Protected Fatty Acids for Game Birds

A Straightforward Guide for Rearers and Gamekeepers

Protected fatty acids are a modern gut‑health tool designed to help young game birds get off to a stronger, cleaner start. They are natural medium‑chain fatty acids (from coconut and similar oils) that have been protected in various ways,  so they survive the upper gut and release further down the intestine, where most harmful bacteria live.

The product that we supply, C4A is 4 fatty acids bound onto glycerol to make a fat molecule, which is then broken down where you want it to act, in the small and large intestine. We have this in a liquid form to go into drinking water at 600ml per 1000 litres of water.

They are not antibiotics, but they support the bird’s own defences and help stabilise the gut during stressful periods such as brooding, moving, and release.

Why They’re Useful in Game Bird Rearing

Better Early Gut Health

Young pheasants, partridges and quail are highly sensitive in the first 2–3 weeks. Protected fatty acids help by:

• Supporting early gut development

• Improving nutrient absorption

• Helping birds “get away” more reliably

• Reducing early checks and setbacks

Natural Support Against Bacteria

Protected fatty acids have activity against common game‑bird pathogens such as:

• E. coli

• Clostridium

• Salmonella

This helps reduce scour, wet litter, and the gut upsets that often lead to piling, chilling, and uneven growth.

More Uniform, Settled Birds

Rearers often report:

• More even batches

• Better feathering

• Birds that stay calmer and more settled

• Fewer pens with “problem groups”

Works Alongside Existing Programmes

Protected fatty acids fit neatly into existing routines. They work well alongside:

• Coccidiosis control

• Probiotics

• Organic acids

• Vaccination

• Good brooding practice and hygiene

They don’t replace these — they strengthen the whole system.

How Protected Fatty Acids Work

A simple explanation for farmers and keepers:

1. The Bird drinks water containing protected fatty acids

2. The lipid molecule  protects them through the crop and gizzard

3. The fatty acids are released in the small intestine and caeca

4. They disrupt harmful bacteria and support gut lining health

5. Birds show better growth, cleaner guts and improved resilience

Where They Fit Best in Game Bird Systems

Young chicks

The biggest benefits are seen in the first 14 days, when chicks are most vulnerable.

Dilution of the C4A liquid allows a fast, accurate and convenient way of providing the birds with the protected fatty acids. Dilution rate is 600 ml. per 1000 litres of drinking water.

Brooding and Hardening Pens

Helps birds cope with stress, temperature swings and movement.

Release Pens

Supports gut stability during the high‑stress transition to outdoor life.

What You Can Expect to See

• Stronger, more robust chicks

• Lower early mortality

• Fewer digestive upsets

• Better uniformity

• Birds that cope better with stress and weather

• Improved survival to release

For more information, please visit the product page or call or email Graham Shepherd MRCVS for more information. [email protected]