AGROSAVIA highlights the strategic role of Animal Science in advancing innovation and sustainability in Colombia’s livestock production

• During the celebration of National Animal Scientist Day, the Corporation presented advances for the sheep and goat sector and highlighted the contribution of animal scientists to achieving the 2030 Agenda and promoting rural development in Colombia.

 

Sincelejo, Sucre. July 14, 2026. As part of the National Animal Scientist Day celebration, organized by the Sucre Regional Committee of the National Association of Animal Scientists of Colombia (ANZOO), with support from the Professional Council of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of Colombia (COMVEZCOL), private companies, alumni, and livestock-sector entrepreneurs, Corporación colombiana de investigación agropecuaria (AGROSAVIA) participated in an academic event focused on knowledge exchange, technical updating, and capacity building for stakeholders across the livestock sector. The event brought together professors and researchers, producers, professionals, students, and representatives from various institutions to discuss the challenges facing animal production and to highlight the role of Animal Science in building more sustainable, resilient, and innovative agrifood systems.

 

Animal Science: A driver of sustainable development

Throughout the event, it was emphasized that Animal Science integrates expertise in animal production, genetics, nutrition, reproduction, animal welfare, sustainability, and livestock systems management, contributing to the development of efficient and responsible production systems. As Liliana Muñoz Pineda, Executive Secretary of COMVEZCOL, stated, “this profession goes beyond animal production and serves as a cornerstone for food security, the conservation of natural resources, technological innovation, and the strengthening of rural communities.”

In this context, animal scientists contribute to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda by strengthening sustainable livestock production systems, promoting gender equality and the inclusion of rural women and youth, enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of the livestock sector, encouraging the responsible use of natural resources, supporting climate change adaptation, conserving animal genetic resources, and fostering collaboration among institutions, academia, professional associations, international cooperation agencies, and producers.

According to AGROSAVIA’s Department of Scientific and Technological Intelligence and Knowledge Dissemination, the Corporation currently employs 57 animal scientists (36.8% women) across its research centers, all of whom are members of the Livestock and Minor Species Innovation Network. These professionals lead research, development, and innovation initiatives in sustainable agrifood systems, food security, climate-smart agriculture, the bioeconomy, social inclusion, genetic resources, animal health and welfare, animal nutrition, and tropical pastures and forages, generating technological solutions that address the needs of Colombia’s agricultural sector.

 

AGROSAVIA strengthens innovation and collaboration within the livestock sector

As part of the academic program, researcher Clara Viviana Rúa, from the Motilonia Research Center and President of ANZOO for the 2026–2028 term, presented AGROSAVIA’s technological portfolio for the sheep and goat sector, as well as the progress achieved during Phase I of the Animal Germplasm Bank Project for sheep and goat species in the low tropical region. This initiative aims to conserve, characterize, and sustainably use the country’s animal genetic resources. The presentation was supported by animal scientist Guillermo Garay from the Motilonia Research Center and Researcher Luis Altahona from the Turipaná Research Center, who shared experiences with producers, professionals, and students regarding innovation opportunities to strengthen these production systems. Through its participation in this commemorative event, AGROSAVIA reaffirms its commitment to generating and promoting the social appropriation of scientific knowledge, strengthening human talent, and fostering collaboration with organizations.

In her dual role as ANZOO President and AGROSAVIA researcher, Clara Rúa stated, “In a context marked by the triple planetary crisis and rising global food demand, Animal Science has become a strategic profession capable of generating science-, technology-, and innovation-based solutions that strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of Colombia’s agricultural sector.”

On the National Animal Scientist Day, the Corporation recognized the invaluable work of these professionals, who contribute every day through research, innovation, agricultural extension, teaching, and public service to food security, the conservation of animal genetic resources, animal welfare, and the sustainable development of Colombia’s rural areas.

According to information from ANZOO and COMVEZCOL, Colombia is home to an estimated 17,000 animal scientists, whose expertise is essential for knowledge transfer, innovation, and the sustainable development of animal production systems.