Development of more rumen-friendly rations to mitigate both environmental and physical feed waste can be achieved with Alltech IFM, a unique tool to support diet formulation

[DUNBOYNE, Ireland, and SHROPSHIRE, U.K.] – Global animal nutrition company Alltech has launched its first European-based in vitro fermentation laboratory, Alltech IFM™, in collaboration with Harper Adams University in the U.K. Alltech IFM is a nutritional tool that simulates rumen fermentation and evaluates the digestibility of feed and forages within the animal.

For farmers and feed manufacturers, the use of Alltech IFM can identify barriers to achieving optimal rumen function. It enables rations to be formulated based on nutrient availability, helping to reduce energy losses and feed wastage.

Feed samples, which can include concentrates, fresh forages, silages or total mixed rations (TMRs), are incubated using rumen fluid for 48 hours and are then analysed for volatile fatty acids (VFA) and microbial biomass. Alltech IFM measures gas production throughout the process, meaning the amount of energy lost as methane and methane emissions per animal can be calculated. Validated by the Carbon Trust, Alltech IFM is an effective tool for predicting farm- and feed-specific enteric methane emissions.

Based at Harper Adams University in the U.K., this laboratory represents Alltech’s seventh IFM facility globally.

“The introduction of our Alltech IFM lab in Europe marks a significant step forward for us as we now have the ability to analyse European-based diets and ensure our customers benefit from further technical support,” said Matthew Smith, vice president of Alltech. 

The collaboration further strengthens Alltech’s research alliance with Harper Adams University, which was formed in 2013.

“Having the Alltech IFM lab at Harper Adams allows us to undertake more fundamental studies in terms of ruminant nutrition and ruminant metabolism so that we can optimise rumen fermentation and, therefore, improve animal health, performance and longevity,” said Professor Liam Sinclair of Harper Adams University.

“The goal of looking at rumen fermentation with Alltech IFM is to minimise the waste product or minimise the gas production and to maximise VFAs and microbial biomass, which are critical nutrients to the cow,” added Dr. Jim Huntington of Harper Adams University.

“Together with the team at Harper Adams, we look forward to generating new insights and highlighting how certain diets correlate with high-producing dairy and beef systems across Europe. Now more than ever before, we believe Alltech IFM can play a significant role in helping to address those major environmental concerns, reduce waste on-farm and, ultimately, contribute to a Planet of Plenty™,” said Smith.

The 2020 Alltech Global Feed Survey estimates that international feed tonnage decreased by 1.07% to 1.126 billion metric tons of feed produced last year, due largely to African swine fever (ASF) and the decline of pig feed in the Asia-Pacific region. The top nine feed-producing countries are the U.S., China, Brazil, Russia, India, Mexico, Spain, Japan and Germany. Together, these countries produce 58% of the world’s feed production and contain 57% of the world’s feed mills, and they can be viewed as an indicator of overall trends in agriculture.

Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech, shared the survey results via public livestream from Alltech’s global headquarters in Nicholasville, Kentucky.

“2019 presented extreme challenges to the feed industry, with one of the most significant being African swine fever. The regional and global implications are reflected by the Alltech Global Feed Survey and the decline in global feed production, said Lyons. “While pig feed production is down in affected countries, we are noting increased production both in other species as producers work to supplement the protein demand, and in non-affected countries as exports ramp up. The damage caused by ASF will have long-term implications, and we expect that the top protein sources will continue to shift as our industry adapts to the shortage.”

The global data, collected from 145 countries and nearly 30,000 feed mills, indicates feed production by species as: broilers 28%; pigs 24%; layers 14%; dairy 12%; beef 10%; other species 6%; aquaculture 4%; and pets 2%. Predominant growth came from the layer, broiler, aqua and pet feed sectors. 

Regional results from the 2020 Alltech Global Feed Survey

• North America: The U.S. is the largest feed-producing country globally with an estimated 214 million metric tons (MMT), with beef (61.09 MMT), broilers (48.525 MMT) and pigs (44.86 MMT) as the leading species. North America saw steady growth of 1.6% over last year. Canada produced 21.6 MMT with pigs (8.23 MMT), broilers (3.25 MMT) and dairy (4.2 MMT) leading species feed production.

