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10/09/2024
The customer's choice of the CS-WP solution An American-based customer of KSE, operating in the premix industry, selected the CS-WP solution due to an urgent need to optimize space utilization in their production facility. This innovative solution enabled them to save significant vertical space, with reductions of 4 to 5 meters compared to a conventional weighing system. Additionally, the CS-WP system offers direct separation of contaminants for all raw materials, ensuring the entire facility remains free from contamination. Another customer in Spain, a leading manufacturer in the food additive industry, has also expressed interest in the CS-WP solution because of their stringent contamination control requirements. The CS-WP system allows macro ingredients to be safely transported in dedicated containers, ensuring clean and flexible distribution to three separate mixing lines. Exploration of market-based alternatives The customer explored two alternative solutions. Initially, a traditional pneumatic conveying system was considered but dismissed due to hygiene issues and excessive energy consumption. The second option involved a container concept relying on AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicle). Ultimately, KSE's CS-WP concept emerged as the most fitting and seamlessly integrable solution, enabling the maintenance of the desired compact building height. Future expansion and developments The client positions the CS-WP project as the ''Next Generation Plant'', hinting at the possibility of establishing future plants based on the same concept. This marks the inaugural joint project for the Spanish customer and KSE, with aspirations to extend this concept to other facilities, thereby assuming a pioneering role in the Spanish food additive industry. A breakthrough solution The CS-WP emerged as a groundbreaking weighing solution within the ACT (Automatic Container Transfer) framework, renowned for its internal transport capabilities. Manufacturers are seeking space-saving solutions in their plants while aiming to achieve minimal contamination by dispensing products directly into containers. Tailored to accommodate a wide dosing range, this solution stands out for its versatility. Intensive development process The concept promptly resonated with our customers' needs and industry demands, particularly in sectors like premix and pet food. The development process of the CS-WP entailed tackling several design challenges, such as achieving optimal balance in the setup. With dimensions of approximately 1.5 meters x 1.5 meters and a height of 5 to 6 meters, this resulted in a column four times as tall as it is wide. This configuration posed potential tipping hazards, especially when the system was in motion while carrying weight at the top. To prevent this, rollover safeguards were implemented, and extensive testing was performed. Another crucial aspect involved a meticulous examination of the system's extraction process. Customers typically invest in an ACT system to maintain a pristine working environment with minimal contamination. However, if dust escapes through open joints during each movement, this objective is compromised. Moreover, the extraction process must not interfere with the weighing signal during the dosing process, ensuring that accuracy is not compromised. Following extensive consultation and collaboration with suppliers, multiple concepts were devised and executed by the mechanical, electrical, and software teams. Presently, two variants are available: one where dust from the filters returns with the product, minimizing contamination but ensuring all product accompanies it through processing, and another where dust extraction directs waste to a remote unloading point, eliminating contamination but resulting in waste. The selection between these variants depends on the customer's specific needs and requirements. The operational phase During the implementation phase of industrial solutions, addressing technical challenges is only part of the equation; understanding real-world usage is equally vital. Hence, KSE engages its service department from the beginning of a project to ensure that aspects, such as cleaning positions, accessibility, and installation safety are meticulously accounted for. This approach establishes a robust groundwork for a successful project, enhancing both efficiency and safety. By: KSE Process Technology Source: All Pet Food Magazine
29/08/2024
We are pleased to share the installation of several advanced ALFRA machines at the Josera petfood factory, a member of the ERBACHER the food family group. In addition to our renowned ALFRA dosing and weighing systems and a movable bulk mixer for finished products, the scope includes our Automatic Contrainer Transfer (ACT) system.
Our ACT systems fit perfectly with Josera's commitment to innovation, quality and sustainability. They further streamline their internal transfer processes, increase efficiency and precision in their operations, and maintain contamination-free processes.
To ensure seamless integration and optimum performance, in addition to supervision, commissioning, training is provided by one of our own Bartosz Piechota who is on site on a regular basis.
This project is being carried out with industry partners H. Wolking Mühlen- und Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG and Intermont construction to achieve the desired plant for Josera.
Together, we're driving innovation, quality and sustainability in the animal nutrition and pet food industries, and our shared commitment to common values ensures precision, efficiency and environmentally friendly practices.
We are excited about the future and the opportunities that this new plant will bring Josera. The successful integration of KSE Group's advanced machinery is a testament to the strength of our partnership and our shared dedication to excellence. As construction continues, we look forward to providing further updates and sharing our progress with you.
Follow us HERE, for more detailed information about the individual machines and solutions implemented in this project and how they might benefit you.
Source: KSE Process Technology
17/03/2023
A high precision dosing and weighing system is crucial to produce quality products. KSE's ALFRA equipment has over 90 years of experience in food and related industries, ensuring optimum production flexibility in your plant while maintaining high consistency of quality and safety.
These equipments incorporate solutions to dose both macro and micro components for ingredients with different densities and flow characteristics.
Raw material dosing: Precise component measurements
The quality of animal feed essentially depends on the precision of dosage and weighing of the components of the formulation. ALFRA equipment is designed to measure each component with maximum precision.
Micro-component dosing: The most precise measurement of the smallest components
With ALFRA equipment, the smallest amounts of components are measured with extreme precision to ensure that micro-dosing and weighing are no longer the bottleneck in the factory. Automating the micro-dispensing process eliminates the time-consuming (and error-prone) task of manual dispensing, ultimately improving quality consistency, process control, and health and safety performance.
We invite you to learn about ALFRA equipment for micro-dosing:
ALFRA BDS: The ALFRA Box Dosing System is a modular and scaleable platform that is designed to completely automate the preparation of micro ingredients for animal feed production in boxes.
ALFRA FCCDxy: The FCCD safely doses rarely used ingredients that can spoil if they remain in the silo for too long. It uses unique exchangeable containers with dosing slides, giving efficient and contamination-free dosing of even small quantities of materials. Ingredients from up to 24 containers can be combined automatically.
ALFRA FCDxy: Combining high throughput with outstanding accuracy, the ALFRA FCDxy features our unique dosing slide, which ensures that dosing and weighing is no longer a factory bottleneck. Uniquely, it eliminates labor-intensive and error-prone hand dosing – and the alternative of a separate machine for small amounts – by handling from 50 gram right up to 100 kg in a single machine.
ALFRA KCD: is designed for dosing and weighing dry powders, granulates and pellets. The dosing and weighing system combines high throughput with excellent accuracy.
KSE was founded in 1973 as a small electrical installation company in the agricultural sector.
Over the years, it has specialized in dosing and weighing systems and intelligent automation software for the feed industry. They focus on continuous innovation, passed down from generation to generation. This sector is its core market. Personal contact, excellent service and a passion for the powder and granules processing sector are the keys that have allowed them to grow from being a small company to an international company with activities all over the world.
LEARN MORE about their equipment, services and solutions.
By: All Pet Food
30/12/2022
It is a challenge to find the most optimal solution for the silo discharge system within a specific process installation. In many cases, it is a question weighing up a dosing slide against a screw feeder. To make a responsible choice, insight into the operation and qualities of both the dosing slide and the screw feeder is required. Activation The dosing slide consists of a fixed upper lower grid and an upper grid that moves back and forth during the dosing process. This ensures that the product in the silo is loosened by means of a product-friendly activation. The dosing slide moves the product without transporting it. This means that the product flows straight in a vertical direction, by use of gravity. In contrast to a screw feeder (in which the material is extruded in one direction), no energy is supplied which means no product damage or compaction occurs. The simple design of the dosing slide makes it a particularly durable discharge system. A dosing slide can be in operation for decades. Mass flow The discharge system determines, to a certain extent, the silo's geometry and therefore also the flow image of the product inside the silo. It prefers to not place the discharge system in the middle of the silo funnel, to reduce the risk of product bridging in the silo. A dosing slide generally offers a much larger discharge surface than a screw feeder. The screw feeder's discharge surface is determined by the relatively small diameter and length of the screw itself. The larger discharge surface of the dosing slide ensures an equal discharge flow where mass flow occurs in the silo (the FIFO principle). For a given storage capacity (in case of an equal funnel triangle), less building height is also required. Dosing range An important feature of the dosing slide is the enormous dynamic flow range. The ratio between the minimum and maximum flow rate is easily 1:1000 (from grams to kilograms per second), with a dosing accuracy of approximately 2 grams. With a screw feeder, the dynamic flow range is no better than 1:20. An increase in speed not only translates into an increase in capacity, but also into an increase in slippage. It is true that placing a second screw under the main screw reduces the flow to, for example, 1 % of the maximum flow, however, the investment costs for materials and especially the control system will strongly increase. In addition, starting a pull-out screw at low speed requires an extra strong motor with a frequency controller. This extra power is necessary I order to provide the breakaway torque. This requirement does not apply to a dosing slide. Dosage precision With a dosing slide, minimum dosage quantities approach 0 grams; with a dosing screw, this quantity is determined by the volume in one turn of the screw. Once the dosing screw's discharge opens a screw compartment, this compartment flows out completely. In addition, there is the risk of the product's continuing to flow (primarily if the product has the tendency to become fluid). It is, of course, possible to install a shut-off after the dosing screw for more precise dosages, but the next dosage then amounts to at least that quantity of material that the shut-off held back. By contrast, a dosing slide closes immediately and completely. The dynamic flow range results in the dosing slide's being able to provide both rapid and precise dosing. With a dosing slide/scale combination, the limiting factor to precise dosage is the scale, not the dosing slide. For this, a weigher-in-weigher can be helpful. This offers the possibility of dosing both 50 g and 100 kg from the same silo in a single batch weighing system with the precision of a few grams within flow ranges up to 5 kg. Controls A dosing slide requires a greater investment than a dosing screw, but with the deployment of six or more dosing slides under a silo block, it is cheaper than using six dosing screws with shut-offs. This is because dosing slides (whether this be 4, 6 or even 24 dosing slides) are all powered by one single hydraulic cylinder. This single cylinder activates a framework to which the dosing slides can be linked at will. The power consumption of a dosing slide is extremely low. For example, it is possible to dose up to 50 kg/second with a 3 kW motor. For this same amount of effort, a dosing screw requires at least a 25 kW motor. Furthermore, every dosing screw requires its own power unit and frequency controller. Discharge characteristics The controls for a dosing slide are more intelligent and, consequently, more complex than those of a dosing screw (for a screw, flow is proportional to RPM, within certain limits). A dosing slide, however, allows for variation in the percentage of opening, stroke length and frequency. For certain applications, the shape of the vanes can also be adjusted (more or fewer progressive openings). This allows the achievement of optimum discharge properties for the material to be dosed. Image 1: Dosing slides have a fixed lower grid and upper grid that moves back and forth during the dosing process. Image 2: A platform of dosing slides is operated by a single drive motor. Image 3: A dosing slide in operation. About KSE Partner in optimizing production processes Increasing complexity forms the biggest challenge for animal nutrition manufacturers; more recipes, a growing number of ingredients, additions that are difficult to dose and higher quality standards contribute to this trend. For over 50 years, KSE has been supplying future proof solutions to stay ahead of the trend in the form of modular machinery and smart software that fit together perfectly. We create flexible processing solutions that enable a responsive production process. Automation, accuracy and contamination control are at the basis of our future-proof innovations. Our aim is to not only improve the production process, but also to make a significant contribution to increasing margins and achieving targets. Together we create the solutions with the best results! For more information about KSE click HERE. By KSE Source: All Pet Food
21/10/2024
As of October 11, visitor pre-registrations have already been received from industry professionals in 79 countries. Free visitor registration remains open for two more weeks at www.petfair-sea.com. With its B2B focus, Pet Fair South East Asia serves as a global hub for partnerships in distribution, retail, and sourcing, reaching far beyond the ASEAN region. This year, the exhibition will span more than 20,000 square meters, featuring a wide array of exhibitors representing the entire pet industry value chain. An impressive 75% of exhibiting companies are international, with the remaining 25% based locally, making this one of the most internationally diverse exhibitions within the pet industry's annual show calendar. Beyond the dynamic exhibition floor, attendees can look forward to a packed conference program, with over 30 sessions addressing key trends and topics in the global pet industry. Pre-registered visitors can attend the show free of charge, while those registering on-site will be subject to a fee of $10 USD. For further details, including the full exhibitor list, conference program, and visitor pre-registration, visit: www.petfairsea.com. Source: Pet Fair South East Asia
09/10/2024
As a result of the deal, Lesaffre will become the controlling shareholder of Biorigin with 70% of its total corporate capital, while Zilor will remain a shareholder with 30%. The deal includes Biorigin's production unit in Quatá/São Paulo, an industrial plant, based in the attractive country of Brazil where there is abundant sugar, water and renewable energy resources.
