[LEXINGTON, Ky.] Alltech, a leading global animal nutrition company, has been awarded four new medals from EcoVadis, a globally recognized provider of business sustainability assessments. These medals are a testament to Alltech’s purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty^® and the company’s commitment implementing environmentally and economically sustainable solutions, fostering ethical business conduct, and prioritizing the efficient production of nutritious food.

EcoVadis evaluates companies across 21 sustainability criteria within four core themes: environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Its ratings are based on international sustainability standards, including the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact, the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards and the ISO 26000 guidelines. More than 130,000 companies have been rated by EcoVadis.

Two Alltech facilities earned Platinum Medals, placing them in the top 1% of the more than 200,000 businesses assessed by EcoVadis:

• Alltech Coppens in the Netherlands, which develops and produces high-quality, innovative fish feed and nutritional solutions
• Alltech’s Woolfox manufacturing facility in the United Kingdom

In addition, Alltech’s global operations and its manufacturing facility in Serdán, Mexico, earned EcoVadis Silver Medals, ranking them in the top 15% of businesses assessed.

“Three years ago, Alltech outlined a strategic vision for our ESG ambitions with a focus on proof points and team confidence. Over that time, we’ve expanded our policies, introduced new systems, conducted training and taken a lot of action,” said Tara McCarthy, Alltech’s global vice president of ESG. “It gives a great sense of achievement to the entire Alltech team to see that EcoVadis has recognized these efforts. Our ambition to build upon this proof remains strong, with five more assessments planned this year. Our commitment to embed best practice is unwavering as we carry out our purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty.”

The EcoVadis process validates Alltech’s sustainability performance and offers a clear roadmap for enhancing its impact.

Alltech continues to reach for ambitious ESG targets, find areas for improvement and innovation, and strive to nurture a culture of sustainability,” McCarthy said. “We have made great progress, but we know that there is always more work to be done.”

The company’s commitment to demonstrating its credentials in the global supply chain continues around the world as several additional locations prepare for EcoVadis assessments, including the Alltech European Bioscience Centre in Dunboyne, Ireland, which submitted its assessment this week.

Each year, Alltech shares its progress in the Alltech Sustainability Report, which outlines actions taken to align the business with its commitments to the United Nations Global Compact, the U.N. Ten Principles and the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more by reading the most recent report at alltech.com/sustainability.

For more information, visit Alltech.com.

They are big, they are hard to handle, they can be hard to move, they are hard on each other, they are hard on equipment, they are hard on you and hard on the help. Outside of putting them to work 60–90 days out of the year, most producers wish they didn’t have to own one, much less a group of them.

Yes, we are talking about bulls and their antics! Most often, producers put their bulls to work and then turn them out into the farthest-away pasture and mostly forget about them. Out of sight, out of mind! Have you looked at your bulls lately?

Given the winter weather most of the country has seen this year, there may be some issues that bulls have never had to deal with — or producers either. Most producers in the northern climates are used to managing through severe cold, wind and snow, but this year there could be issues that there normally wouldn’t be, and maybe more so in the south and southeast due to the cold, snow and ice. Cold stress, frostbite, poor body condition and injury could have occurred in any and every part of the country this year.

With record or near-record prices paid for calves this fall, bred heifers this fall and winter, and cow/calf and heifer pairs now, it is crucial to get the females in the herd bred; and bulls are at least half of the equation to making it happen.

Cold stress and frostbite

Cold stress occurs when body temperatures drop because animals can’t keep themselves warm. During these times, the body tries to stay warm by shivering to generate body heat, which burns a lot of calories. If the available feed isn’t adequate to meet the increased needs, a big loss of body condition can occur if the cold extends for a prolonged period. Also, in severe cold, wet and windy conditions, frostbite is a danger.

What is frostbite? It is a condition that occurs when body tissues freeze due to prolonged exposure to extremely cold temps. Frostbite mostly occurs on the extremities of the body that normally see less blood flow. In young cattle, frostbite may be on ears and feet. Early symptoms of frostbite are swelling or edema, followed by the affected parts being cold to the touch. In severe cases, the frozen skin may start to separate, and the affected parts may even be lost.

In mature bulls, frostbite can affect the scrotum. This can cause testicular degeneration and permanent infertility. In some cases, bulls with frostbite can overcome the injury and be able to breed in 60–90 days. In other cases, they can become infertile.

