HoloRuminant scientists from across Europe visit AFBI
Date published:
AFBI Hillsborough recently hosted a group of Scientists who were taking part in the Fourth Annual Meeting of the EU HoloRuminant project being held at Queens University Belfast.
HoloRuminant is an EU funded project involving research scientists from 14 countries across Europe, as well as from the US, New Zealand and Australia. Scientists from the Dairy Research Group at AFBI Hillsborough are partners within the project.
The project is focusing on the role of the microbiome on livestock production, health, and efficiency, with the microbiome defined as the collection of all microbes (bacteria, archaea, fungi and viruses) that naturally inhabit our bodies and environment. Within the project AFBI is examining the impact of early life management of the calf on subsequent health and productivity, how the microbiome within the calf is influenced by these management approaches, and how it changes over time. During their visit to AFBI scientists were given an overview of AFBI’s role, and an update on ongoing research examining how to reduce the phosphorus content of slurry, reduce methane emissions from dairy youngstock and cows, increase the use of byproduct feeds in dairy cow diets, with an overall focus on improving productivity and efficiency.
Notes to editors:
AFBI is an arms-length body of DAERA delivering research and development, diagnostic and analytical testing, emergency response capability and expert scientific advice for DAERA and other government departments, public bodies and commercial companies in Northern Ireland, and further afield.
AFBI’s Vision is “Scientific excellence delivering impactful and sustainable outcomes for society, economy and the natural environment”.
AFBI’s Purpose is to deliver trusted, independent research, statutory & surveillance science, and expert advice that addresses local and global challenges, informs government policy and industry decision making, and underpins a sustainable agri-food industry and the natural and marine environments.
AFBI’s strategic priorities:
- Leading improvements in the agri-food industry to enhance its sustainability;
- Protecting animal, plant and human health;
- Enhancing the natural and marine environment;
- Delivering quality outcomes and impact;
- Enabling world class science through excellence in people, places & technology.