Science and Technology in Precision Ingredients

On the one hand, science is a systematic process that studies and understands the natural world through observation, experimentation, and analysis. Science is based on a scientific method, which means asking questions, formulating hypotheses to test them, and analyzing the results to develop theories and laws; it aims to build a reliable body of knowledge about how things function in nature.

On the other hand, technology refers to the practical implementation of scientific knowledge to develop tools, systems, and processes that solve problems and satisfy human needs. It includes a wide range of approaches, from electronic devices to industrial production methods as well as medical and communication techniques.

After all, they are deeply interrelated and often drive each other.

Science provides the necessary knowledge to understand nutritional needs and how ingredients affect pet health and well-being.

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• Animal nutrition: Investigate the specific dietary needs of different pets and how nutrients (proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals) affect their health.
   
• Digestion and metabolism: Study how animals digest and metabolize food and how different formulations can optimize nutrient absorption.
   

Technology in pet food manufacturing includes methods and tools used to transform ingredients into high-quality pet food.
 

• Extrusion process: Use equipment to make and shape ingredients at high-precision and temperature levels, manufacturing kibbles and other pet food forms.
   
• Drying technology: Eliminate pet food moisture through drying techniques, ensuring its stability and longevity.
   
• Formulation and mixture: Ensure uniform distribution of ingredients by using technologies to mix ingredients with precision.
   

Moreover, vitamins and trace minerals are essential compounds for pet nutrition, playing a crucial role in their health and well-being. Science and technology have significantly advanced in formulating and incorporating these substances into pet food. Below is detailed information about how technology and science manage vitamins and trace minerals is provided.

Vitamins and Minerals in Formulations

Accurate formulation: Technology allows accurate formulation to ensure that vitamins and minerals are in the correct amounts. Both nutrients measure in ppm (parts per million), so precise inclusion, distribution, and bioavailability are important. Software and mathematical models calculate the exact nutritional needs in each formula.

Vitamins and Minerals Stability

Chemical stability: Vitamins and minerals can break down during processing and storage. Science has developed more stable vitamins, such as vitamin E —in the form of mixed tocopherols— with better oxidation resistance, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which can be damaged by the extrusion process and is sensitive to temperature, humidity, pH, oxygen, and light. However, technology has developed chemical structures such as the 'ascorbyl polyphosphate,' which make it resistant to the pet food manufacturing process. Ascorbic acid is released by digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract, so pets ingest the necessary vitamin C (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Ascorbyl polyphosphate and ascorbic acid diagrams.

Microencapsulation: This technology covers vitamins and minerals with a protective coating to prevent their degradation and release them into the digestive tract in a controlled way.
 

Sources of Vitamins and Minerals

Synthetic vs. natural vitamins: Synthetic vitamins, such as vitamin A and vitamin D3, are used because of their stability and efficacy, while other formulas incorporate natural sources for a complete nutritional profile.
 

Chelated minerals: Trace minerals combine amino acids and other compounds to make chelates, improving their absorption and bioavailability in the pets' digestive tract (Figure 2).
 

Figure 2: Available sources of trace minerals in the market.

Absorption and Bioavailability Technologies

• Bioavailable forms of vitamins and minerals: The selection of vitamins and minerals easily absorbable is key. For example, zinc in the chelated form is more bioavailable than organic zinc.
   
• Controlled release technology: Some ingredients are designed to gradually release nutrients, which can enhance vitamin and mineral efficiency and absorption.
   

To sum up, combining science and technology in pet food manufacturing allows the development of safe, efficient, and high-quality products that meet pet nutritional needs. Science provides the required knowledge, while technology employs it to create and control the production process.

By: Armando Enríquez de la Fuente Blanquet

Source: All Pet Food Magazine