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BarkCure - Condensed tannins from Norwegian pine and spruce bark - antiparasitic effects and potential commercial exploitation

Condensed tannins (CT) are regarded as anti-nutrients as they may reduce feed intake, nutrient digestion and production in livestock. However, the inclusion of small amounts of CT in the diet of ruminants may decrease problems with gastrointestinal parasites. Tannin containing forages are not well adapted to Norwegian cultivation conditions, but Norway has a strong forest industry and bark harvested from conifer species may have high content of CT.

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In the BarkCure project we will:

  • evaluate bark as it is produced today with regard to its utilization in industrial processing of CT;
  • characterize CT quality and quantity in bark resources and their structure-activity relationships;
  • test the biological activity of bark CT against helminths and parasitic protozoa both in vitro and in vivo in ruminants
  • develop industrial extraction and processing of bark CT.

Dissemination of knowledge gains is ensured by integrated activities. The project draws on the coordinated interaction of national and international players in research and enterprises: Norwegian Centre for Organic Agriculture, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, SINTEF, Norwegian Institute of Wood Technology, Veterinærinstituttet, Scotland's Rural College, University of Copenhagen, Bergene Holm AS, Norske Skog Saugbrugs AS, Felleskjøpet Fôrutvikling, Animalia, Norges Bondelag and Norsk sau og geit participate in the Stakeholder advisory group.

The project is funded by the Research Council of Norway
For more info, se the project website

Key facts

Project duration

2017 - 2020