*The 2023 numbers were adjusted on April 15, 2024 

World feed production remains steady, with a slight decrease of 0.01%* to 1.29 billion metric tons

Lower demand attributed in part to more efficient use of feed

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Global animal feed production remained steady in 2023 at 1.29 billion metric tons (BMT), a slight decrease of 140,000* metric tons (MMT) — or 0.01%* — from 2022’s estimates, according to the 2024 Agri-Food Outlook, released today by Alltech. The annual survey, now in its 13^th year, includes data from 142 countries and more than 27,000 feed mills.

The overall lower demand for feed was due, in part, to the more efficient use of feed made possible by intensive production systems that focus on using animal nutrition, farm management and other technologies to lower feed intake while producing the same amount of protein, or more. A slowdown in the overall production of animal protein, in response to tight margins experienced by many feed and animal protein companies, also contributed to lower feed demand. Changing consumption patterns caused by inflation and dietary trends, higher production costs and geopolitical tensions also influenced feed production in 2023.

Top 10 countries:

The top 10 feed-producing countries are China (262.71 MMT, +0.76%), the U.S. (238.09 MMT, ‑1.13%), Brazil (83.32 MMT, +1.84%), India (52.83 MMT, +13.43%), Mexico (40.42 MMT, +0.02%), Spain (36.22 MMT*, -3.28%*), Russia (35.46 MMT, +3.83%), Vietnam (24.15 MMT, -9.63%), Japan (23.94 MMT, -1.15%) and Türkiye (23.37 MMT, -11.48%). Together, the top 10 countries produced 63.1% of the world’s feed production (same as in 2022), and almost half of the world’s global feed production is concentrated in four countries: China, the U.S., Brazil and India.

Notable species results and outlook:

• Poultry experienced an increase in broiler feed production (386.33 MMT*, +12.81 MMT*, +3.43%*) and remained flat* for layers (171.29 MMT*, +0.01 MMT, 0%).
  • Broiler feed now accounts for 29.8%* of the total feed tonnage in the world thanks to a 3.43%* increase in overall tonnage in 2023. While this growth was not uniform across all regions, the poultry sector is poised to keep holding strong in 2024 thanks to a combination of regional successes and global market dynamics. Some of the biggest factors that will contribute to the resilience of the broiler sector include reduced costs for inputs, such as feed and energy, and increases in margins and profitability.
  • For layers, there are industry-wide efforts to optimize feed efficiency and to keep pace with changing dietary trends and new purchasing power. Some markets around the globe were significantly impacted by macroeconomic challenges and disease outbreaks, which can disrupt production cycles. Still, the general outlook for the layer industry remains positive thanks to its resilience in the face of difficult circumstances, when other protein sectors often struggle to adapt.
  • The poultry sector is poised for continued strength, driven by a blend of regional successes and global market dynamics. The broiler forecast remains optimistic thanks to lower input costs, increased industrial margins and shifting consumer behaviors. For layers, challenges persist, but there are pockets of resilience and growth.
• The global pig feed production sector faced many challenges in 2023, which led to an overall decrease in pig feed production of 1.26%* (323.04 MMT*, -4.41 MMT*).
  • Latin America stood out as the only region that achieved an increase in pig feed production in 2023, while Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America — which have traditionally been the top pig feed-producing regions in the world — all faced challenges. African swine fever (ASF) continues to wreak havoc on pig production in China and Southeast Asia, where repopulation efforts are slowly proceeding.
  • The trends highlight the complex relationship between economic factors, supply dynamics and disease management in the global pig feed industry. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for sustaining animal agriculture and ensuring food security.
• Dairy feed tonnage decreased by 1.12%* (127.92 MMT*, -1.45%*), primarily due to the high cost of feed combined with low milk prices, which led farmers to make strategic adjustments that included reducing their cow numbers and/or relying more on non-commercial feed sources.
  • In Europe, dairy producers will continue to grapple with stricter environmental policies in the years ahead, and they will need to find new ways to continue growing.
  • Asia-Pacific managed to buck the downward trend and emerged as the only region that increased its dairy feed tonnage in 2023. This growth was fueled by a continued increase in the consumption of milk products there, as well as an expansion of feed production in co-operatives.
  • This shift reflects the delicate balance between economic factors and the need to sustain dairy production. Lower feed costs and higher milk prices would help right the ship.

