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Nanostructured carriers for improved cattle feed

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - NanoFEED (Nanostructured carriers for improved cattle feed)

Période du rapport: 2020-02-01 au 2023-04-30

Aim of NanoFEED was development of novel feed additives enhancing the efficacy of cattle production. The problem with current methods is in high metabolic use of vitamins, amino acids, mineral and other food supplements by microorganisms in rumen. NanoFEED aimed to employ novel nano/microencapulation process which protects the ingredients from metabolism in rumen and enabling their efficient absorption in small intestine. The enhanced efficacy of production would help to reach more sustainable production of milk and meat.

Objective: Nanostructured carriers for improved cattle feed (NanoFEED) project aimed to develop intersectorial cooperation to deliver novel fodder (feed mixture, feed supplements) based on nano- and microencapsulation techniques for controlled release of nutrients solving nutritional deficiencies of cattle, while preventing and reducing diseases and boosting their immunity.

NanoFEED has achieved its goal through the accomplishment of the following specific sub-objectives through the proposed activities:
● Ensure a high degree of collaboration between academic and industrial organizations: Networking Activities.
● Go beyond the current state of the art: Researcher & Training Activities.
● Increase intersectoral transfer of knowledge: Workshop Activities.
● Ensure high level of innovation capacity: Innovation Activities.
● Ensure communication to the scientific community and to the public: Dissemination and Outreach Activities.
In first reporting period NanoFEED developed encapsulation strategies using core/shell electrospraying and spray drying for molecules such as vitamins, minerals, aminoacids and proteins. The ongoing testing was performed in cell culture models and was further used for in vivo testing.
For in vivo testing, novel encapsulated feed produced by coating to (nano)aggregates at high pressure and temperature, was developed and used. The results show that rumen degradability of encapsulated feed decreased and that is why total utilisation of nutrients increased.
The second encapsulation technology - spray drying is currently in process of IP protection.
The NanoFEED project creates collaboration through various networks, research, training, workshops, innovation, and promotional events. Organization of workshops also contributed to our public outreach and research communication.
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.
NanoFEED particles
NanoFEED encapsulated final feed
NanoFEED concept