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April 2024

9 Industry News

COLUMNS

6 Roger Gilbert

7 Joseph P Kearns

8 Professor Simon Davies

FEATURES

14 Heat-treated bacterial strains

18 Canine Oral Health

20 Mealworms For PetFood Recipes

Low Ash Content With An Interesting Mineral Profile

24 Equine Culinary World

What a cover shot! How many of our pet owner readers have woken to this viewand felt the breath of their pet cat in their face? Plenty, I’m sure.

Sometimes this is a comforting thing but sometimes it’s not, especially if that warm air comes with a slight unpleasant smell to it.

While Professor Simon Davies points out in his editorial this month (see next page), that ‘domestic cats are very lively,’ which helps them find their way onto our beds and into our faces in the mornings, it has become something we expect and appreciate.

Roger Gilbert Publisher, International Petfood Magazine

Professor Davies takes us through muscle strength in cats (how they can bounce up so effortlessly to greet us) and how we can help them maintain that youthful vigour. He sets the scene for a whole range of valuable insights that this edition contains.

But what about dogs in this regard? Protix of The Netherlands addresses this subject for our second most important pet, the dog. It draws our attention to canine oral health in a lead feature on insect-based petfoods, which suggests that black soldier fly content in feeds reduces a dog’s bad breath: an interesting point.

However, overriding this is our lead feature which takes a look at the ‘Role of improving gut barrier function’ (see pages 14-17) and the implications this has.

As all our readers will know and understand by now, the manufacturer of petfood is all about bringing the nutritional benefits to the fore while managing the manufacturing process

in such a way as to ensure we deliver what the animal and the nutritionist expects to be in the ration and that it is in a form that is completely digestible to reduce the volume of waste.

We offer a second focus on insect materials in this edition in an article on ‘Mealworms in petfood recipes with low ash content and an interesting mineral profile.’ (See page 20).

After that we make a complete switch and discuss the ‘Diets and food habits of horses’ (see page 24). Written by our managing editor Jyothsna Nelloolichalil who reiterates the need to allow horses to graze and gain most of their nutrition from grass.

However, supplementation is still required to meet overall needs which is often provide in formulated commercial feeds which are more precisely formulated to meet specific needs and provide essential vitamins, minerals and proteins in addition to fibre. Water should not be overlooked (see page 24).

Towards the back we feature 4B Braime Components and their range of grain handling and storage equipment with up-to-date computerised technologies that are making the task of the feed manufacturer even more manageable, safer and controlled.

We report on the IFF course on pelleting compound feeds and Joe Kearns and his Trouble Shooting column. And there’s more beyond culminating in an interview with Stig Victor Petersen of Biomega in Norway. I hope you find this edition as interesting as we did pulling it together!

Our last edition

Did you miss our January 2023 edition? If so, don’t panic!

You can still read all of the great quality content that we published last month on our App – which you can download from the Apple Store, Google Play or online at: https://magstand.com/petfood – with the latter platform granting you the opportunity to see all of our back editions on the screen of your desktop computer.

What you may have missed…

Women in The Pet Industry –The Innovators

by Shannon Parsons, International Petfood, UK

Women’s Month, and more specifically International Women’s Day on March 8, has arrived and International Petfood would love to celebrate the women who are a driving force within the industry. Previously, for many years the pet industry was a male dominated field, yet in the last decade or so there has been a boom of women entering the field. New companies have emerged, new innovations, techniques, and knowledge gained because of women, and we have all seen the growth that women have provided for petfood.

To read more, go to: https://issuu.com/international_ aquafeed/docs/ipf2403_web

Visit to ICC Brazil A revolution in yeast

By Niamh Cassidy, International Petfood, UK

International Petfood Magazine recently had the opportunity to visit ICC in Brazilto visit the Santo Antonio Yeast plant, and intheir unit inJundiaí, Sao Paulo. The opportunity to see the production process up close was a greatly informative andhighlighted the necessity of yeast additives in the industry

To read more, go to: https://issuu.com/international_ aquafeed/docs/ipf2403_web

The Interview

Danny Chang, Sales Director, CPM (IDAH), Taiwan

Danny Chang holds a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Southern California. After graduating in 2011, Danny started his career with IDAH, which joined CPM’s family of brands in 2023. Danny was named general manager in 2013 as his background and years of experience in the industry helped him develop strong production knowledge and market insights in protein products. In that same year, he also received United States Patent for inventing counterrotating twin screw extruder for aquafeed. Under Danny’s guidance and IDAH’s nearly 50 years of experience in food, feed and biofuel, the brand has become a leader in shrimp feed solutions in Asia.

To read more, go to: https://issuu.com/international_ aquafeed/docs/ipf2403_web

A message crossed my desk from Grace Lansbury on behalf of the Kennel Store in the UK. The topic was about stolen dogs and pets in the UK and preventives that can be taken to avoid these situations. This topic was one causing thoughts on the whys and where and the possible comparisons.

THE EDITOR

Joseph P Kearns Editor, International Petfood Magazine

Reviewing nearly 2500 dogs were stolen in 2023, up about six percent over 2022 with English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and XL Bullies being identified as the top three breeds taken in the UK. Looking at the Kennel Store’s web page they supply very secure kennel back yard systems to keep dogs safer. The suggested methods to reduce theft were Microchip your pet, don’t leave them outside, be mindful in public, identification collar and be cautious of strangers.

Looking into this from a broader point of view research showed in the USA nearly 1,000,000 dogs a year are stolen with the four top breeds stolen being French Bulldog, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever and German Shepherds.

Reviewing from a value point of view it was seen that the average dog in the USA costs US$50 to $3000 per dog. Tibetan Mastiffs being the most expensive. Well kind of hard to carry off a Mastiff so it can be understood that the expensive cute smaller dogs are at risk. Why, seems to be a market for selling stolen dogs due to increase in demand during and since our bout with COVID. Additional illegal dog breeders can increase their breeding of dogs at a low cost for high value dogs, steal and breed them. It is a sad topic as pets are family members. Also, just as sad is that fact that it is very hard to catch the culprits and the low priority placed on this by law enforcement as we all know they seem to be quite busy with other pressing problems.

The percentage of dogs taken in the UK based on an estimated 13.5 million dogs would be less then one percent with the USA percentage being in the 1.5 percent range. 65.1 million dogs versus one million taken. Further searches of dog populations became interesting as what are the number of dogs in various countries and the data shows the USA, Brasil, China, Japan, Russia, UK, Germany, India, Argentina and Spain are the top 10 in terms of dog population. One site stated that 50 percent of the world population owns a pet of some sort with Central America and South America recently being some of the fastest growing dog ownership areas. Other bits of interesting information, China has over 100,000,000 dogs, India dog ownership increased 58 percent over the last five years, Switzerland dog population reduced ten percent over the same period. Russia loves cats with 60 percent of the population having a cat. Brasil is big on small dogs with 101 small dogs per 1000 people. Reviewing the numbers above it can clearly be seen that pets is a huge business not only from honest individuals but dishonest as well.

Looking at the USA on a total pet basis it was reported that 65.1 million dogs, 46.5 million cats, 11.1 million fish and 6.7 million small animals such as gerbils, mice, chinchillas etc. are owned.

When these kinds of numbers are reviewed it becomes logical to understand how the petfood, pet supplies and the

pets themselves results in business model which are growing steadily. The USA has a pet related business of 136.8 billion per year, not counting vet visits. Of this total 100 billion is petfood related. Worldwide the total pet business is near 325 billion on a similar basis. When you consider the total volume of this business is amazingly huge.

Recently visited a pet store and noted a 44 lb or 20 kilo bag of standard dogfood was in the US$25 range for 40 to 50 lb bag. Reports show that the cost to feed a dog can vary greatly as when using lower quality petfood it can cost US$30 to US$75 per month or about US$600 per year. Quality petfood would cost in the area of US$150 to 300.00 per month. This would average out to be about US$2700 per year. It is quite a range in costs with options for all pet owners. As a note, US$30 to US$90 is considered the cost for cat food and litter per month on an average basis.

What causes the difference in petfood costs? Mainly the ingredients are considered the most expensive part of petfood production. This can be seen when reviewing the ingredient list on a package of petfood. For example, meat meals used in lower cost petfoods versus ground deboned meat in the expensive products would be a major difference. This would not only be the cost of these ingredients but the machinery needed to handle and use fresh meats versus dried meat meals. Obviously, there are other ingredients and qualities available as well as novel ingredients which have a big effect of final costs. Plant design as well as chilled handling areas needed for meat injections and increased equipment required are needed for raw meat inclusions. Tests proved inclusion of fresh meat during extrusion and fats added in the extruder and topically applied greatly increase palatability. The nutritional balance of meats and or meat meals is considered to be excellent and when mixed with the balance of the ingredients there is a full range of possibilities available.

The process varies as formulation vary. When adding high moisture ingredients such as deboned meats or other wet ingredient possibilities such as vegetables, fats and other slurries the moisture becomes the limiting factor in frictional cooking extruders. The cooking methods are with heat either generated from friction development, thermal cook with steam injection and heat exchanger methods or combinations of these. Today most of the dry and semi moist style petfoods are produced with frictional and steam injection extruder heating style extruders.

Limitations as noted above would be in the area of a total moisture in the lower 30 percent ranges. Meats and higher moisture ingredients are added while added water is reduced to keep in operational ranges. The moisture level in the meat has a big impact on how much can be added in these kinds of systems. About 20 percent in a single screw design and 25 percent in a twin-screw design based on standard 65 percent moisture meat.