• Latin America: As a region, Latin America saw 2.2% growth to 167.9 MMT. Brazil remained the leader in feed production for the region and third overall globally, with the primary species for feed production being broilers (32.1 MMT) and pigs (17.0 MMT). Brazil, Mexico and Argentina continue to produce the majority of feed in Latin America with 76% of regional feed production.

• Europe: Europe remained relatively stagnant with a slight increase of 0.2% over last year. The top three feed-producing countries in Europe are Russia (40.5 MMT), Spain (34.8 MMT) and Germany (25.0 MMT), with pig feed production leading the way in all three countries. The ruminant sector was hit the hardest as both dairy and beef numbers are estimated to be down by 4% and 3%, respectively. This was offset primarily by strong growth in the aqua (7%) and layer (3%) industries.

• Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region saw feed production decrease by 5.5% in 2019, primarily due to African swine fever and large declines in pig feed production. China’s feed production declined by almost 20 MMT of feed overall to 167.9 MMT and fell from the top feed-producing country globally to second, behind the U.S. India and Japan remained in the top nine feed-producing countries, with similar production compared to 2018 with 39.0 MMT and 25.3 MMT, respectively, while Vietnam declined by 7%.

• Africa: Africa continued strong growth with a 7.5% increase in overall feed production, with all the primary species seeing positive growth. The top five feed-producing countries in the region account for 75% of Africa’s feed production, and they are South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco and Algeria. The region’s primary species include broiler, layer and dairy, and combined, they account for nearly half of feed production estimates in the region.

Notable species results from the 2020 Alltech Global Feed Survey

• Pig feed production was greatly impacted by African swine fever, with an 11% decrease. The primary producing region for pig feed remains Asia-Pacific, but it also experienced the largest decline of 26%, with China (-35%), Cambodia (-22%), Vietnam (-21%) and Thailand (-16%) experiencing large decreases. Europe, North America and Latin America remained relatively stable compared to last year, within a percentage point’s worth of gain or loss. While Africa is a small region from a tonnage standpoint for pig feed, it showed a large increase of 29%.  

• In the poultry sector, Asia-Pacific is the leader in both broiler (115.2 MMT) and layer (73.1 MMT) feed. In Latin America, total broiler production amounted to 60.8 MMT, with Brazil leading the region with 32.1 MMT followed by Mexico with 10.5 MMT, while Mexico’s layer feed production increased by 11% to 7.05 MMT and surpassed Brazil. Russia leads Europe with 10.86 MMT of the total region’s 56.3 MMT of broiler feed and 5.3 MMT of the region’s total of 33.5 MMT of layer feed. In North America, the U.S. accounts for 94% of the broiler feed with 48.5 MMT, while layer feed in Canada increased by 460,000 metric tons. 

• Europe leads global dairy feed production with 34% followed by North America (21.8%), Asia-Pacific (17.6%) and Latin America (15.3%). The top dairy feed- producing countries are Turkey (6.5 MMT), Germany (5.2 MMT), Russia (4.2 MMT), the U.K. (3.8 MMT), France (3.4 MMT), the Netherlands (3.3. MMT) and Spain (3.2 MMT).

• North America continues to lead global beef feed production with 62.3 MMT, followed by Europe (21.9 MMT) and Latin America (13.9 MMT). For the 2020 Alltech Global Feed Survey, the beef feed production estimation was recalculated to improve its accuracy. The new estimate takes into account the average days on feed and intake as a percentage of body weight in the feedlot. Last year’s estimation was also recalculated to reflect this formula change for a proper year-on-year comparison.

• Overall, aquaculture feeds showed growth of 4% over last year. Per ton, Asia-Pacific grew the most with an additional 1.5 MMT. The primary contributors were China, Vietnam and Bangladesh. Europe’s decrease is in large part due to decreased feed production in Russia, which is primarily due to an increase in imports.

• The pet food sector saw growth of 4% with the largest tonnage increases in Asia-Pacific (10%), Europe (3%) and Latin America (6%). By country, increases were seen in China, Indonesia, Portugal, Hungary, Ecuador and Argentina. 

During the live presentation, Dr. Lyons was joined by a panel of industry experts, including Jack Bobo, CEO, Futurity, USA; Matthew Smith, vice president, Alltech, U.K.; Bianca Martins, general manager, Alltech, Mexico; and Brian Lawless, North America species manager, Alltech, USA. The group discussed the trends behind the data and the implications for the global market. Topics ranged from consumer demands to the adoption of new technology.

