Funded by: Afeyan Foundation
PI: Satenik Mnatsakanyan
Researchers: Vahe Khachatryan, Arevik Petoyan
Hoond is a circular agritech initiative dedicated to strengthening food and feed security through “waste-to-value” valorization.
By transforming agricultural byproducts into high-value resources, Hoond aims to revitalize rural economies. A core pillar of the mission is youth involvement; by integrating modern engineering with traditional farming, Hoond provides a platform for the next generation to lead Armenia’s transition toward a circular, resilient bio-economy. The cornerstone of Hoond’s technological ecosystem so far is the Bio-Feedmill, a high-efficiency bioreactor designed to localize feed production. Unlike traditional biofermentation methods, this system utilizes a rapid, 20-minute solid-state fermentation cycle that performs two critical functions simultaneously: mechanical milling and biochemical transformation during which the the protein contained in the milled mass increases multi-fold. Another important function is the disinfection of the product. Authored by a biotech expert Arayik Ayvazyan, this technology breaks down indigestible lignin (a biopolymer contained in plants) and unlocking bio-available protein in agricultural waste, such as straw, hay, and wild grasses. Furthermore, the reactor is designed to “valorize” more complex waste streams – including poultry manure and mushroom cultivation residues – by effectively disinfecting the material and neutralizing pathogens. This process ensures the resulting feed is not only protein-rich but also biologically safe for livestock consumption, providing a cost-effective alternative to expensive, resource-intensive commercial fodder. Pilot Implementation & Results Supported by the Afeyan Foundation, Hoond implemented a pilot project in the village of Geghamavan, Gegharkunik province, to test this technology in a real-world dairy farm environment. The experiment focused on converting low-value agricultural waste into high-performance feed for a Caucasian Brown dairy cow. Key results from the pilot phase include:
Nutritional Uplift: Laboratory analysis consistently validated the conversion of indigestible fibers into protein. Bio-milled straw showed a protein increase from a baseline of 3.3% to 8.8%.
Safety & Palatability: The project demonstrated that processed poultry manure, when fermented within the bio-feedmill, becomes an odorless, safe, and highly palatable protein source for dairy cattle.
In-Vivo Success: Despite a traditionally low-yield season, the subject’s milk production grew from 0.5 to 3 liters daily during the initial straw-diet phase.
Resilience & Recovery: The efficacy of the feed was most notably proven following a severe outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in the region. After the subject recovered from the viral infection, the introduction of a processed hay-and-manure blend catalyzed a robust physical recovery, resulting in a measured weight gain of 14 kg within just 20 days.