"The latest research confirms what farmers have been saying all along: endotoxin-related problems are not isolated cases and occur even on very well-managed farms," said Dr. Eckel. "For example, 50% to 100% of piglets are affected by tail, ear or foot pad necrosis from as early as their first day of life, and as many as 90% of slaughtered bulls have tail necrosis due to high levels of endotoxins.

"But these visible symptoms are just the tip of the iceberg. Endotoxins stimulate the immune system, which costs the animal a lot of energy… that is no longer available for growth and performance. It is not only fattening cattle and swine that are affected: endotoxins also pose a serious threat to the welfare and health of dairy cows, poultry and aquaculture produce, and the profitability of the respective farms."

As a response to those problems, Anta^® Catch Livestock promises maximum effectiveness and comprehensive protection against endotoxins. According to Dr. Eckel, the product "bears the brunt of endotoxin contamination," which "results in hoof infections, ear or tail necrosis, liver disease and diminished performance due to an overactive immune system."

To help feed producers, farmers and animals combat endotoxins, a multidisciplinary team of experts at Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, spent two years of intensive development - with support by state funding - to produce the best available solution from scratch.

"The feedback we had been receiving from customers indicated (the issue with) the presence of high endotoxin levels. Available options (against endotoxins) did not seem to be helping much," said Iris Kröger, technical sales manager at Dr. Eckel. "It was clear that we needed something new. So we decided that we would be the ones to find it."

The team took a two-pronged approach: a careful selection of raw materials to counteract endotoxins effectively; and the development of a unique process to activate Anta^®Catch.

Anta^®Catch is double-activated and has a triple mode of action. First, the product is activated through the rectification of the cations on its surface, enabling the solution to immobilise endotoxins over a wide pH range, effectively capturing to 99% of the endotoxins. Micronised ingredients — i.e. substances that have a particularly small particle size — ensure optimal bioavailability.

Anta^® Catch's special triple mode of action then kicks in simultaneously, supporting the formation of an intact intestinal barrier, contributing to the effective protection of the liver against endotoxins and promoting liver function. These developments lead to strong and healthy animals, better animal welfare and improved farm profitability.

Anta^® Catch can be used for poultry, ruminants, swine and fish.