Interview with our Key Account Manager, Barbara Brutsaert - 2nd part
In the second part of our interview with Feed & Additive Magazin, we explore VetPharm’s application-driven R&D philosophy, which prioritizes measurable field results over isolated theoretical benefits.
Join us as we examine how collaboration with veterinarians is shaping the next generation of solutionsfrom the stability of orthosilicic acid to the international rollout of Poulsil in markets like Brazil and Asia.
emphasis is placed on diagnostics and data analysis. For example, tools such as Reovirus diagnostics and vaccination program evaluations are used to identify underlying issues and guide decision making for choosing the right additives to counter losses in the short term. This allows VetPharm to move beyond generic recommendations and provide targeted, customer-tailored solutions.”
Q: “In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges that producers face today in the field of animal nutrition and health? What kind of solutions does VetPharm offer to address these challenges?”
Barbara: “Poultry producers are currently operating in an environment of increasing complexity. One of the key challenges is the need for rapid coordination between producers, veterinarians, and nutritionists to ensure timely and effective responses to health and performance issues.
At the same time, production demands continue to rise. Laying hens are expected to maintain high performance levels over extended cycles, often up to 100 weeks. This places significant pressure on skeletal health, metabolism, and overall resilience. Raw material availability and variability also represent a constraint, requiring more precise and efficient nutritional strategies.
In this context, certain nutrients that have historically received less attention are becoming increasingly relevant. Bioavailable silicium is one such example. It plays an important role in collagen synthesis and structural integrity but is overlooked in standard formulations. Poulsil addresses this by delivering silicium in the form of orthosilicic acid (OSA), which is highly bioavailable after ingestion. Its mesoporous structure allows for stability and controlled release across the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring consistent absorption under varying pH conditions. This contributes to improved bone strength, eggshell quality, and overall robustness, supporting both performance and animal welfare in demanding production systems.”
Q: “Looking back at the conference, which scientific or industry trends stood out the most? How will these trends shape VetPharm’s future strategy?”
Barbara: “VetPharm is an internationally active company specializing in the distribution of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and feed additives. The company focuses on delivering scientifically validated solutions that support animal health, welfare, and production efficiency under commercial conditions. Rather than operating as a traditional distributor, VetPharm positions itself as a technical partner to veterinarians, nutritionists, and producers.
This involves combining product supply with high-end technical field expertise, offering total solutions and ensuring these are correctly implemented and deliver measurable results. The company’s activities are particularly strong in the poultry sector, where it integrates nutritional support, veterinary solutions, and diagnostic services. This combined approach allows VetPharm to address complex health and performance challenges in a structured and practical way.”
Q: “Where does VetPharm position itself within this global transition?”
Barbara: “VetPharm’s positioning is closely aligned with these developments. The company focuses on strengthening animal robustness and efficiency as a way to support high-end production systems.
Nutritional strategies play a key role in this approach. By improving structural integrity and resilience, it is possible to reduce the need for therapeutic interventions and support better performance. Poulsil contributes to this by enhancing collagen formation, which improves bone strength and mobility. This is particularly relevant in long production cycles or fast-growing animals, where skeletal issues have become a limiting factor for the genetics we have today across the breeder, broiler and layer sectors.
In laying hens, this supports sustained production and helps reduce osteoporosis-related issues. In breeders, improved structural health is associated with better reproductive performance and hatchability. At this conference, we demonstrated that silicium supplementation has a clear effect on reducing the losses following a Reovirus infection by improving tendon health, contributing to improved gait and overall flock condition. The results were validated not only in end weight of the broilers but also with an improved condition of the tendons as shown by the blinded histology results.”
Q: “Finally, what will VetPharm’s growth targets and priority focus areas be in the coming period?”
Barbara: “While the company has established a solid presence in Western Europe, there is significant potential in other regions with expanding poultry sectors. The international rollout of Poulsil is a key priority, alongside selected vaccines and nutritional products. Markets such as Brazil and Asia are of particular interest due to their scale and strategic importance in global poultry production. In addition to geographic expansion, VetPharm will continue to invest in technical support, partnerships, and product development. The aim is to strengthen its position as a solution-oriented partner capable of addressing both current and emerging industry challenges.”
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Feed & Additive Magazine for providing this platform to discuss the evolving landscape of poultry health and the science-driven philosophy behind our work. It was a privilege to share VetPharm’s journey and our commitment to bridging the gap between laboratory research and practical field application.
Missed Part I?
If you missed the first part of our conversation, where we discuss VetPharm’s founding story, our core solutions, and our strategic approach to the international poultry sector, you can catch up by clicking the button below.