Cobb-Vantress names research grant recipients

Siloam Springs-based broiler breeding company Cobb-Vantress LLC recently announced the seven recipients of the 2025 Cobb Research Initiative grants.

The grant program “is designed to advance the science of poultry genetics by fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration,” according to a news release. “These partnerships play a critical role in addressing key challenges ranging from disease prevention and animal welfare to production efficiency and product quality.”

Following are the grant recipients and their institutions.
• Marcelo Veiga, Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil
• Nilva Kazue Sakomura, Sao Paulo State University, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
• Craig Coon, University of Arkansas
• Hui Yu, The Ohio State University
• Lonneke Vervelde, Royal GD Animal Health
• Guoming Li, University of Georgia
• Stephanie Richter, Georgia Tech Research Institute

“This year marked a milestone for the CRI, with a record number of proposals submitted,” said Dr. William Herring, vice president of research and development at Cobb. “By combining cutting-edge technology with deep scientific expertise, we’re addressing the most pressing challenges in poultry production and advancing the future of genetics. We’re excited to see the impact these collaborations will have across the industry and beyond.”

The grant program’s aim is “to strengthen the global poultry supply chain and deliver long-term value to producers and consumers alike,” the release shows. “By engaging researchers from diverse fields, the initiative continues to uncover new insights and develop tools that support genetic innovation.”

Cobb declined to provide the grant amounts. Applications will start to be accepted in early 2026 for the program’s 2026 grants. More information is available online at cobbgenetics.com/cri.

“At Cobb, our commitment to progress is rooted in strategic partnerships,” said Shelby Watkins, president of Cobb. “By supporting these forward-thinking projects, we’re accelerating discovery, driving genetic progress, and helping provide more innovative solutions for our customers.”