FAQ
What are Mannan Oligosaccharides (MOS) and how do they benefit animal health?
Mannan
Oligosaccharides (MOS) are complex sugars derived from the cell walls of yeast, specifically
Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These oligosaccharides play a crucial role in animal health by
promoting a balanced gut microbiota, enhancing immune responses, and improving nutrient
absorption. In the gastrointestinal tract, MOS act as prebiotics, which help beneficial
bacteria to grow while inhibiting pathogenic bacteria. By providing a competitive advantage
to favorable bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, MOS contribute to gut health
and overall disease resistance.
Moreover, MOS have the ability to bind pathogenic
bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. These harmful bacteria possess fimbriae that would
typically adhere to the gut lining, causing infection. MOS mimics the binding sites of the
gut lining, thus allowing pathogenic bacteria to attach to the MOS instead. This prevents
the bacteria from colonizing the gut and facilitates their expulsion through feces. Such
mechanisms are instrumental in reducing the need for antibiotics, thereby promoting
antibiotic stewardship.
Another significant benefit is the manna structure's
capability to modulate the immune system. It has been shown to stimulate macrophages and
other immune cells, thereby preparing the animal’s defenses against potential infections. In
terms of nutrient absorption, MOS helps in the stabilization of gut microflora, which in
turn enhances the efficiency of nutrient uptake. All these benefits collectively lead to
more robust growth, improved feed conversion ratios, and better overall animal
performance.
How do Mannan Oligosaccharides feed grade compare to antibiotics growth
promoters?
Mannan Oligosaccharides (MOS) feed grade offers several advantages over
antibiotic growth promoters, particularly in the current climate of increasing regulatory
restrictions on antibiotics in animal feed. While antibiotics aim to kill off harmful
bacteria, they often disrupt the gut microbiota balance by affecting beneficial bacteria as
well. This disruption can lead to a series of issues, such as antibiotic resistance and gut
health imbalance.
Unlike antibiotics, MOS work by supporting the growth of beneficial
bacteria and inhibiting the attachment of harmful bacteria in the gut. This method of action
does not contribute to the problem of antibiotic resistance, an escalating concern in both
human and veterinary medicine. In addition, MOS do not require a withdrawal period before
animals can be slaughtered, thus offering practical and economic benefits for livestock and
poultry producers.
Furthermore, MOS have been shown to work synergistically with
other feed additives like probiotics, enzymes, and organic acids, providing a multifaceted
approach to enhancing animal health and productivity. The combination of these additives can
offer benefits that are similar or even superior to those brought about by antibiotics,
including better growth rates, improved feed conversion ratios, and increased resilience
against diseases.
In summary, MOS feed grade supplements offer a sustainable and
effective alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. They contribute to improved gut
health, enhanced immune responses, and better overall animal performance without the
associated risks of antibiotic resistance and residue concerns.
What types of animals
can benefit from Mannan Oligosaccharides feed grade?
Mannan Oligosaccharides (MOS)
feed grade can provide extensive benefits to a wide range of animals across various segments
of the livestock industry. Here’s a detailed look at how different types of animals can
benefit:
Poultry: In poultry, MOS supplementation is known to enhance gut health,
reduce incidences of diarrhea, and promote better nutrient absorption. This results in
improved weight gain and feed efficiency, which are critical for broilers and laying hens.
Studies also show reduced mortality rates and improved egg production and
quality.
Swine: In pigs, especially in weaning piglets, MOS can mitigate the stress
and growth lag commonly experienced during the weaning transition. By fostering a healthier
gut environment and reducing gut pathologies like Post-Weaning Multisystemic Wasting
Syndrome (PMWS), MOS contribute to improved growth rates and reduced
mortality.
Ruminants: For ruminants like cattle, sheep, and goats, MOS enhance fiber
digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to better growth performance and milk production.
In calves, MOS can significantly reduce the occurrence of scours (diarrhea) and increase
weight gain, providing a healthy start to their growth.
Aquaculture: In aquaculture,
MOS is beneficial for aquatic species such as fish and shrimp. It enhances gut health,
boosts immune responses, and improves feed conversion ratios. For example, fish fed with
MOS-supplemented diets show higher resistance to diseases like Vibrio and Aeromonas, common
pathogens in aquaculture.
Pets: MOS are also beneficial in pet diets, including dogs
and cats. They help to improve gut health, enhance immune function, and can contribute to
better nutrient absorption. This is particularly valuable in pet food formulations aimed at
improving the overall health and well-being of companion animals.
