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Canola meal is locally produced, reliable protein source for dairy farmers in Australia. It is valued for its stable supply chain and reduced freight costs compared to imported soybean meal. The amino acid profile in canola meal most closely matches the profile of milk protein.

Compared to soybean meal, canola meal contains more methionine and histidine, and dairy cows utilize canola meal protein very efficiently, consistently resulting in lower milk urea nitrogen values in cows fed canola meal. Despite lower crude protein level, canola meal delivers more available rumen-undegradable protein (RUP)-also known as bypass protein. The higher canola meal levels supported greater milk yields with lower daily methane emissions (Table 1). This methane reduction occurs because canola meal contributes to increased dietary fat (approximately 3.5% methane reduction per 1% increase in fat).

Diet canola meal (%) 0 8 14 24
fat corrected milk kg/d) 42.00 43.09 43.5 44.72
Methane (g/d) 489 475 463 461

 

Table 1. The effect of canola meal inclusion on milk yield and methane emission

Exogenous fibrolytic enzymes such as cellulose and xylanases are feed additives that increase the hydrolytic capacity of rumen, primarily by enhancing bacterial attachment, stimulating rumen microbial populations, and working synergistically with ruminal hydrolases. Exogenous fibrolytic enzymes break down components in feed that would otherwise pass through the rumen poorly digested. By improving fibre degradation, exogenous fibrolytic enzymes increase the availability of energy and nutrients from fibrous feeds-of particular value when canola meal is included in high-forage or pastured-based rations. When canola meal is included as protein sources in high-forage or pasture-based dairy systems, adding exogenous fibrolytic enzymes can help unlock the energy value of both the canola meal itself and surrounding forage.

In general, canola meal is included at 25% of the grain mix on a dr matter basis will likely yield an extra 2.6 kg milk per cow per day. Adding a specific fibrolttic enzyme could provide an additional 1.1 to 1.9 kg milk per cow per day.

A study compiled by our Redox Animal Nutritionists.

Modern agriculture is under increasing pressure to deliver more from every hectare. Growers are being asked to improve productivity, maintain profitability and support food security, all while managing tighter margins, changing weather patterns, soil constraints, weed and pest resistance, and evolving environmental expectations.

That is why crop production remains such a critical part of the agricultural supply chain. From plant nutrition, specialty fertilisers and micronutrients through to growing media, water treatment and biostimulants, growers rely on a wide range of inputs to establish, grow and harvest successful crops. Alongside this, crop protection products such as herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and adjuvants continue to play an essential role in protecting yield and crop quality.

As these challenges become more complex, growers and manufacturers need products that are dependable, effective and available when needed. Consistent raw material quality, strong technical support and secure supply channels are now more important than ever.

Redox works closely with customers across both crop production and crop protection, supplying a broad portfolio of raw materials, formulation components, specialty nutrients and on-farm solutions. Backed by global sourcing capability, local warehousing and technical expertise, Redox helps customers respond to a market where timing, reliability and performance are critical.

We spoke with Cameron Jenkins, Industry Group Manager, about the forces shaping the sector, the pressures facing growers and manufacturers, and where the next wave of opportunity is emerging.

Q: For those outside the sector, how broad are the crop production and protection markets today, and what do they cover?

Agriculture underpins economies around the world and plays a critical role in food security. As populations grow, growers are under increasing pressure to produce more efficiently while managing rising input costs, environmental stress, soil health challenges, and weed and pest resistance.

The sector is broad, covering everything required to successfully establish, grow and harvest a commercially viable crop. On the crop production side, that includes fertilisers, biologicals, growing media, water treatment and soil inoculants. On the crop protection side, it includes herbicides, pesticides, fungicides and adjuvants. Together, these inputs help growers maximise productivity and profitability.

Q: Why do raw material quality and batch consistency matter so much in agricultural formulations?

Consistency is essential because agricultural products need to perform reliably season after season. In crop protection, manufacturers rely on raw materials that meet strict specifications so the finished formulation performs exactly as intended. This is especially important for APVMA registered products, where batch-to-batch consistency is critical.

In crop production, particularly in specialty fertilisers and nutrition products, quality determines how effectively a product works in the field. Growers need products that are fit for purpose, dependable and capable of solving real on-farm challenges. At Redox, our quality assurance processes and global sourcing standards give customers confidence in every shipment.

Q: What types of ingredients and solutions does Redox supply into this industry?