Visual and breeding soundness examination

The success of the breeding season hinges on whether your bulls can perform their job to the best of their abilities. A breeding soundness exam can tell you whether you are setting yourself up for failure or for success this breeding season.

The examination starts with a visual inspection of the bull to make sure they are healthy and alert, in ideal body condition and sound on all four feet. The veterinarian should look for common signs of frostbite, including accumulated manure and/or bedding on the bottom of the scrotum. This visual inspection is followed by a more physical inspection of the prostate, scrotum, testes, vesicular glands and penis; for instance, the veterinarian should check whether the penis can fully extend. An ejaculate will also be collected at this time to assess sperm motility and morphology.

Body condition and nutrition

Now is also a good time to start looking at bull body condition overall, and this means focusing on your nutritional and mineral programs. It is easier and cheaper to put on condition over a longer length of time than to have the “Oh no!” moment.

The ideal body condition for bulls is a 6 at turnout time. Bull age, breed, size, weather and time until turnout will determine the appropriate feeding program. Bulls that are too thin or too fat at turnout are usually less active and likely will not travel as far to cover the number of cows they need to. Typically, on a mature bull, a body condition score is equal to 120 pounds. If they wintered hard and are in a body condition score of 3–4, those bulls should be gaining 2 pounds or so per day now to be in the ideal condition by turnout.

Talk to your nutritionist or use one of the numerous online tools provided through various state extension programs to help you put a feeding program together. Sampling your feedstuffs will also give you more precise nutrient and ingredient information to use in these programs. Given the diverse weather last year, there was plenty of variation in feed quality.

Trace mineral supplementation

The key to a good nutrition program is making sure your bulls get enough mineral supplementation — and in the right form.

Copper, zinc, selenium and manganese, as provided through Alltech’s Bioplex® and Sel-Plex® organic trace mineral technologies, play crucial roles in bull fertility. Zinc is important for bull libido, testosterone synthesis and testicular size. Copper is important for libido and sperm production and volume. Selenium helps with sperm viability, and manganese is involved in hormone production.

Winter weather could have caused new and unforeseen challenges for many producers. Given the economics for cow-calf producers, it is imperative to get the herd set up to be as productive as possible this breeding season. We all know how hard it is to work with and manage bulls; however, if there was ever a breeding season to ensure your bulls are at the top of their game, it is this one.

Have you looked at your bulls lately?

About the author:

Bryan Sanderson grew up in Lake Preston, South Dakota, and spent most of his childhood working on pig, crop and cattle farms. After receiving a degree in animal science from South Dakota State University, with minors in ag marketing and ag business, Bryan began his impressive career in animal agriculture. With experience in livestock production, feedlot supervision, sales and finance, Bryan is currently the U.S. beef business manager for Alltech.

I want to learn more about nutrition for beef cattle.

Mycotoxin contamination in imported grains continues to be a critical challenge for animal feed producers in Asia. As feed production in the region grows, so does its reliance on imported raw materials from major grain-exporting regions such as Europe, North America and Latin America.

The Alltech 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis sheds light on mycotoxin risks, offering valuable insights for both ruminant and monogastric nutrition.

Understanding mycotoxin risks in imported grains

Dr. Ghazanfar Naseer, Alltech Asia regional technical manager for ruminants and mycotoxins, emphasizes that mycotoxin contamination poses a serious threat to animal health and productivity.

“Mycotoxins are invisible, but their impact is not,” he warns. “For ruminants like dairy and beef cattle, these toxins can lead to lower milk production, reduced growth rates and long-term health issues.”

Similarly, Gustavo Sa Ribeiro, Alltech Asia regional technical manager for monogastric, highlights how mycotoxins can significantly affect swine and poultry production.

“As we learn more about mycotoxins, we see the damaging effects on animal performance and feed efficiency. Understanding their presence in imported raw materials is essential for making informed decisions.”

Regional mycotoxin profiles: Key findings

Europe

• Mycotoxin risk varies significantly between Northern and Southern Europe.
• Northern Europe: Deoxynivalenol (DON) is the primary concern, impacting dairy cows with reduced milk yield and higher somatic cell counts.
• Southern Europe: Aflatoxin contamination is prevalent in corn, posing liver health risks and reducing productivity.

