Knowledge swap opens up probiotic possibilities
Salmon farmers may get new products to keep fish healthy after speciality chemicals giant Evonik teamed up with Chinese biotech firm Vland to work on innovations for probiotics in animal nutrition.
The companies aim to develop new business opportunities for probiotics in aquaculture, as well as livestock and plant care applications.
Evonik, based in Essen, Germany, is already involved in aquaculture through its supply of pharmaceutical-grade hydrogen peroxide for de-lousing salmon.
Process technology
It is also partnering science-based conglomerate Royal DSM in the joint venture Veramaris, which is constructing a $200 million facility for producing omega-3 fatty acids from natural marine algae for animal nutrition in Nebraska in the US.
In a press release, Evonik said that it and Vland would exchange know-how, develop new products and improve process technology.
Vland focuses on enzymes, probiotics and animal health, providing core technology support for biological manufacturing, green solutions for food safety and also clean energy saving technology for biotech industries.
Cornerstone of gut health
Evonik said that in combination with its strong global market presence and key focus on technology and application in gut health solutions, the new cooperation is expected to bring mutual benefits to both partners.
“Probiotics are already a cornerstone of our gut health solution program, and now together with Vland we believe we can develop this even further,” said Dr Emmanuel Auer, head of Evonik’s animal nutrition business line.
“We know the challenges our customers face, we understand the physiology of the animals, and have decades of experience in animal nutrition which will complement Vland’s technological innovations.”