Redox supplies a broad portfolio across both crop production and crop protection. For agricultural chemical manufacturers, we provide key formulation inputs such as solvents and surfactants that make up an important part of finished products.

For crop production, we supply macro and micronutrient fertilisers, chelates, liquid fertilisers, growing media, water treatment products and biostimulants. We also offer herbicides, fungicides and adjuvants, giving customers access to a wide range of solutions through one trusted supply partner.

From input selection through to harvest, modern crop production is a connected process—where the right products, precise application and informed decisions work together to maximise yield, quality and farm performance.

Q: What market trends are having the biggest impact on demand right now?

Supply chain disruption has made the market more adaptive and more open to new solutions. Growers and manufacturers are increasingly looking for products that can improve efficiency, maintain output and reduce risk.

We are seeing strong interest in liquid specialty fertilisers, as well as biostimulants that can help crops better manage environmental stress. More broadly, customers are becoming increasingly willing to trial innovative technologies that can improve productivity and resilience on farm.

Q: Are you seeing greater interest in biologicals and biostimulant technologies?

Absolutely. This is a fast-growing category globally, driven by a combination of resistance management, environmental considerations and changing regulatory settings. More customers are exploring biological solutions across both crop production and crop protection programs.

Growers today also have access to far more information and trial data than ever before. As the category matures, stronger evidence and clearer performance outcomes will continue to support adoption.

Q: How are grower expectations changing when it comes to efficacy, convenience and sustainability?

Growers need products they can trust to perform consistently every time they are applied. Reliability and ease of use are increasingly important, particularly during busy seasonal windows when timing is critical.

Convenience also matters. Having the right product available at the right time can make a meaningful difference to crop outcomes. Alongside this, sustainability remains an increasing focus, with growers looking for solutions that support both productivity and responsible farm management.

Q: Are growers increasingly using biostimulants to support plant health, nutrient uptake and stress tolerance?

Yes, demand continues to rise as growers look for additional tools to improve crop performance. Biostimulants can help unlock nutrients in the soil, improve fertiliser efficiency and support crops during heat, cold, water or drought stress events.

They are becoming an important part of many modern crop programs, particularly where growers are focused on maximising returns from conventional inputs while improving resilience.

Q: What are manufacturers looking for from a supply partner beyond simply securing product?

Manufacturers want more than supply security. They need access to a broad range of raw materials, responsive service and a partner that understands their technical and commercial challenges.

Customers value Redox because we combine strong stockholding capability with access to innovative technologies from global supply partners. That allows us to bring practical new solutions to market while helping customers grow their own businesses.

Q: How important is technical guidance and supply chain resilience in this category?

Both are more valuable today than ever before. Technical guidance helps manufacturers and growers solve problems, improve performance and make better decisions. It is also a key part of building long-term trust.

At the same time, supply chain resilience has become critical. With a broad sourcing network and strong global partnerships, Redox is well positioned to help customers navigate disruption and maintain continuity of supply.

Q: How does Redox help customers manage sourcing pressure and shifting market needs?

Understanding seasonality is central to supporting agriculture. Different crops, regions and markets have different demand cycles, and planning around those windows is essential.

Redox uses this market knowledge, combined with an extensive warehousing network, to help customers manage seasonal demand and respond quickly when market conditions change. That flexibility is a major advantage in agriculture.

Q: Looking ahead, where do you see the greatest opportunities for growth and innovation?

The biggest opportunities lie in helping growers achieve greater productivity through smarter, more targeted solutions. That includes innovative nutrition products, biological technologies and data-driven tools that help customers make faster, better-informed decisions.

There is also growing demand for environmentally responsible solutions that can support strong crop outcomes while aligning with long-term sustainability goals. We see significant opportunity where performance and responsibility come together.

Supporting the Future of Agriculture

The future of agriculture will depend on helping growers produce more efficiently, more sustainably and with greater resilience. That means combining proven crop protection tools with smarter crop production strategies that improve soil health, nutrient efficiency and plant performance.

Biostimulants, specialty nutrition, water management solutions and other emerging technologies are becoming increasingly important, giving growers new ways to respond to stress events and maximise returns from conventional inputs.

With broad product capability, established supply networks and a strong understanding of seasonal market demands, Redox is well placed to support customers across the crop production and crop protection sectors. Redox looks forward to working with Cameron Jenkins and the wider team to help support the future of agriculture.

