Summary of the technology
We seek industrial partners with expertise in the sector of crop production to adopt a new technology useful to deliver optimized feed solution to fight coccidiosis. The type of partner sought is mainly for the regulatory codevelopment and the commercialization of our solution under a technology license agreement.
The technology developed relates to a novel genetically engineered variety of maize accumulating extraordinary levels of carotenoids (β-carotene, lycopene, zeaxanthin and lutein). Poultry raised on this corn were healthy and exhibited substantially higher levels of resistance to coccidiosis, less foot pad dermatitis, reduced number of ulcers and less excretion of pathogen oocysts in feces. Carotenoids accumulate in several tissues (skin, dermis, muscles and fat), conferring high nutritional value and greater consumer acceptance.
Description of the technology
Coccidiosis is a significant source of economic losses for the global poultry industry, estimated at $2,4 billion. It causes malabsorption of essential nutrients and often results in unnecessary suffering or even death. Subclinical symptoms, manifested as poor growth and feed conversion, are a problem in commercial broiler production, and this accounts for 20% prevalence of coccidiosis. The cost of coccidiosis and impact on poultry production is mainly due to the cost of control through medication and vaccination which are non-optimal solutions with several disadvantages.
We have developed different varieties of maize producing high amounts of carotenoids by means of combinatorial genetic transformation.
The technology is currently protected and offers the following advantages when used as feed for poultry:
- Helps to reduce the amount of anticcoccidials in feed for hens.
- Extraordinary levels of β-carotene and other pro-vitamin A carotenoids (170-fold) are accumulated in several animal tissues.
- Substantially less pathogen oocysts in feces (4-fold)
- Substantially lower foot pad dermatitis lesions (2-fold)
- Reduced number of foot ulcers (2-fold)
- Might help to create a greater consumer acceptance of poultry meat
Current development status
Experimental technologies
Desired business relationship
We seek industrial partners with expertise in the sector of crop production to adopt a new technology useful to deliver optimized feed solution to fight coccidiosis. The type of partner sought is mainly for the regulatory codevelopment and the commercialization of our solution under a technology license agreement.
Patent licensing
Joint ventures
Technology development
Applications
Several commercial applications are currently identified:
- Improved feed for poultry to fight coccidiosis.
- Feed for other animals with special nutritional requirements of carotenoids (poultry, salmon, rainbow trout, crustaceans, lobster, shrimp, and other animals with special carotenoid needs).
- Natural source of carotenoids for the production of feed additives or supplements, natural food colorants, nutrient supplement, nutraceuticals for cosmetic and pharmaceutical purpose.
Intellectual property status
Technology Owner
Universitat de Lleida
Research & Technology Organization
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