• Beef feed production decreased by 3.78%* (119.56 MMT*, -4.70 MMT*) globally — the most pronounced downward change among all species sectors last year. Changes in cattle cycles in the United States and stricter sustainability policies in Europe had major impacts, with the Asia-Pacific beef sector notably surpassing Europe’s in 2023.
  • The substantial decline in North America was the result of lingering droughts and high production costs, among other issues.
  • While the European and North American beef industries are expected to continue declining in 2024, growth is expected in China, Brazil and Australia — highlighting the complex dynamics and landscape of beef feed production around the world.
• The aquaculture sector experienced a decline of 4.41%* (52.09 MMT, -2.40 MMT*).
  • This decline was driven in part by a significant drop in China’s supply of aqua feed due to lower fish prices, which had a far-reaching impact.
  • Latin America grew by 0.27 MMT (3.87%). Despite adverse weather conditions in that region, the demand for aqua products is still strong in Latin America, which helped aqua producers there remain resilient.
• The global pet feed industry continues to grow, albeit at a slower pace of 2.66%* (35.44 MMT*, +0.92 MMT*) in 2023. Demand for high-quality pet products and services remains high from pet owners who want only the best for their animal companions.
  • The Latin American and European* markets were the primary drivers of this growth.
• The equine feed industry experienced a decrease of 4.69%* (7.98 MMT, -0.39 MMT*) in 2023.
  • The top challenges in the equine sector include high labor and material prices.
  • The top technologies impacting the sector are biosecurity, microchipping, genetics and nutritional solutions.
  • Survey respondents said the biggest opportunities for nutritional solutions are gut health management and feed efficiency.
  • Equine feed is expected to decrease both in price and in volume during the coming year.

Notable regional results:

• North America saw a decrease of 2.8 MMT (259.26 MMT, -1.1%), with beef feed tonnage down significantly. The pig and dairy sectors also slipped slightly, but the broiler, layer and pet sectors more than made up the difference. Feed tonnage in the broiler sector was up nearly 2.9%.
• Latin America experienced growth in 2023 by 2.46 MMT (200.67 MMT, +1.24%). Despite high production costs, geopolitical tensions and changing consumer behavior due to economic reasons, the region continues to be among the global growth leaders*, mainly because of its export-driven aquaculture, poultry and pork markets.
• Europe continued its downward trend in feed production, with a decrease of 7.59 MMT* (261.89 MMT*, -2.82%*) due to issues that included the invasion in Ukraine and the spread of animal diseases such as African swine fever (ASF) and avian influenza (AI).
• Asia-Pacific led feed production growth in 2023, with an increase of 6.54 MMT (475.33 MMT, +1.4%). Feed production growth in the region’s ruminant sectors offset a setback in the aqua sector. The region is home to several of the top 10 feed-producing countries, including China, India, Vietnam and Japan.
• Africa experienced continued but slower growth with an increase of 1.94%*, nearly 1 MMT to total 51.42 MMT.
• The Middle East saw a slight decrease of 0.12 MMT (35.93 MMT, -0.32%).
• Oceania grew 3.71% or 0.39 MMT to total 10.78 MMT.

Alltech works together with feed mills and industry and government entities around the world to compile data and insights to provide an assessment of feed production each year. Compound feed production and prices were collected by Alltech’s global sales team and in partnership with local feed associations in the first quarter of 2024. These figures are estimates and are intended to serve as an information resource for industry stakeholders.

To access more data and insights from the 2024 Alltech Agri-Food Outlook, including an interactive global map, visit alltech.com/agri-food-outlook.

[BANGKOK, Thailand] — Alltech recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in Thailand alongside more than 120 industry partners and friends, including representatives of prominent agri-food companies.

In 1998, Alltech entered the Thai market. It was a time of financial crisis within the region yet Alltech could see the market’s potential and its increasingly important role in global food supply. Alltech Thailand began with two team members, and today more than 50 Alltech team members are dedicated to serving the country’s agriculture sector. An initial facility and warehouse in Thailand were established in 2006 and production operations were relocated to the current facility in Samutprakarn in 2015 to meet growing demand in both the Thai and Southeast Asian markets.

Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech, reflected on the company’s long-standing commitment to the country and its partnerships with Thailand-based customers.

“Within Alltech, we are committed to Working Together for a Planet of Plenty. Thailand represents some of our most enduring examples of this effort,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “Together, with our customers, we have advanced the efficient and sustainable production of nutrition and are cultivating a prosperous world of abundance through Thailand’s agri-food sector.”

Steadfast in its commitment to providing smarter and sustainable solutions for customers, including feed mills, integrators and animal farms, Alltech continues to invest in local production while leveraging the best of its global network and knowledge to the benefits of its customers. These efforts have catalyzed rapid growth in Thailand’s agricultural industry, positioning the nation as a key player on the global stage.

Over the past quarter century, Thailand’s agricultural sector has prioritized enhancing efficiency and productivity, advancing aquaculture and livestock production, fostering value addition for agricultural products, and ensuring food security.

Alltech has forged deep connections and established significant strategic partnerships within the local industry. Its long-standing relationships with market leaders have allowed Alltech — and its customers — to grow and navigate the evolving agri-food industry.

