The future is bright for MHS as we continue to innovate and expand our science-based micronutrition portfolio. Our ongoing research and development efforts aim to uncover new ways to improve the health and performance of the animal in its entirety. We’re committed to sustainability and providing solutions that not only benefit animals and producers but also have a positive impact on the environment.
Cargill Animal Nutrition Group Leader
Feed additives have long been pivotal in enhancing animal nutrition, serving to improve feed efficiency, boost animal performance, and fully exploit genetic potential. Recently, Cargill launched its Micronutrition and Health Solutions (MHS) business, taking animal nutrition beyond traditional feed additives providing an innovative, holistic approach to animal nutrition and health. We sat down with Adriano Marcon, CAN Group Leader, Americas, to gain deeper insights into the MHS business and how it aims to transform animal lives and customer livelihoods.
Mr. Marcon, can you tell us about the inception of the Micronutrition and Health Solutions (MHS) business within Cargill?
The development of the MHS business stems from our commitment to addressing the complex challenges our customers face. MHS is deeply rooted in nutritional science, research, innovation, and sustainability. By combining the expertise and resources of Diamond V, Delacon, and Cargill Animal Nutrition (CAN), we’ve created a world-class portfolio that includes postbiotics, phytogenics, anti-mycotoxin agents, and enzymes. Leveraging our deep technical and commercial expertise and real-world application in animal nutrition, our goal is to promote better animal lives and enhance customer livelihoods through a holistic approach to animal nutrition and health.
How does MHS differ from traditional feed additives?
Traditional feed additives have certainly played an important role in animal nutrition. However, MHS focuses on micronutrition – scientific animal nutrition technologies that consider the impact of each microelement interacting with each other in the animal’s diet and on the animal’s microbiome. This approach ensures that we’re not just addressing one aspect of animal health but providing comprehensive products, services and digital solutions that enhance overall well-being and performance. It’s about delivering the right product, at the right time, and in the right amount to ensure optimal results.
Can you provide an example of how micronutrition has evolved over the years?
A great historical example is the use of Vitamin C. Discovered in 1912 and recommended around the 1930s, it was used to combat scurvy, a disease prevalent among sailors. They realized that consuming citrus juices, rich in Vitamin C, helped reduce symptoms by boosting the immune system. Later, as Vitamin C was synthesized, it was recommended to treat that condition. Similarly, our approach with MHS is to provide science-based solutions tailored to specific needs that lead to proven animal performance, with purpose, from sustainability to animal welfare, zero nutrient waste, producing more with less, enhancing resilience, reducing antibiotic use where they are still allowed, and more.
What are the core principles guiding MHS?
At the heart of MHS are three guiding principles: prevent, protect, and perform. Each product we offer is designed to prevent health issues, protect animals from various threats, and help them perform at their best. This science-based approach ensures that we know precisely how each compound affects the animal, allowing us to provide targeted and effective solutions that maximize productivity and promote the digestive health and nutrient utilization of the animal.
What makes MHS a world-class solution for animal nutrition?
MHS is built on a foundation of scientific excellence, nutritional and microbiome expertise, and trusted digital tools. Our state-of-the-art R&D and manufacturing sites, coupled with global product leadership and local customer intimacy, ensure we can optimize profitability for our customers. We aim to provide peace of mind by delivering products that are right for their specific needs, whether they need to prevent issues, protect health, or enhance performance.
How does MHS ensure customer satisfaction and peace of mind?
We focus on providing science-based micronutrition solutions that fit our customers’ specific needs. By measuring the right intake of micronutrients, we can ensure that our products will perform as expected. This tailored approach gives our customers confidence that their investments in our solutions are worthwhile, leading to better outcomes for their animals and their businesses.
What does the future hold for MHS?
The future is bright for MHS as we continue to innovate and expand our science-based micronutrition portfolio. Our ongoing research and development efforts aim to uncover new ways to improve the health and performance of the animal in its entirety. We’re committed to sustainability and providing solutions that not only benefit animals and producers but also have a positive impact on the environment.
Cargill’s Micronutrition and Health Solutions (MHS) represents a significant advancement in animal nutrition, offering a holistic approach that addresses multiple aspects of animal health and performance. With a strong foundation in science and innovation, MHS is poised to set new standards in the industry, providing better lives for animals and enhanced livelihoods for customers.
About Adriano Marcon
Adriano Marcon is president and group leader for Cargill’s animal nutrition business in the Americas, including North America, Mexico, Central America, Brazil and Argentina. He also leads Cargill’s global additives business, Micronutrition & Health Solutions, providing science-based animal feed solutions to boost animal health, profitability and sustainability.
