Feed manufacturers should keep an eye on developments in medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) this year, as a new landscape for swine production emerges.
Canadian Bio-Systems (CBS) has listed MCFAs alongside yeast bioactives and grain management as the top innovations to follow as antibiotic alternatives become available.
The feed science company believes new options for bio-based feed additives are coming under the spotlight, with MCFA development particularly prominent.
MCFAs
MCFAs are molecules consisting of 6-12 carbon length chains that can enhance swine diets and help integrate swine management. Under the right formulation they have shown functional activities beneficial to all phases of livestock production and value chain movement. This includes during critical periods of transition and vulnerability over the course of production cycles.