On Feb. 15, Alltech finalized an agreement with Thai Wah Public Co., an agri-food business with operations in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and India, to collaborate on reducing carbon in Asian agri-food with precision nutrition, digital farming, waste management and carbon footprint assessments. This collaboration is the second formal partnership in two years to focus on sustainable farming in Thailand. On March 9, 2023, Alltech formed a partnership with the Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand (DPO) to pioneer nutrition innovation and sustainable dairy farming, leveraging global expertise and technologies to expand and develop dairy and beef cattle production in Thailand.

Dedicated to ensuring customers’ competitiveness and to driving innovation within the industry, Alltech Thailand remains committed to educating customers through seminars and workshops, enriching their knowledge and keeping them at the forefront of leading agri-food research and technologies.

Alltech Thailand and its 5,000 Alltech colleagues around the world share a commitment to supporting the agri-food sector in providing nutrition for all while supporting local economies and revitalizing the planet’s natural resources.

“Our devoted local team remains ready to provide unparalleled expertise to the Thai market,” said Jonathan Forrest Wilson, president of Alltech Asia-Pacific. “This reflects our dedication to forging long term mutually beneficial collaborations and contributing to the thriving business landscape in Thailand. As we celebrate this milestone, our commitment to lasting partnerships remains at the forefront of our mission.” 

Understanding contamination risk in feed and ingredients

There is growing awareness of the presence of trace heavy metals in the feed industry and their potential impacts on animal and human health.

Trace metals are naturally occurring elements, used in many industries and needed for regular body function in animals and humans. Zinc, iron and copper, for example, are essential in trace amounts. However, they can be toxic even at moderately elevated levels, and heavy metal poisoning occurs when too much of a particular metal is absorbed by the body. Mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic are the most common metals to cause exposure at toxic levels.

The general population can be exposed to heavy metal contaminants through drinking water, dust, and fumes and from a variety of food sources (Atafar et al., 2010). Toxic heavy metals can be transferred into edible animal products such as meat, milk and eggs, and thus be passed into the human food chain. High levels of exposure to these compounds in humans can be toxic, with many having carcinogenic properties.

The buildup of heavy metals within animal protein sources can be attributed to the contamination of certain feed ingredients (Vremane et al., 1986; Spragg, 2008), with the potential for contamination originating from:

• Exposure to groundwater and soil with high levels of heavy metals during crop production (transfer into plant material)
• Bioaccumulation higher along the food chain (e.g., mercury in carnivores)
• Raw material processing (e.g., for inorganic mineral extraction and recycling)
• Cross-contamination during processing or transport, or in the feed mill

Understanding the risks within the feed industry

The past decade has seen growing scrutiny regarding the potential for heavy metal contamination in animal feeds. This is due to a number of high-profile food safety alerts. For example, in both 2020 and 2021, batches of dog foods from Europe were found to contain excessive levels of cadmium, and inorganic mineral sources destined for the feed industry are often reported by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in the RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed) Portal.

Other parts of the world, however, do not have such advanced monitoring or alert systems, and much of the risk may be missed or underestimated.

The Alltech 2023 Asia-Pacific Toxic Heavy Metal Survey

An ongoing effort to quantify the risk of toxic heavy metals to the feed industry has been carried out by Alltech in the Asia-Pacific region. Alltech initiated the survey in 2010 and has issued nine comprehensive reports so far, which have become essential benchmarks for assessing contamination risks in animal feed and trace minerals.

The survey analyzed 735 samples collected from 12 countries across the Asia-Pacific region, bringing the total number of samples analyzed to over 7,000 since the survey was launched in 2010.

Consistent with previous years, the survey evaluated lead, arsenic and cadmium levels, applying the European Union’s maximum allowable thresholds to determine contamination risks. The analysis encompassed complete feed, premix, and inorganic and organic trace mineral samples, spanning various agricultural categories including pig, poultry, ruminant, aquaculture and pet.

When completed, the survey revealed a contamination level of 14% across all these Asia-Pacific samples, with analysis showing that significant contamination was found in both organic trace mineral and inorganic mineral sources.

The survey highlighted that poultry premix exhibited the highest contamination levels at 13%, followed by aquaculture (9%) and ruminant premix samples (8%). In complete feed, swine diets demonstrated the highest contamination at 14%, followed by ruminant (9%) and poultry (5%). Certain samples displayed heavy metal levels surpassing EU regulations.

The collective results of all Alltech Asia-Pacific Toxic Heavy Metal Surveys since 2010 have revealed a persistent risk of elevated contamination in Asia-Pacific samples, with an average rate of 19%. This indicates serious and ongoing risks to both animal health and the safety of the entire food chain.

Managing feed contamination risk with reputable suppliers

To reduce the risk, it is imperative that feed and animal companies source their trace minerals from reputable sources. This involves working with companies that have robust quality systems, such as the Alltech Q+™ program, that focus on product safety, consistency and traceability for high-risk materials such as mineral sources. If we can reduce the risk of heavy metal contaminants entering the food chain, that will have flow-on effects to the human food chain.

