

Oils and lipids in animal feed formula are undoubtedly an important source of energy for our animals. Lipids and oils promote the absorption and utilisation of other nutrients and improve feed conversion.
In addition, lipids (such as fish oil) also provide animals with essential fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) and promote the absorption and utilisation of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K and carotenoids. Besides nutritional benefits, oils and lipids can improve palatability of feed, lubricate machines, reduce mechanical wear, and helps control dust during production.
Emulsification and formation of micro-micelles
Emulsification is not a foreign concept to the body. As a natural part of digestion, the body produces bile acid to emulsify ingested oils and lipids. On its own, oils do not have a high digestion and absorption rate. Bile acid acts to effectively make large fat globules into smaller droplets, increasing the TSA/V of fat, therefore speeding up the rate of fat digestion by the enzyme lipase. The digested fats form micro-micelles get absorbed into the enterocyte and then transported as chylomicrons into the lymphatic system. The digestion of long chain fatty acids (LCFA) is a costly process, it requires a long time as it needs to be re-esterified, made into chylomicrons then absorbed (Figure 1). It was found that digestion of LCFAs by 3-week-old piglets is only 37%.
Microencapsulated micro-micelles saves energy
Fats and oils are important energy sources in feed because of its high energy density and energy is a major expenditure for high performing animals. Bile salts are natural emulsifiers, but the capacity of bile production can be a limiting factor for fat digestion. Young animals have a limited production of bile salts causing fat digestibility to be limited in the early stages of life. Besides this, the characteristics of dietary fat and the amount of fat added can restrict fat digestibility.
Therefore, it is logical to try to overcome the limitations of oils and lipid in terms of digestion and absorption in order to unlock the full potential of this energy filled feed material. In 2005, Singao Agriculture, our parent company, launched a water-soluble microencapsulated fat powder in China. Using whey powder, chitosan, casein, and dextrin as the wall material, encapsulating a homogeneously emulsified micro-micelle, containing bile acid. The result is a water-soluble microencapsulated fat powder that is essentially an “oil-in-water” feed ingredient created with patented technology.
By incorporating microencapsulated micro-micelles in the feed formulation, efficiency of feed can be improved, therefore improving performance. So, what are the pros of using microencapsulated micro-micelles?
Manuka Biotech carries a range of Lipotech products that could meet your various lipid and oil needs. Do contact us for more information.
By Kayla Wong, Technical Specialist, Manuka Biotech
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