GFLI’s LCA database contains information about the carbon footprint of ingredients produced for the compound feed industry. Selko InteliBond is the first feed additive for ruminants with an LCA for the carbon footprint for production that has been validated by GFLI.

What is the exact carbon footprint (LCA) of Selko Intellibond?

In 2024, the exact carbon footprint of the ingredients of Selko Intellibond is validated by the independent Global Feed LCA Institute. The production of Selko IntelliBond C emits 2.37 Mt CO₂ per ton of product, IntelliBond Z emits 1.94 Mt CO₂ per ton, and IntelliBond M emits 2.53 Mt CO₂ per ton.

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REDUCING METHANE EMISSIONS

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Validated by GFLI: LCA for the carbon footprint of Selko Intellibond production

Important to know...

First feed additive included in the GFLI database

Selko IntelliBond is the first feed additive for animals for which the carbon footprint calculation is incorporated into the GFLI database, which is a significant achievement. This means that Selko IntelliBond is the first LCA approved feed additive.

Selko^® | sharing latest scientific insights

Hydroxy trace minerals improve milk production, health & fertility

Several scientific trials have proven the effects of Selko Intellibond. Prof. Dr. Santos at the University of Florida has again shown great results of our Hydroxy Trace Mineral mixture for cows. Watch the videos from the latest webinar and discover how Hydroxy Trace Minerals like Selko Intellibond can increase colostrum production with 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) per cow per day and 1.4 kg ECM (3 lbs) per cow per day throughout the first 105 lactation days.

Watch the proof points by Prof. Dr. Santos

Figure 1: CO₂equivalent manufacturing breakout for Selko IntelliBond C, Selko IntelliBond Z and Selko IntelliBond M.

LCA of Selko Intellibond production

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for the carbon footprint of producing Selko IntelliBond C (containing copper), Selko IntelliBond Z (containing zinc) and Selko IntelliBond M (containing manganese) was carried out. The production of Selko IntelliBond C emits 2.37 Mt CO₂ per ton of product, the production of IntelliBond Z emits 1.94 Mt CO₂ per ton, and the production of IntelliBond M emits 2.53 Mt CO₂ per ton.

What is GFLI and what is an LCA?

Worldwide, the Global Feed LCA Institute (GFLI) is the leading source of environmental footprint data for feed related raw materials. The GFLI database is the independent reference for objective calculations of the carbon footprint of producing animal feed ingredients. The GFLI database contains a credible and transparent environmental assessment of every animal feed ingredient, called Life Cycle Assesment. The validated LCA methodology is used worldwide to assess environmental impacts of commercial products, services and processes.

Once an LCA for a feed related raw material has been concluded by the producer of that raw material, it is validated by independent experts before the GFLI endorses it. The detailed information in the GFLI database assists the industry in calculating the carbon footprint of their feeds, which can help improve environmental footprint.

How the LCA information helps cattle farm managers and nutritionists reduce carbon footprint

By obtaining information from the GFLI database about ingredients, feed manufacturers can calculate the carbon footprint per mT of feed they sell to a farm. With this information, cattle farm managers can make informed decisions that can reduce the environmental impact of the feed they buy. This helps them align with sustainability goals set by, for example, milk and meat processors.

Optimized Feed Formulations: Using GFLI data, nutritionists of the compound feed industry can formulate feeds that minimize the environmental impact of a cattle farm without compromising animal health or productivity. This enables farms to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per unit of animal product (e.g. milk or beef).
Data-Driven Feed Selection: Farm managers can compare the environmental impacts of different feed options and select those with lower carbon footprints while maintaining nutritional value.
Benchmarking and Goal Setting: Farm managers can set measurable goals to reduce their farm’s overall carbon footprint by adopting feeds with lower environmental impact.
Compliance with Sustainability Standards: By selecting feed that has a calculated carbon footprint that is based on GFLI data, farm managers can meet sustainability standards and become certified by documenting the carbon footprint that results from their feed practices. Transparent use of GFLI metrics also allows farm managers to quantify and communicate their efforts to lower feed-related emissions to consumers and stakeholders who value sustainability.
Nudging suppliers: By discussing the LCA data about specific feed ingredients from the GFLI database, stakeholders within the dairy and beef industry can stimulate feed producers to do better.

Why is it important that GFLI validates the carbon footprint of Selko feed additives?