The industry is full of all sorts and styles of machines and systems to produce a wide range of products. Keep in mind there are limits in both directions as these machines are evolving to make specific products effectively. Discussions of these ranges should be considered so you are aware of your production possibilities.

The Role of Nutrition in Muscle Strength, Health & Development in Cats

The domestic cat is a very lively animal and especially in its younger years. As a natural hunter it must be agile and able to meet stringent demands on its muscular system. As such it is vital to support the development and maintenance of muscle integrity of this popular companion animal. I shall discuss in this editorial how good nutrition is of paramount importance to your cat’s muscular health and status. Muscle health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being in cats, impacting their mobility, strength, and vitality. Cats are agile and athletic animals known for their prowess in hunting and exploration, all of which heavily rely on muscle strength and function.

1. Mobility and Agility

• Strong and healthy muscles are vital for supporting cats’ agility and mobility. Well-developed muscles enable cats to climb, jump, run, and pounce effectively, allowing them to navigate their environment with ease.

• Cats with weak or atrophied muscles may experience difficulties in performing basic movements, hindering their ability to engage in activities essential for their physical and mental stimulation.

2. Body Mass and Composition

• Muscle mass contributes significantly to a cat’s overall body composition. Lean muscle mass is essential for maintaining a healthy body weight and body condition score.

• Cats with inadequate muscle mass may appear frail or underweight, while excessive muscle loss can lead to a condition known as sarcopenia, characterized by muscle wasting and weakness.

3. Functional Abilities

• Muscles play a critical role in supporting various physiological functions in cats, including digestion, respiration, and circulation. Strong muscles aid in proper digestion by facilitating peristalsis and maintaining abdominal tone.

• Respiratory muscles are essential for efficient breathing, while cardiovascular muscles help circulate blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs.

4. Balance and Stability

• Muscular strength contributes to cats’ balance and stability, enabling them to maintain control over their body movements and posture. Well-developed muscles in the core and limbs provide cats with stability during activities such as walking, running, and jumping.

• Cats with weakened muscles may experience difficulties in maintaining balance, leading to instability, falls, and potential injuries.

Professor Simon Davies Nutrition Editor, International Petfood

Nutrition plays a critical role in the overall health and wellbeing of cats, including their muscle strength and development. Proper nutrition ensures that cats receive essential nutrients to support their muscular system, aiding in activities such as running, jumping, and hunting.

Nutrients

Essential for Muscle Strength and Development

Proteins are fundamental for muscle growth and repair. They provide essential amino acids necessary for muscle tissue synthesis. High-quality animal-based protein sources such as chicken, turkey, and fish are ideal for meeting cats’ protein requirements. Adequate protein intake is essential for kittens’ growth and development, ensuring proper muscle formation. In adult cats, protein supports muscle maintenance and repair, particularly in active or senior cats. Fats and carbohydrates provide energy for muscle activity. While cats are obligate carnivores and do not require carbohydrates as a primary energy source, moderate amounts of digestible carbohydrates from sources like rice and oats can provide energy for muscle activity. Various vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus play crucial roles in muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and overall muscle health. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, found in fish oil and certain plant oils, support muscle health by reducing inflammation and promoting optimal muscle function.

Cats with insufficient dietary energy may experience muscle weakness and fatigue, affecting their overall strength and mobility. Optimal levels of vitamins and minerals are necessary for proper muscle function. Deficiencies in key nutrients can lead to muscle cramping, weakness, and impaired movement. A balanced diet rich in high-quality protein helps maintain lean body mass, supporting overall muscle strength and agility in cats. All leading brands of cat food are formulated to meet these requirements.

Practical Recommendations for Feline Muscle Health

Choose a balanced cat food formulated to meet feline nutritional requirements, with a focus on animal-based proteins and essential fatty acids. Ensure access to fresh water at all times, as hydration is vital for muscle function and overall health. Encourage regular play and exercise to promote muscle strength and agility in cats, helping maintain healthy body composition.

In conclusion, nutrition plays a pivotal role in supporting muscle strength and development in cats. A balanced diet rich in high-quality protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals is essential for promoting optimal muscle health throughout all life stages. By prioritizing proper nutrition and providing adequate exercise, cat owners can contribute to their feline companions’ overall wellbeing and muscular vitality.

The PetFood Journal

Petfood Journal is a new online publication by Perendale Publishers Ltd., United Kingdom with a distinguished track record of technical and trade magazines in the agricultural sciences. This new peer-reviewed scientific journal will serve academia and the commercial petfood industry with high quality papers relating to the science and technology of petfood development and production for the rapidly expanding companion animal sector. It is envisaged to address fundamental and applied nutritional research addressing requirements for advanced feed production manufacturing for dogs, cats and many other species such as guinea pigs, rabbits, rats and exotics e.g. reptiles, amphibia and fish (aquatics). The journal will embrace information on essential amino acids, proteins and energy sources as well as key vitamins and minerals pertaining to maintenance, growth, feed utilisation efficiency and health. A major area will be studies that focus on feed ingredient assessment and in particular those that are sustainable alternatives to traditional sources. Therefore investigations directed towards plant and next generation proteins like insect meal, algae and microbial sources would be desirable areas. Novel oils and lipids that provide essential fatty acids would be of considerable importance. Studies on functional ingredients affecting the health and immune function of pet animals are attractive. We would welcome papers researching the role of prebiotics, probiotics and phytobiotics on gut health, mucosal immunity and their interaction and modulation of the intestinal microbiota. Petfoods play a significant role in animal behaviour due to palatability and smell. Research on these interactions would be welcome and of interest to the scientific community and stakeholders.

Given the diversity of different types of commercial diets ranging from wet, canned and extruded dry diets as well as treats and speciality diets, there is much scope to provide information on these advances. We also cover papers on feed production manufacture such as milling, pelleting, shaping and texture of petfoods such as extrusion. The journal recognises that petfood science & manufacturing technology plays a vital role in promoting the health and well-being of our pets. Optimal feed management and environmental impact of diets are worthy of inclusion. Manuscripts can consist of scientific work in the form of typical standard papers, short scientific communications or as review articles.

In essence, Petfood Journal will appeal to the veterinary practitioner, scientist, technician, feed manufacturer and at various levels in academia such as undergraduate, masters, PhD students and post-doctoral, researcher, being an invaluable source of validated information and a potential location for their own research findings. The manuscripts will be fully peer-reviewed by appropriate members of our editorial board and approved finally by the Editor-in Chief.

These OA papers will be available on our official website Internationalpetfood.co.uk and printed as well as being downloadable. Links will be provided within our existing International Petfood magazine. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with any queries at journal@perendale.co.uk.

Portland Pet Food Company introduces new distribution in Hong Kong

Portland Pet Food Company, a manufacturer specialising in human-grade dog and cat food meals and treats, announced its extended international distribution network through partnership with Caesars Diffusion Limited in Hong Kong. This announcement solidifies Portland Pet Food Company’s position as a global rising star within the petfood industry.

The company’s impressive performance – ranking among the top-five growth brands in the petfood industry channel for 2023, according to SPINS – underscores

the brand’s promising trajectory and commitment to excellence.

Caesars Diffusion Limited is a leading Hong Kong-based pet care company that distributes and sells food, treats, supplements and toys for dogs and cats. Katie McCarron, the founder of Portland Pet Food Company, says she is enthusiastic about partnering with Caesars Diffusion, and that the brands have a shared dedication to delivering top-notch products within the pet specialty channel.

Portland Pet Food Company is experiencing remarkable growth on both the international and domestic fronts, fuelled by its steadfast commitment to pet nutrition and holistic well-being.

Over the last six months, the company has significantly expanded its retail presence, now reaching more than 5200 stores globally. Portland Pet Food

Company has also been buoyed by its aforementioned status as a top-five brand in the petfood industry channel, with its line of meals outpacing the industry’s growth by more than 12 times the category average among the top-100 petfood brands. This dedication to quality resonates deeply with consumers and retail partners alike, driving widespread demand for the brand’s products worldwide.

“Partnering with Portland Pet Food Company is truly a pleasure,” said Kapo Tang, director of Caesars Diffusion Limited. “Their unmatched commitment to the pet industry and exceptional standards make them a standout choice. Their professionalism and dedication to producing high quality human grade products align perfectly with our values, making them an ideal partner.”

Vital Essentials® unveils new innovations at Global Pet Expo 2024

Vital Essentials®, the flagship brand of the Carnivore Meat Company, will return to Global Pet Expo 2024 in Orlando, Florida, from March 20-22 at booth #454. The raw pet food pioneer will unveil its first-ever high-quality Frozen Bulk Dog Patties as well as introduce its newest Raw Bar innovation, Freeze-Dried Raw Bar Quail Snacks, to retailers and consumers at the event.

To meet the demand of the majority of consumers who gravitate toward larger, bulk packaging for frozen dog food, Vital Essentials introduces its new Bulk Frozen Dog Food options –available in its top three selling proteins – to deliver the highquality and convenient solutions that retailers and their customer’s desire. Additionally, they are unveiling Freeze-Dried Raw Bar Quail Snacks that will be sold to retail in packs of 20 units, offering nutritional benefits for dogs’ health and vitality, packed with high-quality protein, B vitamins to support skin health, and Omega-3 fatty acids.

