Success Stories: From Farm to Future: Advancing Sustainable Animal Nutrition in the U.S.

Case Summary:    

In a world where food security and environmental sustainability have become global imperatives, scientific solutions are being shaped in the lab, one nutrient at a time. A brilliant postdoctoral researcher from Nigeria, now based in the United States, is doing just that—transforming how we nourish monogastric animals to secure a more sustainable future in agriculture.

Recently approved for the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) through premium processing, this client has been recognized for pioneering research in animal science, with a focus on nutrient digestibility and feed ingredient innovation for poultry, swine, and aquaculture.

Tackling Agricultural Sustainability from the Source

Her current work centers on investigating how feed ingredients—particularly alternative plant-based and locally sourced options—can efficiently meet the nutritional demands of monogastric animals, including broiler chickens and pigs. With feed costs accounting for up to 70% of total livestock production expenses, her research offers economically viable solutions that also reduce environmental waste.

One of her most cited studies redefined common perceptions in poultry nutrition. By quantifying the energy and phosphorus digestibility of faba beans and field peas, she challenged the conventional belief that broiler chickens could not utilize phytate phosphorus. Her findings have major implications for diet formulation in poultry farming, promoting nutrient retention while minimizing waste.

As a professor supporting her work wrote:

“Her findings offer considerable insight into how to safely add faba beans and field peas to broiler chicken feed while maintaining animal health… and allow for the production of less expensive feed that remains nutritious.”

Measurable Impact in Research and Practice

With 6 first-authored peer-reviewed journal articles and 1 conference publication, her academic output is both prolific and practical. She has been cited 26 times, and two of her articles rank in the top citation percentiles in the field of Plant & Animal Science. Her work appears in high-impact journals like Poultry Science and Journal of Animal Science.

Her scientific rigor also earned her a place as a reviewer for the Poultry Science Journal, where she has completed over a dozen reviews—an honor typically reserved for experts with proven insight.

Backed by Global and National Recognition

Her research has drawn attention beyond the U.S. academic sphere. International scholars have cited her work to validate feed experiments and nutritional models, from seaweed supplements in European aquaculture to banana-based diets in African catfish farming. This shows her global relevance in addressing food production challenges.

In the United States, her work supports a multi-billion-dollar poultry industry grappling with rising feed prices and environmental constraints. By identifying cost-effective and locally available feed alternatives, she provides a crucial buffer against economic volatility in meat production, an essential sector employing over 21 million Americans.

A Strategic Petition That Delivered Swift Approval

At NAILG, our team built a compelling petition that highlighted how this client’s research not only addresses vital agricultural and economic issues but also does so with demonstrated influence and sustained momentum. We showcased her peer-reviewed publications, citation track record, and her active role in peer review to prove she is well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor.

Even though she had been waiting for a long time, her NIW petition was approved without any request for evidence.

With a firm footing in science and a clear vision for sustainability, this client is poised to lead innovative research that strengthens agricultural systems from the inside out. We are honored to have helped her secure this next chapter in her journey.