Evaluation of NATESSE on performance of hens

NATESSE is a powder feed additive containing 70% sodium butyrate with a selection of essential oils and a specific fat coating to protect the active ingredients. This allows the active ingredients to reach the distal sections of the GI tract, not only acting as a natural growth promoter but also reducing the levels of pathogenic bacteria

In previous studies NATESSE decreased the incidence of necrotic enteritis in broilers and ensured an efficient immune response against infectious challenge (Jerzsele et al., 2012). NATESSE improved egg production and egg mass compared to the control group (2012, World’s Poultry Science,). The combination is reported to have a strong inhibiting effect against necrotic enteritis (2007, Gholaminadehkordi et al; 2011, Jerzsele et al). A trial was conducted for 10 weeks in a commercial farm in Spain, to determine the effect of NATESSE on hens’ performance (feed efficiency, mortality and broken eggs). A total of 213,696 Lohmann laying hens (59-week old) were used in this experiment. The feed for both groups was similar except for the additive (0.5 Kg NATESSE per MT in experimental group). The mortality in layers decreased with the addition of NATESSE (0.72% vs. 0.75%). The percentage of production and feed consumption were not different, but the FCR was reduced with NATESSE (2.02 Kg/Kg vs. 2.06). The addition of NATESSE reduced the broken eggs by 6.5% (3.91% vs. 4.18%). From the obtained data it can be concluded that NATESSE increases eggshell quality and improve the production efficiency of layers