For more information about the survey, please contact your local Alltech representative or email knowyourminerals@alltech.com.

About the author: 

Tara Tiller is the global project manager of corporate accounts and companion animals for Alltech. In this role, she oversees the growth of Alltech's pet and equine business as a member of the company's larger companion animal team.

Tara first joined Alltech as its quality assurance manager for the Asia-Pacific region. In that role, which was based in Thailand, she led the establishment of production facilities in Thailand, China, India and Vietnam and traveled extensively across Asia. She subsequently joined Alltech’s Mineral Management division, where she provided technical support and offered consultations, both internally and externally, across Asia-Pacific on trace mineral nutrition, with a focus on Alltech’s organic trace mineral range.

In 2018, Tara was named Alltech's global project manager. That role, which was based in Bangkok, combined her previous technical support responsibilities with the management of Alltech’s mineral projects and programs globally. In her current position on the company's companion animal team, she continues to develop and promote solutions and services related to mineral management.

Tara received a degree in animal science and aquaculture from the University of Tasmania in Australia.

Alltech is proud to continue to partner with the Women in Food & Agriculture (WFA) Mentorship Program.  Applications are now open for new mentors of any gender and for female mentees from across the global food and agriculture sector. Now in its fourth year, the free-to-join program is dedicated to supporting women across the global food and agriculture sector by providing invaluable mentorship opportunities and has proven to be a beacon of support for women seeking guidance, advice and networking opportunities in their careers.

Findings from the WFA survey and ongoing feedback from all levels of the food and agriculture sector consistently suggest that a hurdle to greater success for women in the global agri-food industry is a lack of mentorship opportunities. To tackle this issue, WFA launched its Mentorship Program.

WFA matches applicants based on their preferences, which can include gender of mentor, areas of expertise, language and industry sector, and offers opportunities for women in food and agriculture to develop meaningful industry connections. Since the inception of the program, WFA has received an overwhelming response, with 3,051 applications from individuals seeking mentorship and 1,691 industry professionals offering their mentorship services. This remarkable level of engagement underscores the program's significance in addressing the need for mentorship opportunities within the food and agriculture sector.

To date, the program has facilitated over 562 pairings, connecting mentees with experienced mentors who provide invaluable insights and support. These pairings have spanned various roles and sectors within the industry, ranging from CEOs of agribusinesses to small-scale farmers, academics, and ag-tech professionals.

“Our partnership with the Women in Food & Agriculture mentorship program is an investment not only in the lives of women, but in the future of agriculture as the industry most integral to the nourishment and vitality of our planet,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech.

Elisabeth Mork-Eidem, global chair of WFA, expressed her enthusiasm for the program's continued success, stating, "We are delighted to see the overwhelming response to the WFA Mentorship Program, which underscores the importance of mentorship in empowering women in the food and agriculture industry. With Alltech's ongoing support, we are confident that the program will continue to make a positive impact, fostering diversity and inclusion across the sector."

Orla McAleer, chief culture officer at Alltech, reiterated the company's commitment to the program, stating, “I am excited to reaffirm our support and sponsorship of the WFA Mentorship Program in 2024. We believe in championing the advancement of women in this vital sector and helping to cultivate a more vibrant, equitable and diverse agricultural community. As a mentor and advisor to the program, I understand the value and impact the mentorship connection brings to everyone involved."

Alltech believes that inclusion cultivates creativity, drives innovation and is essential to the company’s purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty^TM. In 2019, Alltech selected Gender Equality as one of the nine United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to which the company committed to advancing.

Applications are now open for the 2024 WFA Mentorship Program, supported by Alltech, to individuals seeking mentorship as well as industry professionals interested in offering their mentorship services. The program welcomes applications from across the global food and agriculture sector, and applicants will be personally matched based on their preferences and professional objectives. For more information and to apply to be a mentor or mentee, visit https://wfa-initiative.com/mentorship-program/.

Dr. Colm Moran has been appointed chief regulatory officer at Alltech, a global leader in agriculture with more than 5,000 team members serving customers in over 120 countries.

Moran has worked with Alltech for more than 20 years, most recently serving as director of European regulatory affairs and as chairman of Alltech’s crisis management team.

“Alltech’s regulatory strategy is moving into new strength under Colm’s leadership,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “This positions Alltech firmly at the leading edge in delivering innovation to our customers.”

Moran has worked in the feed industry for 23 years and has extensive experience in zootechnical studies for registration of feed additives for livestock and poultry species. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from University of Wales, Cardiff, and three master’s degrees in food biotechnology, food regulatory affairs, and brewing and distilling — from University of Strathclyde, University of Ulster/University College Dublin, and Heriott-Wyatt University, respectively. He also has a Ph.D. in fermentation microbiology from University of Plymouth.

Moran has published more than 70 peer-reviewed articles in his subject area. He has received two international patents and has presented at numerous international conferences. He is based in Marseille, France.

