Stress in aquaculture production is multidimensional:
Environmental stress — water temperature fluctuations, seasonal
transitions, changes in stocking density, grading and transfer operations,
oxygen profile shifts. The physiological balance of fish and shrimp is
tested in these windows.
Pathogenic stress — the natural microbial load of the aquatic
environment, microbial conditions in the feed matrix and storage process,
intestinal microflora balance. Particularly during periods of rising water
temperature and increasing stocking density, microbial pressure becomes a
critical management area for the producer.
ATEX® is positioned within this stress-management framework as a naturally
sourced feed additive. Thymol, a natural phenolic compound, is combined with terpene-rich fatty acids through modern
esterification. This molecular design overcomes thymol's three classical
limitations:
- Stability: Reduced volatility → activity maintained in aquatic media
and feed matrices
- Mucosal safety: The acidified ester form does not irritate aquatic
digestive tract mucosa — palatability and feed intake are preserved
- Duration of action: Controlled release maintains activity at the
target site for longer
The esterified structure carries lipophilic character, allowing natural
integration into the digestive system.
Support ATEX® Provides in Aquaculture Production
- Feed hygiene support — Contributes to the preservation of quality
within the feed matrix and the stability of storage
- Intestinal microflora balance support — A microbial-load-managed
intestinal environment provides the foundation for nutrient absorption
and growth patterns; mucosal health is preserved
- Resilience support during stress periods — Supports the natural
immune balance of fish/shrimp during environmental stress windows such
as water-temperature fluctuations, grading, transfer, and high stocking
density
- Summer period support profile — Provides feed-matrix-based support
during seasons of rising water temperature — when microbial pressure
increases
- Palatability preserved — Does not adversely affect feed intake
behaviour; growth pattern is maintained
- Export regulation alignment — Its naturally sourced character offers
a choice aligned with residue standards in EU and other export markets
- Naturally sourced active — A naturally derived raw material aligned
with sustainable production strategies
Powder Form — Dosage Table
| Application | Dosage |
|---|
| Aquaculture feed (fish and shrimp) | 1–2 kg / tonne feed |
Note: Aquaculture dosage is approximately double the ruminant and
poultry dosage due to feed matrix characteristics and target species
requirements.
Active Ingredient
Acidified thymol ester — the natural phenolic compound thymol, derived
from thyme, structurally redesigned through modern esterification with
terpene-rich fatty acids.
Molecular Profile
- More stable (oxidation-resistant, long shelf life, retains activity in
aquatic matrices)
- Longer-acting (controlled release)
- Mucosally safe (reduced irritation risk in aquatic digestive tract mucosa)
- Lipophilic character (natural integration into the digestive system)
Naturally Sourced Active
Thymol, the active in ATEX®, has been known for centuries as the natural
phenolic component of thyme (Thymus vulgaris and related species). NUTRIVET
transforms this natural compound into a functional, stable support form
within the feed matrix through modern esterification technology.
Aquaculture Compatibility Profile
- Naturally sourced structure aligned with residue standards in EU and other
export markets
- Preserves feed palatability — fish/shrimp intake behaviour is not disrupted
- Stability within the aquatic feed matrix
Feed-Process Compatibility
- Stable through pelleting and extrusion processes
- Homogeneous distribution at standard feed-mixing times
- Can be added directly to premixes
