October 2022 Year: 2 - Issue: 21

www.feedandadditive.com

Alternative Protein
Sources in Animal Nutrition

Impact of Increased Animal

Welfare Trends on the Animal
Nutrition Industry

Nick Piggott, Nutrition Technologies Suzanne van den Eshof, Protix Christophe Blondet, ADM
Unlocking the real value Insect protein - A sustainable Exploring the future of animal
of insect meal alternative resilience
 EDITOR Derya YILDIZ

How much possible to minimize the environmental impact for the feed industry?

Dear readers, of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), 75%

Although the global population growth rate will
continue to decrease in the coming years, the world
population is predicted to reach 8.5 billion by 2030
and 9.7 billion by 2050, according to the figures
of the United Nations (UN) and UN Population
Fund (UNFPA). This simply means that the world
will need more food in the upcoming decades. As
a matter of fact, feeding the animals raised to meet
nutritional needs in a responsible and sustainable
way on this planet with limited natural resources is
now among the most important issues.
As it is known; cattle, poultry and aquaculture
have been fed mainly by grain, soybean and fish-
meal for more than 50 years. Thus, the agricultural
industry continues to take the pressure off our plan-
et's limited natural resources while developing inno-
vations for sustainable feed solutions that optimize
productivity and animal health.
However, according to the data of the UN Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO), feed production and
processing account for 45 percent of the overall carbon
footprint of livestock industry. According to the data
of the soybean produced in the world is used in animal
nutrition. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF),
on the other hand, is concerned about the damage to
the ecosystem due to the rainforests used for the culti-
vation of soybean, which is consumed for both human
and animal nutrition. Furthermore, experts predict
that if climate change negatively affects this produc-
tion, we may face a crisis in meeting protein needs.
Based on this information, we see that the impor-
tance of alternative protein sources, which will min-
imize the environmental impacts of the feed industry
and the use of arable land and which have high nutri-
tional value for animals, is on the rise. And these re-
sources need to feed livestock more sustainably and ef-
ficiently, and with less costs. So, is it possible to achieve
this by protecting our planet for future generations?
In this issue, we are focusing on alternative pro-
tein sources that will minimize the environmental
impact without placing an additional burden on the
existing nutritional ecosystem.
See you in our next issue…
Enjoy reading…

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Muhammed Akatay Alper Kandemir
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Editor-in-Chief Proofreading Web: www.feedandadditive.com
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New Jersey 07073, USA
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Perform efficiently
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 CONTENTS
ISSUE FOCUS 18
ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN
SOURCES IN ANIMAL NUTRITION

20 EUROPEAN INSECT SECTOR IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING INNOVATIVE....

Christophe Derrien, Secretary General & Alice Grassi, Communication Manager, IPIFF

26 INSECTS, A SUSTAINABLE PROTEIN FOR A GROWING MARKET

Sabas de Diego, Co-founder and CTO, Tebrio

30 NON-CONVENTIONAL ALTERNATIVE PROTEINS IN FEED REGULATIONS IN THE EU

Dawn Botha, Technical Marketing Manager, Pen & Tec Consulting

34 UNLOCKING THE REAL VALUE OF INSECT MEAL

Nick Piggott, Co-founder and Co-CEO, Nutrition Technologies

38 NEW SINGLE-CELL ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN: PROTONTM

John Hays, VP of Commercial & Sales, Deep Branch

42 EU POLICY AND INSECT ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN, PANACEA OR CHIMAERA?

Jacopo Moccia, Political Advisor, Eurogroup for Animals (EfA)

46 PROGRESSIVE YET TRADITIONAL, SUSTAINABLE, AND ECONOMICAL PROTEIN...

Masa Ivkovic, AgTech Expert, AFOS

49 MEALWORMS FOR PREMIUM QUALITY, NUTRIENT RICH AND SUSTAINABLE PET FOOD
Bénédicte Lorrette, PhD, Animal Nutrition & Health R&D Director, Ÿnsect

52 INSECT PROTEIN - A SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE

Suzanne van den Eshof, Director Marketing & Business Development, Protix

56 CREATING CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR ANIMAL FEED WITH INSECTS

Volant Wills, Head of Facilities at Canberra, Goterra

60 FOOD FOR FEED

Evelien van Donselaar, Business Manager Food2Feed, Selko Feed Additives
 CONTENTS
SPECIAL STORY

64
IMPACT OF INCREASED ANIMAL WELFARE
TRENDS ON THE ANIMAL NUTRITION INDUSTRY
Pierre-Joseph Paoli
President of Feed Additives & Ingredients
ADM Animal Nutrition

ARTICLES

68 EXPLORING THE FUTURE OF ANIMAL RESILIENCE

Christophe Blondet, Vice President of Product Development & Applications, ADM Animal Nutrition

71 MINERAL AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN FISH NUTRITION

Amit Ranjan, Assistant Professor, TNJFU-Institute of Fisheries Post Graduate Studies, India

REPORTS

74
GLOBAL FEED PROBIOTICS
MARKET

NEWS
8 Adisseo launches 180,000-ton-per-year liquid methionine project

83 Alltech appoints Tara McCarthy as global vice president of ESG

85 Danisco Animal Nutrition & Health leverages FeedCalculator app

86 Lallemand Animal Nutrition opens offices in Poland

89 ADM opens new extrusion facility in Serbia

90 AB Vista partners with Volac for Mycocheck, new mycotoxin service

92 Cooperation between eniferBio and Skretting expanding

97 Bond Pet Foods closes $17.5m in Series A funding to scale meat proteins
 NEWS

BASF and Evonik partner to reduce environmental

footprint
Global science-based companies BASF and Evonik have joined forces in order to
help customers to produce more sustainable feed and animal protein.

B ASF and Evonik entered

into an agreement, grant-
ing Evonik certain non-exclusive
licensing rights to Opteinics™
- BASF’s digital solution to in-
crease understanding and reduce
the environmental footprint of
the feed and animal protein in-
dustries. Evonik integrates the
digital ready-to-use sustainabil-
ity platform Opteinics™ into its
global feed consultancy services.
Combining BASF's digital sus-
tainability solution Opteinics™
with Evonik’s innovative farm
management tools and sustain-
ability services will help custom-
ers to produce more sustainable
feed and animal protein.
Opteinics™ is a software solu-
tion launched by BASF in 2021
to measure, analyze and minimize
the environmental impact of ani-
mal protein, with an emphasis on
animal feed production. Current-
ly the software offers modules for
pig and poultry production and
can be integrated with feed for-
mulation software.
Opteinics™ for pork has recent-
ly been fully verified to conform
with the ISO 14040 and 14044
LCA standards as well as with the
UN Food & Agriculture Orga-
nization Livestock Environmen-
tal Assessment & Performance
(LEAP) Partnership guidelines.
Applications for the dairy value
chain and for the optimization
of compound feed mixtures will
follow soon.
With the use of Opteinics™,
Evonik can even better support
the livestock industry to make
significant progress in fighting
climate change, safeguarding eco-
systems, and ensuring health and
well-being as it works to achieve
sustainable food production.
BASF and Evonik are already
targeting further developments in
digital sustainability offerings as
they both aim to help the animal
production sector become more
sustainable.

Innovafeed raises US$250m in Series D financing

round to accelerate growth

I nnovafeed, a leader in the production of in-

sects (Hermetia Illucens) for animal and plant
nutrition, announced it has raised US$250 million
in Series D funding. This round, led by Qatar In-
vestment Authority (QIA), also includes existing
investors Creadev and Temasek, and new strategic
and financial investors: global agribusiness leaders
ADM and Cargill – both of which have strategic
partnerships with Innovafeed – as well as Future
French Champions, ABC Impact, IDIA Capital In-
vestissement and Grow Forward.
This new round of financing brings Innovafeed's
total cumulative financing to US$450 million.
Innovafeed has already secured commercial part-
nerships for volumes representing more than €1 bil-
lion over the next 10 years.
Innovafeed will use the capital to:
• Continue to increase production capacity in
France through the further expansion of its Nesle
site in the north of France, the world's largest ver-
tical insect farm;
• Accelerate its international expansion, notably in
the United States with the construction of a new pro-
duction plant in Decatur, IL, in collaboration with
ADM; and prepare global roll-out of Innovafeed's
technology, including development in Asia; and

6 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 NEWS

• Continue to invest in breakthrough technology

and R&D for the formulation of high-precision and
high-performance ingredients for animals, plants
and, in the future, for human food.
"The confidence demonstrated in us by our part-
ners through a new round of fundraising confirms
the insect industry is a key solution for our planet's
food production needs. Their support will allow us
to accelerate our deployment in service of an ever
healthier, natural and sustainable food system," said
Clément Ray, Co-founder & CEO of Innovafeed.

Carbon Trust validates GHG effects of Phibro feed

additive
RelyOn™ feed additive, a new solution by Phibro Animal Health to help support
rumen health, animal efficiency and performance, has received validation from
the Carbon Trust.

T his spring, Phibro Animal

Health introduced Rely-
On™ feed additive, a new solution
to help support rumen health, an-
imal efficiency and performance.
Now, the alternative natural
product has received validation
from the Carbon Trust, a global
climate consultancy, for its ability
to reduce methane emissions.
The validation is based on re-
sults from laboratory and on-
farm testing against a valid base-
line. Based on these test results,
the Carbon Trust validated and
formed the opinion that, when
fed as directed, RelyOn can re-
duce methane emissions in rumi-
nant livestock.
RelyOn is a natural and inno-
vative formulation that allows
producers to maintain the per-
formance of their high-producing
animals while reducing methane
emissions. Phibro, in conjunction
with Vetos Europe, introduced
the product to meet producer
demand for a natural compound
to help them achieve the perfor-
mance trifecta of maintaining
feed intake, increasing nutrient
absorption and improving pro-
duction. Phibro’s own prelimi-
nary research demonstrated the
effectiveness of RelyOn in re-
ducing methane emissions, a feat
that led the company to seek this
stringent, third-party validation.
The Carbon Trust validation
is the latest evidence of Phibro’s
commitment to help producers
meet the increasing demand for
safe and affordable protein more
sustainably. The company pub-
lished its inaugural Environmen-
tal, Social and Governance (ESG)
Report earlier this year to outline
and establish baselines for its
global ESG efforts.
More than 120 countries, in-
cluding the United States and the
European Union, took the Glob-
al Methane Pledge at the United
Nations global climate summit,
or COP26. The participating
countries committed to collec-
tively reduce methane emissions
by at least 30% below 2020 lev-
els by 2030 in an effort to reduce
global warming by 0.2 degrees
Celsius by 2050.

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 7

 NEWS

NESTOR: A new software by Adisseo to formulate

in Net Energy
Adisseo brings together the most recent information in recommendations and
nutritional values to offer a unique platform: NESTOR, which gives nutritional
recommendations for poultry & swine.

I n the current context of raw

material prices increase and
knowing the need to strengthen
the sustainability of the animal
protein production, it is critical
to find ways of optimizing feed
use by the animal.
Lots of energic systems are al-
ready used to formulate diet for
monogastric animals. Net Energy
system is the most appropriate to
be closer to the animal needs. In-
deed, compared to metabolizable
energy, formulating in Net Ener-
gy enables to focus on providing
the nutrients used for the animal
maintenance and for its growth
(fat and protein deposit).
Net Energy system is already
used in 50% of swine production
and has shown satisfactory results.
There is a demand to use this sys-
tem also in poultry. A lot of science
exists on the topic, but it has never
been brought to the market yet.
With its long-standing exper-
tise in feed formulation, and
previous software for precise nu-
trition released on the market
(PNE, Adict), Adisseo brings to-
gether the most recent informa-
tion in recommendations and nu-
tritional values to offer a unique
platform: NESTOR.
To formulate, there are two
necessary elements: To know the
animal's needs in the most accu-
rate possible way and to precisely
know the value of the feedstuffs
given to the animals.
NESTOR gives nutritional rec-
ommendations for poultry & swine
in net energy, digestible amino ac-
ids and minerals to adapt them with
specific conditions (rearing period,
sex, age, breed). It also gives nutri-
tional values for raw materials in
proximate, energy, total & digest-
ible amino acids and minerals. With
these two sets of data, formulation
in Net Energy gets easy!
NESTOR provides:
• Ready-to-use science: Find all
the updated information on the
nutritional recommendations and
values to formulate. All shared
data are supported by a support-
ive scientific board composed of
eminent experts on energy topics.
• A step further in formulation
accuracy: use the recommenda-
tions which match the real needs
of animals and are adaptable de-
pending on the context and breed-
ing conditions.
• Support to better associate
nutritional values and perfor-
mance: optimizing the use of feed
for animal performance.
• Net energy formulation for
more sustainable animal production
by reducing waste and allowing the
best use of alternative feedstuffs.

Adisseo launches 180,000-ton-per-year liquid

methionine project

A disseo, one of the world's leading experts in

feed additives, held the start-up ceremony
of the 180,000-ton/year liquid methionine project
(BANC2) on September 16th.
Being one of the core subsidiaries and the
only company focusing on animal nutrition in
Sinochem's life science segment, Adisseo is among
the few manufacturers who can produce liquid
and solid methionine simultaneously and owns the
world-leading fully vertical-integrated production
process for liquid methionine.
The operation start-up of the 180,000-ton liquid

8 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 NEWS

BE THE MASTER
OF ENERGY!

ADISSEO presents NESTOR

A brand new innovating software to analyse Net Energy values.

Feedstuffs Requirements Additives Monogastrics

4 Ready to use science

4 A step further in formulation accuracy
4 To convert performance effect in nutritional needs
4 Net energy formulation for sustainable animal production

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 9

www.adisseo.com
 NEWS

methionine project signifies that Adisseo's Nanjing

plant has scaled to new heights to become the single
plant with the most significant liquid methionine
capacity in the world.
The official launch of the BANC2 means that the
Adisseo Nanjing plant will double its methionine
capacity to 350,000 tons annually. Adisseo will be
vested with more space and flexibility to optimize its
capacity allocation, thereby cushioning the impact
of fluctuations in raw material and energy prices.
Thanks to this new capacity together with its As an expert with 80+ year industry experience
global market coverage and expertise in customiz- in feed additives on a global scale, Adisseo strives
ing digital spray systems, Adisseo is well equipped to design, produce, and promote sustainable nutri-
and confident to continue the penetration of liquid tional solutions in the field of animal feed, as stated
methionine in China and globally. by Adisseo CEO Jean-Marc Dublanc.

Key players in the aqua sector launch a new feed

for shrimp production
Leading aqua sector experts Förde Garnelen, Aquafeed Germany, Protix,
neomar and Crusta Nova announced that they have launched SHR EX, a new
feed, giving a sustainable boost to shrimp production.

L eading industry experts

Förde Garnelen, Aquafeed
Germany, Protix, neomar and
Crusta Nova have joined forces to
launch a new shrimp feed: SHR
EX. The feed has been exclusively
designed for the needs of Europe-
an land-based shrimp farms as they
increasingly move towards greater
sustainability. SHR EX replaces
marine proteins with locally pro-
duced insect protein from a cir-
cular process. The product, which
will be sold by Aquafeed Germa-
ny, is not only more sustainable,
initial research also shows a sig-
nificant improvement in shrimp
growth and survival rates.
Shrimp consumption is growing
across the globe. Traditional sea
farming faces challenges such as the
depletion of natural resources for
feed, environmental destruction,
disease and the use of antibiotics,
coupled with issues arising from
complex transport chains. Land-
based farming, away from coastal
areas, is a sustainable alternative,
built around the concept of local
production. It improves the growth
and survival rate of shrimp and
maintains shrimp welfare. How-
ever, it requires feed tailored for
the demands of the shrimp and its
farmers. Land-based shrimp pro- gether to develop SHR EX, using
ducers increasingly want to create the black soldier fly produced by
feed produced with locally sourced Protix in the Netherlands as the
ingredients in response to growing insect protein source. Crusta Nova
consumer demand for sustainabili- and Förde Garnelen are imple-
ty. Moreover, the feed needs to be menting insect meal in their spe-
healthy and taste good. cially developed land-based shrimp
The partners worked closely to- feeds for the first time in Europe.

10 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 NEWS

OCP Group to acquire 50% stake in GlobalFeed

Morocco-based OCP Group, a global phosphate based products plant and
animal nutrition leader, has signed a deal to acquire 50% of GlobalFeed from
Fertinagro Biotech, a major Spanish fertilizers producer.

O CP Group, a global phos-

phate based products
plant and animal nutrition leader,
has signed a definitive agreement
under which OCP would initially
acquire 50% of GlobalFeed S.L.
from Fertinagro Biotech S.L., a
major Spanish fertilizers producer.
GlobalFeed operates in the ani-
mal nutrition segment, manufac-
tures and distributes a wide range
of products, including phosphate
based commodities and high val-
ue solutions dedicated to sever-
al species. The Company owns
flexible production units with a
capacity of 200,000 tons of phos-
phate based products and 30,000
tons of iron sulphate located in
Huelva, Spain and benefits from
a large global sales footprint.
The animal feed market has
been strong these last years thanks
to livestock production growing
around the world, in order to
feed the population’s increasing
needs for adequate meat and pro-
tein products, especially in the
emerging countries of the global
South. In this context, this trans-
action will contribute to OCP’s
strategy to grow in the animal
nutrition segment by expanding
its presence geographically and
offering a diversified, customized
and innovative product portfolio.
The transaction is subject to
customary closing conditions, in-
cluding regulatory approvals.

Animine partners with Grupo ISA for exclusive

distribution in Mexico
France-based Animine, one of the leading suppliers of precision minerals,
has partnered with Grupo ISA for exclusive distribution of its products and
solutions in Mexico.

A nimine, the French independent supplier of

precision minerals, has recently joined its ef-
forts with the Mexican company Grupo ISA to en-
sure the distribution of its solutions in the country.
The terms of the agreement are attributing the ex-
clusivity of the supply to Grupo ISA. Established in
1980, Grupo ISA is headquartered in Obregon with
several warehouses over the country to better serve
customers. Its main business divisions are genetics,
biosecurity, animal health and nutrition.
The leading products of Animine, the potentiated
zinc HiZox® and the monovalent copper CoRouge®,
have been registered by the SADER and are now
available in the country.
“I am very excited to be the first to offer these unique
minerals to the national market. Our solutions will
help producers to have more sustainable use of highly
bioavailable microminerals, securing gut health and
reducing their environmental footprint,” stated José
Ramon Perez, LATAM Sales Manager for Animine.
Animine will benefit from the large and skilled
team of Grupo ISA to develop the market. “This
start in Mexico is key for our company develop-
ment. Animine is already represented in Chile but
we can now continue our geographical expansion
targeting Guatemala, Columbia and Ecuador as
next steps,” concluded Jennifer Maurin, Sales Di-
rector at Animine.

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 11

 NEWS

Earlyfeed incorporates a novel flavor strategy for

piglet feed intake

I nspired by newborn pig-

lets, Earlyfeed - the young
animal nutrition brand of Roy-
al Agrifirm Group - incorporat-
ed an innovative flavoring in its
piglet feed portfolio in Septem-
ber 2022. This pioneering flavor
looks not only to the masking ef-
fect of sweet tastes, traditionally
used in the industry, but also to
the attractive and calming impact
of maternal recognition. The fla-
voring, Piglet's Flavorit, will be
included in the Babi® creep feed
line and the Vitastart starter con-
centrates. The initial launch took
place at their Factory of the Fu-
ture awarded Drongen, Belgium
facility and then will be integrat-
ed at their other plants for the
European market.
The traditional diet of a piglet
10-years ago looks much differ-
ent than the diets fed today, this
is related to legislation—anti-
biotic-free, ban on medicated
zinc-oxide—and added inclusion
of functional feed ingredients.
These changes led to Earlyfeed
seeking a new and innovative
flavor solution for its piglet feed
product line. Instead of pursuing
the traditional concept of using
only sweeteners to attract piglets
and mask undesirable flavors,
they considered what a piglet
finds appealing.
This started with observing the
piglet and what naturally draws it
to feed. The groundbreaking feed
intake solution, called Piglet's
Flavorit, is based on how olfactory
cues can create feelings of familiar-
ity and recognition. When applied
correctly, a smell can trigger the
piglet's innate reflex to search for
its mother and food. Through this
maternal recognition, piglets can
achieve smoother feed transitions
to result in improved continuous
feed intake, reduced stress levels,
and increased overall welfare and
performance.
When developing the new fla-
vor blend, Earlyfeed looked to the
base flavor profile of the products
and added the necessary tastes
and smells to mimic the mater-
nal fluids a piglet is accustomed
to. By including both sweet and
umami, Piglet's Flavorit creates
both an appealing odor and taste
for the piglet.

Novus International to shift from direct sales in China

I nternational feed additives,

animal nutrition and health
solutions manufacturer compa-
ny Novus International plans to
change to an indirect business
model in China as part of better
serving drive in its core markets.
Company leaders said they are working to establish
channel partners to continue serving customers in
that country. This change is part of the international
feed additive company’s drive to better serve those in
its core markets through its strategic business plan,
Project Destiny.
While this decision will allow
the company to invest in other
parts of Asia, Novus leaders rec-
ognize the importance of their
customers in China and the
country’s own vital position in
the animal protein industry.
The decision to change business models in China
is aligned with Novus’s business strategy to simpli-
fy operations and invest in markets that are aligned
with its core strengths for driving sustainable growth.

12 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 NEWS

SeaMark seeks to turn tide for bio-based industries

H osted by Ocean Rainfor-

est, over 50 major players
in the European seaweed industry
convened in Tórshavn to officially
launch the SeaMark Horizon Eu-
rope project. The SeaMark pub-
lic-private partnership comprising
25 multi-disciplinary partners will
deliver 12 seaweed-based products
for commercial exploitation over
four years. biorefinery plant for cultivated or petrochemicals. Alongside
SeaMark is the first Horizon seaweed. The innovations will market applications, SeaMark
project to be hosted by a Faroese show that macroalgae – a ze- will quantify ecosystem services
company. ro-carbon crop – can be used in provided by seaweed farms, con-
SeaMark’s cross-disciplinary multiple industries, with mul- tributing to a body of evidence
team will scale up macroalgae tiple concurrent socioeconomic justifying large-scale seaweed cul-
cultivation and processing tech- and environmental benefits com- tivation as a bioremediation tool
niques to develop 12 innovative pared to other industrial feed- and key element of a new circular
products in the first seaweed stocks such as terrestrial crops bioeconomy.

FOOD2FEED QUALITY

Sustainable alternatives
that make a little go a
long way
Sustainability goals and raw material scarcity mean by-products from the food
and beverage industry is now seen as a viable, nutritious source of energy
for animals. Selko offers solutions to help the industry use resources more
efficiently and move towards a circular, more sustainable economy.

THE BENEFITS

Reduce landfill Upcycle Maintain

by-products nutritional value

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 13

Learn more, visit www.selko.com
 NEWS

Nutrition Technologies closes US$20 million equity round

N utrition Technologies,
Asia’s first industrial in-
sect company, has completed an
equity venture round of US$ 20
million. The round was led by
PTT Ventures and supported by
Sumitomo Corporation, ING
Sustainable Investments, Man-
dala Capital, as well as continued
participation from existing inves-
tors: Openspace Ventures, SEEDs
Capital and Hera Capital. The
round was advised by ING Cor-
porate Finance. The new funding
will be used to launch new prod-
ucts, expand into new markets,
accelerate R&D and create new
strategic partnerships.
“It is great to welcome our new
investors, who collectively bring
vast expertise and experience to
help us realise our vision. We
are also humbled by the contin-
ued support provided from our
existing shareholders,” said Tom
Berry, Co-CEO and Co-founder,
Nutrition Technologies.
“We are increasing production
to meet market demand and pro-
viding essential ingredients to the
domestic agricultural sector as well
as boosting exports through ship-
ping our products to Korea, Japan,
Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam,
Philippines and Chile. We will
also commence shipments to the
UK and EU very soon,” said Nick
Piggott, Co-CEO and Co-founder,
Nutrition Technologies.
Nutrition Technologies will use
these funds to further expand
production capacity both at its
current operating plant in Ma-
laysia as well as through a new
joint-venture project in a soon-to-
be-announced second country in
Southeast Asia. The Company also
intends to expand its R&D capa-
bilities in Singapore; commence
commercial activities in the UK
and EU; and add several new pat-
ents to its existing IP portfolio.

Avril Group, Sanders to give €6 million in aid to

livestock farmers

F rench animal feed producer Avril Group and

its subsidiary for animal nutrition, Sanders,
have announced a €6 million aid plan for livestock
producers. Intended for the livestock farmer and
not for the farm, the aid can range from €2,000 to
€100,000.
First announced last spring by Avril Group and
Sanders, its leading business unit specialized in an-
imal nutrition, the €6 million aid plan for livestock
farmers has just been launched for eligible breeders
who request it, regardless of their production, or
whether they are clients or future clients.
"Given the increasing prices of raw material over
the last two years and the consequent increase in
the price of feed aggravated by the war in Ukraine,
the increase in energy costs, and finally the avian
flu, livestock farmers are facing a very complex eco-
nomic situation. The aid plan we implemented is
consistent with our mission to provide them with
support throughout their transition to profitable
and sustainable farming", explains Philippe Manry,
General Manager of Sanders.
The aid plan addresses three main objectives: to
promote the transfer, installation, and development
of farms thus contributing to the sustainability of
French livestock, to support the modernization of
facilities towards more sustainable livestock farm-
ing, and finally, within an unpredictable inflation-
ary context, to provide solutions to facilitate access
to quality protein nutrition.

14 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 NEWS

Ocean Harvest unveils successful OceanFeed™

swine trials
Ocean Harvest Technology has unveiled the results of a successful trial
demonstrating OceanFeed™ Swine, produced from seaweeds, can be effective
in low Zinc (Zn) in piglet diets.

