Merck Animal Health said it will donate $500,000 to Texas A&M University to help facilitate the construction of the school’s new Animal Science Reproduction and Biotechnology Center.
The new animal science center, expected to be completed in 2023, includes research labs, educational spaces, animal handling areas along with dedicated research lab space for emerging technologies and practices for both academic and industry partner use.
“We’re grateful for Merck Animal Health’s support in assisting to build this new state-of-the-art facility,” said Cliff Lamb, director for Texas A&M AgriLife Research and former head of the Department of Animal Science. “This facility will advance ruminant health by identifying and developing new and innovative technologies associated with reproduction and genetic sciences and allow us to apply it to the sustainability of livestock systems.”
Merck Animal Health, which is a division of New Jersey-based medicine and vaccine manufacturer Merck & Co., has a long-standing relationship with Texas A&M and has provided funding and support for veterinary scholarships, internships, and research and development projects at the university.
Texas A&M is one of the world’s leading research institutions, especially in terms of animal science. Research conducted at Texas A&M generated annual expenditures of more than $952 million in fiscal year 2019. Texas A&M ranked in the top 20 of the most recent National Science Foundation Higher Education Research and Development survey based on expenditures of more than $922 million in fiscal year 2018.
“New technology and therapy research is important to veterinarians and producers in helping to advance sustainable livestock production systems,” said Todd Bilby, dairy technical services director, Merck Animal Health. “Merck Animal Health and Texas A&M share a commitment to advancing the health of animals through innovative science and research-driven solutions.”
