ISSUE FOCUS 24 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE January 2025 “In light of growing environmental concerns surrounding soybean meal and increasing pressures to meet sustainability goals, it has never been a better time for producers to explore ingredient alternatives. IFF’s recent proof of concept study highlights the potential of enzymes and gut health solutions to mitigate the effects of using alternative ingredients in broiler diets, in line with growing demand.” Soybean meal (SBM) is widely used in animal diets – and for good reason. It is a nutrient-dense, highly digestible, and cost-effective source of protein and amino acids for optimal performance. But now, SBM is starting to fall out of favor in some markets, primarily due to sustainability concerns. This article explores why more and more producers are interested in innovative feed additives, and the ways they can overcome common challenges to go 100% soy-free. SOYBEAN MEAL ALTERNATIVES ON THE RISE Cultivating SBM can have a significant environmental impact, particularly around land use and land use change (LULUC). Producers must also navigate the high CO2 emissions linked to long-distance logistics. These rising environmental concerns are inevitably driving interest in more sustainable alternatives. For instance, partial replacement with ingredients such as rapeseed and sunflower seed meal has been gaining traction among producers – to varying success. However, adopting completely soy-free feed formulations has historically been challenging, due to reduced animal performance and a significant increase in costs. The problem with many alternative ingredients is that they often have higher fiber content, lower amino acid digestibility and antinutritional factors that can negatively impact performance. These factors can decrease nutrient digestion, cause the overgrowth of microbiota – particularly non-beneficial bacteria – and damage animal health. Addressing these side effects and developing effective feed strategies, supported by robust research, is therefore vital for the animal nutrition and health industry to move forward with soy-free diets. PIONEERING INNOVATIVE INGREDIENTS Emerging research indicates that enzymes and gut health solutions could help mitigate the negative impact of alternative raw materials in soy-free diets, providing a viable replacement for SBM. In practice, this means using a multi-faceted approach to address each issue. For example, formulating with enzymes such as xylanase and beta-glucanase (XB) to improve non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) and fiber digestion, as well as protease to increase amino acid digestion. Applying betaine or probiotics can also help to enhance gut health, which complements enzyme use. They work by having a positive synergistic effect, opFEEDING THE FUTURE Tackling the soy-free feed challenge with innovative additives Rachael Hardy Global Technical Marketing Consultant IFF
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