//20 Dec 2011
An intensive surveillance system is in place for all poultry farms, poultry markets, pet bird shops in Hong Kong following the death of a wild bird infected with H5N1, the OIE has reported.
The H5N1 infected wild bird was detected in the framework of the ongoing surveillance program on wild birds and no spread of disease is evident.
A local school was closed after it emerged that an employee had found and handled the dead bird and developed flu-like symptoms. However a health department spokesman announced that medical tests had cleared her of bird flu. The secondary school will remain closed for an unspecified time for disinfection and while the department traces people who may have had contact with the bird.
The OIE Animal Health Information Department has noted that this outbreak does not change the HPAI free status of Hong Kong and should not affect trade of poultry and their products since the bird involved in this outbreak does not fall within the OIE definition of poultry.
Related website:
OIE
25 December 2011
20 December 2011
New Zealand consumers told to watch out for imported pork
//19 Dec 2011
As Christmas approaches, New Zealand consumers in Southland are being told by New Zealand Pork to look out for poorly labelled pork meat.
New Zealand Pork chief executive Sam McIvor said," Southland offers the best of everything, including good quality pork. New Zealand imports more than 700,000 kilograms of pork every week and there is no compulsory requirement for country-of-origin-labelling. The only guarantee you are buying New Zealand product is to look for the 100% New Zealand labels or the words "NZ grown," said Mr McIvor.
"Proudly made in NZ", "manufactured in NZ" and "made from imported and local ingredients" – are all terms consumers are being warned about.
It has reported that New Zealand farmers have become dedicated to ensuring that animal welfare, health and environmental standards are at the core of the production of local pork meat and these kinds of commitments have not been made by some farmers globally.
Source: The Southland Times
As Christmas approaches, New Zealand consumers in Southland are being told by New Zealand Pork to look out for poorly labelled pork meat.
New Zealand Pork chief executive Sam McIvor said," Southland offers the best of everything, including good quality pork. New Zealand imports more than 700,000 kilograms of pork every week and there is no compulsory requirement for country-of-origin-labelling. The only guarantee you are buying New Zealand product is to look for the 100% New Zealand labels or the words "NZ grown," said Mr McIvor.
"Proudly made in NZ", "manufactured in NZ" and "made from imported and local ingredients" – are all terms consumers are being warned about.
It has reported that New Zealand farmers have become dedicated to ensuring that animal welfare, health and environmental standards are at the core of the production of local pork meat and these kinds of commitments have not been made by some farmers globally.
Source: The Southland Times
Switzerland: Over 1,000 pigs to be slaughtered due to disease
//19 Dec 2011
In Lucerne, Switzerland over a 1,000 pigs will be heading for slaughter following the discovery of a respiratory disease, with 200 already culled.
Reports state that meat being tainted with the disease or a risk of the disease affecting humans is not possible.
The disease which could end up leading to pneumonia, has so far affected 12 farms in Lucerne.
Source: World Radio Switzerland
In Lucerne, Switzerland over a 1,000 pigs will be heading for slaughter following the discovery of a respiratory disease, with 200 already culled.
Reports state that meat being tainted with the disease or a risk of the disease affecting humans is not possible.
The disease which could end up leading to pneumonia, has so far affected 12 farms in Lucerne.
Source: World Radio Switzerland
US: 2012 has potential to be good year for hog producers
//20 Dec 2011
After several years of struggling to earn a profit, pork producers could find themselves back in the black in 2012, says a Purdue Extension agricultural economist.
Profits in 2012 are forecast at about $17 per head, which would be the highest since 2006, Chris Hurt said. In 2006 corn prices were $2.30 per bushel, compared with the $6-$7 per bushel this year, and hogs were bringing a profit of $27 per head.
According to Hurt, while a return to profitability is welcome news, it seems there are more broad implications.
"The pork industry, like most other animal industries, has made the adjustments necessary to live in a world of high-priced feed," he said. "It also looks like the pork industry has probably 'turned the corner' on high feed prices heading into 2012."
Some factors contributing to lower feed costs in 2012 include abundant and cheap feed wheat, potential moderation in the rate of growth in corn use for ethanol, the prospect of a larger South American soybean crop, and hope for a return to higher U.S. corn and soybean yields in 2012.
The pork industry has struggled to adapt to higher feed prices in recent years due, in part, to the recession. But hog producers took another hit when the H1N1 virus was initially called "swine flu," even though it was a human virus spread by people. At the start of the recession in 2008, hog producers lost an estimated $17 per head, and in 2009 the losses increased to $24 per head.
"These large financial losses resulted in some downsizing of the industry through discouragement and bankruptcy," Hurt said.
Between the industry downsizing and exports increasing, the amount of pork available to U.S. consumers has dropped from about 51 pounds per person in 2007 to an estimated 46 pounds per person in 2012. According to Hurt, that reduction has helped retail pork prices climb from $2.87 per pound in 2007 to $3.43 per pound in 2011 - a 20 percent increase.
Pork producers initially began returning to profitability in 2010, with an average profit of $10 per head. In 2011, that number increased to $14 per head.
But those numbers don't tell the whole story. Because so much was lost in 2008 and 2009, it will take the combined profits from 2010, 2011 and 2012 to allow farmers to catch up financially.
"It has taken three years just to get back the money lost in the two bad years when feed prices surged," Hurt said. "Another way to look at this is to say that the pork industry adjusted to $7 a bushel corn such that they can now break even if cash corn prices stay at that level, and can make money if prices are below $7. Current prospects for cash corn prices to be in the lower $6 area is a primary reason for the profit opportunity in 2012."
Even with corn prices down and seemingly more abundant prospects for affordable feed, Hurt was cautious about suggesting the peak in feed prices is over.
"Are feed prices now moving into their post-peak period? No one can know the answer with much confidence," he said. "With the declining prices of corn and soybean meal since August, many will be debating the issue."
Hurt said he would expect the post-peak price feed period to not only come with lower feed prices but also with less volatility - both conditions that could favor animal production expansion.
He said that doesn't mean pork producers should throw caution to the wind.
"Of course, pork producers do not quickly forget $7 to $8 corn prices and should be cautious in quickly expanding herds," Hurt said. "Perhaps the best and most logical advice is for pork producers to use the expected profitability in coming months to enhance their financial positions and to wait and see how the 2012 U.S. crops evolve before moving toward expansion in late 2012."
Writer: Jennifer Stewart
Source: Purdue University
After several years of struggling to earn a profit, pork producers could find themselves back in the black in 2012, says a Purdue Extension agricultural economist.
Profits in 2012 are forecast at about $17 per head, which would be the highest since 2006, Chris Hurt said. In 2006 corn prices were $2.30 per bushel, compared with the $6-$7 per bushel this year, and hogs were bringing a profit of $27 per head.
According to Hurt, while a return to profitability is welcome news, it seems there are more broad implications.
"The pork industry, like most other animal industries, has made the adjustments necessary to live in a world of high-priced feed," he said. "It also looks like the pork industry has probably 'turned the corner' on high feed prices heading into 2012."
Some factors contributing to lower feed costs in 2012 include abundant and cheap feed wheat, potential moderation in the rate of growth in corn use for ethanol, the prospect of a larger South American soybean crop, and hope for a return to higher U.S. corn and soybean yields in 2012.
The pork industry has struggled to adapt to higher feed prices in recent years due, in part, to the recession. But hog producers took another hit when the H1N1 virus was initially called "swine flu," even though it was a human virus spread by people. At the start of the recession in 2008, hog producers lost an estimated $17 per head, and in 2009 the losses increased to $24 per head.
"These large financial losses resulted in some downsizing of the industry through discouragement and bankruptcy," Hurt said.
Between the industry downsizing and exports increasing, the amount of pork available to U.S. consumers has dropped from about 51 pounds per person in 2007 to an estimated 46 pounds per person in 2012. According to Hurt, that reduction has helped retail pork prices climb from $2.87 per pound in 2007 to $3.43 per pound in 2011 - a 20 percent increase.
Pork producers initially began returning to profitability in 2010, with an average profit of $10 per head. In 2011, that number increased to $14 per head.
But those numbers don't tell the whole story. Because so much was lost in 2008 and 2009, it will take the combined profits from 2010, 2011 and 2012 to allow farmers to catch up financially.
