Unlocking Nature’s Shield Against Hidden Threats in Animal Production

Prepared by: Dr Lee Hock Hee (D.V.M.)

Introduction

In modern animal production, profitability hinges on one fundamental factor: feed safety. Hidden contaminants such as mycotoxins, pesticide residues, ammonia, and excess moisture undermine feed quality, weaken animal performance, and erode farmers’ bottom line. While these threats often remain invisible in raw materials and compounded feeds, their long-term impact on productivity, health, and profitability is undeniable.

Xpel™, an Australia origin source of premium diatomaceous earth product derived from Melosirata Fossilized Algae (MFA), offers a natural, safe, and scientifically validated solution. With its unique barrel-shaped structure, high porosity, large surface area, and strong cation-exchange capacity (CEC of ~65 meq/100g), Xpel™ works as a multi-functional binder. It targets multiple mycotoxins, selectively binds harmful pesticides, reduces ammonia, and absorbs moisture—safeguarding animals from hidden risks while protecting farmers’ profitability.

The Hidden Threats in Livestock Production

1. Mycotoxins – The Silent Feed Contaminants

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium. The six major mycotoxins of concern in Asia and global markets are Aflatoxin B1, Fumonisin, Ochratoxin, T-2 toxin, DON (Deoxynivalenol), and Zearalenone, with an emerging threat from Citrinin. Even at low levels, these compounds compromise gut integrity, reduce feed efficiency, impair immunity, and cause reproductive failures in livestock and poultry.

In South Asia and SEA Region, reports from the feed industry show contamination of raw materials like maize and soybean meal often exceeding safe thresholds. Mycotoxicosis remains one of the most underdiagnosed yet economically significant problems in poultry and swine farms.

2. Pesticide Residues – An Overlooked Hazard

While mycotoxins are widely recognized, pesticide contamination in grains is a growing concern. Organophosphates like Chlorpyrifos and pyrethroids like Deltamethrin are commonly used in Indian agriculture. Residues in feed grains accumulate over time and negatively affect livestock health.

• Chlorpyrifos (Organophosphate): Causes neurological signs such as tremors, weakness, and poor feed intake in birds, along with liver stress.

• Deltamethrin (Pyrethroid): Known for oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity, and potential link to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in poultry.

A recent independent In-Vitro evaluation demonstrated that Xpel® binds >95% Chlorpyrifos and 100% Deltamethrin, highlighting its unique ability to mitigate pesticide threats—something that conventional clay-based binders fail to address.

3. Ammonia – A Chronic Environmental Burden

Ammonia accumulation in poultry and swine houses is more than just an odour issue—it directly impacts animal performance. High ammonia levels:

• Damage respiratory tract linings, leading to poor disease resistance.

• Reduce growth performance due to increased energy expenditure.

• Contribute to wet litter and poor footpad health in poultry.

With its high CEC capacity, Xpel™ captures ammonium ions, reducing ammonia volatilization in animal houses. This results in a healthier environment, improved welfare, and ultimately better performance.

4. Moisture – The Trigger for Spoilage and Mould Growth

Excess moisture in feed accelerates mould proliferation, toxin production, and nutrient losses. Thanks to its porous, highly adsorptive structure, Xpel™ acts as a natural desiccant, reducing free moisture in feed and extending shelf-life stability. This dual role—absorbing moisture and reducing fungal growth—adds another protective layer against hidden threats.

Unique Technical Features of Xpel™

Xpel™ stands apart from conventional binders like bentonite or clinoptilolite clays due to its biological origin and structural uniqueness:

• Melosirata Fossilized Algae: Naturally derived freshwater diatomite from Queensland, Australia.

• Barrel-Shaped Microstructure: Provides high surface area and controlled adsorption sites.

• High Porosity & Absorption Capacity: Captures toxins, pesticides, ammonia, and excess moisture.

• Selective Binding: Proven not to interfere with essential vitamins, minerals, or antibiotics. Independent studies confirmed negligible binding to Vitamin A, B1, Zinc, and Iron, ensuring safety in feed premixes.

• Thermo-Stability: Withstands high feed processing temperatures, including pelleting and extrusion, making it suitable for poultry, swine, and aquaculture diets.

Scientific Validation of Xpel™

1. Mycotoxin Binding: Independent trials conducted at LAMIC (Brazil) confirmed effective binding of Aflatoxin B1 and Fumonisin, granting approval for monogastric use in Brazil.

2. In-Vivo Poultry Study (India): Prof. Dr. Lakkawar (India) evaluated Xpel™ in broilers, confirming safety and efficacy under local farm conditions.

3. Pesticide Binding Study (SGS India, 2024): Demonstrated >95% adsorption of Chlorpyrifos and 100% of Deltamethrin, validating its unique role in pesticide mitigation.

4. Vitamin & Mineral In vivo Binding Test: LAMIC evaluation confirmed no adverse binding with essential micronutrients—ensuring premix compatibility.

5. Moisture and Ammonia Binding Evidence: Supported by studies showing DE’s ability to reduce environmental ammonia and improve litter quality, with indirect benefits on poultry meat quality.

Protecting Farmers’ Profitability

The ultimate goal of Xpel™ is not only animal health protection but also farm profitability. The cost of hidden threats is substantial:

• Reduced feed conversion efficiency (FCR).

• Increased disease susceptibility.

• Carcass downgrades due to liver damage or wet litter.

• Reduced egg production and fertility.

By mitigating mycotoxins, pesticides, ammonia, and moisture, Xpel™ helps farmers achieve:

• Higher productivity (improved weight gain, egg production).

• Lower veterinary costs (reduced disease burden).

• Better meat and egg quality (healthier livers, stronger shells).

• Sustainable returns through improved feed efficiency.

Xpel™ – The Hidden Threats Solution

At its core, Xpel™ represents a natural innovation that addresses hidden feed safety challenges:

• Mycotoxins → Bound selectively and neutralized.

• Pesticides → Captured, reducing systemic toxicity.

• Ammonia → Absorbed, improving house environment.

• Moisture → Controlled, preventing mould growth.

• Nutrients → Protected, ensuring no negative interaction.

This makes Xpel™ not just a binder, but a comprehensive shield for livestock and poultry producers.

Conclusion

The livestock farming & feed industry faces increasing pressure to manage feed safety challenges amid rising raw material risks. With contaminants like mycotoxins, pesticides, ammonia, and moisture posing invisible yet significant threats, the need for a reliable, proven solution is greater than ever.

Xpel™, derived from Melosirata Fossilized Algae, is that solution. Scientifically validated, field-tested, and farmer-approved, it provides a natural defence system—helping animals resist mycotoxicosis, protecting feed quality, and ensuring farmer profitability.

Algebra Bio is moving forward, Xpel™ continues to set new standards in feed safety innovation, giving farmers peace of mind and securing the future of profitable animal production.

If you would like to know more about this solution, please contact hello@algebra-bio.com or visit our website - www.algebra-bio.com