O cean Harvest Technology, the largest glob-

al producer of animal feed additives from
multispecies seaweed blends, announced the re-
sults of a successful trial that demonstrate Ocean-
Feed™ Swine can be effective in low Zinc (Zn) in
piglet diets.
The EU, followed by some other countries such
as the UK, have recently significantly reduced the
levels of Zn that can be included in piglet diets. Zn
has traditionally been used in piglet diets to sup-
press bacteria growth in the gut, with levels around markers, higher levels of good bacteria and great
2,500-3,500 ppm often employed relative to the microbiome diversity were observed in piglets fed
150 ppm current limit. diets supplemented with OceanFeed™ Swine.
The results of this trial show that in piglet di- This trial provides another example of the bene-
ets free from therapeutic Zn, OceanFeed™ supple- fits of seaweed blends, showing why OceanFeed™
mented diets showed similar, and in some cases use is growing in swine, and particularly the antibi-
better, piglet performance than the diets with high otic-free, low-Zn piglet segment, and other animal
Zinc inclusion. Faster growth, lower inflammation feed sectors.

AB Vista to extend reach across Asia Pacific with Signis

AB Vista continues to expand across the Asia Pacific region with the launch of
Signis, a feed additive that improves the gut health of poultry and swine.

A B Vista is to continue its

expansion across the Asia
Pacific region with the launch of
Signis in three more countries:
Vietnam, the Philippines and
Thailand.
Signis – the world’s first ‘stim-
biotic’ product – is a feed ad-
ditive that improves the gut
health of poultry and swine and
improves animals’ resilience to
challenges.
It works by stimulating and
accelerating the microbiome’s
ability to ferment fibre efficient-
ly, thereby improving nutrient
digestibility and optimising gut
function. This makes the animals
more efficient, perform better
and improves liveability.
What’s more, using Signis helps
to significantly reduce produc-
tion costs – a particularly wel-
come benefit at a time when
animal producers are having to
grapple with increasing prices.
Signis, which is already avail-
able in Indonesia and Malaysia,
was launched in Vietnam – in Ho
Chi Minh City on 21 September
and Hanoi on 23 September –
followed by the Philippines and
Thailand in November.

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 15

 NEWS

Leading clinical scientist calls for greater

transparency around red meat studies

P rofessor Alice Stanton,

Professor of Cardiovascu-
lar Pharmacology at the Royal
College of Surgeons in Ireland
and Director of Human Health
at Devenish, said policy makers
should be extremely wary of any
studies which aren’t “rigorously
and transparently evidence based
and ignore the protections against
nutritional deficiencies afforded
by animal-sourced food”. cluding red meat, and emphasized ton has led a campaign calling for
She was speaking at the 12th the need for clear and consistent the authors of the very influential
Global Agenda for Sustainable evidence-based health messages. Global Burden of Disease (GBD)
Livestock multi-stakeholder meet- Professor Stanton said: “Ani- Risk Factors study to provide evi-
ing held this week in Dublin mal-source foods are an important dence for the dramatically increased
where over 150 professionals from source of many key health pro- number of deaths attributed to un-
42 countries convened for a week- moting nutrients and, as part of a processed red meat consumption,
long event entitled ‘Livestock balanced diet, they protect against contained in The Lancet published
Sector Actions Towards More Sus- nutritional deficiencies, helping to GBD 2019 report. She also queries
tainable Food Systems’. reduce the likelihood of childhood why the editors of The Lancet have
In her address, Professor Stan- stunting, iron deficiency anaemia, not required immediate correction
ton highlighted the protective and elderly frailty. of the serious author confirmed er-
effects of animal-source foods, in- In recent months, Professor Stan- rors in this report.

Bunge agrees to sell oilseed processing business in Russia

US-based global agricultural commodities trader Bunge agreed to sell its
oilseed processing business in Russia to Karen Vanetsyan, the controlling
shareholder of Exoil Group.

B unge Ltd announced that it has agreed to

sell its oilseed processing business in Russia
to Karen Vanetsyan, the controlling shareholder of
Exoil Group. The sale includes the sunflower pro-
cessing plant in Voronezh.
“We are grateful to the team for continuing to
deliver essential food and feed in this challenging
environment. With Karen Vanetsyan's more than
25 years of experience in agricultural processing,
we are confident the team will continue to suc-
cessfully serve customers,” said Greg Heckman,
Bunge’s CEO.
The completion of the sale is subject to customary
closing conditions, including regulatory approval.

16 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022


Evonik using epigenetics to trace animal welfare
E vonik has developed a test
for chicken products that
shows how the animals were kept
and fed. This reliable new meth-
od, which was developed with
the aid of epigenetics, enhances
transparency and therefore raises
consumer confidence.
Epigenetics is a branch of biology
that determines how the environ-
ment an animal has been exposed
to influences patterns on its ge-
netic material. Evonik sees poten-
tial users along the entire chicken
production chain, especially agri-
cultural enterprises and retailers.
Evonik's new epigenetic test will
extend its range of system solutions
for sustainable meat production.
At present, experts are working
to tailor the test method to the re-
ADM celebrates 120th anniversary
ADM, formally known as Archer-Daniels-Midland Company and one of the
world’s largest human and animal nutrition companies with 41,000 employees
in around 200 countries, celebrated its 120th anniversary.
S eptember 30 marked the
120th birthday for ADM,
formally known as Archer-Dan-
iels-Midland Company.
ADM was incorporated on Sept.
30, 1902, in Minneapolis, Minne-
sota, as a regional linseed oil busi-
ness. Today, ADM – with 41,000
employees serving customers in
nearly 200 countries – is an in-
dispensable global agricultural
supply chain manager and proces-
sor, a premier human and animal
nutrition company, a trailblazer
in groundbreaking solutions to
October 2022
quirements of different customers.
For this purpose, Evonik is build-
ing up an epigenetics and bioinfor-
matics platform in Singapore. This
will have around 10 employees in
the future. Development work is
well advanced, so the specific tests
can be made available to customers
in the short- to mid-term.
Walter Pfefferle, a biologist
who works as a manager at Crea-
vis, Evonik's strategic research
entity and business incubator
says: “Our technology opens up
a completely new insight into
poultry production. Chickens
can now tell their own story.”
In cooperation with Illumina,
a leading provider of systems for
large-scale analysis of genetic varia-
tion and function, Evonik has now
support healthier living, a cut-
ting-edge innovator in replacing
petroleum-based products, and a
leader in sustainability.
“Over the past 120 years, our
company has evolved from a re-
gional startup into an irreplaceable
leader providing needed nutrition
to billions around the globe. We’ve
transformed at many moments
along the way, but unlocking the
power of nature to enrich lives has
always been at the heart of every-
thing we do,” said Juan Luciano,
Chairman and CEO.
FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE
NEWS
developed an epigenetic chip that
allows rapid analysis of, for exam-
ple, samples of meat, despite the
enormous amount of data. A pre-
treated sample is applied to a test
area on the chip, which measures
changes in the genome of the sam-
ple. The data can be read with a spe-
cial appliance and are then evaluat-
ed using AI-based algorithms. In its
laboratories in Singapore, Evonik is
now validating the method, feeding
data to the algorithms, and explor-
ing new areas of application.
To celebrate the milestone,
ADM conducted a Fight Hunger
Challenge to bring employees to-
gether around the world to raise
money for hunger relief. As a re-
sult, ADM Cares has donated 1.2
million meals in partnership with
the World Food Program, Feeding
America and Food Banks Canada.
17
ISSUE FOCUS

ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN
SOURCES IN ANIMAL NUTRITION

18 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 ISSUE FOCUS

European insect sector is committed to

providing innovative and sustainable solutions
Christophe Derrien & Alice Grassi, IPIFF

Insects, a sustainable protein for a growing

market
Sabas de Diego, Tebrio

Non-conventional alternative proteins in feed

regulations in the EU
Dawn Botha, Pen & Tec Consulting

Unlocking the real value of insect meal

Nick Piggott, Nutrition Technologies

New single-cell alternative protein: ProtonTM

John Hays, Deep Branch

EU policy and insect alternative protein,

panacea or chimaera?
Jacopo Moccia, Eurogroup for Animals (EfA)

Progressive yet traditional, sustainable, and

economical protein source – Edible insects
Masa Ivkovic, AFOS

Mealworms for premium quality, nutrient rich

and sustainable pet food
Bénédicte Lorrette, PhD, Ÿnsect

Insect protein - A sustainable alternative

Suzanne van den Eshof, Protix

Creating circular economy for animal feed

with insects
Volant Wills, Goterra

Food for Feed

Evelien van Donselaar, Selko Feed Additives

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 19

 ISSUE FOCUS

Christophe Derrien Alice Grassi

Secretary General Communication Manager
International Platform of Insects International Platform of Insects
for Food and Feed (IPIFF) for Food and Feed (IPIFF)

"EUROPEAN INSECT SECTOR

IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING INNOVATIVE
AND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS"
“In synergy with other EU agri-food sectors and stakeholders, the European insect
sector is committed to providing innovative and sustainable solutions which should
contribute to reducing our dependence on imported proteins as well as mineral
fertilisers and strengthen EU self-sufficiency of our food supply chains.”

T he popularity of the insect industry has been

increasing in recent years. Europe, in partic-
ular, occupies a special position in this area. In fact,
it is one of the points where the fastest industrializa-
tion in this field is experienced... It can be said that
the European Union's efforts to reduce animal-based
emissions and environmental footprint, ensure sus-
tainability in production, meet the food needs of the
increasing population and self-sufficiency, which has
recently gained importance, are influential in this.
Insects, which are an important link in the food
chain in natural life, are considered as an extreme-
ly productive food and feed ingredient due to their
low environmental, water and land footprint. The
amino acid- and vitamin-rich content of insect
proteins, as well as the potential to recycle wastes
that cannot be used in human nutrition, are some
of the factors that make it attractive. However, this
industry is just at the beginning and for now con-
tinues its growth within the framework of the cau-
tious approach of the European Commission. We
talked to Christophe Derrien, Secretary General of
the International Platform of Insects for Food and
Feed (IPIFF) about 1.5 years ago, about the impor-
tance of the insect industry and its development in
the EU. There have been many important devel-
opments in the meantime, and we have once again
evaluated these developments with IPIFF represen-
tatives. This time, Christophe Derrien answered our
questions on the subject together with Alice Grassi,
IPIFF Communication Manager.

20 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022


Insects are one of the most important alternative
protein sources that come to mind first today. First
of all, can you tell us about the features that make
insects a good alternative protein source for both
feed and food?
Insect farming activities and their derived products
respond to the demand for sustainable and high-qual-
ity protein to feed a growing population, by generat-
ing locally produced food, as well as feed ingredients
which could be used in fish or livestock farming.
The sustainability of insect farming is given by
its reduced environmental footprint and high effi-
ciency in terms of water and land footprint. Thanks
to vertical farming techniques, insect farming re-
quires less arable land as insect farmers use ‘crates’
aligned vertically to rear their insects. Most com-
monly farmed species are able to absorb the water
they need from their substrates. Moreover, insects
can also contribute to reducing the burden of food
waste, being fed with underused agri-food by-/
co-products (e.g., vegetable/fruits/starch origin) or
food no longer destined for human consumption
(e.g., unsold products from supermarkets, food
products arising from the food manufacturing and
being discarded for technical reasons).
Insect proteins contain relevant amino acids and
vitamins for both animal nutrition and human con-
sumption. Insects are quite versatile ingredients and
can be added to foods and feed in different ways. Both
directly as whole insects (e.g., boiled, fried or in dried
form), processed into powder or paste to increase nu-
tritional value or functionality, as well as various in-
gredients (e.g., protein powder, insect oil, etc).
We had our last interview with IPIFF in April
2021. Since then, there have been many develop-
ments in the insect industry. Especially at the Eu-
ropean Commission, new regulations were passed
regarding the use of insects and insect products.
Can you tell us a little about these regulations
and their impact on the insect industry?
Since April 2021, the European insect sector has
welcomed several regulatory developments which
helped and will help the industry to upscale.
October 2022
ISSUE FOCUS
Following the positive vote from the EU Member
States in April 2021, Commission Regulation (EU)
2021/1372, which formally authorised the use of
Processed Animal Proteins derived from farmed in-
sects (insect PAPs) in pig and poultry feed, entered
into force on 7 September 2021. This authorisa-
tion opened two of the most relevant EU animal
feed markets, which represent circa 65% of the EU
compound feed production. Following the entry
into force of this implementing regulation, the de-
mand for insects as feed is expected to grow, lead-
ing to an increase in the production capacity of the
sector. The authorisation of insect PAPs in poultry
and pig feed will offer new opportunities - starting
with the incorporation of such ingredients into the
diet of such animals, the subsequent use of insects
in organically farmed chicken and pigs, implicitly
strengthening partnerships between insect and an-
imal farms.
With regards to edible insects, since 2021 with
the first Novel Food authorisation, several other
positive EFSA (European Food Safety Authority)
opinions and consequent authorisations have fol-
lowed. Currently (Autumn 2022), four Novel Food
authorisations concerning products derived from
edible insects have entered into force: dried yellow
mealworm (22 June 2021), dried and frozen migra-
Essento (Insect burger - Switzerland)
FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 21
 ISSUE FOCUS
Hermetia Baruth (Germany)
tory locust (3 December 2021), dried, ground and
frozen house cricket (2nd March 2022), the sec-
ond on frozen, dried and powder yellow mealworm
(28th February 2022). Two EFSA opinions are still
waiting for authorisation (partially defatted house
cricket (EFSA’ opinion 13 May 2022) and frozen
and freeze-dried formulations of the lesser meal-
worm (EFSA’ opinion published on 4 July 2022)) 1.
Last but not least, the European insect sector also
welcomed Regulation (EU) 2021/1925 which defined
EU baseline standards for the production and placing
on the market of insect frass as organic fertiliser. The
legal text aligned the heat treatment process standards
for the placing on the market of frass with those ap-
plying to processed animal manure, creating harmon-
isation in the processing standards in the Member
States, and paving the way for the commercialisation
of these products on the whole EU market.
The animal feed industry has been experiencing
serious problems such as the supply of feed ingredi-
ents/grains due to global warming, drought, pan-
demic and the war between Russia and Ukraine.
And, an energy crisis has now been added to this,
as well. Could insects or other alternative proteins
22 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE
contribute to the solutions of such problems in
the future? How do you evaluate the potential of
the EU insect industry in this regard?
In synergy with other EU agri-food sectors and
stakeholders, the European insect sector is commit-
ted to providing innovative and sustainable solu-
tions which should contribute to reducing our de-
pendence on imported proteins as well as mineral
fertilisers and strengthen EU self-sufficiency of our
food supply chains.
By expanding the list of feeding substrates for
farmed insects, the sector could notably help gen-
erate locally produced feed and food products while
contributing to safely upcycle losses originating
from European agri-food industries. Indeed, up
to a third of the food waste generated presently in
the EU may be used as insect substrate - before it
is classified as ‘waste’. Currently, by-/co-products
from grains, starch, fruit and vegetable supply chain
products are authorised as substrates for insects. In
the future, the possible authorisation of former
foodstuffs containing and meat and fish and cater-
ing waste would play a key role in upcycling the
production capacity of the sector and help facing
the supply challenges of our times.
October 2022

We see that the use of insects as feed and food is
now more encouraged by senior leadership due to
many topics such as sustainable production, cli-
mate and environmental problems, and food safe-
ty. What does this mean for the insect industry?
As mentioned in question 1, sustainability and envi-
ronmental performance of insect farming are topics of
great importance for our sector. In spite of the young
age of the insect sector, there is growing evidence
around the environmental performance indicators of
such farming activities. IPIFF is working internally
with its Members in order to continue the research
and respond to the sustainability performance with
scientific data, as other alternative protein sectors.
On the food safety aspect, insect farmers conduct
farming practices which follow the EU regulation
and, in this regard, continues to update its ‘Guide
on Good Hygiene Practices’ which is soon to be ap-
proved as EU guide for insect producers.
Is the insect industry in the world able to fulfill
all the responsibilities attributed to it? For exam-
ple, how much of the current capacity can meet the
world's protein needs for feed and food? Regard-
ing this need, do you have a future goal that you
have set as representatives of the insect industry?
With several thousand tonnes of insect PAPs pro-
duced, the production of insects for food and feed
is expected to increase rapidly in the coming years.
Building on the total investment raised by the mid-
2020s, the sector may reach a total turnover of circa
2 billion euros/year by the end of the decade2.
While IPIFF is convinced that insects may soon
constitute a reliable complement or partial sub-
stitution to fishmeal and soy in feed formulae for
aquaculture, poultry and swine animals, we do not
however, forecast that insects will fully replace in-
gredients such as soy meal. “Insect proteins and
oils will be new raw material categories, which, in
combination with ‘more traditional’ or other novel
ingredients, will create better performing feeds with
lower environmental footprints”, according to Ra-
bobank report ‘Non longer crawling: Insect protein
to come of age in the 2020s’ - 2021.
October 2022
ISSUE FOCUS
Yet, if insect production would be reaching
around 1 million tonnes of insects proteins, that
would contribute to improve EU’s self-sufficien-
cy in terms of High-Pro (30-50%) (today the EU
self-sufficiency high pro materials for animal feed is
only of 26 %) and Super-Pro (>50%) (today the EU
self-sufficiency super- pro materials for animal feed
is of 85 %) considering the high protein content of
these materials See EU Feed Protein Balance Sheet
(forecast) June 2021 through the following link.
IPIFF has a kind of alternative protein coali-
tion with EABA and COFALEC. What is the pur-
pose and goal of this coalition that you name as
InnovProtein EU?
Following the joint presentation addressed during
the IPIFF Annual Conference on the 1st December
2021; IPIFF, EABA (algae) and COFALEC (yeast)
have decided to delineate a joint roadmap on com-
mon interests and objectives. ‘InnovProtein EU’
shares the ‘common aim’ of supporting the overall
objectives of ‘EU Farm to Fork Strategy’ and the
transition towards more sustainable EU food sup-
ply chains.
The coalition will work together on unlocking
the EU policy opportunities s which could support
the development of alternative proteins, exploring
nutritional and environmental potential and/or
benefits of the sectors, through the streamlining
of EU Regulatory frameworks, appropriate R&D
efforts as well as developing joint communication
activities.
Within the scope of InnovProtein EU, what have
you done so far and what are your future plans?
Together with the algae and yeast sectors, IPIFF
outreached to EU decision makers in order to sup-
port regulatory advancements or the unlocking of
EU funded research opportunities to the benefit of
our respective sectors. We also consolidated our ties
with EU industry sectors from the food and feed
chain and participated in different events in the
context of promoting the sectors as innovative solu-
tions inspired by nature, encompassing products of
both vegetal and animal origin.
FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 23
 ISSUE FOCUS

Anything else you want to add…
Following the recent milestones achieved last year
from the insect PAPs authorisation in poultry and
pig feed, the Novel Food authorisations for edible
insects (see the dedicated webpage) and the devel-
opments of standards for insect frass, IPIFF is com-
mitted in unlocking new opportunities for the Eu-
ropean insect farmers.
Future possibilities such as the diversification of
the inputs authorised as insect substrates (what in-
sects eat) could upscale the insect farming sector. The
possible authorisation of former foodstuffs contain-
ing and meat and fish and catering waste would play
a key role in upcycling the production capacity of
the sector. IPIFF is discussing with the European
Commission services on building/collecting scientif-
ic evidence which would allow the European Food
Safety Authority (EFSA) to confirm that the use of
these materials as feed for insects entails safety risks.
In parallel, our organisation supports the objec-
tives of the EU Organic Action Plan in achieving
at least 25% of the EU’s agricultural land under or-
ganic farming by 2030 and a significant increase in
organic aquaculture, in line with the ‘Farm to Fork’
strategy. Locally produced feed and food ingredi-
ents, such as insects and fertilising products com-
patible with the concept of organic farming, such as
insect frass, could provide farmers with all the nec-
essary tools and instruments that would allow them
to convert to organic systems. Moreover, the recent
regulatory developments, mentioned above, would
contribute to develop EU organic standards for in-
sect farming unlocking its full potential towards a
more sustainable food system3.
IPIFF is also closely working with the European
Commission services on the updating of its guid-
ance document called ‘IPIFF Guide on Good Hy-
giene Practices’. The Guide, created in 2019, aims
at supporting operators and producers of insect
products in achieving high hygiene standards and
complying with the EU regulations as well as shar-
ing the best practices in the EU in order to set up
an insect business. The document is being discussed
within the EC and Member States offices in view of
possible validation before the end of the year.
1
More information on the Novel Food developments
and processes here https://ipiff.org/wp-content/up-
loads/2021/01/FAQs-Insects-as-Novel-Foods-in-the-
European-Union-13-01-final.pdf
2
According to a report of Meticulous Research, the
net worth of the insect sector may reach 8 billion USD
by 2030.
3
The adoption a new legislation may take place by the
end of 2022/1st half of 2023. The EU institutions in-
tend to define some criteria for insect to producers to get
certified as 'organic' under the EU organic legislation.

About Alice Grassi

Alice Grassi, originally from northern Italy, since June 2020 has been dealing with the external and internal communica-
tion of the International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed (IPIFF). She has an educational background in international
relations and EU policy matters. From 2018 to 2019, Ms Grassi worked at the European Union Intellectual Property Office
(EUIPO) dealing with project management, communication and food safety. Since 2021, she has been working as Communi-
cation Manager at IPIFF.

About Christophe Derrien

Christophe Derrien is the Secretary General of the International Platform of Insects for Food & Feed (IPIFF). Mr Derrien
started to work for IPIFF in January 2015 and manages the Secretariat since August 2016. Native from Brittany in western
France, Christophe has a legal background, with a specialization in EU and agri-food legislation. After performing several pro-
fessional missions at the French Ministry of Agriculture and at the European Commission (DG AGRI), Christophe has worked
for the EU umbrella organization of European farmers and agri-cooperatives (Copa-Cogeca), from 2009 until 2013. Then,
Christophe worked as a consultant on EU projects related to food sustainability (from 2013 until 2016).

24 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 ISSUE FOCUS

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October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 25
 ISSUE FOCUS

INSECTS,
A SUSTAINABLE PROTEIN
FOR A GROWING MARKET

Sabas de Diego
Co-founder and CTO
Tebrio

The livestock feed industry is facing the challenge of sustainability in the midst
of a complex context marked by climate change, the energy crisis and volatile
grain prices. In this scenario, insect protein has emerged as a promising
alternative for animal feed in crucial sectors, such as aquaculture or swine. This
new industry will bring to market millions of tons of product per year over the
next decade. And it will do so without competing with human consumption and
with minimal environmental impact to meet the needs of an expanding market.