United States

• Pre-harvest rains led to Fusarium-related mycotoxin challenges, with DON, zearalenone, and fumonisins being the most prominent.
• 85% of U.S. corn samples tested were contaminated with fumonisins, which can cause feed refusal and immune suppression in cattle.
• Post-harvest drought resulted in damaged kernels and foreign matter, increasing storage and transportation risks.

Canada

• Fusarium toxins were dominant in wheat and barley samples.
• Although the risk was lower than in the previous harvest, individual samples contained elevated mycotoxin levels, stressing the need for routine testing.

Brazil

• Aflatoxin, DON, fumonisins and zearalenone continue to be the primary concerns.
• 75% of Brazilian corn samples tested positive for fumonisins, with some reaching 22,800 ppb, a dangerously high level for ruminants.
• High Fusarium toxin concentrations pose severe risks, particularly for swine.

Implications for ruminant and monogastric species

Ruminant:

• Corn byproducts from North America and Europe have an average risk equivalent quantity (REQ) of 392 for dairy cows, indicating a high risk level.
• This could result in a 5% drop in milk production and a 7% increase in somatic cell counts, impacting milk quality and profitability.
• Fumonisins in Brazilian and U.S. corn can impair feed efficiency and overall herd health.

Monogastric:

• U.S. corn samples contained an average of 7.8 mycotoxins per sample, with 100% of tested samples showing contamination from multiple toxins.
• Type B trichothecenes, fumonisins and zearalenone are the most concerning mycotoxins for swine and poultry.
• Negative effects on average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratios (FCRs) highlight the importance of proactive risk management.

Managing mycotoxin risks in imported feed ingredients

To safeguard animal performance and business profitability, Alltech recommends implementing a holistic mycotoxin management strategy, including:

• Routine mycotoxin testing, using tools like Alltech 37+® and Alltech® RAPIREAD™, to detect contamination levels before feed formulation
• Quality control measures for raw material procurement, to reduce inclusion of high-risk ingredients
• Nutrition strategies tailored to minimize mycotoxin exposure effects on animal health and productivity

Download the full report

The Alltech 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis report provides in-depth insights into mycotoxin contamination trends and their impact on livestock and feed production in the Asia-Pacific region.

Get your copy today at alltech.com/asia-import-risk-analysis to make informed decisions for your business and optimize animal health and performance. Visit knowmycotoxins.com for further resources and expert guidance.

About the author:

Tien Le earned her bachelor’s degree in advertising and marketing communications from the University of Greenwich, London, with the University Merit Award for Outstanding Achievement. She started her career at Alltech in 2016 as part of the Corporate Career Development Program, spending time in both the U.S. and Ireland before taking a role in Vietnam, her home country. Tien presently serves as the editorial content manager for Alltech, a role that allows her to fulfill her passions for writing, innovation and sustainable agriculture.

[BANGKOK, Thailand] – Alltech, a global leader in animal nutrition, has released the results of the Alltech 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis. Now in its 4^th edition, this report provides Asian feed and livestock producers with the insights needed to optimize nutritional strategies in the coming months. It uses data from the Alltech 2024 Harvest Analysis programs carried out across Europe and North America.

“The 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis discloses significant diversity in crop quality and mycotoxin risk across the key grain-growing regions globally,” said Nick Adams, commercial director at Alltech. “Contrasting weather conditions in Europe are resulting in a distinct difference in mycotoxin profiles between grains harvested in Southern and Northern Europe. In the U.S., pre-harvest rains have created Fusarium challenges, with deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone and fumonisins presenting the greatest risk. These findings illustrate the importance of understanding the mycotoxin landscape when purchasing raw materials and taking a proactive approach to countering these quality challenges.”

Key themes identified from the 2024 harvest, by region:

Europe: There is a distinct difference in mycotoxin profiles between grains harvested in Southern and Northern Europe. Deoxynivalenol (DON) presents the greatest challenge in northern countries, while aflatoxin dominates in corn originating in southern regions.

U.S.: Rains pre-harvest created Fusarium challenges in the U.S., with DON, zearalenone and fumonisins presenting the greatest risk. The rains were followed by a very dry harvest, resulting in more damaged kernels and a greater percentage of foreign matter. This may present subsequent storage and shipping issues.

