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Glucose oxidase (GOD) is exogenously produced by specific fungi fermentation to oxidise β-D-Glucose into gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide, consuming large amounts of oxygen.

GOD helps to extend shelf life of wet pet food, preventing rancid and spoilage caused by oxidation and microbial activity. In pet’s gut, it creates an environment that is less favourable for the growth of aerobic microorganisms including mycotoxins. Apart from gluconic acid, the hydrogen peroxides production could directly kill some virus, pathogens, and parasites. Therefore, it is considered as a new natural preservative and antioxidant.

As early as 1962, GOD was found in honey to produce gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide, demonstrating its reputed wound-healing and antiseptic properties. GOD has been defined in the Association of American Feed Control officials (AAFCO) list as 70.3 and is widely used in food and animal production.  As a naturally derived enzyme, GOD can be marked as clean-label ingredient, which is increasingly popular with pet owners seeking natural preservatives in pet food products.

In general, adding 2000 U/kg dry matter or 200 g/MT dry matter GOD to pet food could be used as a preservative and antioxidant.

A study compiled by our Redox Animal Nutritionists.

On behalf of the entire Redox team, we wish you a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Please note that our branches will be closed on all public holidays. Refer to the list below for information on our office closure dates:

Australia

New Zealand

Malaysia

United States

Due to our transport contractors’ reduced capacity and availability, deliveries may be affected. Customers are advised to plan lead times longer than usual.

Please talk to your representative or complete our online enquiry form for any further enquiries.

Low protein or reduced protein diets have been widely used in pig industry to save protein sources and reduce nitrogen excretion. In reduced protein diets, amino acids (AA) balance is crucial for pig’s performance not to be compromised.  

Currently amino acids balance is achieved by the supplementation of crystalline L-Lysine, L-methionine, L-threonine, -L-tryptophan, L-Valine and L-Isoleucine based on the ideal protein profile. In practice, if only adding first 4 limiting amino acids to reduced protein diets, it may result in lower plasma valine, isoleucine, histidine, and arginine. Other amino acids such as lysine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan might become surplus and cannot be used by pigs (Figure 1). Histidine is the seventh limiting AA in typical diets fed to swine and may require supplementation in reduced protein diets (Figure 2). Among cereals, barley has the lowest histidine contends and therefore, barley-based diets may result in histidine deficiency.

Histidine is an integral component of a broad set of tissues including skin, bone, ligaments, and muscle. It is a component of haemoglobin and important constitute of dipeptides anserine and carnosine. High concentrations of carnosine and anserine have been found in the brain and muscles because of its high antioxidant activity.  It also stimulates the digestive secretion of gastrin, a hormone that is essential for digestion of dietary protein. Histidine deficiency could induce a decrease in amino acids oxidation and a decrease protein turnover.

Recommended standardized ileal digestible (SID) histidine to lysine ratio for pigs at 7 to 11 kg body weight from NRC (2012) is 0.34, which was based on growth performance and plasma histidine concentration. Recently, Cheng et al (2023) indicated that SID histidine to lysine between 0.35 and 0.41 in diets fed to nursery pigs at 7 to 11 kg body weight enhanced intestinal health and maximized concentrations of histidine-containing proteins.

Figure 1 Plasma amino acids concentration in standard and reduced protein diets.

Figure 2. The effect of further adding Valine, isoleucine and histidine on daily weight gain

A study compiled by our Redox Animal Nutritionists.

Wearing and tearing on horse joints in activities like racing, jumping, and heavy work, can result in arthritis or inflammation. Oral joint supplements are often used to support cartilage health, reduce inflammation and improving joint fluid.   

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate

These two supplements usually work synergistically to help prevent cartilage breakdown and support joint elasticity.

There are three forms of commercial glucosamine: glucosamine hydrochloride, glucosamine sulphate and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NADG). Glucosamine hydrochloride is the most stable form and more effective to prevent the degeneration of cartilage. It is usually recommended that 12 grams of glucosamine and 2-6 grams of chondroitin per day in a 600 kg horse.

Activities such as racing, jumping, and heavy labor can lead to joint wear and tear in horses, often causing inflammation or arthritis.

Incorporating joint supplements into a horse’s diet can significantly improve joint health and mobility, particularly for those engaged in demanding activities. With the right combination of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, yucca extract, and UC-II, horse owners can help reduce inflammation, support cartilage, and maintain overall joint function, ensuring their horses remain healthy and active.