“With decades of experience in the meat industry, we pride ourselves on sourcing the highest quality raw Butcher Cut Protein,” says Nick Ebert, Chief Commercial Officer at Vital Essentials. “Whether freezedried or frozen, a raw diet is only as good as the quality of the protein you feed your pet. That’s why you won’t find any grains or fillers in Vital Essentials. Just whole animal protein for the essential nutrients and enzymes pets need to live vital lives.”

To further exemplify its commitment to leveling up a dog’s nutrition and wellbeing, Vital Essentials will offer Global Pet Expo attendees a first look at its new groundbreaking partnership with KONG. The alliance brings together Vital Essentials’ expertise in premium freeze-dried pet foods with KONG’s iconic durable toys, offering uncompromising pet owners a powerful combination to level up their dog’s food & playtime, exclusively available this spring at independent pet retail partners across the country. The limited supply display will feature six units of exclusive product bundles with an offer that includes a Vital Essentials 14 oz Freeze-Dried Raw Beef Mini-Nibs Dog Food and get a FREE Medium KONG Toy (suggested MSRP US$13.0015.99) or large KONG Classic Toy (suggested MSRP US$15.99US$17.99).

In addition to offering an in-

depth look, sampling, and ordering opportunities of its Butcher Cut Protein at Global Pet Expo, Vital Essentials is proud to host live demos of its frozen dog food patties to illustrate the freshness of its food. In the demonstration, attendees will witness a sideby-side comparison of Vital Essentials’ raw frozen patties to its competitors to compare the color and freshness that sets Vital Essentials above the rest. This includes the myoglobin (sometimes referenced as blood) that represents its nutrientdense, whole animal protein. The events will illustrate the rigorous standards in sourcing and production that go into every package and the impossibly high standards set in all Vital Essentials Butcher Cut Protein.

Global Pet Expo attendees are invited to meet the Vital Essentials team at booth #454 to discover the difference in Butcher Cut Protein.

THE EXPERT IN FEED, FLOUR MILLING AND FOOD PRODUCTION RECRUITMENT POSITIONS RECRUITED:

� CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER

� GENERAL MANAGERS

� MANAGING DIRECTORS

� CHIEF MILLERS

RECRUITING GLOBALLY

� FEED & POULTRY MANAGERS

West Paw introduces a new Creamy Dog Treat recipe

West Paw CEO, Spencer Williams, announced a new nut butter recipe has been added to company’s line of mess-free, squeezable creamy dog treats - Peanut Butter, Kelp and Spirulina.

These simple, plant-based dog treats have been a great on-the-go option for pet parents, delivered in a squeezable, mess-free pouch that can be used as a treat on its own, or in combination with a variety of West Paw puzzle and treat toys. The new recipe, Peanut Butter, Kelp and Spirulina, brings a variety of valuable benefits to dogs and is made with sustainably sourced, fully traceable ingredients, as well as organic palm oil, that is aligned with West Paw’s overall mission.

“Dogs love our Creamy Treats, and pet parents appreciate the nutrient rich, sustainable ingredients we source for our complete product line,” Williams said. “This new recipe is not only delicious, but packed with incredible health benefits our dogs need most.”

Specifically, the Kelp offers great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while nutrient rich Spirulina promotes healthy cell generation and boosts the immune system. Fresh, high quality peanut butter is rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins B&E, niacin and is a flavour dogs love. All ingredients are verified

by the non-GMO Project.

“Great for on-the-go or as a topper to enrich any dog’s mealtime, we’re really thrilled to be announcing this new recipe following the recent launch of our new Feast Mat,” Williams added.

In addition to a love of pet, at the heart of West Paw’s mission is the planet. The new Creamy Dog Treats are made sustainably with USA and globally sourced ingredients that are fully traceable and verified by the non-GMO project.

“We’re proud to manufacture only the highest quality, environmentally conscious and safe products for our dogs, and our line of treats continue to expand

CBD Dog Health to launch New CBD Dog Treats

CBD Dog Health, a pioneer in the pet wellness industry, announces the release of two new CBD dog treats, developed in collaboration with two women-owned businesses. Nina’s Edibles were created in collaboration with Ruby Balaram, CEO and Founder of Real Dog Box; and Blanche’s Edibles were developed in a joint effort with Charisa Antigua and Carmina O’Connor, Founders of CocoTherapy.

CBD Dog Health’s founder Angela Ardolino cites her passion for providing pets with the best life possible, as well as her commitment to sourcing pure ingredients, which led her to join forces with these partners to create two exclusive, CBD-infused and nutrient-packed treats.

Nina’s Edibles are a loving tribute to Angela’s beloved doberman Nina, who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Angela struggled to fill the need for wholesome, pure treats that would nourish her senior dog without feeding the cancer. Inspired by her experience with Nina and the other rescues on her farm, Angela collaborated with Real Dog Box to curate a delicious blend of real food ingredients—including turkey, duck, wild-caught anchovies, and organic

Symrise honoured for its sustainability

For years, Symrise has been systematically reducing its direct greenhouse gas emissions as well as those in its supply chain. The Holzminden-based company’s commitment to cutting upstream emissions has now been recognised by the nonprofit organisation CDP (formerly Carbon Disclosure Project) with a top A grade in the Supplier Engagement Ratio (SER).

Symrise has drawn up a Code of Conduct governing responsible sourcing that applies to all its suppliers. As a next step, the group aims to increase the number of suppliers that meet these strict requirements. These measures have earned the manufacturer of fragrances and flavourings a

mushrooms—to create the perfect crunchy meatball treat. Each bag of Nina’s Edibles contains 250mg of CBD Dog Health’s proprietary Full Spectrum Hemp Extract, ensuring a delightful combination of real nutrition and holistic wellness for our furry companions.

Blanche’s Edibles, developed in concert with CocoTherapy, are organic, vegan, grain- and glutenfree treats designed for pets with sensitive stomachs. Using premium coconut and coconut oil sourced from CocoTherapy’s family farm in the Philippines, these treats are the epitome of nature’s goodness. Each bag contains 250mg of CBD Dog Health’s proprietary Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD, providing the perfect combination of whole food nutrition and natural calming CBD for pets, helping to keep them nourished and calm.

Ardolino said, “Partnering with women-owned businesses to create these incredible CBD-infused treats—particularly Real Dog Box and CocoTherapy, who continue to advocate for holistic pet health—has been extremely exciting. We’re dedicated to offering pet parents the highest quality, real food solutions, infused with our premium Full Spectrum Hemp Extract. It’s a win-win for our beloved pets!”

place on CDP’s current Supplier Engagement Leaderboard: in 2024, Symrise ranked among the best companies worldwide to take part in the assessment.

Symrise has been making efforts for years to ensure that its suppliers increasingly satisfy strict climate protection criteria. “With more than 5000 suppliers and widely ramified supply chains, it is essential that we have the right framework conditions in place,” says Bernhard Kott, Chief Sustainability Officer at Symrise. In line with the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, the company subjected all its suppliers to a sustainability risk assessment. Moreover, Symrise aims to procure 100 percent of its strategic biological raw materials from completely sustainable sources by 2025. Helmut Frieden, Vice President corporate sustainability:

“We have set ourselves other ambitious goals as well. For example, by 2030, we intend to bring the greenhouse has emissions generated by our own business activities down to net zero.”

Just as in the previous year, Symrise’s commitment earned it a top A grade from the nonprofit organisation CDP in 2023. “This excellent result in the rating motivates us to continue our chosen path. In the future, we want to increase the number of suppliers who define their own environmental targets as part of the CDP Supply Chain Program. After all, sustainable raw materials sourcing exerts a substantial impact on our long-term success. More and more customers and consumers are attaching importance to transparency and traceability in the supply chain,” says Bernhard Kott.

BetterBone wins award at Global Pet Expo

BetterBone by Blue Standard, a quickly emerging brand of innovative all-natural and sustainable dog chews, was awarded the Best New Natural Product by American Pet Products Association (APPA) at Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Fl.

Winning Best in Show in the highly competitive Natural Category, BetterBone’s unique design and health-promoting benefits were selected from hundreds of products in Global Pet Expo’s New Product Showcase, further strengthening its position of being the safer, allnatural alternative to nylon and rawhide dog chews.

Better for your dog and better for the planet, BetterBone is the natural alternative to nylon, made from only two premium, food-grade ingredients and rigorously tested for safely.

Now available in 3 densities and 3 sizes, there is BetterBone for every dog. Soft is perfect for puppies and seniors, medium is the perfect

balance of durability and tooth-safe for medium to hard chewers, and hard is built to last for the most aggressive chewers.

“We are beyond thrilled that BetterBone won the New Product Showcase Award in the Natural Category at Global Pet Expo 2024,” states Chisholm Weaver, CEO and Co-Founder of BetterBone. “At BetterBone, we believe what goes into your dog’s chew matters. That’s why we source only the finest, GMO-free ingredients for our chews. Winning this prestigious award in a competitive field is a testament to our dedication to providing the best products for our furry friends.”

BetterBone recognises that dental health is more than just achieving fresh breath for pets; it’s about preventing dental issues that affect their overall well-being. By incorporating dental chews into a dog’s daily routine, pet owners can help prevent oral diseases and improve their dog’s overall health and well-being.

Bulk Sampling?

