Source: American Feed Industry Association news release
The Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) recently initiated a research project to analyze the potential impacts that vitamin and amino acid supply chain disruptions could have on livestock health and food security. This project aims to identify the critical supply thresholds and inclusion rates at which animal health and livestock production would be adversely affected from shortages of key diet nutrients. The research will be completed by Decision Innovation Solutions (DIS), working in collaboration with Lobo Consulting Solutions.
“The last few years, feed and ingredient manufacturers have faced a volatile supply chain, amid geopolitical tensions, labor disputes and more. To proactively plan for the future, IFEEDER’s new research project will work to understand where the U.S. industry is vulnerable so that they can look for solutions now before livestock and poultry production or U.S. food security is adversely affected,” said Lara Moody, IFEEDER executive director.
The study will employ advanced modeling techniques to simulate varying levels of ingredient availability, assessing the downstream effects on livestock and poultry production. Areas of focus include analyzing vitamin and amino acid deficiencies’ impact on growth rates, feed utilization efficiency, protein output and overall productivity. The research will also consider health indicators such as mortality rates, reproductive success and changes in lean meat yield.
DIS is expected to complete the research later this summer.
IFEEDER is currently seeking corporate donations from across the food and agriculture industry to support this work. For more information, visit IFEEDER’s website.
About IFEEDER
Founded in 2009 by the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), the Institute for Feed Education and Research is a 501 (c)(3) public charity and is a critical link in the ever-evolving food supply chain. Serving as a champion for the animal food industry, IFEEDER supports critical education and research initiatives that ensure consumers have access to a safe, healthy and sustainable food supply. IFEEDER focuses its work in two primary areas: funding critical animal feed and pet food research to support AFIA’s legislative and regulatory positions, and developing appropriate messaging for policymakers, consumer influencers and stakeholders which highlights the industry’s positive contributions to the availability of safe, wholesome and affordable food, and the preservation of our natural resources.
