Potential Solutions

THRIVE-RITE aims to identify solutions to several key problems in agriculture which are described below:

Enhance productivity as measured by ADG & FCR

Products must be able to demonstrate significant improvements in performance in pig and poultry animal models, as as measured by an increase in average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Increases of 11 and 7% for ADG and FCR respectively are being targeted, levels which were previously achieved through use of in-feed antibiotics. If these levels are reached, then THRIVE-RITE will have succeeded in identifying natural and viable alternatives to in-feed antibiotic use.

Reduce mortality

Any health benefits provided by products are likely to enhance the overall health status the herd or flock. This may in turn lower the incidence of mortality-related losses on farms. Such an effect will be assessed statistically over the course of the trials.

Reduce levels of pathogenic bacteria and viruses

A target is set to achieve a significant reduction in levels of pathogenic bacteria and virus load. Infectious agents to be assessed include Salmonella, E. Coli, Campylobacter, Clostridium and PCV-2 virus. If these targets are reached, THRIVE-RITE will have succeeded in identifying natural and effective alternatives to in-feed antibiotic use.

Increase antibody transfer to offspring via maternal transfer

In addition to direct application, the effects of products will be assessed in offspring of treated animals. If 'maternal transfer' can be demonstrated, then this offers a novel means of enhancing herd health and performance.

Increase protection of embryo by in ovo application of bioactive

Direct application of products in ovo may offer an effective means of enhancing chicken health and productivity. If validated on a commercial scale, this provides a means of increasing chicken production, while at the same time, lowering the incidence of infectious diseases such as campylobacter, a leading source of food-borne illness.

Improve antioxidant content in pig & poultry meat

There is evidence from university studies that application of some products can increases the levels of antioxidant in meat. If proven in THRIVE-RITE, this would offer a novel means of improving meat quality and potentially shelf-life for pig and poultry producers.

Enhance gut health & peripheral immunity

Extensive evidence shows that the products in THRIVE-RITE improve gut health and immunity while also modulating the peripheral immune response. Pig and poultry producers urgently require products which can achieve these effects on a large commercial scale. These effects and more will be examined in THRIVE-RITE.

For details on how THRIVE-RITE aims to provide these solutions, please click here: Scientific Validation