December 2025 Year: 5 Issue: 59 Feed Additive INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE FOR ANIMAL FEED & ADDITIVES INDUSTRY Tonje E. Dominguez, Aker Qrill Company Nucleotides gain increased attention in functional pet nutrition Erik Visser, Hamlet Protein Hamlet Protein’s approach to gut health and performance Antony Wildon, Perstorp Group Moisture management boosts feed mill efficiency and profitability www.feedandadditive.com Global Oilseed Supply and Demand Strengthen in the New Season Pet Food and New Trends Issue Focus: Market Report:
EDITOR As we approach 2026, we see the animal nutrition industry increasingly focusing on sustainability, biotechnology and raw material diversity. Current indicators point out that by 2026, feed formulation will be considered not only in terms of nutritional value but also within a broader framework, including carbon footprint, supply continuity, and adaptation to changing climate conditions. Alternative protein sources, more effective utilisation of by-products, and the commercial-scale use of microbial proteins are among the areas being closely monitored by the industry. At the same time, R&D efforts in prebiotics, postbiotics, and microbial additives are gaining greater importance to support animal performance in markets where antibiotic use is being reduced. Heat stress and variable weather conditions, which have become significant issues due to climate change, are bringing mineral balancing and heat-tolerant additives to the forefront. Looking at a global scale, rapid production capacity increases in Asia, large-scale investment projects in the Middle East, and Latin America's flexible export position could shape the regional direction of feed demand in 2026. Geopolitical uncertainties and periodic oilseed supply risks also make ration formulation flexibility more valuable. In short, 2026 appears to be a year in which new raw materials and technologies will be trialled more extensively, but also one in which the sector will seek ‘more efficient, more resilient and lower impact’ solutions. It is likely that companies able to strike a balance between innovation and practical farming needs will emerge more prominently during this process. As the Feed & Additive team, we will closely follow each of these topics throughout the year and continue to report on them. We look forward to seeing you again in the 2026 issues... A Brief Look at 2026: What's on the horizon? Derya Gulsoy Yildiz © Three Plus Media | All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. *DISCLAIMER: All views and ideas expressed in articles published in the magazine reflect the point of views of the author(s), not that of the Editor-in-Chief, Editors, Editorial Board or Publisher of Feed & Additive Magazine. The Editor-in-Chief, Editors, Editorial Board and Publisher assume no responsibility or liability in such cases. The publisher does not give any warranty and representation to the accuracy or completeness of the contents and data published in the magazine. All responsibility of the contents, articles and information published in the magazine belongs to the authors. The publisher and the authors cannot be held responsible for any damages resulting from the use of the whole or part of the content of the magazine. Publisher Muhammed Akatay akatay@feedandadditive.com Editor-in-Chief Derya Gülsoy Yıldız derya@feedandadditive.com Editor Zeynep Demirkaya editor@feedandadditive.com Advertising Coordinator Özlem Akatay ozlem@feedandadditive.com Sales & Marketing Berfin Onğulu berfin@feedandadditive.com SM Marketing Lisa Atakul marketing@feedandadditive.com Art Director Burak Varol graphic@feedandadditive.com Circulation & Data Responsible Amine Şengün info@threeplusmedia.com Ataturk St. Metropol Istanbul Ste. Block C1, No:376 Atasehir, Istanbul/TURKEY Phone: +90 850 220 5064 E-Mail: info@feedandadditive.com Web: www.feedandadditive.com Publication Type: Periodic (Monthly) feedandadditive
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CON T E N T S 30 ISSUE FOCUS PET FOOD AND NEW TRENDS 45 INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA: KEY TO DOG AND CAT WELLBEING Alessandro Gramenzi, University of Teramo 48 NUCLEOTIDES GAIN INCREASED ATTENTION IN FUNCTIONAL PET NUTRITION Tonje Elisabeth Dominguez, Aker Qrill Company 51 THE POWER OF FABA BEAN INGREDIENTS TO DRIVE PET FOOD PURCHASING Dr. Maygane Ronsmans, BENEO 56 POSTBIOTICS: THE NEXT GENERATION OF PET GUT HEALTH SUPPORT Dr. Francesca Susca, Lallemand Animal Nutrition 32 LIQUID ANTIOXIDANT APPLICATION: CHALLENGES RELATED TO TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATION Frank Clement, Kemin Nutrisurance Europe 38 BALANCING TASTE AND ACCEPTANCE: ENHANCING PET FOOD PALATABILITY Dr. Anne Winkler, Phytobiotics ADVERTORIAL 28 MICROBIOME-FOCUSED PET NUTRITION IS GROWING, BUT BARRIERS REMAIN NBF Lanes 60 INNOVATION IN EVERY BOWL: CARGILL’S TAKE ON GLOBAL PET TRENDS Dr. Mark Franklin, Cargill Micronutrition & Health Solutions
CON T E N T S SUSTAINABILITY 72 MOISTURE MANAGEMENT BOOSTS FEED MILL EFFICIENCY AND PROFITABILITY Antony Wildon, Perstorp Group 82 STRENGTH IN STRUCTURE: A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON PATHOGEN BINDING Monika Leukert, Lallemand Animal Nutrition 86 BRIDGING NUTRITIONAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL GAPS WITH EGG POWDER Alex Diana & Jordi Ysamat, Veos Group 90 AN EXPERT'S GUIDE TO REDEFINING FEED ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING Dr. Stephanie Ladirat, Nuqo Feed Additives 79 HOW VIRTUAL FENCING OPENS THE GATE FOR SMARTER GRAZING Alex Bell, Nofence 84 PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE: HOW AI IS ELIMINATING DOWNTIME IN THE FEEDMILL André Magrini, OGI Systems 76 ECONOMIC RETURN OF FEEDING CHOLINE TO TRANSITION COWS Dr. Alvaro Garcia, Dellait ARTICLE Boehringer avian influenza vaccines receive EU support 100 dsm-firmenich unveils Verax for layer producers 10 Rumen-protected fats boost cow performance in winter 18 Terresis launched as unified identity 13 NEWS 69 USING UNEATEN FOOD TO CREATE QUALITY ANIMAL FEED AND REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Will Clark, Denali INTERVIEW OPTIMIZING EARLY-LIFE NUTRITION: HAMLET PROTEIN’S APPROACH TO GUT HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE Erik Visser, Hamlet Protein 64 MARKET REPORT GLOBAL OILSEED SUPPLY AND DEMAND STRENGTHEN IN THE NEW SEASON Derya Gulsoy Yildiz, Feed & Additive Magazine 94
