectively all the others perform.
In an era of narrow margins, rising feed costs, heat stress, and antibiotic-free production, the healthiest gut may ultimately become the most valuable asset in the poultry house.

PIONEERING ANIMAL HEALTH THROUGH PHYTOGENIC INNOVATION

France Based IDENA’s Complex Phytogenic Animal Nutrition Products Through Feed Development has led to Higher Productivity and Better Animal Health – Ricky Thaper (www.rickythaper.com)

Improving livestock health has been recognized by producers as an important sustainability effort which improves efficiency and reduces productivity losses in the animal husbandry sector. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has urged nations to integrate animal health into their national climate commitments, calling it “vital for sustainable livestock production.” The roadmap recognized the importance of livestock to 1.7 billion farmers worldwide and offered proven pathways for addressing its climate footprint including better genetics, feed, and animal health. An UN report calculated the effects of different steps to address livestock emission by stating that animal productivity increase would reduce emissions 20%. It also stated that feed improvements by 12%, better animal health by 10%, improved genetics by 8% and methane reducing feed additives by 5%.

This growing recognition of the value of animal health and related technologies has the potential to boost livestock sustainability and decrease its carbon footprint. This will require adoption of strong biosecurity protocols, improved feed and use of good additives, better breeding practices and adoption of new digital technologies. Keeping this vision in mind, several companies have been working towards boosting animal health and productivity through development of innovative products keeping into consideration the unique needs of countries across the world.

Since its creation in 1995, France based global major in animal nutrition IDENA group has developed products keeping into account the nutritional needs of poultry, dairy, and piggery. The key focus of the IDENA is to introduce innovative additives and pre-mixes which boost the poultry and livestock feed and increase performances of poultry and livestock in the farms.

At IDENA, head-quartered in SAUTRON, Pays de la Loire, France, there are experts who are passionate about developing products which promote animal growth and welfare. IDENA’s technical and sales teams, often in the field, offers tailor-made advice to improve the formulation of products and optimise their effectiveness depending on the needs of the customer. The company has succeeded in establishing its fundamentals and convictions in the animal nutrition market, developing them and continuing to build on them. In 2001, the IDENA production plant in Pontchâteau, France was set up.

The mission of the company is to market natural alternatives to conventional additives in order to reduce the use of antibiotics and preserve their effectiveness (antibiotic resistance). These alternatives are made up of phytogenic, bioactive and active ingredients derived from lactic fermentations through IDENA’s sister company STI BIOTECHNOLOGIE which has developed a unique range of Postbiotics.

Following a specific inactivation process, STI Biotechnologie manufactures, among other products, a postbiotic solution, available in powder and liquid form. METALAC promotes digestive comfort, enhances animal welfare, and improves the animals’ immune status.

The company has numerous scientific publications: S. Jansseune’s thesis, published last June, expanded knowledge of METALAC through in vitro and in vivo experimental trials, as well as on the composition of metabolites synthesized during bacterial fermentation. The postbiotic contributes to the formation of a beneficial bacterial biofilm to protect intestinal villus cells, thereby strengthening the intestinal barrier. This research is continuing with a postdoctoral fellowship in collaboration with the University of Rennes, supervised by Monogastric Product Manager Maeva JEGOU.

Under the leadership of Director Christophe TANGUY, the Asia-Middle East region is managed by David CHEREL, based in China.

IDENA has also developed a complete range of nutritional specialities to improve the feed efficiency of animals fed in organic farming systems and these products are all approved by official organic farming certification bodies.