Heat-treated bacterial strains

lo e in improving gut barrier

Rby Lallemand, France

The Lactobacillus genus contains the most widely used and well-documented strains of probiotics, but there are several practical limitations to their commercial application in animal feeds. The nutraceutical potential of heat-treated microbials (‘postbiotics’) processed from specific strains of bacteria is rapidly emerging.

Heat-treated probiotic cells are recognised to contribute to immunomodulation, protection against enteropathogens and the maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. At Lallemand, we implement a specific gentle heat treatment process inactivating microbial cells, which results in a shelf-stable bacterial cell still able to support pet health.

Lallemand Animal Nutrition recently conducted a study in collaboration with the University of Plymouth to compare the beneficial effect of dietary supplementation with

f u n c t noi

Lactobacillus-based products, either live (probiotic) or Lalprobiome heat-treated (postbiotic), in supporting gut barrier integrity using zebrafish as a vertebrate model.

Why Zebrafish?

Since 1960’s, the 3R’s principle (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) has been recognised as a scientific standard for the ethical use of animals and is required in the legislation framework of animal experimentation worldwide. Animal models remain an essential measure in helping researchers to identify and understand biological mechanisms and disease progression, as well as develop new therapeutic possibilities. Mammalian models are replaced by animals considered as less sentient and the use of zebrafish (Danio rerio) has exponentially increased among the scientific community over recent decades. Zebrafish genetic, anatomical and physiological homology to mammals provides an alternative model to rodents and provides superior information to in vitro modelling. Due to the considerable benefits, Lallemand are using zebrafish in many of their research projects.

Gut barrier function: why is it important?

Pathogens have two main pathways for entry into the body: the skin and mucosal surfaces. The gastro-intestinal tract is constantly challenged by multiple stimuli, required to discriminate against pathogens and food antigens, and encounters more antigens than any other bodily site. Gut barrier function and integrity is crucial for homeostasis and immune functioning. The microbiota, mucus and epithelial cells, all act as physical and chemical barriers to protect immuno-competent cells within the gut and the internal body itself.

Goblet cells (GCs) are specialised epithelial cells that line the mucosal surface and are integral for the secretion of mucus.

Mucus forms part of the biochemical barrier found within the gut and acts as a sieve-like structure to allow passage of small and selected molecules, while separating and protecting epithelial cells from the microbiota and any potential pathogens. Beyond barrier maintenance, GCs also play a role in innate immunity, acting as antigen sensors.

A higher density and coverage of GCs indicates the maintenance of a functional mucus barrier. After the mucus barrier, intestinal epithelial cells form a physical barrier to restrict and control the paracellular diffusion of essential ions, nutrients, microorganisms and toxins. In humans, the intestinal epithelium spans between 200-400m2 and consists of a single layer of cells. Between cells, multi-protein complexes dynamically regulate barrier integrity and are the rate-limiting factor for permeability. Zonula-Occludens (ZO) is an essential protein for the formation and maintenance of these junctions and is ubiquitously expressed in epithelial cells.

compared to the Control group and the live Lalprobiome Lactobacillus helveticus HA122 (LHPro) fed group. A higher density and coverage of GCs is indicative of the ability of Lalprobiome heat-treated strains to enhance the functional mucus barrier. The gene expression of ZO (2a) was significantly upregulated in all treatment groups, with a 1.6 to 2-fold increase in comparison to the Control group.

The gut mucosal system: a unique network Approximately 70 percent of the immune cells are located within the gut, acting as an immunological barrier. The intestinal immune system is a complex network dedicated to the defence of the body against pathogens while maintaining

tolerance to beneficial microbes and food antigens. Several specialised cells (lymphocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages) are involved in this system, including, intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs). IELs are found within the epithelial layer of the intestinal mucosa and play a crucial role in immune surveillance, maintaining gut homeostasis, and responding to pathogens or other challenges. CD4+ and CD8+ are two subsets of IELs:

Interestingly, groups supplemented with Lalprobiome heat-treated Lactobacillus helveticus HA122 (LHPost) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HA119 (LPPost) showed a significant increase in GC coverage and density at gut level

• CD4+ T cells can include various subsets, which can help maintain tolerance to dietary antigens and commensal bacteria, participate in immune responses against pathogens, or assist in inflammatory processes.

• CD8+ T cells are often cytotoxic T cells, capable of directly killing infected or aberrant (abnormal) host cells.

The trial showed higher mucosal IEL numbers in all supplemented groups as well as an elevation in lymphocyte populations for all groups. There was a significant increase in CD8 cells when zebrafish were fed Lalprobiome Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HA 119 (LPPost). This demonstrates the impact of Lalprobiome postbiotic bacterial strains on gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).

The gut immune response: mucosal markers

Delving deeper into the immune system and cell functioning, we can also explore specific markers for certain aspects of gut immune responses, such as antimicrobial defence (lysozyme) and cellular processes involved in immune regulation, and tissue remodelling (cathepsin). Lysozymes are antimicrobial enzymes secreted into the mucus layer by epithelial cells, IELs

and paneth cells in the small intestine. They are part of the innate immune system and can attack the cell walls of bacteria, especially gram-positive bacteria and are a natural form of protection against pathogens such as streptococcus.

Cathepsins are involved in the regulation of tight junction proteins such as occludin and claudins. These two specific markers were significantly upregulated in both postbiotic groups during the trial. These results confirm the capacity of Lalprobiome postbiotic strains to stimulate specific immune processes in the gut micro-environment.

Using the zebrafish model as a recognised mammalian model of research, this study demonstrates the potential of selected Lalprobiome probiotic and postbiotic bacterial strains to support gut barrier integrity and natural defences which are crucial factors in supporting pet gastrointestinal homeostasis and immunity.

What is Lalprobiome?

Lalprobiome is Lallemand Animal Nutrition’s platform of innovative microbial solutions that leverage the natural power of yeast and bacteria to support pet health and well-being. Lallemand’s decades of yeast and bacteria strain selection, development, and application in human and animal nutrition, enables Lalprobiome to offer a broad range of microbial solutions to meet the needs of pets and their owners today and for the future. From digestive care to immune support, antioxidant optimisation to cognitive function, Lalprobiome pet solutions can help you elevate and differentiate your brands with novel ingredients that support unique and specific benefits.

Canine Oral Health

And Insect-Based PetFood

by Protix, Netherlands

Arecent study published in the Journal of Insects as Food and Feed into the impact of insect ingredients in dog food has reported positive effects on dental health. Volatile sulphur compound (VSC)-producing bacteria in the dental plaque were reduced and beneficial bacteria such as Moraxella were increased in saliva microbiota. The study, conducted with a diet based on the black soldier fly (BSF), shows a drop in the dreaded bad breath that afflicts many of our canine companions. The results open up exciting opportunities for pet food manufacturers to develop new applications, from treats and kibble to wet food, that capitalise on the positive oral health message.

The research

Researchers at the Federal University of Paraiba (UFBP) in Brazil reported a seven percent reduction in the bacteria that cause VSC and trigger bad breath. This outcome is particularly notable since VSC-producing bacteria would generally be expected to increase with the consumption of regular food with no dental prophylaxis. In addition, based on a metagenomic analysis, the black soldier fly diet seems to modulate saliva microbiota. The abundance of Moraxella in saliva was increased. The Moraxella group of bacteria is considered a

marker of oral health and beneficial for the oral microbiome. Finally, a panel of blind subjects was asked to evaluate the breath of eight beagle dogs after a period of 50 days being fed with the black soldier fly diet or a poultry by-product diet. Based on an organoleptic intensity scale, the dogs fed the black soldier fly diet had a ‘barely noticeable odour’, scoring a 1 compared with a 2 ‘slight but noticeable odour’ for the dogs fed with poultry by-product meal. This is good news for dog lovers, for whom halitosis can be extremely unpleasant. The study concludes that a diet based on the black soldier fly has the potential to increase dental and gum health and improve doggie bad breath. Periodontal disease is the biggest and most common health problem in dogs, affecting around 80 percent of animals over three years of age, and it’s often first identified through less-than-fragrant breath.

Mechanism of action of AMPs The anionic molecules in the membranes of bacteria attract cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) via electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Unlike bacteria, the cytoplasmic membrane of mammalian (host) cells with a neutral net charge has no or a weak interaction with cationic AMPs, meaning the host’s cells are barely affected. ProteinX contains components with antimicrobial properties that are able to disrupt the bacterial cell envelope and its homeostasis, leading to bacterial death. The components are antimicrobial peptides (AMP), such as cecropins, coprisin, defensins, cathelicidin and insect AMP-complexes; fatty acids (especially lauric acid) and polysaccharides, such as chitin.

The Halitosis problem

Halitosis is the result of proteolytic activity in the mouth, where bacteria degrade food proteins, amino acids, mucins, oral fluids and cells, generating volatile sulphur compounds which are responsible for aggravating periodontal disease and causing a bad odour in the mouth. Not only is halitosis a marker of possible tooth and gum disease, but foul-smelling breath is also a huge turn-off for even the most dedicated dog owners. Sponsored by leading innovators in insect ingredients Protix, the study involved eight female beagle dogs in a cross-over design with half of the animals fed for 50 days either a diet of extruded dry kibble containing poultry by-product meal or a comparable kibble diet containing ProteinX©- a protein meal that is produced from the larvae of the black soldier fly. The dogs were subsequently fed for a further 50 days with the opposite diet. The results were then compared. The inclusion level of ProteinX in the diet was 29.4 percent. The study shows that ProteinX opens up new opportunities for petfood manufacturers to expand their claims across a number of products, including dog treats and dry and wet food. Pet food products incorporating insect ingredients for oral health have already been successfully brought to the market. ProteinX combines palatability with good digestibility, is hypoallergenic and also more sustainable in terms of land and water use plus CO2 emissions compared with common alternatives. Thanks to its attractive balance of essential amino acids, fatty acids and minerals, it is ideally suited for healthy and sustainable pet food. Bruna Loureiro, product development manager at Protix, says: “We know that scientific facts are important to our customers and endconsumers in making decisions about their pets’ diets. We are committed to working with leading partners to establish a body of factual evidence to allow pet parents to make informed decisions.”

