Grenaa, Denmark – To mark the official EU authorization of ALKOSEL^{® R397}, its premium source of organic selenium, Lallemand has hosted an international Selenium Yeast Seminar in Grenaa (Denmark). Grenaa is home of one of the yeast fermentation plants where ALKOSEL^{® R397} is produced to the highest standards (FAMI-QS, ISO 9001:2000).

This event gathered feed and premix manufacturers, distributors and animal nutrition professionals around renowned scientists, to discuss the practical applications and latest research on the role of selenium yeast in animal production and human health. Participants could then experience on-site ALKOSEL^{® R397} production and quality control processes.

In a presentation about the role of selenium in ruminants, Dr Bruce Cottrill, from ADAS (UK), reviewed the benefits of selenium yeast supplementation in dairy cows on milk quality, in particular the reduction of somatic cell counts, and reproductive health. The high bioavailability of selenium yeast also improves selenium transfer from the cow to the calves, by elevating blood, colostrum and milk selenium contents.

Evidences of the importance of selenium yeast in the diet of swine and poultry were presented by Ghislaine Roch, an independent feed nutritionist and researcher from Canada.

Convinced that modern farming practices and high metabolism in farmed animals seriously alter their anti-oxidative balance, G. Roch believes that: “Selenium yeast, with its high bioavailability, can contribute to improve performance and reduce the impact of stress factors in farmed animals”. The field data she presented showed that ALKOSEL^{® R397} improved poultry performance, maternal immune transfer and reproductive functions (fertility and hatchability). In swine, large scale trials showed that ALKOSEL^{® R397} can improve feed efficacy and meat quality.

Interestingly, in all studied species, the use of selenium yeast in the diet largely improved selenium content of end products (meat, milk, eggs), which is a true benefit considering the overall low selenium status in humans in most of European regions.

This was not contradicted by Professor Margaret Rayman, a leading expert of the role of selenium in human health from University of Surrey (UK). Prof. Rayman captivated the participants attention with several prospective studies showing the relationship between low selenium status in human and mortality, cancer, immunocompetency, as well as inflammatory and fertility troubles. She also presented exciting clinical data showing the benefits of selenium enriched yeast, which has been used in human dietary supplements for quite a long time before its authorization in farmed animals!

A recurrent topic during Grenaa’s seminar was dealing with the analysis performed to guarantee the traceability of the product from the pure feed additive to the complete feed. Lallemand is using validated analytical methods to quantify total and organic selenium content in ALKOSEL^{® R397} in order to standardize its production. The total selenium content in ALKOSEL^{® R397} is guaranteed to range from 2,000 to 2,400 ppm (98% organic Se), of which a minimum of 1,200 ppm is from selenomethionine. A Certificate of Analysis, stating the analytical method used for Total Selenium and Selenomethionine determination, is provided with each batch of ALKOSEL®R397, a guarantee for the customer of its quality and consistency.

A CD-Rom containing the seminars presentations as well as detailed technical information about ALKOSEL^{® R397} production, quality control and applications in all animal species is available from Lallemand. To receive a copy of the CD or the detailed analysis methods used for organic selenium quantification, contact Lallemand animal nutrition team: HYPERLINK "mailto:animal@lallemand.com" animal@lallemand.com, or phone:+33 (0) 562 745 555.

ALKOSEL^{® R397} is made from a specific yeast strain, Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCYC R397, selected for its ability to incorporate large amounts of selenium into selenomethionine, a form readily available for animals. From the selection of the specific yeast strain R397 to the last quality control analysis and packaging, Lallemand controls every step of the whole manufacturing process. Tightly monitored fermentation processes, based on a deep understanding of the yeast metabolism, state-of-the-art equipments, and Lallemand’s life-long expertise in yeast fermentation, are the key to the high quality and batch-to-batch consistency of ALKOSEL®R397, critical for optimal animal performances.

ALKOSEL^{® R397}: “ Quality is our commitment”