New Avatec® Plus 3-Nitro® Combination-Use Approval Now Brings Turkey Growers the Only Ionophore-Based Coccidiosis Control with the Performance of 3-Nitro
June 22, 2009
Bridgewater, N.J., June 18, 2009 - Turkey growers can now capitalize on feeding an ionophore in combination with 3-Nitro®, thanks to a new feed additive combination-use approval to medicate feed containing both Avatec® and 3-Nitro.
In late May, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Alpharma Animal Health’s application to combine the two products for turkeys. The approval permits use of Avatec at 68 to 113 grams of lasalocid per ton of feed in combination with 3-Nitro at 22.7 to 45.4 grams of roxarsone per ton of feed. The combination is approved by FDA to prevent coccidiosis caused by the protozoa Eimeria meleagrimitis, E. gallopavonis, and E. adenoeides, and for increased rate of weight gain, improved feed efficiency and improved pigmentation in growing turkeys.
Despite over 50 years of research and product development, coccidiosis remains a common health and economic challenge for turkey growers. Coccidiosis is recognized as the most costly parasitic disease in poultry production, costing the global industry about $800 million annually – with more than half that in the U.S. poultry industry alone.
“Growers have asked us repeatedly for a combination like this,” according to Alpharma Senior Technical Service Manager for Poultry, Dr. Steven Clark, “one that would allow them to use 3-Nitro for optimal gut health without having to sacrifice the effectiveness of Avatec. This new combination will allow them to take advantage of the full health and performance benefits achieved by using these two products together.”
“This is a unique combination approval for turkeys; the only approved program that combines 3-Nitro with an ionophore,” Dr. Clark says. “For turkey growers who depend on 3-Nitro during the starter and grower to take advantage of its performance-promoting benefits, the main drawback has been the absence of any FDA-approved combination with an ionophore for coccidiosis control. Now they can have both.”
As the only ionophore approved to be fed in combination with 3-Nitro, Avatec is one of the most efficacious anticoccidials on the market, providing year-round (non-seasonal) coccidiosis protection even under conditions of excessive heat and humidity. Avatec allows growers to control coccidiosis without depressing feed and water intake which can negatively impact feed conversion and weight gain. Avatec has a broad dose range and is demonstrated to have a high margin of safety.
The approval also increases flexibility for incorporating 3-Nitro into shuttle and rotational programs with chemical anticoccidials. This new tool brings the grower the ability to design programs that offer greater coverage where coccidiosis exposure is high.
About Alpharma
Alpharma Inc. is a global animal health company with a leadership position in the registration, manufacture, and marketing of a broad range of pharmaceutical and nutritional products for food-producing animals. Alpharma is presently active in more than 60 countries. Alpharma is a wholly owned subsidiary of King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE:KG). For more information please visit www.alpharma.com.
Media Contact:
Debbie Thompson
Global Marketing Associate
Alpharma Inc.
Office: (908) 429-6000 Ext. 58623
Technical Contact:
Dr. Steven Clark
Senior Technical Service Manager
Alpharma Inc.
Office: (336) 877-2528
Mobile: (201) 741-2836
Alpharma®, the Alpharma logo, Avatec® and 3-Nitro® are registered trademarks of Alpharma Inc.
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908-429-8350
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