T he fact that alternative sources of protein will

minimize the environmental impact of the
agrifood sector is something that no one is unaware
of. And if they are emerging so strongly, it is large-
ly because the agricultural production system is not
sustainable in the long term.
According to figures from the UN Food and Agricul-
ture Agency (FAO), the traditional agri-food sector is
responsible for one third of the world's annual green-
house gas emissions. And the worst thing is that even
then it will not be able to produce enough food for the
world's population in the near future. Hence the urgen-
cy of finding new sources of supply that are both sus-
tainable in the long term and environmentally friendly.
At first glance, the challenge seems unattainable,
but it is not. And the painful energy crisis we are
going through, believe it or not, can give us the im-
petus we need to definitively face the transition to
a new model that will allow us to be more efficient
and at the same time strengthen the industry.
SCALABILITY AND EFFICIENCY
Among the new sources of protein that have been
making their way for years are insects. And of these,
the Tenebrio molitor or mealworm is one of the most
interesting ones. The industry is new, but not new-
born. The solutions it provides have been proven
and regulated for years in the animal feed sector.
And the scalability of the production model has
already been implemented, allowing companies in
the sector to compete with other raw materials at or
very close to market prices.
That's not to say that this novel source of protein
will replace existing ones, because they will all still
be needed. But it will bring a new perspective to the
industry and millions of tons per year of sustainable
products with minimal environmental impact.
The figures are well known, but it is worth recall-
ing them because they represent a key element in
the development of the sector: a vertical mealworm
farm needs 95% less arable land and 98% less water

26 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022


to produce 500% more premium protein than any
other farm.
The facilities where this species is reared and pro-
cessed do not generate any waste, since in addition
to the protein and fat extracted from the larvae, the
insect's excrement is used to manufacture a biofer-
tilizer that is suitable for organic farming. And once
the worm has transformed into a beetle, from it we
can get chitin, a polymer with dozens of bioindus-
trial applications, from the manufacture of biode-
gradable plastics to the treatment of wastewater, as
well as medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic uses.
To close the circle, these farms have been con-
ceived and designed to be powered almost exclusive-
ly by renewable energies, which in the end results in
a negative carbon footprint, since not only are they
non-polluting factories, but their products allow
the industries that use them to pollute less.
Mealworms, like the six other insects currently
approved by the European Union for animal feed
formulation, have four main markets: aquaculture,
swine, poultry and the pet segment. However, it is
the first two that can have the greatest impact on
the environment.
October 2022
ISSUE FOCUS
IN THE AQUACULTURE INDUSTRY
The aquaculture industry has long been looking
for new feed sources to reduce dependence on pro-
cessed fishmeal obtained from offshore catches. And
among the alternatives being considered, insects are
one of the most interesting options.
Tenebrio molitor meal can have a protein concen-
tration higher than 72%. And its ratio between di-
gestible protein and crude protein by pepsic diges-
tion is higher than 90%. It has less than 7% fat and
its ash does not reach 5%.
All this translates into an improvement of the
metabolic behavior of fry and juveniles, since the
animals need less energy to synthesize the amino
acids and proteins present in this ingredient. And
thus, the immune system is indirectly strengthened
as well. The latest study carried out with rainbow
trout and sea bream indicates that fish fed with
tenebrio meal develop more robustly, show a lower
degree of stress and are more resistant to the patho-
gens they face in the water, which in turn allows a
reduction of antibiotic use.
The same was found with juvenile sea bass fed
for six weeks with this type of protein. Specifically,
FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 27
 ISSUE FOCUS
it was concluded that the antibacterial activity of
lysozyme and the inhibition of trypsin were signifi-
cantly higher. This suggests that these insects have
an immunostimulant effect and promote antipara-
sitic activity. Or in other words: they increase the
resistance of fish to certain diseases.
Something similar happens with the Pacific white
shrimp. This species has a high rate of early mortality
when reared in captivity. But by replacing 50% of
the fishmeal with insect protein, a better feed conver-
sion can be achieved, which ultimately strengthens
growth and reduces the rate of immunosuppression,
probably due to the chitin content of the insects and
other biofuels that counteract pathogenic infections.
In the case of juvenile catfish, studies point in
the same direction. In one of them, four diets were
proposed with 9, 18 and 27 grams of Tenebrio moli-
tor meal per 100 grams of feed. And it was observed
that those specimens fed with at least 25% insect
protein developed a significantly higher resistance
to the bacterium Edwardsiella ictaluri, responsible
for enteric septicemia.
For decades, the aquaculture sector has used fish-
meal as the main source of protein for its feed. But due
to marine overexploitation, alternatives are needed to
maintain or expand production. Because to get a kilo
of fish meat in captivity, the industry needs up to four
kilos of catches that are later transformed into feed.
28 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE
On the other hand, vegetable meals are much cheap-
er and relatively abundant, but their amino acid profile
is far from that of insects. And they require a greater
use of feed additives, which in large doses could cause
organoleptic changes in carnivorous species.
FOR THE SWINE SECTOR
The swine sector has a similar need. The recent ban
on zinc oxide as a feed ingredient has forced the indus-
try to look for new alternatives to combat piglet mor-
tality. And again, insects may be part of the solution.
Since June 26th, this chemical compound cannot be
used in medicated feed, because once it is released into
the environment through slurry, it represents a dan-
gerous threat. Zinc oxide does not solubilize easily, nor
does it degrade, nor is it assimilated by bacterial life in
the soil, which means that it can pollute groundwater
in a short period of time. This implies that the envi-
ronmental risks associated with its use are greater than
the benefits it can bring in the short term.
Farmers must now find an alternative to replace
that additive, which was used to control early mor-
tality caused by E. coli bacteria. And they must do so
urgently, since the law has also drastically restricted
the use of antibiotics.
The key to combat those dangerous gastric infec-
tions that threaten piglets may lie in nutrition. Tene-
brio molitor meal has a minimum degree of processing
and has been shown to improve both the apparent and
standardized digestibility of feed, favoring the use of
all the ingredients that compose it. And especially, of
some essential amino acids that can help the animal's
growth, such as Histidine, Arginine and Cysteine.
At an optimal concentration of up to 10% of the
diet, this protein produces improvements in the
immunological indicators IgG and IgA. And at the
same time, it reduces the fecal concentration of Sal-
monella and E. coli. To complete the diet, synthetic
amino acids and by-products such as olive pomace
polyphenols and sodium butyrate can be included.
It is estimated that between 10% and 15% of pig-
lets die during the first two weeks of life. And one
October 2022
 ISSUE FOCUS

of the main causes of this premature mortality rate
is gastric infections, which lead to severe diarrhea,
weakening the animal to the point of exhaustion.
All this leads to multi-million dollar economic loss-
es for a key sector in the agri-food industry.
THE FUTURE AHEAD
The technology is ready and the nutritional prop-
erties of insects have long been known, since many
animals consume them naturally in the wild. All we
have to do is to adjust the protein and fat percent-
ages for each species so that we get the best possible
results. And that's something the industry has been
working on for years.
Far from supplanting or substituting the raw ma-
terials we already know and which are still necessary,
insect protein complements them to obtain a better
and more sustainable product. And by using it, we
would optimize the resources we have to prevent an-
imal and human consumption from entering into
competition. In fact, if we used just 10% insect pro-
tein in feed formulation, we could free up millions
of hectares of grain crops for human consumption.
And so, we would counteract the grain shortages and
market volatility unleashed by the war in Ukraine.

About Sabas de Diego

Sabas has an academic background in Chemical Engineering and almost 20 years of experience in the agri-food sector. In
2014, he founded Tebrio together with Adriana Casillas, leading the technological development and supervising the team of
engineers and scientists on which rests the activity of a worldwide pioneer company in the breeding and processing of insects.
Previously, he managed the technical team of the Maguisa slaughterhouse in Salamanca, Spain, where he developed a deep
knowledge of the agri-food industry and the legislation regulating it. During that time, he managed R&D projects in the swine
sector and handled budgets above 12 million euros.

Training offer at:

www.pentec-academy.com

TRUSTED REGULATORY SOLUTIONS FOR

ANIMAL FEED & HUMAN NUTRITION

ALT PROTEINS IN ANIMAL FEED -

HOW TO GET A REGULATORY
APPROVAL?
Seek out assistance during
the application phase to avoid
potential delays

Contact us at: info@pentec-consulting.eu

www.pentec-consulting.eu
Pen October 2022SLU
& Tec Consulting FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 29
 ISSUE FOCUS

NON-CONVENTIONAL
ALTERNATIVE PROTEINS IN FEED
REGULATIONS IN THE EU
Is it the answer to less soymeal in animal feed?

Dawn Botha
Technical Marketing Manager
Pen & Tec Consulting

“It is estimated that around 34 percent of the protein in human diets originate
from animal products. This amount is increasing due to the growth in the
middle-class population globally, with more disposable income available
to purchase animal derived proteins as a food source. A rise in demand for
animal protein is coupled with larger volumes of feed production, therefore,
more protein sources are needed to fulfil the needs of these animals...”

P rotein is probably one of the most expensive raw

materials needed in the production of animal
feed and very often imported, which raises the cost
of the finished feed tremendously. Proteins used in
animal feeds are ranked according to the digestibility
as well as their amino acid profile. Superior proteins
will be easily digestible and contain all the essential
amino acids needed by the animal to support all bi-
ological processes. When the protein sources used in
animal feeds are not easily digestible, an excess of ni-
trogen, over and above the normal amount, will be
excreted by the animal which causes a negative im-
pact on the environment as it may potentially pollute
the soil and water in the surrounding areas.
It is estimated that around 34 percent of the pro-
tein in human diets originate from animal prod-
ucts. This amount is increasing due to the growth
in the middle-class population globally, with more
disposable income available to purchase animal de-
rived proteins as a food source. A rise in demand
for animal protein is coupled with larger volumes
of feed production, therefore, more protein sourc-
es are needed to fulfil the needs of these animals.
Consumers are becoming more aware of the sources
of the food that makes up their diets, which means
there is growing concern about feed safety as well
as sustainability and the impact of animal rearing
on the environment1. Production animals require
protein in their diets for growth and overall health
and wellbeing as proteins are needed for the regen-
eration and growth of muscles and organs. Typical
diets of domestic animals can vary in the amount
of protein they contain, depending on the age, type
of animal as well as the physiological state of the
animal. This article will give a brief overview of
the classification and potential notification and/or
registration processes required for different protein
sources used in animal feeds.
CONVENTIONAL PLANT-BASED PROTEINS
• Soybean
Considered one of the most popular sources of
protein used in animal feeds, especially for mo-
nogastric animals. It is produced as a by-product
during the oil extraction process of whole soybeans.

30 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 ISSUE FOCUS

Soybean meal has long been the topic of controver-
sy due to the impact it has on the environment in
terms of deforestation in South America. Typically,
not grown in large scale amounts within the EU,
it would need to be imported, significantly raising
the cost of the finished feed. Different protein levels
can be obtained through the technology by which
the soybeans are processed. According to the Euro-
pean Food Safety Authority (EFSA) classification,
it would fall under the category of feed materials,
and it would undergo a simple notification. A simi-
lar process of notification would be required for the
other plant-based protein sources mentioned below.
• Other oil meal crops
The most common oilseed crops in Europe are
sunflower and rapeseed (also known as canola),
however, rapeseed contains some antinutritional
factors and needs to be treated before being includ-
ed in animal feeds as a protein source2.
grow get the best protein sources, whilst we take
care of the environment as well as meet the demand
for more protein by the ever-growing global pop-
ulation? This is of course a valid question. Below
are some examples of protein sources that are con-
sidered “unconventional” or alternative to the stan-
dard, as well as the processes involved in how to
get approval for these products to be included in
commercial animal feeds.
• Processed Animal Products (PAP)
Regulation (EC) 1069/20093 and Commission
Regulation (EU) 142/20114 are the regulations that
are used as a framework to class these specific prod-
ucts. Safety is the main concern when it comes to
their potential uses in animal feed, and many have
been restricted to use in petfood diets. All these
products are monitored with traceability to miti-
gate the potential risks involved when using them
in animal feed.

• Legumes Since 2001, following the BSE scare in the UK of

Commonly used legumes are pea, chickpea, lupin, 1994, the EU extended the ban on the use of PAP in
and lentils. While these raw materials are indeed animal feed to all food producing animals. The ban to
excellent sources of plant protein for animal feeds, use PAP in ruminant feeds remains in place, so does
they are used in human nutrition and the produc-
tion of animal feeds will thus directly compete with
these raw materials. Ideally, the aim would be not to
reduce the amount of plant-based protein available
to the human population.

NON-CONVENTIONAL PROTEIN SOURCES

Producers of animal protein products are being
scrutinized closely for their impact on the environ-
ment. Consumers are increasingly becoming aware
of the effects that large scale commercial farming
have on the environment. The production of plant
proteins takes up many hectares of land, but these
proteins are then directed towards the feeding of
animals to grow more protein for human consump-
tion. Plant proteins are also used in human diets
and this adds to the already strained resources of
these raw materials.

The question that producers of animal proteins

often ask is: how can we ensure that the animals we

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 31

 ISSUE FOCUS
the ban on intra-species recycling. However, the Eu-
ropean Commission (EC) has recently lifted the ban
of including PAP in monogastric feeds and thus they
can once again be included in poultry and pig feeds,
but as mentioned above, the intra-specie-recycling
ban remains in place. The lifting of this ban not only
benefits the animals, as better amino acid profiles can
be maintained, but it is also a sustainable approach as
the feed ingredients are local which reduces the cost of
the final feed remarkably and it gives feed formulators
more options of proteins to include in the diet5.
• Insects
The concept of insects consumed as a source of
protein is by no means a new concept and countries
in Africa, Asia and Latin America have long been
incorporating insects in their diets, and still do. In-
sects are an easily digestible protein and contain an
excellent amino acid profile, which makes them the
ideal source of protein for use in animal feeds6.
There are numerous benefits to substitute con-
ventional protein sources with insects, one of them
being that insects are able to feed on biowaste such
as food waste and compost, which makes insect
farming an attractive venture as it would potentially
benefit the environment because of the reduction in
waste. The somewhat complicated part lies in the
regulations imposed on the process of farming with
insects, by the EC. Currently, farmed insects are
only allowed to be fed vegetal materials and in cer-
tain cases, eggs, milk, honey, rendered fat or blood
from non-ruminant animals. It is prohibited to feed
catering waste, manure, or slaughterhouse products.
Insects are considered animal by-products and
need to be registered to use in animal feed following
Table 1. Target species allowed raw material of insect origin in their diet within the EU8
Protein Fat Live
Cats and dogs √ √ √ √
Fish √ √ √ X
Poultry √* √ √
Pigs √* √ √
*Allowed as of 7 September 2021
32 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE
Regulation No 2001/999.7 Much like other PAP´s,
certain restrictions are applicable on the feeding of
insect protein in animal feeds. Up to date, insects can
only be used in petfood, aquaculture and recently,
monogastric diets, as explained in Table 1. There is
still a ban on the use of insects in ruminant feeds.
Currently there are 8 species of insects approved
for use as protein sources. These are8:
- Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens)
- Common house fly (Musca domestic)
- Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor)
- Lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus)
- House cricket (Acheta domsesticus)
- Banded cricket (Gryllodes sigitallus)
- Field cricket (Gryllus assimilis)
- Silkworm (Bombyx mori)
Companies who wish to produce insect proteins must
register as feed business operators, which is standard
practice for any company who produces feed ingredi-
ents. The same as for any other farmed animal, pro-
ducers who farm insects also need to adhere to strict
hygiene and animal welfare protocols as set out by the
European Commission in Regulation (EC) 183/20058.
• Earthworms
A very promising source of protein especially for poul-
try and aquaculture, but more research is needed to en-
sure large scale farming is done in a sustainable manner.
Up to date, no commercial earthworms, either whole or
as meal are available for use in feeds in Europe9.
• Seaweed
Can be used in the diets of aquaculture as well as
ruminant diets. These raw materials can currently
Whole insects (not milled, dried of frozen)
X
X
October 2022
 ISSUE FOCUS

only be used in limited amounts since producing the
finished product is quite intensive as it involves com-
plicated procedures of harvesting, treatment, drying,
packaging, and shipping. It is of course by no means
a dead end, but a lot more research and development
is needed to ensure that this is an economically sound
alternative to plant based proteins sources10.
• Single Cell Proteins (SCP)
These are dried products produced from single
cell organisms such as bacteria, yeast, fungi, and al-
gae and have long been a popular source of protein
used in animal feeds. SCP have an excellent amino
acid profile and it contains essential vitamins, which
would make it a good source of protein. However,
there is a high nucleic acid content present, and the
digestibility is lower than that of conventional plant-
based protein sources, therefore, it cannot complete-
ly replace conventional protein sources. There is a
benefit to SCP production since it is produced from
industrial and agricultural waste materials such as
molasses, whey, and starch. The yield will largely de-
pend on the microorganism and the substrate used.11
CONCLUSION
The idea of replacing conventional plant-based
proteins in animal feeds with alternative sources
such as insects for example, looks very promising.
Although non-conventional protein sources are still
very much limited to monogastric feeds and pet-
food, this already alleviates the pressure of the in-
creased demand for protein sources to use in animal
diets. Alternative protein sources are attractive sub-
stitutes to conventional plant proteins as they are in
many cases not influenced by the weather or climate
of a country and they can be grown throughout the
year. Many of the above-mentioned examples can be
locally produced, reducing the carbon footprint of
importing feed ingredients, as well as creating valu-
able job opportunities within the farming and food
production industries.
One of the barriers to entry into the market would
be the correct classification of and it is important
that companies who wish to venture into these mar-
kets potentially seek out assistance during the appli-
cation phase to avoid potential delays.
References:
1. https://www.fao.org/3/y5019e/y5019e03.htm
2. https://medcraveonline.com/JNHFE/review-on-
nutritional-limitations-and-opportunities-of-using-
rapeseed-meal-and-other-rape-seed-by-products-in-
animal-feeding.html
3. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2009/1069/2019-
12-14
4. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2011/142/2021-12-05
5. https://www.poultryworld.net/health-nutrition/
eu-lifts-ban-on-using-animal-by-products-for-poul-
try-feed/
6. https://www.eitfood.eu/blog/insects-as-food-and-
feed-in-europe-the-future-of-protein
7. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2001/999/oj
8. https://ipiff.org/insects-eu-legislation/
9. https://www.globalseafood.org/advocate/the-red-earth-
worm-as-an-alternative-protein-source-in-aquafeeds/
10. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/
S0377840118302049#!
11. https://scialert.net/fulltext/?doi=a-
jft.2011.103.116

About Dawn Botha

Dawn Botha was born and raised in South Africa and completed her Master of Science in dairy nutrition at the University
of Stellenbosch near Cape Town. Later in her career, she took an interest in marketing management and decided to add this to
her skill set.
She has extensive experience within the animal nutrition and animal health fields, in particular production animals, and
has worked for multinational animal health companies in South Africa. She joined the team from Pen & Tec Consulting as
their Technical Marketing Manager and is now based in Barcelona, Spain. Pen & Tec Consulting have recently became part of
the Argenta Global group.

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 33

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UNLOCKING THE REAL VALUE

OF INSECT MEAL

Nick Piggott
Co-founder and Co-CEO
Nutrition Technologies

“Instead of taking simplistic view which insists on the use of insect meal as
a fish meal replacement and focusing on the similarity between the two
materials, we should instead be looking at how insect meal differs from fish
meal, and thinking of insect-based ingredients as an entirely new product
category, with new value propositions and use cases.”

İ nsect meal has become an increasingly popu-

lar topic of discussion amongst nutritionists &
formulators across a range of different sectors, but
the uptake & utilisation of this novel material is still
relatively modest. Why is that? The level of under-
standing of insect production systems and their out-
puts (insect meal & insect oil), and Black Soldier Fly
Larvae (BSFL) in particular has skyrocketed recent-
ly, with 80% of all insect-related papers (since 1950)
being published in the last 2 years. These studies
include product applications in a wide range of spe-
cies, including; layers & broilers, starter & finisher
pigs, shrimps & seabass, and many others.
On reviewing a lot of these papers and listening to
presentations at recent feed conferences, a trend has
become clear. A trend which I see as being central to
the slow uptake of insect-based products in produc-
tive animals - the comparison to fish meal and the
focus on ‘fish meal replacement’.
a silver bullet for food security, by promoting it
as a fish meal replacement, and staking-out a To-
tal Addressable Market of 5-6m MT per year. This
immediately sets-up two issues; nutritional bench-
marking and price anchoring. There are very few (if
any) insect meal products which reach 65% Crude
Protein, the common benchmark for fish meal. So,
by comparing insect meal to fish meal on a Crude
Protein basis, formulators tend to be disappointed
when presented with only 50%-60% CP in insect
meal. Secondly, insect meal is relatively expensive
when valued primarily on the protein content, so
achieving a price comparable to fish meal on a pure-
ly macro-nutrient basis is still beyond most manu-
facturers.
In order to ‘replace fish meal’, the new product
needs to be either cheaper than, or higher in protein
than fish meal. Generally speaking, insect meal is
rarely either.

This stems largely from the insect meal manu- Instead of taking this simplistic view which insists
facturers themselves (ourselves), whose messaging on the use of insect meal as a fish meal replacement
has focused on the potential for insect meal to be and focusing on the similarity between the two ma-

34 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 ISSUE FOCUS

terials (amino acid profiles, digestibility, crude pro- ANTI-MICROBIAL ACTIVITY

tein content), we should instead be looking at how
insect meal differs from fish meal, and thinking of
insect-based ingredients as an entirely new product
category, with new value propositions and use cases.
This may seem presumptuous when the industry is
still in its infancy, with commercial products only
becoming available in the last 5 years. As the sec-
tor grows and more manufacturers come online and
more product diversification takes place, it’s critical
to the success of the insect-sector for manufacturers
to really understand and communicate the true val-
ue of insect-based products - which lie in the differ-
ences, not similarities, to fish meal.
In a 2020 study, a total of 68 AMPs in the BSFL
were identified, 57 of which are active peptides
with antimicrobial, antiviral, and or antifungal
activity. This is more than any other known inver-
tebrate. Because these peptides are so short, they
are generally more resistant to denaturation than
longer proteins, and tend to withstand the drying
and milling process well, so are present in the in-
sect meal.

These differences can be traced back to the evo-

lutionary history of insects, and BSFL in particular.
Being detritivores, BSFL evolved in microbially rich,
decaying matter - competing with bacteria & fungi
for nutrients, and they have necessarily developed a
comprehensive arsenal of weapons to out-compete
these microbes. This arsenal includes life history
traits, such as high fecundity (600-900 offspring
per female) and rapid weight gain (BSFL can gain
4000x their body weight in the first 7 days), as well
as biological tools. These biological tools include
Graphic representation of the identified AMP classes from
anti-microbial peptides (AMPs), chitin & medium larvae & adult transcriptomes. The largest class of AMPs
chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are some of the most ef- was Defensins (Chart from Moretta 2020).
fective anti-microbial organic molecules in nature.

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 35

 ISSUE FOCUS

land-based. We know this through both observation

and scientific studies that demonstrate the chitino-
lytic capabilities of dogs, cats, pigs, and many fish
species. We have also seen frequent demonstrations
that insect meal & oil acts as both a palatant and an
attractant, accelerating feed update and increasing
overall feed intake.

In order, then, to optimise the use of insect-based

Nutrition Technologies’ in vitro product testing
against three common pathogenic bacteria
In vitro testing against common pathogenic bac-
teria such as E. coli, Salmonella sp. and S. aureus,
extracts of BSFL oil, meal and fresh larvae were
demonstrated to have significant anti-microbial ac-
tivity, as demonstrated by the bacterial inhibition
zone within the petri dish.
PALATABILITY & ATTRACTANTS
Insects (or more broadly, invertebrates) are in the
natural diets of many animals, both aquatic and
ingredients in feed formulations, the focus should not
be on drawing parallels to fish meal and the macronu-
trient composition, but on the contribution of those
other biological molecules and their capacity to de-
liver improved performance on some key indicators.
APPLICATION STRATEGIES
Because of this, insect meal (and oil) are better
suited to functional feeds than to standard feeds,
or to integrators who reap the benefits of improved
performance without having to pass on any chang-
es in raw material costs to their customers. At this
stage of the (insect) industry both users and suppli-
ers are still getting to know the material and how
best to work with it, but as the knowledge base
grows, clear strategies and use-cases will become ap-
parent across and between species, and application
of insect-based products will become more targeted
and more effective.

Commercial trial on piglets replacing 2% full fat soybean meal with full-fat BSFL meal

Initial weight (kg) Final weight (kg) Feed intake (kg) FCR
Control 9.00 22.30 20.00 1.50
BSF meal 9.10 25.70 24.70 1.48
Variance (p:0.06) 15.40% 23.50%

About Nick Piggott

Nick is a Co-founder and Co-CEO of Nutrition Technologies, an industrial-scale BSF manufacturer based in South East
Asia. With a background in Life Sciences, Nick was exposed to the challenges of food security whilst working for the UN in
West Africa, and the company has since developed insect-based feed-ingredients for the livestock and aquaculture industries to
address this issue. Nick is the industry-side face of Nutrition Technologies, overseeing the product, regulatory & client side of
the business, ensuring that the organization maintains constant awareness of the competitive & regulatory landscape, market
trends, technology developments and industry standards.

36 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

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October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 37

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NEW SINGLE-CELL ALTERNATIVE

PROTEIN: PROTONTM

John Hays
VP of Commercial & Sales
Deep Branch

"Animal feed production and transportation significantly contribute to the

carbon footprint of the agriculture industry, which is intensive in terms of land,
water and other resources. Our single-cell protein, ProtonTM, is developed
for the animal feed industry specifically to meet these challenges… ProtonTM
provides security, transparency and traceability to feed producers, enabling
them to build sustainable feeds around locally-produced, GM-free protein..."

I n the livestock industry – including animal

nutrition – reducing the carbon footprint and
ensuring sustainability in production are among the
main trends of recent years. However, now a new
trend called “self-sufficiency” has been added to
these, which has become more apparent with the ef-
fects of the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.
Researching and introducing new alternatives for
protein, one of the main feed raw materials of the
animal nutrition industry, is becoming more and
more important specifically because of these needs.
One of these new alternatives is single-cell proteins.
Based in the UK and the Netherlands, Deep Branch
has recently introduced the single-cell protein it has
developed under the brand of ProtonTM to the animal
nutrition industry. “ProtonTM is a dry, protein-rich
ingredient for high-performance animal diets pro-
duced from microbes cultivated on clean and sustain-
able carbon dioxide,” explains John Hays, the com-
pany’s Vice President of Commercial & Sales.
Hays says this new single-cell alternative protein
will make a significant contribution to reducing the
carbon footprint. The company, which currently
conducts trial production and continues the instal-
lation of the pilot plant, aims to establish a facility
that will produce between 100,000 and 150,000
metric tons of ProtonTM per year. We asked John
Hays more details about ProtonTM.
Mr. Hays, why do you think alternative pro-
teins are important for animal nutrition indus-
try? Why does Deep Branch invest in this field?
Global demand for animal products is expected to
double by 2050, but we’re already struggling to farm
sustainably. Animal feed production and transporta-
tion also significantly contribute to the carbon foot-
print of the agriculture industry, which is intensive
in terms of land, water and other resources. Our sin-
gle-cell protein, ProtonTM, is developed for the animal
feed industry specifically to meet these challenges.
ProtonTM provides security, transparency and trace-
ability to feed producers, enabling them to build
sustainable feeds around locally-produced, GM-free

38 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022


protein. Additionally, Proton TM is produced from
locally sourced ingredients and has no arable land
requirements, reducing its carbon intensity by over
60% compared to conventional proteins.
We typically see two main interests from our cus-
tomers. The first and major one is reducing the carbon
footprint of animal products by enabling lower carbon
feeds. The second driver is self-sufficiency, an issue
that has become more apparent over recent years due
to geopolitics and complex supply chains. Customers
want better security on their strategic flows, which is
why we continue to invest in this field, as we believe
our technology can help produce local, nutritious and
sustainable protein. We believe investing in this field
will significantly impact tackling the climate emergency
and reducing the food industry’s impact on biodiversity
loss without relying on drastic behavioural changes.
You have recently developed Proton™, a sin-
gle-cell protein for the feed industry. What is Pro-
ton™ and after what kind of work was it developed?
ProtonTM is a dry, protein-rich ingredient for high-per-
formance animal diets produced from microbes culti-
vated on clean and sustainable carbon dioxide.
We create ProtonTM by cultivating non-GMO mi-
crobes in a controlled fermentation process. As the
microbes are naturally occurring, most of the inno-
vation has been developing an efficient and scalable
process. We’ve built on the foundations of conven-
tional fermentation processes, such as brewing beer
or wine, though instead of using microbes that must
be fed sugar, we use microbes that require carbon
dioxide and hydrogen to grow. When our microbes
grow, they accumulate high concentrations of pro-
tein, creating a milk-like broth. This broth is then
dried into a powder, and that’s how ProtonTM is made.
What do you promise to the animal nutrition
industry with Proton™?
Proton TM will help feed producers effectively low-
er their carbon footprint across the entire value
chain. We will build ProtonTM production plants
near points of consumption, offering a reliable and
local supply to end customers.
October 2022
ISSUE FOCUS
Our use of clean and sustainable CO 2 allows us to
deliver a consistent, high-quality and fully traceable
product that is available all year round, rather than
being dependent on seasonality.
Are there studies on the use of Proton™ in ani-
mal feed? If yes, could you give us some informa-
tion about the results obtained?
We’re slated to run feed trials with the University
of Stirling and Nottingham Trent University as part
of the end-to-end, value chain-wide REACT-FIRST
consortium, a programme supported by grant fund-
ing from Innovate UK, the UK's Innovation Agen-
cy. The programme is set up to obtain critical data
about the cost, digestibility, nutritional quality and
carbon footprint of Proton TM and is the first step
towards the ingredient’s commercial development.
Are you currently only making test production
or have you started commercial production? I
guess you have a production target of 100,000
tons in your facilities, how much can this meet
the needs of the feed industry?
We’re currently in the process of commission-
ing our Pilot Plant at Brightlands Chemelot in the
Netherlands. Once live, the facility will be able to
produce sufficient volumes of ProtonTM for applica-
tion development, validate key process techno-eco-
nomic factors at pilot scale and generate datasets re-
quired to inform the scale-up design of our planned
commercial facilities.
FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 39
 ISSUE FOCUS

be within a reasonable timeframe for any technology

building to scale. Nevertheless, we believe ProtonTM
will be able to compete with traditional products with
only a modest adjustment for sustainability savings.