IDENA has a range of poultry products, among them; FORCIX PY (Prevention of the risk associated with Eimeria together with Necrotic Enteritis), FORKEY LS (Prevention of the risk associated with Histomonas in Turkeys), EVOPERF (Digestive comfort and performance), PONTIPLUS (Supporting hen productivity and longevity by maintaining laying rate and improving egg quality and breeders’ eggs hatchability) and IDAFIX+ (a large spectrum powerful mycotoxin binder). All these poultry products are based on the results of extensive scientific research, particularly into the action of plant extracts and essential oils. The issues studied relate mainly to make better use of the nutrients supplied and managing the risks of parasites and bacteria amongst the poultry birds. In poultry, IDENA focus is on gut health, mineral balance, feed efficiency, and resilience of birds under commercial conditions. IDENA solutions combine R&D, field validation, and practical formulation expertise to ensure both technical efficiency and economic viability. The nutrition experts in the company have developed a range of products designed to improve the feed efficiency of ruminants, focussing on critical components – protein, energy and fibre. The company also focussed on pig production for creating formulation through feed recipes and increase digestive efficiency of the animals.

To design animal feeding in different ways and to improve technical and economic performance while respecting animal welfare and the environment, IDENA develops quality feed products for the various sectors of the livestock economy- feed manufacturers, premix manufacturers, integrators, hatcheries, dairies, farms and breeders. The products are developed by consultants specialised by species. The IDENA group is made up of departments covering areas such as research and development, animal nutrition engineering and the manufacture of premixes and innovative specialities. This enables each entity to focus fully on its core business, whilst benefiting from the Group’s stability, experience and long term vision.

110 people are currently cooperating at IDENA, with Mr. Renaud Domitile as CEO and Mr. Massoud Aoun as General Manager. The commercial team is led by Mr. Franck Vaillant, Commercial Director, with 6 Regional Export Managers to cover the 5 continents.

Team of experts from the group also carry out on-farm audits to better adapt the formulation and use of additives to the context of each livestock farm. Six people are offering technical support for poultry: Mrs. Anne MAHIEU, Nutritionist-Head of Poultry Department, Dr. Jean-Marie WATIER- Vet Poultry Specialist, Ms. Amandine CANIN-Poultry Nutritionist Engineer, Mr. Khalil AOUAD, Poultry Nutritionist Engineer, and Mr. Bohdan BODNAR, Poultry Nutritionist Engineer, and also Mr. Renaud Domitile, CEO which is recognized worldwide for his nutrition expertise.

The 2000s saw the internationalisation of the Group’s activities. The company offers its services to hundreds of customers, both feed manufacturers and players in the animal sector, spread across France to more than 60 countries spanning five continents. It has succeeded in establishing its fundamentals and convictions in the animal nutrition market, developing them and continuing to build on them.

The Group has a robust central structure, which ensures strategic consistency, supports the development of its subsidiaries and fosters synergies between areas of expertise. The company’s annual revenue was approximately €50 million in 2025

With the future collaboration with Distributors in India, IDENA group has great plans to expand its presence in India, which has the world’s biggest livestock population said Mr. Renaud Domitile, CEO. The India poultry market is driven by strong demand for affordable animal protein and rapid industry structuring. However, it remains a highly competitive and price-sensitive market, where solutions must combine technical performance with clear economic return added Mr. Khalil AOUAD, Poultry Nutritionist Engineer.

Mr. Franck Vaillant, Commercial Director said through IDENA product innovation, India’s poultry and livestock sector will be immensely benefited to better feed and increase in productivity because of improvement in animal health. IDENA’s strength compared to most of its competitors lies not only in the fact that the company offers a range of innovative phytogenic products designed to improve feed efficiency and livestock performance, but that this offering is backed by extensive expertise in animal nutrition, feed formulation and livestock management, which IDENA’s teams make available to their partner clients.

For further information about IDENA poultry, dairy and piggery products, kindly visit IDENA Website: http://www.idena.fr/

Nanovet Nutrition Private Limited, a fast-growing, science-driven animal health and nutrition company, announced a strategic collaboration with nu.ance Biotechnology, Switzerland, during Poultry India. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Nanovet’s journey to strengthen its global scientific footprint and deliver advanced, research-backed solutions to the Indian livestock industry.

About Nanovet Nutrition Pvt. Ltd.
Nanovet Nutrition Private Limited is committed to enhancing livestock productivity, animal welfare, and farm profitability through innovative, technology-driven nutritional solutions. The company has established strong expertise in veterinary nutraceuticals, gut health enhancers, feed quality solutions, and biosecurity technologies, addressing the evolving needs of the poultry, ruminant, swine, and companion animal sectors.

