Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel feed composition for animals, for example poultry, comprising as active ingredient benzoic acid, derivatives or metabolites thereof, in combination with a mixture of at least two active compounds selected from the group consisting of thymol, eugenol and piperine. The inventors found that in addition to the well known function of benzoic acid, this compound can be used as a potential growth promoter when it is combined with a mixture of at least two active compounds selected from the group consisting of thymol, eugenol and piperine. In particular the inventors have been able to demonstrate that a mixture of these chemical compounds present in different parts of plants, used in synergy and in combination with an appropriate amount of benzoic acid, exhibits, in totally unexpected manner, the effects sought by the present invention of improving the digestibility of poultry feed, i.e. for improving feed conversion ratio and/or daily weight gain in animal.

Abstract: Laminitis is defined as an inflammation of the sensitive laminae of the hoof, especially in horses. It has been surprisingly found that fructanases such as 2,1-?-D-fructan hydrolase are highly effective as therapeutic and prophylactic agents against laminitis in horses. The fructanases may be used as enzyme compositions in horse feed, as additives for horse feed or as oral preparations for the therapy and prophylaxis of laminitis. Because of its effectiveness in hydrolyzing fructans, which seem to play an important role in the aetiology of laminitis, the administration of fructanases in combination with an increased intake of fructans or with an increased availability of fructans is particularly advantageous.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of natural active compounds selected from the group consisting of guajacol, turmeric, 3-methylphenol, eugenol, eucalyptol, L-menthol and thymol in the manufacture of a diet for animals of the genus equidae, preferably horses. More particular, this invention relates to the use of at least two, preferably at least three compounds as defined above for the improvement of the digestibility of the diet, an improved intestinal stability, a better feed intake and a better welfare and for stabilizing or modulating the gut micro flora of the animal.

Abstract: Laminitis is defined as an inflammation of the sensitive laminae of the hoof, especially in horses. It has been surprisingly found that fructanases such as 2,1-?-D-fructan hydrolase are highly effective as therapeutic and prophylactic agents against laminitis in horses. The fructanases may be used as enzyme compositions in horse feed, as additives for horse feed or as oral preparations for the therapy and prophylaxis of laminitis. Because of its effectiveness in hydrolyzing fructans, which seem to play an important role in the aetiology of laminitis, the administration of fructanases in combination with an increased intake of fructans or with an increased availability of fructans is particularly advantageous.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel feed composition for animals, for example poultry, comprising as active ingredient benzoic acid, derivatives or metabolites thereof, in combination with a mixture of at least two active compounds selected from the group consisting of thymol, eugenol and piperine. The inventors found that in addition to the well known function of benzoic acid, this compound can be used as a potential growth promoter when it is combined with a mixture of at least two active compounds selected from the group consisting of thymol, eugenol and piperine. In particular the inventors have been able to demonstrate that a mixture of these chemical compounds present in different parts of plants, used in synergy and in combination with an appropriate amount of benzoic acid, exhibits, in totally unexpected manner, the effects sought by the present invention of improving the digestibility of poultry feed, i.e. for improving feed conversion ratio and/or daily weight gain in animal.