E!9217 Developing the first feed grade additive based on dicopper oxide for the nutrition of farm animals

The project will develop a new copper mineral based feed additive for sustainable feeding of farm animals (pigs, poultry, ruminants, fish). The copper source is dicopper oxide (Cu2O). Initial studies with the chemical form, and the special production technology for CoRouge, has demonstrated promising results and high bioavailabilty. CoRouge® will be a specialty product which meets with the expectations of the feed industry, which is searching for new copper mineral sources that can guarantee highest criteria of chemical identity, efficacy, as well as safety for the workers, the animals, the consumers and the environment.

PROJECT SUMMARY The CoRouge project, carried out by both Animine in France and NORDOX in Norway, will deliver a new copper feed additive branded CoRouge® for sustainable feeding of farm animals (pigs, poultry, ruminants, fishes). It will use dicopper oxide (Cu2O) as a new source of copper for animal nutrition. The chemical form has demonstrated promising results and high bioavailability so far. The project will perform the R&D work to take the product to the highest level of performance that will be complementary to EFSA requirements, in order to initiate fast product launch. CoRouge® will be a specialty product which meets with the expectations of the feed industry, which is searching for new Cu sources that can guarantee highest criteria of chemical identity, efficacy, as well as safety for the workers, the animals, the consumers and the environment. The 24-month CoRouge project will result in: - The development of a validated new process to produce highest grades of Cu2O, - Accelerated market launch following the EFSA approval of a generic form of Cu2O in late 2016. The first market addressed by CoRouge will be the market of Cu additives for monogastric species (pigs, poultry). Main clients are premix and feed manufacturers. The budget of the R&D project is 1,027,400 euro.