Solla´s Research and Development Department (R&D) is exclusively focused on animal nutrition innovation. It counts on human and technological resources which along with optimum infrastructure to carry out permanent research generating direct benefits for our clients.

For that reason it counts on experimental farms where nutritional research is impelemented on topics like raw materials, premixtures, new products development and improvement, handling practices, palatability and flavor tests.

Current R&D lines of research are aviculture, dairy farming, and dogs allowing us to deliver our clients scientifically endorsed high quality products.

Betania Cattle Farming Experimental and Demonstration Farm (founded in 2009)
 

Located at Santa Rosa de Osos on the road to Llanos de Cuivá, and at an altitude of 8626 feet above mean sea level, it holds 120 Holstein dairy cows in production used for research in the field of ruminants’ nutrition.

The modern equipment at this farm measures quantity of milk as well as milk quality (fat content, proteins, total solids, and more). Also assessed are the hygiene issues such as somatic cells production.

With these tools, Solla constantly evaluates the proposals it brings to the market, in terms of product cost-benefit ratio and in terms of livestock management practices. Research is also made in partnership with leading universities in the fields of animal nutrition and environment.

Sometimes, research from countries such as United States, Canada, New Zealand, and others, does not match the conditions of our productive sector. For that reason at the Betania Farm research is being performed under Colombian and Latin American livestock production models.

Avilandia Broiler Chicken Experimental Farm (Founded in 1985 and remodeled in 2008)

Located in Llanogrande, at an altitude of 7053 feet above mean sea level, this farm has all the methodological tools to carry maximum reliability broiler chicken performance testing. More than 12 research projects are performed every year in topics such as: Use of alternative raw materials, additives, enzymes, handling practices and nutritional plans.

At this farm the Organization seeks constant sector innovation to deliver our clients the best cost-benefit ratio. Current research under way will be the foundation to face important challenges posed by the Free Trade Agreement with the United States.

CIC Canine Research Center (Opened as Canil in 1993 and as CIC in 2009)

Located in Llanogrande, at an altitude of 7053 feet above mean sea level, this center unique to this country and leader in Latin America performs palatability/flavor testing on 23 dogs from 12 of the most representative breeds in our country. Assaying is made to meet international standards.

Such dogs have been rigorously trained and are qualified as expert palatability testers, in a process similar to the process used by coffee, wine, and perfume testers.

These dogs carry out recreational activities such as agility and walks around the farm on a daily basis. They have comfortable sleeping quarters and grooming area (bath and coiffure), one veterinarian consultation per week and laboratory assessment every three months -- check hemoleucogram, partial urinalysis and coprology.

Other issues dealt with at this farm are welfare, education, ethology, animal behavior, animal comfort, which allow animals to be healthy according to the traits of each breed. Sensitization campaigns for CIC employees and for the technical commercial sales team are implemented each year. Also a number of diverse indicators allow an integrated assessment of palatability and animal well being.