Archer Daniels Midland opens Aquaculture Innovation Lab in Illinois

Animal nutrition experts look to develop novel feed ingredients and additives

Human- and animal-health nutrition leader Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has opened its Aquaculture Innovation Lab at the Animal Nutrition Technology Center (ANTC) in Decatur, Ill., USA.

ADM has existing aquaculture research facilities for shrimp and finfish in Brazil, Mexico and Vietnam.

“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.”

Researchers will have access to a pilot lab that allows production of commercial-equivalent feeds for rapid prototyping of new technologies, such as feed ingredients and additives that can increase production efficiency, mitigate environmental impact and improve animal health and welfare.

“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.

Trials at the new lab, expected to begin in the first quarter of 2022, will be conducted with a variety of target species, exploring various water temperatures and salinity levels with control over water quality conditions, fish performances, behavior and health status.

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