A novel yeast for immune support in shrimp

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An exploration of how P. guilliermondii in diets impacts shrimp immune physiology and performance.

 

By Sarah Cooper, François Jégou, Delphine Weissman and Yoav Rosen,

published in Aqua Culture Asia Pacific October 2022

Different types of yeasts and their extracts are used as  feed  ingredients  in  aquaculture  because  of their nutritional value and/or bioactive compounds. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the most commonly used yeast in animal feed applications. Pichia guilliermondii is a novel yeast with unique morphology, structure and consequent activity that has recently shown potential in shrimp with regards to immune support.

A novel yeast with potential in shrimp feed

The differences in the morphology and physical characteristics of P. guilliermondii and S. cerevisiae have been assessed in a side-by-side study by Peisker et al. (2017). There are significant differences between them: P. guilliermondii yeast cell is smaller and as a result has a greater surface area to volume ratio. It is also significantly more hydrophobic compared to S. cerevisiae. Additionally, the distribution of glycoproteins in the yeast cell wall varies, suggesting that P. guilliermondii has a different cell wall structure and composition to S. cerevisiae. These particularities may be associated with significant differences in how the two yeast cells behave when used in aquafeeds.

A call for new shrimp management approaches

As shrimp lack an adaptive immune system, preventive therapies such as vaccines that are used in more immune- competent species cannot be used to protect shrimp against certain infectious diseases. Concomitantly, with growing concerns surrounding antimicrobial resistance, restrictions on the use of antimicrobials to support health in animals used for food are increasing, including shrimp production.

Consequently, alternative strategies are being sought to enhance shrimp health and performance in a sustainable way. Such alternative methods include farm management practices, bioremediation, genetics and nutrition including specialty additives.

Supporting immune physiology and improved performance in shrimp

The association between the use of P. guilliermondii in the diet of shrimp and beneficial impacts on parameters related to shrimp immune physiology and performance has been explored in a few studies.

Immune physiology

An initial study was performed in a research facility in Thailand. It evaluated changes in critical immune parameters in shrimp before and after experimental challenge with Vibrio harveyi when shrimp are supplemented with P. guilliermondii, compared to those without supplementation as shown in Figure 1.

At the end of the 28-day feeding period, shrimp from both the supplemented and control groups were sampled to measure the concentration of total and granular haemocytes. Following this, shrimp from each group were infected with V. harveyi and then 3 hours later the number of V. harveyi cells remaining in the haemolymph of each group was measured to assess the efficacy of bacterial clearance.

Whereas the level of total haemocytes remained unchanged between the two groups, the granular haemocyte count was significantly increased in the haemolymph of shrimp fed P. guilliermondii (P<0.05; Figure 1). Haemocytes are invertebrate blood (haemolymph) cells that are involved in critical shrimp immune defence processes such as coagulation and phagocytosis of invading microorganisms. Although total haemocyte count is used as an indicator of overall shrimp health status, granular haemocytes contain the primary humoral defence factors that are released during a pathogen invasion. An elevated proportion of granular haemocytes amongst total haemocytes may therefore indicate primed immune capabilities and consequently a more effective response to pathogen challenges.

The P. guilliermondii-fed shrimp, having a greater proportion of these granular haemocytes present, were then found to have a significantly lower number of V.harveyi cells remaining in their haemolymph when measured 3hours following the challenge(P<0.05;Figure2).

Improved survival when challenged

Two further studies were conducted to examine the potential impact of P. guilliermondii supplementation on performance during two common infectious challenges: white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, the etiological agent of early mortality syndrome or EMS, also known as acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND).

Both studies took place in a wet laboratory in Peru and were similar in design, having three treatments within each study: the unchallenged control group was fed the basal diet without the supplementation of P. guilliermondii; the other two groups were both challenged, but only one of these groups received P. guilliermondii supplementation. In both studies, the groups of shrimp fed diets supplemented with P. guilliermondii had significantly improved survival compared to the challenged control groups: 84% greater survival in the WSSV challenge (P<0.05; Figure 3), and 76% greater survival in the V. parahaemolyticus challenge (P<0 .05; Figure 4).

