Alltech opens nutrigenomics facility
As part of its continued expansion and commitment to excellence in research, global animal health company Alltech cut the ribbon on its Center for Animal Nutrigenomics and Applied Animal Nutrition at its corporate headquarters in the end of last month.
The first facility of its kind in the world, the center is dedicated to the study of the effect of nutrition on gene expression and represents a 20,000 square foot expansion of the company’s existing research facility.
Latest technologies
The nutrigenomics laboratory employs the latest technologies to generate databases detailing the effects of nutrition on gene expression profiles in the tissues of various species. The databases will be analysed to determine the health and performance status of livestock and the best nutritional interventions for peak production potential.
Dr Pearse Lyons, the company’s president and founder, said to be very excited about the potential of the facility. “The ability to comprehend nutrition at the most basic level – gene expression – really makes us stand apart and will give us a much greater understanding of the nutritional needs of our animals.”
Research initiatives
In addition to nutrigenomics, the facility will house the company’s research initiatives at its global headquarters, including e.g. the study of functional glycomics, solid state fermentation and organic trace minerals.
In coming years, the facility is expected to require 40 additional research professionals to be fully staffed. To help address this need, in 2007, the company formed a partnership with the University of Kentucky to advance research in the field of nutrigenomics.
Related websites:
• University of Kentucky
• Alltech
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