Headquartered in Bengaluru, India, Nanovet integrates research, innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric development to deliver measurable performance outcomes for producers. Through continuous investment in science and strategic global collaborations, Nanovet is rapidly emerging as a progressive and reliable partner in animal nutrition and health. Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Sanjeev Khanna, Managing Director, Nanovet Nutrition has witnessed accelerated growth and industry recognition. With deep domain expertise and a strong focus on innovation, Mr. Khanna has steered the company toward adopting advanced technologies, strengthening scientific alliances, and building long-term value for customers and stakeholders. His leadership continues to position Nanovet as a future-ready organization aligned with global best practices.

Strategic Collaboration with nu.ance Biotechnology, Switzerland


As part of its commitment to bringing world-class science to India, Nanovet has entered into a strategic collaboration with nu.ance Biotechnology, a Switzerland-based biotechnology innovator renowned for its advanced nutritional technologies and mycotoxin management solutions.

nu.ance Biotechnology brings strong global credentials, including:
– A state-of-the-art production facility in France
– Commercial presence across 40+ countries
– Specialized expertise in postbiotics, globa.biotics, feed additives, and next-generation nutritional technologies.

This collaboration significantly enhances Nanovet’s technical capabilities and supports the introduction of high-performance, research-validated feed solutions tailored to the needs of Indian and neighboring markets.

Leadership Presence at the Collaboration Event
The collaboration was formally reinforced during a dedicated event at Poultry India, attended by senior leadership from both organizations. The Nanovet delegation was led by:
– Mr. Sanjeev Khanna, Managing Director
– Dr. Deepak Singh, Technical Director
– Mr. Avinash Kharat, National Sales Head
– Along with members of the commercial and technical teams.

nu.ance Biotechnology was represented by:
– Dr. David Harrington, Chief Product Officer
– Mr. J. S. Uppal, Business Director – South Asia.
The presence of senior leadership underscored the shared commitment of both companies toward innovation, knowledge exchange, and long-term market development.

Nanovet × nu.ance: A Future-Focused Partnership
Through this collaboration, Nanovet Nutrition aims to leverage nu.ance Biotechnology’s global expertise in biotechnology, formulation science, and quality systems to further enhance product performance and deliver superior value to customers. Together, both organizations are aligned in their vision to introduce globally benchmarked, sustainable, and performance-oriented innovations for the livestock industry.

This strategic alliance reinforces Nanovet Nutrition’s position as a science-led, globally connected partner, dedicated to shaping the future of animal nutrition in India and beyond.

Dr. Natthanan Nukitrangsan,
Ph.D, Feed Nutritionist & Technical Consultant
CP BIO

Introduction
Imbalances in the intestinal microbiota are linked to the development of various diseases. As a result, there has been growing interest in using prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to modulate the gut microbiome. Postbiotics refer to substances released or produced through the metabolic activity of microorganisms that exert beneficial effects on the host, either directly or indirectly. Since postbiotics do not contain live microorganisms, the risks typically associated with their consumption are significantly reduced.

In this review, we critically examine current literature on postbiotics, focusing on their mechanisms of action and potential applications in performance trials. We highlight their distinct benefits compared to live probiotics, with the goal of maximizing the effectiveness of postbiotics in target animals. The review explores their key components and advantages related to diet and gut health, emphasizing their role in supporting animal production—particularly in poultry. Relevant studies are referenced to illustrate the immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of postbiotics, as well as their overall impact on productivity and health in animal systems.

How to distinguish postbiotics and their benefits compared to live probiotics?

Postbiotics are metabolic by-products produced by bacteria (exogenous postbiotics). They include non-viable bacterial components and substances such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), peptides, bacteriocins, proteins, and amino acids, all of which can confer health benefits to the host. Unlike probiotics, postbiotics are more stable during feed processing and under various environmental conditions. This enhanced stability, along with their enriched nutrient profile, makes postbiotics a promising alternative to probiotics in animal feed applications.

