Periodic Reporting for period 2 - NanoFEED (Nanostructured carriers for improved cattle feed)
Période du rapport: 2020-02-01 au 2023-04-30
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.
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.
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.