About us

Our team of nutritionists have vast experience in technical and commercial feed formulation, feed milling operations, feed mill quality control (QC), and research. All our nutritionists are registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), as required in terms of the Natural Scientific Professions Act (27 of 2003). Our team has a large global network and continuously communicates and interacts with other experts around the world.

Both Heiko Köster and David Brandt were chief technical offers or technical directors at major feed and poultry integration companies in South Africa. Heiko was also the procurement director at one of the biggest feed companies and later at one of the major food companies in the country. Both Heiko and David were responsible for managing feed mills and were involved in the design, construction, and successful start-up of no less than seven greenfield feed mill projects. Their experience does not stop there – they also recommission old feed mills.

Meet our team of nutritionists at feed HUB

The team of nutritionists at feed HUB are experts at developing least-cost formulations to ensure optimum performance for the lowest possible feed cost, as well as the evaluation and interpretation of raw analytical results. They also provide full-time support for traveling consultants, capture customer diets on the matrix, and are available for special projects, should the need arise.

David Brandt 

Managing Director

MSc(Agric) Animal nutrition  
Pr. Sci. Nat. Reg. No. : 400101/02

David Brandt has over 25 years of experience in animal nutrition, with a decade dedicated to poultry feed consulting. His expertise lies in converting operational data into actionable strategies that improve both poultry performance and financial outcomes. He applies scientific principles and strategic modeling to client relationships, focusing on building long-term partnerships that deliver measurable value.

Skills:

  • Data analysis for actionable insights
  • Maximizing margin over feed cost
  • Performance modeling for decision support
  • Feed specification and formulation
  • Feed mill optimization
  • Research, field trial, and statistical analysis
  • Special interest in broiler breeder nutrition and production
  • Expertise in broiler, breeder, and layer nutrition
  • Business and team leadership

Heiko Köster

Chief Commercial Officer

MSc(Agric) Animal science
Diploma in purchasing management
Pr. Sci. Nat. Reg. No. : 400139/07

Heiko Köster has more than 35 years of experience in raw material procurement and animal nutrition. Heiko’s background in animal nutrition brings a distinct knowledge of the importance of raw material quality and value. He is a recognized strategist and market expert, skilled in identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality. His knowledge of market dynamics, including hedging strategies and physical procurement, helps clients mitigate price volatility.

Skills:

  • Raw material sourcing and procurement with emphasis on quality
  • Feed mill optimization
  • Cost-saving opportunity identification
  • Market trends and pricing strategies
  • Price hedging
  • Micro-ingredient and logistics advisory

Roné Vermeulen 

Technical Director

MSc(Agric) Animal nutrition
Pr. Sci. Nat. Reg. No. : 013381

Roné is a poultry nutritionist with 10 years of commercial experience in developing and implementing scientifically-sound nutritional solutions that maximize flock performance and profitability. Her expertise lies not only in the technical aspects of poultry nutrition but also in the crucial areas of project management and cross–functional coordination. She excels at tying everything together, bridging the gap between nutritional science and operational execution from farm managers to feed mill operators. She drives innovation through research trials.

  • Feed formulation principles
  • Commercial decision-making
  • Integrated broiler production systems
  • Product development
  • Research and trial management
  • Data management for strategic outputs

Dewald Steyl 

Director: Poultry Nutrition & Africa

MSc(Agric) Animal nutrition
Pr. Sci. Nat Reg. No. : 116915

Dewald Steyl consults across multiple African countries, including South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia, Botswana, Malawi, Tanzania, and Eswatini. He understands the unique challenges of the African market and focuses on reducing feed costs and improving operational efficiencies. His hands-on approach delivers results in implementing good manufacturing practices, supporting new feed mill commissioning, and improving integrated poultry facilities. He also provides expertise in broiler performance modelling.

Skills:

  • Expertise in African feed market challenges
  • Long-term client relationship management
  • Feed cost reduction and operational efficiency
  • Implementation of GMP and quality control
  • Support for new feed mill commissioning
  • Integrated poultry production and broiler performance modelling

Anri Leeuw 

Technical Nutritionist

BSc(Agric) Animal Science
Cand.Sci.Nat Reg. No. : 120211

Anri Leeuw is a commercial poultry nutritionist with experience working with large poultry integrations.  She meticulously analyzes complex datasets to identify trends, optimize formulations, and forecast outcomes. She is dedicated to the operational benefits of a well-managed quality system and assists clients in improving their systems to enhance efficiency and productivity. Her blend of nutritional science, analytical skills, and operational knowledge makes her an asset in driving continuous improvement. Anri is competent with modelling broiler performance and implementing models for commercial decision-making.

Skills:

  • Feed formulation
  • Feed mill operational experience
  • Good manufacturing and management practices
  • Regulatory and statutory compliance expertise
  • Data management and statistical analysis
  • Broiler Modelling

Gerhard Claassen

Technical Nutritionist

MSc Agric Animal Nutrition
Cand.Sci.Nat Reg. No. : 167975

Gerhard Claassen applies a strong scientific background and hands-on expertise to his role. Gerhard is knowledgeable and passionate about the biochemistry and physiological principals behind nutrition and how it translates to commercial application. He is proficient at translating complex scientific information into practical solutions that help clients optimize feed efficiency and profitability. Gerhard has extensive experience with trial design, management and statistical analysis of data.

Skills:

  • Poultry nutrition and feed formulation
  • Trial design, management and statistical analysis
  • Translating research into actionable strategies
  • Broiler modelling

Carlien Dames 

Technical Nutritionist

B.Sc.Agric Animal Science & Agricultural Economics
Pri. Sci. Nat. Reg. No. : 117737

Based in Namibia, Carlien Dames is a poultry nutritionist who provides precise and effective feed solutions. She has practical experience formulating nutrition plans for large poultry integrators and collaborates closely with both breeders and broiler producers. Her attention to detail and commitment to accuracy support clients in achieving consistent production results.

Skills:

  • Poultry feed formulation and nutrition
  • Experience with breeders and broilers
  • Focus on detail and accuracy
  • Commitment to continuous improvement
  • Achieving production performance

Felicity de Lange 

Laboratory Administrator

Felicity de Lange is a highly experienced laboratory professional with over 30 years in the industry. She is dedicated to maintaining high standards in laboratory operations, combining customer service with a strong analytical background in chemical analysis. She ensures reliable testing and data accuracy.

Skills:

  • Analytical analysis and laboratory processes
  • Accurate and timely results
  • Customer service
  • Quality and reliability in reporting

Ophelia Gatsi 

Laboratory Assistant

Ophelia Gatsi has nine years of laboratory experience, specializing in sample processing and NIR analysis. She is a dependable professional who ensures efficient sample handling and provides accurate results in a timely manner.

Skills:

  • Laboratory experience
  • Sample processing and NIR analysis
  • Fast turnaround times
  • Reliable feed testing

Colleen Joubert 

Finance

BCom Financial Management

Colleen Joubert provides financial expertise and business coordination to the organization. With a BCom Honours in Financial Management, she ensures the smooth operation of financial processes and supports the team. Her focus on detail and organization maintains financial stability and business efficiency.

Skills:

  • Financial management and coordination
  • Organizational skills
  • Business growth and efficiency
  • Financial stability and team support