6 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2025 Beginning in October 2026, a new modernized regulatory pathway is available to bring fresh and innovative animal food ingredients to the market in the U.S. Earlier this year, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) announced a partnership with Kansas State University’s Olathe Innovation Campus (K-State Olathe) to develop the new Scientific Review of Ingredient Submissions (SRIS) process. AAFCO and K-State Olathe laid out an aggressive plan to develop the novel process within one year; with both teams quickly getting to work setting up a collaborative steering committee that consisted of experienced state regulatory officials, retired U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) personnel, and key representatives from trade associations that represent the U.S. animal food industry. The steering committee worked continuously throughout the year to develop the process flow, conflict of interest requirements, timelines, submission guidance, and training material for subject matter experts. The result of that effort is a pathway that offers a fast and accurate scientific assessment of new animal food ingredients. Through SRIS, prospective ingredients undergo scientific evaluation by independent consultants and subject matter experts from universities across the country, while upholding rigorous scientific standards and transparency. The process is intended to complement the FDA’s current Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) Notice program, providing the animal food industry with an additional option for introducing new and innovative products to the market. The SRIS process is managed by Dr. Garret Ashabranner, who previously served as an animal scientist at the FDA, where he reviewed animal food ingredients and advised on monogastric nutrition and environmental claims. He brings nearly a decade of experience in poultry production, regulatory science and agricultural education to the SRIS process. In addition to hiring Dr. Ashabranner, AAFCO and K-State Olathe put out a call for subject matter experts (SMEs) in June of this year, amassing a repertoire of diverse and uniquely qualified individuals who will conduct expert panel reviews within the SRIS framework. SMEs were selected based on their areas of expertise, screened for potential conflicts of interest, and trained to review new and innovative ingredients that would benefit the U.S. animal food industry in a manner that preserves scientific rigor. A FRESH NEW PATHWAY TO BRING ANIMAL FOOD INGREDIENTS TO MARKET IN THE U.S. Austin Therrell Executive Director The Association of American Feed Control Officials LEAD ARTICLE
FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE 7 December 2025 Within the process flow that was developed, a steering committee also worked to establish the flexibility for submitters to “stop the clock” within the process to address any questions from reviewers or to gather additional data that may be needed to support a safety conclusion. Unlike the federal processes, the 60–90-day review clock will stop and start when dialogue or answers are needed without resetting the review time frame back to zero. The unique flexibility of the SRIS process, along with the collection of the brightest minds in animal nutrition, allows for ingredient reviews to be done in half of the time that it currently takes FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, without compromising safety standards or scientific integrity because the leading experts are the individuals involved in the review. The SRIS pathway is also the only regulatory process that provides a formal review of animal food ingredient definitions that neither FDA’s Food Additive Petition (FAP) nor the GRAS pathways fulfill. Through SRIS, the safety and intended use of proposed new ingredient definitions are evaluated. These definitions form a key part of the AAFCO Official Publication, which standardizes ingredient terminology, providing consistency in interstate commerce. Without SRIS, the U.S. animal food industry faces barriers to innovation and standardization of feed ingredients. With strong leadership on board, and an expansive network of some of the most qualified animal nutritionists in the world, the SRIS process is poised to be a successful regulatory pathway for U.S. animal food manufacturers. Innovators in the ingredient space can expect responsiveness, transparency, a fair evaluation of ingredients, and open dialogue, while U.S. animal food manufacturers can expect to gain access to innovative ingredients that will allow them to remain competitive on the international stage. About Austin Therrell Since 2022, Austin Therrell has been the the executive director of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). AAFCO has been guiding state, federal and international feed regulators with ingredient definitions, label standards and laboratory standards for more than 115 years. Photo: Freepik