The aim of this deal is to leverage Lesaffre's and Biorigin's complementary capabilities to enable enhanced yeast derivative and savory ingredient solutions for customers worldwide. The business combination between Lesaffre and Biorigin will offer customers benefits by upgrading production capacity and new solutions based on the production and marketing of naturally derived ingredients for human food and animal nutrition industries.
For Brice-Audren Riché, CEO of Lesaffre, "This acquisition of a majority stake in Biorigin represents an exciting new chapter for Lesaffre. It will offer development opportunities to meet the growing needs of the human food and nutrition industries, as society currently demands savory ingredients from natural sources. We are stepping up to a new dimension thanks to this strategic move to reinforce Lesaffre and its Business Unit Biospringer by Lesaffre as global players in the field of yeast extracts for the savory ingredients market. Importantly, we are doing this with a key strategic partner, Zilor, who shares similar values to Lesaffre and a strong focus on Corporate Social Responsibility. Committed to deliver responsible taste through Biospringer, and together with Biorigin, we are well-positioned to deliver enhanced yeast derivative and savory ingredient solutions to customers around the world."
For Fabiano Zillo, CEO of Zilor, 'Biorigin's 20-year history has been marked by innovation and commitment to sustainability. Throughout this time, Biorigin has built solid, long-term business partnerships, with great respect for its customers and other stakeholders. We believe this partnership will be a great opportunity to contribute to sustainable development and enhance the supply of yeast derivatives to the human food and animal nutrition markets. This deal will allow Biorigin to incorporate greater expertise, market insight and access to advanced R&D capabilities from Lesaffre and will allow Biorigin's parent company, Zilor, to join forces with a highly capable and experienced strategic partner."
Biorigin's brand will be kept for producing, marketing and selling the products.
The units in Lençóis Paulista (SP) and Macatuba (SP), and the products made from alcoholic fermentation yeast and brewer's yeast, manufactured at those locations will continue to be handled and sold by Zilor.
The deal is subject to the fulfillment of the usual preconditions for such transactions, including the approval from creditors and other legal and regulatory approvals, including the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), and it is expected to be concluded over the next few months.
Until then, Biorigin and Lesaffre shall remain totally independent, keeping their businesses as usual.
ABOUT LESAFFRE
Lesaffre is a key global player in fermentation for more than a century. Established on all continents through 80 production sites in 50 countries, it counts 11,000 employees and more than 96 nationalities. On the strength of this experience and diversity, Lesaffre works with customers, partners and researchers to find ever more relevant answers to the needs of food, health, naturalness and respect for our environment. Thus, every day, Lesaffre explores and reveals the infinite potential of microorganisms.
To nourish 9 billion people, in a healthy way, in 2050 by making the most of our planet's resources is a major and unprecedented issue. We believe that fermentation is one of the most promising answers to this challenge.
Lesaffre – Working together to better nourish and protect the planet
ABOUT ZILOR
Zilor, a Brazilian multinational with 78 years of experience, is one of the leading companies in the sugar-energy sector and diversifies its portfolio into two divisions: agroindustry, focused on the cultivation and processing of sugarcane for the production of sugar, ethanol, and clean, renewable electric energy; and natural ingredients, operating through the Biorigin unit, which specializes in biotechnological processes for the production of ingredients for the food, pet food, and animal nutrition and health industries.
The agroindustry division has three production units in Brazil, located in the countryside of São Paulo state, in the cities of Lençóis Paulista, Macatuba, and Quatá; the Biorigin division also currently operates three production units in Brazil, located in the same cities. Additionally, Biorigin has three Distribution Centers, one in Brazil and two abroad, located in the United States and Belgium, enabling the distribution of natural origin ingredients to over 60 countries, marking its presence on all continents.
Zilor - Build wealth and promote the well-being of society, through the transformation of innovative and natural agricultural resources into food and energy.
Source: Lesaffre
04/10/2024
AITEM S.r.l., spin-off company of Dumarey Automotive Italy Spa and specialized in generative AI, announces the launch of LAIKA, the first artificial intelligence platform developed specifically for supporting veterinarians in clinic management and daily decision-making processes. Already active in the Italian and French markets, LAIKA now makes its entry into the United Kingdom. Moreover, thanks to AITEM's admission into the vHive Animal Health Incubator, a strategic alliance between Zoetis and the University of Surrey, partnered with SETsquared, LAIKA will be able to count on the support of industry experts and ensure a presence in the UK.
«LAIKA is characterized for being the expert conversational agent verticalized for the veterinary industry, based on a combination of AI language models known as Large Language Models (LLM) in order to obtain immediate answers to clinical questions posed by veterinarians, in outpatient and emergency room settings». Davide Tricarico, CTO of AITEM, explains. Developed to optimize time management and enhance the resources and skills of individual veterinarians, LAIKA is the result of a collaboration between experienced AI engineers and veterinary professionals: in fact, it is a patented system, continuously updated and already tested by more than 100 medical directors.
During this era in which artificial intelligence is changing in a significant way working methods, representing an increasingly relevant element in various fields, including veterinary medicine, LAIKA aims to support in simplifying daily activities, especially in high-pressure settings such as hospitals, where speed and accuracy are crucial. LAIKA is able to provide real-time consultative suggestions, such as anamnesis, the choice of therapies, the definition of diagnostic procedures, the analysis of test results and causes, and the formulation of differential diagnoses. By supporting veterinarians in the analysis of clinical data, it allows them to focus on defining targeted treatment plans, providing valuable support in clinical related decision, acting as a complementary tool and not a substitute of a professional judgment.
«Every day, veterinarians around the world are dedicated with the utmost effort to taking care of animals. They face complex decisions, bearing the responsibility of patients' lives on their shoulders, and often live with the pain of not being able to save each of them.» - explains Massimiliano Melis, COO of AITEM. «Between 1979 and 2015, according to data from the U.S. CDC National Center for Health Statistics published in 2019, close to 400 veterinarians died by suicide and almost 60% experienced work-related stress, anxiety or depression so severe that they required professional help. That's why we created LAIKA: a knowledgeable AI colleague that helps them make the hardest decisions, manage their workload, and ensure that every patient receives the best possible care. Basically, an ally who takes care of them while they take care of others.» This is the concept of LAIKA.
LAIKA will be showcased at booth S3 – S15 S58 at the London VET Show on 14 and 15 November 2025, where it will be possible to interact with LAIKA and get a preview of the new technology being developed.
About us
LAIKA was born in 2022 with the aim of supporting veterinarians in taking care of their patients, simplifying their work, and thus reducing the extremely high burnout levels in the sector. An ambitious project, which was born thanks to the close collaboration between expert engineers in artificial intelligence and the best specialists in the veterinary field.
LAIKA is developed by AITEM SRL, specialised in generative AI and a spin-off from Dumarey Automotive Italia Spa, part of the Dumarey group, known for creating technologically advanced systems. Thanks to this union of competencies, we have created the veterinary colleague who can provide more insights and a deeper perspective on various topics for the well-being of dogs and cats.
Source: LAIKA
01/10/2024
'As we continue to introduce groundbreaking products like Chain-vey's conveyor systems, it is vital that we enhance our presence in the Latin American market,' said Dan Ephraim, President of MPE 'Fernando's extensive expertise in managing client relationships and leading high-performing teams in dynamic markets makes him an invaluable addition to our team as we continue to grow in the region.' Fernando brings over 35 years of experience in the food processing and packaging industries, with a distinguished career marked by leading successful teams and achieving exceptional customer satisfaction across Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Before joining our team, Fernando held several leadership roles in food equipment companies. Fernando holds a B.B.A in Business Administration, a B.A.S.c in Marketing, and an MBA from FGV in Brazil. He is fluent in Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, and Indonesian. 'I am thrilled to join an industry leader like MPE Modern Process Equipment – Chain-vey, renowned for its innovative and reliable solutions,' said Fernando. 'I look forward to contributing my deep understanding of the Latin American market to further strengthen our customer relationships and help businesses enhance their operational efficiency with our industry-leading solutions.' About Chain-Vey Chain-Vey is the global leader in the design and production of advanced conveying and processing solutions. Known for its highly adaptable and reliable conveyor systems, Chain-vey serves a variety of industries, including food processing, by enhancing productivity, improving quality, and reducing operational costs. Our global presence and commitment to excellence make us a trusted partner for businesses seeking to optimize their operations. For more information, please visit www.mpechicago.com/chain-vey/. About MPE Modern Process Equipment Founded in 1957 and headquartered in Chicago, USA, MPE is a family-owned business with a longstanding reputation for innovation and excellence. MPE is dedicated to leading the industry in the invention, development, and manufacturing of advanced processing equipment, including grinders, conveyors, and comprehensive system solutions. We translate our expertise into value for our customers through professional solutions and exceptional service. Source: MPE - Chain-vey
Editors
María Candelaria Carbajo
Editors
Erika Stasieniuk
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Ludmila Barbi T. Bomcompagni
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Luis Miguel Gómez Osorio
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Diana Mercado Cisneros
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Miguel Ángel López Nuñez
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Candela Bonaura
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Iván Franco
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Juan Gómez Basauri, Ph.D.
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Josiane VolpatoMagazine
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11/07/2023
Pet food can be complete or complementary. Complete pet food is nutritionally complete: providing all the nutrients in the amounts and proportions your pet needs. Complementary pet food (e.g. treats) is designed to be only a part of the diet and it won't meet the nutritional requirements when fed alone.
Pet food manufacturers have developed the nutritional expertise to ensure pet food contains the right ingredients in the right amounts to supply the needed nutrients. They often work together with independent nutrition scientists or follow guidelines which have been developed by a group of scientists working together.
The broadening knowledge of pet nutrition and food technology has transformed the pet food industry remarkably over the years. It is now widely recognised by the veterinary profession and other stakeholders that improved nutrition is an important factor which helps pets to live longer, healthier lives.
Besides water there are 5 key nutrients:
Proteins
Carbohydrates
Fats
Vitamins
Minerals
The first 3 provide the energy your pet needs for e.g. growth, digestion, temperature regulation and of course activity.
Proteins
Proteins are made up of amino acids. There are hundreds of different amino acids, but a number of these are required for dogs and cats. Pets can produce some amino acids themselves; those are the so-called non-essential amino acids which do not need to be present in the diet. Others are essential and need to be part of the pet food: for dogs there are 10 essential amino acids, for cats there are 11.
Proteins are the building blocks of organs, muscles, bones, blood, immune system and hair and nails. Proteins in pet food can come from various different ingredients, both from animal and vegetable origin like poultry, beef, pork, fish, eggs, corn, rice, peas or soybeans.
It's important that the pet eats the right amount of proteins and that the protein can be easily digested and absorbed, which is influenced by the source of the protein and the processing of the food. In prepared pet food, manufacturers generally select a variety of ingredients to provide the required amount and type of proteins/amino acids.
Excess proteins which are consumed by the pet are not stored in the body and also not used to make even more muscle tissue. Feeding extra protein in excess of the amount that your pet requires provides no health benefit to your pet.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are used by the body to provide immediate energy for activities and are stored in the liver and muscle as glycogen. Energy use is needed for various body functions like metabolism and the function of the brain and nervous system. There exists no minimum level of carbohydrates which needs to be in pet food, but carbohydrates provide a concentrated source of dietary energy and dietary fibre.
There are two types: digestible carbohydrates (starches and sugars) which provide energy and indigestible carbohydrates (fibre) which are important for stool quality and gut motility. Fibres can help in weight management because they are low in calories and help provide the feeling of satiety.
The ingredients providing carbohydrates are mainly plant ingredients like corn, barley, peas, rice, wheat and potatoes. Dietary fibre sources include for instance dried beet pulp, wheat bran or soybean hulls. Many sources of carbohydrates also provide other nutrients like protein, fat or vitamins.
Because of the manufacturing process of grinding and cooking the carbohydrates become easily digestible. A genetic change in the ancestors of our modern dogs (compared with wolves) allowing them to thrive on a diet rich in starch was a crucial step in their early domestication. Also cats can utilise glucose from digesting starch in their diet. A key exception is the pet's ability to digest lactose (milk sugar) because they have lower levels of the enzyme lactase required to split the lactose into individual sugars.