You have recently partnered with BioMar for feeds

Simultaneously, we’re scaling the technology
needed for our next facility along our commercial
journey. We’re aiming for a commercial facility to
produce between 100,000 - 150,000mt of product
per annum. We believe the animal feed market will
be large enough to absorb these volumes and more.
You have partnered with Landsvirkjun to speed
up the production. How will this contribute to
the amount of production?
We’re collaborating with Landsvirkjun on a life
cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis to
assess the feasibility of building our first commer-
cial facility to scale the production of Proton TM in
Iceland. Our single commercial module will have
market-relevant offtake volumes and a production
capacity of 7.5kt per annum.
It is obvious that the costs related to feed ingre-
dients create an intense pressure on feed produc-
ers. Do you think Proton™ can be an economical
and sustainable protein source for feed industry
in the future?
Yes, definitely. We expect to meet the sustainability
challenge and the scale hurdle required for commer-
cial adoption. Of course, the economics will need
time as our capacity is brought online, but that will
of the aquaculture industry. What is the scope and
objective of this partnership? What is the current
focus and situation of your collaboration?
The Proton TM created in our Pilot Hall will be
used to produce Proton TM-based feed with BioMar
throughout 2023. Our immediate focus will be to
optimise salmon feed using Proton TM.
BioMar has launched the Blue IMPACT™ initia-
tive, which incorporates sustainability at the heart of
its direction, driving the company’s interest in Pro-
tonTM. Together with BioMar, we’ll conduct a full
suite of nutritional assessments in Denmark, Norway
and the UK to test the protein-rich ingredient. These
tests will focus on performance, digestibility and oth-
er parameters essential for fish health and growth.
Anything else you want to add…
We recently secured £4.8 million in funding from the
UK government’s Department for Business, Energy and
Industrial Strategy to scale our fermentation platform.
The project, Deep Blue C, will enable us to reduce the
cost of design optimisations, lower capital expenditure
and the cost of goods sold for our core fermentation
process and improve downstream processing.
Deep Blue C will result in a significant increase in
the production efficiencies of ProtonTM. By reducing
production costs as we scale, ProtonTM will ensure a
substantial saving in carbon footprint for feed pro-
ducers that switch from concentrated soybean meal
or fishmeal without an unjustifiable price premium.

About John Hays

John has more than 10 years of experience in finance and business development within the food and agriculture industries. Before joining
Deep Branch, he was Head of Business Development at Cefetra Group, while he also acted as a Project Manager in BayWa AG’s Corporate
Finance team for over three years. John has a strong track record of devising and executing strategies for bringing ingredients to market,
including go-to-market plans, partnerships, and mergers and acquisitions. As VP of Commercial & Sales at Deep Branch, John is using his
experience to shape the commercialisation strategy for Proton™, a single-cell protein developed by the company for the feed industry.

40 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 HIGHEST CHOLINE
CONCENTRATION
ISSUE FOCUS
I N T RO D U C IN G IN THE INDUSTRY

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Concentration in
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• Highest payload while eliminating the need for a carrier
• Durable and feed stable
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• European manufacturing

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The ReaShure line is proven to deliver results
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To learn more, contact your local Balchem representative or distributor.

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Italy Website BalchemANH.com
October 2022
Zenobi et al., J Dairy Sci. 101:1088 (2018) 2 Lima et al., The Veterinary Journal. 193:140-145 (2012).
1, 3
FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 41
All trademarks are property of Balchem Corporation © 2021 Balchem Corporation.
 ISSUE FOCUS

EU POLICY AND INSECT

ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN,
PANACEA OR CHIMAERA?

Jacopo Moccia
Political Advisor
Eurogroup for Animals (EfA)

“Insect farming is not necessarily compatible with a more sustainable food

system. It raises new animal welfare issues and, as an industry, it is expanding
rapidly despite numerous and significant unknowns. The precautionary
principle needs to be applied in legislating the insect production sector. It
is imperative to ensure that its development is compatible with the EU’s
objectives for a sustainable food system.”

I nsect farming has still to prove all its environ-

mental credentials and, as an industry, is shroud-
ed in overwhelming lack of knowledge, according to
Non-CO2 Greenhouse gas emissions in EU

European Union (EU) experts. Nevertheless, ten

species of insects are authorised for food or feed
in the EU, and the number is likely to grow over the
coming years. Authorisations are given purely on the
digestibility of the insects, rather than on an overall
appreciation of insect protein’s role and impact on
the food system and broader environment.

The European Union is committed to developing

a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food
system, and has adopted its lighthouse Farm to Fork Source: A European Green Deal - European Commission 2019

strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, soil and

other environmental pollution from its agricultural
sector. Indeed, according to the European execu-
tive’s figures, the farming sector is responsible for
over 10% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions
(Methane and Nitrous Oxide), excluding CO2.
With animal farming by far the biggest contributor
to agriculture’s GHG footprint representing, alone,
7% of total EU emissions.
Given the disproportionate environmental impact
of animal farming, the European strategy recognis-
es, therefore, the importance for the environment
and human health of reducing animal products in
Europeans’ diets and moving towards more exten-
sive - as opposed to intensive - animal farming with
high animal welfare standards.

42 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022


In this context, insect protein from industrial in-
sect farming facilities is touted as an environmen-
tally friendly way to enrich and replace traditional
feed for intensively farmed animals as it could re-
place soy imports from Latin America and reduce
the amount of arable land used to produce feed.
This, in turn, could diminish the political urgen-
cy of reducing animal product consumption and,
on the contrary, justify increased intensive animal
farming to meet increasing demand for meat, fish
and dairy.
On this basis, insect farming is taking off in Eu-
rope, with the two biggest insect production facil-
ities in the world operating, or soon-to-operate,
located in the EU. Not wishing to rain on this in-
sect parade, Eurogroup for Animals and other ani-
mal welfare advocates in Europe are calling for the
precautionary principle to be applied to the sector,
with future authorisations subordinated to a broad-
er understanding of impacts on the environment,
the sustainability of the food system and the welfare
of the animals reared by this new livestock industry.
EXACERBATING THE FOOD-FEED
COMPETITION
One of the main arguments in favour of insect
farming is that insects can feed on waste and other
products not fit for human or animal consumption
and upcycle them into protein. However, most of
these ingredients are not authorised in feed for in-
sects (known as substrates) due to concerns over dis-
ease and pathogen spread. Studies on the capacity of
insects to carry pests and spread disease and patho-
gens suggest that this is a serious concern.
The slaughter process through freezing or use of
heat may reduce the risk, but what is not known is
how unprecedented concentrations of thousands of
individuals may impact pest and disease transmis-
sion and resilience.
Moreover, not all ingredients are sufficiently nu-
tritious to guarantee high protein conversion rates
and low mortality rates in facilities. Not all insect
species can thrive on waste or poor-quality sub-
October 2022
ISSUE FOCUS
strates. Absence of adequate food can trigger com-
petitive behaviour between individuals and canni-
balism, leading to injury and death. Bottom line,
this means that not all ingredients are commercially
viable for insect rearing.
In fact, according to the industry association In-
ternational Platform of Insects for Feed and Food
(IPIFF), producers use a number of different in-
gredients, including fruits, vegetables, and cereal.
These are resources that could be used for direct
human consumption or to feed extensively reared
chickens and pigs. Around a third of insect produc-
ers use commercial feed which can include soy.
Ingredients used in substrates by insect producers
(percentage -%- of producers using each substrate)
Source: IPIFF vision paper on the future of the insect sector -
Survey of IPIFF members March 2018
Adding an extra trophic level to the food chain, by
feeding insects ingredients that could be consumed
directly by animals or people, is not necessarily ef-
ficient and contradicts the need to reduce the food-
feed competition and the EU’s objective of making
the food system more resilient. The need for system
resilience has, unfortunately, been made painfully
clear by the tragic war in Ukraine that is putting
pressure on the EU’s feed supply chains.
If the insect industry ramps up at rates forecast-
ed by some observers - Industry investor Rabobank
predicts up to half a million tonnes of insect protein
FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 43
 ISSUE FOCUS

produced by 2030 - there could be 45 trillion to 50

trillion individual insects produced per year. It is,
therefore, fundamental that this does not increase
pressure to produce feed for insects to feed animals
rather than food for people.

MANIPULATING GENES
FOR A VIABLE BUSINESS CASE
As feed goes, insects are still costly. Data by Rabo-
bank (2020) and Indexmundi (October 2021) sug-
gests that insect meal is 3 to 4 times more expen-
sive than fishmeal and ten times more expensive
than soy meal.

The necessary path to cost reduction requires in-

creasing the number of individuals reared in facil-
ities. Overcrowding of insects is generally not seen
as a problem, due to a generic understanding that
insects are gregarious animals and that any resulting
cannibalism is normal.

This, however, is an oversimplification. Certain

species thrive in isolation as well as in gregarious
settings. Even with gregarious species, overcrowd-
ing not only hinders individuals’ capacity to behave
normally, but can be a trigger for abnormal aggres-
sivity and cannibalism. Density in facilities, there-
fore, matters.
Yet true competitiveness will only be attained if
insects can grow bigger and faster, a fact that in-
dustry CEOs are candid about. The industry is,
therefore, turning to genetic breeding and genetic
selection. However genetic manipulation is not a
risk- nor consequence-free activity, it can give rise
to new welfare issues in insects as has been the case
in the genetic manipulation of vertebrates before
them.
Scientific work on insect behaviour is raising the
key question of whether farmed insects are sentient,
capable of subjective experiences such as pain and
fear. There are over 2,000 identified edible insect
species, consequently, determining sentience for
each is a considerable task. Yet, evidence on insect
sentience exists, both for individual species, and
across the taxa.
The subject of insect welfare may seem risible and,
indeed, is brushed aside as the complete absence of
insect welfare legislation or standards indicates. Al-
though the subject has not been fully researched,
the scientific community does nonetheless advocate
caution.

BRUSHING ETHICS TO ONE SIDE
Overcrowding, behavioural needs and genetic
manipulations raise ethical as well as practical and
environmental questions. Insects are not protect-
ed under EU or national laws which leaves in-
dustry carte blanche to consider their welfare or
not.
This means that insects should be reared in
ways that respect their species-specific needs and
behaviours and treated humanely at the time of
slaughter, despite industry productivity consider-
ations. What is the fundamental difference between
insects as livestock and the pigs, hens and fish live-
stock they are fed to?

44 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022


IMPACTING ECOSYSTEMS
Among the various environmental impacts of the
insect farming industry that EU experts readily con-
cede they have little information on, are the conse-
quences of release, accidental or otherwise.
The introduction of invasive alien species or,
simply, the sudden introduction of high concentra-
tions of certain endemic species in a given area may
have consequences for local ecosystems, threaten
food security and biodiversity.
The economic consequences could be significant,
considering that invasive species are the cause of a
14% reduction in global food production. More-
About Jacopo Moccia
Jacopo Moccia is a Political Advisor on insect farming and sustainable food system at Eurogroup for Animals (EfA), an EU-
wide animal welfare organisation with over 80 members across Europe. EfA is based in Brussels, Belgium and works closely with
the European institutions to promote animal welfare and a healthy and sustainable food environment policies.
Belgian of Italian origin, Jacopo has a Master’s degree from the University of Sussex and has worked for over 20 years in
politics and EU-affairs.
October 2022
ISSUE FOCUS
over, the changing climate increases the capacity of
invasive alien species to establish.
An increased risk of insect-borne pathogens would
pose an additional threat to already struggling
wild-living insects that are essential for the ecosys-
tem, such as pollinators. These concerns, furthermore,
are multiplied when considering the possibility of in-
sects that have been genetically modified to grow bigger,
faster, adapt more easily and be more resilient.
APPLYING THE PRECAUTIONARY
PRINCIPLE
Insect farming is not necessarily compatible with
a more sustainable food system. It raises new animal
welfare issues and, as an industry, it is expanding
rapidly despite numerous and significant unknowns.
The precautionary principle needs to be applied in
legislating the insect production sector. It is impera-
tive to ensure that its development is compatible with
the EU’s objectives for a sustainable food system.
Indeed, in June of this year, the Global Partner-
ship for Animals banned the use of insect protein
as feed in its animal welfare certification scheme
for Atlantic Salmon aquaculture, citing the lack of
“thorough understanding” of insect feed sustain-
ability and its animal welfare implications.
Further EU regulatory authorisations for industri-
al rearing of insect species should not be given un-
til there is solid scientific evidence on their welfare
needs, and a greater understanding of the practice’s
environmental, ecosystem and food system impacts.
Failing this, the emerging insect protein industry,
seen as a panacea for animal farming by some, may
turn out to be a chimaera.
FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 45
 ISSUE FOCUS

PROGRESSIVE YET TRADITIONAL,

SUSTAINABLE, AND ECONOMICAL
PROTEIN SOURCE – EDIBLE
INSECTS

Masa Ivkovic
AgTech Expert
AFOS

"Insects present an exciting and rewarding new choice in the feed and food
industry. Getting into this newest trend or incorporating it into your existing
business can be daunting; however, technological advances can ease this
change and make it smoother. In these exciting times, technologies such as
animal feed formulation software can offer significant support."

I nsect protein is becoming more and more com-

mon for use in human food and animal feed.
The current best-quality protein source for animals
– fishmeal – is unsustainable, expensive, and in short
supply, so animal nutritionists are closely monitor-
ing this development. Since they are simple to breed,
don't take up much space, and as it is known from
the recent studies, leave a small ecological footprint,
insects have been shown to be a great replacement.
BENEFITS OF INCORPORATING EDIBLE
INSECTS IN FEED AND FOOD INDUSTRY
Even though in Western culture, edible insects
may be considered controversial and unappetiz-
ing, for all of the reasons mentioned below, insects
present an exciting and rewarding new choice in
the feed and food industry. Additionally, let us re-
member that edible insects have been around from
the beginning of civilization and have benefited it
throughout the times. Moreover, edible insects are
an important source of protein in some parts of the
world, especially in developing countries, and 2 bil-
lion of people eat insects today.
Better protein conversion
Since the world population is anticipated to reach
over 10 billion people in 2050, meat production is
expected to rise. The anticipated growth in meat
production has a drawback as it is the cause of
well-known environmental pressure and inefficient
conversion of plant protein to animal protein. Ac-
cording to previous research, on average, insects can
convert 2 kilograms of feed into 1 kilogram of in-
sect mass, whereas cattle require 8 kilograms of feed
to produce 1 kilogram of body weight gain.
Lower risk of zoonotic disease spread
If used as food, edible insects can mitigate the risk
of zoonotic disease transfer.
The Coronavirus pandemic brought zoonotic
viral infections to the public's notice. It is unde-
niable that arthropods can be vectors of various
diseases, but it is believed that insects used for feed
and food impose a low risk on animal and human
health. Edible insects are pests that consume plant
matter or agricultural waste and as a result, these

46 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022


insects do not serve as direct carriers of pathogens.
So, they are not involved in the epidemiology of
zoonoses to a significant degree. Although wild
animals were responsible for COVID-19 pandem-
ic, there are also threatening livestock zoonoses.
It is believed that the decrease in consumption of
animal meat can be part of the solution to stop-
ping the spread of existing and, emerging novel
zoonoses. Plant-based diets and cultured meat
have many benefits; however, they cannot be the
only approach to address the issue of changing the
current production of animal products. In the af-
termath of the recent pandemic, enhancing ento-
mophagy could be crucial for ensuring global food
security and providing diversity and stability in
the food chain.
Decreased pesticide consumption
Since edible insects are pests, using them can
reduce the consumption of pesticides. Due to the
toxicity of pesticides, they are harmful for humans,
animals, other organisms, and the environment.
I N N O V A T E . E N G I N E E R .
October 2022
ISSUE FOCUS
Lower production of greenhouse gases
Moreover, the production of greenhouse gases by
most insects is likely lower than that of convention-
al livestock. According to previous research, pigs
produce 10–100 times more greenhouse gases per
kg of weight than mealworms.
Adds to the recycling
Bio-waste can be consumed by insects, who can
turn it into high-quality protein that can be utilized
as animal feed. This waste includes food, human
waste, compost, and animal slurry. Converting or-
ganic waste into useful proteins contributes to the
concept of circular economy.
Lower water consumption
Comparatively speaking, insects utilize much less
water than traditional animals. For instance, meal-
worms are more drought-resistant than cattle.
Less land use
Less acreage is needed for insect farming than for
I N S P I R E .
ANIMALFEEDSOFTWARE.COM
FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 47
 ISSUE FOCUS
traditional animal production. Since insects are of-
ten raised in containers stacked on top of one anoth-
er, they are great candidates for vertical agricultural
production because of their low space requirements.
Richer nutritional value
Insect nutrition is influenced by their life stage
(metamorphic stage), habitat, and feed. It is gen-
erally acknowledged that insects offer high-quality
protein and nutrients comparable to those found
in meat and fish. Most insect species have large
amounts of fatty acids (comparable with fish). Cop-
per, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, se-
lenium, and zinc are among those micronutrients’
insects are high in, as well as fiber.
48 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE
HOW IS AFOS USED FOR OPTIMIZING
EDIBLE INSECTS AS FEED AND FOOD?
Getting into this newest trend or incorporating it
into your existing business can be daunting; howev-
er, technological advances can ease this change and
make it smoother. In these exciting times, technol-
ogies such as animal feed formulation software can
offer significant support.
1. AFOS as feed formulation software that
incorporates insects as feed
In AFOS, customers can use insects as raw mate-
rials so they can use them as a part of their animal
feed formula. In such manner, quality recipes with
the lowest possible costs can be optimized and for-
mulated.
2. AFOS as feed formulation software for feed
for insects
In order to use insects as part of animal feed (or
human food), firstly, they must be farmed. Insects
also require specific raw materials and nutrients,
such as plants, plant nectar, other insects, and food
scraps. These should be formulated to meet their
needs, especially amino acids and fatty acids needs,
and optimized to be economically acceptable. All
of which can be easily done in Feed Formulation
Software.
Therefore, with Animal Feed Optimization Soft-
ware, you can quickly and inexpensively compose
perfectly balanced meals for your animals or insects
and provide them with exceptional health.
October 2022
 ISSUE FOCUS

MEALWORMS FOR PREMIUM

QUALITY, NUTRIENT RICH AND
SUSTAINABLE PET FOOD

Bénédicte Lorrette, PhD

Animal Nutrition & Health R&D Director
Ÿnsect

“Mealworm proteins are rich in all essential amino acids (except for
methionine and taurine) while also naturally supplying significant amounts
of fats, vitamins, natural fibers like chitin, and minerals such as copper, iron,
magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, selenium and zinc. This makes them the
perfect base ingredient in quality protein dietary formulation for cats or dogs.”

F or the last decade, Ÿnsect, the world leader in

the production of insect protein, has been re-
searching and breeding mealworms (Tenebrio moli-
tor and Alphitobius diaperinus) in vertical farms in
France, the Netherlands and the USA, with the aim
of providing a new food source for pets while pre-
serving natural resources, catering specifically to pet
owners in search of climate-conscious alternatives.
such as high concentrated protein products, protein
hydrolysates or oil, both for dry and wet petfood
applications. Using mealworms guarantees a pre-
mium nutritional quality with the highest protein
content (71%) on the market. Ÿnsect has specifi-
cally tailored to the petfood industry by producing
appetizing odorless and brown ingredients with ex-
ceptional nutritional properties.

PREMIUM VALUE INSECT PROTEIN KNOWING IS CARING FOR THE INSECT,

According to the FAO, insects provide high-quality
proteins with nutritional values comparable to other
animal proteins commonly used by the petfood indus-
try. Mealworm proteins are rich in all essential amino
acids (except for methionine and taurine) while also
naturally supplying significant amounts of fats, vita-
mins, natural fibers like chitin, and minerals such as
copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous,
selenium and zinc. This makes them the perfect base
ingredient for a balanced, complete and high in quali-
ty protein dietary formulation for cats or dogs1.
Valorizing every part of the insect through its cir-
cular model, Ÿnsect has developed a range of high
quality, natural, digestible and healthy ingredients
THE STABILITY AND THE SAFETY
Decades of research into the physiological and nutri-
tional requirements of the mealworm has helped Ÿnsect
tailor precisely to their needs, improving the well-being
of the insects but also the quality of their product line.
A lot of work was put into formulating and de-
veloping an ideal sustainable diet so mealworms
can grow in the fastest, healthiest and most opti-
mal way. Dry, compartmentalized, controlled, and
stackable nurseries, tailored to the beetles needs,
also help maintain consistent, hygienic and disease
free 2 conditions so that production is largely unaf-
fected by external factors, and system stability and
products quality is guaranteed3.

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 49

 ISSUE FOCUS

Precise monitoring of the beetles’ environment

ensures product safety, consistency and traceability
over time, a real asset for R&D development, qual-
ity control and regulatory requirements.

MEALWORM PROTEINS:
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
As the farming industry is responsible for almost a
quarter of the annual green gas emissions, pet food
plays a major role in the climate crisis. In fact, the
pet food industry produces almost 3% of the total
carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions from farming4.

Compared to traditional feed, mealworms can be

farmed commercially with less water, land and en-
ergy while producing high-quality feed with fewer
greenhouse gas emissions. As such, diets that in-
clude a large amount of mealworm proteins offer the
optimum solution to reduce environmental impact (Tenebrio molitor) for food or feed: Survival in the
while providing high nutritional benefits 4. Com- substrate and transmission to the larvae
bining the best of both worlds, mealworm-based 3
Tzachor et al. – 2021 - Future foods for risk-resil-
products are one of the best proteins available on ient diets
the market able to show not only performance and 4
Peter Alexander et al. – 2020 The global environ-
health but also sustainability. mental paw print of pet food
5
The Guardian – 2021 - Why feeding your pets in-
As the insect-based petfood market could increase sects could become all the buzz
50-fold by 20305, mealworm proteins will most
likely be gaining a foothold in the sector as a pre-
mium and high-value ingredient that will open the
industry to new food product developments that are
climate friendly, efficient and nutritious.
References:
1
Bosch et al. - 2014 - Protein quality of insects as
potential ingredient
2
E.Wynants et al. – 2019 - Risks related to the pres-
ence of Salmonella sp. during rearing of mealworms

About Bénédicte Lorrette

Bénédicte Lorrette is Animal Nutrition & Health R&D Director at Ynsect. She joined Ynsect more than 5 years ago as a re-
searcher specialized in insect product analysis and characterization. Today, in this role, Bénédicte is responsible for leading research
and development programs to deepen the knowledge of current insect products and to adapt them to the different and the new
animal markets for insects (aquaculture, petfood, swine and poultry). Bénédicte's scientific expertise and knowledge of Ynsect's in-
gredients and processes also enables her to provide support to the business development, regulatory and intellectual property teams.
Prior to joining Ynsect, Bénédicte worked in various research and technical roles with public, academic and private companies.
Bénédicte holds an Engineer diploma of Food Science and a Master of Science in Food Science and Biotechnology from ENSAIA,
Nancy (Lorraine University), followed by a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Avignon University.

50 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 ISSUE FOCUS

High-quality nutrition,
high-quality performance
From Aquaculture and Pets to Poultry and Swine, we offer
high-quality, high-performing feed solutions that respect our
planet. Natural and nutritious, mealworms are packed full of
the high-quality protein, fat, vitamins and minerals that many
animals need to thrive.

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 51

 ISSUE FOCUS

INSECT PROTEIN - A SUSTAINABLE

ALTERNATIVE

Suzanne van den Eshof

Director Marketing & Business Development
Protix

Protein is an essential building block of animal feed. Yet many of the common
sources of protein cause global warming, water shortages, deforestation
and a loss of biodiversity. To address this challenge, Protix is pioneering the
industrial-scale use of insects as a sustainable alternative that brings the food
system back into balance with nature.

T HE SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGE
The animal feed industry faces multiple
challenges: achieving greater sustainability, ensuring
high-performance feed, safeguarding animal welfare
and creating tasty feed products that will stimulate
appetite. But how can these challenges be addressed
cost-effectively and for the long-term?
est is insects. Insects are part of the natural diet for
many animals and fish. They are a source of valu-
able nutrients that contribute to healthy growth and
development. Insects are nature’s most powerful up-
cyclers and are the missing link in our food system.
They have the amazing ability to turn low-grade
food waste into valuable high-end proteins and fats.