Moran serves on the board of directors for the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF).

Fish, just like terrestrial animals, have specific requirements for individual minerals that must be supplied through the diet. Minerals are essential nutrients that have a plethora of biological functions within different species of cultured fish, governing their development, growth, and physiological status. For example, certain minerals quite literally form the backbone of skeletal development as fish progress through their various life-stages during the farming cycle, and these minerals also exert a profound influence on the activity of endogenous enzymes, the maintenance of ionic balance and the regulation of the endocrine system. All of these functions are critical in supporting the growth of healthy, robust fish before they reach the retailer and final consumer.

Although large advancements have been made over the past decade regarding our understanding of individual mineral requirements in fish, significant gaps in this knowledge remain and must be addressed to bridge the knowledge gap between fish and their terrestrial animal counterparts. This is further complicated by the often-underestimated fact that the field of fish nutrition is vastly different from that of terrestrial animal nutrition, because the former is comprised of hundreds of species, each with distinct farming conditions, temperature optima and gastrointestinal morphologies, compared to single species within the latter. Moreover, marine fish species are also unique in that they can also absorb minerals from their environment, through drinking water to maintain osmotic balance.

Cross-species correlations: in vitro

Despite both the existence of the knowledge gap and the physiological differences between fish and terrestrial animals, startling similarities are beginning to emerge in terms of the benefit of chelated trace minerals (CTM) in vitro and the biological responses of both animal groups to this mineral source in vivo. Recent in vitro research conducted at the Alltech Coppens Aqua Centre in the Netherlands demonstrated a 20% increase in the survival of astaxanthin within high-energy trout feeds that contained chelated minerals, compared to the same diets containing inorganic trace minerals, over the entire shelf life of the feeds tested (Figure 1). Strikingly, on the terrestrial animal side, Concarr et al. (2021) demonstrated that feed premixes for poultry that contained chelated trace minerals exhibited increased retention rates of both vitamin A and vitamin D₃ (Figure 1). Such studies demonstrate the emergence of parallels in the in vitro stability of both antioxidants and vitamins in feeds for both trout and poultry, which may be directly attributed to the mineral source included in the diets of aquatic and terrestrial animals.

Figure 1. Left: Comparison of astaxanthin survival during shelf life of trout feed containing either an inorganic or chelated mineral premix. Right: Retinol acetate loss in poultry feed premix containing either chelated (CTM) or inorganic trace minerals (ITM) (adapted from Concarr et al., 2021).

Cross-species correlations: in vivo

Similar marked parallels have recently been noted both between different fish species and between fish and terrestrial animals in terms of their biological responses to different sources of the same mineral in vivo. Selenium, for example, is a pivotal mineral whose principal role is the protection of lipid membranes against auto-oxidation, as it is a key constituent of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase.

Nguyen et al. (2019) illustrated superior levels of selenium deposition in Nile tilapia fillets when fish were fed a diet containing Sel-Plex^®, a yeast-based selenium source, compared to those fed a diet containing an inorganic selenium source (sodium selenite). A more recent study, conducted with the same species by Furuya et al. (2023), demonstrated the same trend of higher selenium deposition in the whole body of tilapia fed Sel-Plex compared to sodium selenite. The study even showed that the same level of selenium deposition could be attained when Sel-Plex was supplemented in the diet at half of the supplementation level of sodium selenite.

The results of these two studies bear a marked resemblance to those of further recent research published in Atlantic salmon (Kokkali et al., 2023), a fish species with an entirely different physiology, where the pattern of selenium deposition in the whole body of salmon was significantly influenced by the source of dietary selenium. Such observations in fish become even more noteworthy when we consider historical research conducted in poultry and dairy cows (Paton et al., 2002; Pan et al., 2007; Petrera et al., 2008) which showed strikingly similar patterns of elevated selenium deposition in both poultry eggs and milk from dairy cows when Sel-Plex was included in the diet compared to sodium selenite. Such findings serve as a stark reminder of the knowledge gaps that exist in the mineral nutrition of fish and terrestrial animals, while illustrating that the effects of dietary mineral source may transcend the species barrier (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Relationship between dietary selenium level and source with selenium deposition in different fish and terrestrial animal species, showing marked similarities in the pattern of deposition.

Mineral retention and bone density

The parallels between different fish species become even more interesting when the differences in bone density between Nile tilapia and Atlantic salmon are accounted for, given the crucial role that minerals play in the skeletal development of fish. The skeleton of the Nile tilapia is comprised of acellular bones which are far more compact compared to the cellular bone structure of the Atlantic salmon skeleton (Cohen et al., 2012). Therefore, aside from their differences in gastrointestinal morphology, these two species also exhibit differences in their skeletal structure – yet the available evidence suggests that the effect of chelated minerals on mineral deposition remains the same.

