R&D
HifasVet arose because of the launching of several research projects initiated by the
Veterinary R&D area
From its parent company, Hifas da Terra
The excellent results achieved underlie the creations of HifasVet through the current research lines
HIFAS IMMUNE PET in dogs
This clinical test sets out to study the immunomodulatory activity (immunonutrition) of complementary dog food and its assessment in the seroconversion of puppies to the valence of parvovirus. Biochemical and serological parameters are to be studied.
HIFAS IMMUNE PET in cats
Alongside the study in dogs, a study was carried out in geriatric cats to evaluate the anabolic-catabolic evolution and diagnostic control after 6 months of treatment. This clinical test sets out to study immunomodulatory activity (immunonutrition) in chronic processes.
HIFAS ARTHRO PET
This test aims to study the effect of a supplementary food made mainly from fungi and other ingredients of natural origin on the process of osteoarthritis in dogs and to assess whether the beneficial effects found in vitro models are reproduced in the arthritic joint in vivo. Furthermore, the impact on the symptomatology of osteoarthritis will be analysed by scales of pain, goniometric evaluation, and joint stiffness. Moreover, the synthesis of inflammatory markers will be studied, and the oxidative process and the anabolic–catabolic equilibrium will be evaluated.
HIFAS G&B/IBD PET
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in dogs is a chronic inflammatory disorder occurring in the small intestine with chronic and persistent gastrointestinal signs. It has an immune-mediated basis. A clinical trial was put forward to study the effect of supplementary food for dogs with Inflammatory Chronic Intestinal Disease.
HIFAS ONCO PET
This test set out to investigate and develop a supplementary food made from fungal extracts, administered orally on a daily basis, which is adequate and is a natural solution against the high incidence of breast tumours in bitches and their metastasis to other organs.
The triple methodology considered in the experimental design includes the physical exploration of each patient, diagnostic imaging (radiology and abdominal ultrasound) and the use of laboratory techniques (blood count, biochemical, and analysis of tumour markers in blood) as the primary diagnostic tools and follow-up of each oncology patient.
HIFAS DERMA PET
We have developed a cream for topical use for cats and dogs, formulated with active ingredients obtained from fungi and other extracts of natural origin. This promotes skin protection and care, provides hydration, and aids skin regeneration in the affected area.
Micoalgae-Feed
The MYCOALGAE-FEED project, through developing and procuring new animal feed formulae supplemented with fungi and mycoalgae, mainly sets out to reduce or eliminate antibiotics in broiler growing farms through antibiotics immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory capacity of selected functional raw materials. In particular, it looks for:
1.- Designing and developing functional raw materials based on fungi and microalgae for the livestock sector.
2.- Evaluating in vitro the antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory capacity of selected fungi and microalgae to characterise them analytically for use as ingredients in formulated feeds.
3.- Evaluating in vivo the efficacy of experimental feed in poultry farms.
The project
MYCOALGA-FEED is a supra-autonomous Task Force whose purpose is to reduce or eliminate the use of antibiotics in cattle through natural food based on fungi and algae.
The project arises from the need to seek innovative alternatives to the excessive use of antibiotics in livestock where, globally, their application is expected to increase by 67% between 2010 and 2030. Society, increasingly aware of animal welfare, demand quality and sustainable products. MYCOALGA-FEED sets out to reduce the amount of antibiotics in cattle through food. New feeds supplemented with ingredients from the cultivation of fungi and microalgae with an antibiotic will develop immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory capacities.
Reduction of antibiotics in cattle through a natural food based on the use of the fungi and algae
investment project is 80% co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) of the European Union and 20% by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food under the National Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. Total Project Budget: €524,847.66, total subsidy: €505,519.66.
1. Design and develop functional raw materials based on fungi and microalgae for the livestock sector. The ingredients (and combinations of the same) are selected and manufactured based on fungi and microalgae with greater potential.
2. To assess in vitro antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory capacity and analytically characterise formulated ingredients and feeds. An in vitro test battery, including a simulation of the avian digestive system, will evaluate antimicrobial capacity, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory ingredients based on fungi and microalgae, and feed supplemented with these ingredients. Based on these tests, each component’s quantity to be added is calculated to maintain its effectiveness after the treatments required to manufacture the feed. Finally, the ingredients and feeds selected for greater effectiveness will be analytically characterised.
3. To assess in vivo feed efficiency on an experimental animal farm. Productive, epidemiological and clinical controls will be conducted, and the status of the immune system in birds will be carried out. Based on the results obtained, the feed will be selected and classified according to the degree of efficiency.
Task forces
The Task Forces, the main actors in the implementation of the EIP-Agri (European Association of Innovation in Productive and Sustainable Agriculture), are one of the critical tools in the implementation of the National Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 to promote innovation in the agricultural food and forestry sector within the European sphere. This is the grouping of agents with different profiles sharing common interests, such as farmers, livestock farmers, companies, and research or training and dissemination centres. They are associated with implementing an innovation project to give a joint and multi-sectoral response to a problem or need.