"It has taken three years just to get back the money lost in the two bad years when feed prices surged," Hurt said. "Another way to look at this is to say that the pork industry adjusted to $7 a bushel corn such that they can now break even if cash corn prices stay at that level, and can make money if prices are below $7. Current prospects for cash corn prices to be in the lower $6 area is a primary reason for the profit opportunity in 2012."
Even with corn prices down and seemingly more abundant prospects for affordable feed, Hurt was cautious about suggesting the peak in feed prices is over.
"Are feed prices now moving into their post-peak period? No one can know the answer with much confidence," he said. "With the declining prices of corn and soybean meal since August, many will be debating the issue."
Hurt said he would expect the post-peak price feed period to not only come with lower feed prices but also with less volatility - both conditions that could favor animal production expansion.
He said that doesn't mean pork producers should throw caution to the wind.
"Of course, pork producers do not quickly forget $7 to $8 corn prices and should be cautious in quickly expanding herds," Hurt said. "Perhaps the best and most logical advice is for pork producers to use the expected profitability in coming months to enhance their financial positions and to wait and see how the 2012 U.S. crops evolve before moving toward expansion in late 2012."
Writer: Jennifer Stewart
Source: Purdue University
China teams up with IBM to improve pork safety
//20 Dec 2011
IBM and Shandong Commercial Group Co. Ltd. (Lushang Group) announced that they have built a system that will help ensure the safety of pork products in the Shandong Province while improving the efficiency of the food supply chain in the region.
Pork is a big business in China, which produces more pigs than the next 43 pork producing countries combined. The country consumes about half the pork produced worldwide, with the average citizen eating about a half a hog each year. In 2006, a fatal outbreak of porcine blue-ear disease killed millions of Chinese pigs. These losses represented a tiny portion of the country's total herd of more than 660 million, but led to soaring pork prices.
Pork is a major pillar of the economy in the Shandong Province, one of China's most important agricultural regions. To limit the impact of porcine diseases and prevent tainted pork from being sold to consumers, Shandong Provincial Municipality asked Lushang Group, one of China's top 10 retail companies, and its affiliate the research body - the National Engineering Research Center for Agricultural Products Logistics - to devise a system that would improve accountability and safety in the region's pork industry.
In 2010, Lushang Group began working with IBM to create the new system, which is being tested by six selected slaughter houses, six warehouses and about 100 Inzone hypermarkets and supermarkets across the Shandong province. When fully deployed in 2013, the system will allow Lushang Group to monitor and trace the movement of meat across all phases of the supply chain, including farms, processing plants, trucks and supermarkets.
"When fully deployed, this system will give consumers in the Shandong Province confidence in the pork products they serve to their families," said Wang Guo Li, director, National Agricultural Research Center for Modern Logistics Engineering. As an agricultural powerhouse within China, our province is committed to improving food safety and this system marks a significant step toward that goal."
Using the internet of things to create a smarter safer food supply
Using IBM WebSphere software running on IBM System x Servers, experts from IBM China Development Lab and China's National Engineering Research Center for Agricultural Products Logistics have created a pork monitoring and tracking system that can extract and store actionable business information from the millions of interconnected sensors that make up the "Internet of Things." The system brings an unprecedented level of accountability and efficiency to every stage of the pork production process. These stages include:
Production: The process begins at pig slaughter houses, where every pig is tagged with a bar code bearing a unique serial number which follows the packed pork products – as they move through the province's supply chain. In addition to tagging, better monitoring is made possible at these facilities through the addition of cameras that monitor the production process right up until shipping.
Distribution: To ensure that meat is transported at a safe temperature, Lushang Group has deployed temperature and humidity sensors and well as global positioning and geographic information systems. Using these technologies, Lushang Group can track the whereabouts of trucks and monitor the temperature and humidity conditions in each refrigerated container. If conditions exceed certain thresholds, the system will send an alert to prompt corrective action.
Retailers: Lushang Group has addressed the final phase of the pork supply chain – the retailer – by helping select supermarkets connect their ERP and point of sale systems to the platform, allowing tracking of every item sold.
In the event that a consumer's illness can be linked to pork produced in the Shandong Province, Lushang Group's new system will be able to pinpoint the stores that have the tainted food, arrange a targeted recall and in turn, minimize the number of people who get sick, while keeping pork that is safe available for purchase.
"Based on our experiences in building food and pharmaceutical tracking systems in other countries, IBM has helped to create a system that traces pork through the entire supply chain from pig farms all the way to supermarkets," said Matt Wang, Vice President, IBM China Development Lab. "Using this system, Shandong Province's pork products will be safer and thus, more desirable to consumers. Governments and pork producers in other countries should take note of what Lushang Group is doing."
New logistics solutions lab addresses industry-specific requirements
Located in the city of Ningbo in the Zhejiang Province, the IBM China Logistics Solutions Lab was set up in March of this year to bring together advanced data management and analytics skills, industry-specific offerings and the expertise required to make logistics networks and supply chains safer and more efficient. The lab draws on the expertise of a team of consultants, software engineers and IT architects in China as well as IBM mathematicians and industry specialists within the company's global network of development labs.
China, which is rapidly becoming the world's third largest economy, continues to experience high demand for logistics technology to improve the efficiency of the country's everyday business.
IBM and Shandong Commercial Group Co. Ltd. (Lushang Group) announced that they have built a system that will help ensure the safety of pork products in the Shandong Province while improving the efficiency of the food supply chain in the region.
Pork is a big business in China, which produces more pigs than the next 43 pork producing countries combined. The country consumes about half the pork produced worldwide, with the average citizen eating about a half a hog each year. In 2006, a fatal outbreak of porcine blue-ear disease killed millions of Chinese pigs. These losses represented a tiny portion of the country's total herd of more than 660 million, but led to soaring pork prices.
Pork is a major pillar of the economy in the Shandong Province, one of China's most important agricultural regions. To limit the impact of porcine diseases and prevent tainted pork from being sold to consumers, Shandong Provincial Municipality asked Lushang Group, one of China's top 10 retail companies, and its affiliate the research body - the National Engineering Research Center for Agricultural Products Logistics - to devise a system that would improve accountability and safety in the region's pork industry.
In 2010, Lushang Group began working with IBM to create the new system, which is being tested by six selected slaughter houses, six warehouses and about 100 Inzone hypermarkets and supermarkets across the Shandong province. When fully deployed in 2013, the system will allow Lushang Group to monitor and trace the movement of meat across all phases of the supply chain, including farms, processing plants, trucks and supermarkets.
"When fully deployed, this system will give consumers in the Shandong Province confidence in the pork products they serve to their families," said Wang Guo Li, director, National Agricultural Research Center for Modern Logistics Engineering. As an agricultural powerhouse within China, our province is committed to improving food safety and this system marks a significant step toward that goal."
Using the internet of things to create a smarter safer food supply
Using IBM WebSphere software running on IBM System x Servers, experts from IBM China Development Lab and China's National Engineering Research Center for Agricultural Products Logistics have created a pork monitoring and tracking system that can extract and store actionable business information from the millions of interconnected sensors that make up the "Internet of Things." The system brings an unprecedented level of accountability and efficiency to every stage of the pork production process. These stages include:
Production: The process begins at pig slaughter houses, where every pig is tagged with a bar code bearing a unique serial number which follows the packed pork products – as they move through the province's supply chain. In addition to tagging, better monitoring is made possible at these facilities through the addition of cameras that monitor the production process right up until shipping.
Distribution: To ensure that meat is transported at a safe temperature, Lushang Group has deployed temperature and humidity sensors and well as global positioning and geographic information systems. Using these technologies, Lushang Group can track the whereabouts of trucks and monitor the temperature and humidity conditions in each refrigerated container. If conditions exceed certain thresholds, the system will send an alert to prompt corrective action.
Retailers: Lushang Group has addressed the final phase of the pork supply chain – the retailer – by helping select supermarkets connect their ERP and point of sale systems to the platform, allowing tracking of every item sold.
In the event that a consumer's illness can be linked to pork produced in the Shandong Province, Lushang Group's new system will be able to pinpoint the stores that have the tainted food, arrange a targeted recall and in turn, minimize the number of people who get sick, while keeping pork that is safe available for purchase.
"Based on our experiences in building food and pharmaceutical tracking systems in other countries, IBM has helped to create a system that traces pork through the entire supply chain from pig farms all the way to supermarkets," said Matt Wang, Vice President, IBM China Development Lab. "Using this system, Shandong Province's pork products will be safer and thus, more desirable to consumers. Governments and pork producers in other countries should take note of what Lushang Group is doing."
