Leading experts from across Europe came together at the two-day kick-off meeting to jointly develop new approaches to regenerative feed and sustainable livestock farming. Special thanks go to Prof. Jürgen Zentek and his team at the Free University of Berlin for their excellent organisation of the kick-off event.
The aim of the project is to convert previously underutilised native plants and by-products of food processing into high-quality, protein-rich feed. This is achieved through innovative processes such as utilisation by black soldier fly larvae and targeted fermentation, which improves nutrient content and reduces anti-nutritional factors. The project thus makes an important contribution to the EU's Farm to Fork Strategy by reducing dependence on imported feed, strengthening the circular economy and using resources more efficiently.
In addition to feed development, NUTRIFEEDS also investigates the effects on animal welfare, health, immune response, microbiome and behaviour in monogastric and ruminant animals. The feed strategies developed are tested and further optimised in close cooperation with agricultural businesses. AI-supported data analyses and digital tools for feed management are also incorporated. Energy-friendly processes such as solar-dried feed are also being tested to tap into new value creation potential.
A planned European Centre for Regenerative Animal Nutrition will disseminate the project results, promote innovation and provide online courses. In this way, NUTRIFEEDS is helping to further strengthen Europe's position as a pioneer in sustainable animal nutrition.
The Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN) is playing a central role in the project, leading a work package and four task areas on key issues relating to the nutrition of insects, poultry and sheep.