To access insights from the 2020 Alltech Global Feed Survey, including a recording of the panel discussion, an interactive map and presentation slides, visit alltechfeedsurvey.com.

The Alltech Global Feed Survey assesses compound feed production and prices through information collected by Alltech’s global sales team and in partnership with local feed associations in the last quarter of 2019. It is an estimate serving as a resource for policymakers, decision-makers and industry stakeholders.

Australia Farming Relief Fund will support producers impacted by bushfires

[NICHOLASVILLE, Ky.] – Even as rain begins to fall in some parts of Australia, wildfires continue to devastate large portions of the country. The fires have already destroyed an estimated 10 million hectares, claiming 25 lives and killing wildlife and livestock. Alltech, a leading animal nutrition company, is lending its support to the country’s agriculture industry, launching a global fundraising effort for farmers and pledging to match donations dollar-for-dollar. The Australia Farming Relief Fund will provide goods and services directly to producers and will be coordinated on the ground by Alltech family companies Alltech Lienert Australia and KEENAN Australia.  

“The Australia Farming Relief Fund represents a coordinated effort among our Alltech family, suppliers, customers and the global agriculture industry to support the producers who feed our families and are the core of our rural communities,” said Mark Peebles, managing director of Alltech Lienert, which is located in Roseworthy, Australia. “The bushfires have been devastating, but Australians are resilient, and we are committed to rallying around our farmers as they recover from this crisis.”

As farmers assess the damage, the loss of livestock is expected to exceed 100,000 animals. Producers, who were already contending with a three-year drought, are struggling to secure supplies and feed.

Alltech Lienert and KEENAN Australia will use their resources to distribute supplies either donated locally or purchased using donations from the Australia Farming Relief Fund. Such supplies will include hay, finished feed, feed supplements, silage, water troughs, fencing and non-perishable items. The companies will deploy their trucks and drivers to deliver supplies to producers in Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland. Team members will also volunteer their time to work alongside farmers, rebuilding fences, repairing sheds and providing any on-farm support they need.

The effort will initially focus on dairies, sheep and beef farms, and apiaries. Alltech is also exploring partnerships that will offer longer-term mental health support for farmers grappling with trauma as a result of the fires.

Donations to the Australia Farming Relief Fund, collected through the Pearse Lyons ACE Foundation, Alltech’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit, can be made here.

-Ends-

Photo download:https://photos.alltech.com/pf.tlx/.Zx.1n.Zv_8NI

Caption: The bushfires in Australia have destroyed an estimated 10 million hectares, claiming lives and killing wildlife and livestock. The Australia Farming Relief Fund will help provide goods and services directly to effected farmers, coordinated on the ground by Alltech family companies Alltech Lienert Australia and KEENAN Australia. Alltech is matching donations dollar-for-dollar.

Contact: Lauren Dozier, Corporate Communications Manager, Alltech

press@alltech.com; +1 859-351-8892   

TOP fry feed by Alltech Coppens provides key nutrients to trout during early life stages while improving water quality

[HELMOND, the Netherlands] – Alltech Coppens, an aqua nutrition specialist, has launched an improved range of innovative starter feeds for trout. Backed by extensive research at Alltech Coppens Aqua Centre (ACAC), TOP fry feed is shown to provide key nutrients while improving water quality.

Understanding the importance of early nutrition, Alltech Coppens advanced its range of starter feeds to support trout farmers in raising high-quality products for consumers. Research at ACAC shows that Alltech Coppens TOP fry feed has an optimised ratio between digestible protein and digestible energy (DP:DE). The result is better performance, higher protein utilisation and lower ammonia excretion, leading to improved feed efficiency and better water quality.

“We are excited about this feed and its ability to deliver optimum nutrition,” said Dr. Philip Lyons, global aquaculture research manager, Alltech Coppens. “Not only are producers able to improve performance during a critical phase, but they can also do so with an eye toward sustainability.”

Trials conducted at ACAC have shown that by reducing the digestible protein to digestible energy ratio (DP:DE) in every size of the TOP line, the protein utilisation by juvenile trout was markedly improved.

Further research shows that TOP allows the bacteria in biofilters to be more efficient, as they have to convert less ammonia per kilogram of feed. This is beneficial for RAS systems and any trout hatchery.