New logistics solutions lab addresses industry-specific requirements
Located in the city of Ningbo in the Zhejiang Province, the IBM China Logistics Solutions Lab was set up in March of this year to bring together advanced data management and analytics skills, industry-specific offerings and the expertise required to make logistics networks and supply chains safer and more efficient. The lab draws on the expertise of a team of consultants, software engineers and IT architects in China as well as IBM mathematicians and industry specialists within the company's global network of development labs.
China, which is rapidly becoming the world's third largest economy, continues to experience high demand for logistics technology to improve the efficiency of the country's everyday business.
19 December 2011
Myanmar warns for foul fish feed imports from India
//16 Dec 2011
The Myanmar Aqua Feed Association is urging members to test all bags of raw materials used to make fish feed imported from India after some bags were found to contain waste products with no nutritional value, a spokesperson said.
Dr. That Mhoo, the association’s general secretary, said six companies are importing Indian-made soy meal. “We found that some bags contain up to 10% of waste products such as bean shell or other plant stems,” he said.
“This means there is less protein and fibre in each bag and the farmers must source more protein,” he added. Each bag weighs 30 viss (48 kg),” he added.
Dr That Mhoo said domestic feed producers are unable to meet demand for the product, so imports are required to fill the gap. However, imported feed is also cheaper by about 12%.
“A wave of Indian-made fish feed – about 4,000 tonnes – was imported between October and November,” he said.
He added that the importers had hired warehouses to store their feed, without making contracts with buyers. And soon as the imported feed arrived they were able to sell it quickly, Dr That Mhoo said.
10% waste
“The samples of the feed they gave us to test were quite pure but the imported bags they have been selling has between 5 and 10% of waste product,” the manager of a feed factory in Hlaing Tharyar said.
“They [the suppliers] promised that this would not happen again,” the factory manager added. He added that the imported soy meal had been distributed before either the association of factory owners had been able to adequately test its quality.
Some factories have their own laboratories but many do not. In Yangon, only the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department’s laboratory at Thaketa township can provide quality control certificates. But the costs of using the laboratory are too high for most.
“The price must be lower than that to encourage all the importers to test what their goods,” he said.
The Myanmar Aqua Feed Association is urging members to test all bags of raw materials used to make fish feed imported from India after some bags were found to contain waste products with no nutritional value, a spokesperson said.
Dr. That Mhoo, the association’s general secretary, said six companies are importing Indian-made soy meal. “We found that some bags contain up to 10% of waste products such as bean shell or other plant stems,” he said.
“This means there is less protein and fibre in each bag and the farmers must source more protein,” he added. Each bag weighs 30 viss (48 kg),” he added.
Dr That Mhoo said domestic feed producers are unable to meet demand for the product, so imports are required to fill the gap. However, imported feed is also cheaper by about 12%.
“A wave of Indian-made fish feed – about 4,000 tonnes – was imported between October and November,” he said.
He added that the importers had hired warehouses to store their feed, without making contracts with buyers. And soon as the imported feed arrived they were able to sell it quickly, Dr That Mhoo said.
10% waste
“The samples of the feed they gave us to test were quite pure but the imported bags they have been selling has between 5 and 10% of waste product,” the manager of a feed factory in Hlaing Tharyar said.
“They [the suppliers] promised that this would not happen again,” the factory manager added. He added that the imported soy meal had been distributed before either the association of factory owners had been able to adequately test its quality.
Some factories have their own laboratories but many do not. In Yangon, only the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department’s laboratory at Thaketa township can provide quality control certificates. But the costs of using the laboratory are too high for most.
“The price must be lower than that to encourage all the importers to test what their goods,” he said.
Burmese poultry farmers face oversupply
//19 Dec 2011
The poultry industry in the Burmese region of Yangon is facing an oversupply which is depressing prices to dangerous levels for farmers, the chairman of the Myanmar Livestock Federation has stated.
“The wholesale price of chicken is lower than its production cost now, so farmers are facing difficulty in keeping their business going,” said U Win Sein, the federation’s chairman.
Last week the wholesale price of chicken last week was about K2250-K2350 a viss (1 viss is 1.6 kilograms or 3.6 pounds) whereas the cost of rearing chickens was about K2600 a viss, he said.
“There is no balance between supply and demand in the market. The supply of chickens into the market is double the demand, which means prices are falling,” said U Win Sein. Despite the drop in wholesale prices, which are more than 20% down on the same time last year, the retail price remains about K5000 a viss.
The federation met with farmers, wholesalers and the Yangon City Development Committee at the federation’s headquarters in late November to try to negotiate a solution to the oversupply problem. One idea put forward during that meeting was to allow more chicken retail markets to open up but YCDC officials immediately blocked the suggestion. U Win Sein said the federation was planning to encourage more people to buy frozen chicken.
“We have to let more people know that it’s perfectly healthy to buy and consume frozen chicken meat. People here always want their meat fresh but it’s difficult for retailers because they have only one day to sell the meat or it goes bad,” he said.
Farmers have also complained that feed and chick prices are too high, which increases the cost of rearing stock. Another factor contributing to the oversupply of chickens to the market is an increase in dual fish-chicken farming by fish farmers. This controversial practice sees fish farmers set up chicken coops above their ponds, with the fish feeding off the waste produced above.
A spokesperson for the Myanmar Fish Farmers Association said dual farming lowered feed costs for farmers and provided them with extra income. However, it has also contributed to the flood of fowl into market since mid-September.
Source: The Myanmar Times
The poultry industry in the Burmese region of Yangon is facing an oversupply which is depressing prices to dangerous levels for farmers, the chairman of the Myanmar Livestock Federation has stated.
“The wholesale price of chicken is lower than its production cost now, so farmers are facing difficulty in keeping their business going,” said U Win Sein, the federation’s chairman.
Last week the wholesale price of chicken last week was about K2250-K2350 a viss (1 viss is 1.6 kilograms or 3.6 pounds) whereas the cost of rearing chickens was about K2600 a viss, he said.
“There is no balance between supply and demand in the market. The supply of chickens into the market is double the demand, which means prices are falling,” said U Win Sein. Despite the drop in wholesale prices, which are more than 20% down on the same time last year, the retail price remains about K5000 a viss.
The federation met with farmers, wholesalers and the Yangon City Development Committee at the federation’s headquarters in late November to try to negotiate a solution to the oversupply problem. One idea put forward during that meeting was to allow more chicken retail markets to open up but YCDC officials immediately blocked the suggestion. U Win Sein said the federation was planning to encourage more people to buy frozen chicken.
“We have to let more people know that it’s perfectly healthy to buy and consume frozen chicken meat. People here always want their meat fresh but it’s difficult for retailers because they have only one day to sell the meat or it goes bad,” he said.
Farmers have also complained that feed and chick prices are too high, which increases the cost of rearing stock. Another factor contributing to the oversupply of chickens to the market is an increase in dual fish-chicken farming by fish farmers. This controversial practice sees fish farmers set up chicken coops above their ponds, with the fish feeding off the waste produced above.
A spokesperson for the Myanmar Fish Farmers Association said dual farming lowered feed costs for farmers and provided them with extra income. However, it has also contributed to the flood of fowl into market since mid-September.
Source: The Myanmar Times
Australia studies environmental management of egg industry
//19 Dec 2011
A study by the Australian Egg Corporation Limited has demonstrated the efficiency of Australian egg production with respect to three important environmental and resource efficiency issues: global warming, water use and energy use.
The study, ‘Environmental Assessment of an Egg Production Supply Chain using Life Cycle Assessment’, is the first of its type for the Australian egg industry and establishes a performance benchmark for the future.
Environmental management is an important focus area for the Australian egg industry. Modern production systems have led to continual productivity improvements across the industry, which will in turn result in a high degree of environmental efficiency.
Highly efficient production systems
The Australian egg industry is characterised by intensive, modern, highly efficient production systems and a growing free range production sector, which together produce some 345 million dozen eggs annually. The industry aims to have a high degree of environmental performance through adoption of best management practices for a range of environmental issues although, to-date, there have been no comprehensive analyses of environmental performance across the whole egg supply chain.
