Evonik announced that it has made the strategic decision to launch its own guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) product that is used to enhance energy metabolism in livestock production.

The market launch is planned as soon as possible, Evonik said, and became necessary after AlzChem Group AG terminated its supply agreement with Evonik effective Dec. 31, 2018. The GAA product CreAMINO currently distributed by Evonik is manufactured by AlzChem.

Evonik said it will continue to supply its customers until at least the end of 2018. The termination of the AlzChem contract will open options for Evonik to further develop the use of GAA in animal nutrition and to supply the global market with its own GAA product, the company said.

"With our comprehensive animal nutrition expertise and our broad portfolio of feed additives, we are the perfect partner for the use of GAA in modern feeding concepts," said Dr. Emmanuel Auer, head of the Animal Nutrition Business Line at Evonik. "The product is an important element in healthy, efficient and sustainable animal nutrition. That's why we are working hard on a new solution and are pleased to take full ownership of GAA production."

GAA is an essential component for animals in building creatine, and it also serves as a key source of arginine, Evonik explained. Creatine is vital for vertebrates as it contributes to ensuring that muscle cells are supplied with energy. With the addition of GAA to animal feed, the feed conversion in livestock production can be improved.