Singapore: Thailand's National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) and Bioscience Animal Health (a BIS group company) entered into an agreement to study a fermentation process of biomass to improve nutrient in animal feeds.

The agreement was signed between Dr Kanyawim Kirtikara, executive director, BIOTEC, and Dr. Dhanawat Khongjaroensombat, president, Bioscience Animal Health.

The project aims to find an alternative source of protein for animal feed production from biomass, as animal protein becomes increasingly costly. Studies have shown that fermentation can improve protein content in biomass. BIOTEC will use its expertise in microbial utilization and its rich culture collection to develop fermentation process for selected biomass, the result of which will contribute to the development of commercial feed supplement.

Dr Kirtikara revealed that, "BIOTEC is pleased to collaborate with Bioscience Animal Health. Input from a company with marketing intelligence is crucial in guiding us to conduct commercially viable research."

Dr Khongjaroensombat said that, "Our company values the importance of innovation and the needs to develop our own technologies and products, which led us to the collaboration with BIOTEC."