IN TUNE WITH NATURE
The impacts of global warming can no longer be ig-
nored. As society gains a better understanding of our
impact on the environment, there is growing demand
for a return to a more natural way of doing things
with a lower environmental footprint. That includes
how we produce animal feed for livestock and aqua
culture. Currently, the protein in animal feed is de-
rived largely from soy and fishmeal. But these use up
large amounts of land and water, and there are issues
surrounding greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation
and overfishing. Alternative sources of protein are
needed that are more in tune with nature.
NATURE’S NATURAL UPCYCLERS
One source of protein attracting a lot of inter-
The larvae of the black soldier fly (Latin name: her-
metia illucens) contain more nutrients than the larvae
of other insects because the mature insect does not
eat, and has to live off the accumulated reserves. The
black soldier fly larvae are able to efficiently convert
feedstuff into valuable biomass in a very short cycle.
The larvae are processed into powerful ingredients for
feed and food.
A POSITIVE MESSAGE
Protix's industrial-scale production of insect pro-
tein using the black soldier fly is the result of over a
decade of technological innovation and commercial
investment. It was essential to create the right ma-
chinery, processes and conditions to enable produc-
tion on a large scale to satisfy market demand.

52 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022


Benefits of black soldier fly larvae as a sustainable protein source
• Locally produced
Insect proteins (and the derived fats) are pro-
duced locally, and locally available plant-based
waste streams can be used to feed insects. This
reduces CO2-emissions for transport to a min-
imum.
• Efficient nutrient recovery from organic
waste streams
One tonne of insects is capable of transform-
ing 4.5 tonnes of low quality, plant-based waste
into high-quality nutrients.
• Efficient land use
Insects can be grown quickly and do not need
Interest in the use of insect-based protein in food and
feed is increasing, opening up opportunities for new
marketing messages. Some examples: In the Nether-
lands, a major supermarket chain is selling eggs from
hens fed with the larvae of the black soldier fly. Con-
sumers feel good that the hens are able to enjoy their
natural foraging behaviour and diet, and lay delicious
eggs. For the supermarket, the sustainable and circu-
lar nature of the egg production is important. More
research into the effects on chicken is conducted in
the upcoming months. The use of insect-based feed is
October 2022
ISSUE FOCUS
much space to do so. One tonne of insects can
be grown in about 10 days using a land area of
20 square meters.
• Low water usage
Very little water is required to breed insects –
less than 30 litres per tonne of insects.
• Zero waste
There is no waste in the breeding and pro-
cessing of the black soldier fly. Even the insect
frass which contains leftovers from the sub-
strate, skins and insect droppings is a valuable
raw material that can be used as a (organic)
fertilizer.
enabling more sustainable shrimp farming with feed
specially designed for land-based shrimp producers
who want to use feed produced with locally sourced
ingredients. Initial tests with a recently launched in-
sect-based aquafeed product indicates improvements
in shrimp growth and survival rates.
A PROMISING FUTURE
There is now a solid amount of science-based
knowledge and understanding about insect pro-
tein and its potential applications and every month
FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 53
 ISSUE FOCUS

In a Life Cycle Assessment by the Deutsches In-

stitut für Lebensmitteltechnik (DIL), Protix has
achieved outstanding sustainability scores for its
insect ingredients. For example:

The CO2 footprint and impact on global warm-

ing of ProteinX® insect meal is almost seven-fold
lower than the soy protein concentrate often found
in livestock and aqua feed.

Each kilogram of ProteinX®, Protix’s insect

more knowledge is being developed. The concept of
insects used in feed and food is also becoming more
widely accepted. Protix embarked on its mission to
make the industrial-scale processing of insects viable
in a spirit of collaboration. The company believes
meal, reduces water consumption by 330 litres
versus soy protein concentrate.
that the way forward is through further cooperation
throughout the value chain to release the power of
insect-based nutrition together.

About Suzanne van den Eshof

With almost 20 years marketing experience, in B2C, B2B and Durables, Suzanne is passionate about food and sustainability.
She loves investigating new avenues and shaping the future in collaboration with partners across the value chain. Suzanne holds
a Master’s degree in Industrial Design Engineering from Delft Technical University in the Netherlands, specialising in product
design and development. She also completed a Marketing Excellence Programme at the Vlerick Business School in Belgium.

54 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 ISSUE FOCUS

Your partner for

insect ingredients

Replacing proteins and fats with more sustainable alternatives, while

maintaining palatability and performance, is a major challenge. The answer
lies in insect ingredients. Insects are a natural source of nutrients for
chickens, piglets and fish. Protix is the world’s only industrial-scale
supplier of insect ingredients. The company harnesses the black soldier
fly’s amazing ability to upcycle food waste into high-quality ingredients
that are good for animals and good for the planet.

Learn more: www.protix.eu -FEED

October 2022 info@proti x.eu
& ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 55
 ISSUE FOCUS

CREATING CIRCULAR ECONOMY

FOR ANIMAL FEED
WITH INSECTS

Volant Wills
Head of Facilities at Canberra
Goterra

“BSF is a proven high-nutrition feed source for agricultural applications. There

are challenges the industry faces in getting this excellent product into feed.
Current regulations in Australia consider larvae that have eaten meat and
dairy as Restricted Animal Material (RAM), and cannot be fed to ruminants or
humans. There is active research within the industry and academic partners to
challenge this status quo, which exists in Europe and the US markets too. We
must recognise that what we waste today will not be wasted in the years and
decades to come.”

B lack Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) are an emerging

source of protein for animal feed in Australia
as the rest of the world ramps up to a demand base
Suppliers of BSF can be quality accredited, just
like other feed sources.

greater than possible supply. BSF consumes organ-
ic waste at a startling rate - consuming equal to its
body mass daily - and produces a by-product called
frass (natural insect manure). The larvae themselves
are processed into protein, and sold into poultry,
fish, swine, and pet feed. You may have heard of
BSF protein and frass before - as circular solutions to
food waste and animal feed insecurity in Australia.
There is so much more our insect bio-heroes will be
doing in the next decade, directly for the benefit of
the feed industry.
INSECT MARKET LANDSCAPE
BSF is a proven high-nutrition feed source for
agricultural applications. Below is a typical crude
proximate analysis as well as amino acid profiles of
available proteins.
There are challenges the industry faces in getting
this excellent product into feed. Current regulations
in Australia consider larvae that have eaten meat
and dairy as Restricted Animal Material (RAM),
and cannot be fed to ruminants or humans. There
is active research within the industry and academic
partners to challenge this status quo, which exists in
Europe and the US markets too. We must recognise
that what we waste today will not be wasted in the
years and decades to come. ‘Clean’ waste streams,
that are free from contamination, meat, and dairy,
will be used directly by farmers without process-
ing, or reclaimed for human consumption through
donations and other programs. There will also be
increasing costs associated with traditional feed
sources, such as soya bean, as supply is restricted by
environmental standards preventing deforestation

56 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 ISSUE FOCUS

Component Nutrient composition

Dry matter (g kg-1) 178 ± 0.35

Crude protein (g kg ) -1
559.9 ± 0.85

Crude fat (g kg -1) 18.6 ± 0.24

Ash (g kg ) -1
8.1 ± 0.009

Ca (mg g -1) 0.038 ± 0.005

P (mg g )-1
0.079 ± 0.012

Metabolizable energy (kcal kg -1) 696.3426 ± 23.7

BSFL – black soldier fly larvae

Values = means ± standard deviation

Soy 2013 FAO

Amino acid BSF meal Fish meal Soybean meal concentrate When protein recommendation
Arginine 62 63 26 46 21 NA
Histidine 48 20 10 16 22 16
Isoleucine 48 37 17 29 58 30
Leucine 77 65 27 49 102 61
Lysine 74 69 22 39 96 48
Methionine 6 26 5 8 19 23
Phenylalanine 62 33 18 33 33 41
Threonine 45 39 15 25 72 25
Tryptophan NA 9 5 8 21 6.6
Valine 67 45 17 31 58 40
Reference Muller et al. Muller et al. DiGiacomo and DiGiacomo and DiGiacomo and Wang et al.
(2017) (2017) Leury (2019) Leury (2019) Leury (2019) (2021)

“In Australia, a number of start-up businesses
are contributing to the growing local insect-protein
market, both for human consumption and in the
animal feed sector.”
Rabobank Australia Head of Innovation, Knowl-
edge & Networks Nathalie Gibson said in line with
consumer demand for alternative proteins, entre-
preneurs in the local market were being identified
through Rabobank’s FoodBytes! start-up innovation
platform.
“For example, Goterra, an Australian-based
alumni of FoodBytes! by Rabobank, utilises bugs
as animal feed, whilst simultaneously solving waste
management issues, and we expect to see more lo-
cal companies using insect protein to help mitigate
waste and contribute to this progressive industry in
the future.”
She said the Australian market had so far focused
on creating circular food systems through insect pro-
tein.
“The main applications have utilised agricultural
waste to feed insects that are then recycled back into
feed for livestock – which has been the system adopt-
ed by Goterra,” Ms Gibson said.
For further information see https://goterra.com.
au/ and https://www.foodbytesworld.com/1”

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 57

 ISSUE FOCUS

and the cost of fuel to import soya increases domes-
tic costs. To secure our supply chains and reduce
Scope 3 emissions, we must look to methods that
produce feed domestically from otherwise wasted
organics, like BSF.
THE FUTURE OF INSECTS AS FEED
There is currently an available supply of insects to
the feed and additive industries. The base compo-
nents of the larvae have properties that will benefit
the health and wellbeing of animals when includ-
ed in their feed. Research and understanding the
gut microbiome of the larvae, especially to promote
AMPs (antimicrobial peptides) for use as an inclu-
sion antibiotics in agriculture is a priority. This un-
derstanding will further valorise waste, however we
will still benchmark this against traditional protein
sources. Alternatively, the fatty acids that make up
the oil component of the larvae are rich in lauric
acid, which has applications as a rapid growth agent
when added to feed products. Industry and academ-
ic collaboration is strongly committed to realising
these benefits.
CAN WE TRULY CREATE A CIRCULAR
ECONOMY FOR ANIMAL FEED?
As discussed, the wastes that society generates
will change in response to climate change and food
insecurity. We must consider the usage of sewage
and effluent as a substrate. To achieve this, research
is required to understand the levels of inclusion of
undesirable material, including pathogens, bacteria,
heavy metals, and microplastics which will be con-
tained by the gut biome of the larvae. Thus, the
case can be made that they are safe for inclusion to
animal feed and thus closing the circular economy
for feed.
1
Rabobank, ‘Insect Protein as Animal Feed Cre-
ating Global Buzz’ https://www.rabobank.com.au/
media-releases/2021/210305-insect-protein-as-ani-
mal-feed-creating-global-buzz/

About Volant Wills

Volant Wills is the current Head of Facilities at Canberra of the Australia-based insect waste management start-up Goterra.
He has operated the Agriprotein Facility in Cape Town, South Africa as part of their Global Development team in the USA,
the Netherlands, Belgium and Singapore. Volant’s ability to ensure product compliance comes with his working experience in
PepsiCo and Vital Health, major food and pharmaceutical/ nutraceutical industries respectively within South Africa.

58 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 GUT BALANCE
ISSUE FOCUS

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ANTIBIOTIC REDUCTION

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 59

 ISSUE FOCUS

FOOD FOR FEED

Evelien van Donselaar

Business Manager Food2Feed
Selko Feed Additives

“Circularity in feed production is a concept that is still being defined. An initiative

that is growing amongst feed producers, is the use of residual streams, or
so-called by-products, from the food, beverage and fermentation industry.
The European Feed Manufacturers' Federation (FEFAC) has defined food by-
products as ‘non-food-grade ingredient recovered as a secondary raw material
from the (local) circular economy with a low land use footprint’…”

C ircular food production is an emerging con-

cept within the complex food production
landscape. Compared to traditional linear models,
a circular food system should integrate incoming
and outgoing materials into an endless loop. Only
through strong collaboration between stakeholders
can the industry optimize this infinite loop of effi-
cient, sustainable food production and work towards
a new circular approach to feeding the future.
is still being defined. An initiative that is grow-
ing amongst feed producers, is the use of residual
streams, or so-called by-products, from the food,
beverage and fermentation industry. The European
Feed Manufacturers' Federation (FEFAC) has de-
fined food by-products as ‘non-food-grade ingre-
dient recovered as a secondary raw material from
the (local) circular economy with a low land use
footprint’.

The topic of food production is covered in the
media daily, given its significant impact on the en-
vironment, habitat and human health. Transparency
and traceability are of vital importance as circular
food systems aim for minimal nutrient loss along the
chain. While the media, often describe circularity as
a prescription for a sustainable future, what exactly is
a circular food system? And what role can the animal
feed production chain play in supporting circularity?
THE ROLE AND AVAILABILITY
OF BY-PRODUCTS FOR FEED
Circularity in feed production is a concept that
Since food and beverages are generally produced
locally or regionally, there is a global supply of
these non-food-grade ingredients. Upcycling these
by-products to become available as a valuable nu-
trient source for feed requires smooth collaboration
and cooperation between industry partners.
ABUNDANT OPPORTUNITIES
In 2021, the Netherlands provided 5.415 mil-
lion metric tons of high-moisture by-products to
act as feed ingredients for the agricultural industry
(OPNV, 2022). Converted to dry feed ingredients,
this accounts for 1.25 million metric ton of feed

60 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 ISSUE FOCUS

Figure 1. Food waste framework. Source: European commission.

materials. Though this is a big volume, a signifi-
cant amount of nutritional and digestible by-prod-
ucts continues to be used for energy production. In
light of today’s volatile energy markets, allocating
by-products toward energy production might seem
a suitable purpose. But it also is important to keep
in mind the food waste framework where reusing
materials has priority over recovery (Figure 1).
Safety is always a top priority across the
food product chain and reusing by-prod-
ucts within the food-to-feed chain often
comes with microbial or regulatory chal-
lenges that must be addressed.
supplying them to the bio-energy industry’. In running
various dose-response tests with preservatives, No-
blesse selected Selko Revalet Super to provide the
most cost-effective and broad-spectrum results (Fig-
ure 2). ‘With Selko Revalet Super, we found a high
efficacy when applied in lower dosages. The product
helps to preserve the nutritional value of our by-prod-
ucts,’ Huisken added.

New opportunities to leverage circu-

larity keep being developed. A collabo-
ration between Noblesse Proteins BV in
the Netherlands, Looop and Selko Feed
Additives offers a good example. The ini-
tiative diverted a by-product from No-
blesse from biogas production towards
feed ingredients, by implementing effec-
Figure 2. Dose response testing confirmed the most
tive feed safety and shelf-life solutions. cost-effective solution. After day 7 the control sample
Edwin Huisken, Product developer at was deemed unfit for feeding due to pungent smell,
Noblesse mentions: ‘For Noblesse, it is indicating complete microbial wastage.
important to make all incoming proteins Therefore, it was taken out of the study.
available to the feed market rather than

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 61

 ISSUE FOCUS
MAINTAINING NUTRITIONAL VALUE
In addition to the safety aspect, preserving nutri-
tional value is the main focus in keeping by-prod-
ucts available for feed production. As microbes
consume nutrients at an accelerating speed, deac-
tivating them as early as possible is of key impor-
tance. Besides treating products with Selko Reva-
let, Noblesse collaborated with Looop, a company
specialising in extracting the maximum value from
by-products that originate from food and the fer-
mentation industry. Following the so-called ‘Looop
Ladder’, the company turns by-products into al-
ternative resources for, amongst others, the animal
feed industry. The company offers circular ingredi-
ents for the pet food industry and feed for insects.
Also, by-products are used to produce sustainable
energy and innovative bio-based products.
Kelly Vermeer, Manager Quality, Nutrition &
Sustainability at Looop mentions: ‘Through the col-
laboration with Noblesse Proteins and Selko Feed Ad-
ditives, we took a shared step towards infinity in the
food production system’.
62 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE
NUTRITIONAL MATRIX OF BY-PRODUCTS
As interest in precision feeding grows, the feed
industry is seeking to gain more precise insights
into the nutritional value of by-products. Once the
nutritional value of a by-product is determined, it
becomes clear how much value can be preserved for
the feed production chain. On average, the nutri-
tional value of by-products is tested four to eight
times per year by wet chemistry analysis.
A more reliable and faster solution is supplied
through Near-infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy. NIR
provides results within one minute but requires
calibration lines to provide a reliable result. Looop
was able to utilize the largest NIR calibration da-
tabase within the industry, managed by Masterlab
in the Netherlands. In collaboration with Looop,
Masterlab created calibration lines for four major
by-products categories. A significant number of
samples from Looop helped determine the cali-
bration lines for brewer’s spent yeast, wheat yeast
concentrate, wheat starch and potato steam peels.
Creating the calibration lines allows Looop to anal-
October 2022
 ISSUE FOCUS

yse all truck loads. The outcomes are uploaded in
a database called NutriMonitor and can be a trans-
lated to nutrient and energy values using NutriCal-
culator based on the Dutch CVB* Feed Table. This
creates an up-to-date and reliable feed ingredient
matrix, enabling farmers to maximize the utilisation
of by-products in feed rations.
THE FUTURE OF CIRCULARITY
Examples like these described here are becoming
more common in the Western parts of Europe. In
other, less developed, parts of the globe by-products
are generally not valued nor utilised and regularly end
up in landfills. Roughly one-third of the global food
production is lost between field and fork. This poses
a significant gap between current production and the
2050 food requirements set by the Food and Agricul-
ture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).
different parts of the world, in an effort to preserve
valuable nutrient sources and utilise them within
animal feed. As per the company’s purpose Feeding
the Future, these efforts aim to produce more sus-
tainable animal protein to feed the growing world
population.
Location influences where food waste occurs in
the production chain. In more industrialized areas,
these losses mainly occur in the chain from proces-
sor to the consumer’s plate. In more developed areas
losses arise between the field and the food proces-
sors.
Collaboration, thoughtful efforts to preserve nu-
trients and careful attention to preserving safety can
help stakeholders produce safe, affordable food and
help feed the future.

Connecting the food and beverage industry with
the agricultural industry presents an opportunity
to address the gap between today’s feed production
levels and the future’s projected food requirements.
Selko Feed Additives is running various initiatives in
*CVB stands for ‘Centraal Veevoerder Bureau’ and
is the Dutch central bureau for feed. The core activity
of CVB is to evaluate feedstuffs for farm animals and
to establish energy and nutrient requirements for farm
animals.

About Evelien van Donselaar

Evelien van Donselaar, Business Manager Food2Feed at Selko Feed Additives, focuses on providing practical solutions for- and
creating connections within- the food and feed industry. She is responsible for Selko Revalet®, a product portfolio that reduces mi-
crobial challenges from the source, preserving nutritional value of by-products. Her animal healthcare background and extensive
experience in working for innovative companies focusing on production of alternative proteins, as well as a passion for upcycling
by-products, allow her to think out of the box and support the company’s purpose of Feeding the Future.

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 63

 SPECIAL STORY

“Modern animal production is

intensive and often presents
challenges that stress farm
animals. A heightened focus on
animal health and well-being
provides new opportunities for
the animal nutrition industry
to develop innovative solutions
that can maximize animal
performance. Our objective is
to maintain the supply of safe,
nutritionally optimized, cost
competitive and environmentally
friendly feed solutions for global
livestock farms.”

IMPACT OF INCREASED ANIMAL WELFARE

TRENDS ON THE ANIMAL NUTRITION INDUSTRY
Pierre-Joseph Paoli, President of Feed Additives & Ingredients, ADM Animal Nutrition

W e have been faced with a concept that has

been spoken more frequently in recent
years: “Animal welfare” … Consumers are now con-
cerned with more than what they eat. They wonder
about the origin of the food they consume and its
production conditions. If it is an animal food, they
care about the treatment shown to the animal while
this food is being produced. This awareness and care
are critical enough to direct consumption behavior
and preferences. This is an invaluable approach to all
living things with whom we share the planet and who
contribute to meeting our food needs. It would not
be an exaggeration to say that this approach, which is
a sign of respect for nature and all living things, will
have an important role in shaping our future.
So, what does this mean for the animal nutrition
industry? While the livestock industry is already un-
der the pressure of different factors such as the ex-
pectation for more production, healthy and quality
production, less environmental impact, sustainabil-
ity and low costs, is “animal welfare” an additional
pressure factor? Pierre-Joseph Paoli, Head of Feed
Additives and Ingredients, ADM Animal Nutrition,
explains in a very descriptive manner that this is
not an element of pressure, on the contrary, it is an
approach that supports other positive expectations.
Paoli explains the importance of animal welfare
expectations for the nutrition industry and their im-
pacts on the industry for the readers of our magazine.

64 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022


Mr. Paoli, what is animal welfare, what does it
mean and why is it so frequently mentioned today?
Consumers are becoming increasingly conscien-
tious, placing greater emphasis on traceability and
sustainability, as well as indicators for responsible
and safe animal feeding. Animal welfare refers to
the circumstances of food production, including
treatment of animals, feed quality, pharmaceutical
use and living conditions. Research finds 73% of
global consumers say they have positive feelings
about companies that are transparent about where
and how products were made, raised or grown1.
Plus, 49% of global consumers are willing to pay
a premium for products made with high quality
assurances and verifiable safety standards 2. These
consumer concerns are also a driver behind the
shift away from using antibiotic growth promot-
ers in farm animal production. Furthermore, the
animal nutrition industry is continuously seeking
innovative solutions in the face of global challeng-
es, from climate change to antimicrobial resistance.
Farm management methods are evolving around the
world to address these issues and support a supply
chain that delivers high quality, safe, nutritious, de-
licious and sustainable food products.
What is the relation between animal nutrition
and animal welfare? What is the impact of animal
nutrition on animal welfare?
The relation stems from the impact animal nutri-
tion can have on animal robustness. Nutrition has a
direct correlation to animal resilience and therefore
some issues around well-being can be mitigated by
helping farm animals remain in good health. For ex-
ample, certain formulations and feed additives can
minimize the effects of heat stress on ruminants,
swine and poultry. ADM offers two product lines
to support livestock species experiencing heat stress:
Fresh Up®* is available globally and for the U.S.
market, there’s Thermal Care™*. These species-spe-
cific feeds have shown to leverage the synergistic ef-
fects of specialty nutrition formulations to counter
the negative impact of high temperatures on animal
outputs. As another example, sensory additives such
as flavors and sweeteners may help address stressors
in animal production. Palatants like ADM’s MA-
October 2022
SPECIAL STORY
GNASWEET offer not only stimulate an animal’s
taste and olfactory senses but can also create a pos-
itive experience that encourages feed intake. Less
stress in swine production, for instance, may help
avoid aggressive behaviors in pigs or improve lacta-
tion outputs in sows.
Expectations regarding animal foods (more
production, healthy and quality production, less
environmental impact, sustainable production,
more economical food, etc.) are increasing day
by day. How can livestock breeders respond to all
these demands? And how can they ensure both
welfare and commercial sustainability while re-
sponding to these demands?
Animal health and well-being are interconnected,
and healthy animals tend to be more productive.
Thus, raising healthy and unstressed animals helps
farmers and producers achieve financial perfor-
mance criteria, such as milk and egg yields, aver-
age daily gain and feed efficiencies. Science-based
nutrition solutions can enhance animal resilience,
optimize efficiency and support sustainability ini-
tiatives. At ADM, we’re investing in the global food
industry to ensure the nutritional needs of a rap-
idly expanding population are met. Our complete
feeds, premixes, additives and value-added services
are designed to address food safety and security, re-
sponsibly utilize natural resources and reduce en-
vironmental outputs while helping farms maintain
productivity and profits.
FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 65
 SPECIAL STORY

to traditionally supplemented
inorganic sources. Additional-
ly, gut microbiome-supporting
solutions are increasingly being
explored as a way to support
overall well-being. Our CitriS-
tim™* specialty feed additive
leverages the unique properties
of Pichia guilliermondii inacti-
vated whole-cell yeast to sup-
port gut microflora populations
in poultry 3, swine and rumi-
nants, while AquaTrax provides
a solution for aquaculture pro-
duction. As a global leader in
animal nutrition, we help farm-
ers, producers, integrators and
feed millers improve animal
resilience for holistic health and
How are animal welfare trends affecting the an- well-being of their productions.
imal nutrition industry? What opportunities or
challenges does this trend present for the future? *Fresh Up®, Thermal Care™ and CitriStim™ are trade-
Modern animal production is intensive and of- marks registered by ADM or its affiliates.
ten presents challenges that stress farm animals. A
heightened focus on animal health and well-being 1
Nielsen IQ, What’s in our food and on our minds,
provides new opportunities for the animal nutrition August 2016
industry to develop innovative solutions that can 2
Nielsen IQ, Quality and efficacy may beat out price
maximize animal performance. Our objective is to sensitivities amid coronavirus concerns, March 2020
maintain the supply of safe, nutritionally optimized, 3
Shanmugasundaram; et al. (2014) Poultry Science,
cost competitive and environmentally friendly feed 93, 2763–2771.
solutions for global livestock farms.
Disclaimers
Rigorous research and development initiatives in Not all products are available in all regions. This in-
our sector have already led to new nutrition solu- formation is intended for informational purposes only
tions that enhance animal performance with fewer and does not imply any warranty related to or express
inputs. For instance, organic trace minerals like recommendations for the cure, mitigation, treatment,
ADM’s B-TRAXIM range have shown to improve or prevention of disease. Consult with a veterinarian
digestibility and nutrient absorption compared for the care of all animals during health challenges.

About Pierre-Joseph Paoli

Pierre-Joseph Paoli is the President of Additives, Ingredients & Amino Acids at ADM. With over 20 years of deep knowledge in
the energy and animal nutrition sectors, Paoli manages the operational performance of ADM’s global animal nutrition business.
He’s also a key contributor to ADM’s sustainability goals and is passionate about launching new feed solutions that optimize ani-
mal efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Paoli holds a MSc of Mathematics from Ecole Centrale Paris and Oxford
University as well as an MBA from INSEAD.