NEWS 8 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2025 Feeding rumen-protected fats through the winter provides a concentrated, rumen-safe energy source that supports milk production, body condition, fertility and milk composition when bulky silage rations can limit energy intake. As dairy producers transition into winter feeding, Volac Wilmar Feed Ingredients highlights rumen-protected fats as being essential to maintaining energy balance in rations without risking acidosis issues from excessive amounts of cereals. “With grass and maize silages forming the base of most diets, achieving the energy density required to sustain milk production and fertility can be difficult,” explains Dr. Richard Kirkland, Global Technical Manager for Volac Wilmar Feed Ingredients. Research shows that dairy cows require 15–20% of their total metabolisable energy (ME) from fat. For high-yielding cows, this is typically around 6% of the ration's dry matter (DM). While forages and concentrates provide some of this, supplementation with rumen-protected fats allows producers to reach optimal levels safely, without compromising rumen health. According to Dr. Kirkland, rumen-protected fat supplements are the ideal vehicle to deliver this energy supply while avoiding disruption of rumen function. Carrying 2.5-times the energy density of cereals, the Megalac product delivers around 33 megajoules (MJ) of ME per kilogram of DM. Read more>> Rumen-protected fats boost cow performance in winter Photo: Volac-Wilmar Biochem, an innovative animal nutrition company specializing in feed additives and dietary supplements, and BASF, a pioneer in the animal nutrition and feed ingredients markets, entered into a binding agreement on Biochem’s acquisition of BASF's global glycinate business. Biochem states that this strategic acquisition reinforces its role as a pioneer in high-performance organic trace minerals (OTMs) since 1992 and broadens its global market presence. By acquiring this business, Biochem gains enhanced market access and a well-established network of distribution partners from BASF, guaranteeing a seamless transition for all customers worldwide. Following BASF’s recent announcement to explore strategic options for its feed enzyme business, for BASF, this divestiture represents another step in refining the portfolio toward core ingredients for human and animal nutrition. While the review of strategic options for the feed enzyme business is still underway, the company remains fully committed to supporting customers and advancing the business— driving growth and innovation throughout this transition. The glycinate portfolios of both companies are highlighted as sharing a strong, science-backed value proposition, focused on delivering superior results for animal producers, namely: • Improved Animal Performance: The high bioavailability of glycinates ensures better mineral absorption, which directly supports animal health, immunity, and growth. • Environmental Sustainability: Using highly efficient minerals reduces the excretion of key trace elements like zinc and copper into the environment, helping producers meet increasingly strict regulations. Read more>> Biochem signs agreement for BASF’s glycinate business Photo: Biochem
NEWS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2025 9 dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health unveiled the launch of its Sustell™ Carbon Value Program, a solution designed to help the agri-food value chain reduce carbon footprints at low cost – or even at a profit. This program is aimed at enabling companies to decarbonize their value chains, meet sustainability targets, comply with reporting requirements, and benefit financially from the achieved emissions reductions. “Sustainability is about smarter production — getting more from less, cutting waste, and building stronger, more efficient farms and food systems,” says Dr. Heinz Flatnitzer, Global Head of Emissions Value Management at dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health. “With the Sustell™ Carbon Value Program we help our clients scale carbon reductions with transparency, credibility, and measurable returns. By fostering farm-to-fork collaboration, partners across the value chain can achieve verified emission footprints with full traceability and additional financial value. We invite more companies to join us on this profitable journey toward a more sustainable food system,” adds Flatnitzer. Agrifood, retailer, CPGs, and food service companies need to cut greenhouse gas emissions to meet sustainability targets that are driven by commitments, science-based targets, or customer demands, dsm-firmenich points out. To achieve lower emissions, full value chain collaboration is required. Read more>> The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, on November 28, 2025, urged member countries to reinforce global partnerships to prevent and control transboundary animal diseases (TADs), warning they are one of the most urgent threats to global food security and economic stability. Speaking at an Information Session on the new Global Partnership Programme for Transboundary Animal Diseases (GPP-TAD) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Qu cautioned that recent funding cuts risk undermining decades of progress in managing and responding to these diseases when global risks are intensifying. For more than 20 years, the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) has served as FAO’s operational backbone on animal health, supporting more than 50 countries and consistently demonstrating that prevention costs far less than responding to crises. “We cannot afford to destroy what has taken decades to build,” Qu said. “The cost of prevention is far lower than the cost of inaction.” TADs are highly contagious diseases that cross borders rapidly. As animals and humans live in closer proximity and global movements increase, these diseases are spreading faster - from animal to animal, farm to farm, and country to country. Read more>> dsm-firmenich unveils Sustell Carbon Value Program FAO warns transboundary animal diseases threaten food security Image: dsm-firmenich ©FAO/Giulio Napolitano
