<p>Prof. Pat Francis, Director of UGIRIE, is extremely passionate about supporting UG’s innovators and seeing that their visions are turned into practical projects which have significant impacts on the national and regional development landscape.</p>

<p>Prof. Francis is an Agriculturist, Microbiologist and a Fulbright Scholar, among others. She pursued her PhD in Animal Nutrition/Food Technology. In her professional career, she has done quite extensive work in the area of improving animal nutrition by making alternative feed for ruminants, for example sheep and goats.</p>

<p>Some of the technological innovations employed include:</p>

<p><strong>1. The silage press </strong>- this apparatus is used to compress forage in a 45-gallon drum. It reduces the manual labour currently used in silage production and facilitates the roll -on- roll system. Silage can be kept in storage for up to two years.</p>

<p><strong>2. Lactobacilli spp</strong> (beneficial microorganism) is sprayed on to forage aids in its preservation. This reduces forage loss due to spoilage by other microorganisms.</p>

<p><strong>3. Multi nutrient blocks</strong> - Sourcing the active ingredient (binding agent) in cement to make the MUM blocks. This reduces the quantity of cement incorporated into the block thereby reducing cost of production.</p>