66 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 SPECIAL STORY
Global intelligence, localised. Result,

SERIOUS
PROCESSING
POWER
In your quest for profitable, sustainable production draw
on our global resources and leading-edge science. They
provide you with relevant insights to help you make
complex decisions with confidence. We’re just a phone
call or an email away www.abvista.com.

The most important additive is intelligence

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 67
 ARTICLE

EXPLORING THE FUTURE OF

ANIMAL RESILIENCE

Christophe Blondet
Vice President of Product Development & Applications
ADM Animal Nutrition

As global animal production has evolved, so too have the challenges that can
negatively impact animal health and well-being. These challenges also have
a direct effect on a farm’s productivity and profits. Cross-species research
aims to demonstrate how functional feed ingredients can unlock physiological
responses that may help animals overcome stressors. In a new report,
ADM highlights the latest discoveries that can optimize animal resilience for
improved performance outcomes.

M odern agribusiness is a different animal than

it was in the past. Common challenges with-
in intensive animal production require innovative
solutions to help farm animals overcome stressors and
return to peak performance. Animal nutrition plays
an important role in positively influencing resilience
and cross-species research is underway to unlock the
potential of functional ingredients and feeds that can
support animal health and well-being. In a new re-
port, ADM details five key trends that can affect per-
formance and profits in the animal nutrition industry.
THE MICROBIOME AS THE ROOT
OF RESILIENCE
As scientific understanding expands, the gut micro-
biome is increasingly seen as a central component to
an animal’s overall well-being. Functional nutrition,
in which certain ingredients stimulate physiological
responses that can support animal resilience, is an
important wellness option. Gut microbiota help en-
sure nutrient absorption while also defending against
pathogens that may increase the risk of disease and
negatively impact health and growth performance.
Feed additives like ADM’s CitriStim™ solution*,
a non-viable whole-cell Pichia guilliermondii (PG)
yeast, can positively affect gut microbiota populations
in poultry, swine and ruminants. Studies conducted
on poultry have shown that PG yeast has potential to
bind gram-negative bacteria, which may affect bacte-
rial colonization in the host1,2. Additionally, PG yeast
may have a beneficial effect on gut microflora popu-
lations in poultry3. In the probiotic space, ES1** (Bi-
fidobacterium longum subsp. longum CECT7347) has
shown potential to modulate immune response and
have positive outcomes on gut barrier integrity4,5.
A FOCUS ON PRECISION NUTRITION
Precise nutrition means formulating feeds that are tai-
lored to each species’ unique nutritional requirements,
with additional customization based on the region, sea-
son and the animal’s life stage. Nutrients that are easier
to digest and absorb help animals get more from less
feed and help reduce environmental emissions.
For example, improving the digestible amino acid
supply in broiler feed can enable reduced levels of

68 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022


dietary crude protein in finisher phase rations. A
lower-protein formulation can help retain nitro-
gen, lower feed costs and improve the well-being of
poultry. Researchers found improvements in breast
weights and yields compared to the control, and
they saw a reduction in nitrogen excretion without
performance losses in the broilers6.
NEW METHODS FOR MANAGING STRESS
Stressors that can negatively affect animal perfor-
mance and well-being may be caused by a variety
of factors, including environmental conditions, life
stage transitions and vaccinations. Some feed ad-
ditives have been found to help accelerate an ani-
mal’s recovery and minimize the impact of negative
stressors on growth targets.
Heat stress, for instance, is a common condition
among cattle, pigs and poultry. A species-specific
nutrition and services approach called FreshUp®*
has shown to leverage the synergistic effects of spe-
cialty nutrition formulations to counter the nega-
tive impact of high temperatures on animal outputs.
Numerous trials demonstrate improved average dai-
ly feed intake and increased average daily gain in
swine7, greater feed efficiency in dairy cows8 and
broilers9, and higher milk yields in cows8.
OPTIMIZING ANIMAL DEVELOPMENT
WITH EARLY NUTRITION
Producing healthy animals requires optimal condi-
tions at early life stages when the right nutrients at the
right time support future growth processes and per-
formance. In aquaculture, complete feed is the main
source of nutrients, and nutrient utilization depends
on physiology that changes during fish and shrimp
growth. Thus, it’s necessary to develop feed formu-
lations adapted to each life stage to support animal
health from hatchery to harvest. Early-stage feeds are
calibrated to meet the precise requirements of fish and
shrimp in terms of nutritional profile, digestibility,
particle size, attractability and water stability.
Created for hatchery and nursery stages, ADM’s
BernAqua®* range of fish and shrimp feeds are
aligned with the needs of each marine species to
October 2022
ARTICLE
help farmers achieve growth and performance tar-
gets. Additionally, a sophisticated, cold microextru-
sion processing technology improves feed particle
behavior and stability in water, particle quality and
digestibility10,11. This customized approach to aqua
nutrition can support productivity and resiliency,
helping more juveniles advance to grow-out stages.
THE POWER OF PALATABILITY
In the animal nutrition business, improving feed-
ing behavior creates efficiencies for producers, and
taste and aroma can make feed more appealing to
livestock. Flavors and sweeteners can be used to
mask unpleasant tastes and aromas to increase feed
palatability and encourage feed intake. They are also
important to help young animals more readily ac-
cept solid feed, easing the transition from weaning.
Sucram, a feed additive sweetener and taste en-
hancer, has shown an effect on taste receptors pres-
ent in the gut. When the sweet molecules are detect-
ed at the enteroendocrine level it triggers signaling
pathways that cause the release of gut hormones,
which leads to higher sodium/glucose transporter
1 (SGLT-1) production12. Increased SGLT-1 boosts
the animal’s absorption of glucose, water and sodi-
um. These physiological changes can help increase
uptake of energy in the form of glucose while also
reducing the amount of energy available for poten-
tially harmful bacteria to grow in the gut.
FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 69
 ARTICLE
TOMORROW’S SOLUTIONS FOR TODAY
Researchers across the globe are continuously ex-
ploring new solutions that will help optimize ani-
mal resilience for improved performance outcomes.
However, enhancing resilience is not only important
for achieving targets and increasing profits. It’s also
essential to maintain the viability of the global sup-
ply chain. Optimizing animal efficiency is a necessary
step toward mitigating the environmental impact
of the agribusiness industry. With scientific break-
throughs supporting development of cutting-edge
technologies, the animal nutrition industry can apply
tomorrow’s solutions to the challenges of today.
References
1
Shanmugasundaram; et al. (2013) Poultry Science,
92, 1195–1201.
2Markazi; et al. (2017) Poultry Science, 96, 2049–2056.
3
Shanmugasundaram; et al. (2014) Poultry Science,
93, 2763–2771.
4Laparra; et al. (2012) PloS one, 7.
5Martorell; et al. (2021) Antioxidants, 10, 536.
6ADM (2021) Impact of protein reduction and ami-
no acids contents on broilers’ performance, Unpublished
company research.
7ADM (2015) Internal research report: unpublished.
About Christophe Blondet
Christophe Blondet is the Vice President for Product Development & Applications in ADM’s Animal Nutrition business. He
has a MSc in animal nutrition from ENSAIA and 30 years of experience in the field, including livestock and aqua nutrition,
and applied research for feed and premix formulation. At ADM, he contributes to the global business strategy on food security
and sustainability, while supporting animal nutrition customers in achieving their strategic goals with innovative products
and services.
70 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE
8ADM (2006-2020) Internal research reports: unpublished.
9ADM (2019) Internal research report: unpublished.
10
ADM (2021) Internal research report: unpublished.
11
ADM (2022) Internal research report: unpublished.
12
Furness; et al. (2013) Nature Reviews Gastroenter-
ology & Hepatology, advance online publication 24
September 2013.
*CitriStim™, FreshUp® and BernAqua® are trademarks
registered for ADM or its affiliates.
**ES1 (Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum CECT
7347) is used by ADM Biopolis under license from CSIC.
Disclaimers
Not all products are available in all regions. This in-
formation is intended for informational purposes only
and does not imply any express recommendations for
the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of dis-
ease. Consult with a veterinarian for the care of all
animals during health challenges.
The information provided in this document is based on the
current knowledge and experience of ADM or its affiliated
companies and is only intended to be received by the ad-
dressee (the “Addressee”). The information is provided to the
Addressee “AS IS” and no warranties, express or implied,
are given or liabilities of any kind are assumed by ADM
or its affiliated companies with respect to such informa-
tion. The information provided in this document is strictly
confidential, and therefore cannot be disclosed to any third
parties, and cannot be used for any purpose other than
its intended purpose. It remains the unique and exclusive
property of ADM or its affiliated companies. The Address-
ee should evaluate any recommendations and suggestions
independently; and Addressee is responsible for ensuring
that its final product formulations, their labels, and relat-
ed product materials meet all applicable laws, regulations
and standards. Nothing contained in this document shall
be construed as the granting of a license or any other right
in relation to the information provided to the Addressee.
October 2022
 ARTICLE

MINERAL AND ITS IMPORTANCE

IN FISH NUTRITION

Amit Ranjan
Assistant Professor
TNJFU-Institute of Fisheries Post Graduate Studies, India

“Undoubtedly significant progress on the mineral requirements of aquatic

animals has been made in the past two decades; overall developments in
this field of fish nutrition have been relatively slow. Many gaps still exist in the
knowledge of the quantitative requirements of inorganic elements and their
physiological functions in most fish. In particular, limited information has been
published on trace element metabolism of aquatic organisms…”

I NTRODUCTION
The minerals are essential chemical elements
involved in the normal metabolism of fish. The
information currently available is very patchy, the
detailed mineral budgets are yet to be worked out
and more research has to be done on the uptake,
function and biological availability of many min-
erals. The hurdle lies in the fact that minerals are
required only in trace amounts and under experi-
mental conditions, it is difficult to maintain such
minimal amounts in formulated diets, apart from
keeping the medium devoid of the test element.
There are also indications that the requirement
and toxicity of inorganic elements may be influ-
enced by acidic water (low pH). In feed formula-
tions for aquatic animals, one must consider the
requirement of the individual element, potential in-
teractions with other inorganic elements and nutri-
ents in the digestive tract and their metabolic level
in various tissues, and minerals supplied from the
aquatic environment, as well as the species, age, and
sex of the fish. Defining the role of inorganic ele-
ments in immune response, disease prevention, and
reproduction of fish is an important and interesting
area of research. Fish may also have requirements
for other ultra-trace elements known to be required
by terrestrial animals. In recent years, vitamin E and
selenium have been implicated in the prevalence of
several infectious diseases. The involvement of zinc
and manganese in the reproduction of fish is be-
coming apparent.
Recent research in mineral nutrition is focused
around:
• Mineral requirement
• Bioavailability of minerals
• Mineral interaction
- Mineral-mineral interaction
- Mineral-nutrients (protein, lipid, carbohydrate)
interaction
- Mineral-vitamin interaction
• Mineral & fish health
Problems associated with the quantification of
mineral requirements:
• Identification of potential contribution of miner-
als from the water

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 71

 ARTICLE
• Leaching of mineral from the feeds prior to con-
sumption
• Availability of suitable test diet
• Limited data on mineral bioavailability & nutri-
tional requirement of many species
• Investigations in fish are comparatively compli-
cated as both dietary intake and waterborne miner-
al uptake have to be considered in determining the
mineral budgets.
• The exchange of ions from the aquatic environment
across gills and skin of fish complicates the determi-
nation of the quantitative dietary requirements.
• Many trace elements are required in such small
amounts that it is difficult to formulate purified di-
ets low in mineral and maintain water sufficiently
free of the test element.
• A critical factor in the determination of ultra-trace
elements, such as manganese, vanadium, and chro-
mium, is the need for meticulous sample preparation.
• Often normal values of trace elements in fish tissue
vary widely in reports from laboratory to laboratory.
• Information available on fish mineral requirement
is fragmentary and incomplete.
• Relatively little is known about the uptake, function,
and biological availability of many trace elements.
Figure: Biological dose–response curve.
Dependence of animal function on intake of an
essential nutrient according to Mertz (1986).
BIOAVAILABILITY OF MINERALS
• Bioavailability of an element can differ markedly
when supplied from different feedstuffs and within
the same element from feed in different diets.
72 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE
• Many factors can influence the bioavailability of
minerals. These include the intake level of the nu-
trient, its chemical form, the digestibility of the diet
that supplies the element, the particle size, inter-
actions with other nutrients, chelators, inhibitors,
physiological and pathological states of the animal,
the water chemistry, the type of feed processing,
and the species of animal being tested.
• The biological availability of an element in a diet can
differ depending on the molecular form in which the
element is present, its valence state, the ligands present
when the element is ingested from different diets.
• Mechanisms that involve the formation of insoluble
and nonabsorbable substances in the gut may either
hinder or facilitate the mucosal uptake transport, and
metabolism of an element in the body. Certain inor-
ganic elements may compete with the test element
for important binding sites during these processes.
MINERAL INTERACTIONS
A wide range of potential mineral–mineral and min-
eral–vitamin interactions has also been reported (Hil-
ton, 1989) in fish. Antagonistic relationships occur
when elements with a similar electronic configuration
and ionic radius compete for binding sites, e.g.
- Zinc and cadmium in metallothionein,
- Magnesium/manganese substitutions at enzyme
active sites,
- Synergistic relationships in which one element
enhances the role of another, (Mertz, 1986; Davis,
1980) e.g., iron and copper,
- The complex interrelationship among copper,
zinc, iron, and calcium, as well as that of copper,
molybdenum, and sulfur. Another type of interrela-
tionship involves the interactions between the ele-
ments themselves.
Selenium has a high affinity for certain toxic el-
ements such as mercury and silver; hence selenium
exerts a protective effect against the toxicity of these
metals by forming complexes in vitro, resulting in a
decrease in the biological availability of both seleni-
um and the heavy metal.
Minerals also interact with other nutrients. A syn-
ergism between dietary selenium and vitamin E is
October 2022

known. Zinc is required for the metabolism of vi-
tamin A. The strong redox potential of vitamin C
may alter the valence of copper and iron and thus
reduce or enhance absorption. Interactions between
minerals usually have negative effects, but they can
be beneficial (e.g. small copper supplements can en-
hance iron utilization) and may depend on the level
of supplementation (e.g. large copper supplements
can increase iron requirements).
Mutual antagonisms between copper, cadmium
and zinc lead to complex three-way interactions.
Raising the level of one interactant can lower the
status of the other two, as shown for Cd.
MINERALS & FISH HEALTH
Iron has been shown to affect immune system func-
tion and host defense against infection. Few studies
have evaluated the effect of dietary iron on immune
response and disease resistance in fish. Either a defi-
ciency or an excess of iron can compromise the im-
mune system (Beisel 1982; Bhaskaram 1988). Lall et
al. (1985) observed that 4.5 mg of iodine/kg of diet
was essential to protect Atlantic salmon from bac-
terial kidney disease infections. Selenium exerts the
protective effects against the toxicity of heavy metals
About Dr. Amit Ranjan
Dr. Amit Ranjan is working as Assistant Professor in the Department of Fish Nutrition & Feed Technology at the Institute of
Fisheries Post Graduate Studies of Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU), India. He undertakes strategic
and applied research in the field of fish and shrimp nutrition. He has good experience in commercial culture of shrimp and fresh-
water fish. He has published several research papers in international peer reviewed journals and serves as the reviewer of more
than 30 international journals.
October 2022
ARTICLE
such as cadmium and mercury (Lall 1989). Supple-
mentation of the diets with I, F, Fe, Cu, Co, Mn, and
Zn resulted in a lower incidence of BKD infections.
CONCLUSION
Undoubtedly significant progress on the mineral
requirements of aquatic animals has been made in
the past two decades; overall developments in this
field of fish nutrition have been relatively slow. Many
gaps still exist in the knowledge of the quantitative
requirements of inorganic elements and their phys-
iological functions in most fish. In particular, limit-
ed information has been published on trace element
metabolism of aquatic organisms. This creates great
difficulties in the characterization of deficiency or
toxicity symptoms even under controlled environ-
mental conditions. Standard mineral mixtures used
in warm-blooded animal experiments have not been
effective in supporting optimum growth or prevent-
ing nutritional deficiencies in studies designed to
investigate the nutrient requirements of finfish and
crustaceans. Several pathological conditions and nu-
tritional deficiency signs of unknown etiology have
been observed in hatcheries, and aquaculture opera-
tions may in fact be due to a dietary mineral imbal-
ance and either limited or excessive uptake of trace el-
ements from the water. Wide differences exist among
freshwater, euryhaline, and marine fish species in the
absorption and utilization of certain dietary minerals.
FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 73
 MARKET REPORT
Global Feed Probiotics
Market
Probiotics improve animal intestinal health,
support the digestive system, and speed up
biological digestive processes. Therefore, they
are widely used as essential ingredients in
animal feed products and this contributes to
the growth of the market. We compared the
reports of 5 different research companies
to determine the current size and growth
prospects of the global feed probiotics market.
Based on the data in all these reports, average
market size for 2021 is estimated about US$
2.7 billion. Considering that the average growth
prospects are at the level of 7.5% CAGR, it can
be estimated that the market will reach a size
of about US$ 5.2 billion by 2030.
74 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE
By Ozlem Akatay
P
robiotics are expressed as good
microorganisms (bacteria, yeast
and fungi) that provide various health
benefits to consumers. These good
microorganisms improve intestinal
health, support the digestive system,
and speed up biological digestive pro-
cesses in both humans and animals.
Therefore, probiotics are widely used
as essential ingredients in animal feed
products and are regarded growth and
health stimulators.
Also, probiotics are considered a
safe and efficient alternative to an-
October 2022

tibiotics. According to the Natural Resources De-
fense Council, in the U.S., antibiotic resistance
causes more than 2.8 million infections and leads
to between 35,000 and 162,000 deaths of animals
each year. Thus, alternative control and manage-
ment measures are required to effectively manage
antibiotic resistance. The increasing need for alter-
native control and management measures boosts the
demand for environmentally friendly treatments
to control antibiotic-resistant diseases in animals,
driving the demand for probiotics.3
Today, most probiotics used in animal nutrition are
generated commercially and sold in liquid and solid
forms. The various sources of probiotics in animal
October 2022
MARKET REPORT
feed include bacteria, yeast, and fungi. They are used
in the feed of cattle, poultry, swine, aquaculture, etc.
MARKET GROWTH EXPECTATIONS
We compared the reports of 5 different research
companies to determine the current size and growth
prospects of the global feed probiotics market. While
growth prospects are similar on a percentage basis,
forecasts for market size in 2021, and therefore the
results of growth-related expectations, differ widely.
For example; according to the Global Feed Pro-
biotics Market report prepared by SkyQuest, the
global feed probiotics market was valued at US$
1.19 billion in 2021, and it is expected to reach a
value of US$ 1.93 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of
7.2% over the forecast period (2022-2028).
The report titled Global Feed Probiotics Market
prepared by Dataintelo also points to a similar mar-
ket size. According to the report; the global feed
probiotics market size was valued at US$ 1.2 billion
in 2021 and is projected to reach US$ 2.3 billion
by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% during the
forecast period.
Business Research Company's report titled Probi-
otics in Animal Feed Global Market refers to a much
higher size. According to the report; the market is
expected to grow from US$ 3.8 billion in 2021 to
US$ 4.2 billion in 2022 at a CAGR of 9.6%. And
the market is expected to reach US$ 5.6 billion in
2026 at a CAGR of 7.5%.
Another report that supports this size is Animal
Feed Probiotics Market by Future Market Insights.
According to the report; the animal feed probiotics
market value is expected to total US$ 3.1 billion
in 2021. The overall animal feed probiotics market
value is expected to reach US$ 6.9 billion by 2031,
growing at a CAGR of 8.4%.
There are also reports that refer to higher figures on
market size. One of them was prepared by Reserved
Meticulous Market Research. According to the com-
pany's report titled Animal Feed Probiotics Market;
FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 75
 MARKET REPORT
the probiotics in animal feed market (the market size
of around US$ 4.2 billion in 2021) is expected to
reach US$ 6.07 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 7.1%
during the forecast period 2022 to 2029.
A similar market size is indicated in the report
titled Global Probiotics in Animal Feed Market
prepared by Verified Market Research. According
to the report; probiotics in animal feed market size
was valued at US$ 4.9 billion in 2021 and is pro-
jected to reach US$ 7.7 billion by 2030, growing at
a CAGR of 7.1% from 2022 to 2030.
Based on the data in all these reports, average
market size for 2021 is estimated about US$ 2.7 bil-
lion. Considering that the average growth prospects
are at the level of 7.5% CAGR, it can be estimated
that the market will reach a size of about US$ 5.2
billion by 2030.
MARKET DRIVERS & RESTRAINTS
Factors such as animal performance, gut health,
and restriction of antibiotic use are key factors in
the increase in the use of feed probiotics. Accord-
ing to the SkyQuest’s report, an increase in cattle
and pet owners' knowledge of the positive effects of
probiotics on livestock's overall performance is the
76 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE
main driver driving the global feed probiotics mar-
ket. Probiotics have taken center stage in the animal
feed industry as a result of the strict regulatory ap-
proach taken against synthetic feed additives, which
are known to have negative health effects on both
humans and animals. This has accelerated feed pro-
biotics market growth.
According to the report, cattle owners and pro-
ducers are now more likely to choose natural op-
tions that increase the productivity of their animals
as a result of the strong growth in the consump-
tion of animal-derived products and its optimistic
future growth trajectory. Such advancements are in
line with the probiotics market's sustainable rise in
animal feed.
The production amount and prices of feed raw
materials can have restrictive effects for the probi-
otic market, according to SkyQuest's report. This
restriction is explained in the report as follows: The
global rise in raw material prices and the stricter
government requirements in industrialized nations
have a significant impact on the expansion of the
compound feed business. The kind and quantity of
feed raw materials used in feed probiotics are heav-
ily influenced by their cost and nutritional value.
October 2022

The production, nutrient content, and price of
plant-based raw materials like corn, soybeans, and
others are significantly impacted by changes in the
weather. With every change in the production and
consumption of animals and their products, respec-
tively, the cost of meals made from animal by-prod-
ucts also varies.
In the Reserved Meticulous Market Research's re-
port, the growth of animal feed probiotics market is
attributed to the growing demand for animal pro-
tein, the increasing use of probiotics as an alterna-
tive to antibiotics, the rising incidence of intestinal
disorders in livestock, and the increasing produc-
tion of compound feed. Furthermore, the shift to-
ward natural growth promoters is expected to create
lucrative opportunities for players operating in this
market. However, the complex regulations regard-
ing the use of probiotics in animal feed products are
expected to hinder the growth of this market to a
notable extent.
MARKET STATUS BASED BY TYPE
The global feed probiotics market is segmented by
type into Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharo-
myces, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia,
and Bacillus.
According to the SkyQuest’s report, the bulk of
probiotics in animal feed sold worldwide use the
bacterial genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
The use of bacterial strains as growth promoters
has shown to be a feasible and sustainable alterna-
tive to antibiotics. However, the use of yeast and
other fungi has gained popularity; Saccharomyces
cerevisiae, for example, helps animals manufacture
enough protein and has shown immunostimulatory
activity in addition to enhancing digestive physiol-
ogy. Through the forecast period (2022-2028), it is
anticipated that the growing use of yeast and fungus
in probiotics for animal feed would have a benefi-
cial effect on market share. One of the most popular
uses of yeast-based probiotics is in ruminant feed.
Based on source, the probiotics in animal feed
market is segmented into bacteria and yeast. Ac-
October 2022
MARKET REPORT
cording to Reserved Meticulous Market Research's
report; the yeast segment is expected to grow at a
higher CAGR during the forecast period of 2022-
2029. The growth of this segment is attributed to
the stringent regulations on the use of antibiotics in
animal feed in several European and North Ameri-
can countries. Furthermore, the use of yeast strain
probiotics in animal feed improves fiber digestibil-
ity and animal performance, which increases milk
and egg production.
MARKET STATUS BASED
BY LIVESTOCK TYPE
Based on animal type, the probiotics in animal feed
market is segmented into poultry, ruminants, swine,
aquaculture, pets, and other animals. The poultry
segment is projected to hold the most substantial
share in the market. According to the SkyQuest’s re-
port, due to favorable demand dynamics and equal-
ly solid production conditions, the poultry industry
continues to be one of the most attractive applica-
tion areas for probiotics in the animal feed busi-
ness. However, due to poor hygiene and sanitation
management, poultry flock are frequently exposed
to infections such Salmonella enterica, Escherichia
coli, and Campylobacter jejuni. The development
of natural alternatives has been encouraged by the
rising worries about antibiotic resistance.
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), one of the most com-
mon strains in poultry feed, has an impact on the
market for probiotics in animal feed. The use of
probiotics in animal feed includes strains of Bifido-
bacterium, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Bacillus,
Pediococcus, and Streptococcus has expanded in the
swine and ruminant sectors as well.
Business Research Company's report also draws
attention to the importance of the poultry segment
in the market. According to the report, the growing
demand for eggs and poultry meat contributes to
the growth of probiotics in the animal feed mar-
ket. The demand for eggs and poultry meat is in-
creasing because of the rise in population, greater
purchasing power, and urbanization. Moreover, in-
creasing awareness about the nutrients and protein
FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 77
 MARKET REPORT
from eggs and meat is contributing towards their
demand. Probiotics are used as an additive in the
poultry feed, which keeps the poultry farm animals
disease-free and boosts their immunity to produce
more eggs and meat. For instance, in 2020, accord-
ing to the Food and Agricultural Organization of
the United Nations (FAO), the global production of
poultry meat increased from 9 to 133 million tons,
and egg production increased from 15 to 93 million
tons between 1961 and 2020. Poultry meat account-
ed for 40% of the total meat produced worldwide in
2020. Egg production has increased by 150% in the
last three decades. Thus, increased demand for eggs
and poultry meat is expected to boost the demand
for probiotics in animal feed during the forecast pe-
riod (2022-2026).
MARKET STATUS ON REGIONAL BASIS
Asia-Pacific is reported to be the largest market for
feed probiotics in 2021. According to the SkyQuest’s
report, the Asia Pacific is expected to remain the
leading consumer of feed probiotics in the coming
years. The heavy reliance on animal-based food prod-
ucts in dietary patterns in developing countries in-
cluding the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa
is a major driving force. Further two regions that are
likely to dominate the probiotics market for animal
feed are North America and Europe. These make up
the lion's share of the probiotics used in animal feed.
78 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE
According to Reserved Meticulous Market Re-
search's report, Asia-Pacific's large market share is
attributed to factors such as increased consumer
awareness about various diseases, the large produc-
tion of poultry and cattle meat in countries such as
China and India, and the rising number of innova-
tions in probiotic formulations.
In addition, the growing demand for safe and nu-
tritional animal feed and the stringent regulations
on the use of antibiotics in feed supplements are
expected to offer lucrative opportunities for key
players operating in this market.
GLOBAL MAJOR PLAYERS
The prominent players operating in the feed
probiotics market are constantly adopting various
growth strategies in order to stay afloat in the mar-
ket. Product launches, innovations, mergers, and
acquisitions, collaborations and partnerships, and
intensive R&D are some of the growth strategies
that are adopted by these key players to thrive
in the competitive market. The key market play-
ers are also constantly focused on R&D in order
to supply industries with the most efficient and
cost-effective solutions.
According to the SkyQuest’s report, with a strong
presence of internationally renowned companies
October 2022