It is well known that layer chicken producers often choose diets with low nutrients levels to reduce feed cost. However, modern laying strains presently have a small appetite and cannot actually adjust feed intake according to dietary density. It is critical for layer chicken producers to supply sufficient energy and nutrients with relatively low nutrients levels.

Based on a study conducted in Spain in 2012, when the dietary energy level was reduced by 100 Kcal/kg, there is no significant difference in feed intake but the diet with the lower energy level reduced egg production by 3%. Therefore, the net income for a layer chicken farm is strongly related to feed conversion ratio (FCR, kg Feed/kg egg). It is concluded in this study that brown egg-laying hens respond with increases in egg production to increases in energy level of the diet up to 2850 kcal/kg. However, when we calculate the net income per hen (Figure 1 and Figure 2),  it is clearly shown that if egg price is relatively cheaper (when egg price is 2 $/kg), the optimal FCR is 2.05, indicating 2650 kcal/kg energy level could achieve the highest income; if egg price is relatively high (when egg price is 4 $/kg), the optimal FCR would be 1.98, indicating that 2720 Kcal/kg energy level could obtain the highest income.

In recent years, adding feed enzymes such as glucose oxidase and β-mannanase to layer chicken diets significantly increased egg production by either increased feed intake β-mannanase) or improved nutrient digestibility (Glucose oxidase), suggesting that even if egg price is relatively cheaper, supplementation of these two enzymes to cheaper layer chicken diets with low energy levels will increase net income.

Figure1 and Figure 2: Net income $ per hen in response to FCR

A study compiled by our Redox Animal Nutritionists.

As consumer expectations continue to evolve, the food and beverage industry is becoming increasingly dynamic. From everyday pantry staples and processed foods to beverages, bakery, dairy and specialised formulations, manufacturers are under growing pressure to deliver products that combine quality, consistency, functionality and value.

To support this evolving market, Redox supplies a broad range of ingredients used across food and beverage applications. With product quality, consistency and supply reliability more important than ever, access to the right ingredients, backed by strong market knowledge and technical understanding, plays an important role in helping manufacturers bring successful products to market.

We spoke with Ken Perrins, Industry Group Manager, about the trends shaping the food and beverage sector, the challenges facing manufacturers, and the opportunities emerging across this fast-moving category.

Ken Perrins, Industry Group Manager at Redox

Q: For those unfamiliar with the category, what does the food and beverage market cover?

It covers everything people eat and drink every day. Baked goods, confectionery, dairy, processed meats, soft drinks, juices, wine, beer, functional beverages. At Redox, our role is supplying the raw materials and specialty ingredients that go into making those products. The sweeteners, stabilisers, emulsifiers, preservatives, colours, acidulants, proteins and starches that manufacturers rely on to produce safe, consistent products at scale.

Q: Why is ingredient quality and consistency so important in this space?

Consumers expect a product to taste and perform the same every single time. If the raw material is off spec, the finished product suffers. There are also strict regulatory requirements around food additives, allergen management and labelling, so every ingredient needs to be documented and traceable. A quality failure can mean a production stoppage or a recall. That is why Redox has been ISO 9001 certified since 1993, our food warehouses are HACCP certified, and every delivery comes with a certificate of analysis.

Q: What types of ingredients and solutions does Redox supply to the food and beverage market?

Our portfolio is one of the broadest available from a single distributor. We supply antioxidants, sweeteners, thickeners and hydrocolloids, acidity regulators, preservatives, leavening agents, phosphates, emulsifiers, natural colours, vitamins, mineral salts, amino acids, proteins, dairy ingredients, and spice extracts. We also cover wine and brewing ingredients and cleaning and sanitation chemicals for processing facilities.

Q: What are some of the key trends currently shaping demand across the sector?

Clean label is the big one right now. Consumers are reading labels more carefully and want recognisable, natural ingredients. That is driving demand for natural colours, plant-based preservatives and natural sweeteners like stevia. Health and functionality is also huge, with manufacturers adding protein, fibre and functional benefits to everyday products. Sustainability is influencing buying decisions at every level, and premiumisation continues in craft beverages, artisan food and free-from categories.

Q:Are you seeing increased interest in particular categories such as functional foods, plant-based products or clean label formulations?

