Innovation and leadership in animal nutrition

Innovation in animal nutrition

What recent advancements in animal nutrition have you implemented, and how have they impacted animal health and productivity?

We understand the increasing importance of sustainability in the feed milling industry. Kemin’s millSMART™ program now targets environmental impact by reducing carbon footprints, while ensuring feed quality and cost savings. We've developed a carbon footprint calculator and work with customers to measure reductions achieved through improved milling efficiency and increased feed yield. To ensure transparency, we engaged an independent consultant for a life cycle assessment (LCA) of our surfactant-based millSMART™ milling aids, which enhance moisture penetration and maintain feed quality, enabling customers to accurately determine their carbon savings.

Kemin is enhancing precision feeding in dairy cattle with innovative encapsulation technologies for amino acids and bioactive compounds, improving nutrition and nutrient use. The company also launched heat-stable enzyme solutions, both single and combined, to optimize feed formulation and nutrient utilization.

Kemin introduced an enhanced nutrient-absorption booster and a new probiotic that improves gut health. These advancements boost animal health and productivity by improving feed efficiency and nutrient utilization, leading to better growth, profitability, reduced antibiotic use, and improved animal welfare.

Can you describe a challenging case where you modified an animal's diet for health concerns? What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?

Case Description: The team has worked with a pig farm that was experiencing an increase in digestive issues and poor growth rates among their growing pigs. Upon investigation and consultation with the farm manager and veterinarian, it was determined that the issues stemmed from a suboptimal diet formulation and inadequate living conditions.

Steps Taken: The team visited the farm to assess the pigs’ diet, feeding practices, and housing conditions. After analyzing the diet and health, they recommended adjusting protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals in the feed, and suggested adding probiotics and enzymes for better digestion. They provided training on feeding management, including feed storage and distribution, and recommended improvements in ventilation, temperature control, and hygiene to reduce stress and enhance health.

Outcome: As a result of these interventions and support:

• The pigs showed improved digestive health, with a reduction in incidences of diarrhea and digestive upsets.

• Growth rates improved, leading to healthier and more robust pigs.

• The farm experienced better overall productivity and profitability due to reduced feed wastage and improved feed efficiency.

By collaborating closely with the farm and leveraging expertise in feed ingredients and additives, we were able to effectively address the health concerns and optimize the pigs’ diet and living conditions. This case highlights the critical role that Kemin plays in supporting their customers to achieve optimal animal health and performance outcomes.

How do you stay ahead of industry trends in animal nutrition and encourage your team to adopt new technologies?

Staying ahead of industry trends in animal nutrition involves a multifaceted approach. This includes:

• Engaging in Industry Events: My team and I participate regularly in industry events such as VIV Asia that showcases new technologies and garners interest and feedback from our customers.
• Focusing on Customer Needs: Keeping the customer at the forefront of our business is essential. Our priority is staying in touch with customers, understanding their goals and challenges, and creating innovative solutions for mutual success. It's about showing our commitment to supporting their long-term success.
• Investing in Research and Development: Kemin invests 7% of its turnover in research and development, driving new projects to meet industry needs. Using digital technologies, we optimize feed formulation and quality through real-time analysis and precision control. Our commitment is to innovation and industry leadership.

Leadership in building a innovative culture

How do you identify and nurture potential leaders within your team who can drive innovation in animal nutrition?

Identifying Potential Leaders:

Nurturing Potential Leaders:

To develop and empower future leaders in animal nutrition, we set clear goals aligned with organizational objectives, foster teamwork, and encourage cross-functional collaboration. We reward innovative ideas, inspire creativity, and promote a culture of continuous learning by encouraging experimentation and learning from mistakes.

What innovative approaches and technologies will shape the future of animal nutrition, and how do you prepare your team to adopt them?

Innovative approaches and technologies that are shaping the future of animal nutrition include:

• Biologics: Vaccines for animal pathogens will remain a key piece in the production of healthy food animals. In this area, we see developments in the area of respiratory and viral diseases to be critical. New and more effective vaccines against the likes of ASF, AI and others are much needed in our industry.