Dietary fat
Fats in pet food are a source of essential fatty acids which are needed to make certain hormones and maintain the cell membranes. Certain vitamins (A, D, E and K) can only be absorbed, stored and transported by fat. Dietary fats improve palatability and add texture for greater enjoyment of the food. And of course, fats are a great source of energy because they provide about 2 ½ times the level of energy that proteins or carbohydrates can provide. So especially for active animals fats are important, while at the same time we need to be careful with the fat intake for many indoor pets where controlling fat intake helps them not become overweight or obese.
Fats in pet food come from animal and vegetable sources.
Two key fatty acid families are the omega-3 and omega-6 (or n-3 and n-6) families. Omega-3 fatty acids are needed for cell membranes and reduces inflammation. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fish, shellfish and flaxseed. Omega-6 fatty acids are important to aid in the process of repairing tissue and are found in vegetable oils.
Minerals & Vitamins
The major or macro minerals needed in the body are calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride and magnesium. The amounts needed of the trace elements are much smaller and these include for instance iron, copper and selenium.
Vitamins are nutrients needed in very small amounts, but they enable many functions in the body. Dogs and cats cannot make all the vitamins they need; so these must be supplied by the food.
Minerals and vitamins are partly provided by the ingredients which deliver the major nutrients of protein, carbohydrates and fat and the other minerals and vitamins are added to the recipe.
by FEDIAF
09/06/2023
Choline is a vitamin-like component that plays an important role in liver health and nerve transmission, and thereby also cognitive function and muscle function in cats. As said above, cats produce some choline naturally, but due to its importance, pet food brands are advised to add this nutrient into the food. Krill – a natural source of phosphatidylcholine Choline is available in various forms, choline chloride, lecithin, or choline bitartrate. The commonly used one is choline chloride which is 12 times less bioavailable than the choline found in krill (phosphatidylcholine) Krill meal is made from Antarctic krill (Euphausia Superba), which is a crustacean related to shrimp. The choline found in krill is all-natural and in form of phosphatidylcholine. Krill is also rich in phospholipid omega-3s, marine proteins, and astaxanthin. herefore, one of the ways to increase choline intake in cats is to include in their diet a pet food with krill meal, which provides choline. Choline - an essential nutrient for cats In 2018, a survey of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimated that 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the United States were overweight or obese. This has serious health consequences for pets, including fat accumulation in the liver. A balanced, healthy diet for cats accompanied by regular physical activity is essential for overall health. In addition, nutritional supplements may help to reduce the risk of weight-related issues or optimize nutrition for cats. One way to do that is to provide cats with pet food with krill meal containing choline in the form of phosphatidylcholine. Phosphatidylcholine is one of the most fundamental molecules that make up the living cell. Being an essential component of the cell membrane, it is also the most abundant in a class of phospholipids known as 'essential phospholipids', as it forms the structural barrier that surrounds the cell. Choline and its metabolites have multiple physiological roles in the body which are important for the building of cell membranes, liver fat transport to prevent fatty liver, nerve impulse transmission in brain and muscles, and provision of methyl groups that maintain liver, heart, and kidney health. What is choline essential for? 1. Building of cell membranes Phosphatidylcholine is an integral part of almost every cell in the animal body, being a major constituent of cell membranes. It's also important for normal cellular membrane composition and repair. Its role in cell membrane integrity is vital to all basic biological processes such as the information flow within cells from DNA to RNA to proteins. 2. Liver fat transport to prevent fatty liver Choline improves and maintains a healthy liver function and can aid in the proper metabolism of fat. In other words, choline is very important for the proper functioning and regulation of the liver and gallbladder. This vitamin-like substance aids in hormone production and minimizes fat accumulation in the liver by regulating fat and cholesterol metabolism. 3. Nerve impulse transmission in the brain and muscles Choline is needed for the proper transmission of nerve impulses and is a constituent of acetylcholine, the major neurotransmitter. This is essential in supporting brain development, the learning process, the nerve transmitters and affects the overall mental well-being of pets. 4. Providing methyl groups that maintain liver, heart, and kidney health Being a structural element of cell membranes (as phosphatidylcholine), choline supports lipid transport and acts as a source of methyl groups (after it is transformed into betaine) for various chemical reactions in the body. By controlling protein function and gene expression, choline is important for the proper function of the heart and blood vessels, nerve system, liver and reproduction. Therefore, we can say that choline in the form of phosphatidylcholine is an essential nutrient that cats require for a healthy and happy life. It supports muscle function, cognitive function and memory, it helps maintain normal cholesterol values, and protecting the liver from toxicity (without phosphatidylcholine, fat and cholesterol accumulate in the liver due to reduced low-density lipoprotein levels). Moreover, choline can prevent the appearance of the fatty liver syndrome and also support normal liver function. It can reduce insulin requirements in cats with diabetes, and diminishes seizure frequency, being important in the treatment of epilepsy. By Qrill Pet
09/05/2023
The new facility, located in the KC Animal Health Corridor, will supply the pet food industry with high-quality nutritional premixes for use in branded pet food products worldwide. The investment will include precision micro-batching capabilities, allowing for precise automated micro-addition of numerous ingredients to premixes in a fully traceable manner. Operations are scheduled for early 2025.
'The pet food industry has been looking for a better source for the highest quality, traceable and reliable nutritional ingredients for their products and we are thrilled to be able to deliver for the industry and for 'pet parents' with this new facility in Tonganoxie,' said DSM Co-CEO, Dimitri de Vreeze. 'We appreciate the support of Governor Laura Kelly, the Kansas Department of Commerce, the Leavenworth County Development Corporation, the City of Tonganoxie, Evergy and the Animal Health Corridor in making this state-of-the-art facility a reality.'
DSM, part of DSM-Firmenich, is a global, purpose-led leader in health and nutrition, applying bioscience to improve the health of people, animals, and the planet.
'DSM is a welcome addition to Kansas and the Animal Health Corridor,' noted Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. 'Having another industry leader locate here further enhances the globally recognized animal health ecosystem that is anchored in Kansas.'
'With the highest concentration of animal health assets in the world, the Kansas City region is home to a robust industry network, as well as abundant manufacturing and distribution resources,' added Kimberly Young, president of the KC Animal Health Corridor. 'The region continues to attract top companies in the industry, and we're proud that DSM has selected the corridor for this state-of-the-art, innovative new facility.'
by DSM
16/09/2022
Omega-3s have many recognised health benefits for dogs and humans alike. Pets are unable to produce sufficient omega-3s naturally in their bodies. However, they are an important nutrient to any diet, benefitting everything from brain development to hearth health. But not all omega-3s are effectively utilized by pets. Therefore, offering the right source is important. The power of marine-sourced omega-3s Studies show that marine-sourced omega-3s remain the most effective source for pets, as pets are unable to convert enough of the plant-sourced version in their bodies. The omega-3s that seem to be most efficient are those bound to phospholipids, such as found in krill. Krill are tiny crustaceans that are present in all oceans, holding a vital position in the marine food chain. Antarctic krill is also a superior source of marine omega-3s, with a distinctive advantage when it comes to the form their omega-3s are made of. This is known as the phospholipid advantage. Recent studies have shown that the phospholipid-bound omega-3s from krill are more effective in raising omega-3 levels in a dog's body compared to triglyceride-bound omega-3s, such as those found in fish oil. Known as the foundation of all cells, omega-3s are more effectively incorporated into tissues cell membranes when bound to phospholipids. And this incorporation is crucial to obtain the health effects of omega-3s. Once in place in the cell membranes, the omega-3s EPA & DHA support the health of several vital organs, including the heart, kidney, liver, joints, brain, eyes, skin and coat. But there is more to krill than this… Krill is also naturally rich in choline, astaxanthin and marine proteins.Choline is a vitamin-like component that plays an important role in liver health and nerve transmission, and thereby also cognitive function and muscle function. Dogs produce some choline naturally, but due to its importance, petfood manufacturers are advised to add this nutrient to the food. However, the choline additive commonly used (choline chloride) is 12 times less bioavailable than the choline found in krill (phosphatidylcholine). The astaxanthin found in krill is a natural antioxidant that protects all body cells from oxidative damage. It has 10 times higher antioxidative capacity than α- and β-carotene and lutein, and more than 100 times higher capacity than vitamin E (α-tocopherols). QRILL Pet, the krill ingredient from the leading biotech company Aker BioMarine is the first krill ingredient for pets certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as being sustainable and traceable from sea to product. Besides besides, Aker BioMarine's krill fishery is rated as the world's most sustainable reduction fishery, receiving an 'A' rating from the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership for 7 years in a row. By Tonje Dominguez, Director of QRILL Specialty Animal Nutrition All Pet Food
12/08/2024
Ingredient selection Many of the ingredients used in the manufacture of pet food are described as animal (or fish) derivatives or by-products. These ingredients are the parts of the animal surplus to the requirements of the human food industry. Examples of by-products include liver, kidney, lung and various byproduct meals. These ingredients come from species also most commonly found within the human food chain. In wet pet foods, by-products arrive at the factory in a fresh or frozen state. They may be chopped and added to the recipe mix directly or finely minced, mixed with dry ingredients such as cereals, formed into ribbons and diced into chunks of various sizes and shapes. Other ingredients are included such as oils and fats, vitamins, minerals, cereals, pasta, grains, or vegetables. Water is also frequently added as an ingredient to facilitate processing and to give the food its final form and texture. Ingredient weighing and preparation Ingredients are carefully selected according to a pet food manufacturer's specific recipe, which is formulated to deliver complete and balanced nutrition for cats and dogs and also to meet other requirements of the product such as the variety, age range or size range. Once the ingredients for a specific recipe are mixed they enter the can, pouch or tray. For some forms of wet food, a mix of water, thickening agents and flavours may be added to form a gravy or jelly during the cooking process. There are several different types, or formats, of manufactured pet food including wet (can, pouch, tray), dry (extruded or baked), cold pressed and raw. The label will indicate if the pet food is 'complete' or 'complementary'. 'Complete' means the product contains all the nutrients a pet needs for healthy bodily function in each daily ration, whilst a 'complementary' pet food e.g. treats will need to be fed along other sources of food to provide the right nutrition. The method of production and the ingredients used varies according to format. Sealing and cooking The can, pouch or tray is then sealed and enters a cooking process. The temperature and length of cooking, also laid down in the legislation, are carefully controlled in order to prevent spoilage over the shelf life of the product, as well as to optimise the taste and protect the required nutritional content. Cooling and labelling After cooking products are cooled. Cans are labelled. Information on tray and pouch products is usually printed upon the packaging itself. Storage and distribution Individual containers are packed into boxes or trays and stored in warehouses before being dispatched to customers. Pet food safety and quality Whatever the pet food format, all pet foods are subject to strict legislation to ensure safe, quality products. In addition to the legislation, FEDIAF members follow industry Codes of Practice such as the Guide to the Manufacture of Safe Pet Food. Source: FEDIAF
29/07/2024
