Like other animals, zoo animals deserve a highly nutritious diet. Something Kiezebrink have specialised in for many years. Their focus lies on supplying high-quality food for such animals as primates, giraffes, pandas and elephants. When their American primate food supplier decided to stop exporting to Europe, they were faced with a challenge. Michiel Derks, co-owner of Kiezebrink sought to find a solution. This resulted in a partnership with Brandenburch, and the joint development of a primate biscuit that is now sold throughout Europe!
Zoo animals also need a healthy diet. Many of these often exotic animals are, by nature, carnivores. But many other zoo animals are vegetarians. Such as primates, pandas and elephants. Kiezebrink is a company that provides this target group with healthy food. Fifteen years ago, their supplier stopped their primate food. Primate food that many zoos then purchased from them. Michiel Derks, co-owner and nutritionist at Kiezebrink, started looking for a partner to collaborate with to solve this problem. Together with Brandenburch they developed their own exclusive brand of primate biscuits.
A background in animal nutrition and wildlife management
Michiel Derks began his journey at HAS University of Applied Sciences in Den Bosch, where his love for (exotic) animals and animal nutrition blossomed. He later specialised in animal nutrition at Wageningen University and developed a particular interest in exotic animals. ‘I sought to put my knowledge into practice through internships at zoos and projects in the field,’ Michiel says.
After graduating, he left for South Africa, where he studied Wildlife Management at the University of Pretoria. Back in the Netherlands, he joined Kiezebrink where, as co-owner, he now spends part of his time at the helm of the company. As animals still hold a special place in his heart, he also works as a nutritionist.
The evolution of Kiezebrink
‘Kiezebrink started as a supplier of day-old chicks from laying hens, which were frozen and sold to zoos and falconers,’ Michiel explains. ‘The range was expanded over the years to include mice and other products, including frozen products for reptiles and vegetable feed. Gradually, Kiezebrink became a one-stop shop for zoos, with a range that included dry food and other nutritional products for primates, for example.’’
Don’t imitate, innovate
‘About 15 years ago, our American primate feed supplier suddenly stopped supplying it,’ says Michiel. ‘They were no longer exporting to Europe due to the high costs and low sales. This presented us with a challenge, as zoos all over Europe purchased that biscuit from us. I started looking for a solution and that’s how I ended up with Brandenburch. Our cooperation led to the development of a nutritious primate biscuit that has since been selling well throughout Europe.’
New innovations for zoo animals
The collaboration with Brandenburch also resulted in other innovations, such as a training snack for elephants. Michiel: ‘: ‘There was a specific demand for a snack to train elephants. The training practices commands that enable the keepers to check the animal’s health or file its nails easily and safely. Quite a specific matter. So we sat down with the Brandenburch team. Kiezebrink looked at the composition in terms of nutritional values, they explored the possibilities in terms of shape and colour. We eventually tested several samples of various colours. It later turned out that the shape was also still important. With these kinds of specific issues, it’s nice to be taken seriously.’
We can do the fine-tuning
‘Animal feed does not call for a standard approach,’ Michiel continues. ‘Animals’ nutritional needs and requirements change. Kiezebrink wants to always be able to respond quickly and flexibly to these changes. This requires close cooperation with partners like Brandenburch, who are willing to co-create and innovate. We can do the fine-tuning ourselves. If the composition needs to change, that is possible. And if we want to test something, they provide constructive input. Brandenburch is flexible in the production of small batches of feed, which is essential when we develop products for less common animal species.’
Long-term cooperation
Kiezebrink are determined to continue their mission: to provide high-quality nutritional solutions for all animals, putting welfare and innovation first. They are pleased to be able to do this in cooperation with such partners as Brandenburch. Michiel concludes: ‘We really do see our relationship with Brandenburch as a partnership. There is mutual trust, we can rely on them.’
Care to join us?
Would you also like to develop your own animal feed together with Brandenburch? Make an appointment and discover what we could do for one another.