Resin acids support intestinal homeostasis


Farm animal performance depends on gastrointestinal functions. Coniferous resin acids support intestinal homeostasis by inhibiting inflammation-associated loss of epithelial integrity and by favouring the growth of beneficial microbes.


BY HANNELE KETTUNEN AND JUHANI VUORENMAA, HANKKIJA OY G


astrointestinal homeostasis is a prerequisite for the optimal performance of farm animals. The multi-tasking gut needs to digest the feed, absorb the nutrients, host a balanced microbiota and maintain the epithelial barrier and immune functions. A bal- anced gut feeds the tissues with energy and nutrients but ex- cludes the invasion and growth of pathogens, thus enabling the good performance of animals. Intestinal ecosystem is constantly challenged in commercial animal production. Pathogenic microorganisms, fungal tox- ins, anti-nutritional factors, overcrowding and other stressors disturb the balance and demand energy-consuming epitheli- al responses such as inflammation. Disturbances in gut milieu lead eventually to reduced profitability of animal farming. The industry calls for tools – natural substances – to support intestinal homeostasis.


Dual-purpose resin acids The standardised composition of coniferous resin acids and tall oil fatty acids (Progres, Hankkija Oy) was developed to meet this demand. Its resin acids are natural diterpene carboxylic ac- ids produced by spruce and pine trees. Resin acids are harvest- ed by thermal distillation from crude tall oil, a sustainable side


product of cellulose industry. For centuries, people of the Nordic countries have utilised the anti-inflammatory proper- ties of tree rosin in wound care. Now the same molecules give their benefits to farm animals. Resin acids have a dual function in the intestinal tract of farm animals. They protect the epithelial barrier and support the growth of beneficial microbiota. The effects have been demonstrated in a ten-year research programme both in vitro and in vivo in chickens, pigs, calves and dairy cows.


Anti-inflammatory action The effect of resin acids on small-intestinal epithelium of


Table 1 - Benefits of using acid resins in various livestock. Animal Proven benefits in institutional trials


Trials Broilers Turkeys Sows


Improved weight gain by 1.1 g/d and 4.7 g/d and feed conversion ratio by 3.6 and 5.0 points, in performance and challenge trials, respectively. Improved final body weight by 1.6–2.1 %, feed conversion ratio by 5–8 points, European Efficiency Index, litter quality and foot pad condition. Increased colostrum yield and its IgG content, improved piglet vitality and weaning weights.


Veal calves Improved final body weights by 3.1–3.6 kg per calf and feed conversion ratio by 6 to 7 points.


Goat kids Better FCR by 6 points, 0.56 kg higher weight at slaughter, better lung score. 104 ▶ GUT HEALTH | DECEMBER 2020 13 scientific trials in different institutes and research farms Dose response trial at the University of Warmia and Mazury Three trials by Helsinki University and a trial at Pawlowice Research Institute Trials at a private research farms in the Netherlands (unpublished) Trial at a private research farms in the Netherlands (unpublished)


HANKKIJA OY


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