Ecolex Animal Nutrition and CJ Bio recently hosted a successful ‘Partnering for Progress—Synergizing Gut Health and Genetics’ meeting during Poultry India, marking a key milestone in their collaboration to advance natural poultry gut health solutions distributed by Ecolex in India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
Addressing enteric diseases, a leading threat to poultry profitability and health, the meeting attracted progressive poultry farmers, nutritionists, and distributors eager to explore innovative approaches.
Ecolex’s Global Commercial Director, Edward Manchester, emphasized the importance of future-proofing poultry businesses against increasing consumer demand for antibiotic-free products, despite the current allowance of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in India.
“This partnership highlights a shared dedication to science-driven, sustainable nutrition solutions that boost animal welfare, productivity, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mitigation,” he said.
Mr Manchester highlighted that since Ecolex was established in 2005, it is evolving from a leading manufacturer and supplier of specialty rumen bypass fats and emulsification technologies to developing innovative branded products.
Participants were introduced to two natural products:
- GutLuk, a phytogenic gut health solution and AGP alternative.
- Coxield, a phytogenic substitute for anticoccidial drugs.
Preserving conjugated bile acids for stronger antimicrobial effect
Dr Loi Chia Fei, Product Manager, Gut Health for CJ Bio, explained GutLuk’s mechanism of action—targeting bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity in the intestine to preserve bile salts’ antimicrobial effects and control harmful pathogens like E. coli, Clostridium perfringens, and Salmonella.
GutLuk also provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, supporting gut integrity without resistance or residue concerns.
Commensal bacteria in the gut, such as Lactobacilli, produce bile salt hydrolase (BSH) enzymes to deconjugate bile acids to their inactive form, unlike pathogens targeted by GutLuk.
Conjugated bile acids have stronger bactericidal and emulsifying properties due to higher solubility in the small intestine and preserve tight junction integrity.
Triple action against Eimeria
Coxield, also developed by CJ Bio, was presented as a natural alternative to chemical anticoccidial drugs and vaccines.
Dr Loi described Coxield’s triple mode of action: directly killing sporozoites, inhibiting their cell invasion, and blocking merozoite proliferation, thereby targeting three key stages of the Eimeria life cycle.
Coxield reduces lesion scores, oocyst discharge, and enhances broiler growth performance, all without withdrawal periods or residue issues. Its synergy with synthetic anticoccidials and flexibility in shuttle, rotation, or bio-shuttle vaccination programs offers poultry producers an effective and safer coccidiosis management solution.
Dr Loi presented multiple in-vivo and in-vitro trials in broilers and layers confirmed GutLuk’s and Coxield’s modes of action and strong efficacy.
Combining strengths for poultry health and sustainability
The meeting reinforced Ecolex and CJ Bio’s commitment to strengthening regional industry networks, combining expertise to foster innovation and growth in poultry production across South Asia.
