July 10, 2007

Lallemand hosts international Selenium Yeast Seminar in Denmark
 

Press release
 

To mark the official EU authorisation of Lallemand's ALKOSEL R397, the company recently hosted an international Selenium Yeast Seminar in Grenaa, Denmark.

Grenaa is home of one of the yeast fermentation plants where ALKOSEL R397 is produced to the highest standards (FAMI-QS, ISO 9001:2000). Feed and premix manufacturers, distributors, animal nutrition professionals and renowned scientists met to discuss practical applications and latest research on the role of selenium yeast in animal production and human health. Participants were also allowed to experience on-site ALKOSEL R397 production and quality control processes.

The seminar reviewed how selenium yeast supplementation in dairy cows improved milk quality, particularly by reduction of somatic cell counts, and reproductive health. High bioavailability of selenium yeast also improves selenium transfer from the cow to the calves, by elevating blood, colostrum and milk selenium contents.

Evidences point to the importance of selenium yeast in swine and poultry diets, improving performance and reducing the impact of stress factors in farmed animals. Field data presented showed that ALKOSEL R397 improved poultry performance, maternal immune transfer and reproductive functions (fertility and hatchability). In swine, large-scale trials revealed that ALKOSEL R397 could improve feed efficacy and meat quality.

Interestingly, in all studied species, using selenium yeast in the diet largely improved selenium content of end products (meat, milk, eggs), which is a true benefit considering the overall low selenium status in humans in most European countries.

A recurrent topic during the seminar was dealing with the analysis performed to guarantee product traceability from the pure feed additive to the complete feed. Lallemand is using validated analytical methods to quantify total and organic selenium content in ALKOSEL R397 in order to standardise its production.

The total selenium content in ALKOSEL R397 is guaranteed to range from 2,000 to 2,400 ppm (98 percent organic selenium), of which a minimum of 1,200 ppm is from selenomethionine, according to Lallemand. A Certificate of Analysis, stating the analytical method used for total selenium and selenomethionine determination, is provided with each batch of ALKOSEL R397, to assure customers of its quality and consistency.

Lallemand has made available a CD-Rom containing the seminar presentations as well as detailed technical information about ALKOSEL R397 production, quality control and applications in all animal species.   To receive a copy of the CD or the detailed analysis methods used for organic selenium quantification, contact Lallemand Animal Nutrition at: animal@lallemand.com or +33 (0) 562-745-555.