Yeast-Based Ingredients in Pet Foods Yeast-based ingredients derived from ethanol production have been widely used in pet foods for decades, mainly as a source of protein and other nutrients (such as B-complex vitamins) and as a palatability enhancer. However, yeast has typical components in its structure that make up the cell wall: β-glucans and mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS). The concentration and availability of these carbohydrates vary according to the type of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae or others) and the fermentation process (brewers, bakers, molasses, distillers' grains, etc.), as well as the following technologies applied to obtain different final products (inactive dry, autolyzed, hydrolyzed, etc.). β-Glucans The β-glucans in the yeast cell wall are β-1,3 and 1,6-glucans, different from those found in cereals (such as oats, bran, and others), which are β-1,4 and 1,3-glucans. This physicochemical difference will affect their biological function because branched or linear β-1,4-glucans have limited activity (major proportion in plant cells), while β-1,3-glucans with additional branching have the greatest immunomodulatory effect (PETRAVIĆ-TOMINAC et al., 2010). Thus, the β-glucans in the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae consist mainly of β-1,3-glucans linked in a central backbone with β-1,6-glucan branches of varying sizes (PETRAVIĆ-TOMINAC et al., 2010), which in turn are linked to manno-proteins, serving as an anchor for the structure and integrity of the manno-protein layer (MAGNANI & CASTRO-GÓMEZ, 2008). MOS The mannan-glucan complex will maintain the primary stability of MOS as it is and its insolubility in water. This is crucial for its biological function in the animal's gut. The main known mode of action of MOS is to serve as a binding site for pathogenic bacteria, preventing their adhesion to the intestinal epithelium and subsequent colonization and infection (MORAN, 2004). Bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli use type 1 fimbriae, a mannose-specific lectin, to recognize glycoproteins on the surface of enterocytes (MORAN, 2004). Thus, this mechanism controls and reduces the bacterial enteric load and infection. MOS is widely referred to and classified as a prebiotic in the literature; however, it may be possibly misunderstood, as the definition of a prebiotic is 'a non-digestible food ingredient that beneficially affects the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon and thus improves host health' (definition by Glenn & Roberfroid, 1995). Subsequently, the concept was updated by the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) as: 'a selectively fermented ingredient that results in specific changes in the composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal microbiota, thereby conferring health benefit(s) to the host.' According to ISAPP, the most studied and used prebiotics are inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and more recently, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). Benefits of Pet Food Studies on dogs in the literature have reported the benefits of MOS supplementation related to changes in the gut microbiota (significantly increasing beneficial bacteria and decreasing pathogenic bacteria), digestive system (intestinal integrity, reduced fecal odor, and improved stool quality), modulation of immune system responses (phagocytic activity, interleukins, immunoglobulins), among others (SWANSON et al., 2002; GRIESHOP et al., 2004; MIDDELBOS et al., 2007; PAWAR et al., 2017; THEODORO et al., 2019). However, many studies report the use of a yeast cell wall product (a combination of β-glucans and MOS) or do not fully clarify the composition of the MOS product used. This could lead to a misinterpretation of the mode of action and benefits of MOS vs. β-glucans. The body does not synthesize β-glucans, so they must be recognized by the immune system, inducing immune responses (PETRAVIĆ-TOMINAC et al., 2010), known as immunomodulators. The process begins with recognition by phagocytic cells (macrophages, monocytes, dendritic cells, neutrophils, natural killers) with a toll-like receptor on their cell surface, which recognizes microbial patterns and induces an immediate innate immune response. The structure that allows recognition by the immune system is the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), and among the best known are β-glucans, which trigger responses to protect the host against pathogen invasion, characterizing innate immunity (MAGNANI & CASTRO-GÓMEZ, 2008). After this activation and phagocytosis, the phagocyte presents a processed antigen fragment. It stimulates a chain response by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and activating the production, release, and mobilization of additional phagocytic cells (produced in the bone marrow) (PETRAVIĆ-TOMINAC et al., 2010), phagocytic activity, and other cell-mediated immune responses. This immunomodulatory effect means training the innate immune system and preparing it for a faster, better, and smarter response to challenges (PETRAVIĆ-TOMINAC et al., 2010). The practical result is reducing the inflammatory process (costing less to metabolism), controlling infections and their consequences (oxidative stress, cell damage, etc.), and improving the production of immunoglobulins and antibodies (against specific pathogens/antigens or vaccine titers). Several purified and concentrated β-glucan products are available, and their immunomodulatory effect has been proven over the years, as well as when β-glucans are complexed with MOS in the yeast cell wall. These benefits seem essential for puppies (due to the developmental stage of the immune system and intestinal tract, as well as the intense vaccination period), elderly animals (due to the susceptibility of the immune system at advanced ages), animals with intestinal problems, or diseases that can cause a depression in immune response. Conclusion MOS and β-glucans are key components of yeast products. Their composition, concentration, and availability are closely related to the type of yeast they come from. MOS and β-glucans benefit pet food diets due to their interesting properties for balancing microbiota, preserving intestinal health, and modulating the immune response. Having a deeper understanding of these key properties helps to better appreciate them in pet food applications and allows for their tailored use to address specific challenges that companion animals face, such as growth, reproduction, and recovery. Source: ICC Animal Nutrition References Grieshop, C.M, et al. Gastrointestinal and immunological responses of senior dogs to chicory and mannan-oligosaccharides. Arch Anim Nutr. 2004 Dec;58(6):483-93. doi: 0.1080/00039420400019977. International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP). Consulted on September 19th, 2023. https://isappscience.org/for-scientists/resources/prebiotics/ Magnani, M. & Castro-Gómez, R.J.H. β-glucans from Saccharomyces cerevisiae: constitution, bioactivity and obtaining. Semina: Ciências Agrárias, Londrina, v. 29, n.3, p. 631-650, jul./set. 2008. Middelbos, I.S. et al. A dose-response evaluation of spray-dried yeast cell wall supplementation of diets fed to adult dogs: effects on nutrient digestibility, immune indices, and fecal microbial populations. J Anim Sci. 2007 Nov;85(11):3022-32. doi: 10.2527/jas.2007-0079. Moran, C.A. Functional components of the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: applications for yeast glucan and mannan. In book: Nutritional biotechnology in the feed and food industries, Nottingham University Press, pp.283-296, 2004. Pawar, M.M. et al. Effect of dietary mannanoligosaccharide supplementation on nutrient digestibility, hindgut fermentation, immune response and antioxidant indices in dogs. J Anim Sci Technol. 2017 May 11;59:11. doi: 10.1186/s40781-017-0136-6. Petravić-Tominac, V. et al. Biological effects of yeast β-glucans. Agriculturae Conspectus Scientificus, n. 75, v. 4, 2010. Swanson, K.S. et al. Supplemental Fructooligosaccharides and Mannanoligosaccharides Influence Immune Function, Ileal and Total Tract Nutrient Digestibilities, Microbial Populations and Concentrations of Protein Catabolites in the Large Bowel of Dogs. J Nutr. 2002 May;132(5):980-9. doi: 10.1093/jn/132.5.980. Theodoro, S.S. et al. Effects of the solubility of yeast cell wall preparations on their potential prebiotic properties in dogs, PLoS ONE 14(11):
25/07/2024
This trend is fueled by consumers' increasing attention to health issues, both human and pet. An ingredient is categorized as functional if it provides health benefits beyond basic nutrition when included as part of a complete and balanced diet.2 Examples of functional ingredients commonly used in the pet food industry include turmeric, chicory root, brewer's yeast, and marine oils. Turmeric Turmeric is a spice derived from the roots of the Curcuma longa plant.3 This functional ingredient has gained considerable attention in the pet and human food industries due to its health-promoting properties. Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, has been proven to be effective in dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis.4 In addition, curcumin has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.5 Chicory Root The root of the chicory plant is a naturally occurring prebiotic used commonly in pet food as a source of inulin.6 Research has shown that inulin derived from chicory root is more beneficial to host health than synthetic inulin and favors the growth of certain species of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.7 Prebiotic ingredients help to support the growth and maintenance of healthy bacteria living in the gut.8 In addition, prebiotics have been observed to be effective in the enhancement of the immune system.9 Brewer's Yeast Historically, the pet food industry has used brewer's yeast as a palatability enhancer; however, recent research has shown that brewer's yeast also has immunomodulatory and gut health-promoting effects.10-12 Brewer's yeast supplementation results in beneficial changes in markers of intestinal function.13,14 In addition, yeast products may also boost antioxidant activity in cats and dogs due to their β-glucan and mannan content, which are thought to be the main actors in the antioxidant capacity of yeasts.15 Marine Oils In pet food, the use of marine oils has gained traction due to its EPA and DHA contents.16 It is known that supplementation of EPA and DHA improves the skin and coat quality of dogs with skin disease.17,18 In addition, EPA and DHA have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in dogs with heart and hip diseases.19-21 Supplementation of DHA-concentrated marine oil has also been shown to be effective in supporting the cognitive health of puppies.22 The incorporation of functional ingredients into pet foods, treats, and supplements has grown in recent years. As consumer knowledge of animal health and diet quality has improved, so has the desire to maximize their quality of life.23 Source: BSM Partners
16/07/2024
Among the odor adsorbent options used today, three stand out for being frequently present in different brands and categories of pet food: natural zeolite, bentonite, and yucca extract, each with its characteristics and modes of action. Knowing each of them better can be very important when optimizing the development of a product and its market positioning strategy. The zeolite with proven benefits for pet food is the clinoptilolite type. It is a natural crystalline mineral with a structure full of cavities formed by chemical bonds, which confirms a large surface area and high adsorption capacity. One of the most important properties of zeolite is its high cation exchange capacity (CEC) compared to all other minerals of this type. Cation exchange is a process by which ions present on the surface of the zeolite are exchanged for others present in the surrounding solution. Its structure contains empty spaces that can be filled with ions, water, and other molecules. This gives the zeolite a high adsorption capacity for ions, especially cations. When added to dog and cat food, zeolite can adsorb compounds in the form of cations present in digestion, including ammonia, responsible for the unwanted odor of feces. Additionally, zeolite's ability to absorb moisture improves the format of animal feces and can also help extend the shelf life of food, preventing spoilage due to high humidity and toxin contamination, as it is also a mycotoxin adsorbent. Bentonite, a clay composed essentially of minerals from the group of smectites and mortmorillonites, is characterized by its great capacity to swell when mixed with water since it has a laminar chemical structure with a surface charge between 0.2 and 0.6 by formula unit and the lamellae move away in the presence of water, acting like a sponge. Therefore, when added to animal feed, bentonite is capable of very effectively absorbing the moisture present in feces. The mechanism of action of bentonite in relation to odor reduction implies that its adsorption capacity also binds to compounds, such as ammonia, through cation exchange, secondary to its swelling action. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of bentonite specifically in reducing fecal odor in dogs and cats is not well understood and may vary depending on several factors, including its purity, type, and purpose of inclusion in the formula. Yucca extract is extracted from the Yucca schidigera plant, commonly found in deserts, and has saponin as one of its components, which has been studied in companion animals for some decades. One of the mechanisms by which cassava extract reduces the odor of excreta is by inhibiting urease, an enzyme that converts urea, a product of nitrogen metabolism, into ammonia. Thus, the lower the action of urease, the lower the amount of ammonia present in the feces and the subsequent reduction in fecal odor. Another hypothesis refers to the action of glycocomponents, the water-soluble part of the cassava extract, which has an affinity for ammonia and transforms it into nitrate and nitrite. The quality of the cassava extract is evaluated by the quantity and quality of the saponins and extract necessary to neutralize 50% of the ammonia in a 'standard' solution, a parameter known as B50. The following table compares the main properties and benefits of each odor adsorbent described. According to the table, zeolite has a greater ion exchange capacity, greater removal of ammoniacal nitrogen, and a slightly lower water removal capacity since, being laminar, it swells and can absorb more water. Considering the physicochemical properties of the additives, we can infer that zeolite has greater efficiency in removing ammonia due to its greater cation exchange capacity, compared to other additives evaluated for fecal odor. Regarding the performance of in vivo tests, we found several studies that evaluated the inclusion of clinoptilolite zeolite and cassava extract at different levels of inclusion in diets for dogs and cats, and that also compared these two additives with each other. For bentonite, there are no studies that support evaluating inclusion at different levels, making it difficult to understand what the optimal level of use would be to reduce fecal odor in pet foods. For this reason, products that use bentonite as an additive, usually in the economy or standard category, use it to improve fecal scores and not to reduce odor. A Maia et al. (2010) study evaluated the fecal odor of dogs at different zeolite levels of 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00% and YSE at a concentration of 125, 250, or 375 ppm in the diet of healthy dogs. Diets with zeolite at levels of 0.75 and 1.00%, respectively, had better classification in the sensory analysis, indicating a significant reduction in the odor of the evaluated material. Therefore, 0.75 and 1.0% levels of the additive provide a substantial reduction of fecal odor in the sensory analysis. This results in a high cation exchange and gas adsorption capacity of the clinoptilolite zeolite, which adsorbs the gases produced during digestion, removing them from the animal's intestinal gastric tract without releasing them into the environment. Roque et al. (2011) added the same concentrations of zeolite and cassava extract for cats to a commercial food. The diet with 1.0% zeolite was considered similar to the control and inferior to the rest of the treatments. On the other hand, the doses of 0.5 and 0.75% of zeolite presented better fecal odor values than the control diet. In practice, we see the use of zeolite more frequently in high-category and super premium food formulations, justified by the evaluation studies mentioned here and by its efficiency in eliminating odors and adjusting fecal score, being the first option for products foods with high added value. As has been demonstrated, cassava extract has an action on fecal odor, and, as it has an optimal inclusion level between 0.0125% and 0.035%, it is usually present in foods from premium to super-premium categories since the level of lower inclusion can reduce formula costs. However, a detailed evaluation is necessary, as cassava extract can cost up to more than 10 times the value of clinoptilolite zeolite. Conclusion Often, we come across commercial foods that use zeolite with yucca extract in the pet formula. By using these additives together in dog and cat foods, manufacturers aim to offer a comprehensive approach to animals' digestive and overall well-being. Zeolite is effective in improving fecal score and reducing odor, and, in association with yucca extract, these additives can promote beneficial effects on intestinal health, contributing to the long-term comfort and health of pets. Source: All Pet Food Magazine Bibliographic references: MAIA, G. V. C. et al. Zeolites and Yucca schidigera in commercial ration for dogs: Palatability, digestibility and reduction of fecal odors. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia, v. 39, n. 11, p. 2442-2446, 2010. MOORE, D.M., REYNOLDS, JR. R. C., X-ray Diffraction and the Identification of Clay Minerals. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1989. 332 p. ROQUE, N. C. et al. Increasing levels of zeolite and Yucca schidigera in diets for adult cats. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia, v. 40, n. 11, p. 2471-2475, 2011.
