Wheat to improve feed conversion
Wheat constitutes between 60% - 80% of poultry diets, yet the wheat diverted to feed is often low grade with reduced micronutrient value.
Iron and other micronutrient deficiencies can pose significant challenges in monogastric livestock nutrition, directly impacting animal health, productivity, and economic sustainability for producers.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne have managed to boost levels of a naturally occurring amino acid that binds to essential micronutrients, including iron, and facilitates their transport into wheat grain.
In commercialising this research, 121SEED’s initial focus is stockfeed for poultry, with potential applications in the pork industry.
Poultry trials by both the University of Melbourne and Cornell University (USA) have shown improved gut health and disease tolerance conferred by consumption of the amino acid enriched wheat.
The wheat has been extensively trialled under Australian conditions, confirming consistent results across different locations and grain growing environments.