The Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO) is gearing up to revolutionise the field of nutritional research for farm animals with its new Feed Pilot facility. This high-tech hub will enable the creation of precise test feeds tailored to scientific specifications, ushering in a new era of innovation and sustainability in the industry.
As the construction of this cutting-edge facility kicks off this year, ILVO aims to replace outdated feed production lines that no longer meet the latest standards. The institute’s longstanding expertise in testing the efficiency, sustainability, and health of newly-formulated feeds for cattle, pigs, and small animals has positioned it as a key player in driving advancements in animal nutrition.
What will the new Feed Pilot have?
The upcoming ILVO Feed Pilot in Melle near Ghent, Belgium, is set to feature both a large and small production unit, along with a dedicated warehouse for storage. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, the facility will have the capability to measure various parameters and conduct sustainability analyses, all while ensuring the most energy-efficient production methods are employed.
One of the key advantages of the Feed Pilot is its ability to produce smaller batches, allowing for more experimental cases to be explored. Whether it’s conducting a specific digestion study in poultry or experimenting with innovative additives and by-products, the facility will cater to a wide range of research requirements.
A focus on the production process
The ILVO Feed Pilot is not just about creating feeds; it’s about honing the production process to maximise efficiency and sustainability. Here are three key research questions that the facility aims to address:
- How can innovative additives and new co-products be incorporated into feeds to enhance nutritional value?
- What technical pretreatments can be applied to increase nutrient utilisation and stability of feed components?
- How can adjustment of production parameters lead to a reduction in energy consumption during the production process?
Moreover, ILVO’s emphasis on providing knowledge to the agro-food and animal feed sector extends to exploring novel proteins and residue streams. By collaborating with various stakeholders, the institute aims to drive innovation and economic development in the sector.
The project’s funding from sources like Flanders, Europe, and the Province of East Flanders, along with partnerships with industry associations and research institutes, underscores the collaborative nature of this initiative. The ultimate goal is to leverage new protein and residue streams to enhance circularity, environmental impact, and animal welfare.
"The broad support for this project from Flemish, European, and international channels is undoubtedly related to the growing need for research into the useful use of new protein and residue streams."
– Sam Millet, ILVO feed research expert"ILVO itself must be able to continue to produce the precision test feeds in an effective and controlled way if it wants to present reliable test results from its feed trials."
– Bart Sonck, head of ILVO Animal Sciences Unit"This Feed Pilot is also complementary to the Feed Design Lab in Wanssum, the Netherlands. The goal is to reinforce each other as much as possible. In Wanssum they focus more on process technology."
– Sam De Campeneere, Scientific Director ILVO Livestock
By leveraging the capabilities of the new Feed Pilot, ILVO aims to stay at the forefront of nutritional research for farm animals, driving industry-wide innovation and sustainability. With advancements in feed production, nutrient utilisation, and energy efficiency, the institute is poised to shape the future of animal nutrition in a more sustainable and impactful way.
So, are you ready to witness the transformation in animal nutrition brought about by ILVO’s Feed Pilot? Stay updated with all the latest developments in the dairy sector by subscribing to Cattle Weekly’s newsletter today! Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below.