A study compiled by our Redox Animal Nutritionists.

Broiler chickens are one of the most efficient production animals in terms of growth rate and feed conversion ratio (FCR). In Australia, 700 million broiler chickens have been produced each year. Compared to other meat production, the production of chicken meat has relatively low environmental impact and broiler chicken feeds contribute to 70% carbon footprint of chicken production.

Feed ingredients for broiler chickens mainly consist of wheat, soybean meal, canola meal and faba beans. Based on the current life cycle assessment, wheat is considered to contribute to 45% carbon footprint of chicken feed and soybean meal contributes to 37% carbon print of chicken feed (Table 1).   Beyond L-Lysine, L-Methionine and L-Threonine, adding L-Valine, L-Isoleucine and L-Arginine may further reduce 1.5%-unit crude protein levels by replacing soybean meal with wheat and faba beans, allowing approximately 70 kg CO2 eq/kg reduction.

If we consider the effect of phytase, xylanase and protease on climate change (Table 2) and switching from DL-Methionine to L-methionine, another 43kg CO2 eq /kg reduction will be expected, totally about 13.7% reduction (823 vs.710 kg CO2 eq/kg).

Soybean meal contributes 37% to the carbon footprint of chicken feed, while wheat accounts for 45%.

Recently it is noticed that replacing soybean meal with wheat or faba beans will significantly increase dietary Xylan concentration, resulting in reduced lipid digestibility and chicken performance. Although supplementation of exogenous bile acid did not improve lipid digestibility, it significantly reduced mortality rate by 2% unit due probably to reduced endogenous loss of taurine.

In addition, when removing antibiotics as the growth promoter, Glucose oxidase (GOD) supplementation increased body weight gain by 20 grams per chicken and improved FCR by 1 point under necrotic enteritis challenging situation.

Therefore, adding bile acids and GOD to reduced protein diets could further reduce about 37 kg CO2 eq/kg diet or about 5% reduction.

Table 1. The effect of feed ingredients on global warming potential (GWP)

Table 2. The effect of feed enzymes and chicken performance on GWP reduction

A study compiled by our Redox Animal Nutritionists.

Plant extracts are secondary plant metabolites, which are responsible for the odor and color of plants. Plant extracts are composed of more than a hundred components and in two different forms: liquid oil (essential oils) and solid powder. Plants extracts have been well considered to have anti-viral, antimicrobial, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory effects.   

Probiotics are categorized into 3 main groups:

Bacillus-based probiotics are spore-forming and therefore thermal stable. Lactic acid producing bacteria are not spore-forming and survival is of concern during feed processing. It appears that lactic acid-producing probiotics are more beneficial for weanling pigs to help stabilize the gastrointestinal tract after weaning, whereas bacillus-based probiotics are more suitable for growing Ing-finishing pigs to increase the digestibility of nutrients in high fibre diets.

In piglets, Clostridium perfringens type C bacteria frequently cause necrotic enteritis that leads to mortality rates of up to 100%.  Antibiotics treatments have no long-term effect due to antibiotics resistance.

Recently a natural plant extract combined with the spore-forming clostridium butyricum probiotics (Suimet B+) has been developed to prevent Clostridium perfringens type A diarrhoea and type C bacterial infections in pig production.

The application of Suimet B+ to 2,2 00 sows significantly reduced the sow mortality in the late gestation under heat stress conditions (Figure 1). 5 to 7 days after using Suimet+, the mortality rate has been significantly reduced.

Figure 1. Effect of Suimet B+ on sows’ mortality

For weaning piglets, adding Suimet B+ for about 40 days could increase body weight by 17% and reduced the mortality rate from 3.5% to 0.5% (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Effect of Suimet B+ on body weight and the mortality rate of weaners (day 62)

 

A study compiled by our Redox Animal Nutritionists.

N-3 long-chain fatty acids including α-linolenic acid (ALA,18:3n-3), Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20: 5n-3 and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22;6n-3), are essential fatty acids for salmon growth and health. They can not be synthesized by fish body and need to be provided by fish meal and fish oil or algae supplements.

ALA serves as a precursor to other important N-3 long chain fatty acids such as EPA and DHA but the conversion rate in the human body is relatively low. It is important for maintaining heart health, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain function. Plant feed ingredients such as flaxseeds and canola oil contain high levels of ALA.

