Since 1997, Biovet S.A. studies and develops effective natural alternatives in animal feed that allow maintaining production without the need of using chemical substances. The results of this investigation are pronutrients, molecules, of natural origin, which are included in animal feed. The English nutritionist Dr. Gordon Rosen defined the term for the first time, in the mid-1950s. According to the researcher, "they are micro-ingredients included in the formulation of food, relatively small quantities, with the mission of improving physiology, the intrinsic nutritional value and avoid the presence of pathogens".

PLANT COMPONENTS

The research line of pronutrients developed by Biovet S.A. was explored into this idea and was based on the observation of the coexistence of plants and animals. Since the origin of the species, animal diets have included plant components in small quantities, but with important benefits.

In 2006, gradually began regulations for the use of chemicals in animal feed. So, by that time Biovet S.A. applied the concepts studied and shaped them into the company products, based on pronutrients, with the objective that animal production would not fall and maintain food security.

SHIKIMIC ACID

The results of these first observations that were positive, Biovet advanced in the investigation of the mechanism of action of these molecules and the investigation was based on three steps: first, to stimulate the production of specific protein; second, identify the stimulus and, finally, identify the substance. The pronutrients were found to have in common that they were all shikimic acid derivatives.

Numerous studies developed in collaboration with universities around the world and producers of swine and poultry have shown that pronutrients are bioactive molecules present in the food capable of improving animal physiology, by increasing gene expression. Consequently, they are able to improve animal health while maintaining the productive and economic parameters.

PATENTS

During all time Biovet has developed several patents for use the pronutrients: Alquernat Nebsui as a natural growth promoter, which was accepted in 2015, both in Europe and in North America and as the preservative, bactericide and fungicide for raw materials Alquermold Natural. These technological advances are a step towards a food production free of chemical additives.

PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS

Biovet presented for the first time the concept of pronutrients in the Royal Academy of Veterinary Sciences, in 2005, and later in 2014, 2016 and 2018 in the Peruvian Academy of Veterinary Sciences. The pronutrients have also been presented numerous expos and congresses: IPPE (International Production & Processing Expo (Atlanta, USA), in the US PSA Congress, Latin American Poultry Congress, and Intestinal Health Symposium, among many others.

These investigations have also been the subject of numerous recognitions such as: The Internationalization Award of the Chamber of Commerce of Tarragona in 2005 and 2017, and the most recent appointment as honorary professor of the Scientific University of the South to the president of Biovet, the Dr. Jaime Borrell on March 9, 2018.

* Photo: Closing of the International Biovet Symposium in 2016