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31/01/2024
However, this trend presents significant challenges. Quality control and laboratory analysis processes are often slow and expensive, resulting in production delays, loss of raw materials, reprocessing of batches, and, consequently, the loss of time and valuable resources. All of this has been an obstacle to the efficiency and competitiveness of companies in the industry.
The solution to these challenges lies in near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technology, which has revolutionized the way the pet food industry approaches quality control, ingredient analysis, and process control. NIR instruments allow multivariate analysis to be performed in less than 10 seconds, providing accurate data for critical parameters such as moisture content, protein, fat, fiber, and ash, among others. As a result, not only is the quality control process significantly accelerated, but a substantial reduction in costs associated with traditional laboratory analysis is also achieved, giving companies the competitive advantage they need to stand out in the industry.
Pet food manufacturing process: critical points
Within the framework of the pet food manufacturing process, there are critical stages identified that require special consideration to achieve efficiency and productivity to obtain a final product of excellence. We cannot reach a good final result if our raw material does not meet the requirements. NIR instruments can quickly provide us with the information necessary to decide whether a batch we are receiving meets them or not.
Each food has its recipe, and each variety has its nutritional composition. NIR equipment can help us confirm if the mixture or formula was correctly made prior to entering the extruder. After drying, it is common to apply coatings with fats, oils, or flavorings to make them more palatable, and, in some cases, vitamins and minerals can also be added to strengthen the nutritional content. NIR equipment can monitor the fat or oil content at this stage.
Prior to packaging, and after the cooling process, obtaining an accurate reading of the humidity value of the product is essential to prevent common problems, such as the growth of mold or other types of fungi, which can cause deterioration of the product, affect its quality, and lead to significant economic losses. The ideal task for an NIR instrument will not only give us an accurate reading of the humidity value, but also allow us to verify that our final product meets the nutritional requirements we communicate on our packaging.
PerkinElmer has been leading the market for years with its DA 7250 analyzer, the third generation of NIR instruments in the company's more than 60-yearhistory. This equipment combines Near Infrared Reflectance technology and a diode array (DA) detector, allowing accurate and reliable results in less than 10 seconds. Thanks to its excellent signal-to-noise ratio, large analysis surface area, and light range used with superior penetration capacity, grinding of raw materials or pre-treatment of samples before analysis is not needed. In addition to its speed in obtaining results, the DA 7250 stands out for its efficiency, simplicity of use, robustness, simple maintenance and cleaning, as well as its extremely friendly operating environment. It also has two online and inline versions, the DA 7440 and DA 7350 respectively, fully compatible with each other in terms of calibrations.
Mathematical models, prediction, and security in the results
Thanks to spectral data from more than 15,000 dry dog and cat food samples from worldwide manufacturers (including kibble, biscuits, tricks, and more), calibrations have been developed to model relationships between NIR spectra and reference chemical results. This has been achieved using Honigs™ Regression (HR) types and Artificial Neural Network Regression (ANN) algorithms, as well as the application of a temperature stabilization pretreatment.
As an example, the following table shows data from calibrations carried out for samples of dry food for dogs and cats:
The great product variability incorporated in the calibrations, added to the aforementioned characteristics and virtues of the instrument, guarantee accurate and robust measurements over time. The models can be used for whole and ground pet foods with similar prediction accuracy. In parameters such as humidity, protein, fat, fiber, and ash, these models are very precise, with similar differences to the deviations obtained between the two reference laboratories.
In conclusion, in a market with increasing demands in terms of quality, nutritional value, and cost, NIR instruments are a powerful solution that offer fast, accurate, and robust results for all stages of the production process, reducing costs and leading to the efficiency and quality of our product at optimal levels.
By: Leonel Fulcheri - PerkinElmer
Source: All Pet Food Magazine
17/08/2023
Mycotoxins, a poisonous chemical found in the corn used in pet foods, are causing animal sickness and irreparable brand damage. To solve this issue, SORTEX LumoVision, a solution developed by Swiss technology group Bühler, uses the spectral scale to kick out mold from pet food, keeping the costs of market recall down and pets safe. In 2021, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) alerted customers of fatal levels of aflatoxin, a strand of mycotoxin that attacks the liver, found in 1,000 lots of pet food. From the bad batch, it is reported that 130 dogs died. This statistic provoked lawsuits and anger from dog owners and the wider industry. However, the damage of mycotoxin contamination does not stop there. RECALLING PRODUCT IS EXPENSIVE One of the major costs of mycotoxin contamination is market recall. Recalling a product from the market is not cheap, in fact, the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) discovered that the average cost of market recall is USD10 million in direct costs alone. The financial hits of recalling product include: disposing of the product, reimbursing customers, and business interruption. The GMA survey showed that 81% of respondents deemed the financial risk of market recall to be 'significant to catastrophic'. CONTAMINATED PRODUCT DAMAGES BRAND IMAGE Financial costs and damage to health are not the only repercussions of mycotoxin contamination. Once the media are aware of the situation, brand image can take a significant hit. For consumers, it takes a lot to repair trust in a brand, and while brand damage is difficult to measure, this can further cost companies millions in lifetime value. CONTAMINATED PRODUCT CAN CAUSE MASS WASTE Before the LumoVision, contaminated grain would have been disposed of in large amounts. During testing, if the batch has a high concentration of mycotoxin, in many cases, the entire batch is destroyed. In fact, as few as 2 highly contaminated grains in 10,000 can render an entire batch unsafe. The Food and Drug Association (FDA) estimate that USD932 million is lost per year to crops contaminated with mycotoxin. This removal of the contaminated material may protect the consumer, but it costs businesses and the environment a lot more. WHAT CAN BE DONE? Bühler SORTEX faced the challenge of mycotoxin contamination head-on. After discovering a breakthrough 'invisible indicator' of contamination on the spectral scale, Bühler created the LumoVision, an optical sorter that can reduce the aflatoxin level by up to 90% (as indicated by industrial trials). This reduction brings many samples to regulation levels, saving companies from the costs of large-scale material waste and market recall. It works by analysing the colour each kernel fluoresces as it passes under powerful UV lighting in the sorter. It is known that contaminated kernels fluoresce a specific bright green colour, a substance called kojic acid, which is produced by the Aspergillus fungus at the same time as it produces aflatoxin. LumoVision's proprietary, highly sensitive cameras and a powerful LED-based UV lighting system can precisely detect this colour of fluorescence. Within milliseconds of detection, air nozzles deploy to blow contaminated kernels out of the product stream. When dealing with toxins, early intervention is critical. This is not only important in reducing the toxins consumed by pets, but also to lower wastage and the environmental footprint. Without proper cleaning and sorting, poisonous mycotoxins can cause large-scale wastage of materials, mass market recalls, and harm to pets. Dr Gerardo Morantes, Director of Food Safety-Americas Region at Buhler, had the following to say: 'Mycotoxins are a worldwide concern. However, technology made possible by Bühler SORTEX enables a preventative solution, meaning that mycotoxins can be dealt with early, stopping the spread and removing the contamination to meet regulatory standards.' Without intervention, mycotoxin contamination can bare a large cost for businesses, including, brand reputation, market recalls and material waste. With the SORTEX LumoVision, brands can stay profitable, customers can stay happy and pets can stay safe. By Bühler Group
04/01/2023
DON-V™ ONE offers the world's first lateral flow strip test capable of measuring vomitoxin (DON) in complete feeds and pet foods. Using a simple, barcode-based universal calibration, DON-V ONE delivers numeric results in minutes while improving safety and sustainability for field, process and laboratory testing environments. DON-V ONE eliminates high-stakes calibration, reduces time to result and offers unmatched performance for DON monitoring in finished feeds
Benefits
Safe – Eliminates toxic calibration chemicals
Value – No hidden costs or sample batching required
Fast screening – Actionable results in 5 minutes*
Sensitive – Limits of detection as low as 0.20 ppm
Wide range – 0.20 to 40 ppm†
Convenient – Easily performed on-site or in the lab
Accurate – Results equivalent to HPLC methods
*after extraction † Using high range procedure
This procedure has been validated for a wide range of finished feeds, including pet food
by Vicam
Source: All Pet Food
23/11/2022
Most pet food includes animal protein, which requires the slaughter of animals and is ultimately a source of planet-warming gases. Rich Kelleman's Colorado-based Bond Pet Foods, however, is aiming to sidestep both pitfalls by making those same proteins in a biotech process.
His inspiration comes in part from his own disgust over the treatment of livestock on its way to the food supply. He was also shocked when he read a study showing that pets in the US consume as many calories sourced from animals as France's population, which numbers more than 65 million.
Livestock's impact on climate change added to his resolve, as raising animals for food is responsible for a whopping 14.5 percent of human-linked greenhouse gas emissions, according to UN data. But vegetables alone aren't necessarily enough nutrition for cats and dogs.
Kelleman was convinced by research that if a company could 'crack the code' for lab-grown pet food there would be a market for it. 'For dogs and cats, it has to be palatable, but it doesn't have to look like a fully formed steak or breast,' Kelleman told AFP during a visit to the startup.
'It's not about the mouth feel; the sizzle; the taste, and the texture that have to be so precise for people to embrace it.' In development, Kelleman's startup drew blood from a pedigree chicken, extracted DNA from the sample and inserted it into a microbe.
The resulting microbe was added to a fermenter to produce lab-grown animal proteins. 'It sounds like a weird, strange process, but it is something that has been around for quite a while,' Kelleman said.
– Nutty, with a hint of cheese –
His dog, Rumples, seems to enjoy it. And an AFP reporter given a sample noticed its nutty flavor that includes notes of parmesan cheese. But the company has many hurdles to cross in its quest to become the new normal in pet food. First is the price, because even environment-loving 'dog moms' watch their budgets when it comes to the cost of kibble. Using fermentation tanks has enabled Bond to cut the cost of protein to $5 per kilogram (2.2 pounds) from $100 per kilogram.
Chief technology officer Tony Day says the price can be driven even lower. It is expected to take at least two years, though, of tests and evaluation to assure regulators that the kill-free pet food is a safe and viable. Bond is aiming to sell their proteins to pet food makers by the second half of 2023.
A crucial question is whether the lab-grown pet food passes the smell test with humans concerned about the well-being of their animal friends. In a park not far from the startup in the Colorado city Boulder, dog owners were interested but wary. 'I'd like to think I could give my dogs real meat protein without harming the planet,' Rochelle Loughry said while watching her two Australian Shepherds.
'In theory it looks good, but we should know if, in the long term, the benefits are the same as with real meat,' said another dog owner Jason Ackermann. Meat in pet food often arouses fierce debate. Greg Okin received raging criticism from both conservatives and animal rights activists for his academic study of pet protein consumption, which helped inspire Kelleman's startup.
'I think the fear was that I was telling people kill their cats and dogs, or not feed them, which is not what I was saying at all,' said Okin, a professor at the environment institute at the University of California, Los Angeles.
'I got a lot of hate.'