The work of Kokkali et al. (2023) in Atlantic salmon further showed that the higher retention of total minerals in fish fed chelated trace minerals also coincided with a higher amount of available dietary phosphorus compared to fish fed diets containing inorganic trace minerals, with resulting numerical increases in overall bone strength. Such results mirror those of past research (Kousoulaki et al., 2016, Figure 3) in which a 33% reduction in fillet gaping of Atlantic salmon was observed when fish were fed low-fish-meal diets supplemented with chelated minerals.

Taken together, these findings represent clear trends and further examples for today’s fish nutritionist of the importance of choosing the correct mineral source.

Figure 3. Data from Kousoulaki et al. (2016) showing mean (± SD) fillet gaping occurrence in Atlantic salmon fed diets with medium (MFM) or low (LFM) levels of fish meal and microalgae alongside supplementation of either inorganic (ITM) or chelated (CTM) trace minerals. Note the 33% reduction in fillet gaping in fish fed LFM + CTM.

Back to basics: Retention and excretion

Going back to the basics of mineral nutrition of farmed fish, the most important elements for both the nutritionist and the farmer are that the requirements of the animal are met, and that the excretion rate of the minerals fed is minimized. There is a scarcity of data within the fish nutrition literature on mineral excretion rates of different fish species, and this will undoubtedly be an important research area in the future, particularly from the point of view of preserving the health of both the fish and the farming environment. The use of chelated minerals can aid in this area due to their higher bioavailability when compared to inorganic mineral sources.

The work of Furuya et al. (2023) and Kokkali et al. (2023) suggests that reduced levels of yeast-based selenium and chelated minerals can be supplemented in the diets of both Nile tilapia and Atlantic salmon when compared to inorganic mineral sources, owing to the higher bioavailability and enhanced retention rate of the former. Subsequently, the excretion rate of minerals to the environment may be vastly decreased when the dietary mineral source is altered.

For example, in the Furuya study, the excretion rate of dietary selenium was decreased by 40%, copper by 20% and total minerals by 20% through the inclusion of yeast-derived selenium and chelated minerals at the same level as inorganic minerals. When the dietary supplementation level of yeast-derived selenium and chelated minerals was reduced to half of the level of inorganic minerals, the excretion rate of the total dietary minerals to the environment was decreased by 31%, while the same amount of dietary minerals was retained in the whole body of the fish (Figure 4). This is a powerful demonstration of how the animal’s requirements of these essential nutrients can be met while simultaneously preserving water quality and safeguarding the farming environment.

Figure 4. Data from Furuya et al. (2023, in review) showing mean (± SD) dietary selenium, copper and total dietary minerals retained and excreted from Nile tilapia fed diets supplemented with either inorganic trace minerals (ITM) or chelated trace minerals (CTM). For Se, fish were fed either yeast-derived Se or sodium selenite.

Conclusion

The chelation of minerals may enhance their bioavailability within the diet of farmed fish species, with the results of in vitro experiments translating to tangible in vivo biological responses that traverse the species barrier between fish and terrestrial animal nutrition. The emergence of consistent, cross-species patterns of response underscores the importance of including the correct mineral form in the diets of farmed fish, in terms of protecting the health of the animal, the final consumer and the environment.

About the author: 

From a young age, Dr. Philip Lyons had a passion for all things aquatic. This led to him studying for his undergraduate degree in applied freshwater and marine biology at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology in Ireland before obtaining master’s and doctoral degrees in fish nutrition from the University of Stirling Institute of Aquaculture in Scotland. His doctoral dissertation focused on the molecular profiling of the gut microbiome of farmed salmonids, and he has published widely on this topic in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

After completing his studies in 2016, Dr. Lyons immediately joined the Alltech Coppens R&D team as a research scientist. His principal responsibilities involved the organization and implementation of the company’s nutritional R&D programs, in which he focused on the advancement of innovative applied aquafeed solutions that improve fish health and performance. He is also passionate about education and supervises a number of undergraduate and postgraduate aquaculture students as part of industry-led academic research partnerships.

In his current position as global manager of aquaculture research, Dr. Lyons is now responsible for the aquaculture research efforts of Alltech worldwide.

I want to learn more about nutrition for aquaculture. 

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] — E. Michael Castle II has been appointed chief operations and financial officer at Alltech.

Castle has been with Alltech for 19 years, most recently serving as chief operating officer and CEO of the Alltech Feed Division. He has deep experience in the business globally, having also served as chief administrative and legal officer, among other roles.

Castle began his career at Alltech as an engineering intern. He went on to earn a Juris Doctor from Washington University St. Louis School of Law and then returned to Alltech.

"Having worked with Alltech for almost two decades, Mike has Alltech DNA through and through. He worked closely with our leadership team and my father on many of the most important deals in our history. Since the passing of Dr. Pearse Lyons in 2018, Mike and I have worked hand in glove to lead the business,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “In all his endeavors, Mike has demonstrated unparalleled dedication, exemplary leadership and a passion for excellence. He is an invaluable asset to Alltech – and a trusted friend and colleague to me. There is no one better prepared — and no one I'd rather work alongside — to lead Alltech into the future.”