All three are very active. Functional foods and beverages are a standout, with manufacturers across bakery, dairy and snacks looking to add meaningful health benefits. Plant-based continues to grow and drives demand for pea, soy and rice proteins as well as starches and hydrocolloids that deliver the right texture without animal-derived ingredients. And natural colours like annatto, beetroot, turmeric and paprika are replacing synthetics across the board. Natural sweeteners, particularly erythritol and stevia, are also in strong demand.

Q: How are consumer expectations changing when it comes to food and beverage products?

Consumers are more informed and more demanding than they have ever been. They want to know what is in their food, where it came from and how it was made. They expect products to be better for them without sacrificing taste. Sustainability credentials matter more and more, especially for younger shoppers. And convenience is still a major driver, with ready-to-eat, ready-to-drink and snack categories continuing to grow strongly.

Q: What are customers looking for from a supply partner in this market beyond product availability?

They need confidence that every batch will meet specification. They want someone who understands the regulatory environment, can help with allergen management and labelling, and stays ahead of food safety changes. Technical expertise matters a lot too. When a customer is developing a new formulation or troubleshooting an issue, having a team that understands how ingredients actually perform in application is really valuable. And increasingly they want to know their supply chain is ethical and sustainable.

Q: How important are technical support, regulatory understanding and supply chain reliability in this category?

All three are critical and they are all connected. Our food and beverage team stays in constant contact with nutritionists, food scientists and regulatory specialists. When a customer needs to know how a starch will behave in processing or which sweetener blend hits their taste target, we can give practical guidance. Food additive regulations and labelling requirements vary across markets and change regularly, so we track those actively. And with over 100 storage locations across our network, we are set up to keep supply moving even when global markets get disrupted.

Q: Are there particular product segments or markets where you are seeing especially strong growth?

Beverages are very active right now, particularly functional drinks, enhanced waters and craft options. The demand for natural sweeteners and flavour modulators in beverages is especially strong. Plant-based food and alternative proteins are growing across multiple categories. Bakery and snacks are always high volume and clean label reformulation is keeping demand active there. In wine and brewing, Redox has a solid position with a broad range of processing aids and fining agents. Across all our core markets in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and the United States we are seeing continued growth.

Consumers are shopping with greater intent than ever, reading labels closely and looking for recognisable, natural ingredients. That shift is driving demand for clean label products, natural colours, plant-based preservatives and sweeteners like stevia, while health, functionality, sustainability and premiumisation continue to shape food and beverage purchasing decisions.

Q: What challenges are manufacturers facing at the moment in the food and beverage sector?

Cost is a constant pressure. Raw material price volatility driven by commodity markets, harvest variability and shipping disruptions makes margin management very hard, especially when passing costs on to retailers is difficult. Supply chain resilience is a much bigger priority than it used to be, and manufacturers are actively trying to reduce reliance on single sources. Regulatory compliance is also getting more complex. And the pace of innovation that consumers and retailers expect is relentless, all while keeping costs under control.

Q: How does Redox help customers respond to changing formulation needs, market trends and supply pressures?

Our portfolio is broad enough that when a customer needs to reformulate, whether for clean label, sugar reduction or a discontinued ingredient, we can usually offer alternatives and work through the implications with them. Our team engages constantly with nutritionists and food scientists so we often see changes coming before they become urgent. When supply pressures hit, our diversified global sourcing and multiple storage locations give us options to keep things moving. We are also always adding new ingredients and supplier partnerships so customers have access to the latest solutions.

Q: What advantages does Redox offer customers operating in the food and beverage space?

Over 60 years of experience in the food and beverage industry counts for a lot. It means strong supplier relationships, deep market knowledge and a genuine understanding of what manufacturers need. Our portfolio of more than 1,000 ingredients means customers can source across many categories from one trusted partner, which simplifies procurement considerably. Our HACCP-certified food storage facilities, ISO 9001 and FSSC 22000 certifications give customers the quality assurance they need. And our memberships with Sedex, RSPO and EcoVadis mean we can back up our ethical sourcing credentials.

Q: Looking ahead, where do you see the greatest opportunities for innovation and growth?

Sugar reduction is going to keep driving ingredient innovation for years to come. The demand for natural, great-tasting low-calorie sweeteners is only going to grow. Plant-based and alternative protein formulation is another long-term growth area. Sustainability will shape more and more purchasing decisions. And functional and fortified foods represent a huge opportunity as the line between food and health keeps blurring. Our job is to make sure we have the right ingredients and the right expertise to help customers move quickly in all of these areas.

