Cargill is launching a new proprietary nutrient formulating platform, Cargill Nutrition System (CNS), which combines real-time global nutrient analysis of feed ingredients with the latest research into nutrient application and industry-leading ingredient sourcing to provide customers clarity and consistency in feed application.

According to the announcement, CNS allows Cargill to deliver precise feed formulations to producers based on a host of variables often unique to each individual customer: species, climate, location, business goals, nutrient-content requirements and cost considerations of available ingredients. Ultimately, it helps Cargill bring nutrition solutions customized to meet specific customer needs faster and with the best-cost formulation to boost profitability.

"Our customers operate in an ever-changing environment. CNS allows us to design products and solutions that take their unique and changing conditions into account and help manage them effectively," said Scott Ainslie, director of strategic marketing and technology for Cargill's animal nutrition business. "CNS combines 'big data' nutrient analysis, world-leading nutrient application expertise and Cargill's sourcing power to allow us to provide customers with clarity in feed application, rather than just a 'best guess,' to achieve better production costs and higher performance."

The database behind CNS is comprised of more than 2 million nutrient samples, covering more than 200 ingredients, and 10 million annual nutrient predictions, and is constantly being refreshed. These data are combined with the knowledge and experience of Cargill Animal Nutrition's 17,000 employees, including more than 500 research and development professionals, with more than 200 doctorate and veterinary degrees.

CNS is one of the many arms of Cargill's robust animal nutrition research and development unit. "CNS is a clear example of the significant role innovation will continue to play," said Dave Cook, research and development director for Cargill's animal nutrition business. "Research and development fuels the insights and innovations that our customers seek, and it enables us to continue to be our customers' trusted advisor. The rollout of CNS is a significant milestone for Cargill. We maintain a long-term commitment to research as we look to continually deliver pioneering solutions to our customers."