Schothorst Feed Research (SFR) has welcomed Han van der Kolk as its new Chief Veterinary Officer & Quality Officer. van der Kolk will play a crucial role in strengthening SFR’s research efforts, particularly in the areas of fat digestion and metabolism, according to the press release.
Schothorst Feed Research (SFR) has announced the appointment of Han van der Kolk as Chief Veterinary Officer & Quality Officer. van der Kolk, a respected veterinarian and academic, joined the team on June 1st, and as of September, he has expanded his role to four days per week.
With a career in veterinary medicine, welfare, and research, Han van der Kolk brings a wealth of experience to SFR. According to the announcement, his knowledge will ensure that SFR continues to uphold the highest standards in animal welfare and quality control. van der Kolk’s expertise in metabolism, stress, and nutrition aligns perfectly with SFR’s mission to develop scientifically backed nutritional solutions for the livestock sector. Han van der Kolk joins SFR from Aeres University of Applied Sciences, where he worked as an all-around lecturer in animal health, teaching anatomy, animal health, and nutrition. His career began at Utrecht University, where he conducted research on stress, metabolism, and endocrinology in livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. His research into the metabolism of nutrients fits seamlessly with SFR’s ambitions to enhance feed digestion research.
“We are thrilled to have Han join our team,” says Francesc Molist, Manager of R&D at SFR. “His extensive experience and knowledge will certainly help us elevate the quality of our research and the welfare of our animals to an even higher level, ensuring that SFR remains a leader in these areas.” Han van der Kolk will also be presenting webinars on topics such as metabolism, stress, and welfare, allowing SFR’s clients to benefit from his in-depth knowledge in these fields.
According to SFR’s statement, van der Kolk will play a crucial role in strengthening its research efforts, particularly in the areas of fat digestion and metabolism. His expertise will enable SFR to conduct in-depth studies, even at the mitochondrial level, to analyze how fats are metabolized. This could contribute to improving feed efficiency.
Regarding his appointment, Han van der Kolk states: “I am fully committed to working at SFR for the coming years, focusing on further improving the quality of animal welfare and research at SFR. My goal is to ensure that the team is equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to maintain animal welfare and research at the highest level, keeping SFR at the forefront of the sector.”
In addition, van der Kolk will lead efforts to further strengthen animal welfare at SFR. As Chair of the Animal Welfare Body (AWB) at SFR, and with his chairmanship of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees at Radboud University and Maastricht University, he will reportedly advocate for the careful use of animals in research. van der Kolk will also share his knowledge with colleagues working with animals in research, ensuring they receive the necessary training following graduation.
