July 3, 2015
BIOMIN opens Aquaculture Center for Applied Nutrition in Vietnam
The new BIOMIN Aquaculture Center for Applied Nutrition (ACAN) at Nong Lam University in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, had its grand opening last June 30, with more than 150 guests, including representatives from local government, academia and the aquaculture industry in attendance.
The new research center hopes to drive research and development of innovative and effective solutions to pressing challenges in the industry, BIOMIN said.
It said the new 900-square-meter aquaculture research center signifies the continued collaborative efforts of BIOMIN in conducting innovative and impactful research, supported in partnership with the local government and university.
It aims to provide effective solutions to the aquaculture industry with focus on the following key areas:
* Nutrition and feed formulation
* Gut health and immune modulation
* Waste management and feed safety.
Research will be centered on several of the most important species for the aquaculture industry in the region including marine and fresh-water species such as catfish, tilapia, sea bass and shrimp.
BIOMIN will collaborate closely with Nong Lam University in research and development activities, coordinated by the BIOMIN Research Center in Tulln, Austria, and the technical staff at the facility.
The research facilities are equipped with five different cutting-edge recirculating systems and two challenge rooms.
ACAN also houses a feed formulation lab for preparation of test diets that includes a lab-scale feed extruder that will allow testing of different ingredients and solutions under conditions similar to those found in the aquaculture industry.
"The wider benefit is to build the academic and research pipeline in Vietnam, by creating undergraduate research opportunities and mentorship for local students", said Jan Vanbrabant, managing director of BIOMIN Asia Pacific.
In addition, SANPHAR, a veterinary products and services company, runs a state-of-the-art microbiological lab also at Nong Lam University. SANPHAR and BIOMIN are both part of the ERBER Group.