NEWS 10 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2025 dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health unveiled the global launch of its Verax™ machine learning-based precision service for layers, designed to transform how egg producing farms can manage their animal health, welfare, and productivity. By applying advanced data analytics, the service reportedly enables producers to predict performance drops, stress events, and health challenges. This first of its kind early-warning capability empowers farmers to intervene proactively, reducing losses, improving livability, and enhancing egg production. “This launch marks a pivotal step in our journey to make poultry farming more predictive, more responsive, and more sustainable,” said Scott Cavey, Head of Precision Nutrition & Health at dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health. “By combining machine learning with real-time blood biomarker insights, we’re helping producers move from reactive to proactive management— improving both profitability and operational outcomes.” “Smart farming demands more than technology—it requires insight from inside of the bird,” noted Cavey. “Our precision service portfolio leverages advanced software experience, artificial intelligence algorithms and expert consultants to help producers make better decisions for their animals and their business.” The rollout of Verax™ for layers will initially be available to leading global layer producers, dsm-firmenich states. The service is part of the company’s broader Precision Services portfolio, which combines digital diagnostics, consultancy, and tailored nutrition to support profitable, sustainable food production. Read more>> A research project within Resource Recovery at the University of Borås, Sweden, explored how valuable substances can be extracted from organic waste – such as animal manure – and how this loop can be closed by producing animal feed. In her doctoral project, Clarisse Uwineza demonstrated how food waste and animal manure can be converted into valuable volatile fatty acids. These acids can then be used as a substrate to cultivate protein-rich fungal biomass, which in turn can be used to produce animal feed. Early in her studies, she developed an interest in creating sustainable methods for managing waste and by-products. Her research allowed her to combine her interests in both biotechnology and resource recovery. Organic waste, such as food waste and manure from agriculture, is a growing environmental issue. However, by using a method known as anaerobic digestion, where microorganisms break down waste in an oxygen-free environment, it is possible to extract these volatile fatty acids. These acids, along with nutrients such as nitrogen and minerals, can then be used to cultivate a specific fungus: Aspergillus oryzae. The fungus grows into a biomass rich in protein, minerals, and dietary fibre, and is also easily digestible for animals. Read more>> dsm-firmenich unveils Verax for layer producers Researcher explores waste-based feed protein production Photo: dsm-firmenich Photo: University of Borås
NEWS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2025 11 Learn more at dsm-firmenich.com/anh Innovations in Nutrition and Farming At dsm-firmenich, we support the growing demand for animal protein with sustainable solutions that reduce environmental impact and improve animal welfare. By harnessing our cutting-edge science and innovative capabilities, and working in partnership with our customers, we're helping to ensure efficient production of safe, nutritious, and affordable high-quality protein for consumers and a more sustainable future.
NEWS 12 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2025 A provider of eco-friendly waste management services, Nutrition 101, LLC, announced the acquisition of Value Feeds, dairy upcycling company based in Dallas, Texas, US, with strategic supply contracts from the region's leading dairy producers. The acquisition will enable 101 to continue its strategic growth into the Southwest US while building upon Value Feeds' customer relationships, efficient operations, and environmentally friendly solutions, which are reflected in its robust processing capabilities and established foothold in a growing market. "Value Feeds has proven itself in its over 30-year history as the market-dominant player with fantastic operations," said Rick Shipley, CEO of Nutrition 101. "By bringing its capabilities, unmatched reputation, and customer relationships into the 101 family, we'll be able to continue helping food processors manage byproducts while providing farmers high-quality proteins and energy for livestock in a new and growing market." "We are very pleased to partner with Nutrition 101," commented Mark Quinn, Founder of Value Feeds. "101's industry expertise will allow us to continue to provide best-in-class services for our customers while expanding our processing capabilities. I look forward to continuing Value Feeds' mission with the support of the 101 team." Read more>> Researchers at the Pirbright Institute from England showed that a needle-free solid dose vaccine can protect pigs against Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV). This milestone marks the first time the technology has been proven to work in any species, according to the institute’s announcement. PRRSV is one of the most economically damaging diseases in pig farming worldwide, with losses estimated to exceed $664 million annually in the US alone. Current vaccines are not always fully protective. Writing in the journal Vaccine’s 64th volume, the scientists demonstrate how they tested a novel “prime and pull” strategy combining a solid dose modified live (MLV) vaccine delivered without needles and a nasal boost with an inactivated vaccine. While the nasal boost failed to enhance immunity, the solid dose vaccine was shown to provide neutralising antibody responses and strong protection against PRRSV infection – comparable to conventional needle-and-syringe vaccination, according to the results. Protection was evidenced by reduced viremia, virus shedding and lung lesions in vaccinated pigs. Needle-free vaccination could offer advantages: Reducing the risk of spreading diseases via reused needles, improving animal welfare, improving carcass quality by avoiding broken needles and eliminating the risk of needle stick injury for staff handling the animals. Read more>> Nutrition 101 acquires dairy upcycling company Study examines needle free PRRSV vaccination approach Photo: Freepik Photo: The Pirbright Institute
