ZIVO Bioscience and top animal health firm launch studies on poultry immune-boosting compounds

ZIVO Bioscience, Inc., a biotech and agtech research company developing immune-boosting compounds from proprietary algal cultures, has announced a new partnership with one of the world’s leading animal health companies

The collaboration focuses on advancing ZIVO’s novel biologics for use in the poultry industry and may expand to other livestock and companion animals in the future.

The companies have signed two agreements to conduct independent studies that will explore the potential of ZIVO’s compounds to support poultry health. The goal is to enhance existing vaccination strategies and help address diseases that continue to affect poultry production.

Expanding poultry protection

The first agreement involves a 42-day challenge study focused on coccidiosis, a common and damaging parasitic disease in poultry. This study aims to confirm earlier positive results from ZIVO’s compound, now used alongside the partner’s vaccine. It will also collect samples to evaluate new performance measures. Findings will support ZIVO’s regulatory process with the USDA’s Center for Veterinary Biologics and help establish a strong business case for commercial use.

The second agreement outlines a study of ZIVO’s compounds using a model for a viral poultry disease that causes high mortality and has no available cure. The virus was chosen for its well-known in vivo model, clear clinical results and short testing timeline. The goal is to confirm the antiviral effects ZIVO has already observed in earlier trials, including reduced severity and spread of low-pathogenic avian influenza. Positive outcomes could lead to broader studies covering more viral diseases.

The collaborating animal health company will fully fund both studies. Researchers will assess how ZIVO’s compounds can shorten the time between vaccination and immunity, protect birds in vulnerable periods, enhance immune response and reduce the impact of diseases that suppress the immune system.

“This collaboration supports our strategy to partner with a major animal health company that brings scientific expertise and R&D infrastructure to advance our innovations to global markets efficiently and at scale,” said John Payne, chairman and CEO of ZIVO Bioscience. “We are aligned with this company on the broad applicability of our immune-modulating technology and its potential to create a disruptive, non-antibiotic therapeutic platform.”

Results from the study showed that SNPs found in the HNMT gene significantly increased carnosine levels in chickens. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Poultry meat is one of the most sought-after foods worldwide, valued not only for the nutrition it provides, but also for its palatability

Besides being popular for its protein, vitamin and mineral content, poultry meat also contains bioactive compounds, particularly carnosine and anserine that determine its palatability. Both these compounds contribute to the umami taste, known to be a key component of meat flavour, with their quantities primarily being influenced by genetics. Moreover, their levels tend to vary among breeds and are often used to determine meat quality.

Besides breed, the carnosine levels in meat tend to depend on a variety of other factors including muscle fibre type and whether the meat is raw or cooked. Meat from the breast and thigh muscles are usually found packed with carnosine, with concentrations being greater in Korean native chickens and Thai indigenous and hybrid native chickens.
On the other hand, anserine is generally found in the skeletal muscles of chickens, cattle and certain species of fish. Its levels are often higher in breast meat compared to thigh meat, given its function in buffering proton production in breast muscle. Moreover, similar to carnosine, the levels of this compound in meat can be determined by the type of meat and chicken line.

A recent study conducted at Chungnam National University aimed to explore the genetic and environmental factors that affect carnosine and anserine content in meat in Korean native chicken red brown line (KNC-R). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in the histamine-N-methyl transferase (HNMT) and histamine-N-methyl transferase-like (HNMT-like) genes and their association with the carnosine and anserine content was studied.

Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods were used to genotype one synonymous SNP (rs29009298C/T) of the HNMT gene. On the other hand, PCR allele competitive extension (PACE) genotyping technology was used to genotype four missense SNPs (rs734406537G/A; rs736514667A/G; rs15881680G/A and rs316765035T/C) of the HNMT gene, and one missense SNP rs737657949A/C of the HNMT-like gene.

Results from the study showed that SNPs found in the HNMT gene significantly increased carnosine levels in chickens. Moreover, breeding methods were also found to influence carnosine content to a great extent, with female chickens showing comparatively higher levels than males.

Two associations could be identified between the genotypes of the synonymous SNP: rs29009298C/T, missense SNP rs736514667A/G of the HNMT gene and the content of carnosine. Given its efficiency and precision, PACE technology was therefore regarded as a useful and reliable tool that could be used for the improvement of livestock systems.

