Nutritional Support and Supplements

We continue to see increased use of Agricure Energy, particularly during periods of stress. This supplement contains fast acting components that reduce the metabolic workload on the liver, making it suitable during health or environmental challenges. It’s readily available protein supports weight gain, while choline plays a key role in cellular function, DNA synthesis, and reducing oxidative stress. Betaine supports metabolic regulation, improves protein digestion and nutrient absorption, and helps maintain hydration.

Early gut health remains a priority, and Agricure Chick Probio Gel continues to be widely used at placement. It’s combination of probiotics with short- and medium-chain fatty acids provides antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity throughout the digestive tract, supporting the early establishment of beneficial gut bacteria. Electrolytes enhance mineral absorption, reduce digestive stress, and support bone and immune development. The product’s colour and moisture content encourage early pecking at the feed.

We are also expanding our supplement range through new suppliers. Some farms may now see Novosol, Growmax, and 42 Degrees. These products have been successfully used across Europe and supported by multiple trials.

Novosol combines fatty acids with oregano – and garlic-based essential oils to strengthen the gut barrier, improve feed
efficiency, and reduce bacterial, coccidial, and viral challenges.

Growmax is a liquid acidifier with B vitamins and yeasts, supporting gut microbiome balance, immunity, appetite, growth,
and bird condition.

42 Degrees contains essential oils designed to support recovery during stress, helping restore appetite and hydration while
providing anti-inflammatory and liver-protective effects.

Managing Viral Challenges

During colder months, we often see an increase in adenovirus-associated disease, particularly in broiler flocks. Presentations may include gizzard erosions, inclusion body hepatitis, or hepatitis–hydropericardium syndrome, typically leading to liver damage, reduced performance, and periods of increased mortality. Infection is most commonly via the oral–faecal route, with disease often emerging as maternal antibody protection declines. Early veterinary involvement is essential. Prompt site visits, post-mortems, and laboratory confirmation allow targeted control plans to be implemented. Management should focus on welfare, hydration and electrolyte support, liver recovery, and immune support. Antibiotics should be reserved for cases where secondary bacterial infection is identified. Many viral outbreaks peak and resolve within a few days, making rapid carcass removal and excellent water sanitation critical to reducing viral load. Monitoring for other immunosuppressive diseases, including IBV and IBD, remains important during winter months. The VIR Check test may also be used to assess enteric viral pressure in young birds and support evaluation of cleaning, disinfection, and biosecurity effectiveness.

Biosecurity and Veterinary Support

Strong biosecurity underpins all disease control. This includes effective water sanitation, clean-then-disinfect footdips, controlled movement of people and equipment, and reducing carcass movement within houses. Fogging or misting with virucidal products effective against non-enveloped viruses may help reduce environmental viral load, alongside disinfectant rotation to ensure efficacy. In addition to routine visits, we offer enhanced biosecurity audits, vaccination training, C&D reviews, water hygiene monitoring, and support for antimicrobial reduction. We can also assist with EDO338 preparation, which may be completed up to six months in advance of use. Our veterinary team remains available to support farms through nutritional planning, disease challenges, and ongoing biosecurity improvement.