www.ithaka-institut.org/en/ct/95-Bi...ed-Additives
Charcoal is probably the oldest and most efficient remedy in the history of animal farming. Somewhat forgotten over the last 50 years, it has been rediscovered thanks to modern biochar research. The use of biochar as a feed additive has a number of beneficial effects for both animals and the entire livestock eco-system: improved animal health, nutrient management and feed efficiency as well as the reduction of manure related odors.
The Ithaka Institute was the first to develop animal feed products based on biochar. In collaboration with the company EM-Schweiz, we developed in 2012 the CarbonFeed series for horses, cows, pigs, chicken, sheep, goats, dogs and cats. By using lactic fermentation of wheat bran and special alpine herbs, CarbonFeed products maitain microbial balance in digestive tracts, whilst the biochar element binds toxins and improves the redox capacity in the digestive system. This leads to improvement in animal health, activity levels, wellbeing of livestock, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, illness related to mutagens and pathogens seems to become less common.