May 4, 2016
Alltech signs six new research alliances in Latin America
Alltech has signed six agricultural research alliances in Latin America with four universities and two institutes from Brazil, Honduras and Mexico.
The new research alliances are between Alltech and El Zamorano Pan-American Agricultural School in Honduras; the National Institute of Forest, Agricultural and Livestock Research (INIFAP) in Mexico; the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV) in Brazil; the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil; the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) in Brazil; and the São Paulo Agency for Agribusiness Technology (APTA) in Brazil.
Representatives of these six research entities came together at the Latin America Research Alliances Meeting, held April 14 in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, to collaborate on the development of studies and exchange ideas regarding innovation within the region.
"We expanded the alliances in Latin America with the aim of using innovation to enhance livestock production in the region while meeting specific local requirements," said Aidan Connolly, Alltech's chief innovation officer, during the Latin America Research Alliances Meeting. "Furthermore, the project promotes technical knowledge exchange and identifies new talent."
The research alliances in Latin America at each university/institute will focus on specific key areas that address emerging challenges in the region.
In Brazil, Alltech initiated two research alliances last year with agreements signed with the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV) and the São Paulo Agency for Agribusiness Technology (APTA), which are driving research in the poultry and pig sectors, and beef sector, respectively. Also in this territory, new alliances will start in May, one of them with the purpose of seeking improvements in milk productivity and quality using Alltech technologies as a result of an agreement signed with the University of São Paulo. In addition to this, the Federal University of Santa Catarina will be responsible for developing the first aquaculture research project in Latin America, within the Alltech programme, assessing the organic mineral and DHA requirements in tilapia.
Following the recently signed agreement with Alltech, El Zamorano Pan-American Agricultural School in Honduras is in the process of defining the line of research and is optimistic about the possibility of generating new technologies for the production sector.
"The goal is to develop studies in our five areas: aquaculture, poultry, swine, beef and dairy cattle," said Isidro Matamoros, associate professor of beef cattle and animal reproduction at Zamorano University, during the meeting in Brazil. "From the economic and technical resources provided by Alltech, we want to expand the knowledge on biotechnology to enhance and increase sustainable production."
In Mexico, the National Institute of Forest, Agricultural and Livestock Research will coordinate research on the application of organic minerals and antioxidants that may contribute to improving the quality of pork.
Alltech has established more than 25 research alliances with leading universities, institutions and commercial partners around the world.
"In China, we have 12 alliances, and are working hard to develop projects relating to food quality, especially related to milk and meat," said Connolly. "Since these projects support the development of the Chinese government's agricultural policy, and the food sector's competitiveness, it provides a roadmap for our efforts in Latin America."