UCD Helps BioAtlantis Develop Novel Animal Health Product - Case Study

Summary
In 2003 Tralee-based biotechnology company, BioAtlantis began collaborating with UCD researchers to develop a seaweed-based product to promote better animal health.

A key driver in the partnership was the ruling from Europe in 2006 that banned the use of in-feed growth promoting antibiotics. This was a major blow to the farming community throughout the EU and BioAtlantis, in partnership with UCD, sought to develop an effective natural alternative that could be validated by independent scientific research.

As a result of this successful collaboration with UCD researchers, BioAtlantis launched a pioneering animal health product, LactoShield. This breakthrough product has significant international sale potential worldwide. As a result of the collaboration UCD has become an internationally recognised centre of research excellence in the use of seaweed bioactives in animal nutrition.

The research collaboration has received funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Research Council.