The use of postbiotics as a tool for improving the health of livestock and poultry shows great promise, owing to their numerous benefits and several advantages over probiotics and prebiotics. As metabolic byproducts or components derived from probiotic bacteria, postbiotics are less sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature, pH, and processing methods (Hossain et al., 2021). This enhanced stability allows them to retain their functional and beneficial properties over time, making them well-suited for diverse applications in animal health and nutrition (Thorakkattu et al., 2022).

Furthermore, we provided the information of postbiotics that can offer more advantages than live probiotics; for instance, (Rafique et al., 2023),

(a) Live probiotics may struggle to adhere to the gut mucosa due to the presence of a mucous layer that limits direct contact between bacteria and the epithelial surface. In contrast, postbiotics can more easily penetrate this mucous layer.
(b) Postbiotics pose no risk of infection from bacterial translocation from the intestinal lumen into the bloodstream, which is particularly important for immunocompromised or susceptible individuals. Additionally, they do not carry the risk of acquiring or transferring antibiotic resistance genes.
(c) Postbiotics offer practical advantages—they are easier to dose, transport, standardize, and store. Moreover, they have significant potential to support intestinal barrier function and may serve as an effective alternative to probiotics (Liu et al., 2023).

The benefits of postbiotics for gut health.
Postbiotics can inhibit the growth of pathogens and strengthen gut barrier function through the action of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). For instance, butyrate serves as an energy source for colon epithelial cells and the intestinal mucosa, thereby supporting gut integrity and reducing intestinal permeability.
In addition to enhancing gut barrier function, butyrate plays a role in immunomodulation and exhibits anti-inflammatory effects while helping to improve growth performance, as illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Functions of postbiotics

Butyric acid has demonstrated in vitro antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Enterococcus faecalis, Clostridium perfringens, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus suis) and Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica Typhimurium, Campylobacter jejuni) (Kovenda et al., 2019).

The mode of action of sodium butyrate involves its conversion to butyric acid, which can penetrate bacterial cell walls primarily through diffusion. Once inside the cell, butyrate induces cytoplasmic toxicity by lowering the intracellular pH. This acidification disrupts key metabolic processes, depletes energy reserves, and leads to the excretion of protons (H⁺), which further diffuse into the bacterial cell and contribute to toxicity. The increased proton concentration interferes with ATP synthesis by impairing the bacterial cell’s ability to maintain proton gradients essential for energy production and metabolism. Ultimately, the drop in pH and metabolic disruption result in bacterial cell death (Ahsan et al.,2016).

Maximize the effectiveness of postbiotics in target animals.
Based on researches, postbiotic can be able to target gut-brain axis influence on serotonin to improve growth performance (Sofie et al., 2021; Ishii et al.,2019), gut health and nutrient digestion (Ahmed et al., 2014; Kumar et al., 2014), antimicrobial (Mantziari et al., 2020; Fong et al., 2020), anti-inflammation and Immune-microflora balance (Torino et al., 2015; Miyazawa et al., 2015; Maghsood et al., 2018;) including postbiotic/probiotic as an alternative ATB/ZnO (Ali et al., 2023).

FermNutral® derived from the biological fermentation of the probiotic strain Clostridium butyricum, the main components of the product include amino acids, minerals, and beneficial metabolites classified as postbiotics. Rafique et al. (2023), writing in the Journal of Agriculture & Food Research, reviewed the principal classes of postbiotics with health-promoting effects:

1. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) –
Butyrate supports gut integrity, reduces intestinal permeability, modulates immunity, exerts anti-inflammatory actions, and suppresses pathogens. In broilers, butyrate also raises apparent total‑tract crude‑fat digestibility and apparent metabolizable energy (AME), enhancing overall digestion and nutrient absorption.
2. Antimicrobial peptides (bacteriocins) – These peptides display activity against common pathogens, including Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Escherichia coli.
3. Quorum‑sensing (QS) interference – Certain postbiotics inhibit pathogen biofilm formation by disrupting QS signaling, thereby curbing colonization and persistence.
4. Polysaccharides (e.g., teichoic acids) – Contribute anti‑ inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, further supporting host health.
5. B‑complex vitamins, proteins, and amino acids – Provide additional nutritional and functional benefits that complement the antimicrobial and immunomodulatory actions of other postbiotic fractions.

