Clinical nutrition the focus of new $3M research chair

Guelph, ON – Prof Adronie Verbrugghe has been named as the first holder of a new research chair at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College in its Department of Clinical Studies. The position, the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Endowed Chair in Canine and Feline Clinical Nutrition, is being supported with $3 million in funding from Royal Canin Canada.

“The impact of nutrition on health and disease is an increasingly important area of veterinary science,” said Prof Adronie Verbrugghe, who was appointed following an international search. “By paying attention to nutrition, we can delay the progression of disease and help pets live longer and improve the quality of their lives. That’s what it’s all about.”

Trained at Ghent University in Belgium, she graduated as a veterinarian in 2005. For her PhD, she studied feline carbohydrate metabolism and links to obesity and diabetes. She is a diplomate of the European College of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition and recently completed two years of post-doctoral research and clinical work at Ghent University.

“This exciting new position will help us discover new knowledge in clinical nutrition and to transfer that knowledge to veterinarians working with pets in primary health care practice,” said Elizabeth Stone, OVC dean. “In addition, Adronie will play a key role in preparing our graduating veterinarians to develop nutritional programs for their patients and to educate their clients on the importance of nutrition.”