Perdue partners with soy genetics business ZeaKal

Perdue AgriBusiness signed a multi-year development agreement with ZeaKal to boost the sustainability of its poultry production through better soy genetics and feed quality.

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soybeans pods on a wooden table with the background view of soybean crops on a sunny day
soybeans pods on a wooden table with the background view of soybean crops on a sunny day
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Perdue AgriBusiness signed a multi-year development agreement with ZeaKal to boost the sustainability of its poultry production through better soy genetics and feed quality.

“As we evaluated our supply chain, it became clear that moving upstream to access better seed genetics could improve value and sustainability in ways other solutions simply could not. As PhotoSeed soy develops, we expect it will be transformative for Perdue across soy processing and specialty oils, while improving the quality of feed,” said Perry Aulie, senior vice president of Value-Added Products for Perdue Agribusiness.

Over half of the greenhouse gas emissions produced in monogastric animal protein production are linked to feed formulation, so finding ways to make feed production more sustainable is an easy way for poultry producers to reduce their environmental impact.

Improving photosynthetic capacity to aid sustainability

ZeaKal’s proprietary technology can increase the photosynthetic capacity of crops to convert more carbon dioxide and sunlight into energy for the plant. In soy, this could improve oil and protein content while improving the sustainability index of the popular poultry feed ingredient, according to their website.

“As we set out to bring value to the entire food system, we couldn’t ask for a better partner and first customer than Perdue AgriBusiness,” said Han Chen, co-founder and CEO of ZeaKal. 

“With operations spanning the entire soy value chain, Perdue can uniquely capture the full value of PhotoSeed. Together, we can deliver higher value crops with broad benefits accruing to growers, consumers, and everyone in between.”

“Feed and nutritional density play a key role in overall animal health and productivity, starting with adequate protein,” said Bruce Stewart Brown, senior vice president of Technical Services and Innovation for Perdue Farms. 

“I am excited about how this project aligns with our commitment of using the highest quality feed ingredients to produce the highest quality, best-tasting chickens while doing good for our planet.”

Perdue Farms, headquartered in Salisbury, Maryland, is a fourth-generation company. It is the nation’s fifth largest broiler producer and the eighth largest turkey producer, according to the WATTPoultry.com Top Companies Database. Perdue Farms is also involved in animal feed and pig production.

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