From May 22 to 31, Prof. Yang Zhenhai, Party Secretary of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), led a delegation to the United Kingdom, Ireland, and France, aiming at deepening scientific cooperation and capacity building in animal production and veterinary science with partner institutions in these countries. The delegation achieved results in building up new international cooperation mechanisms, joint research platforms, cooperation projects, and programs for young researchers and joint PhD training.

In the UK, the delegation visited the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, UK Research and Innovation, the Pirbright Institute, and the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh. Discussions with institutional heads focused on sustainable livestock farming, animal viral diseases, and animal genetic resource research. Both sides agreed to establish a joint funding mechanism for future cooperation. During the visit, the Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute of CAAS (LVRI, CAAS) renewed its cooperation agreement with the Pirbright Institute.

In Ireland, the delegation visited University College Dublin and the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority. Discussions with institutional leaders and visits to high-grade pastures and sustainable livestock farming bases underscored a strong foundation for cooperation in the dairy and sustainable livestock sectors. Both parties agreed to further deepen existing collaboration through the China-Ireland Sustainable Dairy Development Center and explore new areas of cooperation. The Institute of Animal Science of CAAS (IAS, CAAS) signed a cooperation agreement with the School of Agriculture and Food Science at University College Dublin.

In France, the delegation visited the French National Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE) and the French National Gene Bank. Discussions centered on strengthening China-French cooperation in animal husbandry, particularly in genetic resources, sustainable development of cattle and sheep farming, and scientific collaboration in animal genetics and breeding. Both sides agreed to establish an exchange mechanism for young scientists and PhD studentsfor capacity building of young scientists.

During the visit, the delegation was received by Chinese Ambassadors to the UK, Ireland, and France respectively. Officials from the Department of International Cooperation of CAAS, IAS of CAAS, and the LVRI of CAAS accompanied the delegation.