Enzymes in poultry diets can increase the efficiency of digestion, allow feed producers greater flexibility in the types of raw materials that can be used in feed formulation, and help improve overall sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Through the agreement with ADM, students in the poultry science program at the Alabama based university will conduct experiments in feed mill enzyme processing stability, live broiler chicken growth and in digestibility.
The Department of Poultry Science at Auburn University is led by Drs Charles and Jessica Starkey.
In terms of why feed enzyme development is critical for ADM, Randy Berka, ADM research fellow, told us:
“ADM uses enzymes across our vast portfolio, in our development of food, feed and industrial applications. Building our capabilities in enzyme development accelerates new product development and improves the production efficiency of existing products in our portfolio."
ADM collaborates with many academic institutions worldwide, he said: “We partner with academia in the development process of feed enzymes to gain valuable insights and to help spread knowledge. Typically, professors publish their findings in top-tier peer-reviewed journals, which not only helps in circulating information, but builds confidence with end users seeking unbiased information on the products they choose to use in their rations.”
ADM said Auburn University was selected because their researchers are balanced in their fundamental and applied sciences and are well respected in the industry. “Their engaged, award-winning students and industry-standard facilities will help us accomplish our shared goal and strengthen the future of our field,” added Berka.
Leveraging enzyme research network
This research partnership work is an extension of investments ADM has already made.
“Auburn University will work in concert with our best-in-class team at our Davis lab.”
In 2018, ADM opened an enzyme research facility in Davis, California. The facility explores enzyme R&D with food, feed and industrial applications in mind. The feed research relates to both ruminant and monogastric production. That lab has a particular focus on advancing enzyme-based approaches for feed as part of ADM’s joint development agreement with China’s Qingdao Vland Biotech Group.
“We are rising to the challenge of exceeding customers’ rapidly evolving needs and leading in the space,” said Berka.
He noted some of the industry-wide challenges in relation to poultry enzymes include maintaining general product stability and shelf-life, as well as thermal stability and product distribution during feed manufacturing.