EPA plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation, supporting hearth, and maintain mental health. DHA is vital for brain and eye development and function. It also supports heart health and cognitive function. Both EPA and DHA can only be provided by fish meal, fish oil and certain algae supplements.


Salmon is naturally rich in EPA and DHA, key N-3 long-chain fatty acids. However, with modern salmon diets comprising only about 30% fish meal and fish oil, there is a potential risk of EPA and DHA deficiency in farmed salmon.

Salmon naturally contains high levels of EPA and DHA, making it a rich source of N-3 long-chain fatty acids. However, current diets for salmon only contain approximately 30% fish meal and fish oil, possibly resulting in EPA and DHA deficiency. In addition, recently it is reported that higher dietary concentration of N-3 long chain fatty acids might reduce sea lice infection and therefore, the requirement of N-3 long-chain fatty acids based on high level of plant-based ingredients needs to reconsider.

Based on the diet containing 35% fish meal and fish oil, Bou et al., 2017 indicated that extra 1.5% EPA or 2% DHA supplementation obtained best growth performance for salmon. Dietary concentration of 0.5% of EPA plus DHA is considered the lowest level for Atlantic salmon parr in Fresh water (Qian et al., 2020). Interestingly, the highest EPA:DHA ratio showed a lower number of wounded fish at the end of the grow-out period, implying that the partial replacement of fish oil with algae oil may achieve a balanced EPA:DHA ratio.

A study compiled by our Redox Animal Nutritionists.

Molds are filamentous fungi that occur in many feedstuffs including grains and forages. Molds can produce mycotoxins that are formed on crops in the field, during harvest, or during storage, processing, or feeding. The mycotoxins of great concern include aflatoxin (Afla), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), T-2 Toxin (T2), and fumonisin (FUM).

Traditionally, maize was easily contaminated by mycotoxin. However, in a recent survey, 71% wheat samples were contaminated by DON in Australia. Therefore, the routinely use of mycotoxin binders may help ruminant animal to avoid exposure to low levels multiple mycotoxins, considering that these binders could bind mycotoxins strongly enough to prevent mycotoxin absorption across the digestive tract.

Close up image of mould spore

Maize has long been known for its susceptibility to mycotoxin contamination. Surprisingly, a recent Australian survey found that 71% of wheat samples were contaminated with deoxynivalenol (DON).

Potential binders include activated carbon, bentonite, zeolite, diatomaceous, earth, cellulose, yeast cell wall polysaccharides, and synthetic polymers such as cholestyramine and polyvinylpyrrolidone.

Activated Carbone: it  is a general adsorptive material with a large surface area and excellent adsorptive capacity. It is routinely recommended for various digestive toxicities at 30-50 g per day per cow. previously, it was suggested that Activated Carbone may not be as effective in binding Afla as bentonite or zeolite. However, in a recent in vito trial, it shows an overall better adsorption capacity except for T2 with the lower adsorption capacity.

Bentonite: it is a hydrated sodium calcium aluminum magnesium silicate hydroxide and usually is used as anti-cake agent at 1 to 2% of cattle diets. Based on the recent in vitro trial, it only shows higher adsorption capacity for Afla.

Zeolite: adding 250 to 500 g zeolite per day per cow has been approved to prevent ‘milk fever’. In a recent in vito trial, it also shows a similar adsorption capacity for Afla, T2, and Zen.

Diatomaceous earth: it is usually used as an insecticide on stored cereals and storage rooms. 1% to 2% feed grade diatomaceous earth has also been recommended to add to cattle feed to reduce internal and external worm or parasites. Diatomaceous earth has also shown the potential in vitro to bind Afla.    

Yeast cell wall polysaccharides:   the outer layer of the cell wall constituted  with glucomannan and mannon proteins that determine the superficial properties of the yeast cell wall. The adsorption capacity increases as the proportion of β-D glucans present in the yeast strains increases. However, in a recent in vitro trial, the yeast cell wall product for this trial showed the much lower adsorption capacity compared with the activated carbon.

In general, these mycotoxin binds are helpful to reduce the biavailability of mycotoxin. However, it is difficult to select the appropriate adsorbent for each mycotoxin.

A study compiled by our Redox Animal Nutritionists.

Yeast supplements include live yeast, yeast cell wall (YCW), purified outer layer of cell wall components such as mannooligosaccharide (MOS) and β-glucans, purified inner layer of cell wall, and yeast extract products. It is generally accepted that yeast products can improve pig gut health via improved gut integrity and maintenance of a healthy microbiome, leading to increased nutrition absorption, and thus improved overall pig performance.

