Natural products in animal feed : analysis, characterization and biological modelisation – Feed In Tech

The use of plants and plant extracts in animal health and nutrition is an ancient practice known for centuries and used worldwide. It is nowadays coming back to fashion due to the fact that it allows to satisfy the request of the consumers to have access to a healthy food (including for food from animal origin) without residues, environment-friendly and in accordance with animal welfare. Moreover, recent technological innovations, in particular in the analytical field, allow a very accurate identification of the natural products used; hypotheses on the modes of action associated to the chemical structures can be formulated, therefore satisfying the requests of the legislator in terms of authorization for commercialization on the animal feed market.
NOR-FEED develops, produces and sells plants and plant extracts, exclusively for animal health and nutrition markets. In these fields, the European regulation 1831-2003 specifies the required information for the commercialization of such products in terms of identification, security and efficacy. To acquire these data, NOR-FEED has developed its own know-how and has also established strong scientific partnerships, in particular with SONAS laboratory (University of Angers) for at least ten years.
FEED IN TECH project will perpetuate and strengthen the existing collaboration between SONAS laboratory and NOR-FEED, and will increase the firm competitiveness. The project will particularly focus on:
• the characterization of NOR-FEED products and the development of methods of analysis of these products,
• the understanding of the mechanisms of action of the natural ingredients in the animal through a metabolomics approach
• the study of the efficacy of the NOR-FEED products through in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo tests.
A particularly innovative action of FEED IN TECH is the development of biological models permitting a technico-economical improvement of the sourcing of assets, the optimization of the products formulations and the implementation of comparative studies between products.
To date, no laboratory of excellence has been identified at national level in the applications of plants and plant extracts in animal health and nutrition. FEED IN TECH aims to become a visible reference in this field. A proficient policy of publication and of dissemination of FEED IN TECH innovations will serve this ambition.
Research conducted by FEED IN TECH will potentially be of interest for applications in other field, in human health and nutrition in particular. FEED IN TECH will be in charge of creating partnerships to optimize the valorization of its innovations in non-competing sectors.