Two of the largest sizes of TOP feed are now available as micro-pellets that combine a slow sink rate paired with high water stability. This allows trout fry more time to eat while the water is kept cleaner.

“The Alltech Coppens research and development team has put innovation and the farmer at the centre of trials, leading to the creation of the next generation of starter feeds for trout,” added Dr. Philip Lyons. “The TOP line of products rounds out a suite of high-quality feeds designed to optimise the health and performance of fish throughout the production cycle.”        

WHAT:            Join Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech, as he shares the results of the ninth annual Alltech Global Feed Survey during a panel discussion with industry leaders. The presentation will be livestreamed from Alltech’s global headquarters in Nicholasville, Kentucky. 

                        Panelists include:

• Jack Bobo, CEO, Futurity, USA
• Bianca Martins, General Manager, Alltech, Mexico
• Matthew Smith, Vice President, Alltech, UK

Alltech’s annual evaluation of compound feed production is the most complete of its kind, including data from more than 140 countries and approximately 30,000 feed mills, covering all species of production animals. The presentation will highlight trends in feed production at a regional level, key insights for specific countries, what changes the industry may expect within the next year and looking beyond the data to explore the impact on farmers, the feed industry and the regions in which they operate.

WHEN:            Monday, Jan. 27, 2020

                        10:00 a.m. EST                      

WHERE:         Register for the livestream presentation here.

OTHER:           Information from the 2019 Alltech Global Feed Survey is currently available online at alltechfeedsurvey.com and will be updated with 2020 information following the livestream presentation, including a video recording of the presentation.

The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) has opened the application process for the 2020 IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism Award. Each of IFAJ’s 53-member guilds may submit one nominee for the prestigious award, which recognises outstanding young journalists who demonstrate great potential to become leaders in the agricultural journalism industry.

Ten young journalists - age 35 or younger by December 31, 2019 - are selected by an international jury for the prize, which includes a travel stipend to attend the 2020 IFAJ Congress June 24-28 in Vingsted, Denmark. The Young Leaders will participate in a boot camp in the days prior to congress, which includes farm visits, professional development and networking workshops the Vingsted area.

“The importance of strong journalism in communicating the truth of agriculture cannot be overstated,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “At Alltech, we believe in nurturing talent, and we are proud to support the next generation of journalists who are passionate about sharing the real stories of those who work tirelessly to feed a Planet of Plenty.”

IFAJ president Owen Roberts added, “The young leaders' program has proven to be a difference maker for IFAJ. Many of our member guilds are now led by former program participants, who immersed themselves in the boot camp experience then took their enthusiasm and energy for agricultural journalism leadership back to their home countries. Alltech's partnership and vision for this program has unquestionably made a difference in the vitality of our member guilds and in the future of IFAJ itself.”

The application is available online and must be completed by February 7, 2020. Those applications will be forwarded to each applicant’s guild; each guild will select its nominee and submit their application by February 21, 2020. Applications must include three samples of work. Nominees must be willing to attend the 2020 IFAJ Congress and Young Leaders boot camp, which will be conducted in English.

The IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders Award in Agricultural Journalism was established in 2006 in partnership with the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists and Alltech to recognise future leaders in agricultural journalism and communications from around the world. For more information, visit ifaj.org.

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – The past year has been one of the most challenging years in recent memory for corn farmers across the Midwest due to excessive rainfall, which has resulted in delayed and/or prevented planting in many areas. Extreme weather conditions and moisture levels can reduce yields and induce plant stress, and they can also lead to future issues for the crop, including molds and mycotoxins. Increased moisture can allow Fusarium molds to flourish, producing a variety of mycotoxins that include deoxynivalenol (DON), fusaric acid, T-2, HT-2 and zearalenone (ZEN).

Mycotoxins are a concern for livestock producers, as they influence feed quality and animal safety. They are produced by certain species of molds and can have toxic properties that impact animal health and performance. Samples of the 2019 corn silage from across the U.S. are currently being submitted to the Alltech 37+® mycotoxin analytical services laboratory, and analysis is indicating the presence of high levels of mycotoxins.

The samples have included an average of 7.13 mycotoxins, with a range of 2 to 14 mycotoxins per sample. In 86.6% of the samples, DON was present; 99.5% contained fusaric acid; and 94.1% tested positive for emerging mycotoxins, including beauvericin, moniliformin, enniatins, phomopsin and alternariol. These emerging mycotoxins will add to the risks potentially affecting rumen function, gut health and immune response. A point of interest is that ZEN was found in 48.9% of the samples and has become increasingly prevalent over the past two years.

