Expect the unexpected
In an era where change is the only constant, where nothing seems to be built to last and where alleged principles can get turned upside down, we find ourselves striving ever harder for immutable approaches, universal solutions, and absolute redemption. Can we anticipate new challenges, calculate the risks, and foresee answers to questions that we will only learn about in the future?
The dilemma of responsibility
Vigilance and attention to detail are the fundaments of responsible leadership; legal frameworks only serve to hold things in place. A shirking of responsibility can lead to catastrophic failure. On the other hand, if leaders are perceived as overbearing, or if lawmakers intrude too vigorously, potential contributors may be reluctant to share their input and ideas, feeling that they are not required. So what is the right way to do things right?
An infinite challenge
A five-year study surveying 3,494 European feed and feed ingredient samples for mycotoxin contamination revealed that 24% exceeded European guidelines for feedstuffs for pigs, which is currently set at 900μg/kg. In 31% of samples, zearalenone was found to exceed the acceptable level of 100μg/kg. Despite great efforts taken to prevent mycotoxin formation in the field and during storage, the potential risk of contamination remains high. Prudent detoxification strategies remain the only practical approach to reducing and preventing such hazardous consequences. A panel of experts will discuss the real impact of mycotoxins and the latest developments in counteracting them.
Breaking new ground
Genetics, molecular biology, and nanotechnology have been the driving force behind scientific progress for many years. In the wake of rapid-paced economical developments and the price paid to achieve them, calls for greater ethics in science and more emphasis on sustainability have been growing louder than ever. What are some of the most critical developments, new markets, and challenges that we will have to confront in the future?
Fast forward into the future
NutriEconomics® is a program that increases efficiency in animal nutrition under the consideration of nutritional expertise and applied life sciences, as well as micro- and macro-economic and micro- and macroecological factors. Compounds that improve the safety and palatability of feed or the biological availability of dietary nutrients can improve overall feed quality even without added nutritional benefits. Taking an economic approach towards animal nutrition, feed formulation can and should help producers realize cost savings that contribute to their overall returns on investments. Animal production should also take place in concert with, rather than in competition to, the natural environment and ecological resources. Such an approach will accrue long term sustainability and true profitability for all stakeholders. Renowned experts from the academia and industry will be on hand to discuss the potential and impact of the NutriEconomics® approach in this panel discussion.
B.R.A.I.N. Award
The BIOMIN Research and Innovation Network (B.R.A.I.N.) is a program created to support young and highly skilled scientists. Its aim is to foster and fund groundbreaking research projects and innovative ideas in the area of animal nutrition and animal health. Every two years, an international expert jury selects a scientist with proven capabilities and potential for the B.R.A.I.N award, which comes with a € 5000 monetary prize.