Canada: Fusarium toxins dominated in wheat and barley samples. Although generally, a lower risk was seen compared to the previous harvest, many individual samples contained elevated levels of mycotoxins, emphasizing the importance of routine raw material testing.

Brazil: Similar to the previous harvest, aflatoxin, DON, fumonisins and zearalenone were the primary mycotoxins of interest in Brazilian sampling programs. The average concentrations of some of the Fusarium toxins would pose high levels of risk for pigs in particular.

The report also contains risk assessments for individual species, such as broilers, grow-finish pigs and dairy cows.

For more information and to view the full results of the Alltech 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis, visit Alltech 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis.

[LONDON, England] – Industry leaders gathered in London on March 6 to launch the Food Business Charter, a program created by Meat Business Women in collaboration with more than 30 leading agri-food businesses around the world with the ambitious goal to reach 40% female representation across the global food value chain by 2035. The Food Business Charter will provide information and practical support for organisations wanting to promote gender equity and create more opportunities for the women on their teams. Alltech has expressed its commitment to the new initiative by becoming a supporting partner.

The landmark initiative reflects a strategic commitment from senior leaders to address gender imbalance and the attraction and retention of talent into the global food industry.  The initiative follows a Meat Business Women industry roundtable last year that highlighted the urgent need for action, with women representing just 33.5% of the meat industry workforce, down from 36% in 2020.

"The Food Business Charter is a defining moment in our industry's journey toward gender equality and a major milestone for our 10^th year of Meat Business Women. Working with senior leaders who understand the benefits of a gender-balanced workforce, we've created not just a vision, but a practical roadmap for change,” said Laura Ryan, global chair and founder of Meat Business Women. “This Charter, backed by major global and European food manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice businesses, demonstrates our industry's collective determination to remove barriers and create meaningful opportunities for women at all levels.”

"We know that a diverse and inclusive workforce isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a business imperative,” said Orla McAleer, Alltech’s chief culture officer. “The Food Business Charter is a crucial step towards accelerating change in our industry, ensuring we attract and retain the best talent. By supporting this Charter, we are reaffirming our dedication to fostering a workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive."

The Charter will be accompanied by an Action Planning Toolkit, designed in collaboration with Diversity & Inclusion experts, providing organisations with practical strategies to achieve the Charter's ambitions.

"This isn't about setting targets – it's about transforming our industry's future to ensure it remains profitable and sustainable,” Ryan said. "The Charter provides a framework for organisations to implement practical talent attraction and retention strategies, share best practices, and create lasting change. With the support of our industry partners, we're confident we can achieve sustainable change."

The launch event took place in a pivotal week, ahead of International Women's Day with key industry leaders officially signing the Charter and pledging their commitment to gender balance.

Meat Business Women is the United Nations’ recognised global professional network for women working across the meat industry. It was created to improve the sustainability of the meat sector and grow the pipeline of female talent in this male-dominated industry.

Alltech is a global leader that delivers smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture. Its diverse portfolio of products and services improves the health and performance of animals and plants, resulting in better nutrition for all and a decreased environmental impact. Learn more at alltech.com.

For more information about Meat Business Women and how to sign The Food Business Charter, visit meatbusinesswomen.org/food-business/charter.

[BANGKOK, Thailand] – Alltech, a global leader in animal nutrition, will participate in VIV Asia 2025, March 12–14 at IMPACT in Bangkok, Thailand. With a focus on promoting sustainable food production, Alltech will highlight innovative solutions that enhance profitability, animal health, and environmental sustainability across the agri-food value chain.

The global team of Alltech experts will be at Booth #3410, Hall 2. For producers, suppliers and industry professionals, the Alltech booth will offer a unique opportunity to interact directly with the company’s experts and explore the latest developments in the agri-food sector.

In line with its purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty^®, Alltech will emphasize its commitment to sustainability through partnerships and innovations that address global food security, climate change and resource scarcity. At VIV Asia, attendees can expect to learn how Alltech’s solutions support a sustainable future for the agri-food industry.

Alltech’s programs at VIV Asia include:

• Seminar: Transforming animal nutrition: Evolving technologies to shape a sustainable and profitable future
  • When: March 12, 14:00–15:45
  • Venue: Jupiter 5, G Floor IMPACT
     
• Alltech 2025 Asia Import Risk Analysis: This valuable report highlights key regional and animal-specific mycotoxin concerns in imported raw materials for animal feed.
   
