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Soil is a biological wonderland teeming with microorganisms. There are more microorganisms in a single teaspoon of soil than people on Earth. Each kilogram of fertile soil can host an astonishing 500 billion bacteria (roughly 100 times the human population), 10 billion actinomycetes, and about 1 billion fungi. These tiny creatures are the unsung heroes of soil fertility. They cycle nutrients, improve soil structure, and support robust plant growth. Microorganisms also play a crucial role in breaking down harmful substances using special enzymes.

To boost soil health, we aim to increase the diversity of beneficial microorganisms. These microbial superheroes naturally inhabit the soil, producing antibiotics, enzymes, and phytohormones that benefit plants.

Microorganisms in soil depend on several factors, including temperature, humidity, oxygen levels, soil pH, and nutrient availability. Here’s a breakdown:

Increasing soil carbon levels can lead to better plant establishment and growth. While increasing soil carbon is highly desirable, it is also easily lost, so maintaining what you have is important.

Microbial Fertilisers

Microbial fertilisers are natural products containing bacteria, algae, fungi, or biological compounds. They benefit soil and plants by colonising the rhizosphere (the root zone) and making nutrients readily available to plant root hairs. When introduced into the soil, these microbes quickly colonise the rhizosphere, multiplying exponentially in the first 48 hours and producing trillions of microbes.

The Importance of Carbon for Soil Microorganisms

Soil microorganisms thrive as long as there’s a carbon source for energy. Humic acid is one such source that’s instrumental in fueling their activity.

Microorganisms offer a plethora of benefits to soil and plants:

Mycorrhiza: The Symbiotic Connection

Mycorrhizal associations are mutualistic symbioses between soil fungi and plant roots, benefiting over 95% of plants. Two common types are ectomycorrhizas and endomycorrhizas, which help plants collect water and nutrients.

Mycorrhizae offer many benefits, including improved root structure, nutrient regulation, increased chlorophyll, better anchoring, phosphate supply, enhanced photosynthesis, improved plant reserves, and reduced mortality during transplanting. They also make plants more resilient to environmental stress.

Understanding the world of soil microorganisms and their symbiotic relationships can help us unlock the full potential of soil health and plant growth.

Got a question for our Agronomist? Click here

Article compiled by our Redox Agronomists 

 

Currently most dogs are fed highly processed food that is quite different from canine ancestral diets. Sweeteners are quite often included in processed dog food to mask unpleasant taste or enhance the acceptance of the food. 

In the recent years, due to health issues, numerous low-calorie sugar free sweeteners have been developed to replace sucrose.  Table 1 shows relative sweetness, acceptable daily intake (ADI) of some of some sweeteners.

Table 1 The relative sweeteners and ADI (mg/kg body weight/day) of some sweeteners

It is noteworthy that xylitol will result in fatal reduction in blood glucose levels and the liver failure has been reported in dogs.

Stevia is a sugar substitute made from the leaves of the stevia plant. it is about 250 to 300 times sweeter than sucrose. However, some people complain it is bitter.

Neohesperidine Dihydrochalcone (NHDC) is a sensory sweetener derived from the hydrogenation of Neohesperidine, a flavanone which is found in the immature fruit of bitter oranges. It is about 1000-1800 times as sweet as sucrose.  However, commercially available Sugarex containing 10% NHDC is about 150 times as sweet as sucrose and its recommended dosage rates in dog dry food is 50-150 g/MT.

More importantly, all those alternative sweeteners are not effective substrates for plaque bacteria and therefore less likely result in dental caries. However, it is noticed that approximately 50-88% dogs over three years of age have periodontal disease and adding 0.6% sodium hexametaphosphate significantly reduced the area covered by dental calculus. In cats, it is reported that adding 1.2% lactic acid in a maintenance food significantly inhibited oral substrate accumulation.

Adding NHDC to weaning piglets, calf and fish diets also significantly increase the feed intake of young animals.

Report by Redox Animal Nutritionists

It is well known that reduced protein diets in broiler chickens could lessen nitrogen excretion and environmental pollution. However, the successful strategy for broiler chicken production fed on reduced protein diets largely depends on both exact amino acids balance and sufficient quantity. 