Castle is supported in leadership of Alltech’s financial strategy by:

• May Xu, deputy CFO, audit and reporting
• Flora Djojo, chief tax officer
• AnaLucia Medrano, who has been promoted to director of financial planning and analysis (FP&A). Medrano most recently served as finance director of Alltech Crop Science.
• Hemant Gandhi, vice president of finance, global treasury

Alric Blake, former CFO and CEO of Alltech who served as interim CFO over 2023 Q3-Q4, will remain a senior advisor to the business.

“Alltech has an exciting future built on its strong foundation of helping farmers, ranchers and producers nourish the world and nurture the planet,” said Castle. “I am pleased to continue working alongside Dr. Mark Lyons to help Alltech capitalize on opportunities to provide solutions that improve the health of animals and the soil, maximize the value of feed, increase on-farm efficiency and help lower environmental impact.”

Alltech Norway recently held its sixth annual Lunch and Learn event, a feed seminar for fish farmers, to address the specific issues affecting the Norwegian salmon industry.

Lunch and Learn 2024 brought together industry experts to discuss crucial aspects of aquaculture production, with a focus on sustainability, market trends, feed optimization and health considerations for key species, such as shrimp and salmon. The insightful presentations delivered during the event shed light on various challenges and opportunities for aqua farmers, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of the aquafeed industry.

Here are some key takeaways from the presentations shared at the event.

Novel Sharma's aquaculture outlook: A shifting tide

Novel Sharma, a seafood analyst with Rabobank, kicked off the event by highlighting the significant impact of aquaculture production on key species like shrimp and salmon. The industry is expected to experience growth in 2024, with the forecast predicting that salmon will surpass pork and poultry in trade volume. Challenges do still loom, however — especially in the shrimp market, with an imbalance in Ecuador’s demand and supply leading to a slowdown in pricing. The emphasis on sustainability metrics — particularly on reducing emissions — has emerged as a collaborative opportunity for companies to enhance their environmental consciousness.

Guido Crolla's deep dive into sustainability: Balancing costs and conservation

Guido Crolla, manager of procurement at Alltech Coppens, spoke about the evolving landscape of aquafeed and stressed the need to redefine sustainability in ways that consider factors like digestibility, net energy, the gut microbiome and local sourcing of feed materials. Crolla went on to identify circular practices, marine independency and lifecycle assessments (LCA) as key components of sustainable fish feed. He also highlighted the potential for achieving cost savings through sustainable practices, making a compelling case for businesses to prioritize sustainability.

Dr. Vivi Koletsi's mycotoxin warning: Safeguarding salmon growth

Dr. Vivi Koletsi, global aqua technical sales support at Alltech Coppens, explored the risks posed by emerging mycotoxins — specifically enniatin B and beauvericin — in Norway’s salmon feeds. Salmon farmers are being urged to pay attention to these mycotoxins, which have been found in feeds at levels as high as 250 parts per billion (ppb), even though the generally recommended safe limits are between 20 to 50 ppb. Dr. Koletsi stressed the importance of producers making informed management decisions to protect both their salmon growth and their operational profits from the detrimental effects of mycotoxins.

Elin Kvamme's mineral nutrition insights: Embracing insects and their environmental impact

Elin Kvamme, aqua director at Innovafeed, shared details about insects as a promising alternative for mineral nutrition in aqua production. The low CO₂ footprint of insects, coupled with their ability to convert low-value agricultural waste into raw materials, makes them an environmentally friendly choice. The production of black soldier flies, whose short lifecycle lasts only 45 days, was highlighted as an efficient and suitable option for vertical farming. Kvamme added that the nutritional profiles of insect-based feeds are comparable to fishmeal, leading to improvements in feed conversion ratios (FCR) in freshwater operations.

Alltech’s and Nofima’s mineral research collaboration: A four-year journey

Maren Skare Rullestad, project coordinator at Alltech, and Marialena Kokkali, researcher at Nofima, discussed the two institutes’ four-year strategic research alliance, with a focus on their mineral projects. This collaborative effort included studies of supplementation with micro-ingredients, with a particular emphasis on how zinc levels can impact salmon health. The research has shown that organic selenium could potentially help improve salmon health and reduce emissions.

Mona Gjessing’s overview of gill challenges in farmed salmon and trout

Mona Gjessing, researcher at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, discussed some of the health challenges that are most commonly seen in farmed salmon and trout. In order to find a widespread solution that will help resolve these challenges, the whole aquaculture community — including specialists in the fields of genetics, water quality, clinical signs and pathology — must work together more closely. Looking at these problems from as many different angles as possible will allow us to solve unanswered questions about gill diseases and other challenges in aquaculture production.

