Animal nutrition specialist Orffa has strengthened its global research capabilities with the inauguration of the Orffa Science Lab in Breda, the Netherlands. The new facility has been established to accelerate scientific innovation in animal nutrition by combining advanced diagnostics, microbiome research and applied nutritional science to develop practical solutions for livestock producers and the feed industry.
Located at the company’s global headquarters, the Science Lab is designed to bridge the gap between laboratory research and commercial livestock production by translating scientific findings into measurable improvements in animal performance, gut health and feed efficiency.
Focus on Practical Nutrition Research
The facility will support research across several priority areas, including gut health, mineral nutrition, immunity, microbiome analysis and feed efficiency. In addition to conventional laboratory testing, the Science Lab incorporates advanced biomarker-based diagnostic technologies that enable more detailed assessment of intestinal health and animal performance under commercial production conditions.
One of the laboratory’s distinguishing features is its integration of diagnostic approaches such as the Florates biomarker model, developed in collaboration with Asahi Biocycle, to generate deeper insights into gastrointestinal function and nutritional responses. These tools are expected to help identify physiological changes that may not be apparent through traditional performance measurements alone.
Supporting Customers with Science-Based Decisions
According to Orffa, the new laboratory has been established not only as a research centre but also as a technical resource for customers and industry partners.
The company intends to use the facility to provide scientifically validated recommendations that help nutritionists, veterinarians and feed manufacturers optimise feed formulations, improve production efficiency and support healthier livestock. Advanced analytical techniques, validated testing protocols and microbiome investigations will be used to generate practical data that can be applied directly in commercial farming systems.
Arno van der Aa, Director of Marketing & Innovation at Orffa, said the Science Lab reinforces the company’s ability to convert scientific research into actionable insights for customers, bringing together research, diagnostics and technical expertise to improve decision-making throughout the animal nutrition value chain.
Collaboration Between Science and Industry
The official opening brought together researchers, customers, academic experts and industry partners to discuss emerging developments in animal nutrition and health.
Presentations from leading scientists focused on evolving knowledge in gut health, antimicrobial resistance, diagnostic technologies and future nutritional strategies, highlighting the increasing importance of precision diagnostics in livestock production. Guided laboratory tours demonstrated how the facility combines scientific research with practical application to address real-world production challenges.
Growing Importance of Diagnostic Nutrition
As livestock producers face increasing pressure to improve productivity while reducing antibiotic use and environmental impact, nutrition companies are investing heavily in advanced analytical capabilities.
Technologies such as microbiome profiling, biomarker analysis and precision diagnostics are becoming important tools for understanding how animals respond to different nutritional interventions. These approaches allow nutritionists to evaluate gut function, immune status and feed utilisation more accurately, supporting the development of targeted feed solutions for poultry, swine, ruminants and aquaculture.
