How do encapsulated essential oils benefit animal feed? In livestock environments, this type of plant-based feed additives is mainly used to feed pigs, poultry, ruminants and other livestock. Their antimicrobial properties or the properties against certain pathogens that deteriorate the animal feed have already been more than demonstrated.

Numerous scientific studies support the positive effects on livestock of the active ingredients (phenols and flavonoids) that are concentrated in capsules. Would you like to know more about them? Next, we highlight their advantages.

Improved animal feed conversion

Let us bear in mind that, in the livestock sector, the main cost of production is the animal feed, so its conversion has a very important economic weight for the producer. At this point, conversion does not imply restricting animal feed, but rather improving meat production based on the quantity and, above all, the quality of the feed administered to the animal throughout all the production cycle.

All the properties of the animal feed are exploited

Thanks to the encapsulation and extrusion to which the essential oils are subjected, in addition to protecting the substance from oxidation and other degrading agents, it is possible to take full advantage of their properties.

Another one of the benefits of encapsulated oils for the animals is that, once administered, the active ingredients are continuously released throughout the animal’s digestive tract. An example is found in cattle, where encapsulated oils function as balancing agents of the metabolic balance.

Consequently, with these feed additives, animal feed costs and gas emissions are significantly reduced.

Improve intestinal health

For pig cattle, for example, flavonoids, mucilages and other herbs and encapsulated spices promote digestibility and growth performance. In short, animal feed additives in capsules are the best ally for the maintenance of intestinal health, also exerting an anti-inflammatory effect on the animal and reducing its stress.

Favour production in terms of quality

For example, for cattle encapsulated essential oils have great benefits in terms of the quality of the product they generate. The microcapsules contain natural species and tannins that stimulate fertility or improve the quality of milk, increasing its protein and providing a food product of the highest quality for the final consumer.

At Solimix we have extensive experience in working with technological, sensitive, nutritional and zootechnical additives, as well as in the manufacture of animal feed and premixes. Contact us and discover all the benefits of encapsulated essential oils!