Dunboyne-based global leader in animal health and nutrition opens new lab facility

Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition, has established an expanded EU Applications Laboratory at the company’s European headquarters in Dunboyne.

With a grand opening last Wednesday (10th June), guests were invited to get an exciting insight into all that will go on in the new major research hub. There was a lively atmosphere at the Dunboyne facility with staff and special guests gathered for the grand opening.

The new lab will bring together practical agricultural innovation, climate action and renewable energy research within a single applied research facility. A tour around the new work stations gave the Meath Chronicle a peep of what processes are needed to develop and advance the agricultural sector.

The impressive new facility was created to accelerate the improvements and recognition of practical technologies for the Irish, European and global agricultural industries. The laboratory will serve as a centre for applied research focused on improving nutrient efficiency, reducing environmental impact and supporting renewable energy generation from agricultural systems. It has been designed to bridge scientific research with on-farm application, ensuring technologies can be tested under practical operating conditions.

“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 deliver on our promise to improve the nutrition and wellbeing of animals but to create new income streams such as energy generation for farmers, which further drives down the environmental impact of the farm.”

“As agriculture faces increasing pressure to improve sustainability, reduce emissions and strengthen energy security, the timing of the investment is particularly significant and reflects Alltech’s continued long-term commitment to innovation-led agriculture,” said Dr Patrick Ward, Europe and Asia-Pacific applications manager at Alltech.

“This facility represents an increased strategic focus on research, applied science and new product development capable of delivering practical on-farm solutions, helping to position Ireland at the forefront of sustainable agricultural innovation and climate-smart farming systems.”

Northern Ireland Minister for Agriculture, Andrew Muir said: “I am pleased to mark the opening of Alltech’s new Applications Laboratory, a significant investment that reinforces the company’s commitment to agricultural innovation and science.

I am delighted that DAERA has funded key equipment through the Sustainable Utilisation of Livestock Slurry project, which aims to reduce excess nutrients from slurry in Northern Ireland.

“This new laboratory is a tangible example of collaboration between industry, government and academia, and will play an important role in delivering the applied research and innovation needed to support a more sustainable, productive and low-carbon future for agriculture.”

Some key areas of focus for the Alltech EU Applications Laboratory will include water quality and phosphorus management.

Research within the laboratory is focused on improving water quality through phosphorus reduction and nutrient management technologies for slurry and digestate systems. The work aims to support Ireland’s and Europe’s water quality objectives by developing practical slurry additive solutions capable of reducing phosphorus mobility and nutrient losses from agricultural land. This research explores mechanical, chemical and biological ways for phosphorus removal.

The studies also focuses on improving farm resource efficiency through improved nutrient retention and more uniform slurry systems. This can help support better nutrient utilisation, as well as more sustainable land application practices.

The laboratory also plays a central role in Alltech’s involvement in the Mid Ulster Biorefinery project, which has secured support through the Department of Agriculture,

Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Sustainable Utilisation of Livestock Slurries (SULS) Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) Fund 2024–2028. Working in partnership with CEMCOR, Tobermore and RSC, the project is developing innovative solutions to reduce phosphorus levels in livestock slurry, helping to improve water quality in rivers and streams that feed into Lough Neagh while supporting more sustainable nutrient management on farms.

Other areas of research include energy security and anaerobic digestion. These are a major focus of the EU Applications Laboratory as they are supporting Ireland’s ambitions for indigenous renewable gas production and improved energy security.