Olmix on 15 October, organised the Immuno'Science forum dedicated to immunity and gut health in Porto

The forum which was enriched by the presence of representatives from 14 different countries brought together international keynote speakers covering various species such as poultry, swine, ruminants, and aquaculture. The attendees could discover the potential of seaweed and yeasts technologies to provide solutions to reinforce immune response and gut health. 

Poultry session

In his multidisciplinary research, Dr Rami Dalloul, the R. Harold Harrison distinguished professor of Poultry Science at the University of Georgia in Athens, focuses on areas investigating host-pathogen interactions during enteric challenges, particularly coccidiosis and clostridial diseases in chicken and turkey. 

In his talk, entitled 'Enteric defenses in poultry: dynamics and potential modulation,' Dr Dalloul gave a comprehensive overview of the birds’ immune system, and introduced the unique bacterial and parasitic co-infection model developed in his lab, to mimic a necrotic enteritis (NE) challenge. He also summarised the results that several nutritional strategies targeting immunity, gut integrity and microbiota obtained using this model, opening the floor to Olmix speaker, Maria Garcia, immunity product manager, to present the results obtained using this coinfection model with Algimun, a seaweed based solution. 

In this trial on broilers, Algimun not only improved performance but also significantly reduced the inflammatory response and enhanced gut integrity, thereby indicating Algimun's ability to improve broiler performance and combat the negative effects of NE. 

Swine session

In his presentation, Nicolas Bertho, a senior scientist at INRAE in France provided an overview of key swine immunology concepts. He revisited previous collaborative research with Olmix and shared findings from the ongoing immunity project ONIRIS which focuses on the effects of oral seaweed extracts (MSP) supplementation during the delivery of an attenuated PRRSV vaccine. The study highlights that this supplementation modulates systemic inflammatory cytokines and improves the anti-PRRSV humoral response. 

Following his presentation, Francisco Rocha Pinto, product manager for the Vet range at Olmix, discussed the positioning and application of Searup in swine. A number of experiments have been carried out on Searup. Two types of effects namely short-term pro-inflammatory response and long-term anti-inflammatory and antiviral benefits have been observed on two types of immune cells: monocytes and alveolar macrophages. A second experiment also noted an enhanced immune response that was observed when Searup was administered one day before and two days after vaccination. A third and final experiment is planned for 2025, where further promising results from oral seaweed supplementation are anticipated to address the significant challenges posed by PRRS. 

Ruminant session

During his presentation, Matteo Mezzetti, who holds a PhD from the Doctoral School in the Agro-Food System Agrisystem brought interesting and deep information on the inflammation during the transition period and all the consequences on early lactation, health and performing in dairy cows. Matteo presented several nutritional strategies that can be used as tools to promote proper immune functions of the cows.

After Matteo’s presentation, Elise Nacer-Khodja, product specialist at Olmix, presented field applications of Algimun in dairy cows in heat stress conditions, in which the benefits of using Algimun during the transition period of dairy cows were highlighted. This included lower inflammatory status and improved immune response around calving, resulting in a higher milk production during the 3 first months of lactation.

Aqua session

Professor and head of the Aquaculture and Fisheries group at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands, Dr Geert Wiegertjes in his presentation entitled 'Immunomodulation in aquaculture: managing expectations' provided deep insights into the challenges that affect fish health in aquaculture and an overview of the components of the immune system and mucosal barrier function. 

Following the presentation, Raquel Pereira, aqua specialist at Olmix, gave an overview of Algimun effects on fish and shrimp immune response and growth performance in both scientific and commercial conditions, highlighting how Algimun reinforces natural defenses in a complete approach, promoting systemic immunomodulation and mucosal barrier functions (gut, skin and gills).

By promoting overall health status and improving animal performance in different contexts, particularly in challenging conditions, Olmix has demonstrated to be a reliable partner and supplier of natural solutions to support the growth and sustainability of modern livestock farming stakeholders.  

In an attempt to transform farming in arid regions and ensure sustainable food systems for future generations, the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) has recently launched its visionary 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands (GSRD)

Developed collaboratively under the leadership of the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the GSRD provides a comprehensive, science-driven roadmap to improve the lives of some 2.7 billion people who call the drylands home with a particular focus on Asia and Africa. 

Based on 50 years of research and innovations from CGIAR's 15 global research centres and partners, the GSRD provides solutions aimed at enhancing food security, conserve biodiversity, and build resilient livelihoods by delivering state-of-the-art agri-research solutions including solar-powered agrivoltaics, innovative agriforestry and livestock feed practices, among others. 

Speaking at COP16 in Riyadh, CGIAR executive managing director, Dr Ismahane Elouafi said the new strategy builds on CGIAR's rich legacy of impact, uniting all fifteen centres in a stronger, more integrated effort to tackle the challenges of drylands.  

“By combining our expertise, we will deliver more innovative, context-specific, and lasting solutions to secure the livelihoods of communities that rely on these vital but fragile ecosystems,” said Dr Elouafi.

Scottish biotech company, Biotangents recently announced its latest investment round, that is set to revolutionise the dairy farming industry with the world’s fastest on-farm, point-of-care diagnostic device aimed at addressing disease in dairy cows

Bovine mastitis is a serious and expensive problem costing the global dairy farming industry around US$25.4bn every year. Given the timeframe of existing diagnostics, which take so long that farmers resort to treating herds, predominantly with antibiotics.

The excessive use of antibiotics which that is unnecessary for 40% of cases increases the anti-microbial resistance of the herd, decreases life expectancy, and increases milk wastage, leading to negative environmental impact and significant costs. 

Biotangents developed its technology to enable farmers to make an informed treatment decision. Its solution comprises a cost effective, innovative on-farm molecular diagnostic device that provides highly accurate results in less than two hours. 

“Biotangents is on the cusp of full market launch with a technology that leads to better herd health, much improved productivity, and significantly higher levels of sustainability,” said CEO of Biotangents, Fiona Marshall.

Biotangents sees future applications for its technology not only in animal health, but also in human healthcare and environmental monitoring. Following the investment, Biotangents will commence on-farm trials across the UK and internationally later next year.