Major Players:
Adisseo
FRAmelco (Adisseo NL)
Alltech
Amspro Biotech
Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)
Biochem
Calpis Co.
Chr. Hansen
Danisco Animal Nutrition (IFF)
DSM Animal Nutrition & Health
Biomin (DSM)
Evonik Industries
Kemin Industries
Kerry Group
Lallemand
like Chr. Hansen, Danisco A/S, Koninklijke DSM
N.V., Lallemand Inc., and Calpis Co. Ltd., the glob-
al market for probiotics in animal feed has a struc-
ture that is somewhat consolidated. By enhancing
their R&D infrastructure, expanding into emerging
regions, and innovating their product offerings,
these players are projected to boost the probiotics
in animal feed market revenue by 2026.
Resources:
1. SkyQuest Technology Consulting Pvt. Ltd.; Glob-
al Feed Probiotics Market; Published Date: September,
2022; https://skyquestt.com/report/feed-probiotics-market
2. The Business Research Company; Probiotics In An-
imal Feed Global Market Report 2022 – By Form Type
(Dry, Liquid), By Source Type (Bacteria, Yeast And
Fungi), By Application Type (Cattle, Poultry, Swine,
Aquaculture, Other Applications) – Market Size,
Trends, And Global Forecast 2022-2026; Published :
September 2022; https://www.thebusinessresearchcom-
pany.com/report/probiotics-in-animal-feed-global-mar-
ket-report
3. Reserved Meticulous Market Research Pvt. Ltd.; An-
October 2022
MARKET REPORT
Land O'Lakes
Phileo by Lesaffre
Life Products
Mitsui & Co.
Nestle
Novozymes
Novus International
Ohly
Orffa International
Provita Animal Health
Pure Cultures
Saideep Exports
H. Wilhelm Schaumann
UAS Laboratories (Chr. Hansen)
Unique Biotech
imal Feed Probiotics Market by Source (Bacteria [Lac-
tobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus thermophilus,
Bacillus]), Animal Type (Poultry, Ruminants, Swine,
Aquaculture, Pets, Other Animals), Form (Liquid), and
Geography - Global Forecast to 2029; Jun-2022; https://
www.meticulousresearch.com/product/animal-feed-pro-
biotics-market-5288
4. Dataintelo; Global Feed Probiotics Market by Type
(Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, Other Types), By Appli-
cation (Equines, Ruminants, Poultry, Swine, Aquatic
Animals, Pets, Others) And By Region (North America,
Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East &
Africa), Forecast From 2022 To 2030; https://datainte-
lo.com/report/feed-probiotics-market/
5. Verified Market Research; Global Probiotics In An-
imal Feed Market Size By Source (Bacteria, Yeast), By
Application (Poultry, Cattle, Agriculture, Swine), By
Geographic Scope And Forecast; Published Date: May
2022; https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/product/
probiotics-in-animal-feed-market/
6. Future Market Insights; Animal Feed Probiotics
Market; March 2022; https://www.futuremarketin-
sights.com/reports/animal-feed-probiotics-market
FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 79
 NEWS

Phytogenics are the future of animal nutrition

G erman manufacturer of
feed additives Dr. Eckel
Animal Nutrition has launched
'The Dr. Eckel World Tour
2022', worldwide series of events
on the use of phytogenics in ani-
mal nutrition. The first leg of the
tour started with VICTAM Asia
in Thailand.
Over three days, academic and
industry experts shared and dis- chains and pricing under enor- for animal protein and still re-
cussed the most promising inno- mous pressure, while the impacts main profitable. And these are
vations and solutions for effective of climate change are becoming the solutions the first World Tour
ruminant feeding, poultry pro- increasingly manifest. Producers conference in 2022 addressed.
duction and aquaculture. worldwide need to find solutions The World Tour 2022 will pro-
Rarely has the industry faced to utilise resources that are be- ceed to Surabaya in Indonesia,
such challenges: lockdowns, coming increasingly scarce and São Paulo in Brazil and, just be-
sanctions and political instabil- expensive as efficiently as possi- fore EuroTier, Braunschweig in
ity are putting markets, supply ble, in order to meet the demand Germany.

Rewards of 15th Ranking of Dairy Cooperatives awarded

F or the fifteenth time since 2007, the Ranking of

Dairy Cooperatives – the list of the best dairies
in Poland – has been prepared. Dairy cooperatives
and companies dealing with milk processing could
participate in the Ranking of Dairy Cooperatives.
This year, the jury awarded prizes in the Special
Category - Expansion Leader and Innovative Eco-
logical Packaging, as well as for the Business Wom-
an, small, medium and large cooperatives.
The Business Woman Award was awarded to Ms.
Zofia Just (OSM Czarnków). The Manager of the
Year award went to Mr. Łukasz Kalinowski (OSM
in Piątnica). The District Dairy Cooperative in
Piątnica received an award in the Special Category -
Expansion Leader, while the "Innovative Ecological
Packaging" award was given to the District Dairy
Cooperative in Łowicz.
The award in the category of Small Dairy Coop-
eratives was awarded to Ciechanowska Dairy Co-
operative, the award in the category of Medium
Dairy Cooperatives was awarded to the Dairy Co-
operative in Gostyń, the award in the category of
Large Dairy Cooperatives was given to the Mlekov-
ita Dairy Cooperative. In the category of Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR), Spółdzielnia Mlec-
zarska SPOMLEK turned out to be the leader. This
year, for the second time, the award in the Green
Solutions Enterprise category was awarded to the
District Dairy Cooperative in Sierpc. For the first
time, it was decided to recognize enterprises in the
Research and Development Activity category. The
first winner in this category is the District Dairy
Cooperative in Piątnica.

80 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 NEWS

IFC financing to support sustainable livestock

production in Nigeria
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World
Bank Group, announced a $4.5 million financing package to increase production
of livestock feed and the development of feed storage facilities in Nigeria.

T o support the growth and

sustainability of Nige-
ria's livestock industry, IFC an-
nounced a partnership with the
Nigerian subsidiary of Bar Magen
LTD, Agro Bar Magen Nigeria
(ABMN), a livestock feed man-
ufacturing company operating in
Nigeria since 2009, to increase
production of livestock feed and
the development of feed storage
facilities in the country.
IFC's $4.5 million financing
package, supported by the Private
Sector Window of the Global Ag-
riculture and Food Security Pro-
gram (GAFSP), will support Bar
Magen to expand production of
livestock feed additives such as
vitamin & minerals premixes in
Nigeria and to build the country's
first salt & mineral block licks
production facility, thereby im-
proving smallholder farmer access
to these critical animal feed nutri-
ents. Salt & Mineral blocks licks
are essential nutritional compo-
nents for ruminant animals such inclusive economic growth and
as cattle, goats, and sheep. food security, contributing around
The project will also support the 8 percent of the national GDP.
company to expand its warehouse With nearly 70 percent of the
capacity to store feed raw materials, operational costs of most poultry
helping to prevent supply shortag- and other livestock operations go-
es and reduce reliance on imports. ing to feed, managing feed quality
Livestock is a priority sector for and cost is critical for Nigeria's
Nigeria due to its contribution to sustainable livestock production.

Metabolic Explorer and its subsidiary Metex Noovistago

launch the brand “Metex Animal Nutrition”

M etabolic Explorer (ME-

TEX), the French indus-
trial biochemistry group, and its
subsidiary Metex Noovistago have
created and launched the brand Metex Animal Nu-
trition. Metex Animal Nutrition will name and cover
all commercial, marketing, and applied R&D activi-
ties, human & technical resources, and products that
are part of the Metabolic Explorer offer dedicated to
animal nutrition market.
The product portfolio is composed of 10 amino
acids registered as feed additives in European Union,
and a range of solution targeting the digestive secu-
rity: inneus®, unique solution based on functional
amino acids, and b-noov®, first bio-sourced butyric
acids available on the market.
This evolution is the result of
the strategic evolution of the
company, which aims to be mar-
ket oriented, and will offer a clear visibility of its ac-
tivities at customer point of view. Etienne Corrent,
Business and Innovation director of Metex Animal
Nutrition, confirms: “The roadmap is clear: we will
keep on developing new solutions for all targeted
markets. Concerning animal nutrition, we are ex-
pecting additional innovations to come in the next
2 or 3 years. Those new products could be devel-
oped and produced in different sites of the group.
It is then logical to embrace an organisation market
oriented, with specialized and qualified teams”.

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 81

 NEWS

Nestlé explores emerging technologies

for animal-free dairy proteins
Nestlé is testing emerging technologies for animal-free dairy proteins through its
recently inaugurated U.S. R+D Accelerator.

N estlé announced that it is

exploring emerging tech-
nologies for the development of
animal-free dairy protein-based
products. This move comple-
ments investments the company
has made in plant-based meat
and dairy alternative offerings
over the years to meet the grow-
ing consumer demand for nu-
tritious, more environmentally
friendly diets that also taste great.
Nestlé will pilot a novel prod-
uct through the company's newly
established U.S. R+D Accelera-
tor, bringing it to the U.S. mar-
ket later this year as a test-and-
learn. The product is made with
animal-free protein from Perfect
Day. According to Perfect Day,
the protein, made through preci-
sion fermentation, is identical to
the whey protein found in cow's
milk, offers good nutritional and
functionality benefits that is suit-
able for vegans and is lactose-free.
The product was developed by
Nestlé R&D teams in Switzerland. ups and other external partners.
With expertise in both great-tast- The recently created U.S. R+D
ing nutritious dairy and plant- Accelerator is focused on identi-
based dairy alternatives, Nestlé is fying opportunities and aims to
well-equipped to deliver a relevant bring highly differentiated prod-
consumer solution in this emerging uct concepts to the market in
space in collaboration with start- only six months.

Cargill opens corn wet mill in Pandaan, Indonesia

With an investment of USD 100 million, Cargill inaugurated its corn wet mill in
Pandaan, Indonesia.

C argill inaugurated its corn wet mill in Pan-

daan, Pasuruan, Surabaya, in an effort to
meet the growing demand in starches, sweeteners
and feeds markets in Asia and Indonesia. This USD
100 million (IDR 1.3 trillion) facility, built during
the pandemic, is also expected to benefit local econ-
omy by creating up to 4,000 new jobs and employ-
ment opportunities, and help with the development
of Indonesia’s food and beverage industry.
Sweetener producers in Indonesia use corn starch-
es to make specialty products with high added value,
such as glucose, sorbitol, and maltodextrin, which
are exported to more than 40 countries in Asia and
Africa, such as Japan, the Philippines, India, South
Africa, Australia, Vietnam, and Egypt.
The new corn wet mill has adopted advanced
technologies, such as industry 4.0 practices, to op-
timize automation in the whole process from mill to
packaging using robotics systems. The new facility
has also applied the highest standards in waste man-
agement and water conservation, reducing electric-
ity and water consumption, as well as maximizing
the effectiveness of wastewater purification.
In addition, to support biodiversity conservation,
Cargill has also established an ecosystem manage-
ment model through a land rehabilitation program
by planting more than 60,000 trees. Construction
of the new plant started in 2020, and Cargill imple-
mented strict safety and health protocols, including
those for containing COVID-19.

82 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 NEWS

Scoular acquires four facilities in northwestern Kansas

S coular has signed an

agreement to acquire
four grain handling facilities in
northwestern Kansas, enabling
the company to more than
double its handling and storage
capacity for area farmers.
The four facilities, purchased from ADM, are in
Goodland, Brewster, Monument and Oakley. The par-
ties expect to close the transaction in September. The
four facilities will be operational for fall harvest. Scou-
lar will handle corn, wheat and milo at these facilities.
Scoular has been building its presence in north-
western Kansas since 2007 after acquiring its first
facility in Goodland. It later
purchased facilities in nearby
Cheyenne County and Winona
before acquiring an additional
facility five miles west of Good-
land last year. With the latest
acquisition, Scoular will own 11
facilities in northwest Kansas; eight are Scoular-oper-
ated facilities and three are Scoular-leased.
“We are excited to expand our presence in north-
western Kansas, create value for farmers and invest
in our value-chain network providing highest qual-
ity and dependable supply to our customers,” said
Scoular Regional Manager Derek Spears.

Alltech appoints Tara McCarthy as global vice

president of ESG

A lltech, a global leader in

animal health and nutri-
tion, has appointed Tara McCar-
thy as its global vice president of
environmental, social and corpo-
rate governance (ESG). McCar-
thy will support the advancement
of Alltech’s vision of Working
Together for a Planet of Plenty™,
which underscores the ability of
the agri-food sector to provide
enough nutritious food for all
while revitalizing local communi-
ties and replenishing the Earth’s
natural resources.
Prior to joining Alltech in June,
McCarthy had served as the chief
executive officer of Bord Bia, the
Irish Food Board, since 2017. Her
25 years’ experience in the food
industry also includes serving as
chief executive officer for Bord
Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland's
seafood development agency.
McCarthy received a bachelor’s
degree in commerce from Nation-
al University of Ireland, Galway
(UCG) and a master’s degree in
business studies with an emphasis
on marketing from the Universi-
ty College Dublin (UCD) Mi-
chael Smurfit Graduate Business
School. She is an affiliate of the
IMD Business School in Switzer-
land. McCarthy has been recog-
nized with several awards, includ- Tara McCarthy
ing UCG Alumna of the Year for
Business and Commerce in 2017; vancement of our Planet of Plen-
a Fellow of the Marketing Insti- ty vision,” said Dr. Mark Lyons,
tute of Ireland, as well as Ireland’s President and CEO of Alltech.
Top 25 Most Powerful Women The newly established role of
Public Sector Leaders Award in global vice president of environ-
2018; and UCD Smurfit School mental, social and corporate gov-
Alumna of the Year in 2019. ernance (ESG) represents anoth-
“Tara’s strategic approach, re- er exciting milestone in Alltech’s
lationship focus and vast experi- longstanding mission to develop
ence within the agri-food sector sustainable solutions for agricul-
will add firepower to the ad- ture.

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 83

 NEWS

Evonik opens new Innovation Hub in Pennsylvania

E vonik, one of the world's

leading specialty chemicals
companies, has opened a new In-
novation Hub at its Allentown,
Pa., site. The Hub consists of
several state-of-the-art testing
and processing labs as well as a
pilot plant. It also features a new-
ly designed collaboration space
to support a hybrid and creative
work environment. and be closer to our customers in By 2030, Evonik aims to invest
The Innovation Hub is part of a those regions," said Evonik Chief more than $3 billion in Next Gen-
broader globalization strategy for Financial Officer Ute Wolf at the eration Solutions - products with
Research, Development & Innova- Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the superior sustainability benefits.
tion (RD&I) at the Germany-based Allentown Innovation Hub. "The Evonik will invest an additional
company. "We are strengthening new Hub will transform the Allen- $700 million in Next Generation
regional RD&I hubs in Asia and town site into our premier center Technologies to optimize produc-
North America to benefit from in- for research, business, and innova- tion processes and infrastructure
novative ideas outside of Europe tion in North America." and avoid CO2 emissions.

Synomics announces partnership with Mars Petcare

Synomics, the biological insights technology start-
up, has confirmed a new partnership with Mars Pet-
care to produce canine disease risk prediction models.
The new partnership will see Synomics utilise its
proprietary technology to analyse Mars Petcare’s
multi-layer anonymised datasets to develop scoring
models for prediction of an individual pet’s risk of
developing a condition.
The scoring models developed by Synomics will
ultimately help improve the wellbeing of pets by en- their wellbeing on a daily basis. Early understanding
abling deeper insight into a pet’s genetic health and of an individual animal’s risk may enable proactive
predispositions and its risk factor towards a variety of monitoring by veterinary professionals as well as sup-
common diseases, enabling owners to monitor and porting pet owners with decisions on diet, lifestyle
manage conditions more effectively. and management.”
Commenting on the partnership, Rebecca Cho- Peter Kristensen, Synomics’ CEO and Managing
droff Foran, Ph.D. (Head of R&D at Wisdom Panel, Partner at Grosvenor Food & AgTech, Synomics’
the world leader in pet genetics, maker of Wisdom main shareholder, said: “Grosvenor has a strong re-
Panel™ pet DNA tests, and part of Kinship Partners, lationship with the Mars organisation and we’re de-
Inc., a division of Mars Petcare) said: “Similar to hu- lighted they recognise the value Synomics and its
mans, pets suffer from many chronic conditions such technology can bring to further enhance the great
as diabetes, kidney disease and arthritis that affect work already happening at Mars.

84 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 NEWS

Danisco Animal Nutrition & Health leverages

FeedCalculator app
Danisco Animal Nutrition & Health announced the addition of its market-leading
phytase enzyme Axtra® PHY GOLD to FeedCalculator app.

D anisco Animal Nu-

trition & Health—a
business unit of IFF's Health
& Biosciences division— an-
nounced a collaboration with
Single Spark, creators of the
FeedCalculator app. The dig-
ital platform supports farmers
in developing countries generate quality feed rec-
ipes with locally sourced ingredients at the lowest
possible price. The addition of Axtra® PHY GOLD
to FeedCalculator makes the recently released,
high-quality phytase enzyme more accessible to
smallholder farmers and feed mills.
The FeedCalculator app was developed by a team
of Dutch feed scientists, software developers and
farmers before its launch in 2017. Its smart algo-
rithm enables users to cre-
ate a customized feed mix in
three easy steps:
- First, select the animal
species and feed type,
- Second, fill in the current
prices of locally available in-
gredients, and
- Finally, tap “calculate” to receive an optimized
recipe according to individual needs.
Axtra® PHY GOLD can support sustainability of
animal production because it allows formulation of
inorganic phosphate-free high phytate diets. It also of-
fers thermostability, proven to outperform other com-
mercial phytases under a wide range of pelleting con-
ditions, making it the natural choice for applications
where pelleting performance is a primary concern.

Evonik appoints Dr. Gaetano Blanda as new head of

animal nutrition business line

E vonik, one of the world’s

leading providers of feed
ingredients, announced it has
appointed Dr. Gaetano Blanda
as new head of animal nutrition
business line. Blanda, who was
previously Senior Vice President
and General Manager of Evonik’s
Coating Additives business line,
will take over the role from Dr.
Emmanuel Auer.
As head of the animal nutrition
business line, Gaetano Blanda
will be responsible for overseeing
Evonik’s amino acids and func-
tional feed additives business
and the expansion of its preci-
sion livestock farming approach,
which is bringing data- and
knowledge-based solutions to the
livestock sector.
Gaetano Blanda brings to the role
a strong track record and wealth of
experience in digitalization, inno-
vation, and business expansion,
having successfully led the devel-
opment of Evonik’s Coating Addi-
tives business line since 2017.
Originally from a chemistry Dr. Gaetano Blanda
background, Gaetano Blanda has
extensive knowledge in devel- the company’s portfolio of prod-
oping global business based on ucts and services in the poultry,
different business models and is swine, dairy, and aquaculture in-
looking forward to building on dustries.

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 85

 NEWS

Lallemand Animal Nutrition opens offices in Poland

L allemand Animal Nutrition

has established offices in
Józefów, Poland, for direct sales
of its range of microbial-based
animal nutrition and well-being
solutions, forage inoculants and
animal environment products.
Maciej Piękniewski is the coun-
try manager for Poland and is
supported by a growing team of
technical, marketing and sales port our customers, their needs very strong in cattle and swine nu-
experts in ruminant, swine and and the collaborative effort of trition and becoming an import-
poultry solutions. improving animal well-being and ant player in the poultry market.
“Lallemand Animal Nutrition’s farmers’ income,” Ivo Kopriva, Looking ahead to the potential in
solutions have been available in Central Europe Business Area the Polish market, I am happy to
the Polish market for 15 years Manager, Lallemand Animal Nu- have a passionate team in Poland,
through distributors, but now trition, said. and I am aware that we have lots
I am proud to have such a great “Poland is one of the biggest ag- of challenges ahead, especially in
team in Poland. I am pleased to ricultural markets in Europe for globally uncertain circumstances,”
have a local team to directly sup- all animal species. Lallemand is Maciej Piękniewski said.

Bayer, Perdue AgriBusiness collaborate on carbon

emissions, sustainability in food value chain

B ayer announced a groundbreaking regen-

erative farming collaboration with Perdue
AgriBusiness aimed at large-scale carbon emission
reductions and creating a model for a more sustain-
able food value chain spanning across Perdue's en-
tire grain network.
In August, Bayer announced ForGround, a digital
marketplace that helps farms of all sizes more easily
make the transition to regenerative farming practices
and supports businesses in the agrifood value chain
lower their Scope 3 GHG emissions. A leader in pre-
mium protein and agriculture, Perdue Farms is a ver-
tically integrated business spanning the value chain
and connects its farmers and the outcome of their
sustainable practices directly to consumers interested
in knowing how their food is produced.
The program is focused on enrolling farmers who
supply Perdue with corn or soybeans. The goal is
to first understand their carbon footprint and then
identify the best path to lower the greenhouse gas
intensity of the grains the farmers produce through
the adoption of regenerative farming practices – in
turn, improving the sustainability of the ingredients
and foods produced with those grains.
Based on the broad scale of Perdue's commodity
sourcing network, the collaboration has the potential
to take over one million metric tons of CO2e a year
out of the atmosphere and sequester it in the ground.
Enrollment will be available for Perdue grain farmers
starting this fall.

86 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 NEWS

Wayne-Sanderson Farms unveils new brand identity

and logo

W ayne-Sanderson Farms
has unveiled a new
brand identity and logo follow-
ing the recent merger of the two
industry leaders. The compa-
ny’s new identifying mark was
designed to resonate the shared values and business
objectives of what is now the third-largest poultry
producer in the nation.
“It’s an exciting time for our company, our em-
ployees and our customers,” said Clint Rivers,
Wayne-Sanderson Farms President and CEO.
“Bringing two of the best companies in the busi-
ness together positions us for more sustainable op-
erations, more competitive opportunities and long-
term growth for our employees and our business.
Our new brand reflects that ambition.”
The new mark is a strong departure from the leg-
acy logos of both former com-
panies, creatively constructed
to reflect their evolution into
a unified, cohesive operation
with mutual principles and
ideals. Retaining the equity
both companies have built over decades of reputa-
tion-building operation was central to the develop-
ment of the new company brand.
Prior to the merger, both companies held strong
market share in distinct categories. Wayne Farms fo-
cused on restaurant and foodservice segments while
Sanderson Farms enjoyed a strong retail presence.
With the integration, Wayne-Sanderson Farms is
now positioned to give customers and consumers
alike a wide range of product choices by taking
advantage of the respective strengths and assets of
both companies.

Aker BioMarine aims growth in Indonesia, strengthens

local team

A ker BioMarine continues

to make headway in Indo-
nesia, a key strategic market for
the company. Aquaculture expert
and DVM, Bawanta Widya Suta,
joined Aker BioMarine as Aquacul-
ture Sales Manager in the Animal
Health and Nutrition department.
Wanta will lead Aker BioMarine’s
growth journey in the Indonesia.
Indonesia is a high potential
aquaculture market, with strong
demand both domestically and
internationally. Currently, it is
estimated to be among the top
four countries in terms of shrimp
production in the world. As the
world’s leading krill producer,
Aker BioMarine is actively build-
ing its presence in Indonesia.
In late-2021, the company an-
nounced a strategic partnership
with Seven Stones Indonesia to
support its market entry.
Aker BioMarine has been sus-
tainably harvesting krill in Antarc-
tica for more than a decade. The
Aker BioMarine team depends on Bawanta Widya Suta
extensive research to understand
the full potential of this tiny crusta- on farmer training and biosecuri-
cean, and to ensure the well-being ty. In addition, he has previously
of the krill biomass. The company served in leadership and manage-
brings this sustainable approach to rial roles in PT. MJPF Farma In-
Indonesia, with the aim to spread donesia, Biowistechnologies, Inc.,
the health benefits of krill across and Cargill Aqua Nutrition. He
the country’s aquaculture industry. holds a PhD in Veterinary Medi-
Wanta comes to Aker BioMarine cine from Bogor Agriculture Uni-
from the FAO, where he focused versity in Indonesia.

