The key ingredients that make up Salixofen
Willow – (salix alba)
Willow is considered to be a ‘natural aspirin’. Its key ingredient, salicin, is found in the bark, and has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic and antipyretic (anti-fever) properties which can be incredibly useful across a wide range of conditions and infections in the shed. In particular, it can help to combat oxidative stress in the livers of broilers, reduce the effects of heat stress and improve gut microflora, which in turn boosts the bird’s ability to withstand harmful pathogens.
Meadowsweet – (Filipendula ulmaria)
Meadowsweet contains anti-inflammatory compounds, including salicylic acid and tannins. It is often used to alleviate joint pain, calm inflamed stomachs, promote a good acid/alkaline balance within the digestive system and improve liver function. It can also improve resistance to hypoxia, which often affects rapid-growing broilers. Hypoxia, or reduced-oxygen conditions, can negatively impact feeding, growth and overall fitness of the bird, sometimes leading to woodybreast syndrome. Meadowsweet is also part of a group of plants called adaptogens, which can help the body respond to stress and fatigue.
Turmeric – (Curcuma longa)
The curcumines in turmeric, of which curcumin is the most potent, are well known for their antiinflammatory, anticarcinogenic and antioxidative properties. Often described as a ‘nutraceutical’, turmeric is a powerful natural compound that can be used to combat infection and boost performance. Used as a feed additive it has been shown to stimulate growth performance, protect against renal stress (caused by the exposure to aflatoxins in the broiler diet) and help to reduce disorders related to the intestines, liver and stomach.
Black pepper – (Piper nigrum)
The piperine in black pepper works in tandem with turmeric, enhancing absorption of its active ingredient, curcumin. In addition to this synergy with turmeric, a large number of experiments have confirmed the standalone beneficial properties of black pepper. In poultry nutrition, black pepper is valued for its ability to stimulate feed intake and for its antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antioxidative and anti-coccidiostatic effects on the body.
Oregano – (origanum vulgare)
Oregano contains essential oils, thymol and carvacrol, as well as beneficial tannins. Together, they perform a powerful antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic and antiviral function – ideal for stressed, exhausted flocks that may be susceptible to disease.
Propionic and formic acid – (organic acids)
Propionic and formic acid have strong antibacterial effects and are widely used as Salmonella-control agents in feed and water supplies for poultry. The presence of these acids in the gut of the bird helps to inhibit its colonisation by pathogens and the production of toxic metabolites. Propionic acid has also been shown to increase the digestion of protein and improve absorption of nutrients such as Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium and Zinc, thereby assisting with intermediary metabolism.
