Lallemand Animal Nutrition held its first seminar dedicated to the pet and equine microbiome in Windsor, UK. Around 80 people from the UK, Europe and USA gathered at the Royal Windsor Racecourse for the Scientific Exchange on Immunity and Gut Health with Natural Solutions for Companion Animal. The goal of the event was to bridge the gap between science and industry, with state-of-the-art research on metagenomics and case study reports of nutraceutical applications to support gut health, immunity and well-being in pets and horses, while offering great networking opportunities between world renowned scientists and industry.
Participant feedback suggests that both the goals were met and there was plenty of ‘food for thought’ around the nutritional supplementation of our companion animals. As Laurent Dussert, global category manager, reminded the audience during the introduction; digestion, immunity and antioxidants represent the first market drivers in pet food functionality, totaling 60% of market demand. Equine functional ingredients business is driven by joint and muscle integrity, udder and hoof care. Lallemand’s microbial based and natural solutions are well placed to address these demands, while answering the need for transparent, functional and natural ingredients.
Conclusion
Dr. Francesca Susca, global pet product manager, wrapped up the meeting with a talk about immunonutrition and the role of various nutrients in the immunological response of pets. The range of natural antioxidants (Melofeed, but also Alkosel a source of bioavailable selenium), and specific microbial-based solutions developed by Lallemand Animal Nutrition, have a true potential to reinforce companion animal natural defenses, prevent oxidative stress P 6 and balance the digestive microbiota for long lasting benefits on pet and equine gut health, well-being and healthy aging. The last word from Laurent Dussert was in reference to Louis Pasteur “life without microbes would be impossible”.