Supporting the Future of Food and Beverage

As the food and beverage sector continues to evolve, manufacturers need more than ingredients alone. They need dependable supply, strong technical understanding and partners who can help them respond to changing market demands with confidence.

With broad ingredient capability and established supply networks, Redox is well placed to support customers across this growing category.

As global demand for electricity continues to rise and energy grids modernise to accommodate renewable generation, the infrastructure that underpins power transmission has never been more important. From high-voltage substations to utility-scale transformers connecting solar and wind projects to the grid, reliable insulation and cooling systems are essential to the safe and efficient flow of electricity.

To support this expansion, Redox has welcomed Molekulis, a specialist distributor of transformer and specialty oils. Molekulis brings deep technical expertise and long-standing relationships across the energy sector, particularly in the supply of high-performance oils used in electrical transformers and related equipment.

These oils play a vital role inside transformers, acting as both an electrical insulator and a cooling medium. By dissipating heat and preventing electrical discharge, transformer oils help protect the performance and lifespan of essential power assets. As electricity networks become larger and more complex, the need for high-quality insulating oils is set to grow.

Molekulis has supported a wide range of major energy and infrastructure projects across Australia and New Zealand. Over the past seven years, the business has supplied transformer oils to more than 100 solar and wind farms, along with dams, data centres, transmission line projects and distribution substations. Its work includes highly challenging and remote locations such as the Manapouri Dam in the South Island of New Zealand, where Molekulis has supplied every new transformer and is currently supplying oil again for the next round of installations. In Australia, the business has also supplied oil for a large number of transformers tied to Transgrid’s new transmission line projects, including Buronga in New South Wales, home to what is regarded as the largest substation in the Southern Hemisphere.

We spoke with Philippe Reboul, who leads the Molekulis business, about the role of transformer oils and the trends shaping the power sector.

Manapouri Power Station New Zealand

[Q: For those unfamiliar with the technology, what role do transformer oils play inside electrical transformers?

At first glance, transformer oils serve two critical functions: insulation and cooling. Inside a transformer, conductors carry very high voltages, so the oil acts as an electrical insulator to prevent arcing between components. At the same time, it circulates through the transformer and, where applicable, its cooling banks to remove heat generated during operation, helping keep the equipment running safely and efficiently.

However, the role of insulating oil goes well beyond these two functions. The oil must minimise electrical losses, remain compatible with rubber gaskets and all materials it comes into contact with, including metals, glues and paints, resist corrosion, avoid gassing, and meet strict safety requirements. International standards define a long list of characteristics that insulating oils must satisfy.

We often refer to insulating oil as the “blood” of the transformer. It is a highly specialised fluid that must remain within strict physical and chemical limits throughout the life of the asset. Oil samples are analysed regularly, not only to assess the condition of the oil itself, but also to detect trace compounds that can reveal the condition of the transformer, including signs of electrical or thermal stress.

Q: Why is the quality of transformer oil so important to utilities and energy companies?

The oil is fundamental to transformer performance over the long term. High-quality insulating oils maintain their dielectric strength over extended periods and resist oxidation and degradation. This directly affects the lifespan of the transformer, which is an extremely valuable asset for utilities and energy-intensive industries such as mining, smelting and chemical processing. Effective oil management can significantly extend equipment life and reduce maintenance costs.

Unlike engine oils, most transformers will never undergo a full oil change during their 20-, 30- or even 50-year service life. When oil replacement is required, it can cost tens of thousands of dollars, making it crucial to begin with a high-quality insulating oil from the outset.

This becomes even more meaningful when you consider where these oils are used. Molekulis-supplied oils are found in transformers powering Australian Antarctic bases from diesel generators, as well as at airports, train stations, ports, defence sites and major public infrastructure. They are also used in the new Western Sydney Airport, the Sydney Metro network, and data centres around Sydney and Melbourne operated by some of the world’s largest technology companies. Across Western Australia, many transformers used throughout the Pilbara mining region also run on Molekulis transformer oil. Even highly specialised facilities such as the WA radio astronomy observatory rely on transformers using these oils to support critical operations.

Q: What types of products does Molekulis supply to the market?

We supply a range of transformer and specialty oils, including mineral insulating oils and fire-resistant ester oils designed for demanding electrical applications. These products are used by utilities, industrial power users, transformer manufacturers, and service companies responsible for maintaining transmission and distribution infrastructure, as well as industrial facilities.

