9. Alternative livestock feeds
WEF Emerging Technology 2024
Protein feeds for livestock sourced from single-cell proteins, algae and food waste could offer a sustainable solution for the agricultural industry.
Competitive Environment in alternative livestock feeds
Companies and universities with conceptually close patents to the technology definition
Countries in technology
(number of active patents in technology in 2024 country by inventor address)
Development of patent publications
(publications per year)
EconSight comment and short analysis
Feed for livestock, e.g. for ruminants, poultry or aquaculture, has a major impact on nutritional quality, but can also influence climate-related problems. Alternative materials, newly available waste streams and generally newly designed feedstuffs are finding their way into research and production. The focus is on single-cell proteins, algae and food waste, but also other protein sources. The field of alternative animal feeds is broad and diverse, but only a few large companies are active in this area. DSM Firmenich is the leading large player, while a growing number of smaller companies such as LanzaTech or SEB Farms and their BetterFedFoods brand are entering this field. Further away from the target, we find many players from different sectors, new waste streams such as brewery proteins, various additives and biologicals to reduce the carbon footprint of livestock and feed ingredients. In general, however, this area is rather sparsely populated, at least at the core, with only a few academic, small or large players, and we expect more activity soon.
Background
- Textual concepts are generated for each WEF technology.
- The concepts are applied to our full-text AI-RAG (retrieval augmented generation system) which is optimised for highest precision patent analysis to identify the semantically close patents for each technology.
- A competitive environment with the most relevant companies and research institutions is developed where the relevance is calculated as the similarity of their patents compared to the technology concept. The closer to the technology core, the higher the similarity. Large corporates, small specialists and research institutions are shown separately.
Alternative livestock feeds: protein feeds for livestock sourced from single-cell proteins, algae and food waste could offer a sustainable solution for the agricultural industry.
This invention relates to a livestock feed formulation derived from single-cell proteins (SCPs) produced by cultivating microorganisms such as yeast, bacteria, and fungi. The SCP-based feed offers a high-protein content and is enriched with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support the growth and health of livestock. The production process utilizes low-cost substrates, including agricultural byproducts and waste materials, making it a sustainable and economically viable alternative to traditional feed sources like soy and corn. This technology reduces the environmental footprint of livestock farming and contributes to global food security.
The present invention describes a livestock feed supplement derived from microalgae, providing a rich source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. The algae are cultivated using a closed-loop system that recycles nutrients and water, minimizing resource usage and environmental impact. The feed supplement can be integrated into existing livestock diets to enhance nutritional value, improve animal health, and reduce reliance on conventional feed sources such as fishmeal and soy. This algae-based feed supplement offers a sustainable solution for meeting the growing demand for animal protein in a rapidly expanding global population.
This invention presents a method for converting food waste into high-quality livestock feed through a process of fermentation and enzymatic treatment. The method transforms a wide variety of food waste, including fruit and vegetable scraps, bakery waste, and dairy byproducts, into a nutrient-dense feed that can be safely consumed by livestock. The process significantly reduces food waste destined for landfills while providing an alternative protein source for the agricultural industry. This technology supports a circular economy by closing the loop between food production and livestock farming, contributing to more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.
The invention describes a composite livestock feed that combines single-cell proteins, algae, and upcycled food waste to create a balanced and sustainable feed solution. The feed is formulated to provide essential nutrients, including proteins, fats, and fibers, while reducing the reliance on traditional feed sources. Each component of the feed is selected for its environmental benefits: SCPs offer high protein yield with low resource input, algae provide essential fatty acids, and food waste contributes to waste reduction. This multi-source feed formulation is designed to be cost-effective and environmentally friendly, making it suitable for widespread adoption in the livestock industry.
This patent describes a novel livestock feed that combines fermented algae with single-cell proteins (SCPs) to create a highly digestible and nutrient-rich product. The fermentation process enhances the bioavailability of nutrients, leading to improved growth rates and overall health in livestock. The feed is particularly beneficial for ruminants, poultry, and aquaculture, providing a sustainable alternative to fishmeal and soy-based feeds. By utilizing rapidly renewable resources, this feed technology reduces the environmental impact of livestock production and offers a scalable solution to meet the protein demands of the global agriculture sector.
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