100 years of Feed Innovations at Hankkija

This year, Hankkija’s Feed Department celebrates 100 years of animal nutrition expertise.

For a century, Hankkija’s feed industry has played a key role in the development of Finnish livestock production. From the first compound feed mixtures introduced in 1926 to today’s feed innovations, progress has been driven by research, raw material expertise, and close cooperation with farms. Over the decades, feed production, factory investments, and nutrition research have continuously evolved to support the productivity and performance of livestock.

In the 1950s, antibiotics were commonly used in feed to reduce diarrhea and improve feed efficiency and growth. During the 1990s, growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance led to a shift in approach. Instead of relying on routine antibiotic use, attention turned to nutritional approaches and feed innovation. Finland banned the use of antibiotics as feed additives in 1999, and the European Union followed in 2006. Today, antibiotics are permitted only for therapeutic use.

Feed innovation driven by research

Today, Hankkija Finnish Feed Innovations develops innovative natural feed products together with a strong network of research institutes and industry partners. The focus remains on creating feed materials and additives that help livestock achieve optimal performance.

We launched Progut® Extra in 1999, a product based on yeast hydrolysates. It was followed by Progres® in 2014, developed from distilled tall oil. In 2024, Hankkija launched ProHumi®, a feed ingredient processed from selected peat material and naturally rich in fibre and humic acids.

Investment in research and product development remains at the heart of Hankkija’s feed business. As Hankkija celebrates 100 years of feed expertise, the company continues to build on its strong research heritage by developing innovative solutions for modern livestock production.

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