Julie JAMMOT
04/12/2023
To move delicate pet food products or powders, most processors do extensive homework before purchasing a tubular drag cable conveyor to ensure that it meets their needs in terms of function and price. After the purchase, the conveyor must be expertly assembled and tested to ensure smooth production startup and continued performance. The challenge is that the typical third-party contractors installing various plant systems might need to become more familiar with specialized pet food conveyors and, thus, are more prone to make costly errors. A more prudent choice is using the OEM's team of experienced technicians. The OEM's experts have the advantage of designing the specialized conveyor and understanding its installation, operational requirements, and potential problem areas. 'If a tubular drag cable conveyor is installed incorrectly by a third party, it often needs to be completely pulled apart and rebuilt, which is costly and time-consuming. If the conveyor is run incorrectly, damage will occur, and components must be replaced. All this only delays startup,' says Terry Derby, Director of Parts and Field Service for Automated Handling Solutions (AHS). AHS is the service-focused subsidiary of Cablevey Conveyors, an Oskaloosa, Iowa-based conveyor manufacturer that has been designing, engineering, and servicing enclosed cable and disc tube conveyors for 50 years and is in more than 65 countries. As a solution, pet food processors seeking superior conveyor performance from the start rely on expert-supervised installation and commissioning to ensure they will be ready to run products on time, at the necessary volumes. Today, a tubular drag cable conveyor requires considerable expertise to install. These systems gently move material through a sealed tube using a coated, flexible, stainless-steel drag cable pulled through on a loop. Solid circular discs (flights) attach to the cable, pushing the product through the tube without air. 'This type of conveyor is uniquely engineered to transport delicate materials gently. The tubes form a continuous loop that must be carefully assembled for a tight fit to ensure no misalignment or gaps between sections. While the modular components lend great flexibility to system design, each component must act in concert with the rest for proper conveyor functionality,' explains Derby. After selecting and purchasing a conveyor, the pet food processor's next step is installing it, which often requires professional assistance. Reliability Starts with Supervised Installation Whether relying on internal staff members for installation or contracting the job to an outside team of millwrights or skilled pipefitters, supervised conveyor installation can ensure proper system installation. Getting expert assistance is still essential during installation, even with the manual that has detailed instructions and QR-code links to videos for each conveyor component. 'Supervised installation is important to ensure that your system is installed properly so you don't run into maintenance problems due to an improper install,' says Derby. Derby insists that 'supervised installs are probably the most important support service we offer.' This step is often neglected when a less experienced third party performs the installation, which can escalate costs. At this point, AHS is frequently asked to complete final preparations and correct any problems before production startup, a process known as commissioning. 'When a processor brings us to their facility after declining a supervised installation, we often have to work backward for a day or two to correct issues. Having us there for supervised installation eliminates the need for correction and any idle contractors waiting on us for the repair, so it pays for itself,' says Derby. In the case of AHS, the company's technicians have logged hundreds, if not thousands, of hours on-site in various manufacturing facilities worldwide. This singular focus gives them the knowledge and expertise to streamline the installation process and prevent issues that can lead to system inefficiencies, product loss, or complete system failure. As part of the supervised installation, skilled technicians ensure the correct positioning of the conveyor's hangers and the proper torque for couplings. The system is properly cleaned to remove any metal fragments or foreign contaminants introduced during installation. In addition, the technician confirms that all conveyor inlets are in place and that all discharges are functioning. Even seemingly minor gaps or misaligned areas in the conveyor tubing can become a severe issue. 'If gaps are in the conveyor's tubes, the discs will 'catch' when crossing the joint, causing excessive wear on the cable and motor. If not corrected, this could lead to premature failure, production downtime, and added repair and replacement costs,' says Derby. According to Derby, another common wear item in tubular drag cable conveyors is sweeps, areas where the tube changes direction. He explains that sweeps are where the cable is under the most significant tension and where the discs rub inside the tube. Since sweeps show the first signs of wear, proper installation can reduce the wear and significantly prolong tube and cable life, simplifying maintenance. 'With a supervised install, processors can ensure that their conveyor is assembled correctly to enable seamless startup, reliable production, optimal output, and greater longevity for the system and its parts. Our reputation is on the line to get it right from the start,' says Derby. In addition, a supervised installation includes a full report outlining actions to correct any issues found. Due to the attention to detail, a supervised installation also preserves the standard warranty for the system's components. Of course, operators also play a critical role in conveyor performance. For this reason, having experts onsite can be one of the best ways to train the operators and maintenance crew on properly running, cleaning, and maintaining the system. Reliable Production Requires Expert Commissioning When the installation is complete, the next step is to schedule commissioning. The average commissioning visit for a single-system installation usually lasts an entire day. The onsite commissioning process readies the conveyor for total production and identifies any immediately correctable issues to keep the startup on schedule. At this point, the system must be installed entirely, including all mechanical and electrical components. The conveyor material must also be ready for introduction to the system. This is where a botched installation by a third party can come to light without supervised installation by the OEM. 'We are often asked to 'fix' poor installations by third-party contractors. We have had to tear whole systems apart. This frequently requires a complete rebuild and replacement of damaged parts, which adds cost, creates downtime, and delays startup,' says Derby. In the case of AHS's commissioning service, the technician conducts an inspection using a camera that runs through the entire system layout to ensure that everything is correctly assembled and ready for testing. The technician then performs a test run of the product, from the inlet feed through the sweeps to the discharge outlet, and verifies that it flows at the desired speed. 'Tailoring the conveyor to the material conveyed can require adjustments to fine-tune the process. With the commissioning, the goal is to increase efficiency, production volume, and reliability,' says Derby. He adds that 'checking the system's health' also uncovers any issues that might arise, which technicians can address to prevent production downtime. He points out that commissioning also extends Cablevey's standard warranty. As a final step in the commissioning process, the technician issues a report for the processor that documents all findings from the full-system inspection. Completing conveyor installation, commissioning, and start-up is only the start of the OEM's and processor's relationship since the system's lifespan can be decades. In addition to traveling on-site for emergency service calls, the company offers an annual service visit to conduct a detailed system inspection and address any issues, identify worn parts, ensure predictive maintenance is being conducted, and provide any additional training needed. This complete system audit aims to extend the conveyor's lifespan and prevent unexpected downtime. 'Our mission is to provide conveying equipment and ensure it performs as required, with minimal downtime and maintenance. Once a pet food processor buys a system, they become part of our family. We will continue to support them every way we can, even as their needs evolve,' concludes Derby. By Del Williams is a technical writer based in Torrance, California. Source All Pet Food
27/11/2023
To promote food safety and sanitary compliance, pet food manufacturers are increasingly seeking the ability to clean-in-place (CIP), an automated method of cleaning the interior surfaces of tubular drag conveyors without disassembly. Now, with the advent of mobile tools like an innovative 'smart cart' that quick-connects to any tubular conveyor and enables simple, customizable 'single button cleaning recipes,' CIP is becoming easier, faster, less labor-intensive, more repeatable, and almost fully automated. Tubular drag conveyor systems gently move product through a sealed, enclosed tube using a drag cable and circular discs pulled through on a loop, so they are ideal for delicate items. Designed to handle a variety of different forms and sizes, from kibble to seeds or pellets and nutrients, tubular conveyors maintain both quality and proper proportions. In a wet CIP process, the system is flooded with water, flushed, rinsed, cleansed, and thoroughly sanitized. Although the process is very effective, streamlining its automation and simplifying the process for all a facility's tubular drag conveyors has been a priority for leading innovators in the industry. 'The standard system required port hookups to water lines and installing piping. The processor also had to make decisions, such as which water temperatures to utilize, or whether to use a cleaning solvent - and the correct amount to add manually,' says John Adair, Engineering and Quality Director for Cablevey Conveyors, an Oskaloosa, Iowa-based conveyor manufacturer that has designed, engineered, and serviced enclosed cable and disc tube conveyors for 50 years, and is in more than 65 countries. To simplify the wet cleaning process, Adair and his engineering team at Cablevey have developed a small, mobile 'smart cart' with integrated water line hookups that a single technician can easily take to any tubular drag conveyor in a facility. The cart is specifically designed to be a fraction of the size of similar carts on the market to facilitate mobility. When the cart is in position and connected to water lines, the CIP process is automated and controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC) that reduces the need for manual labor and virtually eliminates the risk of improper cleaning. 'Once it is set up, all you do is press a button, and it will bring in the required amount of water at the correct temperature with the necessary amount of solvent for cleaning,' says Adair. The smart cart is designed to store and utilize pre-programmed CIP recipes to flush various residual materials from the tubular drag cable conveyors in a facility before new production runs. The cleaning recipes enable even those with very little training to use the cart, which is helpful in today's tight labor market and allows the technician to move on to other tasks once the cleaning process begins. The use of easily executable recipes ensures a superior, repeatable clean that essentially 'error-proofs' the process. This is particularly important when the technician may be new or less familiar with the production equipment. 'Depending on the product conveyed, sometimes all you need is a wet rinse or a specific cleaning solvent. All that information is saved, so after the first cleaning, it can be automatically repeated. Just push a button to start the appropriate recipe, whether you have one conveyor running multiple products or dozens of conveyors running various products,' says Adair. To meet strict compliance standards, the smart cart also documents all critical CIP information, such as water volume and temperature, chemicals used, and cleaning time by date, in an easily retrievable data log. Since decreasing production downtime between conveyor cleanings is a priority for pet food manufacturers, Cablevey provides new capabilities with the cart that expedites the CIP process. Currently, the CIP process floods the tubular conveyor system but is not designed to clean the discs specifically. 'Operators would manually clean each disc and advance the system disc by disc when the discs had to be cleaned of particularly viscous substances,' says Adair. Once it is set up, all you do is press a button and it will bring in the required amount of water at the correct temperature with the necessary amount of solvent for cleaning. Now, as an option on the cart, a disc washer can be integrated with the conveyor turnaround to spray a pressurized cleansing solution on the discs. This helps to remove stickier substances that could remain after routine CIP cleaning. 'The disc washer sprays high-pressure water directly on the discs, so it acts like an automatic car wash. At the push of a button, the discs and cable are run through, and spray cleaned, which reduces CIP time and eliminates the need to manually clean the discs,' says Adair. To further reduce downtime, Cablevey also offers a new sanitary blower option. 'After the wet CIP process, a sanitary blower attachment on the smart cart can dry the discs and other parts of the system 75% faster than typical air drying,' says Adair. He points out that the faster the conveyor is cleaned and dried after a product change, the sooner it can be put back into service, which improves profitability. According to Adair, Cablevey's Mobile Smart Cart was already available since it was officially unveiled at Pack Expo, a premier packaging and processing show held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in September. The event featured full-scale setups of machinery in action. The company also offered traveling demo smart cars to customers in September for free so clients could test drive the units. Pet food manufacturers can now purchase the demonstration unit used in their facilities, with hands-on training available immediately. While the pet food manufacturing industry is aware that automated CIP can improve conveyor system production uptime, barriers to implementation have slowed adoption. Utilizing a mobile smart cart with integrated water hookups will help manufacturers easily implement CIP in tubular drag conveyors throughout their facilities: expediting conveyor cleaning, production changeover, and sanitary compliance. By: Del Williams - Technical writer based in Torrance - California Source: All Pet Food Magazine
29/08/2023
These systems come as an investment, making it crucial for manufacturers to understand what they're buying before pulling out the company credit card. This is where OEM test facilities come into play, which offer processors the opportunity to try before they buy, often supported by the expertise of seasoned process engineers and salespeople who represent the supplier and its solutions. Testing, testing According to Emmanual Ricohermoso III, Ph.D., testing and facility manager at Automated Handling Solutions (AHS) Germany GmbH, parent company of Cablevey, testing equipment before making a purchase is a progressive approach that can optimize design and material selection for durability, efficiency and environmental impact. 'From the client's perspective, conducting product testing offers them the valuable opportunity to experience the device firsthand before making a purchase commitment,' Ricohermoso added. 'It allows them to assess the device's performance, functionalities and suitability for their specific needs without the obligation of buying it outright. Additionally, during the testing phase, clients can engage directly with our knowledgeable team, leveraging their technical expertise to address any questions or concerns they may have. 'This interactive experience fosters better communication and understanding between our team and the clients,' he added. 'Ultimately, seeing the device in action reinforces the clients' belief and confidence in its capabilities, validating the effectiveness of the solution being offered, or simply, 'to see is to believe.'' The company's 645-square-meter (6,942-square-foot) testing facility is centered around a test workshop equipped with product transfer systems from brands that fall under the AHS and Advanced Material Processing (AMP) umbrella, including Cablevey, Spiroflow, Kason and Marion. The test workshop itself accounts for 71% of the total space. According to Ricohermoso, the German test facility was designed to not only enable testing of conveyors and material transfer systems from point A to point B, but to also integrate relevant processing steps including bag conditioning, bulk bag discharging and filling, dewatering, sieving, mixing and drying. 'Additionally, the test facility boasts a cutting-edge, in-house laboratory dedicated to material characterization,' he noted. 'This enables our engineers to gain a deep understanding of the material properties, allowing them to design tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of our customers. The Friedrichsdorf test facility is now up and running and saw its first customer in early May 2023. Ben Ayrton, managing director and vice president of operations and supply chain for AHS and AMP in Europe, noted that the facility is now fully operational and offers more than 50 products for customer trials and testing across all four brands. 'We are immensely proud to have the most comprehensive testing facility in Continental Europe,' Ayrton said. 'Our expansion and future is exciting, as in addition we are looking forward to introducing a brand new 5,500 m square production facility in the UK in the first half of 2024.' The Friedrichsdorf facility will serve multiple AHS and AMP brands for testing, spare parts, European engineering and sales, as well as aftermarket spare parts and maintenance teams. Prioritizing positive client experiences Understanding why clients want to test or compare equipment performance is the No. 1 consideration when developing a test plan. For example, Ricohermoso said one of the main focuses for today's pet food processors is throughput. Once he has a better idea of a client's priorities, Ricohermoso requests a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to better understand the handing requirements and potential risks related to the product or material in question. He also asks for cleaning, process flow integration, and tolerance information to create a comprehensive test plan for the client. 'If the client's primary objective is to observe the operation without specific test requirements, I take the initiative to design the test plan myself,' Ricohermoso said. 'The clients are then given time to review the plan internally and communicate any concerns they may have. 'By following this streamlined process, we ensure that the test day runs smoothly, with clear communication and alignment between our team and the clients.' Leaning on OEM expertise Cablevey operates in more than 66 countries and has delivered its solutions for the food, pet food, coffee, powder, nut and frozen food industries for over 50 years. Such equipment includes enclosed cable and disc tube conveyors. 'Cablevey provides a gentle conveying solution, making it particularly suitable for products that are sensitive and have low tolerance for breakage,' Ricohermoso said. 'Its unique conveying method ensures that fragile products can be transported without compromising their integrity or quality.' At Cablevey's stateside test facility — which is located in Oskaloosa, Iowa — the company recently launched a 360-degree immersive experience enabling virtual visits in real time. A Zoom-meeting format developed during the COVID-19 pandemic now allows Cablevey to showcase test runs of its machinery in-person and online simultaneously, which provides convenience for those unable to travel or larger work groups, according to the company. Ricohermoso noted the company plans to add this capability to the German test facility over the next few months.