GFLI certification of an animal feed additive provides recognition and validation from an independent institute. Furthermore, inclusion in the GFLI database allows the data to be accessible to a global audience that is commited to make dairy and beef farming more sustainable.

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Details about GFLI’s methodology

All the information about the carbon footprint of animal feed ingredients that is included in the GFLI database has been validated by a team of independent experts. For this, they used an FAO-LEAP and EU-PEF compliant methodology. This methodology is built on 4 reference documents to adhere to globally standardized guidelines of the FAO and the EU. These 4 guidelines are the FAO LEAP feed guidelines (2016), the FAO LEAP feed additives guidelines (2020), the EU Feed PEF database methodology (2017), and the Feed PEFCR (2018).

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You can access all of our documentation about Selko protocols, sustainable dairy farming and latest research insights.

Knowing the impact of the trace minerals in your feed on the carbon footprint of dairy and beef cattle operations

Feed compounders and premixers are being asked by their customers to provide inormation about the total carbon footprint of the feeds and premixes they are manufacturing. When formulators are aware of the individual carbon footprints of the ingredients being selected for inclusion within their customers’ blends, they can knowledgably select those ingredients that offer the lowest total carbon footprint. To assist with this need, Selko completed a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to verify the total carbon footprint of production of its Selko IntelliBond C, Z and M trace mineral products. Selko IntelliBond trace minerals are the first sources of trace mineral nutrition with an independent verification for their total CO₂eq values. The availability of these values will allow feed compounders, premixers and nutritionists to better formulate their blends to comply with their customers’ need to reduce CO₂eq emissions associated with livestock production.

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Find out more about sustainable dairy farming...

Selko Feed Additives

Making sustainable dairy farming more profitable

Selko IntelliBond

Selko IntelliBond’s increased bioavailability and the positive impact on fibre digestion and gut barrier function support well-being and optimizes lactational performance of dairy cows.A recent trial by Professor Santos at the University of Florida showed improved colostrum production, an increase of ECM production of 1.5 kg per day, an improvement of health and fertility and a reduction of the culling rate in animals fed Selko IntelliBond trace minerals for dairy cows.

Selko IntelliOpt Cr

Selko IntelliOpt Cr is a conveneient blend of Selko IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals in and organic Selko Optimin trace minerals, combined with chromium propionate. Selko IntelliOpt Cr is the result of intensive research, resulting in a trace mineral blend that improves health and perfomance of cattle herds.

Selko | LactiBute

Adding Selko LactiBute to the ration increases milk production while increasing fat and protein levels at the same time. This results in an increase of Energy Corrected Milk of 0.85-1 kg per head per day.

Selko | Fytera Balance

Adding Selko Fytera Balance to the ration of dairy cows reduces systemic inflammation, resulting in an improvement of lactational performance

Selko | TMR

Selko TMR® is a blend of organic acids that reduces the growth of yeasts, moulds and bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae like Salmonella. As a result of the reduction in growth of micro-organisms, increases in temperature of the TMR are delayed by at least 6 hours in silages treated with Selko-TMR, resulting in a higher dry matter intake.

Selko | Renergy®

Selko Renergy® is a blend of organic acids that modifies rumen fermentation by increasing propionate production. Propionate is a key source of energy for ruminants and is also the most efficient volatile fatty acid (VFA) produced in the rumen. More energy from propionate in the rumen increases production efficiency.

Selko TOXO HP-R

Discover the power of Selko TOXO HP-R, a mycotoxin mitigation product. Packed with a potent blend of bentonite, β-glucans, and antioxidants, this solution strengthens gut barrier function, boosts immunity, and reduces the impact of immune activation. Our trials prove it: Selko TOXO HP-R not only increases milk production but also enhances fertility in dairy cows exposed to high Fusarium mycotoxin levels.

Selko TOXO-MX

Selko TOXO-MX is part of our Selko Mycotoxin Risk Management Programme and consists of smectite clays, which have shown to have a high binding capacity for aflatoxin B1. With the bioavailability of aflatoxin B1 reduced, the production of aflatoxin M1 is diminished, meaning lower levels are excreted into the milk.

Selko | AOmix

Addressing oxidative stress in cattle with balanced diets rich in antioxidants like Selko AOmix, ensuring improved growth, immune function, and reproduction by offering optimal digestibility and full cellular delivery.