Advances in algae-based technology will benefit animal health

Combined French and British research funding has produced algae-based technology advances which are claimed to offer farmers the chance to reduce their usage of antibiotics and other medicines.

“The key to good animal health and productivity is providing optimum nutrition and a clean, hygienic environment,” said Robert Hamilton, animal care manager at Olmix UK, whose French parent company – the original Olmix – recently acquired Micromix, an animal and plant care business, based in the East Midlands.

Specialising in the use of algae to improve animal, plant and human health, the new business is focusing on a range of “natural products which are scientifically proven to aid digestion, strengthen immunity, and improve hygiene”. The venture has already drawn significant amounts of funding supports on both sides of the English Channel,

“Micromix has received a lot of funding for research and development, including £840,000 from Innovate UK over the last two years,” said Wilson Boardman, managing director at Micromix, adding that – combined with Olmix’s research budget of £7-7.9m a year – the potential benefits to farmers will be considerable.

“I’ve never come across a company anywhere in the world that is so dedicated to algae and prepared to spend so much on research and development.”

By isolating different active ingredients derived from sustainably sourced algae, the firm is targeting several areas of animal health. Current solutions include using a micronised clay, mixed with algal extracts and electrolytes, which is claimed to protect livestock against digestive disorders and revive calves suffering from diarrhoea.

The company has also developed products which bind a wide range of mycotoxins in feed to prevent mycotoxicosis, and a clay-based sanitiser which is claimed to reduce the incidence of mastitis, digital dermatitis and calf infections.