Photo of Buronga substation, part of Transgrid’s Energy Connect project (image curtesy of Transgrid)

Q: How is the global energy transition affecting demand for transformer oils?

It is having a very positive impact. As countries invest in renewable energy, electrification and grid modernisation, transformer installations are increasing significantly. Every wind farm, solar installation, battery storage facility and new transmission line requires transformers to step voltage up or down, or to convert between DC and AC in applications such as rail. This is creating sustained growth in the need for insulating oils.

The transition now underway also represents major capital investment by governments, utilities and private industry. These are long-life assets expected to perform reliably for decades, and transformers are central to that picture. At a time like this, specialised oils matter enormously because oils are not interchangeable. Transformer oils are carefully engineered to perform for the life of the transformer and beyond, while also meeting strict technical and safety requirements.

Q: Are there particular regions where you’re seeing strong growth?

Growth is occurring globally, particularly in regions investing heavily in renewable generation and expanded transmission infrastructure. The electrification of transport, data centres and industrial processes is also increasing power requirements, which in turn calls for stronger and more resilient electricity networks.

Q: What advantages does Molekulis gain from becoming part of Redox?

Redox brings a strong global logistics network and established relationships across a wide range of industrial sectors. By combining that reach with Molekulis’ specialist knowledge in transformer oils, we can support customers more effectively and help maintain dependable access to these critical materials.

That capability becomes especially important during periods of disruption. In times of crisis, such as during COVID-19 or amid ongoing instability in the Middle East, customers need confidence that essential products will remain available. As market leaders, Redox and Molekulis are well placed to build robust supply chains and provide access to uncompromised, high-performance transformer oils when customers need them most. Redox also supports sustainability in this category, with mineral transformer oils able to be fully recycled into new transformer oil, something the company already does at its facility in New Zealand.

Supporting the Future of Energy

The acquisition of Molekulis strengthens Redox’s position in the energy sector, adding specialised expertise in transformer and electrical insulating oils to the company’s growing portfolio.

As investment in renewable energy, electrification and grid resilience continues worldwide, the role of dependable transformer technology will only become more important. With Molekulis now part of the Redox network, customers can access specialist product knowledge backed by a global distribution platform, helping support power infrastructure projects now and into the future.

Redox looks forward to working with Philippe Reboul and the Molekulis team to support the industries that keep electricity flowing safely and efficiently across modern energy networks.

Protease is an exogenous enzyme added to broiler feed to improve protein digestion, but its value extends far beyond simply breaking down dietary protein. It is a strategic tool used to enhance nutrient efficiency, reduce metabolism costs, support gut health, and lower both feed costs and environmental impact.

Adding exogenous protease to broiler chicken diets could increase ileal digestibility of crude protein (CP) by 3-8%by hydrolysing complex proteins into absorbable peptides and amino acids; degrade trypsin inhibitors, lectins, and antigenic proteins such as glycinin and β-conglycinin, allowing to reduce immune activation and gut inflammation; reduce pancreatic endogenous amino acids losses by preventing pancreatic hypertrophy and reducing excessive enzyme output; reduce undigested protein in the hindgut to limit substrate for pathogenic bacteria like Clostridium perfringens.

Because protease spares significant amounts of endogenous amino acids, this spare effect contributes directly to the “matrix values” used in feed formulation. Based on the ideal amino acids profile, the modern broiler chicken performance is mainly driven by the dietary digestible lysine levels. Compared with the Aviagen recommendation, increasing 3% of standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lysine level will usually increase chicken body weight by 175 grams in 42 days of post hatching period and reduce feed conversion ratio (FCR) by 2 points. On the other hand, increasing 3% of SID lysine level will increase feed cost by 12 AUD/MT.

Based on the study conducted in the University of Sydney, after adding phytase, xylanase to wheat-soybean meal- canola meal diet,  VTR’s protease supplementation could spare 2.7% of SID lysine level or save the feed cost about 10 AUD /MT but will not improve the chicken performance. However, if this protease tops up the current feed formulation, it will increase chicken body weight gain by 158 grams and improve FCR by 1.8 points.

It is noteworthy that in the feed formulation with protease supplementation, the ideal amino acids profile must ensure that SID lysine is the first limiting amino acid and any other single amino acid deficiency will depress chicken performance (Figure 1). Adding protease to diets with unbalanced amino acids profile has no benefits on chicken performance. Interestingly, when dietary SID tryptophan to lysine ratio increased from 0.16 (ideal amino acid profile) to 0.22, it significantly improved FCR (Figure 2).

