Feed costs are the main cost item on a pig farm, with high-protein raw materials being among the more expensive ones. The most widely used protein-rich raw material is soybean meal, but alternatives such as rapeseed meal, sunflower meal, beans, lupins and peas are becoming increasingly more important. 

Unwanted Substances

Most protein-rich raw materials contain certain substances that are negative for digestion or taste. This is why protein-rich raw materials are often heated (toasted). However, this does not remove all unwanted substances (e.g. in soybean meal, indigestible sugars, fibres, and allergens remain). Our passion for fermentation has led to years of research, which has shown that fermentation does make it possible to break down all unwanted substances to a large extent or completely. We see in our barns that fermented soybean meal results in the total share of soybean meal being significantly reduced. This saves on feed costs but also on input and output of nitrogen.

Toasting takes a lot of energy

Various protein-rich raw materials are toasted, which consumes a lot of energy. Moreover, it can only be carried out by specialist companies, creating a dependency. There is also a risk of over- and underheating, both with negative effects on animal performance. Fermentation allows you to upgrade your raw materials yourself. Without heating, without additional intermediate stages.  Cold-pressed soya or cold-pressed rapeseed are also excellent for fermentation. 

Young animals

The younger the animal, the higher quality the protein and the higher the purchase price. Scientific studies and our own tests at our R&D sites show that fermenting "standard" soybean meal helps to eliminate or greatly reduce the need for other expensive protein components such as fishmeal, whey powder, potato protein, special soy products. Or simply put: by fermenting soybean meal of around EUR 450/tonne, you need less or no raw materials of EUR 1000+/tonne; "For the farmer by the farmer".

Multiple Techniques