In order to quantify the most important environmental and resource impacts faced by the industry, a life cycle assessment (LCA) study was commissioned to investigate emissions of greenhouse gases, energy and water use. This study investigated both caged and free range egg production through to the end of the primary production supply chain, using a functional unit of one kilogram of eggs produced.
Low levels of greenhouse gas
Australian egg production was found to generate low levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) when compared with egg production from European studies. Total GHG was 1.3 +/- 0.2 kg CO2-e / kg eggs from caged production and 1.6 +/- 0.3 kg CO2-e / kg for free range production. Despite the overlapping confidence intervals, free range production generated higher emissions than caged production when shared variability was taken into account.
Cumulative energy demand (CED) for caged production (0.7 +/- 0.9 MJ / kg eggs) was lower than studies previously reported in the literature. Cumulative energy demand for free range egg production (13.1 +/- 1.1 MJ / kg eggs) was slightly higher than for caged production, but was similar to other studies reported in the literature.
The higher impacts for GHG and CED associated with free range production were attributable to higher feed conversion ratio (FCR) and lower productivity compared to caged production.
Environmental efficiency of egg production
The relative environmental efficiency of egg production in this study arose from the high performance of modern Australian egg production coupled with the low input nature of Australian grain production. Additionally, Australian grain is produced in conditions that do not favour nitrous oxide emissions, which is reflected in the lower emission factor recommended for use in the Australian inventory (DCCEE 2010). These result in low GHG and energy use for Australian eggs, both in the caged and free range systems.
Related website:
Australian Egg Corporation Limited
A study by the Australian Egg Corporation Limited has demonstrated the efficiency of Australian egg production with respect to three important environmental and resource efficiency issues: global warming, water use and energy use.
The study, ‘Environmental Assessment of an Egg Production Supply Chain using Life Cycle Assessment’, is the first of its type for the Australian egg industry and establishes a performance benchmark for the future.
Environmental management is an important focus area for the Australian egg industry. Modern production systems have led to continual productivity improvements across the industry, which will in turn result in a high degree of environmental efficiency.
Highly efficient production systems
The Australian egg industry is characterised by intensive, modern, highly efficient production systems and a growing free range production sector, which together produce some 345 million dozen eggs annually. The industry aims to have a high degree of environmental performance through adoption of best management practices for a range of environmental issues although, to-date, there have been no comprehensive analyses of environmental performance across the whole egg supply chain.
In order to quantify the most important environmental and resource impacts faced by the industry, a life cycle assessment (LCA) study was commissioned to investigate emissions of greenhouse gases, energy and water use. This study investigated both caged and free range egg production through to the end of the primary production supply chain, using a functional unit of one kilogram of eggs produced.
Low levels of greenhouse gas
Australian egg production was found to generate low levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) when compared with egg production from European studies. Total GHG was 1.3 +/- 0.2 kg CO2-e / kg eggs from caged production and 1.6 +/- 0.3 kg CO2-e / kg for free range production. Despite the overlapping confidence intervals, free range production generated higher emissions than caged production when shared variability was taken into account.
Cumulative energy demand (CED) for caged production (0.7 +/- 0.9 MJ / kg eggs) was lower than studies previously reported in the literature. Cumulative energy demand for free range egg production (13.1 +/- 1.1 MJ / kg eggs) was slightly higher than for caged production, but was similar to other studies reported in the literature.
The higher impacts for GHG and CED associated with free range production were attributable to higher feed conversion ratio (FCR) and lower productivity compared to caged production.
Environmental efficiency of egg production
The relative environmental efficiency of egg production in this study arose from the high performance of modern Australian egg production coupled with the low input nature of Australian grain production. Additionally, Australian grain is produced in conditions that do not favour nitrous oxide emissions, which is reflected in the lower emission factor recommended for use in the Australian inventory (DCCEE 2010). These result in low GHG and energy use for Australian eggs, both in the caged and free range systems.
Related website:
Australian Egg Corporation Limited
18 December 2011
Lohmann Animal Health acquires Immuno-Vet Services CC
//15 Dec 2011
With the aim to strengthen its market position on the African continent, especially to expand even more actively into the sub-Saharan regions, Lohmann Animal Health has acquired its former distributor, Immuno-Vet Services CC in Johannesburg, South Africa.
At the end of November, the co-founder and previous principal owner of Immuno-Vet, Harry Mahieu jointly signed the acquisition contract of the South African company, together with Lohmann’s Managing Director Dr. Bruno Kaesler and Messrs. Dean Hewson and Wanda Viljoen.
Immuno-Vet is to keep its individual business profile, which is why Lohmann continues to be represented by the already established local company Lohmann Animal Health SA (Pty) Ltd. Both companies will co-exist as independent economic players in order to ensure that the widest possible portfolio of vaccines and feed additives can be marketed successfully and thus the maximum impact in the market can be achieved by the new subsidiary.
For Thierry Vendrell, Sales Director for the regions of Southern Europe and Africa at Lohmann Animal Health as well as Head of the acquisition project, the advantages of the acquisition are quite obvious and clear: "With the new subsidiary, we provide a central hub for our business activities in southern Africa. Lohmann Animal Health strengthens its presence in Africa and may expand the existing market share, not least by means of using the already established distribution and sales structures. Our customers benefit from faster service times and a broadening of our product portfolio, thanks to the Immuno-Vet Services range of products.”
Source: Lohmann Animal Health
With the aim to strengthen its market position on the African continent, especially to expand even more actively into the sub-Saharan regions, Lohmann Animal Health has acquired its former distributor, Immuno-Vet Services CC in Johannesburg, South Africa.
At the end of November, the co-founder and previous principal owner of Immuno-Vet, Harry Mahieu jointly signed the acquisition contract of the South African company, together with Lohmann’s Managing Director Dr. Bruno Kaesler and Messrs. Dean Hewson and Wanda Viljoen.
Immuno-Vet is to keep its individual business profile, which is why Lohmann continues to be represented by the already established local company Lohmann Animal Health SA (Pty) Ltd. Both companies will co-exist as independent economic players in order to ensure that the widest possible portfolio of vaccines and feed additives can be marketed successfully and thus the maximum impact in the market can be achieved by the new subsidiary.
For Thierry Vendrell, Sales Director for the regions of Southern Europe and Africa at Lohmann Animal Health as well as Head of the acquisition project, the advantages of the acquisition are quite obvious and clear: "With the new subsidiary, we provide a central hub for our business activities in southern Africa. Lohmann Animal Health strengthens its presence in Africa and may expand the existing market share, not least by means of using the already established distribution and sales structures. Our customers benefit from faster service times and a broadening of our product portfolio, thanks to the Immuno-Vet Services range of products.”
Source: Lohmann Animal Health
13 December 2011
Tajikistan reduces egg imports by 15% in 2011
//09 Dec 2011
Import of eggs and chicken meat in Tajikistan declined significantly this year due to an increase in the volume of domestic production.
Statistics from January to August show imports of eggs in the country declined by more than 15%. Imports of poultry in the preliminary estimates will be 20-25% less in 2011 compared with last year.
"Earlier eggs came in a large volume from Iran, Pakistan, India and China. Now imports of eggs from these countries have completely stopped,” said Mashokir Nazarov, CEO of Gosunitarnogo Ptitseprom currently the largest egg producer in the country. "Increasing the production of eggs by the national enterprises was promoted. For example, in January-August more than 102.5 million eggs were produced, which is 18.3 million units more than the same period last year".
"Also at the end of the year the country's largest companies for the production of poultry in Pyanj and Faizabad districts will be put into operation. It is assumed that in the new complex in Faizabad district, the volume of chicken meat production will reach 12 thousand tons per year. These complexes in the first year of operation will produce about 1 mln eggs "- he noted.
"The Ministry of Agriculture predicts that 275 million eggs will be produced in the country this year while the domestic need is estimated at 1.3 billion pieces. The main constraint for the development of the industry is the high price for feed," Nazarov concluded
Import of eggs and chicken meat in Tajikistan declined significantly this year due to an increase in the volume of domestic production.
Statistics from January to August show imports of eggs in the country declined by more than 15%. Imports of poultry in the preliminary estimates will be 20-25% less in 2011 compared with last year.