Better growth under unchallenged conditions

The performance of shrimp fed diets supplemented with P.guilliermondii under conditions without any specific infectious challenge was assessed in two studies in the ADM research facilities in Vietnam. During each trial, eight replicates per treatment group were fed with either a basal control diet or the basal diet plus P. guilliermondii supplementation at 0.1%. The average weight gain of shrimp between the start and end of the study was significantly greater, by 9% and 10% respectively (P< 0.05; Figure 5) for the shrimp receiving the P. guilliermondii supplementation compared to shrimp fed the basal control diet.

Promoting better outcomes for shrimp production

The association between the use of the novel yeast P. guilliermondii in shrimp diets and beneficial impacts on physiological and performance parameters has been demonstrated in several studies, across different markets and under different conditions. It may be the specific morphology and unique structure of P. guilliermondii that influence these extraordinary and beneficial outcomes. As such, P. guilliermondii may represent a cost-effective, natural means of reducing the impact of health challenges and improving performance in shrimp production.

Reference

Peisker, M., Stensrud, E., Apajalahti, J., Sifri, M. 2017. Morphological Characterization of Pichia guilliermondii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast and their Effects on Adherence of Intestinal Pathogens on Piglet and Chicken Epithelium In- vitro. J Anim Res Nutr Vol No 2 Iss No 1:9 doi: 10.21767/2572- 5459.100029

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Benefits of Pichia Guilliermondii in shrimp feeds

Scientific abstract: Pichia guilliermondii enhances shrimp immunity and growth

 

 

Benefits of Pichia guilliermandii in shrimp feeds

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Research and benefits of Pichia guilliermandii in shrimp feeds

By François Jégou, Sarah Cooper and Delphine Weissman, ADM Animal Nutrition, published in Hatchery International, August 2022

Functional feeds offer synergistic opportunities to reduce the effects of adverse situations, environmental conditions, or potential disease – such as Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND), also known as Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS), or White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) disease.

Recent ADM studies have demonstrated how Pichia guilliermondii (PG) inactivated yeast is leveraged in aqua feeds and used to alleviate disease stress through a modulating effect on gut microbiota and immune functions.

Cardozo et al. 2018 compared in vitro bacterial aggregation capacity of inactivated PG and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc), with Mannose as the positive control. PG demonstrated twice the aggregation capacity at all commercial dosages compared to that of Sc. Pathogen aggregation is critical in innate immunity and homeostasis.

To assess the bacterial aggregation cap- acity of PG in vivo, we conducted a bacterial clearance study where Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp were injected with Vibrio harveyi. After three hours, the concentration of V. harveyi was more than three times lower compared to the control-fed shrimp. The study also showed that granular hemocyte blood cell concentration in hemolymph was 56 per cent higher after four weeks in PG fed shrimp compared to the control.

In order to confirm these results and the potential benefit of PG in shrimp culture, two separate disease studies were performed. These showed that survival of Litopenaeus vannamei five weeks after either Vibrio parahaemolyticus or white spot syndrome virus challenge was increased by 76 per cent and 84 per cent respectively, com- pared to control without PG inclusion. In a field condition test without any specific pathogenic challenge, vannamei shrimp fed supplemented diets showed a significant 10 per cent increase in growth performance compared to a control diet at the end of a seven-week trial.

Additional studies also show that PG yeast has the potential to further support other aquatic organisms with adaptive immune functions, opening opportunities for ADM to develop formulations for fish as well.

For the aquaculture industry, science and evaluations definitely help determine how functional feeds affect the health and performance of the animals, thus creating optimal technical and economic results for farmers. Incorporating functional feed additives like Pichia guilliermondii yeast as early as possible into aquaculture feeds offers unique traits for use in shrimp cultures and daily management, improving growth while significantly helping the shrimp to better cope with constant physiological and disease stress.

Find out more about how we help to improve aquafeeds for sustainability, human nutrition and fish well-being.

Aquaculture feed additives

Sustainable shrimp production with trace minerals

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Reducing mineral excretion is important for sustainable shrimp production as it reduces the environmental impact.  Half doses of organic trace minerals have shown to help maintain shrimp growth performance and feed efficiency, while reducing mineral excretion

By Mieke Zoon, Product Manager Trace Minerals

 

Strategies for more sustainable shrimp production

The predictability of quality and availability of shrimp has greatly improved, with aquaculture.  However, higher inputs and outputs resulting from intensifying production have led to new challenges. In recent years, there has been a lot of attention on more sustainable shrimp production through the use of the following strategies:

  • replacing fish meal and fish oil in feed (with vegetable-based and even insect-sourced substitutes),
  • reducing environmental effects (with water recycling systems),
  • preventing disease (via biosecurity)
  • and improving feed efficiency (by optimizing feed and management).

