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New CFIA-approved algae product will enable producers to bring DHA-enriched pork, milk and eggs to market

 Algae nutritional products from Alltech are now registered with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for use in the diets of pigs, dairy cows and laying hens. The DHA found within algae can naturally enrich pork, milk and eggs. Canadian dairy, swine and layer producers will be able to market their DHA-enriched products as value-added functional foods, meeting consumer demand for nutrient-rich foods and beverages.

“Consumers are becoming increasingly nutrition-focused, seeking out foods that provide specific health benefits when shopping at the supermarket,” said Nikki Putnam, registered dietitian nutritionist at Alltech. “They’re demanding more nutrition out of each bite while asking farmers and the food industry to keep their food fresh and flavorful. Alltech’s ForPlus and All-G Rich dried micro-algae fermentation products give producers the opportunity to increase the nutrient content of pork, milk and eggs without changing the flavour and quality consumers expect.”

Algae are gaining attention for their application to the feed and food industries as a highly sustainable source of DHA. Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is an omega-3 fatty acid naturally found in some species of algae and in fatty fish used for fish oil. Research has demonstrated DHA’s importance as an essential nutrient for health at all stages of both human and animal life. In humans, DHA is essential for brain and eye development. Plentiful levels of dietary DHA are also linked to improved cognitive function and learning ability in children, including benefits for children with ADHD, as well as reduced risk of coronary heart disease, depression and Alzheimer’s disease.

As such, Alltech is continuing to expand its algae DHA plant, one of only two plants commercially producing high-DHA heterotrophic microalgae. The facility, which is capable of producing approximately 15,000 tons of algae per year, has already been updated since its opening in early 2011.

“Alltech’s newly received approval from the CFIA on ForPlus and All-G Rich is an incredible step forward in sustainable animal agriculture,” said Stuart McGregor, Alltech Canada general manager. “This will provide the Canadian market with a renewable and competitive advantage to enrich pork, milk and eggs with DHA while also offering a sustainable alternative to current DHA omega-3 fatty acid sources that are depleting global fish stocks.”


Source: Alltech


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The FCDC and AgSmart Bring Plant Breeding to a Wider Audience

Video: The FCDC and AgSmart Bring Plant Breeding to a Wider Audience

In the vast prairies of Alberta, Olds College’s Field Crop Development Centre (FCDC) stands as a beacon of innovation and research in the agricultural world. The institution has become a key player in advancing agricultural technologies and practices. The FCDC’s commitment to applied research has driven them to seek effective means of disseminating their findings and creating a positive impact on the farming community.

One such avenue that aligns with their mission is AgSmart, an event dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge agricultural technologies. The coming together of the FCDC’s annual Field Day and Ag Smart has proved to be a natural fit, fostering a synergy that benefits both parties and propels the agriculture industry forward. The FCDC Field Day took part in conjunction with AgSmart for the first time this week on Aug. 1-2 in Olds, Alta. FCDC Program Director Kofi Agblor and Olds College VP of Development Todd Ormann sat down for an interview with Marc Zienkiewicz to discuss the significance of the two events taking part together and what the future holds.

The Intersection of Research and Technology The essence of the FCDC lies in its dedication to plant breeding and new seed varieties, particularly barley and triticale. While conducting research is essential, it becomes meaningful when its benefits are shared with the wider community. This is where AgSmart steps in, providing a key venue for the FCDC to showcase their research. This union between research and technology creates a holistic and enriching experience for farmers, ranchers, and industry professionals, the pair said.

Seeds as Technology For the FCDC, the partnership with AgSmart goes beyond mere event collaboration. It is about creating an environment that bridges the gap between seeds and smart technology, Ormann said. The college believes that for technology to truly revolutionize agriculture, it must begin with a strong foundation — high-quality seeds. As the saying goes, “it all starts with a seed.” To demonstrate this critical aspect, the collaboration aims to showcase the seed value chain as an integral part of the smartphone.

The Birth of a Powerful Alliance The idea of joining forces emerged when staff realized the potential synergy between AgSmart and the FCDC Field Day. With just a few days separating the two events, a proposal was put forward to merge them. The marketing and communications teams from both sides worked seamlessly to ensure the essence of both events remained intact, creating a powerful alliance that leverages the strengths of each, Agblor said.

Driving Advancements in Breeding For Agblor, the partnership with AgSmart has tremendous potential to drive advancements in breeding and other technology. With technologies like drones and imaging becoming integral to phenotyping, breeding is no longer confined to vast fields to assess thousands of plants manually. Instead, it benefits from the data-rich insights brought about by smart technologies. These advancements make breeding more efficient, precise, and instrumental in shaping the future of agriculture.

Overcoming Challenges Together While the partnership between Olds College and Ag Smart has been a resounding success, there are challenges on the horizon. Securing stable funding for long-term breeding initiatives is crucial to sustain progress. The college is committed to navigating these challenges and investing in agriculture’s future sustainably, Agblor said.