Newsletter April 2019
Super Air® – A potent blend of volatile aromatic oils protecting chickens’ respiratory systems and boosting good gut bacteria
The volatile plant metabolites present in Super Air® are biologically active compounds that benefit the respiratory system and lead to improved gut health in poultry. The biological activity of volatile aromatic oils has been extensively researched and documented. Super Air® was developed based on this knowledge to contain a strong blend of Eucalyptus Oil, Peppermint oil (menthol) and Oregano oil. This combination of aromatic oils was specifically selected for their biological activity which ensures optimal protection for the birds.
Eucalyptus oil, containing the secondary compounds cineol and eucalyptol, is well known for its decongested powers due to its expectorant activity. Barbour et al (2017) found that Eucalyptus oil significantly reduced the respiratory lesions and it also reduced the amount of mucus produced when birds were challenged by Mycoplasma gallisapticum. Eucalyptus oil will not only relieve the symptoms of birds with respiratory diseases or challenge but will also improve their breathing and reduce mucus formation.
Peppermint oil, which forms part of the mint family, has showed strong antibacterial activity, especially against E. coli. With up to a 34 % reduction in E. coli reported, while concurrently boosting the lactobacillus population in the jejenum by up to 57 % (Erhan et al.,2012). The methanol component of Peppermint oil helps to alleviate heat stress and other respiratory systems and it also helps improve the breathing in birds.
Oregano oil contains the secondary compounds carvacrol, thymol and terpinene. These compounds are responsible for the strong antiviral and antifungal properties of Oregano oil and therefore protects the birds’ respiratory systems against infections. Oregano oil also contains various strong antioxidants further improving its use as a protection agent against stressor damage in the respiratory and gut systems of the birds.
During the winter periods, the birds’ respiratory system is under additional pressure due to a reduction in ventilation and a reduction in available fresh air. These factors combined with a decrease in the relative humidity levels during the winter periods leads to an increase in respiratory disorders and resultant breathing problems.
The preventative use of Super Air® which can be applied weekly for a minimum of three days will help reduce the risk of respiratory infections and will lead to improved comfort levels in the birds.