Major improvements have been made in all these areas, but there is still more to be done (FAO, 2018). For example, the lack of an adaptive immune system in shrimp provides an additional challenge for their biosecurity when compared to livestock, as this means that they cannot be vaccinated. The reduction of fish meal and fish oil in shrimp feeds leads to other challenges, not only in replacing high quality protein, but also other nutrients, like minerals, as they are no longer provided in a highly available form.

Trace minerals are known to be important for several metabolic functions, improving not only growth, but also development, fertility, final product quality and immunity. Organic forms of trace minerals, for example B-TRAXIM minerals (PANCOSMA, Switzerland), have been shown to offer higher bioavailability and additional benefits in livestock species compared to traditionally used inorganic forms (Spears et al., 2004; Hansen et al., 2008; Leeson et al., 2008; De Marco et al., 2017; Zhang et al, 2017; Männer & Schlegel, 2006 and Jang et al., 2010). Organic trace minerals may also contribute to improved efficacy in feed formulations and to a reduction in the environmental impact of shrimp production.

Benefits of organic trace minerals (OTM)

In line with more sustainable production methods, OTM can help to reduce the impact of waste from shrimp production on the environment by reducing mineral excretion. Although aquafeeds already contain much less fish meal and fish oil than before, they remain as important ingredients, especially for high value and more carnivorous species, such as for shrimp and salmon production (FAO, 2018). The high levels of unsaturated fats from fish sources are a challenge to the stability of aquafeeds. Metal ions, and especially zinc, iron and copper, are known to be major catalyzers of oxidation (McDowell, 2008). If metals are stabilized with an organic bond, this may not only increase their bioavailability, but reduce oxidation of important nutrients as well.

OTM on growth and immune parameters in shrimp

After earlier confirmation of the practical advantages and the potential positive impact of using OTM on shrimp performance, commercial use of glycine based OTM has begun both in Latin America and Southeast Asia. To confirm the positive benefits of OTM, a new trial in a controlled environment was set up in Thailand by Professor Orapint Jintasataporn (Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Thailand). In this trial, the effect of OTM on the growth performance and immune parameters of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) was studied. The shrimp were fed either a non-supplemented diet (negative control, NC), or subjected to one of the following treatments: a full dose of inorganic minerals (positive control, PC), a full dose of B-TRAXIM minerals (BT1X), or a half dose of B-TRAXIM minerals (BT0.5X). Shrimp fed BT1X showed the fastest growth, best feed conversion and numerically the highest survival. The total shrimp production per tank will be of interest to shrimp producers, as it combines the result of growth performance and survival rate in one parameter. The glycine based OTM (BT1X) consistently showed the highest production.

Optimizing dose levels of organic trace minerals in shrimp production

Another interesting trial carried out in this study was to reduce inorganic mineral supplementation by 50% and instead use OTM (BT0.5X). This has been shown to maintain growth performance and feed efficiency, while reducing mineral excretion. This is fully in line with results from other species, e.g. in broilers (De Marco et al., 2017). In the same trial some important immunity parameters were checked. This is of interest as disease-related mortality in shrimp production is a common issue. Stimulating general immunity and optimizing the immune response are important, as vaccination is not possible because shrimp rely only on their innate immune system. Lysozyme is an enzyme with antibacterial properties which acts as part of the innate immune system by cutting the carbohydrate chains forming the main structure of bacterial cell walls (Lacono et al., 1980).

The BT1X shrimp showed a significant increase of lysozyme activity in the hemolymph (which plays the same role as blood in mammals). Also, superoxide-dismutase (SOD) activity, as part of the antioxidant system, showed a trend towards higher levels in the hemolymph of BT1X shrimp. The increased levels of lysozyme and SOD activities showed that the BT1X shrimp had an improved ability to protect themselves against bacterial and oxidative challenges. More sustainable shrimp Summarizing the results from available trial data as well as practical experience, the glycine based

Reducing environmental impact of shrimp production with organic trace minerals

Organic trace minerals have been shown to be able to support shrimp producers in mitigating some of their main challenges towards better sustainability. Mineral excretion into the aquatic environment by shrimp can be reduced with OTM supplementation in shrimp feeds. An efficient immune response was also supported, which could reduce the impact of disease and improve growth and feed efficiency, allowing for a better return on investment. OTM will not solve all the challenges faced in aquaculture, but it can be used as a solution to support shrimp producers on their path towards a more sustainable way to provide high quality food globally.