Currently ideal amino acids profile and absolute standardised ileal digestible lysine concentrations provide this recommendation on amino acids balance and quantity, respectively. In reduced protein diets, if any amino acid is deficient or limiting, ingestion of excess of other amino acids will result in accumulation of these amino acids in plasma, leading to the reduction in feed intake.  Figure 1 clearly shows that when the reduced protein diet is deficient in Arginine, it will result in increased plasma lysine, methionine plus cysteine, threonine, Valine, and isoleucine concentrations, indicating these surplus essential amino acids could not be degraded for muscle growth.

Figure 1. The effect of Arginine deficiency on plasma amino acids concentration (log ug/ml)

 

Arginine is one of most versatile functional amino acids because it is a precursor of several molecules, such as creatine, ornithine, nitric oxide, citrulline, proline, and polyamines. Apart from protein synthesis, it can stimulate the release of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1.

Arginine also acts as a trigger of target of rapamycin (TOR) signalling system activation for reducing protein degradation. Supplementation of L-Arginine has been approved significantly increase Nitric oxide and reduce ascites related mortality.

In recent updated amino acids profile recommended by Aviagen breeder company, the SID Arginine to SID Lysine ratio has been increased significantly, up to 110% in the finisher period. A 42 days broiler chicken trial conducted in the University of Sydney clearly showed that when SID Arginine to Lysine ratio increased from 107% to 113%, plasma Lysine, methionine plus cysteine, and threonine concentrations were significantly reduced (Figure 2).

Increasing SID valine to Lysine ratio from 76% to 81%, SID isoleucine to lysine ratio from 69% to 73%, and SID Arginine to lysine ratio from 107 % to 113%, increased breast meat by 59 grams.

Figure 2. Plasma lysine, methionine plus cysteine, and threonine concentrations in response to dietary SID Arg/Lys ratios.

Report by Redox Animal Nutritionists

Discover the ground-breaking advancements of WS23, a cooling agent that is reshaping sensory experiences across various industries with its cutting-edge technology. 

2-Isopropyl- N,2,3-trimethylbutanamide, otherwise called WS23, finds versatile applications in candies, beverages, oral care, skin care products, and pharmaceuticals. Its enhanced cooling properties and compatibility with diverse flavours elevate sensory experiences and address challenges in taste-centric product development.

WS23 is a prominent member of an esteemed series of cooling agents. Its market leadership is reinforced by solid demand from renowned brands like P&G, Mondelez, and Mars in the U.S.

The WS series of cooling agents offers a variety of options, including WS-1, WS-3, WS-10, WS-12, and WS-27, each with varying levels of cooling potency and duration. Among these, WS-3 and WS-23 are the most favoured choices.

Key Features

  1. Innovative Cooling Sensation: A distinctive and enduring cooling effect lasting 15 to 30 minutes. WS23 sets itself apart from the discomfort often associated with cooling agents derived from menthol or peppermint.
  2. Uncompromised Thermal Stability: Designed to withstand temperatures up to 200°C, it is an ideal choice for high-temperature applications such as baking and heat-based industries.
  3. Flavour Compatibility: WS23 seamlessly blends with various flavours, making it an adaptable addition to different product categories.
  4. Efficiency Optimization: Achieve a potent cooling effect with a minimal dosage range of 30-100mg/kg, leading to substantial cost benefits for manufacturers.

Technical Specifications

This white crystalline solid powder exhibits a distinctive mint-like cool aroma that sets it apart. Notably, WS23 boasts a melting point of 60-63°C and a solubility profile that renders it slightly soluble in water while finding compatibility with alcohol, Propylene Glycol, and various oils as efficient solvents. 

With a content purity of no less than 99.0%, WS23 has garnered recognition from different authoritative bodies, including FEMA (3804), JECFA (1595), and Flavis (16.053). This compound’s multifaceted attributes open the door to various potential applications across industries, offering a refreshing avenue for altering sensory encounters.

How can we help?

We eagerly anticipate the ongoing success and innovation that WS23 Isopropyl Trimethyl Butyramide will bring to our portfolio and industries.

Contact your dedicated Redox representative and one of our team members will get back to you.

