DAVIS, CALIF. — AgraQuest Inc. has launched SYMPATIC, a poultry feed additive based on its patented, natural active ingredient Bacillus subtilis strain QST 713, at the 2010 International Poultry Exposition in Atlanta.

"SYMPATIC is designed to bring balance to poultry microflora," said Dr. Michael Miille, president of AgraQuest. "Additionally, it has been formulated to be compatible and complementary to common nutrition and health management practices, making it an excellent alternative to antibiotic growth promoters."


As a feed additive, the new product delivers live QST 713 spores to birds' digestive tracts where they germinate, producing high levels of distinct secondary metabolites. These spores and metabolites help maintain a healthy microflora by stimulating lactic acid-producing bacteria and minimizing pathogen interactions with the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in more efficient production without the use of growth-promoting antibiotics.

The SYMPATIC product's formulation is heat-and-pressure tolerant, making it easily incorporated into feed like other conventional treatments, according to the company.

Based on the same patented technology that produced a foliar biofungicide/bactericide, SYMPATIC is the first product introduced by AgraQuest into the animal health and nutrition market through its BioInnovations Division.

AgraQuest is a biotechnology company that focuses on discovering, developing, manufacturing and marketing pest-management products for agricultural, institutional and home markets.