 

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References

FAO, 2018. The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2018 – Meeting the sustainable development goals. Rome. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO De Marco, M., M.V. Zoon, C. Margetyal, C. Picart, C. Ionescu, 2017. Dietary administration of glycine complexed trace minerals can improve performance and slaughter yield in broilers and reduces mineral excretion. Animal Feed Science and Technology 232: 182- 189. Hansen, S.L., P. Schlegel, L.R. Legleiter, K.E. Lloyd, J.W.

Spears, 2008. Bioavailability of copper from copper glycinate in steers fed high dietary sulfur and molybdenum. Journal of Animal Science 86: 173-179.

Jang, Y.D., H.B. Choi, S. Durosoy, P. Schlegel, B.R. Choi, Y.Y. Kim, 2010. Comparison of bioavailability of organic selenium sources in finishing pigs. Asian-Australian Journal of Animal Science, Vol. 23, No. 7: 931-936.

Lacono, V. J., B.J. MacKay, S. DiRienzo, J.J. Pollock, 1980. Selective antibacterial properties of lysozyme for oral microorganisms. Infection and Immunity, 29: 623-632. Leeson, S., H. Namkung, L.

Caston, S. Durosoy, P. Schlegel, 2008. Comparison of selenium levels and sources and dietary fat quality in diets for broiler breeders and layer hens. Poultry Science 87: 2605-2612.

Männer, K., O. Simon, P. Schlegel, 2006. Effects of different iron, manganese, zinc and copper sources (sulphates, chelates, glycinates) on their bioavailability in early weaned piglets. In: M. Rodehutscord (Hrsg.): 9. Tagung Schweine[1]und Geflügelernährung, 28.-30, 2006. Institut für Agrar- und Ernährungswissenschaften, Universität Halle-Wittenberg. ISBN: 3-86010-833-6.

McDowell, L.R., 2008. Vitamins in Animal and Human Nutrition. John Wiley & Sons, p. 714-716.

Spears, J.W., P. Schlegel, M.C. Seal, K.E. Lloyd, 2004. Bioavailability of zinc from zinc sulfate and different organic zinc sources and their effects on ruminal volatile fatty acid proportions. Livestock Production Science 90: 211-217.

Zhang, L., Y.X. Wang, X. Xiao, J.S. Wang, Q. Wang, K.X. Li, T.Y. Guo, X.A. Zhan, 2017. Effects of zinc glycinate on productive and reproductive performance, zinc concentration and antioxidant status in broiler breeders. Biological Trace Element Research 178 (2): 320-326.

Improve palatability of aquaculture feed

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Palatability of aquaculture feed is key in determining efficient nutrient utilization and reducing economic losses in aquaculture. By controlling this characteristic it is possible to improve the performance of aquatic species and the amount of waste.

by Gwendolyn Jones

Why is aquafeed palatability important?

Feed palatability is one of the first criterions checked by fish and shrimp farmers to determine the quality of aquafeed. Feed palatability affects feed intake and as a result influences nutritional, health and environmental key performance indicators in aquaculture.

Palatability of aquafeed reduces feed loss

Feed makes up for 30-60% of the total variable cost in aquaculture. Hence minimizing feed loss is important for the economic performance of fish and shrimp farms. On top of that feed loss plays a major role in the environmental impact of aquaculture and the health of the pond. A nutrient overload of the pond as a result of excessive feed loss and nutrient leaching leads to deterioration of the rearing environment and pollution.

Improved aquafeed palatability and attractiveness helps to reduce the time that shrimp and fish spend approaching the feed and increases feed intake. It therefore limits nutrient leaching and feed loss.

Reduction in the use of fishmeal reduces feed palatability

Due to economical and sustainability reasons the proportion of dietary fish meal in aquafeed formulations is continuously decreasing and is replaced by alternative protein sources based on plant raw materials. However, this has negative consequences for optimal feeding behavior that needs to be compensated for especially in carnivorous feed formulations.

Reduced growth in aqua species when fed diets with alternative protein sources is caused by:

  • reduced protein digestibility
  • amino acid deficiency and imbalance
  • anti-nutritional factors
  • unpalatable properties

Strategies to improve aquaculture feed palatability

In order to improve palatability of shrimp and fish feed, palatants/stimulants gained increased attention especially when plant proteins are included at a high level.