Taurine is a β-amino acid containing a sulfonate instead of a carboxylic group in α-amino acids. It is vital for organ development and aging but not for protein synthesis. Taurine is needed for membrane stabilization, has cytoprotective and cell volume regulation effects, and maintains calcium homeostasis and signalling. 

Taurine deficiency impairs growth, fertility, triggers immune deficiency, muscle atrophy, and increased susceptibility of diseases, resulting in a pathological condition known as green liver in strictly marine species due to bile pigments accumulation. Under normal nutritional conditions, fish can produce taurine via methionine-cysteine metabolism pathway.

It is well known that a steady decline of fish meal inclusion levels in aqua cultural feeds has pushed higher inclusion levels of plant protein rich ingredients supplemented crystalline methionine. We assume that the higher level of dietary methionine supplementation might provide a sufficient taurine precursor to support growth rate in fish. However, Gaylord et al (2007) indicated dietary taurine supplementation was indeed beneficial fort rout fed all-plant protein diets, but supplementation of methionine above the requirement could not spare taurine.

Based on the control diet without supplemental methionine and taurine, taurine and methionine were supplemented at 0, 5, or 10 g/kg diet in a 3 x3 factorial design, respectively (figure 1).

Figure 1. 9 experimental diets in 3×3 factorial design.

 

The relative body weight gains in 9 dietary treatments were shown in Figure 2. There was no interaction (P > 0.05) between Taurine and methionine supplementation. Adding about extra 6.5 g/kg taurine could optimize Rainbow Trout body weight gain.

Figure 2. Relative body weight gain in response to taurine and methionine supplementation

A study compiled by our Redox Animal Nutritionists.

Gut health is important for weaning piglets, in particular when the high dosage of ZnO and antibiotics are removed from piglets feeds..

Apart from the dietary nutrients’ digestion and absorption, the gut is the largest immune organ in pigs and can be divided into four protection layers (Figure 1, Gao et al, 2020).

Exogenous bile acids

Figure 1. The different protective layers of the intestinal barrier

The commensal bacterial barrier is a complex environment playing a key role in maintaining the gut health; the chemical barrier consists of the mucus layer secreting mucins and antimicrobial peptides; the physical barrier is composed of epithelial cells and the immunological barrier harbouring the immune cells that secreted immune mediators such as cytokines and antibodies.

Traditionally bile acids are bio-surfactants, assisting intestinal digestion and absorption of lipids and fatty soluble vitamins such as Vitamin A, D, E and K, and thereby improving nutrient utilization. Recently, in the gut epithelial cell, bile acids are identified as signalling molecules  to activate a couple of  nuclear receptors, namely farnesoid X receptor (FXR), pregnane X receptor (PXR), Vitamin D receptor (VDR) and G-Protein coupled receptor (TGR5). Therefore, bile acids play an important role in regulating epithelial barrier functions.

In 2018, Ipharraguerre et al indicated that currently all alternatives including probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids, essential oils, antimicrobial and plants extracts to antibiotics or high dosage of ZnO underlined their growth promotion action. They demonstrated that either antibiotics or the high dosage of ZnO could activate bile acids receptors and consequently spare nutrients for growth and improve the metabolic efficiency of antibiotics or the high dosage of ZnO treated animals. Therefore, it is necessary for adding the exogenous bile acids to antibiotics free or the high dosage ZnO free diets in weaning piglets.

Based on experimental data in China, Belgium, adding 350 grams per MT feed commercially available exogenous bile acids could improve daily weight gain by 9% and FCR by 7 points.

Report by Redox Animal Nutritionists

Taurine is a β-amino acid containing a sulfonate instead of a carboxylic group in α-amino acids. It is vital for organ development and aging but not for protein synthesis. Taurine is needed for membrane stabilization, has cytoprotective and cell volume regulation effects, and maintains calcium homeostasis and signalling. 

Aquatic feeds for farmed fish and shrimp are mainly made from protein rich ingredients such as fish meal, poultry by-product meal, soybean meal concentrate, yeast protein, pea protein concentrate, corn gluten meal and wheat gluten meal.