NEWS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2025 13 TIMAB Magnesium, Magnesitas Navarras (MAGNA) and Magnesium Do Brasil have always operated as one company, and one team. Since October 27 2025, the three structures have been united under a new name: Terresis. Regarding the initiative, the company stated, “With a fresh emblem and a powerful new strapline – “Protect what matters” – Terresis embodies the values that have always guided us.” This fresh identity reflects the company's mission to be the "guardian of a magnesia essential to all," and brings together its sector expertise under a single banner. This change aims to simplify, with a clear international brand identity for the company’s customers and partners, and a united Terresis with a stronger global presence. Terresis’ integrated industrial model allows it to control the entire value chain - from magnesium extraction to the final application. The company supports its customers in four strategic application areas, through each of its business units: • Animal nutrition and crop production via Terresis Agriculture, • Refractory solutions via Terresis MAGNA, • Industrial minerals via Terresis Industrial Minerals, • Environmental solutions via Terresis Environnement. According to the announcement, this new identity represents a significant milestone in the company’s journey. It reflects a commitment to unified communication and highlights the complementarity between the brand’s various areas of expertise. Read more>> Terresis launched as unified identity Photo: Terresis Gut health is more than a gut instinct. Improving bird productivity through clean feed. Get the study today. www.anitox.com/broiler-performance
NEWS 14 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2025 Hendrix Genetics announced a new addition to its shrimp genetics portfolio: the Kona Bay Balance Pro. Developed by the company’s shrimp division, the Kona Bay Balance Pro is highlighted as a next-generation shrimp genetics solution engineered to enhance performance, resilience, and sustainability across the aquaculture value chain. The product was officially introduced at the Hatch India Show 2025, held at the Radisson Blu in Visakhapatnam, India on October 30-31. The launch event featured remarks from Naomi Duijvesteijn, Global Sustainability Director at Hendrix Genetics, who emphasized the strategic relevance of Balance Pro in promoting responsible aquaculture practices. As with all products in the Kona Bay product portfolio, Kona Bay Balance Pro is a non-ablation breeding solution, eliminating the need for eyestalk ablation and thereby promoting animal welfare without compromising performance or resilience across production cycles. According to the company’s statement, this innovation aligns with global sustainability standards and reinforces Hendrix Genetics’ commitment to ethical breeding practices. “The Balance Pro product is the answer to unpredictability in shrimp farming,” stated Deepak Patnaik, Commercial Director at Kona Bay. “Designed to reduce variability and improve predictability, it delivers faster growth, higher productivity, and improved resilience.” Read more>> A new study published in Animals highlights that industrialized animal farming is one of the most powerful - yet persistently neglected - forces driving the climate and biodiversity crises. The analysis, "The Missing Target: Why Industrialized Animal Farming Must Be at the Core of the Climate Agenda", synthesizes evidence from 47 international studies and concludes that reducing livestock production and embracing plant-based food systems is essential for meeting global climate goals. Across global research, livestock farming contributes an estimated 12-20% of all greenhouse gas emissions annually, with the most comprehensive studies yielding the highest figures. The most modern accounting methods, which include the impacts of deforestation, bottom trawling and cooling effects from certain atmospheric pollutants, reveal that 52% of present-day global warming is attributable to animal agriculture. According to the study, animal agriculture occupies over 80% of agricultural land, while providing only 18% of calories and 37% of protein consumed worldwide, making it difficult to meet the needs of a fast-growing future population. Among other food-originating environmental impacts, the sector also creates 50% of eutrophication and 32% of soil acidification. Rapidly developing regions including emerging economies are projected to experience the sharpest growth in livestock emissions unless production trends shift. Biodiversity studies reveal that meat-heavy diets can create three to four times greater biodiversity losses compared to predominantly plant-based diets. Read more>> Hendrix Genetics expands shrimp portfolio New Study: Industrialized animal farming challenges climate targets Photo: Sustainable Pet Food Foundation Photo: Hendrix Genetics
NEWS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2025 15 SELECTED MANUFACTURING PLANT + + OPTIMIZED PRODUCTION PROCESS SPECIFIC R&D PROGRAM CONSISTENT CONTENT OF MANNANS AND β GLUCANS Partnering in microbial solutions for a changing world. Using sound science, proven results and knowledge from experience, Lallemand Animal Nutrition helps our customers and industry partners be more successful – and animals lead healthier lives. Lallemand Animal Nutrition provides a full range of specific, microbial products, services and solutions that improve animal performance, and support their health and well-being while respecting animals, people, and the environment. Learn more at LallemandAnimalNutrition.com. This product is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Products availability and claims may differ by country and shall be used according to applicable laws.