Postbiotic product in poultry trials
FermNutral (FN)® is a postbiotic product consisting of non-living microorganisms (inactivated bacteria) or their components that provide health benefits to the host. It also includes byproducts of probiotic activity in the gut, such as fermentation metabolites.

The main ingredient is calcium butyrate, which makes up 50% of the product. Other components include short-chain fatty acids (butyric acid, acetic acid, propionic acid), 18 amino acids, vitamins (B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, folic acid, E, and K), and minerals (Ca, Fe, Zn, Na, Mg, P, Mn, Cr).

Based on our trial data and correlated research publications, we can confidently say that FN improves productive performance and reduces feed costs, which contributes to higher profits and effective solutions in animal production.

Typically, we focus on both performance and economic returns in animal production, especially for pigs, poultry, and aquatic species. Through extensive research conducted by CP BIO, we have found that using FN in aquatic animals such as Tilapia, Ruby fish, Penaeus vannamei, and Micropterus salmoides significantly enhances growth performance, feed efficiency, survival rates, and overall economic returns, as shown in Table 1.

Conclusions
FermNutral (FN) is a biological fermentation product derived from the probiotic strain Clostridium butyricum. It primarily contains short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially butyrate, along with amino acids, minerals, and beneficial metabolites acting as postbiotics. Essentially, FN functions through the diet-gut-microbe axis to provide effective animal health solutions. Butyrate mainly supplies energy to the epithelial cells of the colon, improving digestion and nutrient absorption while controlling pathogens, maintaining immune balance, and reducing inflammation. Therefore, the multi-modal actions of FN help support gut function, enhancing animal performance and profitability.

References available on request.

Nuance Biotechnology, a rapidly emerging player in the feed additives industry, has made significant strides in 2024 by acquiring two prominent French companies—Global Nutrition International and NutriConcept. This strategic move has bolstered their global footprint, expanded R&D capabilities and facilitated their entry into key markets, including India. Poultry Creations, along with other poultry media, had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Nemanja Todorovic, Chief Business Officer and Mr. Joginder Singh Uppal, Business Director, South Asia, during the 35th AGM of the Poultry Federation of India in Gurugram to discuss their vision, innovations and plans for the Indian market

Entering the Indian Market and Expansion Strategies:

When did Nuance Biotech enter the Indian market and what are your strategies for expansion?
Dr. Nemanja Todorovic: India is not just a country; it is a continent in itself with immense potential in biotechnology and livestock. Recognizing this, we have appointed knowledgeable professionals like Mr. Uppal to lead our initiatives. Our key strategies include:
1. Forging strategic partnerships with key industry players.
2. Expanding distribution networks for broader market penetration.
3. Collaborating with research institutions to localize our products.
4. Educating farmers on the benefits of postbiotics and other innovations tailored to Indian conditions.”

Joginder Singh Uppal: “We launched our South Asian operations in June 2024 with a strong focus on poultry and dairy. Our flagship products, Nu.biom Aves for poultry and Nu.biom Bos for dairy, enhance resilience, performance and farm profitability. Our goal is to empower farmers through innovative solutions backed by scientific research and technical expertise.”

Understanding Postbiotics

Question: Can you explain the difference between postbiotics and other types of biotics?
Dr. Nemanja Todorovic: “Biotics are broadly categorized into prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics:
1. Prebiotics serve as a nutrient source for beneficial gut bacteria.
2. Probiotics are live microorganisms that improve gut health.
3. Postbiotics are metabolic byproducts of probiotics, offering stable and targeted benefits without the viability concerns of probiotics.