For more information about Task Forces:
Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission: https://ec.europa.eu/info/food-farming-fisheries_es
National Rural Development Programme 2014-2020: http://www.redruralnacional.es/desarrollo-rural/programas-de-desarrollo-rural
2. To assess in vitro antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory capacity and to analytically characterise formulated ingredients and feed. An in vitro battery of tests, including the simulation of the avian digestive system, will assess the antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory capacity of fungal and microalgal-based ingredients, as well as feed supplemented with these ingredients. Based on these tests, the quantity of each component is calculated to maintain its effectiveness after the treatments required to manufacture the feed. Finally, the ingredients and feeds selected for greater effectiveness will be analytically characterised.
3. Effectiveness of feed on an experimental avian farm will be evaluated. Productive, epidemiological and clinical controls will be conducted, and the status of the immune system in birds will be carried out. Based on the results obtained, the feed will be selected and classified according to the degree of efficiency.
Budget
Development (EAFRD) of the European Union and 20% by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, within the framework of the National Rural Development Program 2014-2020.
Partners
To carry out this initiative, MYCOALGA-FEED comprises a multidisciplinary team totalling 12 participants, including applicants, subcontracted and collaborating members.
Applicant Members
Foundation of the Galician University Company (FEUGA), representative of the Task Force.
Hifas Veterinary, SL.
Neoalgae Micro Seaweed Products, SLNE.
UVESA Group.
Subcontracted members
AINIA Technological Centre
University of Vigo (Biomass and Sustainable Development Research Group).
Institute of Food Research and Technology (IRTA).
University of Oviedo (Department of Biology of Organisms and Systems).
Collaborating Members
Spanish Poultry Science Association (AECA), the Spanish branch of the World Poultry Science Association (WPSA).
Foundation for the Development of Animal Nutrition (FEDNA).
Confederation of Manufacturers of Compound Animal Feed for Pets CESFAC).
Interprofessional Meat and Poultry Association (AVIANZA).
Web and social networks
More information on MYCOALGA-FEED is on the project website: www.mycoalga-feed.es
The MYCOALGAE-FEED Task Force is responsible for this content
Also on social networks:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Grupo-Operativo-Micoalga-Feed-109323114755661
Twitter: https://twitter.com/micoalga
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/micoalga-feed/
Mico-Piglets
This test set out to check the immune-stimulating and growth-promoting effect caused by different fungal compound treatments added to the feed in 2000 young piglets.
Results: All fungal treatments achieved a higher lymphocyte and immunoglobulin G count than the control group. In terms of growth, a dose of dependence on fungi was observed, improving the growth trend concerning control, in diets that included a higher percentage of fungi. All data collection was possible thanks to weekly sampling to measure weights and take two blood samples, one at the start and one at the end of the test.
This successful test is now being continued in a large-scale project, extending the number of study variables and scope to more phases of the production cycle (transition and baiting stage), testing new fungal formulae for application in pig farming.
Proyecto MICO BEE
The field study carried out by HifasVET set out to investigate whether supplementing the feeding of hives with a diet based on fungi and algae complexes is a way to strengthen the immune system or the general condition of bee populations. This study and the weekly checks were carried out by qualified personnel of HifasVET and the ‘Beekeepers’ Association of Galicia for 3 months before hibernation in two apiaries located in a coastal area and an inland area of Galician, with a total of 6 hives (74 cakes).
At the end of the study, the statistical analysis of the data obtained concluded that the breeding yield was significantly higher in those supplemented with fungal complexes.
Aquaculture test in autochthonous trout
This test aims to analyse the mycotherapeutic effect that different fungal nuclei can exert when incorporated into the diet of autochthonous trout (Salmo trutta) at the feeding stage.
The aim is to determine the effect on the immune system with the supplement of different nuclei by reviewing the accumulated mortality of each lot. At the same time, this test also sets out to determine the growth-promoting capacity by taking weekly batch samples while observing the biometric differences, such as the weight and length between the individuals to which the treatment is given, compared with their counterparts in the control group.
Aquaculture Test in Salmonidae (Salmo trutta and Salmo salar)
This test sets out to analyse the effect of a mycotherapeutic nucleus on the immune system of trout and salmon. It checks this impact by analysing survival, performing blood analysis and then comparing them with the historical values of the plant.
Changes in behaviour and differences in egg production are verified for any variation in the quality or quantity of laying.
By monitoring the behaviour of individuals, the acceptance rate of the food supplied by adding the mycotherapeutic nucleus in its composition will be checked to confirm any increase. In addition, the excitation status shown by the individuals as an indirect measure of stress will also be checked.
Hifas Veterinary Business Plan
2021-2022 (HIFASVET NEOTEC)
The project
Hifas Veterinary SL is a biotech company incorporated in 2019 as a spin-off of Hifas da Terra, specialising in research, production and marketing of mycotherapeutic products for animals developed with in-house technology. The two main lines of activity are the prevention and treatment of diseases in livestock and the welfare of livestock animals. In this line, Hifas Veterinary has as its main prescriber channel the veterinary hospitals and clinics, feed manufacturers and livestock cooperatives, accessed through a network of distributors.
Finally, it should be noted that Hifas Vet has been one of the business projects selected in 2019 by BioIncubatech (a High-tech Incubator specialising in promoting innovation and transferring technology to micro-SMEs at the development stage).