• Introducing Agolin^®: This cutting-edge, eco-friendly solution is designed to promote animal productivity while supporting sustainability goals. Agolin will be featured at the Alltech booth and discussed in-depth during the event.
   
• World Without Cows screening: Filmmakers Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth have spent the past three years exploring a fascinating question: Are we better off in a world without cows? The thought-provoking documentary World Without Cows delves into the cultural, societal and environmental significance of cows, examining their vital role in nourishing the world and combating climate change.
  • When: March 12, 17:30–21:00
  • Venue: Summer House, Nai Lert Park 4 Soi Somkid Ploechit Road, Bangkok
     
• Alltech Happy Hour: Visitors are invited to enjoy refreshing drinks at the Alltech booth.
  • When: March 12 and 13, 15:00–16:00

For more information, visit Alltech.com.

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Alltech, a global leader in biotechnology, has released the complete Alltech 2024 U.S. Harvest Analysis report. The comprehensive final report shows that a combination of heavy early-season rains and late-season droughts has created distinct challenges for crop producers in the United States and indicates that overall risk is moderate to high.

“The trend for corn grain and corn silage is somewhat higher across all regions of the U.S. than it was for 2023,” said Dr. Max Hawkins, global technical support for the Technology Group at Alltech. “This increase in risk is due to the occurrence and levels of type B trichothecenes primarily, but zearalenone and fumonisins are also included in the increase, particularly in the Eastern U.S. The result is an increased pressure on animal health and performance that producers will need to monitor moving forward to maintain a proactive mycotoxin management program.” 

The final mycotoxin risk will ultimately depend on the animal species and groups being fed and the mycotoxin concentrations and combinations in the finished diet.

Mycotoxins, which are natural substances produced by molds and fungi, are more prevalent — and more of a problem in agriculture — than ever before. More than 95% of crops today are contaminated with at least one mycotoxin, and usually with two or more. Because these toxins are difficult to detect, they can cause significant damage to animal health before producers even realize they are present. A proactive mycotoxin management program is essential, and the first step is learning which mycotoxins pose the highest risk in specific regions, crops and species.

The Alltech 2024 U.S. Harvest Analysis program tests samples of new-crop grains and forages collected from farms or animal feed production sites across the country, ensuring an accurate picture of mycotoxin contamination. All samples are tested at the leading-edge Alltech 37^+® lab, which can detect the presence of 54 mycotoxins.

Other key results from the Alltech 2024 U.S. Harvest Analysis include:

Corn silage

The Upper Midwest showed higher risk due to DON than in 2023, while other regions showed a similar risk to 2023. Emerging mycotoxins and Type B trichothecenes had the highest prevalence.

Corn

The risk from corn grain is primarily DON and fumonisins. The risk in the East is similar to 2023, while the risk in the Midwest is greater than 2023, particularly for monogastrics.

On Nov. 21, 2024, Alltech hosted “From Field to Feed: 2024 Crop and Mycotoxin Analysis”, a broadcast streamed live from Alltech’s headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky, U.S. During the broadcast, panelists shared valuable insights for managing risks across the supply chain. Here are the key takeaways:

• Test and monitor: Regularly test crops and feed to understand what’s present and to ensure high quality.
• Leverage weather data: Pay attention to weather patterns and farm-specific conditions to assess potential risks early.
• Use comprehensive information: Gather unbiased data from all aspects of your operation and tailor it to fit your specific needs.
• Combine methods: Utilize both traditional techniques and new technologies to refine processes and ensure feed quality.
• Act proactively: If mycotoxins are present, be proactive with management to ensure high-quality feed production, thus protecting animals and safeguarding your operation’s resilience and success. 

Visit alltech.com/harvest-analysis to access the recording of the broadcast as well as the full 2024 Alltech Harvest Analysis program, including the complete U.S. report, which is available now.

For more information about Alltech mycotoxin management solutions, visit knowmycotoxins.com.

Mycotoxins, harmful substances produced by molds and fungi, pose a significant challenge in agriculture. With more than 95% of crops testing positive for at least one mycotoxin, farmers and feed producers need reliable and efficient testing solutions to protect animal health and performance.

