The key objective of NanoFEED project was the development of drug delivery systems (nano- and microparticle based feed supplements) to cure dietary disorders of cattle. The project focused on encapsulation of bio-based food additives (vitamins, amino acids, proteins) to prevent their metabolism in rumen and efficient release in abomasum or small intestine. The innovation is based on the encapsulation of feed supplements into polymeric nano- and microparticles with the core-shell structure, which allow the retention of biological activity of transferred substances and their release in the small intestine. Nanoparticles were prepared via electrohydrodynamic atomization and microparticles via spray drying technology. The effect of prepared particles solving nutritional disorders in cattle was tested in vitro and in vivo. Final particles will be prepared for industrial production.
NanoFEED aimed to develop and validate novel feed components. Specifically, nano and microparticles with active ingredients were tested in vitro and in vivo with shown positive impact on rumen degradability and intestinal digestibility of active ingredients and their bioavailability.
Based on the project activities and results small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), technological companies have obtained more detailed knowledge and information that help them better understand the specific area of livestock sector (dairy cattle). Their technological innovation can be better tailored in the field of breeding of farm animals aimed at better economic and environmental efficiency of breeding (better feed conversion without increasing costs, less methane emissions).
The active presence of NanoFEED at different workshops which were multi-layered, including – but not limited to new business collaboration outlooks between the agri-food SME stakeholders present at the workshops; enhanced collaboration among academic representatives to develop policies to enhance the visibility of disruptive animal feed solutions, and other industrial applications; and, development of roadmaps to facilitate the wider uptake of cutting-edge, advanced and transformative technological solutions for the SME communities.
Through targeted engagement of agri-feed stakeholders (mostly SMEs), we have created specific avenues for products, farm additional income and value chains from cattle fed with innovative, nanostructured feed. We have expanded the knowledge base on the links between agriculture and the use of cutting-edge technological solutions in the context of sustainable farming and breeding practices.
