Lallemand Animal Nutrition appoints Dr Ignacio Ipharraguerre as R&D Director

CANADA – Lallemand Animal Nutrition has appointed Ignacio R. Ipharraguerre as Director of Research and Development for Animal Solutions, strengthening its focus on science-driven innovation in microbial-based feed technologies.

Dr Ipharraguerre takes on the role with immediate effect and will lead the company’s global R&D strategy, overseeing scientific teams and advancing product development across its portfolio. 

The appointment comes as Lallemand positions itself to accelerate innovation in areas such as animal performance, gut health and sustainability.

He brings more than 25 years of experience spanning academia and industry, along with a strong scientific track record, including over 180 publications, 78 peer-reviewed articles, and 6 patents in animal nutrition. 

His expertise is expected to support the company’s efforts to translate microbiology and fermentation research into practical feed solutions for livestock producers.

“Bringing a scientist of Dr Ipharraguerre’s calibre to Lallemand Animal Nutrition is both a privilege and an exciting milestone as we look ahead to our next five-year strategic plan,” said Mathieu Castex, general manager and president of the company. 

“His leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our research and development vision and accelerating the development of cutting-edge products and technologies.”

Before joining Lallemand, Dr Ipharraguerre served as a senior scientist at the University of Kiel’s Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, where he led research on dietary interventions and their effects on the enterohepatic system, with a focus on immunometabolic outcomes. 

He also holds a courtesy assistant professor position at the University of Florida.

His academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences from the University of Buenos Aires, followed by a master’s and PhD in animal sciences from the University of Illinois, where he specialised in dairy cow nutritional physiology.

Dr Ipharraguerre said his focus will be on bridging fundamental science with commercial application, particularly in fermentation-based nutrition. 

He noted that microbial solutions are becoming increasingly important as feed producers seek to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact and respond to evolving regulatory and market demands.

The appointment reflects a broader trend in the feed industry, where companies are investing more heavily in advanced research capabilities.

This is to develop next-generation feed additives and functional ingredients that support productivity while addressing sustainability pressures across global livestock systems.

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