Lallemand Animal Nutrition’s GM shares his insights into global feed trends
In this exclusive interview with All About Feed, Mathieu Castex, general manager of Lallemand Animal Nutrition, shares insights into global feed trends, sustainability, and innovation. Castex discusses how Lallemand leverages research-driven microbial solutions to meet evolving industry demands while prioritising sustainability and animal welfare.
In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of animal nutrition, we’re seeing significant shifts in feed production trends. The feed production landscape is increasingly influenced by sustainability, the demand for high-quality nutrition, and advancements in microbiology. As global demand for protein grows, there’s a shift toward efficient, eco-friendly, and functional feed products that enhance animal welfare and minimise environmental impact.
At Lallemand Animal Nutrition, we align with these trends by focusing on microbial solutions that are backed by research. We have expanded our R&D capabilities to develop innovative products that are sustainable and tailored to the specific needs of different livestock species. Our close customer relationships allow us to adapt quickly to emerging challenges and provide solutions that meet evolving market demands. We’re particularly focused on bridging the gap between nutrition and microbiology, which we see as a crucial development in the feed industry.
It’s not just about communication—it’s about taking concrete actions.”
The future of animal nutrition lies at the intersection of innovation and sustainability. We’re investing heavily in understanding microorganisms’ behaviour in specific environments, such as studying their characteristics within animal digestive systems. As an example, we’re exploring previously uncharted territories, like the ability of microorganisms to form biofilms. Lallemand would like to position ourselves at the forefront of this evolution, notably by developing new methodologies that minimise invasive practices on animals while increasing throughput. Our goal is to bring new concepts to the industry while expanding beyond traditional boundaries.
Sustainability is no longer a mere option; it is a business imperative, integrated into our long-term strategy and vision.”
As all players in our industry, sustainability is absolutely a focus area for Lallemand Animal Nutrition moving forward. We recognise the urgent need to minimise the environmental impact of animal agriculture. As a trusted industry partner, we’re committed to doing things right by offering our customers reliable, research-backed data they can count on. For us, it’s not just about communication—it’s about taking concrete actions, tracking progress, and using the right tools to minimise our products’ environmental footprint and enhance the sustainability of our operations. Sustainability is no longer a mere option; it is a business imperative, integrated into our long-term strategy and vision.
This investment supports our commitment to sustainability by boosting operational efficiency, while also allowing us to expand selenized yeast production in Europe to meet rising demand. Selenized yeast is highly regarded for its bioavailability and health benefits across livestock, companion animals and aquatic species, providing an essential nutrient that bolsters animal immune function and overall well-being. Recent discussions at the EU level about potentially reducing authorised levels for organic selenium sources have raised industry concerns. Selenium is vital in modern feed formulations and functional supplements, playing a key role in animal health and performance.
Getting teams to rally around the “why” behind their work, rather than just the “how”, has been critical.”
Over the years, I’ve learned that a well-organised team and a strong structure are essential. Success comes from placing the right people in the right roles to unlock the team’s full potential. This means recognising individual strengths, aligning them with suitable roles, and fostering a collaborative environment where everyone can thrive. Effective team organisation enhances productivity, drives innovation and paves the way to achieving our goals. Another interesting challenge has been fostering a culture of innovation while maintaining focus and alignment across our global organisation. In a fast-evolving industry, navigating these changes requires a culture that values experimentation and learning.
In my role, I have really emphasised collaboration and connecting people across functions who are driven by a common purpose. Getting teams to rally around the “why” behind their work, rather than just the “how”, has been critical. I’ve also worked to create an environment where experimentation is encouraged and people have the psychological safety to put bold ideas forward. You can’t be afraid to fail, as long as you are learning in the process. Balancing this innovative spirit with the day-to-day realities of running the business is always a challenge, but I believe we are striking the right balance.
I envision Lallemand Animal Nutrition as a trusted supplier of comprehensive microbial-based technologies. This means expanding our technology base while keeping our focus on microbial based solutions. We will continue to be a science-driven, field-supported company, committed to delivering high-quality products and exceptional services.
Our vision for the future is built on 3 key pillars:
- First, maintaining a strong focus on technology and know-how development.
- Second, deepening our customer-focused approach by expanding our capabilities and applications.
- And finally, extending our reach beyond current markets and applications.
We’re particularly excited about our new Centre of Excellence near Paris and our expanding research capabilities. We’re also investing in companion animal nutrition, with a new branding strategy. The goal is to continue transforming scientific discoveries in microbiology into practical solutions while nurturing talent and fostering innovation across the organisation.
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