Henrik Hareide’s overview of R&D licenses in Norway

Henrik Hareide, consultant and partner at BøeHareide, has many years of experience in the aquaculture industry, including nine years with the Directorate of Fisheries. This wealth of knowledge has given him insights into R&D licenses — a topic that interests many in the aquaculture industry. Licenses must be relevant to the industry, Henrik explained, and must have a targeted purpose while remaining transparent and being undertaken at the right scale. Henrik then discussed some of the factors that should be considered when applying for an R&D license in Norway, including the length of the license period, the goals of the license, and a clear plan for publishing the results in order to remain transparent.

Conclusion

The 2024 Lunch and Learn event offered attendees a comprehensive look into the challenges and opportunities facing the aquaculture industry. The day’s focus on sustainability, feed optimization and health considerations illustrated a collective commitment to navigating the future of aquaculture in ways that are both practical and environmentally responsible. Altogether, the presentations delivered by the expert speakers highlighted the need for collaboration, innovation and taking a holistic approach to ensure a thriving and sustainable aquafeed industry in the years to come.

About the author:

Niamh McNally is the partnership manager for Alltech. In her work, Niamh plays a pivotal role in uniting internal and external teams and fostering impactful communications and collaborations around cattle and the climate.

Niamh has a varied background in marketing, with notable experience in both the genealogy and construction industries. Since joining Alltech in 2018, she has also been involved in driving the company’s aquaculture marketing and communication initiatives.

I want to learn more about nutrition for aquaculture. 

[LEXINGTON, Kentucky] — Alltech, a leading global animal health and nutrition company, has been awarded a silver medal from EcoVadis — putting it in the top 25% of sustainable companies globally. The EcoVadis silver medal testifies to Alltech’s purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty^TM and its commitment to prioritizing the efficient production of nutritious food while minimizing environmental impact, implementing environmentally and economically sustainable solutions, promoting fair labor practices and fostering ethical business conduct. 

Alltech has also earned the EcoVadis platinum medal for its production site in Springfield, Kentucky, USA, which puts it in the top 1% of the over 200,000 businesses assessed by EcoVadis. Alltech Coppens, which produces industrial feeds for the aquaculture sector, earned gold-medal status, putting it in the top 7% of sustainable companies globally.

“We are delighted to have received multiple EcoVadis medals, as an external endorsement of Alltech’s ongoing commitment to the journey that is sustainability,” said Tara McCarthy, global vice president of ESG at Alltech.

EcoVadis is the world’s most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, intelligence and collaborative performance improvement tools for global supply chains. Backed by a powerful technology platform and a global team of domain experts, EcoVadis assesses companies on environmental, social and ethical performance in over 200 purchasing categories and 175 countries.

“At Alltech, we see opportunities in every challenge. We are dedicated to delivering smarter, more sustainable solutions to advance the health and performance of animals while also lowering their impact on the environment,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “These awards from EcoVadis recognize the actions we are taking to align our business with our Planet of Plenty purpose — working together to provide nutrition for all, revitalize local economies and replenish the planet’s natural resources.”

Earlier this year, Alltech released its 2022 Alltech Sustainability Report, which demonstrates the actions the company is taking to align the business with its commitments to the United Nations Global Compact, the U.N. Ten Principles and the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, the report outlines the steps Alltech has taken to promote an inclusive work environment and highlights its team members’ efforts to make a difference in the communities in which they live and work.

For more information, visit Alltech.com.

[HELMOND, Netherlands] – Alltech Coppens, a global specialist in developing, producing and marketing fish feed and nutrition solutions, has been awarded a gold medal from EcoVadis — putting them in the top 7% of sustainable companies globally. The EcoVadis gold medal is a testament to Alltech Coppens’s dedication to sustainability across its entire value chain. The company has implemented robust initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, promote fair labour practices and foster ethical business conduct. 

“In today's environment of challenge and change, it is wonderful to have received an EcoVadis gold medal as evidence to our ongoing commitment to the journey that is sustainability,” said Tara McCarthy, global vice president of ESG at Alltech. “This external endorsement from the EcoVadis team, renowned for their rigour and high standards, is testament to the robust progress and dedication of our teams as we work together for a Planet of Plenty™.”

EcoVadis, a globally recognized sustainability ratings platform, assesses companies based on their environmental, social and ethical performance. Backed by a powerful technology platform and a global team of over 1,000 experts, EcoVadis assess companies on environmental, social and ethical performance in over 200 purchasing categories and 175 countries.

“EcoVadis is one of the world's most trusted business sustainability ratings,” said Ronald Faber, CEO and global aqua lead at Alltech Coppens. “EcoVadis helps Alltech Coppens to manage our ESG risk and compliance, meet our sustainability goals and drive impact at scale by guiding the sustainability performance improvement of our company and our value chain.”

For more information, visit AlltechCoppens.com.