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The University of Reading – investing in agriculture to tackle global food issues of climate change and human health – University of Reading

New multi-million pound facilities to further research into food chain and health, and the global environmental issues of meat and milk production.

The University of Reading is opening new multi-million pound Animal Science and Nutrition Research facilities at the Centre for Dairy Research on Thursday 1 May.

These facilities are the best of their kind in Europe, if not the world, and the centre is one of only three in the EU to conduct studies through the food chain from animal feed through to health outcomes for humans.

The new facilities will consolidate the reputation of the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development as a world leader in agriculture and food production research and teaching, with students already coming from all over the world to study and research.

Professor Ian Givens, Professor of Animal Science, said: "The research facilities are truly world class and the research carried out here will become increasingly nationally and globally significant

"The new research facilities are testament that the University of Reading recognises the significance of these areas of research and has confidence in the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development. It will benefit the School, the Faculty of Life Sciences and the entire University, making it possible to look at issues as a whole, involving expertise from across the University and not working in isolation."

The research centre deals with two of the most important food related issues in the world today, the environment and health. These issues cut across the research priorities for the University of Reading of climate change and food chain and health.

Keeping livestock for the production of meat and milk contributes to climate change and environmental pollution due to methane emissions and nitrogen lost from excreta and manures. Research at this centre will look at ways to reduce harmful pollutants and improve the efficiency of nutrient capture in saleable animal products. With demand for these products increasing worldwide, and methane contributing up to 20 per cent of global warming, this research will become increasingly more significant on a global scale.

With issues such as obesity and the impact of an ageing population on the health service of concern nationally, the centre will also be leading research into the food-chain, improving the nutritional composition of foods derived from livestock to improve human health; and improving human nutrition and reducing disease through research into cow's milk.

Researchers are exploring ways in which consumption of milk (which has steadily declined over the past 30 years) could reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and cancer. Increasing intake of Omega-3 through the food chain is also being researched, which could lead to a possible 2.6% reduction in the mortality rate from heart disease. The impact of GM crops in animal feed on human and animal health and increasing selenium content in milk and cheese through the food chain to improve immune function, reduce depression and reduce risk of cancer are also areas of research.

- Ends -

Notes for editors:

Available at the event for interviews:

•Professor Richard Ellis for overview of research and teaching across the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development

•Dr Les Crompton, Dr Jonathan Mills and Dr Chris Reynolds for environmental issues

•Professor Ian Givens and Dr Caroline Rymer for health and nutrition issues

•Professor Gordon Marshall for overview of the University of Reading and the importance of the new research centre

•Judith Batchelar for the role of Sainsbury's in the environment and health.

Extended synopses of each of the research areas are available on request.

For more information contact:

Kate Smith

University of Reading

T: 01295 661 250

E: kates@twelvepr.co.uk