New R&D Center focused on animal health and wellness opened by ADM

Looking to advance animal health and wellness, ADM announced in a recent press release¹ a new research and development (R&D) center dedicated to research innovations on animal microbiomes and the creation of new product offerings for pets, livestock, and aquaculture. The new R&D center is located at the Biopôle life science campus in Lausanne, Switzerland, and is a 1,600-square-meters in size. Here, ADM researchers will work on pre-clinical research initiatives involving biotics, as well as other fermentation-derived ingredients used in helping the health of both pets and farm animals.

“We are seeing significant growth in the global pet and farm animal microbiome market, as farmers and pet owners alike seek science-backed nutrition solutions to support the health and well-being of their pets and livestock. We are proud to launch this state-of-the-art research and development center, uniquely dedicated to microbiome research for pet and farm animal health and well-being, with the flexibility to adapt to emerging research demands,” said Dr. Nuria Miquel, senior vice president and chief science officer at ADM.¹ “The center will deploy cutting-edge scientific and technological tools to increase our understanding of the role of the gut microbiome in broader pet and animal health, building on our existing work in both human and animal nutrition, and support our development of science-backed microbiome solutions to bring to market for our customers. It represents a significant step forward in our purpose to advance animal wellness through science and innovation.”

According to the press release, in 2024, the global biotics animal feed market was estimated to be worth $5.2 billion.² Additionally, emerging research is drawing connections between gut microbiome and immune health, as well as digestive and absorptive functions, which has the potential to impact animal protein production and resource usage across species.¹ Microbiome solutions may also help pets with their health and longevity, something 84% of pet owners residing in 22 countries expressed interest in, according to a Global Lifestyle Study³ from ADM. A 2024 study investigated how heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT-7347 and Fibersol-2 could help support feline gastrointestinal functionality.⁴ Researchers found that these two components helped regulate “the intestinal microbiota and its functionality, fostering intestinal homeostasis and colonization with beneficial bacteria such as Blautia.” Study authors further added, “In summary, the addition of heat-treated Bifidobacterium longum combined with Fibersol-2 contributes to improving the intestinal health of adult cats affected by abrupt dietary change.”⁴

References

1. ADM opens pioneering R&D center dedicated to Animal Health and Wellness https://www.adm.com/en-us/news/news-releases/2025/6/adm-opens-pioneering-rd-center-dedicated-to-animal-health-and-wellness/ (accessed Jul 21, 2025).
2. Biotics for Livestock 2024-34
3. Global Lifestyle Study, ADM Outside Voice℠, 2025
4. Wang, F.; Gao, S.; Peng, Q.; Tan, L.; Chen, S.; Xia, Z. Effects of Heat-Treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT-7347 Combined with Fibersol-2 on the Intestinal Health of Cats Submitted to an Abrupt Dietary Change: A Randomized Controlled Study. Animals 2024, 14, 2179. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14152179