In addition, dietary SID cysteine (Cys) proportion in SID sulphur amino acids (Met+Cys) also influence the effect of protease supplementation. When the chicken diet contains the higher meat and bone meal, it will result in the lower proportion of SID Cys in SID Met+Cys. Adding Protease to this diet may improve chicken immunity but no obvious effect on chicken performance. However, when the chicken diet contains the higher feather meal, it will result in the higher proportion of SID Cys in SID Met+Cys. Adding protease to this diet will significantly improve the chicken performance.

Figure 1. The effect of single amino acids deficiency on chicken body weight gain (g/birds, 15-35 days of age).

Figure 2. The effect of higher dietary tryptophan level on chicken FCR (15-35 days of age)

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for salmon, acting as a key component of antioxidant enzyme (glutathione oxidase, GPx), supporting immune function, growth and stress resistance.  GPx acts along with Vitamin E to function as a biological antioxidant to protect polyunsaturated phospholipids in cellular and subcellular membranes from peroxidative damage. The function of GPx is complementary to that of Vitamin E, which is a lipid soluble antioxidant. Se also enhances T-cell proliferation and antibody production to reduce susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections.

Se levels in fish meal are generally high. However, due to the increase replacement of fish meal with plant ingredients, it may be necessary to supplement Se to meet the physiological requirement of salmon fish. A dietary deficiency of Se has been generally reported to resulted in muscle degeneration and increased mortality under stress.

Interestingly, the toxicity of Se was established well before its dietary essentiality. Therefore, U.S. FDA allows Se supplementation of up to 0.3 ppm from sodium selenite or sodium selenate. In salmon fish, supplemented yeast derived Se appears to have a higher bioavailability and tissue accumulation. Therefore, European Food Safety Authority limited supplemental yeast derived Se to 0.2 ppm.

Salmon feed pellets can be formulated with selenium to help support antioxidant defence, immunity, growth and stress resilience in modern aquaculture diets.

It is noticed that the dominant forms of Se in fish meal and plant ingredients are seleno-methionine and seleno-cysteine. Commercial organic forms of Se include seleno-methionine and yeast derived Se. In extrusion processing, yeast derived Se is more thermal stable. Redox is now providing 3000 ppm and 2000 ppm yeast derived Se containing seleno-methionine 55% and 75%, respectively.

In summary, selenium plays a vital role in supporting salmon health, particularly through its antioxidant, immune and stress-protection functions. As aquaculture diets continue to shift away from fish meal toward plant-based ingredients, targeted selenium supplementation becomes increasingly important to maintain optimal performance and reduce the risk of deficiency-related health issues. Given the narrow margin between selenium requirement and toxicity, selecting a safe, stable and bioavailable source is critical. Yeast-derived selenium offers a practical solution in salmon nutrition, combining strong bioavailability with thermal stability during feed processing, making it a valuable option for modern feed formulations.

A study compiled by our Redox Animal Nutritionists.

Tartaric Acid is an organic dicarboxylic acid typically supplied as a white crystalline powder. It is readily soluble in water and is used as an acidulant and processing aid in many systems. In addition to delivering acidity, it can bind trace metals that contribute to oxidation, discolouration, and the development of off-flavours.

Depending on the application and regulatory requirements, Tartaric Acid may be supplied in different grades (e.g., food-grade or pharmaceutical-grade) and specific isomer forms (commonly L(+)-Tartaric Acid).

Key Functional Benefits

Tartaric Acid is widely used in formulation as it provides a clean tart profile while giving formulators more control over pH and stability. Its buffering and chelation behaviour can help protect sensitive systems, and it can be blended with other acidulants to achieve the desired taste and performance.

Applications

Food and Beverage
Tartaric Acid is widely used where acidity and flavour clarity are important. It can support both taste and shelf stability in:

Winemaking and Fermentation
Tartaric Acid is strongly associated with grape-based products and is used in winemaking to manage acidity and balance, supporting flavour and microbiological stability (subject to local regulations and producer requirements).

Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals
In regulated applications, Tartaric Acid is used as an acidifying agent and may support salt formation for certain actives. It can also contribute to taste and stability management in oral formulations.

Industrial Uses
Tartaric Acid isn’t only valued for flavour applications—it also plays a role in industrial formulations that rely on controlled acidity and chelation. By helping adjust pH and bind metal ions, it can support stable processing conditions and more consistent results across batches.