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Mealworms For PetFood Recipes Low Ash Content With An Interesting Mineral Profile

by Dr Lorena Sanchez, Scientific Project Manager, Sprÿng Powered by Ynsect, France

More than ever, consumers expect transparency and quality around the food they feed their animals. Pet diets remain under scrutiny as recipes boast premium ingredients and reduced unwanted additives. Many look to the ash content in a meal as a marker of protein-quality as it provides a measure of the inorganic matter of a feed material, that comes from bone, cartilage, tendons. The lower the ash level, the better quality of food. Ash levels are often a limiting factor of high-protein inclusion in pet food recipes. Full of a valuable mix of minerals that fit nutritional needs, Sprÿng’s mealworm-based ingredients are particularly attractive because they combine high protein levels with a low ash content.

Ash, a limiting factor of high-protein inclusion in pet food recipes

Crude ash provides a measure of the inorganic matter or total mineral content of a feed material, such as phosphorous, calcium, zinc and iron. It depicts a rough estimate of the amount of mineral present in a diet while being less complex and expensive to measure than individual minerals. Indeed, the ash content is calculated based on the remaining percentage of food left after combustion.

Ash can originate from mineral additives added to the product, but oftentimes, it comes from animal and fish bones, cartilage, tendons and the like that have been ground into the meat meal. As such, high ash contents are often perceived as a measure of these

low-value materials with low digestibility. Many look to ash as the key to understanding if a higher quality protein is being used in the making of a dog or cat food.

Pet food producers take great consideration in the ash content of their ingredients and end-products. While official recommendations advocate diets with less than 10% of ash, the average ash content of most commercial dog foods appears to be about 5-8 percent, with higher meat recipes averaging ash levels closer to 10% . Dry pet foods, especially those that contain higher protein concentrations and more meat meals in the ingredient list, are usually higher in ash than canned foods . The ash content is often a limiting factor of high-protein inclusion in pet food recipes but also tends to be used as a marker of protein-quality. Sprÿng ingredients are particularly attractive because of their high protein content associated with low ash levels, less than five percent.

Pet food needs to include minimal ash

Despite its link to low-value materials, don’t write off ash just yet. Essential minerals play an important role in pet health. Dogs and cats actually require roughly about two percent ash in their diet to meet their mineral needs.

Essential minerals are found in all food ingredients. In commercial pet food, they can be supplemented via specialized ingredients to provide a complete and balanced nutritional profile. For dogs and cats, these essential minerals can be divided into two separate categories: macrominerals needed in large amounts and trace minerals in very small quantities. Both support a range of body functions that help pets remain healthy, active and strong. For instance, they promote bone

development, nerve and muscle function, balancing of fluid in cells, thyroid function, skin and coat maintenance and red blood cell production.

Petfood products should contain a healthy amount of minerals to avoid medical concerns. It is important to have a balanced intake of minerals. Minerals need to be included in the right quantities - specified by the nutrient profiles and intake guidelines from public pet food organizations like the AAFCO or the FEDIAF - in the diet of cats and dogs to promote health and wellbeing of animals. The AAFCO specifications indirectly restrict ash by setting limits on calcium and phosphorus levels and their ratio.

The interesting mineral profile of mealworms

Sprÿng mealworm products are particularly attractive because they have a high protein concentration, combined with the sought-after low in ash content that meets the nutritional needs of both dogs and cats. Compared to equivalently qualitative animal protein sources, like fish or poultry, mealworms contain three to five times less ash. Our dry protein concentrate made of ground up mealworms, Protein70 only contains 3.6 percent ash for a protein concentration of 72.6 percent. This makes mealworm proteins similar to vegetal protein sources and far more interesting that animal proteins. Indeed, mealworms are a significant source of essential minerals.

Sprÿng products don’t contain a lot of ash, but the ash they do contain has an interesting mineral profile that contributes to good health and nutrition. For instance, a 20 percent inclusion of Protein70, supplies more than a third of the required mineral for phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and Sodium (Na). More importantly Protein70 will provide 90% of magnesium (Mg) intake, 72.2% copper (Cu) intake, 50.8% iron (Fe) intake, 57.6% manganese (Mn) intake and 64.2% zinc (Zn) intake recommended for an adult dog.

Similarly, it will provide 157.5% of Mg intake, 104% Cu intake, 66.8% Mn intake and 61.6% Zn intake recommended for an adult cat.

For information, magnesium is involved in hundreds of reactions in the body and supports electrolyte balance inside cells, bone structure integrity and heart cell function. Iron is important in energy metabolism, supporting notably the synthesis of red blood cells and muscle cells. Zinc is linked to skin integrity. Manganese is essential to energy metabolism and healthy bones. And finally copper helps with coat quality.

As for minerals in which there is a maximum level of inclusion, not a single macromineral or trace-element is added in excess when including 10 to 30% of our Protein70 in kibble recipes.

Added to pet food recipes, our mealworm-based products help pet food product meet the nutritional recommendations set by the AAFCO and the FEDIAF, with a balanced, rich, high-quality ingredient. Ash is an important part of pet food formulation. With our Sprÿng products, the pressure of including a premium protein source, without adding too much ash to the final product is vastly alleviated. Mealworms could be the one-size-fit-all solution to premium, high-protein pet food diets, full of interesting minerals.

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Equine Culinary World

Exploring Diets & Food Habits of Horses

In the equestrian world, horses stands as an epitome of grace, strength, and beauty. Behind their magnificent appearance lies a complex dietary system that fuels their vitality and performance. Understanding the intricacies of equine nutrition is not only essential for the well-being of these animals but also for optimising their potential across various disciplines, be it racing, show jumping, or simply leisure riding. Let’s embark on a journey into the equine culinary world to explore the diets and food habits of our noble companions.

Grass: The Staple Diet

The primary element of equine nutrition is grass. Horses are natural grazers, evolved to thrive on a diet predominantly composed of forage. Fresh pasture provides a rich source of essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The act of grazing not only fulfills their nutritional requirements but also satisfies their instinctual urge to constantly nibble and roam.

Dr. Juliet Getty, an expert in equine nutrition, emphasizes the importance of grazing in her book “Feed Your Horse Like A Horse.” Getty suggests that horses should ideally spend the majority of their time grazing on pasture, as it closely mimics their natural feeding behaviour, promoting digestive health and overall well-being.

Supplementary Feed: Balancing Act

While pasture serves as the foundation of their diet, many horses require additional supplementation to meet their nutritional needs, especially those with higher activity levels or specific dietary requirements. This supplementary feed may come in various forms, including hay, grains, and specially formulated commercial feeds.

Hay, dried grass or legumes, is a common source of roughage for horses when fresh pasture is unavailable or limited. It provides fiber essential for maintaining healthy digestion and preventing issues like colic and obesity. However, not all hay is created equal. Factors such as type, quality, and nutrient content must be considered to ensure it complements the horse’s diet effectively.

Grains, such as oats, barley, and corn, are often incorporated

by Jyothsna Nelloolichalil, International Petfood, UK

into the equine diet to boost energy levels and support performance. While grains can be a valuable source of calories and nutrients, their inclusion must be carefully managed to prevent issues like digestive upset and metabolic disorders. Consulting with an equine nutritionist is crucial to devise a feeding plan that aligns with the horse’s individual needs and activity level.

Commercial feeds, available in pellet or textured form, offer a convenient and balanced option for providing essential vitamins, minerals, and protein. These feeds are often tailored to specific age groups, activity levels, or health conditions, ensuring optimal nutrition for horses in various stages of life or training.

Water: The Unsung Hero

Amidst discussions of forage and supplementary feed, the significance of water in equine nutrition often goes overlooked. Yet, water is undeniably the unsung hero of the equine diet, playing a vital role in digestion, temperature regulation, and overall health.

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According to the American Association of Equine. Practitioners (AAEP), a horse’s daily water intake can vary significantly depending on factors such as climate, diet, and activity level. On average, a horse may consume 5 to 10 gallons of water per day, with increased demand during hot weather or strenuous exercise.

Ensuring access to clean, fresh water at all times is paramount for maintaining hydration and supporting proper bodily functions. Inadequate water intake can lead to dehydration, impeding digestion, and increasing the risk of colic and other health issues. Horse owners should routinely monitor water sources and encourage their equine companions to drink regularly, especially during warmer months or when traveling.

Special Considerations: Tailoring Diets to Individual Needs

While general dietary guidelines serve as a foundation, it’s essential to recognize that each horse is unique, with its own set of nutritional requirements and sensitivities. Factors such as age, breed, weight, health status, and activity level all influence dietary needs and feeding protocols.

For instance, senior horses may require softer forage or

specialised feeds to accommodate dental issues or age-related digestive changes. Similarly, horses with metabolic conditions like insulin resistance or equine metabolic syndrome may benefit from low-sugar diets and careful management of carbohydrate intake.

