Olmix : Algae extracts to reinforce the immune system of animals

The World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress 2019 was attended by thousands of researchers, scientists and veterinarians that met at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Thailand) to put the focus on safety, biosecurity, the latest production techniques and the most innovative updates concerning poultry health management.

As specialist in algae-based solutions for nutrition, hygiene and health of animals, Olmix Group was invited to raise awareness of the importance of reinforcing the immune system in animals and the clear need to use natural alternatives and strategies to reduce the use of antibiotics.

'It is vital that we manage to activate animal's innate immune response and also to promote the adaptive one. If we do this we will support the natural defenses of animals, which will surely lead to a decrease of the use of antibitiotics. Fortunately, nowadays we have the right tool to use: specific algae extracts,' Mr Matthieu Le Goff, Olmix Group's For Vet Product Manager, said during his speech at the symposium.

Olmix Group's conference at the WVPAC 2019.

In fact, Olmix Group has recently carried out an in vitro and in vivo study in cooperation with INRA (France) to determine if a sulphated polysaccharide-rich green algae extract, called MSP^®_IMMUNITY, was able to activate avian neutrophils (heterophils) and monocytes. The investigation also aimed to identify the pattern recognition receptors (PRR) involved in the initiation of this activation, the molecular pathways in both cellular types and, finally, to determine whether a similar effect could be observed in vivo when given per os (orally).

'MSP®IMMUNITY could be used to activate the two arms of the immune system in animals - innate and adaptive'

- Matthieu Le Goff - Olmix Group's For Vet Product Manager -

'Our research has shown that MSP^®_IMMUNITY activates heterophils and monocytes through the activation of receptors TLR2 and TLR4. This activation leads to an upregulation of the transcription of several immune mediators genes in both cellular types, partly in a cell specific manner. These immune mediators are produced during innate immune responses and play an important role as activators of the adaptive immune response.'

According to the expert, the study also demonstrated that the oral administration of MSP^®_IMMUNITY results in the activation of avian neutrophils and monocytes in vivo, which leads to an increase of immune mediators transcription.

'All this suggest that MSP^®_IMMUNITY could be used to activate the two arms of the immune system in animals - innate and adaptive. Although the immune system is complexed because it has to face a wide range of aggressions, these algae extracts have proven to be a great asset to reinforce natural defenses and reduce the use of antibiotics in the farm,' Mr Le Goff said.