The UK poultry industry is navigating a period of unprecedented challenge and transformation. Amid tightening regulations on antibiotic use, increasing environmental scrutiny, and shifting consumer preferences towards higher welfare standards, poultry farmers are under pressure to maintain productivity, profitability, and compliance. Recent regulatory initiatives have signalled an inevitable shift away from practices reliant on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) and towards sustainable, welfare-conscious solutions.
For many producers, the tools traditionally used to support flock health and productivity—such as mineral premixes, acidifiers, and AGPs—are proving inadequate in this new context. These limitations leave producers vulnerable to rising mortality rates, feed inefficiencies, disease risks, and operational challenges. To stay competitive and compliant, UK poultry farmers need solutions that deliver both proven performance and sustainability.
The Shortcomings of Conventional Poultry Supplements
- Limited Bioavailability and Nutrient Absorption
Traditional mineral premixes, often composed of inorganic compounds, are characterised by low bioavailability. This means the essential trace minerals (like copper, zinc, and manganese) are not readily absorbed by birds, reducing their physiological impact. Inconsistent nutrient uptake can lead to suboptimal growth, poor bone development, and compromised immune function.
- Inadequate Pathogen and Biofilm Control
While some acidifiers are used to lower water pH and deter pathogens, most conventional products fail to effectively address biofilm formation in waterlines. These biofilms can harbour pathogenic bacteria, including Salmonella and E. coli, which compromise flock health and reduce productivity. Once established, biofilms are difficult to remove and can significantly impact water quality.
- Reliance on Antibiotics and Rising Regulatory Pressure
AGPs have been widely used to enhance growth and control disease, but this reliance has led to increased antimicrobial resistance. Regulatory bodies in the UK and globally are phasing out AGPs, leaving producers with limited alternatives. Without effective non-antibiotic solutions, farmers risk increased disease outbreaks, reduced growth rates, and higher mortality.
- Environmental and Operational Challenges
High feed conversion ratios (FCR) mean more feed is required to produce a unit of meat, leading to increased resource use and environmental waste. Nutrient runoff from excess feed and unabsorbed minerals contributes to water pollution, a critical concern in intensive farming regions. Operational complexity and inconsistent dosing further compound these challenges.
Introducing CuGROW-99™: A Scientifically Engineered Solution
Recognising the limitations of conventional approaches, Scientific Sanitation Solutions (SSS) developed CuGROW-99™, a next-generation poultry supplement designed to deliver comprehensive benefits:
- Advanced Formulation: CuGROW-99™ combines a highly bioavailable organic copper complex with SANI-99™ for AGRI technology, which actively inhibits biofilm formation and controls waterborne pathogens.
- Water pH Optimisation: The formulation lowers water pH to an optimal range (~3.8), enhancing digestive enzyme activity and improving nutrient absorption.
- Immune and Gut Health Support: By reducing pathogenic load and improving gut conditions, CuGROW-99™ naturally supports immunity and reduces the need for prophylactic antibiotics.
- Environmental Compliance: Improved FCR reduces feed wastage and environmental impact, supporting compliance with sustainability and welfare regulations.
A Comprehensive 360° Biosecurity Approach
CuGROW-99™ is complemented by SANI-99™ for AGRI, used in footbaths and fogging systems to control environmental pathogens. This integrated 360° biosecurity strategy—combining water treatment, surface disinfection, and air quality control—ensures consistent pathogen control and reduces the risk of disease outbreaks.
Real-World Data: Robust Evidence from Multi-Cycle Trials
SSS conducted comprehensive field trials across multiple broiler production cycles, involving over 1.5 million birds. Each trial compared houses treated with CuGROW-99™ and SANI-99™ to control groups maintained with conventional practices. Detailed results are available in the full case study:
Read the full case study here
Cycle 339: A Groundbreaking Trial
- Mortality: Reduced by 2.25% (5.11% vs 7.35%)
- Live Weight: Increased by 3.37% (1,992.92g vs 1,927.95g)
- Average Daily Gain (ADG): Improved by 2.03g/day (62.28g vs 60.25g)
- FCR: Reduced by 2.27% (1.243 vs 1.272), saving approximately 52g of feed per bird
- PEF: Increased by 7.18% (478 vs 446)
- Total Meat Yield: 10,318kg higher than control
Cycle 340: Validation Across Full Operations
- PEF: 454, maintaining high performance
- Mortality: 4.70%, with most deaths occurring in the first seven days, attributed to genetics
- Live Weight and ADG: Consistent with Cycle 339
Cycle 341: Premium Feed, Antibiotic-Free Success
- PEF: Achieved the highest recorded score of 476
- FCR: Improved to 1.233, reducing feed consumption by up to 184g per bird compared to Cycle 340
- Live Weight: 1,974g, a 3.38% increase over Cycle 340
- ADG: Increased by 2.02g/day
- Feed Savings: 26,505kg less feed used compared to Cycle 340
- Mortality: 0.16% lower than Cycle 339 despite no preventative antibiotics, validating CuGROW-99™’s efficacy
Head-to-Head Comparison: CuGROW-99™ vs Conventional Supplements
| Criteria | CuGROW-99™ | Mineral Premixes | Acidifiers | AGPs |
| Formulation | Copper with SANI-99™ for biofilm and pathogen control | Inorganic minerals, limited biofilm impact | Organic/inorganic acids | Antibiotics like bacitracin, virginiamycin |
| Bioavailability | High due to copper complex and pH control | Variable; often poor | Moderate, with limited impact on biofilms | High efficacy but increasingly restricted |
| Waterline Protection | Actively reduces biofilms and pathogens | None | Inconsistent | None |
| FCR Impact | Up to 7.34% reduction, saving up to 184g feed/bird | Variable | Minor improvement | High but facing regulatory bans |
| Mortality Reduction | Up to 2.25% reduction | Variable | Limited evidence | Historically strong but now restricted |
| Regulatory Compliance | Supports antibiotic-free, sustainable production | Compliant but not biosecurity-focused | Generally compliant | Increasingly restricted or banned |
| Environmental Impact | Reduces waste via better FCR, lower pathogen load | Risk of unabsorbed minerals runoff | Minimal improvement | Environmental and resistance concerns |
| Ease of Use | Stable powder, easily dosed via header tanks | Mixing required | Dosing requires caution | Easy, but with regulatory risks |
| Overall Impact | Comprehensive: health, performance, sustainability | Basic nutritional support | Supplementary benefit only | Effective but less sustainable and restricted |
Conclusion: A New Standard for Poultry Production
CuGROW-99™ is not just another supplement; it is a comprehensive solution tailored to the evolving demands of modern poultry farming. Its scientifically validated formulation, proven performance in real-world trials, and compatibility with antibiotic-free systems make it an indispensable tool for UK poultry producers seeking to improve productivity, profitability, and sustainability.
