Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
Antibiotics have been used for years to promote the growth of broiler chicken but their use in Canada is being dramatically reduced due to regulation and societal pressures. It's essential to develop cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives to growth-promoting antibiotics while still maintaining the current production level of broiler chicken.
Punicic acid (PA) is a nutraceutical fatty acid with strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and has the potential to be developed into an alternative of growth-promoting antibiotics.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
Due to its strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activity, PA has the potential to be an alternative to growth-promoting antibiotics. Using PA-rich yeast biomass in poultry feeds can also increase the performance of animals and the market values of the chicken meats. PA-rich yeast biomass would have a higher market value than regular yeast and can benefit both biotechnology and poultry industries.
How will these research findings reach producers on-farm?
Findings will be shared publicly through the University of Alberta's communication channels (newspaper, radio, TV, website). Findings will also be submitted in peer-reviewed journals, and technical reports will be published in poultry and fermentation related magazines and newsletters.