Our postbiotics enhance gut microbiota balance, optimize nutrient utilization and contribute to immune modulation. Imagine prebiotics as soil, probiotics as rice growing in the field and postbiotics as rice noodles ready for consumption.”

Tailoring Solutions for the Indian Market

Question: How does Nuance Biotech cater to the unique needs of the Indian market?
Joginder Singh Uppal: “We offer tailored solutions to address challenges in poultry and dairy farming, such as:
Postbiotics: A novel concept with proven benefits for immunity, egg quality and overall productivity.
Global Biotics: Products like mycotoxin binders (e.g., Global Fix) and acidifiers that address vital industry concerns.

Our goal is to support farmers with innovative products backed by research, while also educating them about sustainable and profitable farming practices.”

Market Strategy and Customer Engagement

Question: Who is your primary target in the market—feed mills, breeders, GP operators, commercial broiler farmers or integrators?
Joginder Singh Uppal: “Our primary focus is on feed mills since our products are predominantly feed additives. About 60-70% of the industry relies on feed, making this our initial target. Our secondary focus is integrators and large-scale farmers, including layer farmers who produce their own feed. Products like NutriGut and Globacid DW are designed for these segments.”

Unique Selling Proposition and Market Entry

Question: With several toxin binders and acidifiers in the market, what makes your products stand out?
Dr. Nemanja Todorovic: “Our precision production technology sets us apart. From raw material selection and fermentation to production and quality control, every step is meticulously executed. Our R&D-driven approach ensures high efficacy. Global Nutrition, part of our portfolio, has been a trusted name since 2002, exporting to over 40 countries. This global presence underscores the reliability and effectiveness of our products.”

Question: Have your products been introduced to the Indian market yet?
Dr. Nemanja Todorovic: “We commenced operations in mid-2024, focusing on key partnerships and collaborations. Our first consignment is scheduled to arrive next month, allowing us to engage with clients and initiate trials. Discussions with several companies are already underway.”

Future Innovations and Long-Term Vision

Question: Can you share upcoming innovations or product launches for the Indian poultry sector?
Joginder Singh Uppal: “Our focus extends beyond product launches—we provide integrated solutions. Enhancing animal resilience is at the core of our philosophy. By leveraging our expertise in microbial metabolites, we develop solutions tailored to specific market needs. While poultry and dairy remain our primary sectors, we are continuously evolving to address industry challenges.”

Question: What are your long-term plans for the Indian market?
Dr. Nemanja Todorovic: “Our strategy is structured around three key phases:
1. Establishing Partnerships – We have made significant progress in forging valuable collaborations.
2. Regional Expansion – In addition to India, we are targeting Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
3. Direct Sales and Marketing – While working with distributors for outreach, we also plan to engage directly with key accounts representing 50-60% of the poultry industry.”

Sustainability and Industry Challenges

Question: What steps is Nuance Biotech taking to ensure product sustainability?
Dr. Nemanja Todorovic: “Sustainability is at the core of our innovation strategy. We focus on enhancing nutrient utilization, reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact. For example, our solutions target ammonia control in poultry and aquaculture. Additionally, our postbiotic solutions have shown promise in reducing methane emissions in dairy cattle, and we plan to conduct further trials in India with leading research institutions.”

Question: Unlike poultry, the Indian dairy sector consists largely of unorganized small farmers. How does Nuance Biotechnology plan to support them?
Dr. Nemanja Todorovic: “About 80% of India’s dairy farmers operate at a small scale. We aim to reach them through a three-pronged strategy:
1. Strengthening our distribution network to enhance accessibility.
2. Focusing on large dairy operations that drive significant market influence.
3. Leveraging veterinary shops as a direct channel for small-scale farmers, a model that has succeeded in similar markets.”

In conclusion, Nuance Biotech is positioning itself as a pioneering force in the feed additives sector, committed to innovation, sustainability and farmer education. As they expand their presence in India and beyond, their solutions promise to enhance efficiency, profitability and resilience in the livestock industry.