At IPPE 2024, Evonik released its second edition of the MetAMINO® ATLAS. Building on the collection of research shared in the first edition, the latest version not only adds new trials, abstracts, and other scientific insights, but also introduces information on dosing recommendations and services for the first time.
Today, we hear from Dr. Dirk Hoehler, Head of the Essential Nutrition product line, and Andreas Lemme, Head of Animal Nutrition Services and Technical Consultancy Poultry, about how the document is meant to equip the industry with all the information and support needed to make the use of amino acids as sustainable and profitable as possible.
[Feedinfo] Evonik recently released the second edition of the MetAMINO® ATLAS. For those who aren’t familiar with this tool, can you tell readers about it and the reasons behind the new edition?
|
[Andreas Lemme] The MetAMINO® ATLAS is a comprehensive collection of research on amino acids, especially methionine, in farm animals. While the reader can find the latest research from scientific publications as well as links to webinars, the highlight is that this second edition includes 19 nutritional value feeding trials conducted in various farm conditions and animal species, representing over 2 million animals across 12 countries, and farms of varying sizes. |
Andreas Lemme |
The release of this edition is driven by new scientific studies and trials at customers and the increasing relevance of methionine bioavailability in the animal nutrition sector. As the industry seeks to optimize feed efficiency and move towards more sustainable and cost-effective practices, the need for precise and reliable data has never been greater. The MetAMINO® ATLAS presents empirical trial data which re-confirms the differences between the two commercial methionine sources under practical farm conditions, as well as small-scale lab conditions.
But the best thing is for each reader to form their own opinion with the free download of the new MetAMINO® ATLAS https://metamino.evonik.com/
[Feedinfo] Can you explain a bit about the history of the MetAMINO® ATLAS, including why you launched it and when the first edition became available?
|
Dr. Dirk Hoehler |
[Dirk Hoehler] Evonik launched the first edition of the MetAMINO® ATLAS in 2022 to provide science-based information on the nutritional value of DL-methionine compared to other methionine sources. The first edition included the results of 15 performance trials conducted across 11 countries. The ATLAS was well received by the feed industry, providing the impetus for us to continue the project. |
The new edition of the MetAMINO® ATLAS is particularly noteworthy for its expanded scope of research. The inclusion of such extensive research not only reinforces the credibility of our recommendations but also ensures that they are applicable to a wide array of animal nutrition scenarios.
[Feedinfo] How does the MetAMINO® ATLAS contribute to Evonik’s goal of supporting efficient, sustainable, and profitable livestock production?
[Andreas Lemme] Evonik advocates for balancing diets with amino acids to reduce crude protein levels without compromising animal performance, health, or welfare. This approach is economically sensible, environmentally responsible and leads to reduced nitrogen excretion. The MetAMINO® ATLAS presents evidence from scientific and field trials that demonstrate the efficacy of low crude protein diets and their respective interaction with methionine supplementation, and provides recommendations to optimize feed formulations. These recommendations can help achieve optimal growth rates and feed conversion ratios, contributing to sustainable and profitable livestock operations.
In this context, 27 recent publications on methionine supplementation, methionine metabolism as well as on sustainability aspects of methionine are shared.
[Feedinfo] The new MetAMINO® ATLAS comes in addition to other services, such as the MetAMINO® Benefit Calculator. Can you talk us through this?
[Dirk Hoehler] The MetAMINO® ATLAS is a cornerstone resource for the industry, but it's just one part of a larger suite of services that Evonik offers to support efficient and sustainable animal nutrition. One such service is the MetAMINO® Benefit Calculator, which is a tool that quantifies the economic benefits of using MetAMINO® compared to other commercially available methionine sources. It enables customers to input relevant variables and computes the potential savings and benefits of using MetAMINO®. The calculator demonstrates how the strategic use of MetAMINO® can lead to reduced production costs, increased profits, and an improved competitive position. It complements the insights provided by the MetAMINO® ATLAS, empowering farmers to make data-driven decisions that optimize their operations.
[Feedinfo] Evonik claims that the carbon footprint of MetAMINO® produced by Evonik’s global methionine production hubs is approximately 25% lower than the global industry average, and 40% lower than the industry average in Asia. Can you give a brief overview of your evidence for this here?
[Dirk Hoehler] Evonik has been conducting regular lifecycle analyses of MetAMINO® for over 20 years, which has enabled us to identify and implement market-leading measures to reduce the carbon footprint of MetAMINO® production. A truly global methionine supplier, we have a production network with hubs located across three continents, and two out of three of our hubs already use 100% green electricity. Evonik's carbon footprint reduction strategy includes significant capacity expansion and backward integration at its plants. In Singapore and Mobile, Alabama, backward integration projects will reduce the emissions intensity of MetAMINO® produced at each plant by 6-7%.
Our calculations consider factors such as global production volumes, differing production technologies and energy sources. Notably, our production facilities' increasing use of renewable energy, backward integration, and circular production processes contribute to the reduced carbon footprint of MetAMINO®. All these factors combined form the basis of our evidence for the lower carbon footprint of MetAMINO® produced by Evonik, which is approximately 25% lower than the global industry average and 40% lower than the industry average in Asia. These efforts are part of our commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
[Feedinfo] Does Evonik have any other new developments in its amino acids business?
[Andreas Lemme] Evonik offers a range of services to complement its amino acids business, including the AMINONEWS website, which provides up-to-date information on developments in research and formulation as well as sustainability best practices. This platform, available at www.aminonews.com, provides up-to-date information and technical articles that can help drive further improvements in environmental performance.
In addition, our analytics and handling solutions equip farmers with precise knowledge of the nutrients in raw materials, allowing for the accurate dosing of feed additives, including MetAMINO®. AMINODat®, the feed ingredient compendium, is continuously being updated and expanded, as are the analytical tools behind it. This precision not only contributes to cost-effective animal nutrition, but also plays a role in reducing the environmental impact of livestock production.
Going forward, more exciting initiatives will be launched to assist the industry meet its goals, along the value chain.
Published in association with Evonik