Within the framework of animal production in Europe, more than 70% of the expenses of this industry correspond directly or indirectly to the production of feed, where specifically the energy of the diet is the main cost. On the other hand, the agri-food industry of fatty oil refining in the EU generates more than 400,000 tons of acid oils, as well as a significant amount of other by-products that are underutilized or of little economic value. In addition, the use of antioxidants in feed of synthetic origin far exceeds those of natural origin.
Therefore, in this context the research for the valorization of new by-products with the aim of applying them in animal feed is an essential aspect in order to achieve a greater degree of sustainability in the production of food of origin animal and direct this production towards a circular economy system. In addition, the valorization of a by-product can not only allow the reuse of resources and reduce the volume of waste, but it can also lead to the discovery of other resources that are more economically profitable than those currently used.
In this sense, the challenge of the project is the obtaining and valorization of new fatty by-products and alternative natural antioxidants for use in feeding monogastric animals (chickens, layers and pigs). Therefore, the final objective will be the evaluation of the effects of the combined use in feed formulations of new antioxidant substances of natural origin and alternative fats rich in medium chain fatty acids (MAFA), on productive parameters and meat and egg quality, as well as the effects on the gastrointestinal morphology and physiology of the animals.
The search for alternative antioxidants of natural origin will focus on the study of new substances from the extraction of by-products and co-products of vegetable origin and/or from the fishing industry. The aim is to try to reuse by-products from the agri-food sector, identifying and isolating active substances capable of protecting lipids and the rest of the lipid components of feed (vitamins, carotenoids, etc.) from oxidation processes. Likewise, possible antioxidant effects in vivo and their impact on the lipid quality and shelf life of the food produced (meat and eggs) will be evaluated.
In relation to fatty by-products, these are acid oils rich in AGCM, obtained from the industrial refining of edible oils and fats. Therefore, it is intended to obtain a new revalued matter, demonstrating that acid oils can be a more economical alternative energy source in animal feed, without the health and productive levels of the animals, as well as the stability, nutritional quality and acceptability of the final product, are compromised.
In conclusion, the LIPOXIFEED project will improve the profitability and sustainability of monogastric animal production systems, without negatively affecting the quality and safety of the food produced.
This project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund of the European Union within the framework of the FEDER Operative Program of Catalonia 2014-2020 and managed by ACCIÓ.
Project reference: RIS3CAT Communities R+D+I project with file number COMRD116-1-0033.
Principal researchers: Ana Cristina Barroeta and Lorena Castillejos