Equines: Horses can
also benefit from MOS through improved digestive health and immune function. This is
particularly advantageous for performance horses that are prone to stress-induced gut
issues.
Overall, MOS feed grade supplements offer multiple health advantages across
various species, contributing to enhanced productivity, better health, and improved overall
well-being.
How is Mannan Oligosaccharides feed grade administered and what is the
appropriate dosage?
Administering Mannan Oligosaccharides (MOS) feed grade involves
incorporating the supplement into the animal’s regular feed. The method of administration
may vary depending on the type of animal and the production system in place. Generally, MOS
is mixed into the feed during the manufacturing process, ensuring uniform distribution
throughout the feed product. Its stable nature allows it to withstand the pelleting process
often used in feed manufacturing, maintaining its efficacy.
The appropriate dosage of
MOS can depend on several factors, including the species, age, health status, and production
goals of the animals. Here are general guidelines for different animals:
Poultry: For
broilers and laying hens, the dosage commonly ranges from 0.5 to 2.0 kg per ton of feed.
It’s advisable to start at a lower dosage and gradually increase as needed, based on
performance observations and specific health challenges.
Swine: For weaning piglets,
MOS is typically added at a rate of 1.0 to 3.0 kg per ton of feed. For grower-finisher pigs,
the range is usually between 0.5 to 1.5 kg per ton of feed. Adjustments can be made
depending on overall growth performance and health status.
Ruminants: In calves, a
starting dose of 1.0 to 3.0 grams per head per day is common, while for adult cattle,
especially lactating cows, the dosage might range from 5 to 10 grams per head per day. For
sheep and goats, the recommended dose is typically 0.5 to 2.0 grams per head per
day.
Aquaculture: In fish and shrimp, the dosage can vary but generally falls between
0.5 to 3.0 kg per ton of feed. As with other animals, starting at a lower dose and adjusting
based on health and performance indicators is advisable.
Pets: For dogs and cats, the
dosage is usually incorporated into commercial pet foods, and specific amounts can vary
based on the formulation. Typically, the incorporation rate ranges from 0.1% to 1.0% of the
total diet.
Equines: For horses, the recommended dose of MOS is generally between 5
to 15 grams per head per day, depending on the horse’s size, activity level, and health
status.
These are general guidelines, and it’s always best to consult with a
veterinary nutritionist or a feed specialist to determine the exact dosage suitable for your
specific livestock or pets. Monitoring the animals for signs of improved health, growth
performance, and productivity will also help in fine-tuning the appropriate
dosage.
Can Mannan Oligosaccharides feed grade be used in organic
farming?
Yes, Mannan Oligosaccharides (MOS) feed grade can be used in organic
farming, aligning well with the principles and regulations that govern organic agriculture.
Organic farming focuses on sustainable practices, natural inputs, and maintaining ecological
balance. MOS, being a natural product derived from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, fits
this criterion well. They provide a natural alternative to synthetic additives and
antibiotics, making them suitable for use in organic farming systems.
One of the key
benefits of using MOS in organic farming is its ability to enhance gut health and improve
nutrient absorption naturally. This aligns with the organic farming ethos of promoting
animal welfare and natural growth. MOS work by supporting beneficial gut bacteria, reducing
the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases, and enhancing overall immune response. These
benefits contribute to healthier animals and reduce the need for synthetic medications and
antibiotics, which are generally restricted or prohibited in organic
farming.
Furthermore, MOS can improve feed efficiency and promote better growth
rates, which are critical aspects of profitability and sustainability in organic farming. By
enhancing nutrient absorption, MOS help in maximizing the utilization of organic feed
inputs, leading to better conversion rates and less feed wastage. This efficiency is
particularly valuable in organic farming, where feed costs can be higher due to the premium
on organic feed ingredients.
Additionally, the use of MOS supports the organic
farming goal of reducing environmental impact. Healthier animals with well-balanced gut
microbiota are less likely to excrete high levels of harmful pathogens into the environment.
This contributes to a healthier ecosystem surrounding the farming
operations.
Compliance with organic certification standards is another important
consideration. MOS are generally accepted by organic certification bodies, but it is crucial
to ensure that the specific MOS product used meets the requirements of the certifying agency
overseeing the operation. Producers need to check the organic certification status of the
MOS product with their certifying body to ensure compliance.
In summary, Mannan
Oligosaccharides feed grade is a fitting and beneficial supplement for organic farming,
supporting the natural, sustainable, and health-focused principles that define organic
agriculture. It aids in improving animal health, enhancing feed efficiency, and promoting
ecological balance, all while adhering to the stringent guidelines of organic certification.
