Research & Development (R+D)

At our company, we firmly believe in collaborating with the academia to advance innovative solutions that benefit both the society and the environment.

Synergy between universities and businesses

Collaboration between universities and businesses is key to harnessing the potential of both parties. This alliance allows knowledge transferring, resources and experiences sharing, and accelerates the transition from basic research to real-world application. Collaboration agreements, joint projects and business incubators are concrete examples of this synergy.

Between 2013 and 2015, we actively participated in a doctoral study focused on the ecology of wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Mediterranean environments. This investigation took place within the framework of a collaboration agreement between the Barcelona Provincial Council, the Government of Catalonia and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB).

Contraception as a population control tool

Since 2017, we have been collaborating on a pioneering project to control the urban and peri-urban wild boars’ population through contraception. The project is led by the Department of Animal Health and Anatomy at UAB Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and aims to study the effectiveness of the anti-GnRH vaccine, a hormone related to reproduction that has already been used successfully in other species internationally.

By collecting samples and analysing biological and physiological parameters, the aim is to obtain scientific evidence of the vaccine’s effect on controlling wild boars’ fertility.

In 2022, this project led to the launch of an Industrial Doctorate the strengthens the connection between university research and the real needs of the territory.

Evaluation of emergency slaughter methodology to improve animal welfare

Animal husbandry welfare is a highly relevant issue in the context of animal production, especially with regard to their transport and slaughter.

The use of captive bolt guns in ungulates’ slaughter is an effective technique for the immediate stunning of animals, but its effectiveness depends on various factors, which evaluation can provide detailed understanding of the methodology. The results could therefore indicate whether the current method is enough to guarantee slaughter without suffering and whether improvements are needed in the stunning techniques used in emergency slaughters.

 

Our participation in these initiatives such as this one allows us to contribute to the generation of applied knowledge, and to promote strategic research with a positive academic and social impact.