Potential of botanical bioactive product (PHYTO AX'CELL) to improve laying hen well-being at the peak of production.

The study aims to evaluate the effect of a commercial product (Phyto Ax’Cell TM), a plant-based feed additive developed to support animals’ health during stress and performance period. Phyto Ax’Cell main components are Artepillin-C, curcuminoids and other flavonoïds known for their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulation properties. As laying hens have to reach a laying peak and maintain it as long as possible, Phyto Ax’Cell™ was designed to support hens’ metabolism. In this study, 764 Lohmann LSL-White hens at 26th week (wk) of age, raised in enriched cages, were randomly assigned to 2 experimental groups, control and treated (n=382 each). The treatment was supplied in drinking water as follows: 26th to 27th wk (14 d) first treatment administration at a dose of 1 mL/L ; 28th to the 31st wk (4 wk of withdrawal period); 32nd to 33rd wk (14 d) second treatment at a dose of 1 mL/L. IBV vaccine was performed during the 2 treatments. Before first treatment, second treatment and after the last administration, 13 hens per group were sampled for blood heterophil (H), lymphocyte (L) and their ratio quantification. After the last administration, IgA intestinal quantification was performed on 13 hens per group. Statistical analysis was performed using a one-way repeated-measures MANOVA test, followed by Duncan’s post hoc test. Phyto Ax ‘Cell™ significantly reduced the mortality rate in the treated group (0.00%) compared to the control (2.61%). A significant improvement of intestinal IgA were observed. An improvement of immune reactivity in the treated hens was observed with a significant variation of the H, L and H/L ratio levels (p < 0.05). Between different treatment times, PhytoAx’CellTM reduced by 19% H/L ratio despite an increase in both groups. Also, PhytoAx’CellTM reduced by 17% H/L ratio at the end of trial. From the results, PHYTO AX’CELL™ administration reduced the mortality rate and positively modulated the immune system, with an improvement of the health and physical condition of laying hens raised in enriched cages, during the critical phase of the peak of production.