Feed additives including enzymes, probiotics, and phytogenics can improve livestock health and welfare by supporting gut health, reducing disease, and enabling antibiotic reduction.
The nutritional status of farmed animals is foundational to their welfare. Poor gut health, deficiencies, and exposure to mycotoxins cause significant suffering in livestock. Feed additives that improve gut integrity, immunity, and stress resilience contribute directly to better welfare outcomes. Probiotics in sow diets, for example, can reduce gut disease in piglets - a significant welfare gain. Phytogenics have shown reductions in aggression and injury in pig groups. The antibiotic reduction benefit of many additives is also a welfare win, as antibiotic resistance threatens long-term disease treatment capacity. Welfare-conscious producers should consider evidence-based feed additive strategies as part of an integrated health approach.