Nutrition could reduce the need for medications for pigs said researchers a from Utah State University.
They have developed Aggie-Feed, a feed-based innovation designed to help improve gut health and immune function in livestock using a naturally derived antioxidant compound.
They said this approach offers a promising pathway for reducing reliance on traditional antibiotics while maintaining animal performance.
Rather than targeting pathogens directly, Aggie-Feed works by supporting the animal’s own biological systems. The feed supplement is based on an antioxidant compound that helps reduce inflammation—an underlying contributor to many digestive and health challenges in modern livestock systems.
By addressing inflammation and gut stress, researchers believe animals may be better equipped to stay healthy, convert feed efficiently, and perform consistently without the routine use of antibiotics.
A key differentiator of Aggie-Feed is how it is produced. The antioxidant compound is delivered through nutrient-enriched microalgae, allowing the supplement to be produced efficiently and at scale. This production method eliminates the need for complex purification processes and makes the technology practical for feed applications.
Microalgae are already widely used in animal nutrition, making integration into existing feeding programs a realistic option as the technology advances.
For pork producers, innovations such as Aggie-Feed are part of a shift toward preventive, nutrition-driven health strategies. Potential benefits include:
· Supporting gut health during high-stress periods such as weaning
· Reducing inflammation that can limit growth and feed efficiency
· Lowering dependency on antibiotics while maintaining herd health
· Aligning with packer, retailer, and consumer expectations around antibiotic stewardship
The research is awaiting additional validation and commercial development.
