Trouw Nutrition, Nutreco’s animal nutrition division, has launched a global validation program to demonstrate the effectiveness of its nutritional solutions in different geographies and markets.

Validation centers have been established on five continents, where Trouw Nutrition Research & Development (R&D) is collaborating with universities and regional science partners. The validation of products in regional markets is important to accelerate the transfer of best practices from one market to the other, the company said. The initial focus of the program is on feed additives, animal health supporting products and young animal feed.

“We develop new products, models and service tools at our global research centers, but a proof of concept is important. Application knowledge taking into account local conditions, such as climate and farming practices, is a critical success factor of many innovations we develop,” said Leo den Hartog, director of Trouw Nutrition R&D. “A good example is our blended feed additive solutions. Validation studies in different regions have already shown that similar performance responses can be obtained compared to antimicrobial growth promoters."

The validation teams are based in the Asia Pacific, Brazil, China, Europe and North America. Research proposals are set up in close collaboration with universities, research institutes and key customers in the respective regions.

Based on standardized protocols, the teams will execute validation trials of nutritional solutions that have been developed in the five research centers Trouw Nutrition operates in the Netherlands, Canada and Spain.