"Earlier eggs came in a large volume from Iran, Pakistan, India and China. Now imports of eggs from these countries have completely stopped,” said Mashokir Nazarov, CEO of Gosunitarnogo Ptitseprom currently the largest egg producer in the country. "Increasing the production of eggs by the national enterprises was promoted. For example, in January-August more than 102.5 million eggs were produced, which is 18.3 million units more than the same period last year".
"Also at the end of the year the country's largest companies for the production of poultry in Pyanj and Faizabad districts will be put into operation. It is assumed that in the new complex in Faizabad district, the volume of chicken meat production will reach 12 thousand tons per year. These complexes in the first year of operation will produce about 1 mln eggs "- he noted.
"The Ministry of Agriculture predicts that 275 million eggs will be produced in the country this year while the domestic need is estimated at 1.3 billion pieces. The main constraint for the development of the industry is the high price for feed," Nazarov concluded
09 December 2011
Use of antibiotics in food animals addressed
//06 Dec 2011
Antibiotic use in food-animal production is the focus of a White Paper recently released by the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA). The White Paper is a summary of science-based information delivered by the 13 human health and animal health speakers and symposium participants at the "Antibiotic Use in Food Animals: A Dialogue for Common Purpose" symposium in Chicago, Oct. 26-27.
"Critics and proponents of the use of antibiotics in livestock have conflicting views on the correct interpretation of the body of evidence related to agricultural use of antibiotics and the development of resistant organisms," states Dr. Len Bull, chairman of the symposium. "This White Paper, written in laymen terms, will help individuals understand what the science shows to date and why each of us have a responsibility toward achieving the unified goal of 'One Health: Healthy People, Healthy Animals, Healthy Food'."
The White Paper provides science-based information regarding the use of antibiotics in food-animal production, human health implications relative to antibiotic use and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in livestock. A significant portion of the White Paper addresses the controversial topic of antimicrobial resistance. Citing that antimicrobial resistance is not a black-and-white issue, the White Paper notes that "the ultimate priority about antibiotic use going forward is the development of well-established, science-based criterion in the regulatory decision-making process."
The message to the livestock and poultry industries is plain and simple: Remain focused on disease prevention and continual improvement of good animal husbandry practices. Individuals can access the White Paper, as well as the symposium speakers' PowerPoint presentations with synchronized audio, online at the NIAA website.
Antibiotic use in food-animal production is the focus of a White Paper recently released by the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA). The White Paper is a summary of science-based information delivered by the 13 human health and animal health speakers and symposium participants at the "Antibiotic Use in Food Animals: A Dialogue for Common Purpose" symposium in Chicago, Oct. 26-27.
"Critics and proponents of the use of antibiotics in livestock have conflicting views on the correct interpretation of the body of evidence related to agricultural use of antibiotics and the development of resistant organisms," states Dr. Len Bull, chairman of the symposium. "This White Paper, written in laymen terms, will help individuals understand what the science shows to date and why each of us have a responsibility toward achieving the unified goal of 'One Health: Healthy People, Healthy Animals, Healthy Food'."
The White Paper provides science-based information regarding the use of antibiotics in food-animal production, human health implications relative to antibiotic use and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in livestock. A significant portion of the White Paper addresses the controversial topic of antimicrobial resistance. Citing that antimicrobial resistance is not a black-and-white issue, the White Paper notes that "the ultimate priority about antibiotic use going forward is the development of well-established, science-based criterion in the regulatory decision-making process."
The message to the livestock and poultry industries is plain and simple: Remain focused on disease prevention and continual improvement of good animal husbandry practices. Individuals can access the White Paper, as well as the symposium speakers' PowerPoint presentations with synchronized audio, online at the NIAA website.
Blood parameters and weight gain in piglets at birth
//07 Dec 2011
Parameters recorded at birth and day 1, and weight gain at day 1 are highly associated with survival at weaning.
In addition, being born in the last third of the litter was less favourable with regard to vitality.
Study by Norwegian scientists
In short, these were the conclusions of a study of Norwegian scientists to record 22 blood parameters and weight gain in the first day of life in Landrace-Yorkshire-Duroc crossbred piglets and to find associations between these parameters and survival at weaning. All live piglets from 18 litters were weighed and blood sampled at birth and day 1 and monitored to weaning at the age of five weeks.
At birth, levels of lactate, pH, red blood cells, haemoglobin, and haematocrit were associated with survival to weaning. Also, levels of lactate increased, and pH decreased when born in the last third of a litter.
At day 1, levels of glucose, haemoglobin, and weight gain were all decreased in piglets that did not survive to weaning. Weight gain also decreased when born in the last third of a litter. Level of IgG decreased when born in the last third of a litter. The study was published in Journal of Animal Science.
Parameters recorded at birth and day 1, and weight gain at day 1 are highly associated with survival at weaning.
In addition, being born in the last third of the litter was less favourable with regard to vitality.
Study by Norwegian scientists
In short, these were the conclusions of a study of Norwegian scientists to record 22 blood parameters and weight gain in the first day of life in Landrace-Yorkshire-Duroc crossbred piglets and to find associations between these parameters and survival at weaning. All live piglets from 18 litters were weighed and blood sampled at birth and day 1 and monitored to weaning at the age of five weeks.
At birth, levels of lactate, pH, red blood cells, haemoglobin, and haematocrit were associated with survival to weaning. Also, levels of lactate increased, and pH decreased when born in the last third of a litter.
At day 1, levels of glucose, haemoglobin, and weight gain were all decreased in piglets that did not survive to weaning. Weight gain also decreased when born in the last third of a litter. Level of IgG decreased when born in the last third of a litter. The study was published in Journal of Animal Science.
Romania can start to export pork to the EU
//08 Dec 2011
European Union countries will soon see pork coming from Romania, as the country has been cleared to start pork exports as of 1 January 2012. A ‘channelled’ pork system will allow Romania to sell pork in the EU.
According to Radu Roatis, president of the National Medical Veterinary and for Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA), the decision was a unanimous one and approved by member states. Classical Swine Fever has been the culprit causing Romania to be unable to export pork to EU countries.
The issue regarding Classical Swine Fever in Romania has ‘largely improved’ in recent years, said the EU. The last outbreak of Classical Swine Fever in Romania was in 2007, in Timis County (western Romania), at farms owned by US firm - Smithfield. At the farms 50,000 pigs were killed. However, Romania is still not yet considered free of the disease.
'Lifting the commercial barrier imposed on Romania because of the swine pest might bring between 600 million and one billion Euros in the first year, according to the estimate made by the representatives of the Romanian meat processing industry,' said Roatis.
Channelled pork system
“Trade will be possible from a ‘channelled system’ developed in Romania including selected pig farms, slaughterhouses and establishments that provide all necessary guarantees concerning biosecurity, hygiene and surveillance for Classical Swine Fever,” the European Commission said in a statement.
European Union countries will soon see pork coming from Romania, as the country has been cleared to start pork exports as of 1 January 2012. A ‘channelled’ pork system will allow Romania to sell pork in the EU.
According to Radu Roatis, president of the National Medical Veterinary and for Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA), the decision was a unanimous one and approved by member states. Classical Swine Fever has been the culprit causing Romania to be unable to export pork to EU countries.
The issue regarding Classical Swine Fever in Romania has ‘largely improved’ in recent years, said the EU. The last outbreak of Classical Swine Fever in Romania was in 2007, in Timis County (western Romania), at farms owned by US firm - Smithfield. At the farms 50,000 pigs were killed. However, Romania is still not yet considered free of the disease.
'Lifting the commercial barrier imposed on Romania because of the swine pest might bring between 600 million and one billion Euros in the first year, according to the estimate made by the representatives of the Romanian meat processing industry,' said Roatis.
Channelled pork system
“Trade will be possible from a ‘channelled system’ developed in Romania including selected pig farms, slaughterhouses and establishments that provide all necessary guarantees concerning biosecurity, hygiene and surveillance for Classical Swine Fever,” the European Commission said in a statement.
01 December 2011
About 40% of Dutch male pigs are no longer castrated
//01 Dec 2011
Approximately 40% of all male piglets born in the Netherlands are not castrated anymore. This figure was revealed by Dr Gé Backus (pictured), Wageningen University & Research Centre, at the start of the Boars Heading for 2018 conference.
The conference, held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on Nov 30 and Dec 1, brings together 150 international experts, mainly from Europe, to discuss about the future of boar raising. In the European Union, piglet castration will be banned by 2018.
