Industry update News Feeding and Nutrition Research
U.S. food company opens aquaculture research lab

A multi-national food processing company has opened a research laboratory in the United States (U.S.) that will focus on the development of commercial-equivalent feeds for the aquaculture industry.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM) said its Aquaculture Innovation Lab at the Animal Nutrition Technology Center (ANTC) in Decatur, Ill. will extend its research and development (R&D) capabilities to North America. The new facility will build on existing ADM aquaculture research facilities located in Brazil, Mexico, and Vietnam, a press release from the company said.

Researchers at the 12,000 sq./ft. ANTC facility will have access to a pilot lab that allows production of commercial-equivalent feeds for rapid prototyping of feed ingredients and additives that can increase production efficiency, mitigate environmental impact, and improve animal health and welfare.

Photo: Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM)

“The opening of this new wet lab demonstrates our commitment to scientific discovery, bringing expanded capabilities to our competitive aqua innovation network worldwide,” said Nuria Miquel, Ph.D. , VP of R&D at ADM Animal Nutrition. “It also reinforces knowledge-sharing between our animal and human nutrition colleagues, allowing our innovation projects to benefit from a central hub of expertise.”

ADM’s aqua facilities in Latin America and Southeast Asia include outdoor research labs for shrimp and fish in large, farm-like systems.

The company’s North American lab is designed for upstream research and product development.

Trials can be conducted at the facility for a variety of target species and segments, including various water temperature and salinity with tight control over water quality conditions, fish performances, behaviour, and health status.

The aquaculture lab is also located near ADM’s James R. Randal Research Center and ADM production facilities in Decatur.

“This location positions the new aquaculture lab at the heart of our innovation capabilities and the project lifecycle teams that drive nutrition breakthroughs, from concept to commercialization,” said John Bowzer, Ph.D., senior research scientist in aquaculture and on-site director of the aquaculture innovation lab.

First trials in the facility are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2022.