What are the reactions when allicin and other feed additives are used together?

      When allicin is mixed with other feed additives, the reaction will show three situations: synergistic effect, antagonistic effect, or no obvious interaction depending on the type of additive. It needs to be scientifically matched according to specific categories. The following analysis is conducted by common additive categories:

1、 Mixing with 'antibiotic additives': partially synergistic, partially to be avoided

      The antibacterial mechanism of allicin (damaging bacterial cell membranes and inhibiting thiolase activity) differs from most antibiotics, and a reasonable combination can enhance its effect, but some combinations may antagonize it.

Synergistic efficiency (recommended combination):

      Matching objects: Penicillins (such as penicillin and amoxicillin), cephalosporins (such as cefotaxime), macrolides (such as erythromycin).

      Reaction principle: Allicin first destroys the integrity of bacterial cell membranes, opening up channels for antibiotics to enter the bacterial interior faster and enhancing antibacterial effects; Meanwhile, allicin can reduce the risk of bacterial resistance to a single antibiotic.

      Applicable scenarios: When animals experience moderate bacterial infections (such as piglet dysentery and chicken colibacillosis), the combination of the two can reduce the amount of antibiotics used (usually by 10% -20%).

Antagonistic reduction effect (prohibited mixing):

      Matching objects: Tetracyclines (such as oxytetracycline and doxycycline), fluoroquinolones (such as enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin).

      Reaction principle: The sulfur group (- SH) in allicin may undergo complexation reaction with the active groups of such antibiotics (such as the phenolic hydroxyl group of tetracycline and the piperazine ring of fluoroquinolone), disrupting the structure of the antibiotic and reducing its antibacterial activity.

      Response suggestion: If needed, add it every 2-3 hours to avoid direct mixing.

2、 Mixing with "probiotic additives": mostly synergistic, dosage needs to be controlled

      Probiotics (such as lactic acid bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, yeast) are beneficial bacteria in the gut, and the antibacterial selectivity of allicin (strong inhibition of harmful bacteria and weak impact on beneficial bacteria) makes it safe and synergistic when combined with probiotics.

Synergistic efficiency (recommended combination):

      Matching objects: Lactic acid bacteria (such as Lactobacillus acidophilus), Bacillus subtilis (such as Bacillus subtilis), yeast (such as brewing yeast).

      Reaction principle: Allicin first inhibits harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella in the intestine, reduces competition between harmful bacteria and probiotics, and creates an "advantageous environment" for probiotic colonization; Probiotics can further regulate the balance of gut microbiota and work together with allicin to maintain intestinal health.

      Attention: The dosage of allicin should be controlled (not exceeding 1.5 times the recommended amount). Excessive allicin may slightly inhibit the number of viable bacteria (especially lactic acid bacteria). It is recommended to choose "microencapsulated probiotics" to reduce direct contact with allicin.

3、 Mixing with enzyme based additives: non antagonistic, complementary and synergistic

      The main function of enzyme preparations (such as amylase, protease, phytase, cellulase) is to decompose anti nutritional factors in feed, promote nutrient absorption, and have no conflict with the mechanism of action of allicin. They can usually be used synergistically.

Synergistic efficiency (recommended combination):

      Reaction principle: Allicin improves the intestinal environment (inhibits harmful bacteria, reduces intestinal inflammation), providing a more stable site of action for enzyme preparations (suitable pH and temperature); Enzyme preparations improve feed digestibility (such as phytase releasing phosphorus), reduce harmful substances produced by the fermentation of undigested nutrients in the intestine, and work together with allicin to reduce intestinal burden.

      Typical scenario: In animal feed with weak digestive function such as piglets and chicks, allicin+complex enzyme preparation (amylase+protease) can increase feed conversion rate by 5% -8%.

4、 Mixing with mineral/vitamin additives: partially antagonistic, needs to be added separately

      Minerals (such as iron, copper, zinc) and vitamins (such as B group and fat soluble vitamins) are prone to chemical reactions with allicin, affecting absorption or activity.

Antagonistic reduction effect (direct mixing should be avoided):

      Matching objects: divalent metal minerals (ferrous sulfate, copper sulfate, zinc oxide).

      Reaction principle: The sulfur group (- SH) in allicin can form insoluble complexes with divalent metal ions (such as ferrous sulfide and copper sulfide), reducing the absorption rate of minerals and also consuming the effective components of allicin.

      Response suggestion: The two should be added separately (with an interval of 1-2 hours), or choose "amino acid chelating minerals" (such as methionine chelating iron), which have stronger stability and are less likely to react with allicin.

Collaboration/No Impact (Mixable):

      Matching objects: Vitamin A, D, E (fat soluble), Vitamin C.

      Reaction principle: Fat soluble vitamins and allicin (fat soluble) can dissolve together in feed fat without interfering with each other; The reducibility of vitamin C can slightly delay the oxidation of allicin and enhance its stability.

5、 Mixing with 'other common additives': mostly synergistic or have no effect

      Organic acids (citric acid, lactic acid): synergistically enhance efficiency. Both are acidic and can jointly lower the pH value of the intestine, enhancing the inhibitory effect on harmful bacteria; And organic acids can improve the stability of allicin (reduce oxidation).

      Sweetener/spice (saccharin sodium, vanillin): synergistically improves palatability. The pungent odor of allicin may cause some animals (such as piglets and pets) to refuse to eat. Combining it with sweeteners or spices can mask the odor and increase feed intake.

      Antioxidants (ethoxyquinoline, vitamin E): synergistically protect. Antioxidants can effectively delay the oxidation failure of allicin and extend the shelf life of feed, especially suitable for storage in high temperature and high humidity environments.

      Alkaline additives (baking soda, magnesium oxide): antagonize and reduce effects. Allicin is stable in acidic environments, but alkaline environments can damage its thioether bond structure, resulting in loss of activity, and mixing should be absolutely prohibited.

6、 Core recommendations for mixed use

      Small scale trial feeding first: The new combination scheme (such as allicin+antibiotics/probiotics) needs to be tested for 3-5 days in 10% -20% of the animal population, observing feeding, feces, and health status for no abnormalities before promotion.

      Dosage control: The recommended amount of allicin added is usually 50-200g/ton of feed, and it is not recommended to mix in excess (to avoid negative effects on probiotics and minerals).

      Separate the addition of sensitive ingredients: Allicin should be added with divalent minerals and alkaline additives at 1-2 hour intervals, or "layered mixing" can be used (pre mix allicin with a small amount of carrier, and then mix with other additives).

      Prioritize the use of encapsulated allicin: Microencapsulated allicin can reduce direct contact with other additives, lower antagonistic risks, and enhance its own stability.

      In summary, when mixed with most feed additives, allicin is mainly used for "synergistic effect enhancement". Only by avoiding direct mixing with tetracycline antibiotics, divalent minerals, and alkaline additives can its application value be fully realized.