Historically fish meal has been the protein source of choice and currently there is no alternative to replace fish meal completely. It is probably since most alternative ingredients are deficient in one or more of the ten essential amino acids: lysine, methionine, threonine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, tryptophan, histidine, arginine, and phenylalanine. However, due to the high price and tight supply of fish meal, a steady decline of fish meal inclusion levels in aquacultural feeds has pushed higher inclusion levels of alternative protein rich ingredients supplemented crystalline essential amino acids.

Histidine is an integral component of a broad set of tissues including skin, bone, ligaments, and muscle. 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. For Atlantic salmon, it is reported that a minimum dietary histidine concentration of 1.4% is needed for the prevention of cataracts. Compared with fish meal, usually animal protein alternatives contain less histidine (Table 1).  In Table 1, it is also clearly shown that using wheat gluten meal to replace soy protein concentrate might obtain similar histidine concentration but lower arginine concentration to that in fish meal.

Table 1 some essential amino acids in protein rich ingredients (%)

 

Histidine is an amino acid that has the most powerful impact on fish palatability and providing adequate levels of histidine is critically important for fish or shrimp growth. For shrimps, the dietary requirement of histidine is about 0.8%, corresponding to 2.2% dietary crude protein level. For Rainbow trout, the dietary requirement of histidine is about 0.6%, corresponding to 1.2% crude protein level. For Nile tilapia, the dietary requirement of histidine is about 1%, corresponding to 1.7% protein level. To prevent leaching of crystalline histidine, fish or shrimp diets can be bound with carboymethylcellulose, corn starch and K-carrageenan.

A study compiled by our Redox Animal Nutritionists.

As the seasons change and winter approaches, planning ahead for your agricultural needs is crucial. Controlling insect and pests on your valuable crops, such as scale, mites, and codling moths, is paramount. That’s why now is the perfect time to consider Ovispray for your winter oil spraying program.

At Redox, we understand the challenges growers face in maintaining healthy and pest-free crops. We recommend Ovispray as your go-to solution for effective pest control. Ovispray is an APVMA-approved Agricultural spraying oil designed to combat insect pests that threaten your crops during winter.

Ovispray is registered for use on various crops, including,

Ovispray applied to winter crops

Ovispray is highly suitable for Integrated Pest Management programs (IPM).

It offers versatile benefits beyond winter oil spraying. This remarkable product can also serve as a wetter/penetrant for herbicide applications, boosting their efficacy. Furthermore, when mixed with fungicides and insecticides, Ovispray enhances its performance, giving you even greater protection against harmful pathogens and pests.

How can we help

As the exclusive distributor for Ovispray in Australia, we offer it in 200L drums and 1000L IBCs, ensuring you have an adequate supply for your agricultural operations. With an active ingredient of 800 g/L petroleum oil, Ovispray delivers consistent and reliable results, safeguarding your crops throughout the winter season.

Make sure your crops are protected from insect and pests this winter. 

We understand that every crop is unique, and our team is committed to tailoring solutions that meet your requirements. Contact your dedicated Redox representative or fill in the below form and one of our team members will get in touch.

Protein supplements are gaining immense popularity worldwide, not just among professional athletes but also among a broader range of consumers who recognize their incredible benefits for sports nutrition, muscle building, and overall health. However, the traditional animal and plant-based protein options have limitations, necessitating the search for innovative alternatives. One such exciting product is yeast protein. 

Protein has been shown to have numerous positive effects, including:

These benefits have propelled the supplement market to a staggering value of $6.3 billion in 2021, with further growth projected in the coming years.

The global protein supplements market was valued at USD 6.26 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0% from 2022 to 2030. The market is gaining momentum owing to the increasing number of health-conscious consumers and fitness centres around the globe.

The need for new protein sources

Our planet is facing a significant challenge in meeting the growing global demand for protein. Over the past two decades, protein consumption has been on the rise, and this trend is expected to continue as the population grows and economies thrive. However, relying solely on traditional animal agriculture to meet this demand poses a problem. In light of this concern, both companies and consumers are now turning their attention to yeast protein as a promising and sustainable solution.

Protein supplements come from various sources such as whey, casein, beef, fish, egg, soy, pea, hemp, and rice. Animal proteins, like whey, are often considered superior to plant-based options due to their rich content of essential amino acids. Moreover, plant-based proteins may not be as easily digested in the gut and can negatively affect metabolism and immune response.

