Expectations of breeding industry from research projects

Animal genetics has already played a key role in improving the sustainability of animal production and needs to continue to do so in the future. Within Hendrix Genetics, we have established a sustainability program comprising of three building blocks: animals, people and planet. Animal welfare, biosecurity and genetic resources are the key priorities within the building block animals. As global suppliers of breeding stock, we have a responsibility for ensuring biosecurity and animal health. In addition, we ensure that we protect the diversity of our genetic resources. People make our business, that’s why we strive to enhance the quality of life for consumers, customers and colleagues. Minimizing the environmental impact of livestock through improving input efficiency and helping to reduce the use of antibiotics are key parts of the building block planet. By responding to the needs of our partners in the protein value chain, we are continuously exploring new opportunities for improving sustainability. In addition, the company is investing in minimizing its own ecological footprint to preserve and improve the environment that its activities impact. Responding to the needs of our partners implies that we are continuously exploring innovations to measure and improve health, welfare and productivity of animals. These innovations need to be based on not only a solid understanding of the underlying biology but also an overall view on the issue at stake. Developing a solid understanding is an important but not the only driver to be involved in a research project. Equally important drivers for participation are creating awareness in the scientific community for the issues involved in implementing innovations and training a new generation of researchers. Solving sustainability issues often requires collaboration in multidisciplinary teams. Industry participation in research projects will speed-up innovations and contribute to the training of new talents that are focussed on creating innovations. Collaboration is crucial for realizing the improvements in sustainability.