Nutrition and supplement company UFAC-UK has partnered with the University of Nottingham for a CIEL supported research project focussed on the development of a new approach to feeding ruminants.
Utilising the research capabilities within the Centre for Dairy Science Innovation (CDSI) at Nottingham University, the project aims to improve productivity and sustainability, and enhance animal health and welfare.
The research will be led by Professor of Dairy Science Phil Garnsworthy, who is renowned worldwide for his work on dairy cow nutrition, and the efficiency of feed utilisation for milk production.
Supply chain benefits
UFAC-UK will be developing new products, aiming to improve product quality performance, and bring total supply chain benefits, from producer to consumer, including animal feed manufacturers, producers and processors, retailers, food manufacturers and consumers.
Lyndsay Chapman, CEO of CIEL, explains that the project aligns with four of six ‘grand challenges’ facing livestock production, namely developing Climate Smart Food Systems, Resource Efficiency & Precision Nutrition, Animal Health & Welfare Management and Food Quality & Integrity.
“We are delighted to be working with UFAC-UK on this research project,” says Ms Chapman. “It covers areas we believe are critical to help drive a sustainable and productive future for the agri-food sector, while also being highly innovative.
Livestock innovation
“CIEL is passionate about championing industry-led research and working with our members to promote and deliver innovation in livestock production systems. As an industry, we face many challenges but it’s also a very exciting time, as projects like this bring advances to feeding and nutrition.”
The project will be completed by Spring 2022, when the results will be shared publicly, and further details of the products being developed will be revealed.
Robert Jones, managing director, Mike Chown, ruminant nutritional manager, Joe Magadi, technical manager and Nigel Bateson, UK & Ireland sales manager of UFAC-UK recently visited the Centre for Dairy Science Innovation at the University of Nottingham. They met with Phil Garnsworthy to discuss the forthcoming CIEL supported research partnership.
