Kartal and BASF Launched BalanGut® Aqua in İzmir

The launch of BalanGut® Aqua, a product that helps maintain gut health in fish and supports sustainable production and fish welfare, was held in İzmir in partnership with Kartal and BASF Türkiye, with the participation of representatives from the aquaculture industry.

Between 20–21 June 2022, aquaculture industry professionals met in İzmir at the BalanGut® Aqua Launch Event, organised jointly by Kartal and BASF. Held at the Wyndham Grand Özdilek Hotel, the two-day event carried the slogan “When gut health is in balance, everything runs smoothly.” It emphasised the importance of intestinal health in fish while addressing general challenges and emerging trends in the aquaculture sector.

The programme began with an introductory presentation by Janina Jordaan, BASF’s Sales Coordinator for Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Highlighting BASF’s global structure, the industries it serves, and its production strength, Jordaan stated BASF’s commitment to contributing to a sustainable future: “The world’s population is growing, but resources are limited. By prioritising sustainable solutions, innovations, technologies, and production processes, we can make a positive contribution and take responsibility. Across all our business segments, we focus on conserving resources, reducing waste, and delivering efficient solutions.”

Jordaan also discussed global developments such as sustainability, ageing populations, urbanisation, food security, health and well-being, safe food, and the rise of the middle class, all factors that influence today’s nutrition and health markets. She explained that BASF takes these trends into account when developing innovative products.

FROM VITAMIN PRODUCTION TO BALANGUT®

Recalling that BASF operates six global business units covering animal nutrition, flavour and fragrance ingredients, human nutrition, pharma solutions, and enzymes, Jordaan noted that the company, best known for vitamins and enzymes, also produces a wide range of products across different industries. She outlined key milestones in BASF’s animal nutrition business, saying: “We started vitamin production in 1970, which gave us significant experience. After extensive R&D work, in 1990, we launched Natuphos, a pioneering phytase enzyme. We constantly ask ourselves what more we can do. One of our latest additions, BalanGut®, is a very valuable product that will likely grow in importance over time. We want healthy animals, and that is why we develop such products.”

POSITIVE ADDITIVES FOR LIFE: MAKING A LASTING IMPACT

Following Jordaan, Dr. Murat Kalyoncu, General Manager of Kartal Kimya, gave a presentation on Kartal’s history, production, and recent developments. He emphasised that since its establishment, Kartal Kimya has become one of the leading players in the animal health and feed additives sector, thanks to its high product quality, production technology, innovative products, vision, entrepreneurial spirit, and financial strength. “With our high-quality feed additives and specially formulated, solution-oriented products, we have been a key supplier to both local and international customers for 37 years,” said Dr. Kalyoncu.

He highlighted that Kartal Kimya operates one of the most modern production facilities in Turkey and Europe: “The reason our products are innovative and of high quality lies in our advanced factory equipment, installed by Bühler. To maintain our quality standards, we perform analyses in our in-house laboratories.”

Dr. Kalyoncu also underlined the increasing quality expectations in the feed industry, explaining that continuous improvement is essential. “We work with top-tier suppliers producing premium raw materials to manufacture high-quality premixes. Our focus is to make a positive contribution to animal health and production under our own brand, creating lasting value for Turkey’s livestock industry. At Kartal Kimya, we are aware of our responsibility towards future generations across all dimensions of economy, environment, and society. Guided by our corporate values and integrity, we are committed to a sustainable and reliable future. Every day, we work to make positive additives for life.”

NUTRITION AND GUT HEALTH

Within the scope of the launch event, Prof. Dr. Tufan Eroldoğan from Çukurova University Faculty of Fisheries delivered a presentation on “Gut Health and Immunity in Fish.” He discussed the relationship between nutrition, gut health, and immunity, emphasising the aquaculture sector’s vital role in meeting the growing global demand for protein. Due to limited raw material sources and rising costs, Prof. Eroldoğan highlighted the importance of using new or recovered resources for sustainable production. He explained how different raw materials affect the gut microbiota and immunity in fish:

“When choosing raw materials, it is crucial to consider how they affect the microbiota, whether positively or negatively. Maintaining balance is essential.” He also gave examples of nutrients and feed additives that contribute to fish health, production efficiency, and product quality.

BALANGUT® AQUA AND FISH HEALTH

The first day concluded with Dr. Ehab Aboelsaadat, BASF’s Animal Nutrition Sales Manager for EMEA and Asia-Pacific, presenting “BalanGut® Aqua Product Introduction.” Dr. Aboelsaadat discussed common fish health challenges and the issue of antibiotic resistance. He explained that BASF has been conducting research on alternatives such as butyric acid, focusing on gut health, and shared data from trials showing the benefits of BalanGut® Aqua. BalanGut® Aqua, designed to support gut health in fish and promote sustainable production and welfare, stands out with its innovative composition, antibacterial properties, and performance-enhancing effects.

Unlike conventional organic acids, BalanGut® is a mixture of mono-, di-, and triglycerides of short- and medium-chain fatty acids. It is pH-independent, easy to use, non-corrosive, non-volatile, and heat-resistant. By stabilising the digestive system, it supports gut health in poultry, fish, and shrimp, helping to maintain animal health and welfare for optimal growth.

PROBIO AND KARTAL AIM TO ADVANCE TOGETHER

On the second day, Dr. M. Emre Yardibi, Vice President of TÜYEKAD and Market Development Director of Probio Health Products, together with Müge Önder Apaydın, Fish Feed and Pet Food Formulation and Feed Technologies Specialist at Probio Health Products, gave a presentation titled “Microbiota Dynamics and Formulation Strategies in Plant-Based Diets of European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax).”

The event continued with a presentation by Mithat Can Defektaş, Sales Manager of Bühler Group’s Feed Unit in Turkey, on “Aquaculture Market and Trends.” Defektaş discussed Bühler’s technologies and goals, emphasising the company’s commitment to innovation and development in the sector.

The highly informative two-day launch concluded with closing remarks and thanks from Kartal & BASF, receiving full appreciation from the participants.