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 87

 NEWS

Atria aims to improve competitiveness of poultry

business in Finland

A tria PLC, one of the leading meat and food

companies in Northern Europe, is planning
some measures to improve the competitiveness of its
poultry business in Finland.
The company is launching a development pro-
gramme to improve the competitiveness and profit-
ability of its poultry business, which will be imple-
mented in phases. In the first phase, Atria will start
negotiations on changes in the poultry unit in Sa- tal annual savings of around EUR 5 million. The
halahti in accordance with the collective redundan- savings are expected to be realised from the end of
cy law. The possible closure of the Sahalahti plant 2024 onwards.
will be considered in the change negotiations. The In the second phase, negotiations will be launched
change negotiations concern the entire workforce in accordance with the collective redundancy law in
of the Sahalahti plant, approximately 130 people. the Nurmo poultry unit. The aim of these negotia-
Atria's other production sites are not affected by the tions is to prepare for the commissioning of the new
change negotiations to be launched. poultry plant and to prepare for the renewal of work
With the planned measures, Atria is aiming at to- tasks and working practices.

Merck Animal Health to acquire Vence

Merck Animal Health will acquire Vence, an innovator in virtual fencing for rotational
grazing and livestock management.

M erck Animal Health,

known as MSD Animal
Health outside of the United
States and Canada, a division of
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J.,
USA, announced that it signed
a definitive agreement under
which Merck Animal Health will
acquire Vence from its founders
and shareholders. Vence is an
innovator in virtual fencing for
rotational grazing and livestock
management.
Vence, a privately held company,
provides enhanced technology for
producers and ranchers to track,
monitor and manage the move-
ment of cattle through a high-tech
platform of virtual fencing solu-
tions. Using a computer or smart-
phone, customers have the capa-
bility to manage cattle movement
and facilitate rotational grazing.
Vence’s virtual fencing technology
can reduce the need for fencing
to subdivide pastures and allows
producers and ranchers to manage ing conditions. Specific terms of
their cattle and grass inventory, the agreement were not disclosed.
while reducing costs of labor and “The acquisition of Vence
fencing materials. will broaden our portfolio with
Vence technology is currently complementary products and
available in the United States and technologies to advance animal
parts of Australia. health and well-being as well as
The acquisition is expected to be outcomes for our customers,”
completed in the third quarter of said Rick DeLuca, President,
2022, subject to customary clos- Merck Animal Health.

88 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 NEWS

ADM opens new extrusion facility in Serbia

ADM announced the opening of a new extrusion facility in Serbia. With the combined
efforts of ADM and SojaProtein, the facility is set up to produce non-GMO soy proteins,
which is a highly sought-after assertion not only in Europe, but around the world.

A DM, a global leader in human and animal nu-

trition, announced the opening of a new ex-
trusion facility in Serbia. This comes less than a year
after ADM’s acquisition of European provider of non-
GMO soy ingredients, SojaProtein. With the com-
bined efforts of ADM and SojaProtein, the facility will
further expand ADM’s footprint in Europe, extending
its production of non-GMO textured soy to include
vital origination and extrusion capabilities.
The facility is set up to produce non-GMO soy pro-
teins, which is a highly sought-after assertion not only
in Europe, but around the world. Globally, 75% of con-
sumers look for non-GMO claims on protein content.
Unique to the European region, ADM will now
offer both origination and extrusion capabilities,
extending the high-quality, non-GMO solutions
currently available from ADM’s acquisition of So-
jaProtein. This is made possible due to 90% of the
soy sourced grown within 100 kilometers of the fa-
cility, enabling a local supply chain.
These expanded capabilities provide high-quali-
ty, non-GMO soy protein solutions for authentic,
plant-based savory offerings, meeting and antici-
pating European consumers’ demands. This builds
upon ADM’s robust extrusion and texturized capac-
ities in North America, in addition to the company’s
recently announced substantial investment of $300
million to expand its Decatur, Illinois, alternative
protein production, as well as the planned opening
of a new Protein Innovation Center.

Hamlet Protein appoints new CFO

H amlet Protein, a global pro-

ducer of specialty ingredi-
ents for young animal nutrition,
announced the hiring of Chief
Financial Officer (CFO) Poul Jør-
gensen. He will oversee the finance
operations and IT organization
from the company’s headquarters
in Horsens, Denmark.
Jørgensen, a graduate from the
University of Southern Denmark
and alumnus of the Copenhagen
Business School, comes with an in-
ternational background and expe-
rience in finance, IT and logistics.
“I am excited to join Hamlet
Protein and help implement its’
ambitious growth agenda,” said
Jørgensen.
“It is important to invest in
strong financial leadership in
current volatile market condi-
tions. We are happy to welcome
Poul in our organization, and
look forward to partnering with
him,” commented Hamlet Pro-
tein CEO Erik Visser. Poul Jørgensen
Hamlet Protein produces soy-
based protein ingredients and fi- and the US. Hamlet Protein ser-
bre specialties for swine, poultry, vices customers around the world
ruminant, and aquaculture at two through a network of own sales
production plants in Denmark offices and distributors.

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 89

 NEWS

AB Vista partners with Volac for Mycocheck, new

mycotoxin service
AB Vista and Volac partnered to offer dairy farmers Mycocheck, a comprehensive
service designed specifically for the analysis of mycotoxins in animal feed and
bedding material.

A B Vista has teamed up with

Volac to offer dairy farmers
a new service to reduce the occur-
rence and impact of mycotoxins.
Mycocheck is a comprehen-
sive service designed specifically
for the analysis of mycotoxins in
animal feed and bedding materi-
al, e.g. straw. The app identifies
12 mycotoxins in forage, grains,
straw and livestock feeds.
Common symptoms of my-
cotoxin ingestion include lower
yields, rough coats, listless activi-
ty, inconsistent feed intakes, vari-
able manure consistency and the
presence of mucus tags – pieces
of gut wall – in the manure.
Dr. Derek Mcllmoyle, Regional
Commercial Director GB & Ire-
land; Technical Director Ruminants
EMEA at AB Vista says: “The threat
from mycotoxin contamination of
feeds and bedding is unlikely to
disappear any time soon without
significant interventions. Using Manager, Volac, added: “The dan-
Mycocheck to identify outbreaks gers of mycotoxins are well estab-
and then using products such as lished, but identifying them early
Ultrasorb to manage the risk offers enough to be able to take action
huge benefits, in terms of improved has been an issue. We’re very happy
livestock health and performance.” to be working with AB Vista to ad-
Robert Furmage, Analytical dress this gap through Mycocheck.”

AgroCares and trinamiX partner to offer onsite

nutrient analysis solutions

A groCares, a global ag-tech company deliver-

ing data-driven solutions for nutrient test-
ing, and trinamiX GmbH, a leading provider of
mobile spectroscopy, announced a partnership that
sees the integration of trinamiX’s high-performance
hardware into AgroCares’ next-generation Nutrient
Scanner solution. Starting this autumn, AgroCares
will market the new solution as an upgrade to its
portable Nutrient Scanner launched in 2018. Rely-
ing on near-infrared (NIR) technology and a con- within a few minutes. trinamiX has been driving
nection to AgroCares’ global databases, the solution advancements in mobile NIR spectroscopy, com-
enables customers to determine the chemical com- bining robust hardware with flexible software to en-
position of soils, feed and leaf. hance onsite decision-making across various indus-
AgroCares has been delivering sophisticated da- tries. The companies are leveraging their expertise
ta-driven solutions to measure nutrients and other to expand AgroCares’ successful offering in on-the-
key parameters in soil, feed and leaf on the spot spot nutrient testing.

90 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 NEWS

FEFAC releases 2nd Sustainability Charter Progress Report

F EFAC published its 2nd Sus-

tainability Charter Progress
Report, providing an overview of
the past year on the FEFAC activ-
ities and deliverables in relation to
the five ambitions that were includ-
ed in the FEFAC Feed Sustainabili-
ty Charter 2030 released in Septem-
ber 2020. These ambitions jointly
provide a comprehensive approach
on how the European Feed Indus-
try can contribute to the develop-
ment of more sustainable livestock
and aquaculture value chains. A
key highlight was the publication
“Circular Feed – Optimised Nu-
trient Recovery Through Animal
Nutrition” in June 2022, which
includes an invitation to regulators
to proceed with a systematic review
of legislative bottlenecks in the EU
regulatory framework in order to
facilitate a higher level of circularity
in EU food systems through inno-
vative animal nutrition solutions.
The 2nd Charter Progress Report
points out the importance of in-
creasing the focus on Ambition V
on the socio-economic environ-
ment and resilience of the livestock
& aquaculture sectors in view of
the severe conditions faced by the
livestock sector, which endured the
exacerbating effect of the Ukraine
crisis of a global market rally for
feed grains, which already start-
ed at the end of 2021. All recent
events show that the sustainability
of the food system is highly com-
plex and requires a truly holistic
approach, integrating the resilience
of EU agri-food systems and food
security impacts as well as climate
change and biodiversity targets.
The EU needs to draw the right
lessons from the Ukraine crisis,
which clearly sets the priority on
increasing the EU’s energy autono-
my, but this must be done without
undermining EU and global feed
and food autonomy’s objectives.

New Cooperative Board members appointed at

FrieslandCampina

T he Members’ Council of Zuivelcoöperatie

FrieslandCampina U.A. has appointed Sandra
Stuijk and Herman Bakhuis to the Cooperative Board
with effect from 13 December this year, on the bind-
ing recommendation of the Chairmen's Council.
“We are pleased that Sandra Stuijk and Herman
Bakhuis will join the Cooperative Board with their
experience and knowledge. I warmly welcome them
both,” said Sybren Attema, Chairman of the Board
of Zuivelcoöperatie FrieslandCampina U.A. Sandra Stuijk Herman Bakhuis
Sandra Stuijk has been active in FrieslandCampi-
na's Youth Work since 2017. Until the beginning Herman Bakhuis is currently active as vice chair
of this year, Stuijk was a member of the board of of LTO Netherland Dairy Farming and as a board
FrieslandCampina Young Farmers. She also works member at ZuivelNL. He was also a member of the
as a finance specialist in Wholesale Food & Agri at Members' Council and chairman of the Chairmen's
Rabobank. She has a dairy farm in Alphen, North Council of Zuivelcoöperatie FrieslandCampina
Brabant, the Netherlands. Besides dairy cattle, the U.A. until 2017. Bakhuis has a dairy farm and a
farm also has a small-scale arable farm where sugar recreational farm at two locations in the munici-
beet and carrots are grown. pality of Hellendoorn, Overijssel, the Netherlands.

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 91

 NEWS

Cooperation between eniferBio and Skretting expanding

T he partnership between
eniferBio and Skretting has
been strengthened by the signing
of an agreement that defines the
future steps for testing PEKILO®
protein in Atlantic salmon and
rainbow trout.
The first performance tests on
PEKILO® with Atlantic salmon
were run in 2021 with promising
results. In unison with the signing tion into Skretting feeds, in line ager Novel Ingredients at Nutreco.
of the agreement, eniferBio has with our sustainability ambitions “Skretting is a leading manufac-
now provided a new batch of PE- of including 5–10% of novel in- turer and supplier of aquaculture
KILO® protein for the next phases gredients into our formulations by feeds, so it is significant to get help
of testing its performance as aqua 2025. There is a strong intention from a major company like them in
feed with Atlantic salmon, and the from both parties to reach large getting our innovation out there.
first performance testing rounds commercial volumes of this low We are thrilled that the first round
with rainbow trout. carbon, high protein novel raw of performance tests was a success,
“The MoU defines the next steps material; first in Europe and subse- and we can continue the partner-
towards commercialisation of PE- quently in other geographies,” says ship,” adds Joosu Kuivanen, COO
KILO® protein and implementa- Mette Lütcherath, Category Man- and Co-founder of eniferBio.

Neogen launches new genomic management technology

N eogen® Corporation, which develops and

markets comprehensive solutions dedicat-
ed to food and animal safety, has launched the new
Encompass™ platform for bovine genomic results
management and visualization. This innovative new
data management solution will allow Igenity cus-
tomers to gain greater insight into their data and
maximize the benefits of genomic testing.
Neogen has partnered with IYOTAH Solutions
and their team of experts in data integration and amount of data, it is important that they incorporate
management to ensure that this genomic data can a platform that helps make it easy to recognize im-
be combined with other herd management software. portant, actionable opportunities and eliminate in-
Encompass is part of a larger data environment for efficiencies. By combining iYOTAH's cutting-edge
producers from iYOTAH's nTELL platform, giving data technology platform and value-driven solutions
customers access to additional services that allow with Neogen's operational excellence, genomics in-
them to further improve their decision-making ca- dustry expertise, and global influence, we enable a
pabilities with a single source compared to multiple major impact in the livestock industry," said Dr. Ja-
data management systems. son Lilly, Neogen's Vice President of International
"As producers manage an increasingly large Business and Head of Genomics.

92 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 NEWS

FarmBox Foods launches indoor farm that grows

livestock feed

F armBox Foods LLC announced the official

launch of its Hydroponic Fodder Farm. The
company hosted a public open house from on Septem-
ber 27 and guided tours of the new indoor farm - the
third product line offered by FarmBox Foods - were
provided. Attendees also received a tour of the compa-
ny’s other tech-assisted, containerized farms: the Verti-
cal Hydroponic Farm and Gourmet Mushroom Farm.
Fodder is a nutrient-dense hay that’s used as a
dietary supplement for horses, cows, pigs, goats,
chickens, sheep, rabbits and alpacas.
By growing fodder on site year-round, farmers
and ranchers can avoid supply chain disruptions,
sourcing issues and spikes in hay prices. The con-
trolled-climate farms provide a reliable, hyperlocal
source of fresh food while shielding the barley fod-
der from weather and climate impacts, including
drought, heat waves, freezes and floods. The farms
are housed inside upcycled, insulated shipping con-
tainers outfitted with plumbing, electrical and sen-
sors to control conditions inside. The 320 square-
foot farms also capture, filter and recycle water for
maximum water efficiency.
Because barley fodder requires only a 7-day growth
cycle, a staggered schedule allows farmers and ranch-
ers to harvest around 880 pounds of fodder per day.
Protein-rich fodder improves the overall health of
livestock, supplements hydration and adds weight to
beef cattle. It also promotes the production of bet-
ter-quality milk for dairy cows and goats, improves
fertility rates, reduces the likelihood of illness, and
decreases methane output because of its superior di-
gestibility compared to traditional alfalfa hay.

A renowned scientist joins CAT’s world-class

genetics team

T he Center for Aquaculture

Technologies (CAT), a
leader in aquatic animal genetics,
welcomed Dr. Marcos De Donato
as a new Breeding Scientist. Dr.
De Donato will work with clients
to implement modern selective
breeding strategies to facilitate
genetic improvement in aquatic
species and increase the efficiency
and sustainability of aquaculture.
De Donato brings over 20 years
of expertise in animal breeding,
genomics and molecular diag-
nostics. He has experience in
both implementation of practical
breeding approaches for commer-
cial organizations, and extensive
academic research in prominent
institutions such as Universidad
de Oriente, Cornell University
and Tecnológico de Monterrey.
“Aquaculture is the fastest grow-
ing industry in the world, and
genetics is the key to its sustain-
able future,” says Dr. De Donato,
“I believe CAT is a game chang- Dr. Marcos De Donato
er for aquaculture – the in-house
team can develop custom tools for el, big or small. This approach is
any wild or cultured species, and what propels the industry into the
they deliver innovative solutions future, and I am excited to begin
accessible to companies at any lev- my journey here.”

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 93

 NEWS

Kimberly Nelson named president of Kemin Nutrisurance

G lobal ingredient manu-

facturer Kemin Industries
has named Kimberly Nelson, a
third-generation member of Ke-
min's founding family, as presi-
dent of Kemin Nutrisurance, the
company's pet food and render-
ing technologies business unit.
Kemin, a family-owned-and-op-
erated company, was founded
by Nelson's grandparents, R.W.
and Mary Nelson, 61 years ago.
Nelson has been with Kemin for
seven years, most recently serv-
ing as General Manager – North
America for Kemin Nutrisurance.
During her tenure, the global
business unit saw double-digit
sales growth despite the challeng-
es of the COVID-19 pandemic
and its stress on the supply chain.
Prior to joining Kemin Nutri-
surance, Nelson served as Presi-
dent of Kemin Textile Auxiliaries,
operating under the brand Gar-
mon Chemicals, which provides
total chemical solutions for the
denim and apparel industry. Nel-
son helped lead the acquisition of
Garmon Chemicals in early 2018
and served as Business Devel- Kimberly Nelson
opment Manager, then General
Manager – India, for Kemin Tex- College of Art and Design.
tile Auxiliaries. Nelson will begin her new role
Nelson spent five years in mar- in October 2022, and Alberto
keting in Hong Kong before Muñoz, currently Marketing Di-
joining Kemin in 2017. She re- rector for Kemin Nutrisurance,
ceived her bachelor's degree from will fill her previous position as
Northwestern University and her General Manager – North Amer-
master's degree from Savannah ica for the business unit.

Tyson Foods announces changes to Enterprise

Leadership Team

T yson Foods announced three key changes to

the company’s enterprise leadership team as
part of its continuing effort to focus on the future
while delivering operational excellence for its cus-
tomers and consumers across the world.
Stewart Glendinning will transition from his
current role as Executive Vice President & Chief
Financial Officer at Tyson to take on the position
of Group President, Prepared Foods. Glendinning
joined Tyson Foods in 2017 from Molson Coors
Brewing Company where he served as President &
CEO, International.
John R. Tyson has been named Chief Financial
Officer for Tyson Foods. John R. Tyson will contin-
ue to lead enterprise strategy and sustainability ac-
tivities as part of the company’s commitment to de-
veloping a more sustainable protein system. Prior to
joining the company in 2019, he held various roles
in investment banking, private equity, and venture
capital, including at J.P. Morgan.
Amy Tu has been named President, Internation-
al & Chief Administrative Officer, expanding her
current enterprise leadership role as Executive Vice
President, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary, Global
Governance & Corporate Affairs. Tu joined Tyson
Foods in 2017 as General Counsel. Prior to join-
ing Tyson Foods, she held various global leadership
roles at the Boeing Company and Walmart.
“These changes are effective October 2, 2022.
Noelle O’Mara, formerly Group President, Prepared
Foods, has decided to pursue other opportunities
and is no longer with the company. We appreciate
her contributions to the organization over the last
six years,” the company said in a statement.

94 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022

 NEWS

Feed safety culture for managers microlearning

module by GMP+ Academy now available

T he microlearning on the theme of ‘feed safety

culture for managers’, the third of the sev-
en modules developed by GMP+ International, is
available now at GMP+ Academy.
A microlearning module shares basic knowledge
about animal feed in an accessible way. Companies
can use them as a refresher course or to train new
employees. The modules last no more than ten min-
utes, can be completed anywhere, at any time and
contain lots of practical examples.
The most important goal of the series is raising
awareness. Participants learn what it means to take
account of feed safety. Through various exercises, cas-
es and examples, they reflect on their actions and are
inspired to consciously contribute to the feed safety
cultures within their organisations. The first micro-
learning demonstrated the impact of feed safety; the
second described common hazards for feed safety.
The third microlearning module is aimed at all man-
agers who work in the feed industry. They learn what
the necessary conditions are for a feed safety culture
and how they themselves can contribute to securing
those conditions. They also learn how to navigate the
most common pitfalls in managing animal feed. The
micro-learning module is available in Dutch, En-
glish, German, Spanish and Polish.
This series of microlearning modules is being de-
veloped in partnership with the GMP+ Academy’s
CKP. Feed experts from big names in the industry
(AB Agri, De Heus, Trouw Nutrition and Veravis)
pool their knowledge and experience in order to
share information about feed safety culture with
the world.

GSA creates Chief Sales and Marketing Officer role,

hires Alison Harris

T he Global Seafood Alli-

ance (GSA) has hired Al-
ison Harris as Chief Sales and
Marketing Officer, a newly cre-
ated role for the nonprofit orga-
nization. Harris oversees GSA’s
Market Development and Out-
reach teams and reports to GSA
CEO Brian Perkins.
In this role, Harris will expand
the adoption of GSA’s wild sea-
food certification and farmed
seafood certification. She also
will work closely with GSA’s
partners – feed mills, hatcheries,
fisheries, farms, vessels, seafood
processors and seafood retailers –
to increase collaboration among
partners and create benefits for
those that adopt responsible sea-
food practices.
Harris has extensive experi-
ence helping companies expand
their reach and presence by com-
municating their strengths and
value and building long-lasting
relationships. Her prior experi- Alison Harris
ence includes expanding a busi-
ness-to-business media company, numerous growth-oriented busi-
business development for a gov- nesses. She lives in Maine and
ernment contact center BPO, and works out of GSA’s Portsmouth,
serving as a fractional CMO for N.H., headquarters.

October 2022 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 95

 NEWS

AGRA and GAIN sign cooperation agreement

T he heads of the African

Green Revolution Alliance
(AGRA) and the Global Alliance
for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
signed a new five-year coopera-
tion agreement at the 2022 Af-
rican Green Revolution Forum
(AGRF) in Kigali, Rwanda.
“The AGRF has become the
landmark annual event on the
continent bringing governments
and partners together around
food security and making safe,
nutritious foods produced in a
sustainable way available to all Af-
ricans,” said GAIN Executive Di-
rector Lawrence Haddad. “AGRA
is thus a critical partner for GAIN
in helping deliver strategies which
African government are adopting
in the face of the current food cri-
sis,” Haddad added.
The cooperation agreement cov-
ers GAIN support to the AGRF and
working with AGRA to strengthen
linkages between smallholder farm-
ers and African agri-food compa-
nies, emphasizing better access to fi-
nance and technical skills for SMEs
involved in the agri-food sector.
Joint efforts are being made
to strengthen nutritious food
systems thinking in the African
agriculture and Agri food land-
scape. This includes work on the
development of food system met-
rics which will help governments
and development partners plan to
improve access to and availability
of nutritious foods.
“As the impact of climate change
on African agriculture grows, we
need to accelerate actions to pro-
mote investments for sustainable
agriculture ensuring that Africans
everywhere can have better access
to safe and nutritious foods,” said
AGRA President, Agnes Kalibata.

Aker BioMarine strengthens QRILL™ Aqua

sales team with new talent

A ker BioMarine is enhancing its QRILL™

Aqua sales organization after successfully re-
cruiting two new talents for its Norway-based team.
The supply of sustainable and nutritious ingre-
dients for fish feed is essential for further growth
of the Norwegian salmon industry. Aker BioMarine
strongly believes that QRILL™ Aqua can be part of
the solution. Therefore, the company has decided
to establish a team that will work closely with the
fish farming industry in order to find tailor made Maja Bævre-Jensen Karen Kirstine Østerhus
solutions for each customer. The team will be led by
Maja Bævre-Jensen who takes the role as Business Karen Kirstine Østerhus previously worked at
Development Director, and Karen Kirstine Øster- STIM, where she gained experience with bacterio-
hus is appointed as Business Development Manager. phages, feed and other fish health-related products.
Maja Bævre-Jensen has spent the past five years of her In her most recent role, she focused on fish ready to
career working with the Norwegian Seafood Research be harvested and collaborated with farmers through-
Fund. With two decades of aquaculture experience, she out Norway. Østerhus holds a bachelor’s degree in
has spent her career exploring new solutions for both Aquaculture Management from Nord University
Norwegian and global fish farming. Bævre-Jensen holds and is halfway through a master’s degree in Sustain-
a master’s degree in Aqua Medicine from the Norwe- able Aquaculture from the Norwegian University of
gian Arctic University, with a specialization in sea lice. Science and Technology (NTNU).

96 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022


Bond Pet Foods closes $17.5m in Series A funding to
scale meat proteins
US-based Bond Pet Foods completed $17.5 million in Series A funding to
scale nutritionally complete meat proteins produced through precision
fermentation.
B ond Pet Foods, the Colorado-based company
creating meat proteins through fermentation
for pet food applications, announced that it has com-
pleted its Series A fundraise totaling $17.5 million.
The oversubscribed round includes investment
from global food and agriculture pioneers ADM
Ventures (Archer Daniels Midland Company) and
Cavallo Ventures (Wilbur Ellis); institutional funds
Genoa Ventures and Lever VC; food/tech and sus-
tainability investors Thia Ventures, iSelect Fund,
Stage 1 Fund, Lifely VC and Satori Capital, as well
as music icons Sia Isabelle Furler and Joan Jett.
The funding will be used to expand Bond's meat
protein portfolio and scale up production at a new
15,000 square foot facility in central Boulder, Col-
orado. The Series A will also allow Bond to more
than triple the size of its team, strengthening its sci-
ence, technical and regulatory competency.
Premix/Ingredient Feed Facility of the Year
applications open
I n coordination with Feedstuffs, the American
Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has opened
applications for its Premix/Ingredient Feed Facili-
ty of the Year (FFY) program. Submissions are due
by November 11. The program is open to all AFIA
member premix/ingredient feed manufacturing fa-
cilities.
The winning facility will be recognized on March
8, 2023, at the AFIA's 2023 Purchasing and Ingre-
dient Suppliers Conference in Orlando, Florida.
The winning plant manager will receive overnight
accommodations and a free registration to the con-
ference.
"Participating in the FFY program can be incred-
October 2022
NEWS
Bond Pet Foods was founded in 2017 with a mis-
sion to create more sustainable, responsible, and
humane food by reimagining meat, the mainstay
of our pets' diets. Bond is employing precision fer-
mentation to produce nutritionally complete, na-
ture-identical chicken, beef, fish and other meat
proteins for pet food applications. Bond's produc-
tion process is safe and established, similar to that
routinely used to make common food ingredients
such as lactic acid, vitamin B12 and enzymes for
cheese production- no animal farming required.
Prior to this Series A round, Bond raised $2.5M
from investors including Lever VC, Agronomics,
KBW Ventures, Plug and Play Ventures and Trellis
Road, bringing its total funding to-date to $20M. In
November of last year Bond also announced an in-
dustry-first partnership with Hill's Pet Nutrition, to
develop a craft meat protein for its product portfolio.
ibly valuable for facilities," said Gary Huddleston,
AFIA's director of feed manufacturing and regula-
tory affairs. "Participating facilities receive an indi-
vidual report on how their facility measures against
other facilities within the category. In addition, it
gives members an opportunity to show off their
dedication to safety and efficiency."
FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 97