Food In Canada

Pet food sector to benefit from new animal nutrition program

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Feds invest $1.6 million to set up animal nutrition program at University of Alberta


Edmonton, Alta. – The federal government has invested $1.6 million to help establish an Animal Nutrition and Ingredient Development Program at the University of Alberta.

 

The investment, which comes through the Western Diversification Program, will allow the University’s Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences to acquire specialized pilot-scale extrusion equipment.

 

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In partnership with Champion Petfoods LP, Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency, and Elmira Pet Products Ltd., the university will use the new equipment to help pet food companies develop new products, enhance food safety, expand domestic and international markets, and increase productivity and competitiveness in the sector. It will also enhance opportunities for Canadian crop and livestock industries to market their products as ingredients.

 

The new Animal Nutrition and Ingredient Development Program will also allow students to train in pet food development, and pet health and nutrition.

 

According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Market Indicator Report, retail sales in the Canadian pet food market will grow to $1.9 billion, a 10.2-per-cent increase, by 2016. Dog food sales are forecast to increase by 11.5 per cent, while cat food will increase by 9.8 per cent.

 


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