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Royal Canin Commits $3M
Funds will support research in feline, canine nutrition
U of G has received a $3-million commitment from Royal Canin Canada Company to establish the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Endowed Chair in Canine and Feline Clinical Nutrition and support independent research and graduate scholarships at the Ontario Veterinary College. This first-of-its-kind chair will be held by a faculty member in the Department of Clinical Studies, and the University will conduct an international search for the first chair holder.
“This generous gift is a wonderful example of the importance of private-sector/university partnerships,” says president Alastair Summerlee. “Royal Canin Canada's investment in an endowed chair allows us to develop the area of feline and canine nutrition.”
The Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Chair is also an important part of a strategic initiative by U of G to establish new teaching and research chairs across the spectrum of the University's disciplines, says Summerlee.
Royal Canin Canada CEO Xavier Unkovic says the application of nutrition in optimizing health and preventing and managing specific clinical conditions is increasingly important in veterinary practice.
“As a pet-first company, we know this investment will have a beneficial impact on the health of dogs and cats,” he says.
Brent Matthew, Royal Canin Canada veterinary division director, says the company is “extremely proud of the contribution that Medi-Cal/Royal Canin Veterinary Diet has made to the veterinary profession in Canada. Our partnership with the University of Guelph represents a dramatic new commitment to clinical nutrition in Canada.”
OVC dean Elizabeth Stone says innovative nutritional research is essential to maintain and improve the health of dogs and cats.
“We are excited that this innovative new faculty position will help us find answers to important questions about how we should feed our feline and canine companions. In addition, this gift enables us to start a new graduate program in this area.”
Royal Canin is a worldwide manufacturer and supplier of high-quality specialized dog and cat foods in the veterinary, pet specialty and breeder channels.
Its headquarters are in France, and production operations exist in 10 countries around the world, including a new Canadian plant opening in Guelph in 2008.
The company has a comprehensive veterinary-exclusive line of diets under the Medi-Cal/Royal Canin Veterinary Diet brand name.