COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS — Texas A&M announced the opening of its new Animal Reproductive Biotechnology Center at its RELLIS campus in Bryan, Texas.

The new center will work toward increased understanding of ruminant reproduction for the molecular, cellular and whole-animal while also working to address known reproductive issues.

It also plans to provide outreach, research and teaching on the latest animal pregnancy and development science.

The building sits at 27,000 square feet and was a joint project between Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Animal Science.

The university noted the center opened up when the US cattle inventory remained at its lowest level in decades, at 86.7 million head, according to data from the US Department of Agriculture.

“Food security is national security, and in Texas, where livestock are such an important commodity, the research from this facility will help ensure we keep our state and nation more secure,” said Jeffrey Savell, PhD, vice chancellor and dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences.

G. Cliff Lamb, PhD, director of AgriLife Research, explained how the center will assist in providing more sustainable livestock systems.

“Our science partners can trust and apply the advancements we find here to move their programs forward,” Lamb noted. “This is another big step to advance our mission to nourish healthy lives, livelihoods, economies and environments.”

Some of the features for the new building include animal holding and handling areas, which are sized and separate for ruminant types, labs, educational spaces and office space.

The center also will have chutes for specimen collection, stanchion space for hands-on instruction with visitors or students, and preparation and recovery spaces for small ruminants. Load-out areas, holding pens and alleyway circulation also fall into the workspace.

“It is exciting to envision what we can discover, and the lives we will improve, as a result of the work at this new facility,” said Clay Mathis, PhD, head of the Department of Animal Science. “This facility will further empower our exceptional team of experts to make new discoveries and open up new experiences for students.”

The center received support from Merck Animal Health, ESTROTECT, IDEXX and Texas A&M alumni, among other donors.