Whey protein, derived from milk during cheese production, has long been regarded as the gold standard. It is a complete protein that is quickly digested and contains high levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and leucine, which are crucial for muscle growth and recovery.

However, using animal sources in whey protein presents a significant barrier for many consumers. Environmental concerns, animal welfare issues, and contamination fears have prompted a global shift towards reducing animal product consumption. For instance, nearly half of the population in Singapore has already reduced or eliminated animal products from their diets. Similar trends are observed in other Asian countries, where many individuals opt for meat reduction. As a result, there is a growing demand for alternatives.

Challenges with plant-based proteins

Plant-based proteins have gained popularity as an alternative but still have limitations. They often lack the same amino acid content, digestibility, and protein synthesis capacity as animal proteins. Additionally, large-scale cultivation of plant-based protein sources, such as wheat, soy, and peas, requires substantial land resources and can be impacted by weather conditions. Concerns about heavy metals, pesticide residues, and genetically modified organisms further dampen consumer enthusiasm.

The Rise of the Alternative: Yeast Protein

Yeast proteins are an exciting and promising alternative. Nutritional yeast, commonly available in the market, is often known for its immune-boosting and gut health benefits. However, it is also a rich microbial protein source with high BCAA content.

While yeast protein has been studied for its nutritional value in animal agriculture for several decades, research on its impact on humans has been limited.

The properties and composition of AngeoPro

AngeoPro, derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as brewer’s or baker’s yeast, contains over 70% high-quality protein and has a digestibility value similar to whey protein. It boasts a leucine content comparable to whey protein and even higher levels of total BCAAs. Acting as a “slow protein,” AngeoPro provides a steady and continuous supply of amino acids.

AngeoPro closely resembles animal proteins, outperforming low-quality plant proteins regarding nutritional value. Additionally, AngeoPro, as a fermentation product, offers advantages such as a reliable supply chain and reduced land requirements. The wastewater generated during AngeoPro production is repurposed as organic fertilizer for yeast cultivation, creating a more sustainable production process.

How Can Redox Help?

When it comes to meeting the surging demand for sustainable and high-quality protein, look no further than Redox as your trusted partner.

With yeast protein emerging as a revolutionary solution, Angel Yeast stands at the forefront of research and development, ensuring a future of protein supplementation that resonates with consumer preferences.

Contact us today to explore how Redox can be the essential catalyst in your sourcing strategy, providing you with unmatched expertise and top-notch solutions.

We at Redox are excited to share that we have renewed our Chemical Educational Foundation’s Presidents Club membership. This is our way of supporting the CEF team’s efforts to promote chemistry education and raise awareness among students in grades K-8.

CEF’s You Be The Chemist programs uniquely connect business and education in local communities to reach students early in life and ignite a passion for chemistry and science-related careers.

Companies and individuals in the science and chemistry industries have invested in You Be The Chemist since 1989, to inspire young students into a lifelong passion for these fields. Programs are implemented in partnership with schools and education programs so activities align with local workforce and learning needs.

Nick Osmo, General Manager, North America, said, “I believe fostering curiosity into STEM at an early age is essential. We want our youth’s innate curiosity to overcome any intimidating aspects that otherwise might deter them so that these powerful subjects become enduring areas of interest, study and eventually a career and passion.”

In today’s world, where science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are crucial for the future workforce, high school and post-secondary students often receive the most attention in terms of preparation.

However, it is essential to realise that igniting a passion for science at a young age, even as early as five years old, significantly enhances the likelihood of engaging students in learning and ultimately pursuing careers in STEM fields.

CEF’s outstanding program, You Be the Chemist, is dedicated to this cause. It offers educators many educational resources, including activity guides and workshops. Additionally, the program hosts an annual academic competition at the local, state, and national levels, inviting students in grades 5-8 to compete for scholarships and prizes.

The impact of CEF’s You Be the Chemist program is evident in the remarkable outcomes it has achieved.

The You Be the Chemist program continues to serve as a bridge between businesses, educational institutions, and young students, demonstrating the immense potential of chemistry to create a better world.