DSM Animal Nutrition and Health— a global science-based company focused on nutrition, health and sustainable living — and North Carolina State University (NC State) have commenced projects as part of a decade-long animal science research partnership announced this summer. The collaboration kicked off with DSM funding updates to NC State poultry research facilities, new trials, and sponsoring the first graduate student in the poultry science department.
“This fall we’ve started working more closely with NC State faculty and staff to develop relationships that are beneficial to both NC State and DSM,” says Tom Frost, Ph.D., DSM, director of innovation in North America. “Initial investments will allow NC State to conduct trials and research more efficiently and effectively. We’ve started with the framework for research activities to ensure the highest standards at every step in the process. NC State faculty, together with DSM technical researchers, have created a synergism that will benefit the food animal industry as a whole.”
Frost says updates for phase one at the Lake Wheeler research facilities include $123,000 for new battery cages, $30,000 for a scoping study in preparation for designing a new industry broiler house for student education and research, which is slated to be built next year, and $365,000 toward general research farm renovations.
Brittany Wall, from Lexington, North Carolina, received a $17,500 scholarship from DSM for graduate studies in the poultry science department.
“Wall is a wonderful example of the future of the poultry industry and we’re honored to provide her with this scholarship,” says Frost.
NC State is also conducting DSM research trials for Balancius — a eubiotic feed ingredient that breaks down peptidoglycans to make more nutrients available for broilers — as well as various feed enzyme research and a calcium and phosphorus feed additive trial.
“The partnership continues to develop with collaborative research discussions and ongoing DSM research trials,” says Frost. “NC State faculty and staff are a dedicated group of people to work with.”
Frost added that the outlook for 2021 includes renovation of the swine nutrition facility, feed mill upgrades, as well as initiating a new industry-style broiler house for both research and student education.
