Medium-chain fatty acids are molecules with 6-12 carbon chains that have shown functional activities beneficial to all phases of swine production and value chain movement.

June 1, 2018

3 Min Read
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As the pork industry across the U.S. and Canada prepares for a new landscape of dramatically evolved rules, expectations and demands affecting how pigs are raised, advances in the science behind a groundbreaking feed additive technology are generating fresh solutions to help producers and their industry transition to the future.

A feed additive option at the forefront of these advances is medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) technology, which will be featured at the World Pork Expo on June 6-8 in Des Moines, Iowa. MCFAs are molecules consisting of 6-12 carbon chains that have shown functional activities beneficial to all phases of swine production and value chain movement.

Two leading providers of MCFA technology options are U.S.-based PMI Nutritional Additives and Canada-based Canadian Bio-Systems Inc. (CBS Inc.). Both companies are strategic partners with Nuscience, a member of the Royal Agrifirm Group, to help bring the best MCFA products -- including the latest-generation product brands, OutPace and Biotica -- to their respective countries.

“The swine industry has entered an important time of evolution that demands new science-based solutions,” said Dr. Peter Karnezos, research director of PMI Nutritional Additives. “MCFA technology represents a leading area of innovation that can play a central role in helping to meet today’s challenges as pork production continues to shift toward a new toolbox for the 21st century. We look forward to sharing the latest information at the World Pork Expo.”

A rising focus for producers and the industry is how to optimize intrinsic health and immunity, including via feed additives that can positively support gut wellness and morphology. Research is uncovering new opportunities for functional feed ingredients, including their potential to help with strategies to address top challenges. These include supporting animals during common periods of stress such as diet change, movement or other wellness challenges.

Expanding the toolbox

According to the companies, studies have confirmed that the foundation of the potential of MCFA as a potent, bio-based functional feed additive is rooted in its unique molecular composition. MCFAs are “free” fatty acids that are unbranched, with no double bonds or ring structures, making them highly maneuverable and active immediately.

Studies have also shown that leading commercial blends of MCFAs are beneficial when pigs are fed diets with or without antimicrobials, according to the announcement. However, with the shift toward greater restrictions on antimicrobial use and stricter judicious use principles, they have garnered increasing attention as a top option to help producers transition to these new realities.

“The latest formulations featuring MCFA technology are built for now and for the future; they fit the direction progressive companies and producers are adopting to stay ahead of the curve,” CBS Inc. technical director Rob Patterson said. “They represent a ‘triple-win’ tool — benefiting the animals, producers and the industry as a whole. As a non-pharmaceutical, bio-based feed additive, MCFA options also fit the type of production input that is increasingly preferred and well accepted by the marketplace.”

Fresh knowledge at World Pork Expo

New information on the latest information, options and opportunities with MCFA technology, including details on OutPace from PMI Nutritional Additives and Biotica from CBS Inc., will be showcased at the World Pork Expo. Attendees can get information by visiting the PMI Nutritional Additives tent (#G523) and CBS Inc. tent (#G413).

PMI Nutritional Additives, headquartered in Arden Hills, Minn., delivers animal feed additives that optimize performance by supporting nutrient utilization, gut health and integrity. Through a comprehensive innovation approach across component verticals, species and geographies, PMI leverages the most advanced ingredients and technologies to develop products that add value and efficacy for nutritionists, manufacturers, veterinarians and producers.

CBS Inc., based in Calgary, Alb., is an innovation-focused company with global reach that researches, develops and manufactures a wide range of bio-based products used in feed, food and industrial applications. It is a pioneer and leader in enzymes and other bio-based feed technology options, leveraging more than 30 years of research and development.

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