VistaMilk, Goldcrop, and FBA Laboratories have launched a new research collaboration in Ireland to advance rapid feed nutritive value analysis for Irish pastures and silages. The partnership brings together research expertise and commercial laboratory capabilities to develop practical tools that enable farmers to make more informed feeding decisions.

Teagasc reported that the collaboration aims to enhance the accuracy and speed of feed analysis whilst making advanced nutritional assessment more accessible to Irish farmers.

The partnership will focus on developing and validating rapid analytical methods for assessing feed quality, nutrient content, and digestibility characteristics. By combining VistaMilk's research capabilities, Goldcrop's agricultural expertise, and FBA Laboratories' commercial testing infrastructure, the collaboration seeks to bridge the gap between research innovation and practical farm application.

Rapid feed analysis enables farmers to optimise animal nutrition, reduce feed costs, and improve livestock performance by matching feed supply with animal requirements more precisely. Current analysis methods can involve delays that limit farmers' ability to respond quickly to changing feed quality, particularly during critical periods such as silage making.

The collaboration demonstrates how research institutes leverage industry partnerships to accelerate technology transfer and ensure research outputs address real-world agricultural challenges. By involving commercial laboratories from the outset, the partners aim to develop analytical methods that can be scaled across Ireland's farming sector.

Research collaborations between institutes and industry partners strengthen innovation ecosystems by aligning academic expertise with commercial infrastructure and market needs. Such partnerships ensure research investments translate into practical tools that enhance sectoral competitiveness and sustainability.

The initiative supports Ireland's agricultural sector by providing farmers with improved decision-making tools for feed management and livestock nutrition.

Learn more about how this research collaboration is advancing feed analysis technology for Irish agriculture.