Hiring Tips: Sustainable Animal Nutrition

The growing focus on sustainability in animal nutrition is reshaping the industry, creating demand for specialised talent capable of driving innovation. As companies work to reduce the environmental impact of livestock farming, recruiting experts in sustainable sourcing, precision nutrition, and alternative feed development has become a pressing challenge. Addressing these recruitment hurdles requires an understanding of the skills needed and strategies to attract the right talent.

Recruitment Challenges in Sustainable Animal Nutrition

1. Shortage of Specialised Talent – As sustainability in animal nutrition is a relatively new focus, there is a limited talent pool with expertise in alternative proteins, life cycle analysis, and emissions-reducing feed additives.
2. Interdisciplinary Knowledge Requirements – Professionals must possess cross-disciplinary expertise in fields such as agronomy, chemistry, biology, and environmental science to develop sustainable feed solutions.
3. High Demand Across Industries – Scientists and engineers specialising in microbial fermentation, algae production, and alternative proteins are also in demand in other sectors, such as human food production and biofuels.
4. Regulatory and Compliance Expertise – Navigating global sustainability certifications, environmental regulations, and food safety standards adds complexity to recruitment efforts.
5. Consumer Awareness and Ethical Considerations – Companies need professionals who can not only develop sustainable feed solutions but also address public concerns about additives, ensuring transparency and safety in the food chain.

Key Skills Required for Sustainability in Animal Nutrition

1. Sustainable Sourcing and Alternative Feed Development

• Agricultural Science & Agronomy – Understanding crop sustainability and regenerative farming practices to reduce reliance on traditional feed sources like soy and corn.
• Biotechnology & Microbial Fermentation – Developing single-cell proteins, insect-based feeds, and algae-derived nutrients to replace conventional protein sources.
• Supply Chain & Ethical Sourcing – Ensuring traceability and compliance with certifications such as the Round Table on Responsible Soy (RTRS) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

2. Precision Nutrition and Feed Optimisation

• Animal Nutrition Science – Formulating diets that maximise feed efficiency and reduce waste, tailored to the nutritional needs of different livestock species.
• Data Analytics & Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) – Measuring environmental impact across the supply chain and optimising feed formulations for minimal emissions.
• Veterinary Science & Feed Safety – Ensuring new feed formulations support animal health while meeting regulatory safety requirements.

3. Feed Additives and Emission Reduction

• Environmental Science & Chemistry – Developing methane-reducing additives such as 3-NOP and probiotics that lower enteric fermentation in ruminants.
• Regulatory Affairs & Compliance – Understanding EU, FDA, and global food safety regulations governing feed additives and environmental claims.
• Consumer Engagement & Transparency – Communicating the safety and benefits of feed additives to mitigate concerns over their introduction into the food chain.

Leveraging Specialised Recruitment Companies

Given the niche expertise required in sustainable animal nutrition, partnering with specialised recruitment companies can be a game-changer for companies looking to secure top talent. These companies bring a deep understanding of the industry, access to highly skilled professionals, and tailored recruitment strategies to meet the evolving needs of the sector.

Advantages of Working with Specialised Recruitment Companies:

• Access to a Targeted Talent Pool – These companies have established networks of professionals in agricultural sciences, sustainability, and biotechnology, making it easier to identify candidates with the right skills.
• Industry-Specific Knowledge – Recruiters with expertise in sustainable animal nutrition understand the complexities of feed innovation, alternative proteins, and environmental regulations, ensuring a precise match between candidates and job requirements.
• Efficient Hiring Processes – Specialised companies streamline the hiring process by pre-screening candidates, conducting technical assessments, and handling negotiations, reducing time-to-hire.
• Market Intelligence and Salary Benchmarking – They provide valuable insights into industry trends, salary expectations, and hiring challenges, helping companies remain competitive in attracting and retaining talent.
• Support for Workforce Planning – In addition to recruitment, these companies assist in workforce planning, advising on skill gaps, training needs, and long-term talent acquisition strategies.

By leveraging the expertise of specialised recruitment companies, companies can overcome hiring challenges and build a strong, sustainability-focused workforce, positioning themselves at the forefront of innovation in animal nutrition.

Investing in talent for a sustainable future

As the animal nutrition industry moves towards sustainability, the demand for skilled professionals in sustainable sourcing, feed formulation, and emissions reduction will continue to grow. Companies must adapt their recruitment strategies to attract and retain top talent, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of sustainable innovation in animal nutrition. By investing in skills development, forging strategic industry partnerships, and utilising specialised recruitment companies, the sector can address workforce challenges and drive meaningful change toward a more sustainable food system.

By Joe Hugill, Associate Director, Animal Health, Skills Alliance