Supply and Support

Redox supplies Tartaric Acid for many uses, backed by local warehousing, product knowledge, and reliable distribution in Australia and New Zealand.

If you’d like guidance on grade selection, usage considerations, or compatibility within your formulation, contact the Redox team for support.

Sodium chlorate is a high-purity inorganic oxidising salt used worldwide as a key industrial intermediate. It is typically supplied as a concentrated aqueous solution or as solid crystals or granules. Its reliable performance, consistent quality, and efficient conversion into other process chemicals, particularly chlorine dioxide for pulp bleaching, make it highly valued.

At Redox, we supply sodium chlorate to support stable production, predictable chemistry, and reliable outcomes for manufacturers operating in demanding, high-throughput environments.

Why Sodium Chlorate Is So Widely Used

Sodium chlorate offers several practical advantages:

Strong oxidising capability
Its predictable oxidising capability makes it ideal for controlled reaction environments and for feeding downstream oxidiser-generation systems.

Consistent, industrial-scale availability
Produced globally at industrial scale, sodium chlorate benefits from established manufacturing capacity, well-developed supply chains, and proven handling systems.

Industries and Applications

Pulp & Paper (ECF Bleaching and Chlorine Dioxide Generation)
Sodium chlorate is the primary raw material for producing chlorine dioxide (ClO₂), the cornerstone of modern Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) bleaching.

Mining & Metals (Oxidation Chemistry for Processing)
Used as a controlled oxidiser in hydrometallurgical and refining processes, sodium chlorate helps improve recovery, impurity removal, and reaction efficiency.

Chemical Manufacturing (A Versatile Industrial Intermediate)
Sodium chlorate is a key precursor in producing perchlorates and various organic intermediates.

Industrial Water Treatment (Specialised Oxidising Applications)
In tailored industrial treatment processes, sodium chlorate supports controlled chemical conversion.

Product Positives That Matter on Site

Below are key benefits for buyers and their practical implications.

Innovations and What’s Improving in the Market

Although sodium chlorate is a mature commodity, production and supply systems continue to advance:

How Redox Supports Your Supply

When you source sodium chlorate from Redox, you gain a supply partner committed to reliability, compliance, and practical on-site results.

Contact Redox to discuss sodium chlorate supply for your operation. Our team can review specifications, packaging, and delivery options to meet your requirements.

Weaning is a major physiological and immunological crisis for piglets. This abrupt transition from sow’s milk to solid feeds causes a combination of stressors. For example, the small intestine undergoes severe villus atrophy, with villus height reducing by up to 75% within 24 hours. The tight junctions between gut cells weaken, increasing intestinal permeability.  This allows toxins and pathogens to pass into the blood stream, triggering inflammation that diverts energy and nutrients away from the growth.

Soybean meal is good source of protein but contains trypsin inhibitors and other anti-nutritional factors, resulting the impaired digestion and the inflammation. It also contains large, complex proteins that are hard for weaned piglets to break down with their immature digestive systems. Nextide is the blend of soybean meal fermented by bacillus spp. bacteria (BF-SBM), functional amino acids and nucleotide. BF-SBM can reduce trypsin inhibitors to near zero and break down the major antigenic proteins (Figure 1). In BF-SBM, the complex protein is pre-digested into smaller peptides and free amino acids, which are much easier and faster for the piglet to absorb (Figure 2).

Figure 1. The effect of BF-SBM on protein-based anti-nutritional factors

Figure 2. The effect of BF-SBM on peptide (< 30 kDa) production (%)

Recently CJ conducted a 28 days of trial in Vietnam and results were published in Journal of Animal science (2024).  The standard, positive control diet was formulated including 3% fish meal and 2% plasma protein. The negative control was not including animal proteins. The other four treatments used 5% Nxtide to replace 3% fish meal, 3% fish meal and 1% plasma protein, 2% plasma protein or 3% fish meal and 2% plasma protein, respectively. Adding 5% Nextide to replace 3% fish meal and 2% plasma protein significantly increased the daylit weight gain (Figure 3) probably due to increased villus height and reduced diarrhea rate (Figure 4).

Figure 3. The effect of Nextide on the body weight gain (g/d/head)

Figure 4. The effect of Nextide on Villus height (µm) and Diarrhea rate (%)

A study compiled by our Redox Animal Nutritionists.