NextOrganic

In organic production, free amino acids must not be added to feed. This is because they are either produced using genetically modified microorganisms or made through a chemical process. The optimal composition of amino acids in the feed is achieved by combining different raw materials in the feed mixture. In conventional production, free amino acids can also be added to meet the animals' needs. This allows for a reduction in the protein content of the feed without affecting productivity. However, this strategy cannot be used in organic production. As a result, animals are fed with excess protein to ensure they get enough of the essential amino acids. This results in amino acids being excreted into the environment as excess in manure and urine.

The pupose of the project 

NextOrganic aims to produce products with a high content of lysine, threonine, and methionine through a special fermentation process using organic substrates. The project also aims to isolate natural bacterial mutants capable of growing and producing sufficient amounts of these amino acids. If successful in creating products with increased levels of the three amino acids, the products will be analyzed to determine their nutritional value. This will be done through chemical analysis and a rat experiment.

This is a high-risk project, where the hypotheses are tested at a laboratory level. The ambition is to subsequently upscale in a later project and demonstrate the possibility of producing larger quantities.

The project step by step

NextOrganic will:

• identify and collect organic biomasses and substrates for fermentation.

• develop microbial strains that can produce lysine, threonine, and methionine.

• dharacterize amino acid concentrates in terms of nutrition.

• develop a value chain for effective fermentation strategies with a commercial purpose.

• communicate and build relationships with an advisory group to ensure the development and acceptance of the products within the industry.