NEWS 16 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2025 Australian agricultural biotechnology company Terragen launched its first international research trial for Terragen’s Probiotic™ for Ruminants (TPR) in collaboration with leading Canadian research organisations. The product is dry-form, shelf-stable and can be added to dry feed, milk, or water to support gastrointestinal health and productivity in beef and dairy cattle, calves, and sheep, the company highlights. The two-phase feedlot study, conducted at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Lethbridge Research and Development Centre in Alberta, brings together the University of Calgary, the Canada/Alberta Livestock Trust, and the Beef Cattle Research Council. This marks the first use of TPR in a North American beef production setting, assessing its impact on cattle performance, carcass quality, and the gut-immune connection in feedlot systems. AAFC research scientist Professor Trevor Alexander said the study aligns with their long-term focus on bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and animal health. “While we know that performance can be affected by BRD, there is limited research exploring how natural or feed-derived gut microbes and gut immunity influence respiratory health in cattle,” stated Professor Alexander. “This work will help us better understand the link between digestion, performance, microbiota, and immunity.” Read more>> Terragen launches first cattle probiotic study in Canada Photo: Terragen In the poultry industry, ensuring chicks receive optimal nutrition is paramount, as it influences their early development, health, and long-term productivity. For decades, scientists have tried to unravel the biological mechanisms that control appetite and satiety during the early developmental phases of chicks—a key step toward designing effective feeding strategies. Interestingly, neonatal chicks are an excellent animal model for studying such biomolecular processes in detail. They are a precocial species that begins searching for food immediately after hatching, and their relatively large brains make it easier to administer substances directly into their central nervous system during experiments. However, despite decades of research, many aspects of appetite regulation in chicks remain poorly understood. Chicks exhibit very short and frequent eating bouts separated by brief resting periods. While appetite is known to be regulated by neuropeptides, these signaling molecules take time to synthesize and act, implying that some other fast-acting signal must be controlling satiety. Could free amino acids, which are rapidly influenced by nutrient uptake, be involved in this process? Dr. Phuong V. Tran from the Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Science, Kyushu University, Japan, analyzes current knowledge on the regulation of food intake in neonatal chicks in a review article published in Volume 62 of the Journal of Poultry Science on March 15, 2025. The review, titled “Function of Amino Acids and Neuropeptides in Feeding Behavior in Chicks”, focuses specifically on the role of amino acids and their metabolites and how they interact with the appetite-stimulating neuropeptide Y (NPY). Read more>> Review article details amino acids’ impact on chick appetite Photo: Freepik
NEWS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2025 17 Hubbard SAS, one of the global leaders in poultry breeding and part of the Aviagen Group under the EW Group, signed a strategic agreement with Noor Poultry, appointing the company as the official distributor of Hubbard Efficiency Plus Grand Parent stock in Pakistan. According to Noor Poultry’s statement, this partnership marks a significant milestone in strengthening the nation’s poultry genetics and advancing sustainable production standards. Noor Poultry’s joint executive statement said, “Speaking with one voice, the Executive Leadership of Noor Poultry affirms that our landmark collaboration with the EW Group to deploy the Hubbard Efficiency Plus genetics platform fundamentally redefines the production landscape of Pakistani poultry. By introducing this globally validated, top-tier efficiency stock, Noor Poultry is doing more than elevating our own portfolio; we are establishing a new national standard for food security, producer profitability, and operational excellence, securing the sustainable future of our entire sector.” The Pakistani poultry sector is a vital, multi-billion-rupee industry that serves massive national demand. However, to thrive amid volatility and rising costs, the industry requires more than incremental changes; it demands world-class efficiency. Read more>> New agreement to boost poultry genetics in Pakistan Photo: Noor Poultry Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health (ANH) announced the completion of a major expansion at its Engerwitzdorf, Austria facility, substantially increasing current production capacity by 50% to meet the growing customer demand for micronutrition solutions. This further demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation, growth and customer success in the rapidly evolving micronutrition space. Cargill highlights that this investment allows it to continue expanding its micronutrition business, which moves beyond traditional feed additives to consider the impact of how each microelement interacts with others in the animal’s microbiome and its effect on animal health and performance. This intimate understanding of each microelement allows for precise, effective nutrition solutions that maximize productivity and promote digestive health. Cargill introduced its Micronutrition & Health Solutions business in 2024 that combines the capabilities and resources from Diamond V (acquired in 2017), Delacon (acquired in 2022), and Provimi (acquired in 2011) into one science-based portfolio. The company reports that, holistically, this portfolio has experienced double-digit growth each year for the past three years as more customers adopt science-based nutrition solutions to boost performance, protect animal health and preserve resources. “Our Micronutrition & Health Solutions business is a culmination of our industry-leading capabilities across phytogenics, postbiotics, anti-mycotoxin agents, enzymes and other performance-enhancing nutrition solutions," explained Gilles Houdart, Global Head of the Micronutrition & Health Solutions business. Read more>> Cargill boosts micronutrition production capacity in Austria Photo: Cargill
