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Innovating how industry and land-grant universities work together to support animal health, welfare and production.

Strong Partnerships. Strong Futures.

The Animal Health and Nutrition Consortium (AHNC) is a novel public–private partnership that brings together animal health companies, biotechnology companies and university scientists to identify the foundational limitations to the development of new products, services and markets — and foster research to address these knowledge gaps. 

The ultimate goal of the AHNC is to provide its members with a competitive advantage in the development of game-changing new products that improve animal welfare, reduce disease, and improve the nutritional value of feed and production. The AHNC is a foundational constituent of the NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Food Animal Initiative.

Recent Event

Advancing Animal Health & Nutrition Unlocking Innovation Through Industry-Academic Partnerships with NC State
UIDP hosted an informative webinar about the Animal Health & Nutrition Consortium (AHNC) on Wednesday, April 23 2025. Participants learned more about the Animal Health & Nutrition Consortium (AHNC), innovation research in animal health, collaboration and partnership opportunities, success stories and funding impact during UIDP’s webinar. This informational webinar was open to UIDP university member and non-member representatives.

Originally aired,
Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Speakers

  • Paula Barngrover, Chief Business Development Officer, Illuma Alliance
  • Peter Ferket, Co-Director, Animal Health and Nutrition Consortium, North Carolina State University
  • Matthew Koci, Co-Directer, Animal Health and Nutrition Consortium, North Carolina State University
  • Monique Pairis-Garcia, Professor and Veterinarian, Global Production Animal Welfare, North Carolina State University
  • Olivia Wedegaertner, US Turkey Account Manager, Zoetis

Iluma Alliance has been a member of the Animal Health and Nutrition Consortium from the beginning. As we move forward, I am confident that the AHNC will continue to accomplish its purpose of working collectively towards a healthier and more sustainable future for the animal protein industry.

Paula Barngrover

CEO, Alura USA | Iluma Alliance

Poultry and Swine Strengths

NC State is the only U.S. university fully integrated in both poultry and swine.

Top Graduates

A pipeline of future talent eager to participate in research and other opportunities.

15 Grants Awarded

Over $750,000 in support of AHNC member-directed research priorities.

Online Course: Data Analytics for Poultry and Swine Industries

Developed in collaboration with anprocampus and directed by Edgar Oviedo, this course uses practical examples from the industry and real data shared by some of the main integrations of the world. It is a blended course, with self-paced interactive modules and virtual sessions with NC State professors and experts invited from different companies. After completion and evaluation, the course offers an Extension Certificate in Data Analytics for Poultry and Swine Industries.