AveMix® MC12 – The solution to Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria
Weaning piglets are subjected to a lot of different challenges and stresses. This has negative consequences on their performance and health status. For example, Streptococcus suis is one of the numerous pathogens that has a global significant impact on piglets. For a long time, Antimicrobial Growth Promoters (AGP) have been widely used as a prophylactic solution. However, due to their progressive global ban, alternatives are required to improve piglet health and performance. AveMix® MC12 is a leading concept that delivers better uniformity and health of piglets while ensuring optimal performance.
What is AveMix® MC12?
The active component of AveMix® MC12 is the medium-chain fatty acid lauric acid. The lauric acid molecule contains twelve carbons (C12H24O2) and is naturally present in many plant and animal derived fats. Its gut health promoting properties have been scientifically documented, and its value demonstrated as an active feed ingredient.
However, AveMix® MC12 is not only composed of lauric acid but is a unique combination of both:
Free lauric acid of vegetable origin, concentrated and encapsulated
Monoglyceride of lauric acid, also called monolaurin.
Lauric acid is reputed to be one of the fatty acids with the highest activity against Gram-positive bacteria. However, several studies are proving that the combination of lauric acid and monolaurin is even more effective than the respective individual components. As such, Palital developed AveMix® MC12 in order to use this synergistic mechanism to prevent issues with Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria.
Which pathogenic bacteria are targeted by AveMix® MC12?
The sensitivity of pathogenic bacteria to AveMix® MC12, its individual components and benzoic acid was tested in vitro (using a concentration range of 0.1 – 0.6 % of the tested products). The test confirmed the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) required to prevent 100% of growth of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens (Table 1).
Table 1 – Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (0.1-0.6% of product tested) of different products for inhibiting 100% of the growth of selected bacteria.
From the results, it is clear that AveMix® MC12 is a more selective inhibitor of Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria relative to its individual ingredients and benzoic acid. This highlights the value of the synergistic combination of lauric acid and monolaurin in AveMix® MC12. As such, AveMix® MC12 is the ideal solution to prevent recurring problems of Streptococci or Staphylococci infections on farm. For issues associated with Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria, another Palital’s microbial regulator concepts, AveMix® MCT 6/8, is a more optimal solution.
Where does AveMix® MC12 act within the gut?
One of the specific properties of AveMix® MC12 is the slow-release effect of the two components:
The free lauric acid due to its coating,
The monolaurin due to its esterification with glycerol.
Therefore, the active components of AveMix® MC12 will be liberated in the small intestine, where the impact of pathogenic bacteria is the greatest. This is unlike other free medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), acidifiers or benzoic acid (Figure 1).
Figure 1 – Schematic of the active site of different products along the gut
How does AveMix® MC12 inhibit pathogenic bacteria?
Monolaurin destabilizes the bacterial membrane. The lauric acid can then enter the cell and act on several metabolic processes within the bacterial cell, such as the electron transport chains or the production of exoenzymes. This results in growth inhibition of the bacterial cell.
In summary, AveMix® MC12 is effective for the prevention of issues associated with Gram-positive bacterial pathogens. AveMix® MC12 balances the intestinal microbiota resulting in improved monogastric health as well as supporting performance. For more information on how to use AveMix® MC12 and Palital’s wider product range, please just get in contact with us and stay in touch for the article next month.
Literature references available on request.