NEWS 18 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2025 Each year, a single cow can belch about 200 pounds of methane. The powerful greenhouse gas is 27 times more potent at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. For decades, scientists and farmers have tried to find ways to reduce methane without stunting the animal’s growth or productivity. Recent research at University of California, Davis, US, showed that feeding cows red seaweed can dramatically cut the amount of methane that is produced and released into the environment. Until now, however, scientists did not fully understand how red seaweed changes the interactions among the thousands of microbes in the cow’s gut, or rumen. A new collaborative study by researchers at UC Davis, the University of California, Berkeley, and the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) sheds light on that process and reveals which microbes in the cow’s gut might help reduce methane. The new insights bring the multidisciplinary team, composed of microbiologists, animal and computer scientists, closer to engineering the gut microbes of cows to produce less methane, offering a long-term solution that would not depend on seaweed feed additives. The study was published in Microbiome. Scientists have previously shown that red seaweed of the genus Asparagopsis blocked a key enzyme found in methane-producing microbes in the cow’s gut. Read more>> Producing vitamins for over 70 years and focused on supporting the feed industry for improved animal performance, Adisseo is now publishing the new updated version of its guide for vitamin recommendations, the Microvit® Nutrition Guide (MNG). The company highlights this new version of the Microvit® Nutrition Guide as presenting minimum and maximum recommended levels for fat soluble vitamins A, D3, E and K3, plus the hydro soluble vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12 and vitamin C in feed. These recommendations cover 18 different species, including poultry, swine, horses, ruminants, pets, and aquatic species, represented in 35 different developmental stages. Everything is based on technical and scientific publications from the last 30 years, supplemented by Adisseo's research in this area, and the practical experience of consultants and the feed industry, the company points out. Even though no new vitamins have been developed in the last 50 years, the need for supplementation can change over the years due to various factors, such as the animal's growth rate, the special needs of the immune system in antibiotic-free feeding situations, or even due to heat stress – a problem that strongly affects animal protein producers. Meat quality can also be improved by specific levels of certain vitamins. Other factors also affect the levels of vitamins to be added to the feed, such as the diversity of raw materials, and especially the heat treatments performed on the feed, which currently use higher temperatures and longer times, requiring compensatory doses of some vitamins. Read more>> New study may clarify how seaweed cuts cow methane Rumen-protected fats boost cow performance in winter Photo: Gregory Urquiaga / UC Davis
NEWS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2025 19 Build their immunity from the inside out to protect against viral threats with Adisseo’s nutritional solutions. RESILIENT ANIMALS. RESILIENT BUSINESS. Give your flock the strength to better withstand viral challenges. Adisseo’s poultry nutrition solutions contribute to supporting vaccine response, promoting gut health, and helping to limit secondary infections – aiding birds in building faster antiviral defences, reducing virus spread, and recovering stronger. NUTRITION THAT’S BUILT FOR RESILIENCE
NEWS 20 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2025 Biochem announced the newest addition to its RumiPro® product line: RumiPro® Wean, a solution designed to make the weaning process smoother, safer, and more successful. With its unique blend of proven ingredients, the company highlights RumiPro® Wean as promoting better rumen development, supporting a resilient immune system, and helping to mitigate growth slumps related to weaning. “Many farms lose the hardearned progress they achieved during the milk-feeding phase when weaning,” said Miriam Deppe, Product Manager at Biochem. “RumiPro® Wean is specifically designed to prevent those setbacks and ensure a smooth transition to solid feed for calves without compromising their growth or health.” Weaning is one of the most critical phases of calf rearing. It is characterized by many stressors, including nutritional, environmental, and social factors. Despite its importance, this phase is often overlooked. Growth slumps occur on almost every farm during this time due to suboptimal nutrition, decreased nutrient intake, increased energy consumption, and higher rates of disease. In fact, many farms experience a four- to eight-week standstill during this phase, during which any gains made during the milk-feeding phase are lost. In addition to the stress of weaning, calves are more susceptible to mycotoxin contamination, which can result in reduced feed intake and growth and suboptimal rumen development. Read more>> Biochem expands RumiPro product line Photo: Biochem Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) inaugurated its new specialty feed protein production line in Tianjin, China. The line is a part of the group’s strategic plans to expand its activities further downstream in the value chain and diversify its offering with value-added products, including specialty feed ingredients, as part of its Food & Feed Solutions business. Covering an area of 11,000m2 near LDC’s existing Tianjin oilseeds crushing plant, the new specialty feed protein production line will initially focus on producing fermented soybean meal, with an annual production capacity of 60,000 metric tons. “This development represents LDC’s first investment in a facility to produce specialty feed proteins on a commercial scale, and reflects our commitment to continued growth with China,” said James Zhou, LDC’s Head of Food & Feed Solutions and Chief Commercial Officer. “In addition to supporting the growth of our Food & Feed Solutions Platform, the facility enables us to supply China’s livestock and poultry industry with high-quality specialty feed proteins that can contribute to enhanced animal health and productivity across species.” The facility employs synergistic fermentation technology developed by LDC’s R&D Center in Shanghai, that utilizes multiple probiotic strains to break down anti-nutritional factors in soybean meal, enhancing its feed protein content, palatability and digestibility. Rich in small-molecule organic acids, LDC highlights that its fermented soybean meal supports animal gut health and helps strengthen immunity during stress or illness. Read more>> LDC opens specialty feed protein facility in China Photo: Louis Dreyfus Company
NEWS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2025 21 According to a new study published in Nature Food, aquaculture’s rapid expansion could be limited by its continued reliance on a fragile feed supply. The findings underscore how closely the sector’s future growth remains linked to the very ocean it seeks to relieve. The analysis was conducted by researchers from Xiamen University, University of Massachusetts, Boston, University of Arizona, and University of Tasmania. It found that despite major progress in using fishmeal and fish oil more efficiently, the aquaculture industry would need to secure an additional 1.8 million metric tons of alternative feed ingredients each year to keep pace with rising global demand for high-value farmed seafood such as salmon and shrimp. “This is a practical moment to secure feed supply and unlock new value streams,” said the study’s lead author Ling Cao, a professor at Xiamen University and judge of the F3 Challenge. “Treating fishmeal and fish oil as strategic, finite resources, while accelerating alternative innovations, can help sustain aquaculture growth and reduce exposure to supply variability.” Aquaculture has emerged as the fastest-growing food production sector worldwide, supplying more than half of the world’s seafood and nearly one-fifth of all animal-sourced protein. As the global population approaches 10 billion by mid-century, aquaculture’s continued growth is essential to meet our global food security needs. Read more>> Study warns feed shortage may limit aquaculture growth L-Tryptophan for Layers Download Tryptophan Technical Data Leaflet View the Tryptophan Card News for Layers Discover the Hidden Potential in Layers Photo: Freepik
