January 26, 2016

 

Adisseo and Novozymes launch first probiotic for poultry

 

 

         
 

Adisseo and Novozymes, two global leaders in the animal nutrition and feed additive industry, have announced the launch of Alterion, their first probiotic for poultry, on the US market as well as in a number of countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

 

Alterion has been developed from a unique strain of Bacillus subtilis, a naturally- occurring bacterium found in soil.

 

When added to feed, it allows farmers to better control gut health of animals. Alterion limits development of unwanted bacteria in digestive tracts, and optimises feed conversion by two to 2.5%, ensuring lesser feed consumption for growth development.

 

The launch is the result of an extensive collaborative programme.

 

Novozymes used its expertise in biotechnology to perform in-vitro testing and is responsible for development and production of Alterion. Adisseo, an expert in animal sciences, performed in-vivo testing and manages marketing and sales.

 

"Global trials have validated the performance and mode of action of Alterion and trial customers are very excited about the results," said Jean-Marc Dublanc, CEO of Adisseo. "This confirms that the product is ready for market and it will be gradually rolled out on a global scale. We are convinced that it will be a valuable tool for customers looking for a sustainable and economical solution to meet regulatory challenges and consumer-driven curbs on use of antibiotic growth promoters."

 

"The combined scientific expertise of our companies has made it possible to develop this consistently high-performing probiotic which improves both gut health and feed conversion and as such, can help reduce antibiotic usage in poultry," Helle Warrer Poulsen, Vice President of Animal Health & Nutrition at Novozymes, explained. "There is a clear move towards more sustainable animal farming methods. Alterion can help the industry on this journey."

 

For decades, antibiotics have been widely used in animal production to help livestock grow. However, more countries are restricting use of antibiotics for growth promotion as part of strategies to prevent development of resistance to antibiotic treatments in humans.

 

Probiotics are naturally occurring live microbes that stabilise the gut flora of poultry, pigs and other animals when ingested. They can improve animal health, growth rate and feed utilisation, thereby saving resources and improving sustainability of the animal farming industry.

 

Adisseo and Novozymes estimate the probiotics market at EUR200-300 million (US$217-326 million) and 8% to 10% annual growth. The partners strive to become key players in probiotics for animals and accelerate the expansion of this fast-growing market.