Regular evaluation by a qualified veterinarian or equine nutritionist is indispensable for assessing the horse’s condition, adjusting its diet as needed, and addressing any nutritional deficiencies or health concerns.

Conclusion

In the realm of equine nutrition, there’s no one-size-fitsall approach. Rather, it’s a delicate balance of science, observation, and individualized care. By understanding the diverse dietary needs and food habits of horses, we can ensure their well-being, longevity, and optimal performance. From the lush pastures to the carefully formulated feeds, every element of the equine diet plays a crucial role in nurturing our beloved companions.

As stewards of these magnificent creatures, it’s our responsibility to provide them with the best possible nutrition, allowing them to thrive and continue enchanting us with their grace and strength for years to come.

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4B Braime Components

Founded in the UK in 1971, 4B Braime Components, Ltd. has been an industry leader in developing high quality, innovative, and dependable material handling components for the agricultural and industrial sector. 4B has the world’s largest range of bucket elevator components, leading the field in elevator bucket and elevator bolt design and manufacturing the highest quality forged conveyor chains and elevator belting, suitable for the toughest applications.

Their electronics division specializes in level controls, intelligent sensors and safety control systems for bucket elevators and conveyors. 4B components prevent costly downtime and minimize the risk of explosions in hazardous areas. With over 130 years of engineering experience in the bulk handling industry and subsidiaries on all continents along with a worldwide network of distributors, 4B can provide practical solutions for any application no matter the location. With an extensive range of ATEX/IECEx/CSAapproved hazard monitoring systems, misalignment switches, bearing temperature monitors and level indicators, 4B can offer anything from a replacement sensor to a fully integrated hazard monitoring system that can be operated either as a stand-alone system or connected to a PLC or 4B’s cloud-based Hazardmon system.

With subsidiaries on all continents along with a worldwide network of distributors, including USA, UK, France, Deutschland, Africa, Asia, China, Australia, 4B can provide practical solutions for any application no matter the location.

Ensuring their clients have safe, reliable and efficient products is a 4B priority. Continuous research and development maintain 4B products at the cutting edge of technology. The 4B group is committed to keep up its investment in innovation and looks forward to a bright future.

The 4B Braime Group, a British PLC listed on the London Stock Exchange, has just celebrated its 130th anniversary this year. The company has been a pioneer of the material handling industry, introducing the first pressed seamless steel elevator bucket back in 1909 and since then leading the field in elevator bucket design. Innovation has always been at the heart of the group’s ethos, and maintaining their tradition of making better products by Engineering Design, 4B has contributed many innovative products and solutions to the material handling industry, including: the Starco elevator bucket (the world’s first low profile elevator bucket using centrifugal discharge on

a parabolic elevator head which revolutionized the way bucket elevators work until today), the Bolt ‘n’ Go chain system (a revolutionary assembly method for drop forged chains using bolt-on flights instead of welding), the Watchdog Elite bucket elevator monitoring system (the world’s first hazard monitoring system that could monitor a complete bucket elevator or conveyor system), and most recently Hazardmon, a cloud-based hard monitoring solution.

The 4B Braime Group has a rich heritage, tracing back its origins to the 19th century, when oilcans made in a small workshop by Thomas Braime quickly gained a reputation for quality. Thomas, the eldest son of a veterinary surgeon, was apprenticed to McLaren, an engineering company manufacturing steam traction engine, but after losing his thumb in an accident, was inspired to look for effective ways to apply oil to machinery. In 1888, he set up production in Hunslet, Leeds, using the new pressings technology. His younger brother Harry, also a skilled engineer, joined him as partner. The rise of the motor industry increased demand for metal pressings and larger premises were soon needed for the expanding business.

The current Braime buildings, with its attractive red brick and terracotta frontage, was constructed between 1911 and 1914. During the First World War, the company played an important role in armament provision, training women as skilled munition workers. The group’s headquarters remains in its listed buildings on Hunslet Road; the beautiful interiors are often used in film sets. However, today, the group is truly international with subsidiaries in North America, Europe, China, South East Asia, Africa and Australia.

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Industry Training

IFF Practical course: Pelleting of compound feed

In the EU, about 75 percent of the industrially manufactured compound feed is pelleted. The essential evaluation parameter for pellet quality is the abrasion resistance, which depends on many parameters. Physical and chemical properties of the feed formulations are to be considered as well as steam quality, conditioning, press parameters, cooling, and the stability of thermolabile additives.

Conditioning, pressing, and cooling consume more than half of the energy needed to produce compound feed. Rising energy costs require the use of savings potential. It’s worthwhile to expand knowledge and skills to ensure the economically successful operation of compound-feed production!

Expertise in pelleting is presented in an easy-tounderstand form in presentations by scientific and technical staff of the institute as well as with external support from the field and deepened in practical exercises in the institute’s technical centre. Various measurement and test methods are introduced, and their handling trained.

Course participants are enabled to master the

pelleting process in their daily professional practice and to control it with simple means. The target group are primarily employees who work directly with the pelleting process and are responsible for the quality of the pellets produced.

The course mainly appeals to employees who are directly involved in the pelleting process and can significantly influence the essential quality properties of the produced pellets (abrasion stability, moisture) by their technical know-how and experience.

The participation in this course is especially recommended for the training and further education of persons who have entered the compound-feed industry from other industries.

The course runs from 6-7 May 2024. The first day includes two hours of lectures and discussion, on agglomeration, milling and grinding, and material properties.

The second day runs for approximately two and a half hours, with lectures and discussions on the evaluation of the pellet quality, and influencing factors and processes around pelleting (Stem, conditioning, pelleting, and cooling).

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Troubleshooting

Discussion on dogfoods of different styles in the editorial and the addition of liquid containing ingredients such as meats, slurries, steam, fats or oils and water is a topic for further review. There are many different extruders in production with various designed conditioning cylinders. Singles, doubles, differential diameter and combinations of these feeding into the extruder and possibly with various levels of speed controls. The goal of preconditioning is to add liquids elevate the temperature while still having a free-flowing material continuously feeding the extruder inlet.

Sounds easy until you push the limits and having witnessed the limits conditioning was changed based on feeding the inlet, too wet and gummy did not allow long even production run as the downspout would block over. Temperature was not really an issue but the surface moisture on each particle results in uneven flow when higher moistures were attempted. Retention time became the issue which allowed time for moisture uptake from the surface into the particles yielding a more predictable even flow. An additional benefit was even heating from the added steam. Now add some fat and or meat and you are back at hard to flow mass out of the cylinder. More adjustments and effective methods developed to achieve a reasonable amount of meat and fat added in an extruder and flow evenly to the extruder barrel.

Fat and water reduce friction in an extruder designed to cook in this fashion. Therefore, friction needed to be increased in order to handle the elevated difficult to cook ingredients. The extruder barrel needed to be adjusted with more disruptive cooking elements located in the barrel. Any disruption in extruder barrel flow increases friction. Combinations of shearlocks, cut flight screws, screw volumes and end of barrel flow restriction devices allowed for smooth production up to about 20 percent fresh meat added. Combine these changes with variable speed screw adjustments allowed for the specifical mechanical energy inputs to handle these formulas. Fat could be added in the lower teens without much effect but as higher levels of these moisture and slippage ingredients were used then product densities increased. A whole new class of petfoods evolved. Twin screws showed that they also could be configured to do the same with an additional five percent meat or about 25 percent total added in the process.

Trying to reach higher levels in a frictional extrusion device became more difficult thus heat exchanger designs have allowed for even higher levels of meat to be added in an extrusion process. Conditioning also had to be elevated in order to handle higher moisture levels. As moisture levels increased there was a point the kibble was strong enough to exit the die but still a bit weak for handling thus gentle systems to reduce the moisture before the finish dryer developed.

Plant designs and meat handling systems to keep the unprocessed meat separated from the finished extruded product area developed with pumps and sanitary system to inject the meat directly in the extruder conditioner. These precautions and GMP’S, good manufacturing practices, and SOP’S, standard operating procedures, are needed in plants where FDA rules of bacteria control would be in effect.

Previously on Troubleshooting...

1. Density

An examination of product density and its relationship with moisture levels, heating, cooling feeder screw rate and automation.

2. Non-uniform and rough appearance

A guide to understanding the science involved in improving the art of making products of all the same size.

3. Extrusion dies

This article takes a look at aspects of the process including high, medium and low shear as well the adjustments required when producing feed for small mammals.

4. Dryers

The dryer is without a doubt one of the machines in the system which greatly impacts the bottom line.

5. The extruder barrel - Part 1

Forming extruders are used for some select products – thus this part of the discussion centres on single and twin designs.

6. Cook in the extruder barrel – part 2

As discussed last month, the extruder barrel has a number of functions, but the main goal is to finalise the cook, yield the desired shape with the density target.

7. Coating

The coating process has a few areas of importance, with this edition of ‘Troubleshooting’ exploring the most important of these.

8. Expanded cat food

Dry expanded cat food production is similar to dog food production, but there are some differences, with this edition exploring a choice selection of these.

9. Extrusion during operation

This month we discuss steam input into the conditioner. During the water addition process, the steam is usually in the two-bar range.

DISCOVER

Our wide range of value-added services and understanding of production and market challenges worldwide, allows us to find the right technology and the most cost-effective solutions for your business in Livestock, Aquaculture/ Aquafeed and Pet industries.

