Pathogen
Management

Protect what matters most: your animals' health

Why pathogen management

Why choose Pathogen Management solutions?

Our solutions are designed to protect animals from a wide range of harmful pathogens. Because antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) are banned in most countries, there’s a growing demand for natural alternatives. Research and hands-on experience show that each additive works in a different way—each with its own strengths.

Pathogen management technologies

Our 3 core technologies

Acids: For pH regulation and microbial control.

Glycerides: To disrupt bacterial membranes.

Phytogens: Plant-based compounds that boost the immune system.

Mode of Action

The strategic targets of Pathogen Management

pH Regulation

Enhanced Nutrient Digestibility & Feed and water hygiene
pH regulation is essential for both feed hygiene and digestive efficiency. Most pathogenic bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli, cannot grow at pH levels below 4.5, making acidification an effective strategy to reduce microbial pressure in feed and water. In piglets, limited gastric acid production during early life keeps stomach pH high, which impairs the conversion of pepsinogen into pepsin and reduces protein digestibility. Lowering pH not only restores enzymatic activity and improves protein utilization, but also enhances mineral absorption (e.g., calcium, phosphorus) and reduces undesirable microbial fermentation in the stomach. Altogether, these effects contribute to better nutrient efficiency, gut stability, and overall animal health.

Salmonella Control

Salmonella spp. is one of the most persistent and challenging pathogens in animal feed. This bacterium can survive for long periods, even in low-moisture conditions, making it a constant threat in the animal production chain. Its presence in feed can lead to contamination in livestock, resulting in significant economic losses due to reduced productivity, poor animal health, and potential food safety concerns. Controlling Salmonella spp. requires a multi-approach strategy. While heat treatments are commonly used to kill the bacteria, preventing contamination and inhibiting growth are just as critical. Feed additives, particularly acidifiers, are effective due to their antimicrobial properties and ability to lower the pH of the feed, creating an environment that prevents Salmonella growth and helps reduce its presence.

Gram-negative Control

Gram-negative bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella, pose significant threats to livestock health and productivity. These pathogens can disrupt digestive function, impair nutrient absorption, and hinder growth, ultimately leading to decreased overall performance. Persistent infections or outbreaks caused by these bacteria result in economic losses through reduced feed efficiency, slower growth rates, and higher mortality. Effective control of Gram-negative bacteria is essential to maintaining gut health, preventing disease, and ensuring optimal livestock productivity.

Gram-positive Control

In livestock production, controlling Gram-positive bacteria is crucial for ensuring animal health and productivity. Pathogens such as Staphylococcus, Clostridium, and Streptococcus can cause infections, digestive disturbances, and impaired growth, ultimately affecting overall performance. Bextral offers innovative solutions that target these harmful bacteria while also supporting the animal’s immune system. By utilizing carefully selected medium-chain fatty acids and phytogenic compounds, our products effectively manage Gram-positive bacterial threats and contribute to the overall health and well-being of livestock.

Virus Control

Viruses pose a significant threat to livestock health, affecting growth, immune function, and overall productivity. Pathogens such as Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus in pigs, and Avian Influenza Virus and Newcastle Disease Virus in poultry can severely compromise health, leaving animals more vulnerable to secondary infections. These fat-enveloped viruses can damage the immune system, impairing the animal’s ability to fight off other diseases and reducing overall performance. Effectively managing these viral threats and preventing secondary infections is critical for maintaining healthy and productive livestock.

Support of the body's defenses

Body Defences: When the Animal’s Shield Is Compromised The animal’s defence system, including mucosal barriers and immune responses, plays a key role in maintaining health and performance. But under modern production conditions, this shield is constantly challenged by stress, pathogens, and environmental pressures. When these defences are weakened, animals become more vulnerable to infections and show reduced resilience. Even without clinical signs, performance often drops due to impaired feed efficiency, inflammation, or secondary infections. Protecting and supporting the animal’s natural defences is essential for maintaining productivity and long-term health.

Microbial Control

Microorganisms are everywhere: in feed, water, the environment, and the animal’s gut. While some are beneficial, others can disrupt gut balance, trigger infections, and reduce performance. Bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, or Clostridium can lead to inflammation, poor feed efficiency, and serious health challenges.The goal is not to eliminate all microbes, but to control harmful ones and maintain a stable microbial balance. Effective microbial control is key to protecting animal health and ensuring safe, efficient production.

Microbiome Balance

A balanced gut microbiome is essential for animal health and performance. Beneficial microbes support digestion, protect against pathogens, and modulate the immune system. However, stressors such as feed transitions, antibiotics, or infections can disrupt this balance, allowing harmful bacteria to overgrow. This microbial imbalance often leads to inflammation, poor nutrient absorption, and reduced growth. Maintaining a stable and resilient microbiome helps protect gut integrity, improve feed efficiency, and reduce the risk of digestive disorders.

Questions about
Pathogen Management?

Curious how our solutions can protect your animals and reduce antibiotic reliance? Our team is happy to help.

Get in touch

How it’s made

Discover how Bextral ensures quality and results

Our process

From Innovation to Animal Health

STEP 01.

Research & Innovation

Every solution starts with in-depth research. Our team of scientists and nutrition experts continuously explore the latest advancements in animal nutrition, microbiology, and feed technology to develop innovative, science-backed formulations.

STEP 02.

Formulation & Development

Once key ingredients are identified, we craft precise formulations using high-performance additives. We focus on the synergy between natural extracts, organic acids, and functional compounds to maximize health benefits and efficiency.

STEP 03.

Testing & Validation

Before any product reaches the market, it undergoes rigorous testing in both laboratory and field conditions. We collaborate with research institutions and farms to validate efficacy, ensuring optimal gut health, pathogen control, and feed efficiency.

STEP 04.

Production & Quality Control

Manufactured in GMP+ and HACCP-certified facilities, our feed additives meet the highest industry standards. Every batch is thoroughly tested to guarantee consistency, safety, and maximum effectiveness.

STEP 05.

Distribution & Support

Our products are delivered globally, ensuring fresh and high-quality solutions for livestock and aquaculture industries. Our expert team provides tailored guidance, helping farmers and nutritionists implement the best strategies for animal health and productivity.

STEP 06.

From Feed to Consumption

Once integrated into feed, our additives actively support digestion, immunity, and overall performance. By improving nutrient absorption, pathogen resistance, and feed efficiency, Bextral ensures healthier animals and more sustainable farming.