On October 22 and 23, Medellín became the meeting point for leaders, experts, and researchers in the livestock sector during the Animal Microbiome Symposium 2024. Organized by Bialtec in partnership with the CES University, the event brought together over 200 attendees eager to explore the impact of the microbiome on animal nutrition, gut health, and its role in animal, human, and environmental welfare.
In a world where sustainability and efficiency in production are more critical than ever, this symposium reaffirmed the transformative power of science. At Bialtec, we are committed to taking scientific knowledge beyond laboratories, sharing its practical applications in the livestock sector.
An Event Bridging Science and Practice
The event featured a diverse agenda designed to address everything from scientific fundamentals to practical applications in the field. Through keynote lectures, workshops, and poster sessions, attendees had the opportunity to explore new tools and biotechnological approaches to tackle current challenges in animal production.
Some of the key topics included:
- Antimicrobial resistance and its connection to the microbiome: Discussions centered on strategies to replace antibiotic growth promoters with probiotics and advanced technologies, aiming for sustainable and effective solutions in animal production.
- Microbiome and gut health: Experts shared the latest research on how a balanced microbiota can enhance nutrient absorption, reduce gastrointestinal diseases, and optimize zootechnical performance.
- Microencapsulation technology: In a practical workshop, participants explored the process behind our patented technology, which protects probiotic microorganisms and ensures controlled release in the gastrointestinal tract. This innovation guarantees the maximum effectiveness of probiotics in animal diets.
Presentations by International Experts and Strategic Allies
The symposium featured presentations from renowned national and international researchers. Among them, Koen Venema, PhD in Biomedical Sciences, stood out as an expert in microbiology and gastrointestinal simulation. During his talk, Venema showcased studies demonstrating how simulators can evaluate the interaction between various microorganisms and diets, a pivotal field for designing personalized nutritional strategies.
Additionally, strategic partners such as Bivett, with its focus on animal welfare, and SURA’s Omics Sciences, which highlighted the importance of genomic research in improving animal health, enriched the event’s discussions.
Supporting Young Researchers
One of the most exciting aspects of the symposium was the participation of young researchers, who presented their work during a poster session. This space not only highlighted new ideas but also encouraged innovation and dialogue across generations. The projects addressed topics such as optimizing probiotic diets, analyzing the microbiome in various species, and integrating artificial intelligence into zootechnical research.
Beyond the Lectures: A Commitment to Shared Knowledge
At Bialtec, we firmly believe that science is not only for those who produce it but for everyone in the livestock value chain. Our mission is to disseminate knowledge and make it accessible to those looking to innovate and improve animal production sustainably.
The Animal Microbiome Symposium 2024 was not just a space to learn but also to connect professionals passionate about transforming the sector. Feedback from attendees made it clear that these kinds of events are essential for building a healthier, more efficient future aligned with the principles of sustainability and the One Health approach, which sees animal, human, and environmental well-being as interdependent.
Looking Ahead
The success of this symposium motivates us to continue expanding the reach of our initiatives. At Bialtec, we reaffirm our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and scientific dissemination. We are excited to see the ideas shared during these two days go beyond presentations and translate into concrete actions in the field.
In 2025, we plan to organize more events that will continue driving knowledge and transforming animal nutrition. This symposium is just the beginning of a journey toward modernizing the livestock sector, making it more sustainable and aligned with cutting-edge scientific research.
Thank you to all the attendees, speakers, and partners for making this event a success. Together, we will keep shaping the future of animal nutrition.
