Dr. César Ocasio Vega, business development and innovation manager for BioZyme, spoke to The Poultry Site’s Sarah Mikesell at IPPE.

Editor’s note: this interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Tell me about AO-Biotics from BioZyme.

AO-Biotics from BioZyme is the brand for our additives. At BioZyme, we are really good at fermenting Aspergillus oryzae (AO) – it’s our core and I like to call it the heart of our company. Aspergillus oryzae is the microorganism we have used to develop our portfolio of additives.

What is AO-Biotics EQE?

AO-Biotics EQE is the most recent additive that we have added to our portfolio. It's a post-biotic that was developed specifically for laying hens. It’s not only a new product but it’s also quite a new technology that helps with all the challenges that producers are facing all over the world.

Why should producers incorporate AO-Biotics postbiotics into their feeding strategy?

AO-Biotics EQE is a proven technology. It doesn't matter the country or the genetics of laying hens or the production type, we are observing a constant impact in three main points. We are seeing an improvement in saleable eggs, an improvement in egg mass and something really important is the opportunity we are bringing to the producer to extend the productive lifespan on their flock. This all means more hens producing eggs and more profit for the producer.

Tell me about how it works.

When we feed 50 grams of EQE per metric ton of feed, which is a highly concentrated inclusion rate, we see the results that I mentioned earlier in laying hens from the very beginning in the production cycle meaning in the pre-production at 16 to 18 weeks of age. When the inclusion of this post-biotic is continued through the entire production cycle, it delivers more salable eggs and egg mass and extends the productive lifespan of the animal up to 100 weeks of age, for instance, without having a molting in the production.

Bottom line, what does a product like this mean for producers?

This product is a total game changer. EQE is a preventive tool that producers have now to improve the productive performance of the hens and ultimately improve the profitability of their business. More salable egg mass and a longer productive lifespan of the animals – at the end of the day they are the most important challenges that producers are facing.