Recently, Biovet S.A. conducted trials with cimenol ring in poultry and pigs to evaluate the effect on their intestinal microflora.

In recent weeks, Biovet S.A. conducted two trials with cimenol ring to evaluate its selective effect on the intestinal microflora and the sensitivity to pathogenic and beneficial bacteria in pigs and broilers.

Cimenol ring is a molecule of botanical origin that has a microbicidal effect. This molecule has a broad spectrum of action against different pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, it acts in synergy with citric acid to eliminate these microorganisms located both in the feed and in the digestive tract. This combination is marketed under the name Alquermold® Natural. Citric acid creates pores in the membranes of pathogenic microorganisms, but not in beneficial bacteria, which facilitates the entry of the cimenol ring into harmful cells. This is because beneficial bacteria are acidophilic and do not have acid sensors in their membranes, so they are not affected by citric acid.

The tests proved the selective effect of the cimenol ring together with citric acid (Alquermold® Natural), against pathogenic bacteria. In addition, its contribution to maintain the balance of the microflora and intestinal welfare in poultry and pigs when added to the diet was also found.

Evaluation of cimenol ring at field level

To evaluate the effect of the cimenol ring on the intestinal microflora and the sensitivity of pathogenic and beneficial bacteria, two trials were conducted. In the first trial, 160 broilers were divided into two groups; the first batch was fed with a diet with cimenol ring and citric acid (Alquermold® Natural); the second group was fed with a diet with citric acid only. In both groups, the poultry was challenged with Clostridium perfringens to evaluate their resistance to the necrotic enteritis.

In the second trial, 60 weaned pigs of 30-day-old were used. These animals were divided into two groups; the first batch had a standard diet and the second group had an addition of cimenol ring with citric acid in the diet (Alquermold® Natural). In both groups, counts Escherichia coli (bacteria with pathogenic potential) and Lactobacillus (beneficial bacteria) strains were performed in the intestine at day 60 of age.

Results of the cimenol ring against pathogenic bacteria

In the first trial in poultry, the microbiological analysis of the intestinal contents showed that the poultry batch treated without cimenol ring in the diet did not control the multiplication of Clostridium perfringens. On the other hand, in the group treated with cimenol ring in the diet, the counts of this pathogenic bacteria were significantly lower thanks to the effect of the natural molecule.

In the second trial in pigs, it was found that piglets treated with cimenol ring significantly reduced E. coli counts in the intestine. On the other hand, in the group  treated with cimenol ring, higher counts of Lactobacillus, which is a beneficial bacterium for the animals, were reported. Thus, it was demonstrated that the cimenol ring favors the reduction of pathogenic bacteria while it does not affect beneficial bacteria for the digestive system.

More info about these trials here: Selective effect of cimenol ring on the gut microflora: sensitivity of pathogenic and beneficial bacteria