The Netherlands paved the way for this ban, which was agreed to voluntarily by stakeholders from all 27 countries of the European Union in the end of December 2009. In the Netherlands, a similar development had led to a similar agreement in 2007.
As a result, the vast majority of retail chains in the Netherlands do not sell pork from barrows anymore – those pigs castrated end up in other market segments, predominantly exports.
Pork consumption
Backus said that despite the decision to go for boar meat, and risk boar taint – pork meat consumption has been still the same, and retail organisations have reported to be satisfied. In addition, pig farmers have felt lower feed costs as boars grow more efficiently – and production has happened more sustainably.
The topic is ‘hot’ in Europe, Backus said as many new research projects are being started up to get to know more about the topic of boar taint and how to avoid it.
Backus briefly summarised that every year in the EU, 100 million piglets are castrated. He added, since boars grow more efficiently, in the situation of castration 700,000 ha of more land is needed to produce the additional feed.
Exception
He said that castration is performed throughout the EU with the exception of the UK and Ireland. In Spain and Portugal, about 30% of the male piglets is castrated.
The first speaker of the night was Mr Andrea Gavinelli, head of the unit Animal Welfare, DG Health and Consumers, European Commission.
Related weblog:
• A different subject: Talking about smaller litters
Related websites:
• Boars Heading for 2018
• Wageningen University & Research Centre
• European Union
Approximately 40% of all male piglets born in the Netherlands are not castrated anymore. This figure was revealed by Dr Gé Backus (pictured), Wageningen University & Research Centre, at the start of the Boars Heading for 2018 conference.
The conference, held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on Nov 30 and Dec 1, brings together 150 international experts, mainly from Europe, to discuss about the future of boar raising. In the European Union, piglet castration will be banned by 2018.
The Netherlands paved the way for this ban, which was agreed to voluntarily by stakeholders from all 27 countries of the European Union in the end of December 2009. In the Netherlands, a similar development had led to a similar agreement in 2007.
As a result, the vast majority of retail chains in the Netherlands do not sell pork from barrows anymore – those pigs castrated end up in other market segments, predominantly exports.
Pork consumption
Backus said that despite the decision to go for boar meat, and risk boar taint – pork meat consumption has been still the same, and retail organisations have reported to be satisfied. In addition, pig farmers have felt lower feed costs as boars grow more efficiently – and production has happened more sustainably.
The topic is ‘hot’ in Europe, Backus said as many new research projects are being started up to get to know more about the topic of boar taint and how to avoid it.
Backus briefly summarised that every year in the EU, 100 million piglets are castrated. He added, since boars grow more efficiently, in the situation of castration 700,000 ha of more land is needed to produce the additional feed.
Exception
He said that castration is performed throughout the EU with the exception of the UK and Ireland. In Spain and Portugal, about 30% of the male piglets is castrated.
The first speaker of the night was Mr Andrea Gavinelli, head of the unit Animal Welfare, DG Health and Consumers, European Commission.
Related weblog:
• A different subject: Talking about smaller litters
Related websites:
• Boars Heading for 2018
• Wageningen University & Research Centre
• European Union
Canadian poultry farmers told to stop use of bovine antibiotic
//01 Dec 2011
The Public Health Agency of Canada (CIPARS) is warning British Columbia poultry farmers and veterinarians to stop using a bovine antibiotic on chickens.
The agency believes the practice is behind a significant spike in a strain of Campylobacter in chicken that is resistant to an antibiotic commonly used to treat respiratory infections in human beings and cattle.
Routine testing of chicken from grocery stores detected a dramatic spike in drug-resistant Campylobacter bacteria in retail samples of B.C. chicken in 2009 and levels have remained stubbornly above normal in the province ever since.
Positive tests for the resistant strain of Campylobacter in retail chicken have ranged as high as 40% in B.C. and 28% in Saskatchewan compared with an average of less than 4% in the other provinces monitored by the Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance.
Campylobacter is the most common food-borne pathogen in Canada. It is usually associated with substandard food handling and consumption of undercooked chicken.
The rate of human Campylobacter poisoning in B.C. has been about 30% above the national average during the past 10 years, according to the BC Centre for Disease Control.
CIPARS is comparing Campylobacter from human cases in B.C. and Saskatchewan to the bacteria from retail poultry to determine whether the same pathogen is infecting people who eat poultry.
‘Off-label’ fluoroquinolone
A bulletin to be released this week by CIPARS attributes the increase in drug-resistant Campylobacter in B.C. chicken to use of the antimicrobial drug fluoroquinolone.
The agency says veterinary fluoroquinolones labelled for cattle are being used "off-label" to prevent salmonella in chicken in breeder flocks.
Health Canada requires fluoroquinolone-based veterinary drugs for cattle to carry a warning not to use them in any other species.
Public health authorities want to curb the use of fluoroquinolone in chickens because the risk of spreading drug resistance could render those medications ineffective.
It is not unusual for veterinarians to use antibiotics labelled for one species on another species, but steps are being taken within the poultry industry to stamp out the practice.
Association warning
B.C.'s poultry farming association has issued a warning written by Ministry of Agriculture veterinarian Bill Cox in a July bulletin instructing producers not to use prescription drugs on their flocks except under veterinary supervision and not to use any drug without a veterinary diagnosis.
Chicken Farmers of Canada executive director Mike Dungate said antimicrobial resistance is one of the industry's "critical" concerns.
Chicken producers are required to report all medications given to their flocks to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency before they are sent for processing. That information is verified by government veterinarians, according to CFC safety program manager Steve Leech.
The CFC and CIPARS are developing a national on-farm surveillance program designed to record antimicrobial use and pinpoint the sources of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.
"The CFC hopes the program will explain B.C.'s persistently higher incidence of antimicrobial-resistant Campylobacter and correlate that with on-farm practices," Leech said.
The CFC maintains there is no conclusive use of veterinary drugs on farms with the drug-resistant bacteria detected in samples taken from chicken in B.C. grocery stores
The Public Health Agency of Canada (CIPARS) is warning British Columbia poultry farmers and veterinarians to stop using a bovine antibiotic on chickens.
The agency believes the practice is behind a significant spike in a strain of Campylobacter in chicken that is resistant to an antibiotic commonly used to treat respiratory infections in human beings and cattle.
Routine testing of chicken from grocery stores detected a dramatic spike in drug-resistant Campylobacter bacteria in retail samples of B.C. chicken in 2009 and levels have remained stubbornly above normal in the province ever since.
Positive tests for the resistant strain of Campylobacter in retail chicken have ranged as high as 40% in B.C. and 28% in Saskatchewan compared with an average of less than 4% in the other provinces monitored by the Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance.
Campylobacter is the most common food-borne pathogen in Canada. It is usually associated with substandard food handling and consumption of undercooked chicken.
The rate of human Campylobacter poisoning in B.C. has been about 30% above the national average during the past 10 years, according to the BC Centre for Disease Control.
CIPARS is comparing Campylobacter from human cases in B.C. and Saskatchewan to the bacteria from retail poultry to determine whether the same pathogen is infecting people who eat poultry.
‘Off-label’ fluoroquinolone
A bulletin to be released this week by CIPARS attributes the increase in drug-resistant Campylobacter in B.C. chicken to use of the antimicrobial drug fluoroquinolone.
The agency says veterinary fluoroquinolones labelled for cattle are being used "off-label" to prevent salmonella in chicken in breeder flocks.
Health Canada requires fluoroquinolone-based veterinary drugs for cattle to carry a warning not to use them in any other species.
Public health authorities want to curb the use of fluoroquinolone in chickens because the risk of spreading drug resistance could render those medications ineffective.
It is not unusual for veterinarians to use antibiotics labelled for one species on another species, but steps are being taken within the poultry industry to stamp out the practice.
Association warning
B.C.'s poultry farming association has issued a warning written by Ministry of Agriculture veterinarian Bill Cox in a July bulletin instructing producers not to use prescription drugs on their flocks except under veterinary supervision and not to use any drug without a veterinary diagnosis.
Chicken Farmers of Canada executive director Mike Dungate said antimicrobial resistance is one of the industry's "critical" concerns.
Chicken producers are required to report all medications given to their flocks to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency before they are sent for processing. That information is verified by government veterinarians, according to CFC safety program manager Steve Leech.
The CFC and CIPARS are developing a national on-farm surveillance program designed to record antimicrobial use and pinpoint the sources of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.
