Nutrition is emerging as a frontline tool for advancing One Health goals across livestock systems. At the One Health Solutions for Sustainable Livestock Production Forum held as part of Livestock Philippines 2026, Ecolex underscored how evidence-based feed decisions can reduce disease pressure, improve productivity, and support sustainability.
Edward Manchester, Global Business Development Director at Ecolex, delivered the presentation ‘Feeding the Future—One Health Nutrition’. He described One Health, promoted by the World Health Organization, the World Organisation for Animal Health, and the Food and Agriculture Organization, as a framework linking animal, human, and environmental health. Manchester emphasized that nutrition provides practical, measurable outcomes on farms, regardless of species or market.
Edward Manchester discusses reducing antibiotic reliance through feed innovation.
Reducing antibiotic reliance through feed innovation
Mr Manchester pointed to industry projections showing global antibiotic use in livestock could rise by 30% by 2040 if current practices continue. He stressed the urgency of adopting non-antibiotic interventions that strengthen gut health and reduce pathogen load.
“Nutrition sits at the intersection of animal health, human health, and environmental sustainability,” he said, urging producers to rethink feed formulation as a proactive disease management strategy.
Managing mycotoxin risks in Southeast Asia
The keynote also highlighted mycotoxins as a persistent challenge in hot and humid markets. Regional data shows positivity rates above 70–90% in feed ingredients such as corn, rice bran, and soybean meal.
These contaminants contribute to production losses of 5–20% and economic impacts of 10–15% in poultry systems. Mr Manchester outlined advanced mitigation strategies, including humic acid applications and enzymatic detoxification, as essential tools for safeguarding productivity and food safety.
Aligning profitability with sustainability
Ecolex’s session emphasized that smarter feed formulation can deliver practical One Health benefits. Key topics included:
- Strengthening gut health and immunity to reduce disease pressure
- Supporting more responsible antimicrobial use across production cycles
- Improving animal performance while lowering environmental footprint
Drawing on international field experience, Manchester showed how producers and nutritionists can align profitability with sustainability through targeted interventions. He closed by reminding stakeholders that “yesterday’s tools cannot solve tomorrow’s problems,” calling for collaboration across the animal protein value chain.
Ecolex builds on its global commitment
Founded in 2005, Ecolex Animal Nutrition has built expertise in molecular engineering and bioscience. From its facility near Port Klang, Malaysia, the company supplies specialty rumen bypass and inert fats to more than 35 countries. Its commitment to One Health reflects a broader mission: enhancing productivity while minimizing environmental impact.