25/08/2023
Brad very brieflly introuced himself and the Company, the owners of Cablevey Conveyors and Spiroflow, and highlighted its prsence in the pet food sector. Brazil has been a key market for them within the LATAM region, so they have already planned to grow agresively in that market About Automated Handling Solutions AHS combines expertise in specialty conveyor and material handling and automation equipment technologies to help processors manage their lines effectively and efficiently. AHS' products target applications in high value environments and can support both wet and dry media. Primary end markets served include food and beverage, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, specialty chemical, and high value industrial. AHS is May River Capital's (May River) newest platform company. by All pet Food
13/11/2023
Foundation and Company History The company was founded in 2008 as a joint venture between two renowned companies, BT Wolfgang Binder, and BINDER+CO AG. Both companies had already been active in the packaging and processing industry since the 1970s and brought many years of experience and expertise to the partnership. The merger created a new player in the packaging industry, STATEC BINDER. Over the years, STATEC BINDER has impressed with over 1800 successfully installed plants on all continents and in over 85 countries, underlining its global presence and expertise. The company continuously expanded its product range, from stand-alone machines to complete solutions for customers. Thanks to innovation, teamwork, and the pursuit of perfection, STATEC BINDER has always been able to meet the requirements of global markets and provide customized solutions for its customers. Innovation and Product Portfolio A key factor in STATEC BINDER's success is continuous innovation and the development of customized solutions for its customers. The product range of STATEC BINDER includes fully automatic as well as semi-automatic packaging systems for bags from 5kg to 50kg, BIG BAG filling stations, palletizing systems, and bag closing systems, which are developed specifically for customers' needs. Whether it is bulk materials such as grain, animal feed, fertilizer, plastic granules, or other materials, STATEC BINDER offers solutions for a wide range of industries. Quality and Customer Service STATEC BINDER places great emphasis on the quality of its products and services. The packaging solutions are manufactured in a production facility and are subject to strict quality controls to ensure they meet the highest standards. The company is ISO 9001 certified, which underlines its commitment to maintaining high-quality standards. In addition to product quality, customer service is another key factor that distinguishes the company. STATEC BINDER's customers appreciate the personalized advice, individualized customer services, and comprehensive support the company offers. Working closely with customers enables the company to better understand their specific requirements and challenges, and to offer customers an all-around carefree package once they have purchased the equipment. International Success STATEC BINDER's reputation extends beyond Austria, reaching a global scale. The company exports its packaging solutions to over 85 countries worldwide and maintains an extensive network of distribution and service partners across various regions, ensuring exceptional onsite support and guidance for its customers. This international presence reflects the trust customers worldwide place in STATEC BINDER's products and services. Conclusion STATEC BINDER is a company that stands out in the packaging industry for its innovation, quality products, and dedicated customer service. With a strong focus on the needs of its customers, STATEC BINDER remains a major player in packaging technology and will continue to play a significant role in the industry in the future. Source: All Pet Food Magazine
20/10/2023
Their goal was to increase bag filling capacity while reducing manual handling. For this, they turned to NUPAC in Australia, known as reliable suppliers of processing and packaging machinery and STATEC BINDER partners, who share a commitment to finding high-quality solutions for their customers. The Challenge: Enhancing Efficiency Massel Australia recognized the need to improve their bulk bagging process. The objective was straightforward: streamline operations, reduce labor requirements and elevate efficiency. They needed a partner who could not only provide cutting-edge machinery but also understand the unique constraints and demands of their production facility. Choosing NUPAC and STATEC BINDER: A partnership founded on individuality Massel Australia's journey toward a solution led them to NUPAC. What set NUPAC apart from the competition was more than just state-of-the-art equipment. Michael Caine, General Manager of Massel Australia, commented that they proceeded with NUPAC because "they displayed a genuine interest in coming up with a solution for us, listened to our needs and constraints, and were able to come up with a creative and efficient solution." The Solution for the customer: STATEC BINDER´s Acropac-T Machine NUPAC recommended the STATEC BINDER Acropac-T machine with gross weighing system and stainless steel execution. ACROPAC-T is a fully automatic open-mouth bagging machine which was perfectly tailored to Massel's requirements. This state-of-the-art equipment not only increased bag-filling capacity but also significantly reduced the need for manual operator input. One of the critical aspects was its ability to deliver substantial cost savings per bag filled. This cost-effectiveness made the investment in the new equipment an attractive proposition for Massel Australia. Overcoming Space Constraints Massel Australia faced a particularly challenging constraint—limited space, especially in terms of height. NUPAC worked closely with STATEC BINDER to overcome this challenge and find a solution that was compatible with the space available. This commitment to meeting every challenge head-on impressed Massel Australia and reinforced their trust in NUPAC as well as in the quality of STATEC BINDER machines. Massel Australia's encounter with NUPAC and STATEC BINDER was notably favorable. Michael Caine, in particular, emphasized that the entire process was an "overall excellent xperience." He commended their professional handling of all queries and questions, creating a relationship that streamlined communication, especially during the planning and execution phases. When asked if they would recommend NUPAC and STATEC BINDER to others, Massel Australia responded with a resounding "Yes." Their recommendation is rooted in the positive purchasing experience and their trust in the post-sales support. They are confident that the ongoing support will maintain the same high standards of professionalism, positivity, and effectiveness as their initial interaction. In conclusion, this partnership has not only enhanced Massel's bag-filling process, thereby improving operational efficiency, but has also instilled confidence in NUPAC and STATEC BINDER's ability to provide unwavering support in the face of any challenge. By Statetc Binder Source: All Pet Food
11/10/2023
The #PurinaRecyclesChallenge encourages pet owners to take aim at the recycling bin — rather than the trash can — when disposing of their used pet food cans. According to the Can Manufacturers Institute, the pet food industry utilizes roughly 7 million metal food cans annually. Approximately 25% of these are steel and typically used for dog food, and 75% are aluminum and normally used for cat food. While these cans are infinitely recyclable, there is ample room for improvement in their recycling rates, including among pet owners. An estimated 32% of American consumers recycle, according to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 2019 American Community Survey. The US Energy Information Administration claims the use of recycled aluminum cans to manufacture new cans requires 95% less energy than creating new cans from raw materials. 'We launched the #PurinaRecyclesChallenge to show just how easy it is to make an impact, and to help break down some of the barriers that keep people from recycling their pet food cans,' said Gopi Sandhu, vice president of environmental sustainability at Purina. 'Aluminum and steel are infinitely recyclable, and given the billions of cans produced in the United States each year, a seemingly small act of recycling can make a big difference.' The challenge invites pet owners to film a 'trick shot' of them banking a pet food can into the recycling bin and share on Instagram and/or TikTok with the hashtag #PurinaRecyclesChallenge. The company will donate $10 for every original post and $1 for every like, share or comment on those posts to The Recycling Partnership to support recycling education and infrastructure across the United States. The campaign will run through Dec. 15. Aside from this can recycling initiative, Purina has also committed to improving packaging sustainability across its entire portfolio. According to the company, almost 90% of its plastic packages used for pet food are designed to be recycled, a figure it hopes to increase to 95% by 2025. By Jordan Tyler - Pet Food Processing
18/07/2023
A final draft of the updated model regulations for pet food and specialty pet food was voted on by the executive committee and will be presented to the full membership on July 31st for a vote. There are numerous changes to the regulations that will impact the labeling for all pet food, pet treats and specialty pet food and treats. Below is a discussion of some of the main changes that will impact your pet food label design. Please note that small and very small packages with a total printable area of 40 or 12 square inches or less respectively will have different layout requirements due to space constraints Changes to the front of the pack include the requirement for a verbatim intended use statement. This statement must be in the bottom ⅓ of the principal display panel and parallel to the bottom of the panel (front panel for packages that sit upright on the shelf and also on the bottom butt panel for packages that lay flat on the shelf), must be at least as large as the net quantity statement per FDA 16 CFR 500.21, must be in the same color and style font and on the same background color as the statement of net quantity and must be separated from the statement of net quantity and any other label material by the height of the 'N' above and below and by twice the width of the 'N' on either side. Some examples of the verbatim intended use statements include: 'Complete Dog Food' for foods that are complete and balanced for all life stages, including growth of large size dogs. 'Complete Puppy Food' or 'Complete Food for Puppies' for growth products that include growth of large size dogs. 'Complete Food for Adult Cats' for adult maintenance cat foods. 'Complete Food for Puppies (<70 lb. as an adult)' for growth diets that are not appropriate for the growth of large size dogs. 'Complete Food for Dogs (except puppies >70 lb. as an adult)' for all life stages products that exclude the growth of large size dogs. Another major change is the replacement of the Guaranteed Analysis with a Pet Nutrition Facts section. This change was made to more closely align the nutritional information with the format on human food labels in order to help the consumer better understand what they are buying. The Pet Nutrition Facts is required to be included on all pet foods in a prominent place on the label (but not necessarily on the principal display panel). On most packages (except very small labels), this will be in a box set off by hairlines and will be all black or one-color type, printed on white or neutral background. The heading 'Pet Nutrition Facts' will be centered in the top row of the box and must be twice the size of the other text in the box. The familiar household unit (cup, can, treat, etc) will be right justified in the next row and must include the weight in grams. A bold line must separate this information from the next row. Calorie content will appear in the next line of the box and will no longer be stated as kcal/kg. It must be stated in kcal/'familiar household unit' and will be left justified. If the calories are determined by a feeding study, the word '(fed)' will appear after the value. Maybe provide an example of a few familiar household units. Underneath the calorie content, indented text will appear indicating the calories from protein, fat and carbohydrates. The Modified Atwater formula is still the correct way to determine the calorie content. Following the calorie content will be the guaranteed nutrient levels. Protein, Fat, Carbohydrates (calculated value), Total Dietary Fiber and Moisture are the required guarantees for every label. These will be expressed in % and also in grams/'familiar household unit.' If you don't have dietary fiber data for your recipes, now would be a good time to begin testing to obtain these values. If you have additional nutritional guarantees, they may be included similarly to today's labels. Essential guarantees must still follow the order of the AAFCO nutrient profiles and nonessential nutrient guarantees are listed following the last essential guarantee. The verbatim nutritional adequacy statement will still be required and must now live within the Pet Nutrition Facts box so that placement is consistent across all products. Feeding directions must be included on all labels and should be consistent with the intended use statement that is on the principal display panel. There are some other minor changes that may impact your labeling, but the information above captures the most impactful of the proposed updates to the regulations. The implementation workgroup is proposing 6 years for the timeline for labeling in the market to comply with the new regulations. Consumer outreach and education has been a top priority and as more brands launch compliant labels, pet parents will be looking for this new format. This could potentially become part of the buying decision for savvy pet parents. The North River Enterprises team is involved in several AAFCO workgroups helping to develop educational materials explaining the required changes once PFLM becomes a reality. by Melissa Brookshire
14/06/2023
Here's a breakdown of all the essential nutrients according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) that are required for foods to be called complete and balanced for adult and growing cats and dogs. Included are also links to other blog posts that describe some of these nutrients and why they're essential.