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Innovations this month April 2024

This month’s Production Showcase section features equipment and ingredients that will help in the production of petfood, taking you right from the recipe book, right up until until your product is ready to leave your factory door.

If you would like your product or service to appear on this page in a future edition of International Petfood magazine, then please contact us at editorial@perendale.co.uk

PEGASUS® 5-IN-1 MIXER by Dinnissen

The Pegasus® 5-in-1 Mixer is a true multiprocessing machine. It allows you to mix, vacuum coat, dry, germinate and acidify your product. The mixer produces flavored products with a high hygiene requirement and a fresh-sour taste sensation, such as tea, cereals, (crispy) sweets, and snacks. In sectors such as the food industry, there is an increasing need for multiprocessing machines. Production must become ever faster and more efficient, to produce the best possible product using the least number of materials and resources possible.

By combining several process steps in one machine, the Pegasus® 5-in-1 mixer saves on both cost and energy. The dual axis mixing mechanism airily tosses powders, pellets and granules during mixing. Then the finely atomized liquid particles mix homogeneously with the dry raw materials. The 5-in-1 mixer can also dry, germinate and acidify the product. No transport is needed between the different process steps, saving time and manpower. www.dinnissen.com

FOCUS

Touchswitch by 4B Group

The Touchswitch is an electromechanical limit switch with no moving parts, which detects tracking and misalignment problems on bucket elevators and conveyors. When a belt misaligns or a pulley moves over and contacts the sensor, the built in solid-state electronic circuitry detects the lateral force of the belt or pulley and activates a voltage free solid state relay output. This output signal is used to immediately alarm and ultimately shutdown the machine.

The face of the sensor is made from hardened and annealed stainless steel, not soft brass or aluminium, so wear life is longer when a belt contacts it. The Touchswitch is not affected by dust or material build up and will still work when completely covered by material. An external test wheel allows for quick and simple sensor/system testing. The sensors are usually installed in pairs on opposite sides of the machine.

www.go4b.com

Healthy Heart by Butchers

Butchers Healthy Heart recipes are Vet Recommended and are carefully created by their Nutritionist. Every recipe has the right amount of naturally active ingredients to support heart muscle function, helping to keep your beloved friends healthy and happy. These complete & balanced, grain free recipes contain a combination of key ingredients to support a healthy heart and help your dog thrive.

Plant based omega-3 is algae oil naturally rich in the omega 3 fatty acid DHA to help support a healthy heart.

Vitamins C & E are antioxidants to help strengthen natural immune defences and vegetables such as spinach and butternut squash are a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants & fibre.

www.butchersdogfood.co.uk

Ekomex KBM-1000 Frozen Block Pallet Crusher by Windsor

Highly industrial machine for crushing frozen blocks stacked in pile on euro palette size.

The construction of the machine and the cutting chamber enables loading of up to 40 blocks simultaneously with a total weight of up to 800 kg. The machine is intended in particular for large meat, pet fod and fish plants, for grinding frozen blocks of meat, fish, cheese, vegetables or other food products with standarized dimensions.

The best performances can be achieved with a product temperature in the range of -15 to -20 °C. Crushing is carried out by means of two slow-rotating, very durable tooth rollers, into the zone of which the blocks fall gravitally after being lifted by means of column loading.

Then, through the appropriate construction of the head and counter teeth, the product is pulled in and broken into a structure similar to the width of the teeth in the range from 35 to 70mm. After grinding, smaller pieces of the frozen raw material fall into a buffer, a big-box container or a conveyor for transfer to further, final grinding, mostly on grinders, cutters or further processing on mixers and production lines.

www.windsorfoodmachinery.com

SEE YOUR PRODUCTS IN THIS MAGAZINE

If you produce a product that you think we should feature in International Petfood magazine, please get in touch

To be considered for inclusion in the magazine please; Email: editorial@perendale.co.uk

Include 75 words about the product along with a high resolution image and a web link to more information about the product in your email

Adult Chicken & Rice Gluten Free Dog Food by Oscar

To help combat dental disease

Oscar’s Chicken & Rice dog food recipe includes a special herb pack containing parsley to help freshen breath alongside antioxidants such as Vitamin C, E and BetaCarotene to support the immune system and reduce the risk of bacterial gum disease. When it comes to optimum nutrition they use hydrolysed Chicken which is less allergenic and highly digestible as well added fruits and vegetables to support general health and wellbeing.

Their Gluten Free Chicken & Rice dog food is often chosen for its delicious flavour but is ideal for dogs needing to avoid gluten.

www.oscars.co.uk

Ms.Haidee Wang Mob: +86 138 1775 2961 haidee.wang@globusevents.com

Mr. Philippe Verstuyft(based in Europe) Tel: +31 6 1517 3564 philippe.verstuyft@vnuexhibitions.com

Ask us to apply Now! www.VIVchina.nl www.VIVworldwide.cn

Industry Events

2024 April

13-15

Iberzoo+ Propet 2024 Madrid, Spain www.ifema.es

20-22

Global Pet Expo Orlando, Florida, USA www.globalpetexpo.org

27-29

Petfair Vietnam Expo SECC, HCMC, Vietnam www. petfair-vietnam.com

2024 May

7-10

Interzoo 2024 Nuremberg, Germany www.interzoo.com

22-23

Pet World Arabia Dubai, Dubai www.petworldarabia.com

2024 June 4-5

Petcare Innovation Europe Berlin, Germany www.petcareinnovationeurope.com

10-12

Animal Health, Nutrition, and Technology Innovation USA Boston, Lincolnshire, USA www.animalhealtheventusa.com

27-28

Pet Food Pet Forum 2024 Guadalajara, Mexico www.petfoodforumevents.com

2024 August 14-15

SuperZoo 2024 Las Vegas, USA www.superzoo.org

14-16

Pet South America 2024 Sao Paulo, Brazil www.home.petsa.com.br

2024 September 24-26

PPMA 2024 Nec, Birmingham, Uk www.ppmashow.co.uk

25-28

Pet Izmir 2024 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye www. petizmir.net/en

29- 1

PATS 2024 Telford, England www.patshow.co.uk

2024 October

7- 9

10th Nordic Pet Food Conference Ålgård, Norway www.nordicpetfood.com

9-12

Global Pet Expo İstanbul, Türkiye www.petfuari.com

30-1

Petfair SE Asia Bangkok, Thailand www.petfair-sea.com

Victam Asia and Health & Nutrition Asia 2024

Victam Corporation proudly concluded the 16th edition of Victam Asia and Grapas Asia 2024, alongside Health & Nutrition Asia, boasting a record-breaking attendance on March 12 - 14 at BITEC in Bangkok, Thailand.

The event achieved unprecedented success, welcoming 8,722 professional visitors from 73 countries. Over 300 exhibitors from the Animal Health and Nutrition industry, as well as the Feed Processing industry, gathered from around the globe to network over three full business days.

The event showcased 315 international exhibitors representing various sectors such as animal feed, pet food, aqua feed, rice, grain, and flour processing industries.

A significant highlight was the remarkable 42.5 percent increase in visitor turnout compared to the 2022 edition, signifying the growing importance and interest in the event within the sector.

The event served as a milestone in the industry’s recovery from the pandemic period, demonstrating resilience and post-pandemic growth.

The exhibition hosted esteemed industry leaders and decision-makers, including executives from over 40 prominent companies like AMP International, Bogari, Cargill, and CPF Worldwide. Additionally, notable attendees included ASEAN investors, association presidents, ambassadors, and university professors.

Mr Sebas van den Ende, General Manager of Victam Corporation, the organiser of Victam Asia, stated, “The 2024 edition of Victam will focus on key themes such as advancements in feed milling technology, the evolving aquafeed sector in Asia, and the latest in grain, flour and rice processing technologies, alongside critical sustainability initiatives. We are proud to host eminent exhibitors like Amandus Kahl, DSM, CSI Group and Van Aarsen, who are at the forefront of these developments.”

Perendale’s Conferences:

1. Aquatic Asia: Aquatic Asia was the archway to bridging our knowledge gaps and forging new opportunities to enhance the key areas of the biosciences underpinning fish and shrimp nutrition and health; a South East Asian forum where academic, governance and industry excellence can converge in the hub of aquaculture growth.

2. Petfood and Aquafeed Extrusion Conference: Petfood & Aquafeed Extrusion Conference is co-organised by VIV Worldwide, International Aquafeed, International Petfood and Dr Mian Riaz of Texas A&M University, the one-day conference featured a variety of industry expert speakers delivering innovative presentations on how users can make the best use of their extrusion machinery and aqua feed systems.

3. Build My Feedmill: Explored advancements in feed industry innovations and operations, allowing companies to showcase their latest solutions.

4. Flour Milling Maximised: Provided insights into modern equipment and technologies improving efficiencies in flour milling, with keynote speakers from Wu de Li and Bogasari.

The success of Health and Nutrition Asia 2024 sets the stage for the next edition scheduled for March 10 - 12, 2026, at BITEC, Bangkok.

