Reducing the use of antibiotics is the main challenge facing the rabbit sector today, and the lack of solutions is likely to cause major problems for the sector. In this context TIRAC, a project carried out by a supra-autonomous Operational Group, covering the regions of Galicia, Madrid and Navarra, will search for innovative techniques in the field of nutrition of fattening pigs that allow the reduction of the use of drugs against dixestive problems, ensuring safety and profitability for the farmer. The initiative has a pre-financing of half a million euros from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (FEADER) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, within the framework of the National Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.
Thus, the objective of TIRAC is to study various nutritional strategies focused on its feed formulation with a low level of protein and a moderate level of soluble fibre, in addition to the incorporation of macroalgae and/or algae extracts. At the same time, it aims to achieve better quality meat and a heart-healthy lipid profile, a higher mineral content and antioxidant potential, and to enhance the value of the algae production sector.
Participating as members of the project are De Heus Nutrición Animal S.A., representative of the Operational Group; Fundación Empresa-Universidade galega (FEUGA); Porto- Muiños S.L.; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC) through the Research Groups in Animal Medicine, Veterinary Pathological Anatomy, Animal Health Research – INVESAGA and Hygiene, Food Inspection and Control and Universidade Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), through the Research Group ‘Animal Production’ (PRAN). Other collaborators are Criadores de Coello de Naraba Sociedade Cooperativa; PROGACUN-Asociación de productores de coellos de Galicia and GRANXA J. ECHEGOYEN S.L.U.
This innovation project is 80% co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) of the European Union and 20% by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, within the framework of the National Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. Total budget: 492,580.38 €. Grant: 485,043.58 €.
