Under Pressure, the Gut. Under Pressure, Performance.

In poultry production, a significant portion of performance losses originates from digestive system pressure — this pressure reaches its peak during the starter phase, periods of stress, and intensive housing conditions. An immune system not yet fully mature during the starter phase, increasing environmental microbial load in summer, vaccination and transportation stress, heat stress — across all these processes, the common target is the same: the intestinal epithelial layer. When intestinal integrity is compromised, nutrient absorption declines, feed utilisation deteriorates, and FCR worsens. In broilers, growth slows; in layers, egg yield and shell quality decline.

ATEX® — The Phytogenic Protector of Intestinal Integrity

The thymol ester of ATEX®, stabilised through esterification technology, eliminates the volatility problem of conventional thymol at pelleting temperatures — the active ingredient is stable at pelleting temperature; it therefore reaches the intestine without losing its efficacy. Through its mechanical action mechanism that disrupts the cell membrane integrity of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, it helps reduce pathogenic pressure and supports the defence capacity of the intestinal epithelial layer. It can be used safely throughout the entire production cycle.

Immune Support + Intestinal Integrity = Performance

The literature demonstrates that thymol-based phytogenic additives protect intestinal villus structure under pathogenic stress, reduce digestive system-related mortality, and support FCR and growth performance. In laying hens, positive contributions to egg yield and shell quality during periods of stress have also been shown. Gholami-Ahangaran et al. (2021, 117 citations) demonstrated that thymol and carvacrol support immune response and improve feed utilisation by regulating intestinal microbial balance. Khairunnesa et al. (2026) showed that a phytogenic blend containing thymol reduced necrotic enteritis-related intestinal damage, improved the villus/crypt ratio, and lowered mortality. ATEX®'s acidified thymol ester is a more potent molecule than standard thymol, yet does not carry thymol's disadvantages.

To support immunity and intestinal integrity during transition periods and times of stress, and to minimise performance losses, use ATEX® Poultry!