“These levels of mycotoxins found in the 2019 crop are significantly higher than the average values,” said Dr. Max Hawkins, nutritionist with the Alltech® Mycotoxin Management team. “Livestock producers across the U.S. should test their own corn silage to identify the levels of individual mycotoxins and the subsequent risk present to livestock health and performance.”

Mycotoxins are seldom found in isolation, and when multiple mycotoxins are consumed, they may have additive — or even synergistic — interactions that increase the overall risk to performance and health. As a result, an animal may have a stronger response than what would be expected if it was only experiencing a single mycotoxin challenge.

Alltech will host a United States Corn Silage Report webinar with Dr. Max Hawkins on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019, at 2:30 p.m. EST. Register for the webinar via this link.

For more information on mycotoxin management, visit knowmycotoxins.com. 

Heemskerk and Alltech collaboration working towards a cost-effective solution for rising ammonia levels

[DIESSEN, the Netherlands] – The agriculture industry in the Netherlands has been heavily hit by demands to reduce nitrogen (N₂) emissions. Following a Council of State judgment, the Dutch government is now looking at how the agricultural industry can play a role in reducing overall nitrogen emissions, such as ammonia and nitrous oxide, from cows and manure.

Following last week’s declaration of a “climate and environmental emergency”, by the European Parliament, farmers and the agriculture industry can lead the fight against this crisis. Global animal health company, Alltech^®, has partnered with Dutch dairy nutrition company, Ingenieursbureau Heemskerk^®, to develop a solution. They are collaborating on a new technology, specifically designed to improve protein utilisation and reduce ammonia emissions in dairy cattle. Heemskerk intend to bring this product to the market in the near future.

“We need to ensure that we get the most out of the protein in our animal feeds and use the latest technologies to reduce agriculture’s ammonia emissions. Producing more and better quality food, whilst at the same time reducing waste, aligns with Alltech’s vision for a Planet of Plenty™,” explained Robbie Walker, business development manager, Alltech.

“Our partner, Heemskerk, is working to create a solution that can empower farmers in the Netherlands to make a real contribution to solving some of the environmental impacts created through agriculture while working towards new, sustainable dairy production practices,” added Walker.

An additional solution to treat ammonia in manure storage facilities is also being developed. Adding a feed solution to the daily ration of cows, coupled with a manure storage facility treatment solution, could potentially see a reduction of 38 kilotons of ammonia (NH₃) per year.

“Speed and agility are essential if farmers are going to have a positive impact in the fight to reduce nitrogen emissions,” said Eric Heemskerk, founder of Heemskerk. “By collaborating with Alltech, we are working to create a cost-effective solution to the ammonia crisis that can be easily deployed. Ultimately, the product we will be bringing to market is backed by science, and we look forward to empowering farmers to make a real difference.

Twenty-one undergraduate and graduate students took the stage at the 14^th annual Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition to sing for their chance to win scholarships and prizes that will jumpstart their operatic careers.

The Lyons family has long believed that the arts are essential to creativity and imagination. Alltech’s founder, the late Dr. Pearse Lyons, was an avid supporter of the arts. In 2006, he initiated what is now one of the largest vocal scholarship programs in the world. The Lyonses consider education to be a critical investment in our community and the world around us.

“By providing opportunities for students to develop their talents and their passion, we can show our support of the arts,” said Mrs. Deirdre Lyons, co-founder and director of corporate image and design at Alltech. “This is what Pearse encouraged people to do, and it is a legacy that we will continue.”

Winners of the 2019 Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition are:

Undergraduate

• Alltech First Place Incoming Undergraduate Award and Scholarship: Ann Weible, Louisville, Kentucky
• Alltech and Bryant’s Rent-All Second Place Undergraduate Award and Scholarship: Williams Stone Atkinson, Lexington, Kentucky
• KPMG Third Place Undergraduate Award: Lauren Maynus, Cincinnati Ohio
• Barbara Rouse Kentucky Prize: Sierra Kidd, Louisville, Kentucky
• Burchfield  Thomas Gail Robinson Performance Award: Mae Alice Harrell, Louisville, Kentucky
• Encouragement Award: Trinity Peace Hines-Anthony, Dayton, Ohio
• Encouragement Award: Amber Rogers, Washington, D.C.

