MTT Agrifood Research Finland is an expert body operating under the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The purpose of this organization is to generate and disseminate scientific research information and to develop and promote the transfer of new technologies into the agriculture and food industries.

Research undertaken within the Animal Production Unit at MTT is directed towards promoting and developing animal production systems that improve economic efficiency, reduce the impact of the environment, enhance the quality of end products, while at the same time, considering the cost-benefits with respect to animal welfare and health. The remit of the department involves implementing research programmes on the effects of diet composition and feed processing on nutrient status, physiological responses and health in a range of productive species including pigs, poultry, horses, fur animals, lactating and growing cattle. Core activities are based on a solid foundation of expertise in nutritional physiology, production chain and system biology. Almost two-thirds of the research effort is dedicated to milk and beef production. Research is conducted in cooperation with university and vocational teaching, the agricultural and food industry, advisory services, producers and regulatory authorities. Over recent years more emphasis has been placed on the impact of animal production systems on the environment and animal health and welfare, because these are increasingly important issues affecting consumer choices.