Recognizing this growing need, Alltech has expanded its mycotoxin testing program with an exciting new collaboration with Waters | VICAM, integrating the Vertu™ TOUCH reader into the Alltech RAPIREAD™ system.

A smarter approach to mycotoxin management

Alltech RAPIREAD, launched in 2020, provides rapid on-site mycotoxin testing and risk analysis. Previously, it worked in collaboration with Neogen® and its Raptor® testing device, allowing producers to test individual grains and forages. Now, with the addition of Waters | VICAM’s Vertu TOUCH, Alltech RAPIREAD expands its capabilities to include complete feed analysis, offering more comprehensive insights.

The Vertu TOUCH reader is a user-friendly, touch-screen device that delivers full-range quantitative results for six major mycotoxins, including:

• Aflatoxin
• Fumonisin
• Deoxynivalenol (DON)
• Zearalenone
• Ochratoxin A
• T2 and HT2 toxins

This enhanced system allows producers to quickly and accurately detect mycotoxins in a single sample within 10 minutes, providing valuable data for informed decision-making.

Why rapid mycotoxin testing matters

Mycotoxins are often invisible threats, difficult to detect until they have already impacted animal health. These toxins can lead to reduced feed efficiency, weakened immune systems, and lower overall performance in livestock. With Alltech RAPIREAD and the Vertu TOUCH integration, producers can now:

• Identify mycotoxin risks in real time at the feed mill or on the farm.
• Make data-driven decisions to protect feed quality and animal health.
• Reduce economic losses associated with contaminated feed and poor livestock performance.

A new era of mycotoxin testing

With decades of experience in mycotoxin risk management, Alltech continues to lead the way in providing innovative solutions. The collaboration with Waters | VICAM ensures that Alltech RAPIREAD remains at the forefront of mycotoxin testing technology, offering producers a convenient, accurate and efficient way to safeguard their feed and animals.

To learn more about Alltech’s mycotoxin management solutions and see the RAPIREAD system in action, visit knowmycotoxins.com.

About the author:

Tien Le presently serves as the editorial content manager for Alltech, a role that allows her to fulfill her passions for writing, innovation and sustainable agriculture. She earned her bachelor’s degree in advertising and marketing communications from the University of Greenwich, London, with the University Merit Award for Outstanding Achievement. Tien started her career at Alltech in 2016 as part of the Corporate Career Development Program, spending time in both the U.S. and Ireland before taking a role in Vietnam, her home country. 

[DUNBOYNE, Ireland] – Alltech is a global leader in animal nutrition, backed by 45 years of scientific research. The company produces premium feed additive products and works with global regulatory agencies to meet their requirements. For more than a decade, the company’s attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR) chelation assay has been relied upon by the industry to ensure that only the highest-quality products enter the market, to ensure fair market competition, and to prevent feed additive fraud.

“With new trace mineral chelate products continuously being developed, in addition to products with increased mineral concentration, the use of validated assays such as that developed by Alltech will ensure that such chelates meet EU regulatory requirements,” said Dr. Colm Moran, chief regulatory officer at Alltech. “This further adds to their safety and efficacy characteristics. Apart from enabling producers to meet regulatory requirements, assessment of such chelates via this assay will enable the EU to combat feed additive fraud. In doing so, the EU can further protect its agricultural sector by upholding standards through robust monitoring and rigorous enforcement of regulations.”

The process of complexing or chelating elements such as zinc or manganese to generate a trace mineral chelate typically involves reacting inorganic mineral salts with a suitable bonding group such as a peptide or amino acid, after which the mineral becomes part of a biologically stable structure. The chemistry behind chelation has created a great deal of confusion in the animal feed industry.

“Establishing the degree of complexation is important for both regulatory and practical purposes. Just as regulatory agencies require complete characterisation of medicinal products, similar data is necessary for trace mineral chelates to ensure their safety and efficacy,” said Dr. Richard Murphy, research director at Alltech. “If the metal ion is not complexed, its use will confer no additional benefit over that of a metal salt. Additionally, control methods allowing for the detection of products which are merely blends of carrier and inorganic salts are important to prevent the sale of fraudulent materials.”

In 2017, researchers at the Alltech European Bioscience Centre in Dunboyne, Ireland, assessed several different methodologies to determine the degree of metal complexation in commercially available chelates of protein hydrolysate (proteinates), thereby enabling more complete characterisation and control of these products. Potential methodologies which were identified included both the ATR–FTIR and powder X–Ray diffraction (PXRD). Both techniques are well established and widely available, and data can be acquired rapidly. They are also non-destructive, so that the same sample can be analysed by both methods in different laboratories.