Protein and Amino Acids
While the amount may differ between dogs and cats, and between adults and seniors, all pets have a minimum requirement for protein to make muscle in the body and help in many important body functions. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and there are approximately a dozen essential amino acids in addition to a minimum of overall protein that all pets need:
Arginine
Histidine
Isoleucine
Leucine
Lysine
Methionine
Cystine
Phenylalanine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Valine
Taurine (cats)
Fats and Fatty Acids
All pets have a minimum amount of total fat that they need in their diet and there are also some specific types of fatty acids that are also required for different lifestages. Overall fats and specific types of fatty acids help your pet maintain a healthy skin/coat, regulate inflammation, and aid in development in growing pets.
Linoleic Acid
Arachidonic Acid (cats)
Alpha-Linoleic Acid (growth)
EPA + DHA (growth)
Minerals
Minerals, some of which are also called electrolytes, are critical to keeping fluid balance, growing and maintaining bones, and helping to regulate many processes running in a pet's body, such as movement of muscles. The amounts required can vary between growing and adult animals, and there is also a required ratio of certain minerals such as calcium and phosphorus for optimal health, especially for growing large breed puppies.
Calcium
Phosphorus
Potassium
Sodium
Chloride
Magnesium
Iron
Copper
Manganese
Zinc
Iodine
Selenium
Vitamins
Cats and dogs require many of the same vitamins as we do (except for Vitamin C, which they can make themselves!), but the amounts can be very different. One example is Vitamin D, where dogs need less than 1/10th the amount that humans do, so we have to be very careful about using human products (or any supplements for that matter!) in pets to avoid toxic amounts of vitamin D. Vitamins perform many functions in the body from supporting the immune system to breaking down food for energy, and are either water soluble (the B vitamins) or fat soluble (vitamins A, D, E and K). The essential vitamins for dogs and cats are listed below with common alternate names that you may see on your pet food ingredient lists.
Vitamin A (retinol)
Vitamin D (cholecalciferol)
Vitamin E (tocopherol)
Vitamin K (phylloguinone, cats)
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
Folic Acid/Folate (Vitamin B9)
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Choline
Where Can I Go To Learn More?
If you'd like to learn more about the exact amounts required of these nutrients in different lifestages and species, booklets are also available online from the National Resource Council with more details on each of these essential nutrients for dogs and cats.
How Do I Know My Pet Is Getting All These Nutrients?
Foods that have AAFCO nutritional adequacy statements that state they are complete and balanced have to include all these essential nutrients and stay between the minimum requirements and any maximums. Providing extra through supplements may actually harm your pet because you may unknowingly be providing a toxic amount of some nutrients that have narrow safety ranges! We recommend only giving supplements with any of these essential nutrients when recommended specifically by your veterinarian.
by Deborah E. Linder, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Nutrition)
04/08/2022
The company first announced the acquisition in May 2022 for a purchase price of approximately R$2.8 billion Brazilian Real in cash ($542.6 million USD at today's exchange rate), plus or minus various closing adjustments and a contingent payment based on future earnings growth. As part of the transaction, Darling Ingredients has acquired 14 plants that process more than 1.3 million metric tons annually, with an additional two plants under construction.
"Brazil will play a big role in feeding a growing world population, which makes it a premier location to grow our specialty ingredients business," Randall C. Stuewe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Darling Ingredients. "FASA is a well-run business, will be immediately accretive and further de-risks the supply chain by providing an additional source of non-food based, low-carbon waste fats to be used in the production of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel."
About Darling
Darling Ingredients Inc. (NYSE: DAR) is the largest publicly traded company turning edible by-products and food waste into sustainable products and a leading producer of renewable energy. Recognized as a sustainability leader, the company operates 250 plants in 17 countries and repurposes nearly 15% of the world's meat industry waste streams into value-added products, such as green energy, renewable diesel, collagen, fertilizer, animal proteins and meals and pet food ingredients. To learn more, visit darlingii.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.
Contact: Suann Guthrie
VP, Investor Relations, Sustainability & Communications
(469) 214-8202, [email protected]
17/02/2022
However, there are conflicting positions! In this article we analyze the types of trace minerals, the different voices, advantages and disadvantages of incorporating this ingredient into pet food recipes. Pet owners, and especially millennials, are increasingly interested in providing the best nutrition, care and quality of life for their pets. In this sense, trace elements such as zinc, copper, iron and manganese are an essential part of this formula for well-being, since they play a key role in cellular functions, oxygen exchange and other bodily processes. What are trace elements or trace minerals? Trace minerals are elements that are required in very small amounts to achieve a balanced diet, but which have a wide range of benefits for the proper functioning of various systems such as the immune system, musculoskeletal, skin and coat health, for example. Some of them are zinc, copper, iron and manganese. In the animal world, it must also be taken into account that the trace elements necessary for dogs and cats are not the same. When we talk about the incorporation of these components into a pet food formula, 2 aspects should be taken into account: • The shape of the mineral offered. • The amount provided. These data significantly influence the bioavailability of the mineral in the animal's body. Forms of the minerals offered Inorganic They are generally found in the form of sulfates or oxides. They are relatively soluble. Since many reactions that occur when ionized make them unavailable, inorganic trace minerals are often inefficient and must be supplied in greater amounts. As they come from extracted sources, safety and traceability must be part of the quality assurance process to avoid the inclusion of heavy metals which, if present in a diet, can be harmful to health. Organic These can be divided into complexes and chelates: Complexes They are compounds that help keep the mineral stable or non-reactive and available for absorption. Chelates These have more bonds than complexes, which improves stability while preserving their availability to be absorbed if necessary. This increases the likelihood that the mineral will reach the small intestine in a way that it can be absorbed. Trace minerals, an element of interest (and controversy) Trace elements are a component that is equally interesting and confusing in the pet food industry. Historically, pet food formulas have relied on extracted or inorganic minerals to reach nutrient levels recommended by different associations, such as the AAFCO. What happens, as we previously discussed, is that inorganic minerals are difficult to absorb, which is why additional amounts used to be added. Voices against this practice claim that this approach does not necessarily meet the real needs of pets, especially in the stages of infancy, pregnancy, or old age. Seeking to transition to organic trace elements The truth is that organic trace minerals are the most natural and the best option for pets. Opting for this option in food formulas facilitates the availability and absorption of its nutrients. However, the use of inorganic minerals has become widespread throughout the food industry (and not only for pets), which, although they are in common use, are often ineffective. Organic minerals have high stability, so they work better, they resist much more in the digestive tract, and as a result, the animal's body can absorb what it needs. Minerals are essential, but if they are ingested in excess, they can cause toxicity. Why are inorganic trace minerals poor in absorption? The structure of the inorganic mineral makes it interact with other components during the digestion process. As a result, it forms an indigestible complex that eventually ends up outside the body without being absorbed. This is equivalent to poor bioavailability because, even though the food has trace minerals, they cannot be used by the body. The form in which the trace mineral is present can influence the absorption of other nutrients in the intestine, such as: Impact on the stability of vitamins The oxidation of vitamins, such as vitamin E, can lead to a reduced vitamin function and, the cause can be the oxidation of fats by the action of trace elements. Compromised antioxidant function Research has confirmed that commonly used antioxidants can be compromised by inorganic minerals. In cases where the mineral bond is weak, there is a significant negative impact on antioxidant activity. However, and despite the possible complications of the use of trace elements, various studies insist on verifying the great benefits of their use and incorporation in pet food formulas. The latest published study, which was completed in 2020, lasted 12 weeks and included 46 older dogs between the ages of 7 and 14 with an average age of 9.8 years. It looked at skin and coat health, hair growth, activity levels, weight, and body condition. They were observed, after a period of feeding them with formulas containing organic trace minerals, an improvement in all the aspects mentioned above. Summarizing we can say that today's pets are part of the family, and thanks to the relevance they have gained over the years, the industry has invested more and more resources in improving their quality of life. In this sense, food has become a priority factor for those owners who seek to provide their four-legged friends with the best on the market. With regard to today's topic, the responsibility of producers is to keep trace minerals as available as possible for their proper absorption, and preferably to use them in an organic format, in order to ensure successful nutrition and avoid any risk of intoxication. Definitely, continuing to work on optimizing nutrition by trace elements will lead to healthier pets with stronger and longer-lasting immune, musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal systems. By: All Pet Food
By
17/08/2021
These can be broadly classified as either inorganic trace minerals (ITNs) or organic trace minerals (MTOs). The latter are so named because they are complex, or otherwise associated, with organic linking groups. These linking groups include amino acids, small peptides, and organic acids, which influence the strength of mineral absorption. When comparing organic trace minerals, many factors must be considered, but basically the interaction force between the mineral and the binding group is the most important factor influencing bioavailability. By improving the binding of MTOs, finally, the bioavailability of the mineral can be increased. Therefore, the choice of the linking group is critical to the effectiveness of organic minerals. In recent years, research has highlighted the differences that exist between individual products. A poor choice of the linking group can result in the production of products that offer no benefit over inorganic mineral sources. In essence, not all MTO products are the same. Antagonisms in food and feed Increasingly, interactions between food components, such as trace minerals, are under scrutiny, for possible negative interactions with other components of the diet, often overlooked. Recent studies have focused on evaluating these potential antagonisms. In this regard, it is useful to highlight the differences, not only between inorganic and organic trace minerals, but also to illustrate that not all MTO products are produced equally. Impact of minerals on the stability of vitamins The oxidation of vitamins, such as vitamin E, can reduce the function of vitamins, and its cause could be the oxidation of fats but, frequently, it is due to the action of trace minerals. The type and particularly the form of the trace minerals will influence their effect on the stability of the vitamin. When it comes to trace minerals, oxidation-reduction reactions are the predominant cause of vitamin instability. The type of trace mineral will influence its reactivity, and, more critically, the way the trace mineral is presented plays an even more important role in its influence on the stability of vitamins. Studies examining the stability of vitamin E in the presence of inorganic or organic minerals show that in the inorganic form, the minerals can be detrimental to the stability of the vitamin molecule. However, depending on the source of MTO, the use of chelated minerals may not cause such a dramatic decrease. Antioxidant function may be compromised by mineral choice Additional research evaluating the effect of minerals in food components has established that commonly used antioxidants can be compromised with the use of inorganic minerals. Furthermore, the data indicate that in cases where MTOs have shown weak mineral absorption, there is a significant negative impact on antioxidant activity. The choice of organic trace minerals, therefore, plays a fundamental role in ensuring the quality and stability of food components. Conclusions When it comes to mineral choice, organic trace minerals are much less likely to adversely affect essential nutrients, such as vitamins, compared to inorganic sources. However, not all forms of organic minerals react in the same way. Therefore, we encourage diet formulators to pay more attention to their ingredient choices in order to not only maximize nutrition, but also the quality and stability of pet food. Source: Alltech
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