ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE September 2023 45 flammatory properties that support immune function. Lauric acid has proved to be effective against bacteria such as Streptococci and Staphylococci, whilst also improving gut health, which provides material benefits for producers in the form of better nutrient absorption and improved feed conversion rate. Similarly, alpha-glycerol monolaurates, created from a combination of lauric acid and glycerine, offer bactericidal effects around ten times more potent than their corresponding free fatty acids. Thanks to their fast lymphatic absorption, they have a systemic effect which goes beyond the gut to deliver benefits for the whole animal. These ingredients, whether used alone or in combination, can control infections and improve intestinal health, resulting in improved production rates in poultry and swine. IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR THE PLANET THROUGH SUSTAINABLY SOURCED FEED In addition to functional benefits, plant-based feed inputs can contribute to a more sustainable animal agriculture sector. Close to half of global greenhouse gas emissions from livestock production are linked to the production and processing of animal feed. Addressing these inputs is an important step to reduce the sector’s overall sustainability impact. Sustainably-produced palm oil is the highest-yielding vegetable oil per hectare and represents a more efficient use of land than alternative feed inputs such as maize and soy. Indeed, the palm industry has taken significant steps towards eradicating deforestation from its supply chains. Data from Trase Insights shows that deforestation linked to palm oil production in Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil producer, is at its lowest level for a decade, while palm oil production has increased. This industry-wide focus on tackling deforestation also puts the palm oil industry on a strong footing to comply with the 2024 deadline for implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation. Golden-Agri Resources (GAR) has worked hard to create traceable, sustainable and deforestation-free palm oil supply chains that support growers and their communities in the palm oil sector, achieving 98% traceability to plantation across our Indonesian palm supply at the end of 2022. COLLABORATING FOR SUCCESS Collaboration between farmers, scientists and industry is essential to continue to enhance livestock health – while improving outcomes for the planet and people – and to support sustainable and resilient food systems. GAR’s tailored animal nutrition products, under the GoNutri brand, use sustainably-sourced palm and palm kernel oil that meets global traceability and sustainability standards. As part of GAR’s integrated supply chain, GoNutri is also GMP+ certified, meaning it meets the highest industry standards for managing feed safety risks. About Irene Trigueros A trained veterinarian, Irene Trigueros brings more than 30 years’ experience in the animal feed and nutrition sector to her role as Feed Business Unit Manager for GAR in Iberia. She has extensive commercial experience in both animal health and nutrition and commodities settings, and is closely attuned to the commercial and operational needs of European farmers and feed manufacturers.
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