ARTICLE Alternative Proteins Magazine April 2024 43 At the production facility, Revalet is generally applied to by-products through dedicated dosing systems that mix the product directly onto the by-product process lines before the final storage tank. Treatment at food production facilities may include inactivation of microorganisms used on biotechnology processes (i.e. fermentation). Revalet is commonly used for inactivation and microbial growth inhibition on the by-product. The treatment time may vary depending on factors such as the microbial count, temperature and pH of the by-product. Monitoring and quality control measures should be continued throughout the treatment to assess the efficacy of treatment and ensure the safety and quality of the treated by-products. Lifecycle Assessment #2: Trader companies Trader companies source high-moisture by-products, not always treated previously, at food production facilities. During the by-product recollection process, attention must be paid to factors such as freshness, hygiene, and initial microbial contamination levels to ensure the quality of the incoming by-products. The high-moisture by-products are transported from the producer to trader company facilities using specialised vehicles equipped with refrigeration or temperature control systems to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Upon arrival at the trader company’s facilities, these products undergo a precise treatment protocol to control microbial growth and enhance shelf life. Selko’s quality assurance and preservation experts can provide tailored guidance to adjust treatments. Lifecycle Assessment #3: Animal feed producers Upon arrival at the animal feed production facility, by-products are again inspected for quality. Food by-products quality checks usually include visual appearance, odour, dry matter and microbial load. At this stage, depending on the by-product’s source, whether it be traders or directly from the food producers, by-products undergo further treatment with Selko products to help maintain their nutritional value and palatability. Additives such as vitamins, minerals, and enzymes may be incorporated into the by-products to meet specific nutritional requirements and support animal health and performance. The treated by-products are then mixed and blended with other feed ingredients to create feed premix formulations. Collectively, these processes contribute to the sustainability and efficiency of animal agriculture by utilising valuable by-products from the food industry and applying them to feed production. Lifecycle Assessment #4: On the farm Managing and utilising feed premixes derived from high-moisture by-products directly on the farm involves careful handling, storage, and application to ensure the diet delivers optimal nutrition and supports animal health. Incorporating specially selected organic acid blends in feed premix formulations plays a crucial role in conserving quality, reducing nutritional spoilage, and enhancing microbial control. Below is a playbook of on-farm processes that support by-product treatment: a. Storage and handling: Upon delivery, feed premixes should be stored in designated areas under controlled conditions to prevent exposure to moisture, sunlight, and contaminants. b. Feed premixes can be incorporated into moist feed systems used to feed livestock, such as swine or ruminants. Conditions are different on every farm, so it is important to apply proper treatments for a given situation. Appropriate additives are added to moist feed formulations to inhibit microbial growth,
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