• Novel Feed Ingredients and feed additives: There is a continuous need for novel and cost-effective feed raw ingredients, as well as feed solutions that will help address animal protein productivity, feed efficiency and cost minimization. 

Kemin is investing in advanced encapsulation technologies for targeted release and better product efficacy. We focus on innovative enzyme solutions to enhance nutrient utilization and sustainability. We are also developing feed additives targeting specific metabolic pathways. Initiatives like SMART REACH 2024 address customer needs and sustainability. Digital technologies are revolutionizing the industry, enabling personalized nutrition and optimized feed formulation for better health and performance.

What innovative animal nutrition projects have you led that required significant leadership to unite stakeholders and achieve success?

One notable project was the development and launch of our patented product CLOSTAT™. In response to the ban on Antibiotic Growth Promoters (AGPs), we needed an alternative with similar or better efficacy. We assembled top industry practitioners, scientists, and consultants in Singapore to brainstorm and develop a solution. Our internal research team created CLOSTAT™, a probiotic targeting intestinal microbiota health and controlling necrotic enteritis caused by Clostridium perfringens, based on a patented heat-stable Bacillus subtilis PB6 strain.

Within three years, CLOSTAT™ was trialed, tested, registered, and launched. Now used in poultry, swine, and ruminants, it treats over thirty million tons of feed globally and is the industry's gold-standard probiotic. We take great pride in partnering with industry experts and regulatory bodies to bring this solution to market.

We have since launched a second probiotic solution, ENTEROSURETM targeting other  important enteric pathogens such as E coli and Salmonella spp. 

Leading these projects demanded clear vision, strategic planning, and uniting diverse stakeholders. It has been a journey of collaboration, innovation, and leadership. I’m proud of our achievements and confident our shared values will drive us to greater success in the future.

How do you foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning within your team?

Fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning within a team is crucial for driving growth and maintaining a competitive edge. Here are some strategies that we have adopted and implemented:

• Embracing a Growth Mindset: I encourage employees to see learning as an ongoing journey rather than a destination. We reward curiosity and motivate employees to expand their knowledge and skills.

• Promoting Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: In our company, we break down silos and foster cross-department collaboration through regular meetings, joint projects and knowledge-sharing platforms.

• Investing in Employee Development: We provide professional development opportunities, such as training courses, workshops and seminars, enhancing employees' skills and demonstrating our commitment to their growth.

• Encouraging Experimentation and Risk-Taking: We create a safe space for employees’ experimentation, feedback and calculated risks, celebrating successes and viewing failures as learning opportunities.

• Recognizing and Rewarding Innovation: We continuously acknowledge and reward innovative contributions through formal recognition programs or informal praise during team meetings.

Implementing these strategies requires commitment all the way from the top. As a leader, I would lead by example, actively participating in learning opportunities and encouraging my team to do the same. By fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning, we can ensure that our team remains agile, adaptable, and ready to meet the challenges of the future.

Can you discuss a time when you had to navigate a challenging leadership situation within your animal nutrition team and how you resolved it?

Navigating challenging leadership situations is crucial for team success. One instance involved managing a diverse team while integrating a new technology platform for our animal nutrition solutions, requiring both technical and cultural shifts from traditional methods.

To manage this transition:

• I held regular town hall meetings for transparency, building trust and addressing concerns.
• We provided comprehensive training and established a support system.
• Key team members were involved in decision-making, fostering ownership and commitment.
• I recognized and celebrated milestones to boost morale.

The result was a successful platform integration, showcasing our team's strength, resilience, and ability to navigate challenges together.

What would you or Kemin like to be known for in the industry?

As the CEO and President, I aim to lead Kemin Asia towards innovation in animal nutrition while upholding sustainability and social responsibility, in line with Kemin's vision of sustainably transforming the quality of life every day for 80% of the world’s population with our products and services. Our dedication to employee growth and well-being is evident through investments in our facilities and global expansion, fostering a supportive work environment. We value our partnerships, investing in regional headquarters and laboratories to meet customer needs and drive growth. Committed to environmental sustainability, Kemin aims for net zero GHG emissions by 2050, focusing on clean energy and waste reduction. These commitments to employees, partners, and the environment are fundamental to our identity, ensuring a positive global impact and a sustainable future.