Palatants/stimulants characteristically are low molecular weight, water-soluble, and amphoteric or compounds that are released from potential prey. Free amino acids have been found to elicit strong feeding behaviour, as well as organic compounds with low molecular weight, such as organic acids, nucleotides and small peptides. Reports have shown that L-Amino acids were more stimulatory than the corresponding DL-amino acids.

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Pichia guilliermondii enhances shrimp immunity

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Pichia guilliermondii enhances shrimp immunity and growth.

Abstract presented at Aqua Expo 2022 

Abstract

by  Jegou, F.,  Cooper, S. , Rosen, Y, Weissman, D.

Pathogens, environmental stressors and opportunistic diseases are ubiquitous in aquaculture. Achieving efficient and profitable production, especially with the increasing global threat of antimicrobial resistance, is critical for producers. Helping aquaculture species to better perform with infectious and physiological pressures is therefore of high interest and a focus of research.

Cardozo et al., 2018 compared in vitro bacterial aggregation capacity of inactivated Pichia guilliermondii (Pg) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc), with Mannose as the positive control. Pg demonstrated twice the aggregation capacity at all commercial  dosages compared to that of  Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Pathogen aggregation is critical in innate immunity and homeostasis.

To assess the bacterial aggregation capacity of Pg in vivo, a bacterial clearance study was performed: Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp were injected with Vibrio harveyi.  Three hours post-injection, V. harveyi concentration in hemolymph in the Pg fed shrimp was more than 3 times lower compared to control-fed shrimp. It was also shown that the granular hemocyte concentration in hemolymph was 56% higher after 4 weeks in Pg fed shrimp compared to that in control shrimp. Granular hemocytes are key for an effective and rapid immune response in shrimp, and represent an ideal parameter in monitoring shrimp immune potency.

In order to confirm the potential benefit of Pg in shrimp culture conditions, 2 challenge studies were performed in  L. vannamei shrimp supplemented with 0.1% Pg: Survival of shrimp 5 weeks after White Spot Syndrome Virus challenge increased by 84% compared to unsupplemented control shrimp, whereas it was 76% higher 5 weeks after Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge. In field conditions without specific pathogenic challenge, vannamei shrimp fed with 0.1% Pg showed significant 10% increased growth compared to control at the end of a 7 week trial.

Conclusion

Inactivated whole yeast Pichia guilliermondii feed supplementation offers unique traits for use in shrimp culture and daily management, improving growth while significantly helping the shrimp to better cope with physiological and disease stress.

About the presenter 

Dr. François Jégou,  Aquaculture Health and Performance, ADM Animal Nutrition

Dr. François Jégou was born in and spent his childhood in Japan. He then underwent his secondary education and veterinary studies in France. His doctorate research focused on the synchronization of reproduction of scallop at IFREMER, Brest.  

Following graduation he worked as a veterinary practitioner in livestock, mainly in swine and dairy productions. He then moved into aquaculture, which has been the focus of his work now for more than 20 years. 

In his role at ADM Francois shares his experience in disease prevention and focuses on bringing health and stress management capabilities to aquaculture nutrition, as a synergistic support to farm performance and sustainability. 

Francois Jegou

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How can Biomimicry help innovate sustainable solutions?

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Biomimicry has already generated many new technologies inspired by nature. Is there something that we can take away from it for the design of animal feed solutions for sustainable animal nutrition?

by Gwendolyn Jones

What is biomimicry?

Biomimicry, or biomimetics, is the study of nature and leveraging solutions that have evolved in nature to innovate and solve problems for the benefit of humans.  So essentially it is about piggy backing on nature or emulating what has already been proven by nature to work and to be sustainable throughout time.

Biomimicry is thought of as a field with potential to bring answers to many different disciplines, including medicine, architecture, agriculture, industry. It can pretty much apply to all sectors. Examples for innovations stemming from the application of biomimicry are architectural designs with improved thermoregulation inspired by termite mounds, robotics inspired by motor mechanisms of insects or velcro, which is derived from the observation of hooks implemented by certain plants that stick to animal coats. Aircraft engineers are inspired by birds and sharks to design lighter and more fuel-efficient aircrafts.

