Animal health group Alltech has announced a series of five-year research programmes with Chinese universities and academic research institutes, part of its plans to boost its presence in the world’s largest feed market.

The group will invest nearly €2 million in these research alliances over the next five years.

“These research alliance projects will help Alltech to bring solutions to Alltech’s most important market to solve real problems for the benefit of society and the industry,” said Dr Mark Lyons, senior vice president and son of Alltech’s founder and president, Dr Pearse Lyons.

“The impact of this will go beyond the borders of China as China today impacts all parts of the food and feed industries around the world.”

Among the research institutes involved are the Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agri-Products (CAAS, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences), Zhejiang University, South China Agricultural University, Northwest AF University and Jiangnan University.

“Issues such as mycotoxins, feed and food safety and the environmental impact of our industry are strongly present in China,” said Mr Lyons.

“Also, in times of the highest ever raw material prices in history, Chinese animal producers still need to be profitable and doing it by reducing feed costs and increasing the animal performance.”