Alltech opens EU research facility to support better feed efficiency, manure use and farm energy production

IRELAND – Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition, has opened an expanded EU Applications Laboratory at its European headquarters in Dunboyne, Co. Meath, Ireland, to test and develop practical solutions that improve livestock production efficiency and make better use of manure and farm by-products.

The facility is designed to evaluate innovations in feed, slurry, and farm waste under real-world farm conditions before they are used at scale. 

It links laboratory research directly with on-farm application across Ireland, Europe and global markets.

“From this lab in Ireland, we will advance our dedication to solving real agricultural issues and scale practical solutions to farms across more than 140 countries,” said Dr Mark Lyons, President and CEO of Alltech. 

“This lab enables us not only to improve the nutrition and well-being of animals but also to create new income streams such as energy generation for farmers.”

The investment reflects growing pressure on livestock systems to use feed nutrients more efficiently, improve manure handling, and find new value from agricultural by-products such as slurry.

Focus on improving slurry use, feed nutrients and farm resource efficiency

The laboratory will focus on improving the use of nutrients from manure and feed on farms. 

This includes reducing nutrient losses from slurry, improving the storage and application of manure, and increasing the fertiliser value of livestock waste.

It will also support research linked to projects that aim to improve water quality by reducing excess nutrients in agricultural runoff, particularly from livestock systems.

A key project supported through the facility is the Mid Ulster Biorefinery initiative, which focuses on reducing excess nutrients in slurry while improving the reuse of manure on farms.

Turning livestock waste into energy and improving farm efficiency

A major part of the facility focuses on converting agricultural residues such as manure, crops, and biowaste into renewable energy through anaerobic digestion systems.

The lab includes systems that test how different farm materials perform in energy production, helping identify which feedstocks can produce more biogas and improve farm energy independence.

It is also working on improving slurry management technologies, including Alltech’s Eminex® additive, which is designed to reduce gas losses from stored manure and improve its value as fertiliser.

The research aims to help farmers get more value from the same inputs by improving feed efficiency, manure use and energy generation from farm systems.

By combining animal nutrition research with practical farm applications, Alltech said the facility is designed to help livestock producers improve productivity while making better use of resources already available on farms.

The company said the laboratory will support the development of practical technologies that improve feed performance, strengthen farm profitability and expand renewable energy opportunities in agriculture.

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