NEWS 22 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2025 Leptin is an anorexigenic hormone that plays a key role in regulating food intake, ovarian development, and reproduction in mammals. However, its physiological role in birds remains less understood, compared to mammals. A significant knowledge gap exists between leptin levels and reproductive processes in layer and broiler parent stock chickens. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms could aid in optimizing sustainable global meat and egg production, particularly in challenging conditions like nutrient-deficient environments, where the reproductive efficiency may be compromised. Against this backdrop, Dr. Sadequllah Ahmadi and Dr. Takeshi Ohkubo from the College of Agriculture, Ibaraki University, Japan, conducted a comprehensive review of leptin’s influence on female reproduction in birds, focusing on early folliculogenesis and ovarian development, and compared these mechanisms with those observed in mammals. This review was published in Volume 62 of The Journal of Poultry Science on February 6, 2025. “In mammals, leptin is secreted by the adipocytes and its role has been clearly elucidated. However, in birds, leptin is primarily expressed in the brain and gonads with its mechanisms being unclear. A deeper understanding of leptin’s role in reproduction could help improve reproductive efficiency and sustainability in poultry production,” says Dr. Ahmadi, as the motivation behind the study. In mammals, leptin is secreted primarily by adipose tissue, which then circulates in the blood stream, signaling energy sufficiency to the brain and regulating the secretion of reproductive hormones like luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. On the other hand, in birds, leptin is expressed locally in the brain, especially in the pituitary glands and gonads, and not secreted by adipocytes. Read more>> Skretting unveiled the launch of the next generation of its flagship shrimp feeds: Lorica and Optiline. These products are the first in the Skretting shrimp portfolio to feature EDGEOS PhytoComplexes developed by Nutreco Exploration, the company’s team of experts specialising in plant and bacteria research, and the development of proprietary ingredients that have never been used in animal feed. The company highlights these EDGEOS PhytoComplexes as a synergistic blend of bioactive compounds derived from whole plants, specific plant parts—such as leaves, flowers, or stems—or combinations thereof, designed to address animal health and performance. The shrimp industry is evolving rapidly, against a backdrop of technological change, trade disruptions, increased sustainability focus, and various health challenges. In this dynamic environment, achieving consistent growth and survival is critical for producers worldwide. The new versions of Lorica and Optiline, Skretting points out, are designed to support farm productivity, and thanks to the inclusion of PhytoComplexes, will offer increased efficacy compared to their predecessors. Read more>> Research explores leptin’s role in bird reproduction Skretting unveils next-gen Lorica and Optiline shrimp feeds Photo: Freepik Photo: Skretting
NEWS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2025 23 In poultry houses where broiler chickens — birds bred and raised specifically for meat production — are grown, feed is delivered through long feed lines, which are mechanized systems that automatically deliver feed from storage silos to feeding pans. They run from the front of the houses to the back, and sometimes nutrients become unevenly distributed. This can lead to inconsistent feed quality, which can affect bird growth and health. To help the poultry industry determine the extent of this problem, researchers at the Pennsylvania State University, US, conducted a study of how nutrient distribution affects broiler chicken performance, processing yields and bone mineralization. “Walking through commercial poultry houses, and looking in the feed pans, seeing what the birds are consuming, we saw a difference in the quality of feed from the front of the house where feed was coming in to the back end of the house,” said John Boney, Vernon E. Norris Faculty Fellow of Poultry Nutrition in the College of Agricultural Sciences, senior author on the paper. “That led us to the question: If we can see a difference in physical quality of the feed — meaning many of the pellets have broken down into fine particles or dust — how does that variability affect nutrition the birds get?” In findings available online that will publish in the December 2025 issue of Journal of Applied Poultry Research, the researchers reported that variability in two key nutrients along the feed line affect broiler chickens’ growth performance, including body weight, feed-conversion ratio, processing yields — like breast meat yield — and bone strength/mineralization. The two key nutrient areas are amino acid density — the amount of essential amino acids, which are the building blocks for proteins, in the feed — and Phytase Activity, which is a type of protein called an enzyme responsible for initiating and accelerating necessary biological reactions - that helps chickens absorb phosphorus from plant material. Read more>> New study links nutrient consistency to broiler health Photo: Freepik A global producer of specialty feed additives, Orffa announced its renewed purpose, vision and mission, distilled into a new brand promise: “Orffa. The science in your feed.” With this announcement, Orffa states that it reaffirms its commitment to placing validated science at the core of its solutions, supporting customers and partners with expertise and data that deliver measurable value across animal farming. The global feed industry is undergoing rapid transformation, with rising demand for transparent, evidence-based and reliable insights. Orffa’s renewed direction aims to respond to these needs by strengthening its scientific foundation and providing customers with clearer guidelines for formulation efficiency, performance predictability and sustainability. The new brand promise is highlighted as reflecting Orffa’s broader ambition to enable better-informed decision-making across the industry, grounded in peer-reviewed science and independently verified results. Over the past year, Orffa has taken significant steps to further embed scientific excellence into its operations, including: • Advancing gut health analytics through its partnership with Florates, enabling more precise microbiome-driven decision-making, • Initiating scientific collaboration on methane abatement with SeaForest to explore new pathways for sustainability. Read more>> Orffa introduces new science-driven brand promise Photo: Orffa
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