Advantages of applying biomimicry to innovation for sustainability

The field of biomimicry has experienced significant growth in recent years and has been popularized by Janine Benyus. It is now a tool to accelerate innovation for small and large companies.

Biomimicry is explained to be different from other bio-inspired design, because of its focus on learning from nature how to be sustainable. Designs following biomimicry are thought to be more efficient, resilient and sustainable, if they emulated biological lessons on form, process and ecosystem. The outcome is superior to that developed through any artificial means.

Biomimicry applied to the design of sustainable animal feed solutions

Farm animals possess limited physiologic responses to challenges such as for example high ambient temperatures, reproduction, oxidation or infections. However, amongst the millions of other species on earth facing the same challenges, we can find many other strategies or adaptations, which could be superior. This means that, within nature there are not just a handful of solutions, but a huge variety of strategies we could potentially adapt to solve physiological needs and equip animals to cope better with stressors.

How did nature solve this?

Plants evolved with sophisticated strategies to cope with stressors, since they can not move away from them and are bound to their locations. We can also learn from other organisms and species in nature that survive under extreme conditions, which strategies give them an advantage. What can we leverage from that in animal nutrition to support adaptive and coping mechanisms in animals?

New benchmarks in animal production and better ways of measuring improvements call for new approaches in the design and evaluation of feed solutions. Biomimicry offers a framework for innovation with sustainable outcomes. There is certainly no harm in asking how nature solved something as a source of inspiration.

Consumer perception of feed additives in animal feed

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How can we manage the perception of feed additives effectively? Feed additives have become an essential component in animal feed for advanced farm animal nutrition strategies that consider consumer concerns on environmental impact, the use of antibiotic growth promotors, animal welfare and cost of animal protein. However, consumers are many times unaware of the positive impact feed additives are making for more sustainable production of healthy and affordable animal protein.

Perception of feed additives

Consumers often have a negative perception of feed additives used in livestock nutrition. The same is true for food additives used in food and beverages in human nutrition, which are also viewed with a high degree of skepticism, particularly if they sound chemical.

Food additives have been used for centuries to improve flavor, appearance, nutrition, freshness or texture in food and beverages. However, recent surveys carried out in the US have shown that the names of those ingredients or how they are described can make a big difference to whether a product is purchased or not.

For example, the survey found that consumers are more likely to seek out additives that are described as natural, when it comes to flavors, sweeteners, colors or preservatives. However, a greater proportion of survey participants would avoid food and beverages with the same additives if they are described as “artificial”. Unfamiliarity of terms used to describe food additives are also likely to cause concerns or avoidance.

Others have found that the acceptability of food additives was highly influenced by the perceived benefits and risk associated with them. Health benefits in particular have an impact on choosing food additives.

Importance of educating the consumer

The perception of what is good and what is healthy for consumers can lead to substantial challenges for the food industry, which carry through to the animal feed industry for obvious reasons. Educating the consumer about what is in their food is important, because consumer perception and trends can be very powerful.

The same is true for what is going into animal feed, as it is part of the food chain that leads to what eventually ends up on the plates of consumers. What consumers generally are also not aware of is that the rules and regulations regarding the evaluation of the safety and efficacy of feed additives are in many cases even stricter than those regarding food additives.

 

How are feed additives helping to tackle consumer concerns about animal protein production?

Feed additives are designed, according to regulatory definition, to improve the quality of feed and the quality of food from animal origin. The negative image of feed additives in the consumer’s perception is partly due to a lack of understanding of their function and benefits in animal nutrition and not knowing the diversity in feed additives that is available. Otherwise, the awareness that most of the feed additives are designed to reduce the concerns regarding livestock production would be far greater among consumers and reduce their reservations and skepticism about feed additives.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of the functions different feed additives fulfill in modern farm animal nutrition and their benefits related to key consumer concerns:

  • Enhanced digestibility of feed materials – reduction in environmental impact
  • Supporting the animal’s natural defense mechanisms – animal health and reduction in the need for antibiotic growth promotors
  • Greater efficiency in nutrient utilization to reduce the cost of production – more affordable animal protein
  • Supporting animal resilience – consistency in high animal wellbeing

 

Does how we describe and name feed additives matter?

Education that leads to a better understanding in the consumer of why feed additives are used in animal nutrition, their origin and overall benefits can certainly help to improve the image of feed additives among consumers.

