ADM debuts new yeast protein for pets and opens US enzyme lab

Developed to provide nutritional flexibility in pet food and treat formulation, Versity is a highly palatable dried yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) alternative to traditional plant and animal proteins that delivers a balanced profile of essential amino acids with low levels of fat and calcium.

“Pet food and treat manufacturers are continuously seeking new protein ingredients that are high-quality, cost-effective and label-friendly,” says Gary Davenport, Ph.D., companion animal technical manager for ADM Animal Nutrition.

“Versity has an amino acid profile similar to an egg, but at a more economical price, making it an ideal complementary or replacement protein source for dogs and cats.”

ADM Animal Nutrition is a leading provider of a wide range of innovative products for the pet food and animal nutrition markets as well as a global leader in amino acids.

ADM opens new enzyme lab
Meanwhile, ADM has opened a new enzyme lab in Davis, California. The new facility is to develop enzymes for a wide variety of applications, including the fast-growing animal nutrition market.

The lab’s scientists will work with ADM’s other international R&D facilities to develop enzyme products to serve a variety of markets and will partner with China-based Qingdao Vland Biotech Group Co., Ltd., to develop and commercialize feed enzymes to improve animal health and nutrition.

“We’re excited to open this new research facility lab in Davis, expanding our ability to develop and commercialize a wide range of enzymes, and advancing our animal health partnership with Vland,” said ADM Chief Technology Officer Todd Werpy.

“In addition to an accomplished staff of scientists and researchers and a great partner in Vland, our new lab will benefit from its location near the University of California, Davis, which provides access to world-leading expertise and resources in the areas of food science and nutrition as well as animal health and agriculture.”

Earlier this year, ADM and Vland signed a joint development agreement under which the companies will share enzyme-producing strains as a basis for the development of feed enzymes.

Products developed under the agreement will be commercialized by both companies.

Vland Biotech Inc. is one of the leading biotechnology companies in China. Based in Qingdao, the company specializes in four product categories: enzymes, probiotics, vaccines and animal health products. Vland provides solutions for an ever-expanding list of industries, including agriculture, animal husbandry, textile, paper making, household cleaning and detergents, food, biofuel and environmental protection.

“Working with ADM will help us accelerate the commercialization of enzyme products globally,” said Vland CEO Gang Chen. “We see this as the beginning of a productive collaboration, and look forward to working closely with some of the best enzyme scientists in the world at the new ADM Davis lab.”

Enzymes in swine and poultry diets can increase the efficiency of digestion; allow feed producers greater flexibility in the types of raw materials that can be used in feed formulation; and help mitigate the negative impacts of animal production on the environment.

“ADM is continuing to expand its health and wellness product portfolio, including animal feed enzymes,” said Vikram Luthar, ADM president, Health & Wellness. “These important investments, along with our world-class research capabilities, our global footprint, and our existing portfolio of healthy ingredients, are helping to ensure that we are the go-to solutions provider for customers across the food, beverage, feed, personal care and pharmaceutical industries.”