"The CFC hopes the program will explain B.C.'s persistently higher incidence of antimicrobial-resistant Campylobacter and correlate that with on-farm practices," Leech said.
The CFC maintains there is no conclusive use of veterinary drugs on farms with the drug-resistant bacteria detected in samples taken from chicken in B.C. grocery stores
Bird flu confirmed at Nepalese poultry farm
//29 Nov 2011
The Veterinary Epidemiology Center has confirmed an outbreak of bird flu at a poultry farm in Nepal’s Bhaktapur district.
An expert team dispatched from Department of Livestock Services under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives had initiated works in the disease prone areas following a complaint from local farmer Chandra Bahadur Tamang that 35 of his chickens died on Nov 9 and 10.
A sample of the dead chicken was sent to England for tests after the veterinary center suspected the disease. This test confirmed that the chickens had died of Bird flu. Meanwhile, more than 500 chickens and ducks have been killed in the area as a way of controlling the spread.
The Veterinary Epidemiology Center has confirmed an outbreak of bird flu at a poultry farm in Nepal’s Bhaktapur district.
An expert team dispatched from Department of Livestock Services under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives had initiated works in the disease prone areas following a complaint from local farmer Chandra Bahadur Tamang that 35 of his chickens died on Nov 9 and 10.
A sample of the dead chicken was sent to England for tests after the veterinary center suspected the disease. This test confirmed that the chickens had died of Bird flu. Meanwhile, more than 500 chickens and ducks have been killed in the area as a way of controlling the spread.
Cotton as potential hay substitute
//30 Nov 2011
The search for hay substitutes has led some to consider cotton residues as a potential supplement for other animal feeds. Dr. Tyron Wickersham of Texas AgriLife Research, a nutrition scientist at Texas A&M University analysed the feed potential of cotton.
Cotton is treated with pesticides and defoliants before it is harvested, and hence is under restrictions prior to its release for consumption.
The question was whether the chemcial pre-treatment affected the cotton residue’s nutritional value.
Dr. Wickersham of Texas A&M University found that cotton residue can be given to livestock with some precautions.
A far better nutritional option is giving the whole cotton plant for consumption. There is more crude protein in cotton plants than in the commonly used hays.
The cotton seed gives the feed a high fat content, higher than what would normally be given to cattle, and some scouring may occur, Wickersham said.
Dr. Wickersham and his colleagues plan to continue their research on feed cotton.
The search for hay substitutes has led some to consider cotton residues as a potential supplement for other animal feeds. Dr. Tyron Wickersham of Texas AgriLife Research, a nutrition scientist at Texas A&M University analysed the feed potential of cotton.
Cotton is treated with pesticides and defoliants before it is harvested, and hence is under restrictions prior to its release for consumption.
The question was whether the chemcial pre-treatment affected the cotton residue’s nutritional value.
Dr. Wickersham of Texas A&M University found that cotton residue can be given to livestock with some precautions.
A far better nutritional option is giving the whole cotton plant for consumption. There is more crude protein in cotton plants than in the commonly used hays.
The cotton seed gives the feed a high fat content, higher than what would normally be given to cattle, and some scouring may occur, Wickersham said.
Dr. Wickersham and his colleagues plan to continue their research on feed cotton.
Thai deteriorated rice goes to animal feed
//30 Nov 2011
The Thai Commerce Ministry has put up for auction 92,000 tonnes of rice in storage, mainly deteriorated stock for animal feed producers, says a ministry source.
Of the total up for auction, 66,927 tonnes is mixed-grade rice damaged by disasters, a supply that entered the government's mortgage scheme from 2008-09.
The remaining 25,153 tonnes is second-grade fragrant rice and white rice that entered the mortgage scheme from 2005-07.
Chanchai Rakthananon, the president of the Thai Rice Mills Association, said the auction might not be well received by the private sector, as deteriorated rice cannot be made into packed rice.
More likely was that the government would have to sell at a loss to millers which the government originally contracted to keep the rice.
Chanchai agreed with this year's policy of milling paddy into rice every 10 days and releasing stocks as soon as possible, as keeping the stockpile for longer periods would result in huge losses such as happened in the past.
If the government wants to keep rice for several years, a standard warehouse could ensure management of stock without quality deterioration
The Thai Commerce Ministry has put up for auction 92,000 tonnes of rice in storage, mainly deteriorated stock for animal feed producers, says a ministry source.
Of the total up for auction, 66,927 tonnes is mixed-grade rice damaged by disasters, a supply that entered the government's mortgage scheme from 2008-09.
The remaining 25,153 tonnes is second-grade fragrant rice and white rice that entered the mortgage scheme from 2005-07.
Chanchai Rakthananon, the president of the Thai Rice Mills Association, said the auction might not be well received by the private sector, as deteriorated rice cannot be made into packed rice.
More likely was that the government would have to sell at a loss to millers which the government originally contracted to keep the rice.
Chanchai agreed with this year's policy of milling paddy into rice every 10 days and releasing stocks as soon as possible, as keeping the stockpile for longer periods would result in huge losses such as happened in the past.
If the government wants to keep rice for several years, a standard warehouse could ensure management of stock without quality deterioration
CP Foods is aiming for global top three position
//30 Nov 2011
Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) said the acquisition of CP Pokphand Co (CPP) in Hong Kong is part of its strategy to become one of the world’s top three animal-feed firms.
The acquisition will cost the equivalent of Bt66 billion (US$2.17 billion) to purchase a 74.18% stake from Orient Success International, Worth Access Trading and CPI Holding – three companies owned by the Cheravanont family under the Charoen Pokphand Group (CPG).
Adirek Sripratak, president and CEO of CPF, said the strategy was to encourage CPF to restructure its business in the region to achieve synergy, security and cost competitiveness.
"We intend to become one of the world's top three feed-meal producers. Now we rank as the sixth or seventh," Adirek said.
The deal will also help increase total CPF sales to Bt300 billion ($9.6b) next year from this year's estimated Bt210 billion ($6.7b).
Bargaining power
"CPF is to spearhead exploring business opportunities overseas by itself rather than relying on its subsidiaries. The strategy will strengthen the company's bargaining power with trading partners," Adirek said, adding that this restructuring was similar to what CPF did in 1999 to consolidate all related subsidiaries into branches of CPF.
He said the acquisition was predicted to generate 18% return of investment per year thanks to CPP, which manages business not only in China but CP Vietnam Corporation (CPV).
CPP's main business in China under the Chia Tai brand has focused on animal feed in 28 provinces, accounting for 95% of its total sales.
The deal will also support CPF's strategy of directly expanding business into both China and Vietnam. It will increase the contribution from its overseas business from 26% of total revenue to 50%.
Adirek added that the company had to lower this year's total sales target a little from Bt220 billion ($7.0b) to Bt210 billion ($6.7b) because of the flooding. However, sales are still set to grow by 10-15% next year.
Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) said the acquisition of CP Pokphand Co (CPP) in Hong Kong is part of its strategy to become one of the world’s top three animal-feed firms.
The acquisition will cost the equivalent of Bt66 billion (US$2.17 billion) to purchase a 74.18% stake from Orient Success International, Worth Access Trading and CPI Holding – three companies owned by the Cheravanont family under the Charoen Pokphand Group (CPG).
Adirek Sripratak, president and CEO of CPF, said the strategy was to encourage CPF to restructure its business in the region to achieve synergy, security and cost competitiveness.
"We intend to become one of the world's top three feed-meal producers. Now we rank as the sixth or seventh," Adirek said.
The deal will also help increase total CPF sales to Bt300 billion ($9.6b) next year from this year's estimated Bt210 billion ($6.7b).
Bargaining power
"CPF is to spearhead exploring business opportunities overseas by itself rather than relying on its subsidiaries. The strategy will strengthen the company's bargaining power with trading partners," Adirek said, adding that this restructuring was similar to what CPF did in 1999 to consolidate all related subsidiaries into branches of CPF.
He said the acquisition was predicted to generate 18% return of investment per year thanks to CPP, which manages business not only in China but CP Vietnam Corporation (CPV).
CPP's main business in China under the Chia Tai brand has focused on animal feed in 28 provinces, accounting for 95% of its total sales.
The deal will also support CPF's strategy of directly expanding business into both China and Vietnam. It will increase the contribution from its overseas business from 26% of total revenue to 50%.