Additionally, similarly to what was concluded regarding food additives, how we describe feed additives could also make a difference to whether they are perceived positively or negatively by the consumer.

 

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Pancosma product categories – do you know them all?

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Pancosma has a wide range of feed additives covering your needs. But do you know the product categories in which they belong? We have recently expanded our portfolio to a more complete offer and added new innovations to existing product categories.

Explore where we specialize and innovate

Understand our feed additive offer better. Our product category pages are designed to help you answer questions like, how our product categories benefit you in achieving your goals, support your needs and what we do to ensure their quality and effectiveness.

Pancosma feed additive product categories

GUT AGILITY ACTIVATORS  – more

ORGANIC ACIDS  – more

ORGANIC TRACE MINERALS – more

PALATANTS – more

Palatant subcategory:    SWEETENERS – more

Palatant subcategory: Animal feed FLAVORS – more

PHYTOGENIC BIOACTIVES – more

PICHIA Yeast  -more

Discover our feed additive brands ->

Advance your learnings

The product category pages sum up the details of our product categories in a nutshell. If they spark your interest and you would like to learn even more about our offering and the services we provide, there are several options for you to learn more.

 

  1. If you have more specific questions on our product categories, you can get in direct contact with one of our product experts.

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    Organic acids – new arrivals in Pancosma portfolio

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    Organic acids came to Pancosma through acquisitions and are now firmly grounded in our product* portfolio. They include solutions to optimize the acidification of young animals, animal production and in addition they play an essential role in controlling feed hygiene, preservation of feed materials, water quality and optimizing TMR as well as silage quality.

     

     Why adding organic acids to animal feed makes sense

    Acidification enables lowering of pH in feed and the digestive tract of animals. This helps to maintain the optimum pH in the stomach for enzymatic actions and to ensure proper protein digestion in the intestine.  The acidic environment also creates a barrier to the entry of harmful bacteria and their colonization in the intestine. E.coli and Salmonella are pH sensitive and their proliferation is minimized below pH 5.

    Even under hygienic conditions, factors like high moisture and warm environment can facilitate the growth of certain fungi, yeast or bacteria, minimizing the feed nutritive value by metabolizing its starch and protein. Preservation can help to ensure a continuous supply of high-quality feedstuffs and reduce the risk of pathogen uptake by the animal.

     

     Why choose Pancosma organic acids?

    The organic acids which are in our portfolio contain short- and medium chain fatty acids. We provide a wide range of solutions and applications. It comes in liquid and dry form, which gives the flexibility to be utilized both in feed and drinking water. Besides our standard portfolio we also offer custom-made solutions based on our knowhow on product technology and performance.

     

    Go to our organic acids portfolio

     

    Frequently asked questions

    Do you only produce dry solutions, or do you also offer liquid acidifiers?

    Both options are available, depending on the application requirements and conditions.

    What is the main source for your medium chain fatty acids products?

    They are mainly derived from coconut and palm-kernel oil.

     What is the most popular product in the Pancosma organic acids product range?

    Since the preservation and hygiene control of animal feed and raw materials is fundamental to feed quality, products designed for preservation  and hygiene control are used most frequently

    Nevertheless, the use of special organic acids, such as medium chain fatty acids and esterified organic acids,  is receiving growing attention. This is in response to an increasing body of scientific research showing the benefits these type of components can bring to animals. Our products from the DaaFit range contain medium chain fatty acids, as well as a combination of short- and medium-chain fatty acids, which have been the subject of these scientific studies.

    Can I apply Pancosma organic acids to the water systems for farm animals?

    Our products DaaquaSafe and DaaquaForce have been specifically developed for the application to the water system on farms.

    Can you offer tailormade organic acids solutions to match my specific challenges?

    Yes, we have the capability to adapt acidifiers to the specific needs of our customers. Find out more about our tailormade service here.

     Do you have organic acids suitable for aquaculture?

    Yes, our preservation and feed hygiene products are all applicable  to aquaculture. Together with our Aqua colleagues we have also carried out several trials investigating the impact of DaaFit products on the wellbeing of fish and shrimp, which showed a positive response.

     

    If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to CONTACT OUR EXPERTS



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      *Not all products are available in all regions. Pancosma, a brand of ADM, makes no representation or warranty, whether expressed or implied, as to the reliability, or completeness of the information. The uses and claims should be adapted to comply to the current local/ regional regulatory environment. This information does not imply any express recommendations for the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.