Feed Technology center
The University of Illinois is a global leader in research and teaching in animal nutrition, animal sciences, and feed ingredient utilization. With a newly constructed, state-of-the art Feed Technology Center, the University of Illinois and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) will be the national hub for new discoveries and advancement in animal management, nutrition, and production. The $20-million facility is located at the University of Illinois South Farms.
BEYOND THE HORIZON The modern Feed Technology Center at the University of Illinois will accelerate advancements and expand horizons in technology and scientific discovery in feed ingredient utilization, new processing technologies, and improved efficiency of food production. Imagine precision animal agriculture production, using detailed, frequently collected data on individual animals to make informed management decisions. With real-time diet formulation using instantaneous assessment of ingredient composition coupled with immediate consideration of situational aspects, optimal diet formulation will be possible. Faculty and students will create opportunities to multiply animal production via improved nutrient use efficiency, without increasing resources required, reducing environmental impact. Animal sciences faculty at Illinois have long been world leaders in animal nutrition. An updated Feed Technology Center enhances capabilities and expertise related to protein amino acid metabolism and utilization, environmental management effects on nutrition, and companion animal nutrition. The Feed Technology Center is essential to the work of more than 40 current faculty members, and hundreds of students, in two colleges and numerous departments. The new Feed Technology Center expands the suite of capabilities in commodity processing and use at the University of Illinois. Raw grain and biomass products processed at the recently constructed Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory (IBRL) can be incorporated in to diets at the Feed Technology Center. With an expanded suite of facilities and faculty expertise, the University of Illinois emerges as the leader in value-added use of co-products. To complete the animal nutrition cycle, products from the livestock who are fed these diets can be studied and analyzed at the Meat Science Lab. Additional expertise in the college, including the ability to assess economic impacts and viability of varied animal diets, complement the Feed Technology Center.
FILLING THE PIPELINE
INVESTING FOR THE INDUSTRY
The feed, bioenergy, commodity, and livestock industries continue to demand highly qualified professionals. In addition to offering enhanced research capabilities, the Feed Technology Center supports the expansion of curriculums in animal nutrition for both undergraduate and graduate students. Proposed courses, including feed processing and technology, will anchor a new undergraduate concentration in feed processing technology.
In collaboration with industry and government partners, the Feed Technology Center benefits local and global economies, accomplishing these ends:
The Feed Technology Center offers hands-on student learning opportunities in facilities that more closely resemble future work environments. Improved and appropriately maintained facilities also ensure that students are able to safely participate in learning and research activities. A new specialization in the Illinois Professional Science Master’s (PSM) degree program will produce graduates with both advanced knowledge in agricultural science and relevant business knowledge and skills. The Feed Technology Center plays a critical role in preparing these professionals. The facility also supports continuing education, including short courses and workshops for feed industry employees.
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Encourage the continued growth of a productive and sustainable livestock industry in Illinois via research, student preparation, and outreach programs
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Facilitate the highest priority uses of leading agricultural commodities while adding value in rapidly expanding global markets
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Establish valuable uses for co-products from emerging bioenergy and bio-industrial processing industries
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Support Illinois’ worldwide impact in companion animal nutrition and health
The University of Illinois Feed Technology Center will serve as an example of excellence. Faculty and staff welcome producers, youth, and the community to learn about the feed industry in a state-of-theart facility. The facility also supports the translation of research and economic impact to producers and consumers, via mass communication and education.
“ With an expanded suite of facilities and faculty expertise, the University of Illinois emerges as the leader in value-added use of co-products.” CONTACT US To learn more about expanding scientific discovery and the Feed Technology Center, please contact:
DESIGNED TO LEAD The Feed Technology Center comprises a myriad of interdependent capabilities integrated to provide full system services. Comprehensive operations will include:
DR. ROD JOHNSON Professor and Head
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Production and storage of grains and forages
Department of Animal Sciences
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Storage of specialized diet ingredients
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Precise diet formulations
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Milling
(217) 244-1681
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Ingredient processing
rwjohn@illinois.edu
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Pre-mixing, mixing, pelleting, extrusion, expansion, crumbling, bagging, and delivery of research animal diets
Safety of those working in the facility, as well as biosecurity of feedstuffs, are high priority. All equipment and spaces are designed for total cleanout and sanitation between products to fully comply with FDA-regulations and general manufacturing practices. Security protects feed ingredients and the animals who will consume diets formulated in the Feed Technology Center.
MOVING THE INDUSTRY FORWARD—TOGETHER Construction of the Feed Technology Center is made possible by a publicprivate partnership. The University of Illinois and the College of ACES committed $6 million to the facility, as part of their longstanding commitment to the animal industry. Partnerships with individual and corporate donors for the additional cost of construction and equipment allows the Department of Animal Sciences to continue to expand the edge of scientific discovery.