Two species namely Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) are pathogenic for chicken. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Respiratory diseases in chickens are generally caused by a variety of bacteria belonging to the genus ‘Mycoplasma,’ that possess certain distinctive features that set them apart from typical bacteria

While a total of 20 Mycoplasma species have been isolated from avian hosts, according to the MSD Veterinary Manual, only four species are considered pathogenic in poultry. Out of these two particular species namely, Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) are pathogenic for chicken.

In broiler chickens, MG is a primary cause of chronic respiratory disease that can have detrimental impacts on both egg production and meat processing. The most notable impact includes a sharp drop in the number of eggs laid per hen over the production cycle. In case of large commercial operations, MG can cause increased condemnation in the processing plant. This means that a large number of carcasses may need to be discarded after being deemed unsafe for human consumption. Common symptoms of MG include coughing, sneezing and breathing difficulties, as well as the presence of nasal discharge and conjuctivitis with frothiness around the eyes. Severity may vary from mild to severe, with some cases occurring alongside E coli infections.

MS on the other hand, is transmitted through the egg and often causes subclinical infection of the upper respiratory tract. Infection rate is reported to be low, with some progeny even being free of infection. The infection affects layer flocks of various age groups, resulting in a decrease in egg production and significant abnormalities in egg shells. First signs of MS, also known as infectious synovitis include discolouration of head parts and difficulties in walking, mainly due to the occurrence of inflammation in their hocks and footpads. Morbidity of the disease is considered moderate, with the overall mortality rate ranging from 1-10%.

Controlling both MG and MS involves administering antibiotics. Treatment options for MG involves using tylosin or tetracyclines to reduce egg transmission. For MS, a live, temperature-sensitive vaccine (MS-H) is available in many countries.

Fortena delivers significant benefits to broiler breeders, enhancing both the feeding process and overall farm management. (Image source: Roxell)

Engineered for improved feeding efficiency, the Fortena chain feeding system from Roxell is an advanced automatic feeding solution designed for hens that lay fertile eggs

It features key innovations that set it apart from conventional chain feeders on the market. With a focus on speed, durability, and ease of use, Fortena delivers significant benefits to broiler breeders, enhancing both the feeding process and overall farm management.

Key features of the Fortena chain feeding system include:

1. Good and rapid feed intake 

The patented chain design with large open links takes up 25% less space and minimises friction between the chain and the feed, preserving feed pellet integrity. This enables faster, more efficient consumption by the hens and reduces feed waste. The chain design also minimises wear. By reducing friction, the system runs quietly, which increases the longevity and reduces the need for maintenance. The rounded feed trough allows hens easier access to the feed, reducing feed loss. Thanks to a rounded edge, there is also less contact with the feed trough, reducing feather loss and improving hen welfare, overall health, and productivity.

2. Ease of use and maximum flexibility

The system offers six adjustable volume settings, allowing farmers to tailor feeding regimes according to specific flock needs. This flexibility ensures even feed distribution, optimises bird growth, and reduces waste and feed costs.

Fortena offers flexibility in management for:
- fixed or variable speed of feed distribution
- feeding circuit on winches or on legs, or a combination
- completely automated feeding process with the iQon feed controller
- direct feed supply with day bins or indirectly via hoppers on the circuit

These options help optimise feeding, reduce labor costs, and ensure hens receive proper nutrition.

3. Extra durable, strong and silent

Fortena’s long feed trough sections reduce friction and minimise coupling points, ensuring a quieter system and reducing wear. Polyamide connectors keep feeders aligned, while extra-strong chain links reduce the risk of breakage, ensuring long-lasting performance even in intensive feeding environments. Moreover, Fortena uses lubrication-free corner wheels with ball bearings, reducing maintenance needs and saving poultry producers time and effort.

Durability, efficiency, and flexibility

The Fortena system is a powerful solution for broiler breeder farmers looking to optimise their feeding systems, combining efficiency, durability, and flexibility to enhance feeding and hen health. Its low maintenance and robust design make it a cost-effective investment for farms of all sizes.

For more details, visit Roxell.com or watch our testimonial video on YouTube.