Yaowalak Somboonlertsiri and Panadda Namwarn of VNU ASIA Pacific excited for the start of the conference

Bagging systems

FAWEMA +49 2263 716-0 mypetfood.info/zsJa

PAYPER +34 973 21 60 40 mypetfood.info/payper2

Bulk storage

Silo Construction & Engineering +32 51723128 mypetfood.info/vikv

Symaga +34 926640475 mypetfood.info/HUNG

TSC Silos +31 543 473979 mypetfood.info/Ofwt

Van Aarsen International

475 579 444 mypetfood.info/Rkxo

Computer software

Inteqnion

543 49 44 66 mypetfood.info/WUoK

KSE +31 (0)497383818 mypetfood.info/ERrL

Van Aarsen International +31 475 579 444 mypetfood.info/Rkxo

Coolers & driers

Dosing

Extru-Tech +785 284 2153 mypetfood.info/fViL

FrigorTec GmbH +49 7520 91482-0 mypetfood.info/Ucfl

FAMSUN +86 85828888 mypetfood.info/UXax

Van Aarsen International +31 475 579 444 mypetfood.info/Rkxo

KSE +31 (0)497383818 mypetfood.info/ERrL

PAYPER +34 973 21 60 40 mypetfood.info/payper2

Van Aarsen International +31 475 579 444 mypetfood.info/Rkxo

Elevator buckets

4B Braime +44 113 246 1800 mypetfood.info/Rjhf

Tapco Inc

314 739 9191 mypetfood.info/ucab

Elevator & conveyor components

Equipment

Extruders

4B Braime +44 113 246 1800 mypetfood.info/Rjhf

Tapco Inc +1 314 739 9191 mypetfood.info/ucab

Van Aarsen International +31 475 579 444 mypetfood.info/Rkxo

Dinnissen Process Technology +31 (0)77 467 35 55 mypetfood.info/LfyW

Engineering Systems & Equipment Inc +1 (620) 306-4100 mypetfood.info/pKTO

Almex +31 575 572666 mypetfood.info/xXit

IDAH +866 39 902701 mypetfood.info/bZzu

Feed nutrition

Ynsect +33 164 93 71 00 mypetfood.info/Ynsect

Zinpro +33 1800-445-6145 mypetfood.info/Zinpro

Feed milling

Dinnissen Process Technology +31 (0)77 467 35 55 mypetfood.info/LfyW

Feed Mill

(0)497383818 mypetfood.info/ERrL

Grain handling systems

Symaga +34 926640475 mypetfood.info/HUNG

Tapco Inc

314 739 9191 mypetfood.info/ucab

Hammermills

05 23 89 16 29 mypetfood.info/EeJu

FAMSUN +86 85828888 mypetfood.info/UXax

vibronet-Gräf GmbH & Co.KG +49 6441 62031 mypetfood.info/hXmp

Zheng Chang +86 2164184200 mypetfood.info/TrCj

the interview

Stig Victor Petersen CEO, Biomega, Norway

Stig joined Biomega in October 2020 after more than a decade at the specialty feed company, Hamlet Protein, where he was Vice President of Operations. Prior to his role at Hamlet Group, Stig held multiple positions across operations, sales, product and application management at several companies, including Palsgaard, Tetra Pak Filtration and Danisco (DuPont).

Can you share with us the journey that led you to join biomega® as CEO, particularly considering your extensive experience in the specialty feed industry with companies like Hamlet Protein and Danisco?

I have an engineering background, starting my career with a position as an application manager with Danisco Ingredient, (IFF) working with emulsifiers and stabilizers. Part of my role was traveling around the world, including Latin America, Europe, and Russia. That gave me a good understanding of the latest trends and developments in the sector and offered me a chance to see all the other parts of the food business. It was then that I decided to focus on frontline sales. I seized an opportunity to work with Tetra Pak for two years as a Regional Sales Manager traveling in Australia, New Zealand and Latin-America selling filtration equipment. That role was more aligned to my engineering background and led to a position as Product Manager at Palsgaard, focusing on operations, strategy, and management. I then moved to Hamlet Protein where I worked for 16 years before joining biomega®. .I was later approached by biomega® and saw a fantastic opportunity for me to take on another journey. That has been amazing, and things have somehow tied together - from all the different positions to the one where I’m in today. The ambition of Biomega especially in context to sustainability and circularity is very encouraging.

Biomega’s Salmigo® brand offers a unique proposition in the petfood industry with its focus on salmon peptides and oil. Could you elaborate on the process of upcycling Norwegian food-grade salmon raw materials and how it sets your products apart in terms of quality and sustainability?

The handling of the off-cuts and the viscera from salmon to use in feed was initially approached traditionally across the salmon processors, mixing and adding acids to make silage. In later years, biomega® saw an opportunity to improve this value proposition and biomega® was the first player in that field. We focused on bringing in innovative technology solutions, including continuous enzymatic hydrolysis. We were the first in the world to use this technology and we held the patent for 20 years.

The technology means that we can treat high-quality rest raw material gently, allowing all valuable nutrients to remain intact as you are in control of the processing temperature and hygiene - all the parameters that control

quality when the materials are transported. It is critical to get the off-cuts and viscera into the biomega® production cycle as quickly as possible so that they remain fresh. This will ensure the limited degrading of the natural quality of the ingredients.

Salmigo® Protect L60 is highlighted as a highly digestible sustainable source of liquid protein with exceptional nutritional value and palatability. What inspired the development of this specific product, and what benefits does it offer compared to traditional pet food ingredients?

When we investigate the rest remains of salmon, it has a matrix consisting of protein structures and bones that hold the fats. Some of these proteins are water soluble, and some are not. Those that are water-soluble can be separated and when concentrated you have a liquid fraction featuring 60% of these proteins. This is very easy for an animal to digest while offering a nutritional boost, coupled with a good taste and smell that will stimulate appetite. We are doing some studies in partnership with the University of Illinois, where we will be looking at the specific impacts on animals using these products, in comparison with other sources.

And how do you envisage the petfood sector evolving, especially considering the increased focus on sustainability and natural ingredients in the pet food nutrition.

Petfood is a specialized market, with some similarities to the market for infant nutrition. The regulation to document and secure feed safety is comprehensive. As the raw material volume is limited globally and demand increasing for both human and pet nutrition even more focus is added to utilize the whole salmon best way possible from a value creation perspective. That is exactly where biomega® has excellency based upon benchmark bio refinery technology and knowhow. We are taking this to next level by support from the EU Life program.

And finally, what are the major trends in your opinion that will shape the pet food market in 2024.

We have seen a trend where the industry is focusing more on pet treats. And that’s where we see our potential involvement – concentrating on nutritional benefits where our customers get a definite nutrient boost, as opposed to just extra calories. The underlying trends to improve health and nutrition will remain unchanged.

THE INDUSTRY FACES

Upcycled Food Association welcomes new CEO

The Upcycled Food Association (UFA) has appointed Amanda Oenbring as the new CEO. Amanda brings a wealth of experience in community collaboration, climate philanthropy, and global growth and has a proven track record of movement building, previously scaling international membership at one percent for the Planet and leading environmental non-profit network expansion at EarthShare. Her vision aligns seamlessly with UFA’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices in the food sector.

Amanda Oenbring, who will take over from Angie Crone, expressed enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I am honored to join the Upcycled Food Association and build on the strong foundation laid by Angie and the team. I am thrilled to add my efforts to advance the mission of promoting upcycled food and driving positive change at a moment when the food industry is poised for transformation.”

“Amanda’s leadership skills, deep industry knowledge, and commitment to sustainability give me confidence in her ability to lead UFA into its next chapter, especially as I transition to an Emeritus board role,” said Caroline Cotto, founding member of the UFA and former Chair of the UFA Board of Directors.

Petco announces CEO transition

Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc today announced the Company’s Board of Directors has appointed R. Michael (Mike) Mohan to serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective today. Ron Coughlin has stepped down as Petco’s Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, and member of the Board of Directors. He will serve as an advisor to the Board to support the leadership transition. The Board is conducting a comprehensive search for a permanent CEO with the support of a leading global executive search firm.

Mohan is a highly accomplished and seasoned retail leader who has served on the Petco Board since March 2021 and as Lead Independent Director since July 2021. As the former President and Chief Operating Officer of Best Buy Co, he was responsible for all aspects of global operations, including sales, merchandising, marketing, supply chain management, services, and new business initiatives across more than 1000 stores and online channels worldwide.

“Mike’s highly successful track record across multiple segments of the retail industry, deep knowledge of Petco and strong operational skills make him the ideal executive to ensure a seamless transition as Petco moves forward,” said Cameron Breitner, member of the Petco Board of Directors.

Gina Tumbarello to serve US advisory committee

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) announced that Gina Tumbarello, AFIA’s senior director of global strategies, policy and trade, has been appointed by US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to serve on the Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness. Tumbarello will be instrumental in advising the committee on the development and administration of programs and policies to strengthen the competitiveness and resiliency of US supply chains used throughout the animal food chain.

“Over the past several years, our members across the animal food industry have experienced challenges fulfilling customers’ orders in a timely and cost-effective way due to labour disputes, weak transportation infrastructure and political conflicts. While many issues have been resolved, we know challenges lurk around the corner,” said AFIA President and Chief Executive Constance Cullman. “We are grateful that Gina Tumbarello will be able to serve as the industry’s voice as it looks to proactively improve America’s competitiveness in the future.”

Established in November 2011, the committee advises the commerce secretary on crafting a comprehensive and integrated national freight infrastructure and policy framework geared toward supporting US export growth and national economic competitiveness. This framework is intended to propel US export expansion, fortify national economic competitiveness and elevate the efficiency of domestic and global supply chains, including those used by the feed and petfood sector.

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