Transfer

• First Place Transfer Student Award: Devin Davis, Brandywine, Maryland
• Transfer Student Encouragement Award: Kellie Sherwood, Lexington, Kentucky

Graduate

• Alltech First Place Graduate Award: Dawna Rae Warren, Princeton, Kentucky
• Alltech Second Place Graduate Award: Emily Weaver, LaCrosse, Wisconsin
• Alltech Third Place Graduate Award: Jeffery Todd, Salisbury, Maryland
• Encouragement Award: Myah Rose Paden, Athens, Georgia

Finalists were scored on voice, technical skill, interpretation, accuracy and appearance by three judges: Barbara Lynn Jamison, Kentucky Opera’s chief artistic and executive officer; Susanne Marsee, one of the New York City Opera’s leading mezzos for over 20 years; and Dr. Thomas King, a tenor who has sung in five world-premiere operas.

The competition, held March 10 at the University of Kentucky Singletary Center for the Arts, featured a pool of more than $740,200 in prizes. Launched in 2006, the annual competition at the University of Kentucky marks a continued partnership between Alltech and the University of Kentucky Opera Theatre department. Since its start, over 150 students have received over $1.3 million in cash prizes and over $5.6 million in scholarships and assistantships. This totals more than $7 million in collaborative investment into the lives of students who want to pursue a career in the arts at UK. The partnership has also positioned UK Opera Theatre as a Richard Tucker Music Foundation top-recommended opera program.

“This time last year, we had just lost my father,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech, during the opening remarks. “It was right here that I gave my first public speech after his passing. I have to say, giving that speech — and feeling the support from the community and the vocalists who shared their talent on this stage — inspired us, and exemplified the legacy that has been built here.

“We look forward to seeing what’s next for the vocal scholarship winners, and for this unique competition, as we continue to carry the legacy forward,” he continued.

EINVU project sees Alltech collaborate with leading institute for applied research, Nofima

[BERGEN, Norway] – Developing more robust and sustainable salmon through nutritional product innovations and associated scientific documentation is the aim of Alltech’s latest aquaculture collaboration. Global nutrition company, Alltech has teamed up with leading fisheries, and the institute for applied research, Nofima, on six research licences for salmon farms Blom Fiskeoppdrett, SalmoNor and Salten FoU. As part of this series of large-scale experiments; industrial production, organic minerals and heterotrophic microalgae will be tested.

The project has been named EINVU, a Norwegian acronym that stands for “Nutritional Innovations” — the key to solving major welfare challenges. Over the next three years, trials will be conducted on each farm responsible for operating the licenses. Alltech will supply products for testing, as well as overseeing the management of the projects. Nofima will be responsible for trial design, analysis, interpretation of data and reporting.

“In the project, we want to investigate whether we can achieve positive performance results, similar to what we have seen in small scale trials. It will be very exciting because that’s where fish really get challenged,” said Elin Kvamme, project manager at Alltech.

Farms have been chosen to represent three different parts of Norway, all with different operational challenges. During the trial period, the effect of various levels of organic trace minerals and microalgae will be sampled and tested to monitor progress. From small-scale to commercial production, many factors like operational management and environmental conditions can cause stress for salmon. For example, if temperature fluctuations, oxygen and sea lice infestation occur concurrently, the salmon can become weak, leading to disease and, in some cases, increased mortality.

“In small scale experiments with organic minerals, we see that the mineral deposit in the fish is higher and the fish can better withstand stress,” explained Ms. Kvamme. “Growth is also better; we see a lower mortality rate and reduced gaping. When it comes to the use of microalgae in the feed, we have seen increased growth, better pigmentation and improved EPA + DHA levels.

“The future supply of fish oil is uncertain, and alternatives must be sourced. Heterotrophic microalgae have high levels of omega-3, and it is, therefore, appropriate to study the effects of replacing marine raw materials with this sustainable source.”

In 2012, Alltech entered into a strategic collaboration with Nofima to document the effects Alltech products and solutions have on salmon. “We are very pleased that Nofima, a respected research organisation, has partnered with us on this journey. All products have been carefully tested and published in reputable journals,” added Mr. Kvamme.

For more information click here.