The Centre for Advanced Animal Science (CAAS) is a joint project between the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) and the University of Queensland (UQ).

CAAS is being constructed on the university’s Gatton campus. It will boast world-class research facilities in the areas of animal growth, adaptation, welfare, health and vaccines - key areas of strategic investment to ensure continued growth, diversification and protection of Queensland’s animal industries.

CAAS is expected to encourage increased national and international collaboration between scientists in the developed and developing world. It will strengthen the interaction between researchers and industry and ensure that research and development leads to rapid practical outcomes.

The centre will make a major contribution to the Queensland Government’s R&D priorities in developing smart industries, safeguarding Queensland and its environment, and capitalising on the advantages offered by a tropical climate. It has the potential to contribute tens of millions of dollars annually to the Queensland economy through the application of groundbreaking research and technological developments.

CAAS will also provide advanced education and training for future generations of researchers and practitioners in the animal industries. It will complement the existing animal infrastructure at the Gatton Campus, which includes a modern dairy, piggery, poultry unit, equine centre and wildlife enclosure.

The final cost of CAAS is almost $33 million, consisting of nearly $12 million each from DPI&F and UQ and $9.5 million from the Queensland Government Smart State Research Facilities Fund. The Centre for Advanced Animal Science is a Blueprint for the Bush initiative undertaken by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.