The latest innovations in functional animal feed formulations are revolutionizing animal health and welfare, promoting more sustainable poultry and livestock production. This article explores groundbreaking developments in functional additives by leading companies, highlighting their collaborations and advancements in the recent years.
Advanced Animal Feed Solution for Promoting Growth and Reducing Mortality in Poultry
The challenge of disease identification in poultry is significant, as many diseases present with similar clinical symptoms, making differentiation difficult. Additionally, poultry often mask signs of illness to avoid predation, complicating early detection and treatment.
To address these challenges, Synergia Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. has developed an innovative functional animal feed supplement that enhances weight gain and reduces mortality in poultry. This supplement, enriched with vitamin K2, serves as a replacement for antibiotic growth promoters, promoting healthier poultry growth without the reliance on traditional antibiotics.
Recognizing the potential of this breakthrough, the Danish biotechnology company Novozymes has acquired a majority stake in Synergia Life Sciences, furthering the development and reach of this pioneering solution in the poultry industry.
Innovative Feed Solution to Combat Myopathy in Poultry
Myopathy in poultry results in the deterioration of chicken breast meat quality and appearance, negatively impacting consumer satisfaction. To address this issue, Nutrition21 and Kent Corporation have teamed up to create an innovative bird feed formulation containing arginine silicate inositol, along with a carrier material such as grain, oil seeds, and other additives.
The inclusion of arginine silicate inositol in the feed helps prevent and treat myopathies like white striping and woody breast, conditions that affect meat quality. This formulation not only enhances the texture and taste of the meat but also promotes healthier poultry weight, improving overall product appeal and consumer experience.
Cutting Methane Emissions in Livestock through Advanced Feed Solutions
Methane is a significant greenhouse gas primarily produced by methanogenic microbes in the gastrointestinal tracts of livestock. Factors such as poor gut health, inefficient fiber digestion, microbial imbalances, and incomplete digestion contribute to increased methane production.
To address this challenge, Fonterra Co-Operative Group Limited and AGRESEARCH LTD have partnered to develop a new feed composition aimed at reducing methane emissions and enhancing gut health. This innovative feed can be formulated as fermented yogurt or mixed feed for ruminant animals.
The feed not only reduces methane emissions by inhibiting methane-producing bacteria, but it also promotes improved body weight and composition, boosts milk yield, and supports overall animal health, creating a more sustainable approach to livestock production.
Enzyme-Enhanced Animal Feed for Better Carbohydrate Breakdown
Carbohydrates are essential macronutrients that provide energy to animals. However, when not properly broken down, these carbohydrates can be stored as fat, leading to unnecessary weight gain and digestive issues that negatively impact gut health.
To address this challenge, DSM IP Assets B.V. and Novozymes have partnered in the year 2021 to develop a functional animal feed composition enriched with proteolytic enzymes and carbohydrates. Proteases in the feed enhance the activity of carbohydrases, helping to break down carbohydrates more effectively and improving overall digestibility.
This feed formulation can be created using a variety of carbohydrate and protein sources, such as soybean meal, corn, or wheat, combined with protease and carbohydrase enzymes in powder form, promoting better nutrient absorption and supporting animal health.
Digital Platform for Tracking the Environmental Impact of Feed and Animal Protein
BASF and Schothorst Feed Research (SFR) have entered into an agreement granting SFR non-exclusive licensing rights to a digital solution for environmental footprinting of feed and animal protein. SFR will incorporate this sustainability platform into its global animal nutrition consultancy services as part of its commitment to sustainability. Through this collaboration, BASF and SFR aim to help feed and animal producers reduce their environmental impact, contributing to more sustainable practices in feed and animal protein production.
Other Collaborations
Insect Ingredients – A Sustainable Solution
Cargill and InnovaFeed are working together to expand the use of insect ingredients as a functional additive in animal feed. This partnership combines InnovaFeed’s expertise in insect-based solutions with Cargill’s animal nutrition knowledge, aiming to create sustainable value chains and positively impact the diets of over 20 million piglets by 2026.
Microbiome Technology for Better Animal Health
Nutreco and BiomEdit have teamed up to develop innovative feed additives using microbiome technology. By combining BiomEdit’s scientific expertise with Nutreco’s global distribution capabilities, the collaboration aims to improve animal health solutions and drive sustainability in the animal feed industry.
Conclusion
Companies are increasingly developing specialized feed formulations and supplements designed to prevent diseases, reduce methane emissions, and improve nutrient digestibility. These innovations reflect the industry’s strong commitment to advancing animal health and promoting environmental sustainability in both livestock and pet care. Driven by rising consumer demand, the animal feed market is projected to reach USD 929.0 billion by 2033. To stay competitive, it is essential to identify and collaborate with industry pioneers to create cutting-edge products that meet these evolving needs.
Source: GreyB