Subsequent to this, the method was published under peer review (Cantwell et al., 2017) and made available to the industry as a whole, enabling other manufacturers to independently assess their own products. Additional work by Byrne et al., (2023) extended on the earlier work and validated the assay for use with higher concentration trace mineral chelates of protein hydrolysate.

The validated ATR-FTIR spectroscopy method is product specific, and while its use is applicable to the general class of chelates referred to by EFSA as “chelates of protein hydrolysate” (proteinates), the published assay has only been verified for the proteinate Bioplex®, produced by Alltech. As the characteristics of any proteinate will depend on the protein source used to produce the hydrolysate, the hydrolysis process, and the percentage of metal present, the assay will need to be validated and verified in a product-specific fashion.

“Product-specific assay validation is critical in this instance as the hydrolysis procedure plays a critical role in the production of proteinate products and varies greatly between manufacturers,” said Murphy. “As such, to obtain accurate data on the extent of chelation for specific chelate products, generation of appropriate standards and calibration curves, along with method verification and validation procedures, must be done for each specific product type.”

For more information about Alltech’s mineral management solutions, visit alltech.com/en-ie/mineral-management.

New entity expands the reach of World Without Cows documentary and supports additional science-based agricultural storytelling 

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] — Alltech, a global leader in animal nutrition and crop science, has launched Planet of Plenty, LLC, a new business entity dedicated to science-led storytelling, advocacy and educational initiatives that amplify agriculture’s vital role in creating a sustainable future.

This initiative builds on Alltech’s vision of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty®, which unites the agri-food community in creating a world where agriculture thrives, nutritious food is abundant and accessible, and our planet’s natural resources are replenished for generations to come.

While most families had ties to agriculture just two generations ago, many people today lack firsthand exposure to how the world’s food is produced. This disconnect can lead to misconceptions and oversimplified narratives about agriculture’s environmental impact, the role of farmers in creating climate solutions, and the complexity of feeding a growing population while protecting natural resources.

Through powerful storytelling, advocacy and educational initiatives, Planet of Plenty LLC aims to bridge that gap.

“Through Planet of Plenty LLC, we can take viewers on a global journey — into fields, research labs and farming communities — where they will see firsthand the intricate relationship between agriculture, the environment and food and economic security,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech.

Planet of Plenty LLC will serve as a collaborative hub where those within the agri-food community and beyond can:

• Promote science-based storytelling
• Advocate for the world’s agri-food producers
• Support educational initiatives
• Broaden the conversation about agriculture’s role in shaping a more sustainable future

Planet of Plenty LLC’s flagship project is World Without Cows, a feature-length documentary that amplifies the diverse perspectives of researchers studying methane emissions, farmers implementing regenerative practices, experts tackling the challenge of nourishing a growing population, and people in rural communities who rely on cows for their livelihoods. Co-created by two award-winning journalists who now work at Alltech, World Without Cows takes viewers on a global journey to foster a deeper understanding of everything cows contribute — and what the world might look like without them.

Over the past six months, World Without Cows has been screened at film festivals and events worldwide, sparking a broader discussion about the essential role of agriculture in sustainability, food security and the global economy.

Through collaboration with Alltech’s in-house media team and extensive global network, Planet of Plenty LLC will continue to create visually compelling, deeply informative content that accurately portrays modern agriculture’s complexities and opportunities — using science-based insights and storytelling to engage with audiences, just as World Without Cows has done around the world.

As interest in World Without Cows grows, this initiative offers supporters a mechanism to strengthen the documentary’s impact by opening doors to new audiences. Financial contributions to Planet of Plenty LLC will directly fund efforts to expand the documentary’s reach — and will also support additional science-based storytelling and advocacy initiatives that keep the conversation going.

“Agriculture’s most powerful stories are told by those on the frontlines,” Dr. Mark Lyons said. “Driving meaningful change begins with awareness, understanding and broader conversations, which Planet of Plenty LLC will endeavor to cultivate."

To learn more about World Without Cows and how to contribute to Planet of Plenty LLC, visit worldwithoutcows.com/contribute.