Live yeast refers to yeast cells that are still alive and active. It is often used to improve digestion and promote gut health for ruminant animals.

After autolysis (using the yeast’s own enzymes) or hydrolysis (using added exogenous enzymes), the yeast extract and cell walls are separated using centrifugation before being dried. Usually, the yeast extract via autolysis contains higher levels of yeast nucleotides. However, the yeast extract via hydrolysis is more applicable due to a low salt concentration.

The composition of autolyzed yeast (AY)

The composition of autolyzed yeast (AY) has been summarized as 3.5-3.9% nucleic acids, 11-22% of β-glucan, 3-12% MOS, and 30-41% crude protein. Adding 0.2-0.5% AY to pig diets could improve the performance and immune function of weaned and finished pigs.

The composition of hydrolysed yeast (HY)

The composition of hydrolysed yeast (HY) includes 3.5% nucleic acids, 22.43-23% β-glucan, 15-15.6% MOS, and 40-53.2% crude protein. The effective inclusion rates of HY in diets for the weaned, grower, and finisher periods are 0.1-0.2%, 0.05-1.0%, and 0.1%, respectively.

The yeast cell wall fraction is mainly composed of polysaccharides, making up 15 to 30% of the dry weight of the whole cell. The inner layer of the cell wall mainly contains β-D-glucans which is used as the organic mycotoxin binder. Supplemental levels of the mycotoxin binder are recommended around 0.1 to 0.2%

The outer layer of the yeast cell wall is made of MOS and β-glucans. Adding purified β-glucan to early weaned piglets dets showed protective effects against E Coli infection by reducing bacterial excretion and diarrhoea. The recommended dosage of β-glucan is 100-200 ppm or 100 -200 g/MT feed. The purified MOS can attach the bacterial surface, and then protect the colonization of bacteria in the intestinal tract. Supplementation of MOS in the range of 500 to 1000 ppm or 500 g to 1 kg /MT feed.

In addition, approximately 1-20% of total nitrogen in yeast are derived from nucleic acids. Nucleotides are significantly required by cell replication process, particularly intestinal epithelial and lymphoid cells. Nucleotides are also important in immune system maintenance and prevent oxidative stress. The purified Nucleotide inosine monophosphate (IMP) is commercially available and recommended supplemental levels are ranged 500 ppm to 1000 ppm or 500 to 1000 g/Kg feed.

A study compiled by our Redox Animal Nutritionists.

The global shipping industry is grappling with significant disruptions, exacerbated by the Houthi Red Seas attacks and an unprecedented surge in demand. Experts suggest the current situation could prove even more challenging than the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the major players in the shipping industry, Maersk, has introduced a Peak Season Surcharge, a measure they did not implement during the height of the COVID-19 crisis. The surcharge rates are substantial:

The market has seen a jump of over US$1000 per TEU, indicating severe price hikes across the board.

Adding to the strain, Maersk has significantly reduced its allocation from Southeast Asia due to underutilisation earlier this year. While other carriers are temporarily absorbing the excess demand, this presents an ongoing risk to logistics stability.

Transhipment Port Congestion

Transhipment ports, which typically operate smoothly, are now experiencing severe congestion, causing further delays. Cargo that requires transhipment is at high risk of being stuck for extended periods.

Additionally, moving dangerous goods (DG) through certain ports has become increasingly problematic. Recent reports indicate that congestion in Singapore has now surpassed levels seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, compounding the delays.

Equipment Supply Shortages

With more containers spending longer periods at sea, the availability of empty containers at specific ports has sharply decreased. This scarcity of containers is another critical issue with no immediate solution in sight.

Increasing Lead and Shipping Times

Space for shipments from Asia to Australia is currently unavailable until the second week of July, indicating a six-week lead time. The ongoing vessel bunching and transhipment issues suggest that transit times will continue to lengthen in the coming months. While shipments from Southeast Asia to New Zealand are relatively stable for June, the overall outlook remains uncertain.

The Situation in the USA

In the United States, there is growing concern about the return of the US$10,000 container. Shipping rates are increasing by US$1000 per week, with no clear ceiling in sight. The industry is scrambling for solutions:

For more details on these developments, you can refer to the following articles:

The global logistics landscape is facing a critical juncture, and stakeholders must adapt swiftly to navigate these challenges effectively.