Adisseo and Novozymes launch their probiotic for poultry, Alterion. The probiotic will be found on the U.S. market as well as in a number of countries in the Middle East and South East Asia.

Alterion has been developed from a unique strain of Bacillus subtilis, a naturally-occurring bacterium found in soil. Added to feed, it allows farmers to better control gut health of their animals, it limits development of unwanted bacteria in the animal’s digestive tract, and it optimizes feed conversion by 2 to 2.5 percent, meaning less feed consumed to raise an animal.

Novozymes used its expertise in biotechnology to perform in-vitro testing and is responsible for development and production of Alterion. Adisseo, performed in-vivo testing and manages marketing and sales.

“Global trials have validated the performance and mode of action of Alterion and trial customers are very excited about the results,” says Jean-Marc Dublanc, CEO of Adisseo. “We are convinced that it will be a valuable tool for customers looking for a sustainable and economical solution to meet regulatory challenges and consumer-driven curbs on use of antibiotic growth promoters.”

“The combined scientific expertise of our companies has made it possible to develop this consistently high-performing probiotic,” says Helle Warrer Poulsen, Vice President of Animal Health & Nutrition at Novozymes. “There is a clear move towards more sustainable animal farming methods. Alterion can help the industry on this journey.”

Probiotics are naturally occurring live microbes that stabilize the gut flora of poultry, pigs and other animals when ingested. They can improve animal health, growth rate and feed utilization, thereby saving resources and improving sustainability of the animal farming industry.