Adirek added that the company had to lower this year's total sales target a little from Bt220 billion ($7.0b) to Bt210 billion ($6.7b) because of the flooding. However, sales are still set to grow by 10-15% next year.
29 November 2011
China will import over 1 million tonnes of pork in 2012
//28 Nov 2011
Chinese pork imports for 2012 are forecasted to be similar to those of 2011. It is estimated to be between 1 and 1.1 million tonnes.
Ma Chuang, vice chairman of the Chinese Animal Agriculture Association (CAAA), told Dutch agricultural magazine Boerderij that the Chinese pork sector is decreasing. He said the decrease of traditional backyard farming is stronger than the growth of professional pig farms at the moment.
He added that this does not mean that the total production output is decreasing strongly. Imports in the most recent quarter have been a lot bigger than a year before. The chairman said that in the last quarter, imports have been of a substantial bigger volume than one year earlier. At the moment, however, he said they are back at an old, familiar level, as nowadays pig producers can deliver more quickly due to price decreases.
Outbreaks
As for outbreaks of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Ma Chuang is not worried, saying that these would not be as widespread as suggested by Rabobank in its latest report.
He added that vaccination programmes have been initiated, to control both diseases.
Related website:
• Boerderij
Chinese pork imports for 2012 are forecasted to be similar to those of 2011. It is estimated to be between 1 and 1.1 million tonnes.
Ma Chuang, vice chairman of the Chinese Animal Agriculture Association (CAAA), told Dutch agricultural magazine Boerderij that the Chinese pork sector is decreasing. He said the decrease of traditional backyard farming is stronger than the growth of professional pig farms at the moment.
He added that this does not mean that the total production output is decreasing strongly. Imports in the most recent quarter have been a lot bigger than a year before. The chairman said that in the last quarter, imports have been of a substantial bigger volume than one year earlier. At the moment, however, he said they are back at an old, familiar level, as nowadays pig producers can deliver more quickly due to price decreases.
Outbreaks
As for outbreaks of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Ma Chuang is not worried, saying that these would not be as widespread as suggested by Rabobank in its latest report.
He added that vaccination programmes have been initiated, to control both diseases.
Related website:
• Boerderij
Just over 1,000 breeding pigs sent to China
//28 Nov 2011
Dutch genetics company Topigs has imported 1,003 breeding pigs to China. These animals originate from the company’s nucleus farms in Canada.
The great grandparent animals are the top of the breeding pyramid and have the highest SPF health status.
The imported pigs will be used to build up extra breeding capacity in China for the production of breeding pigs and they and their off spring will be distributed to clients around the country. In this way it is possible to comply to the growing demand of genetics in China were the robust and highly productive genetics are demanded more and more.
Breeding stock
The imported breeding stock will be housed at the facilities of Topigs Huanshan. This is a joint venture company of with the breeding organisation and the Huanshan Group. The farm is a modern one with well equipped facilities. “This is an important step for pig breeding in China,” says Jeffen Chen, manager for the company in China.
“With the imported breeding stock it is possible to provide fast growing professional pig industry with top shelf genetics, making it possible to produce at high level.”
Huanshan is a corporation with permanent assets close to 10 million RMB (€1.18 million), having 1,800 staff, a modern agricultural enterprise which has integrated businesses including feed production, husbandry and pigs slaughtering.
Dutch genetics company Topigs has imported 1,003 breeding pigs to China. These animals originate from the company’s nucleus farms in Canada.
The great grandparent animals are the top of the breeding pyramid and have the highest SPF health status.
The imported pigs will be used to build up extra breeding capacity in China for the production of breeding pigs and they and their off spring will be distributed to clients around the country. In this way it is possible to comply to the growing demand of genetics in China were the robust and highly productive genetics are demanded more and more.
Breeding stock
The imported breeding stock will be housed at the facilities of Topigs Huanshan. This is a joint venture company of with the breeding organisation and the Huanshan Group. The farm is a modern one with well equipped facilities. “This is an important step for pig breeding in China,” says Jeffen Chen, manager for the company in China.
“With the imported breeding stock it is possible to provide fast growing professional pig industry with top shelf genetics, making it possible to produce at high level.”
Huanshan is a corporation with permanent assets close to 10 million RMB (€1.18 million), having 1,800 staff, a modern agricultural enterprise which has integrated businesses including feed production, husbandry and pigs slaughtering.
28 November 2011
Aarhus Uni: 100% organic diet for organic poultry
//28 Nov 2011
Scientists at Aarhus University are collaborating with a large number of scientists from other European countries to find optimal solutions to feeding organic pigs and poultry a diet that is 100% organic.
The difficulty in raising animals on organic diets has been getting hold of sufficient organic feeds to satisfy the demand – particularly for a source rich in protein. This will hopefully now become a thing of the past with the help of research at Aarhus University.
In a new research project, scientists from Aarhus University and from universities in Switzerland, Finland, Germany and the Netherlands, among others, will develop organic feeding strategies for the European pig and poultry market based solely on organic products. The 100 percent organic feeding systems that the project will be developing aim to satisfy not only animal nutritional requirements at the different stages of growth and production, but also health, welfare and environmental aspects. The scientists will also be concentrating on locally produced feeds.
The plan is to systematically map and assess individual feeds and feeding systems for pigs and poultry. Scientists will look at the nutritional value of the ingredients of the selected feeds and how accessible they are on the market. They will evaluate different types of roughage and compound feeds and will also assess the value of foraging.
Traditional feeds such as cereal and grass are not the only feeds sources studied. Who says that the protein source must be soybean imported from the other side of the planet? Europe has its own potential for growing protein-rich products, and combinations of, for example, varieties of lupine, naked oat, mussel meal, insect grubs, wild pea and sainfoin may be sufficient to meet the protein requirements of organic pigs and poultry in Europe.
Pigs and poultry are not normally the largest consumers of roughage, but roughage has a certain beneficial effect on animal digestion. A large intake of roughage, for example, helps to maintain a healthy gut flora and good digestive function. The supplementation with roughage for pigs can encourage them to increase their foraging, which makes them more active and reduces possible aggressive behaviour.
A diet including plants is known to provide animals with extra minerals and vitamins, but there are many gaps in our knowledge of the value of foraging for pigs and poultry. Both pigs and hens root around in the soil and in that way not only consume plant material, but also insects, larvae and other protein-rich sources. The scientists will investigate how much protein the foraging can contribute in different biotopes, such as deciduous forests, coniferous forests, windbreaks and in different breeds of pigs and poultry.
The project is a collaboration with Research Institute of Organic Agriculture in Switzerland, Agrofood Research in Finland, Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute and University of Applied Sciences Weihenstephan-Triesdorf in Germany, Wageningen UR and the Louis Bolk Institute in the Netherlands, Organic Research Centre and Food Animal Initiative in England, BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Austria, Institut Technique de l’Agriculture Biologique in France, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Sweden and the Lithuanian Institute of Agrarian Economics in Lithuania. The project has been funded by the Green Development and Demonstration Programme of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture Fisheries.
Source: Aarhus University
Scientists at Aarhus University are collaborating with a large number of scientists from other European countries to find optimal solutions to feeding organic pigs and poultry a diet that is 100% organic.
The difficulty in raising animals on organic diets has been getting hold of sufficient organic feeds to satisfy the demand – particularly for a source rich in protein. This will hopefully now become a thing of the past with the help of research at Aarhus University.
In a new research project, scientists from Aarhus University and from universities in Switzerland, Finland, Germany and the Netherlands, among others, will develop organic feeding strategies for the European pig and poultry market based solely on organic products. The 100 percent organic feeding systems that the project will be developing aim to satisfy not only animal nutritional requirements at the different stages of growth and production, but also health, welfare and environmental aspects. The scientists will also be concentrating on locally produced feeds.
The plan is to systematically map and assess individual feeds and feeding systems for pigs and poultry. Scientists will look at the nutritional value of the ingredients of the selected feeds and how accessible they are on the market. They will evaluate different types of roughage and compound feeds and will also assess the value of foraging.
Traditional feeds such as cereal and grass are not the only feeds sources studied. Who says that the protein source must be soybean imported from the other side of the planet? Europe has its own potential for growing protein-rich products, and combinations of, for example, varieties of lupine, naked oat, mussel meal, insect grubs, wild pea and sainfoin may be sufficient to meet the protein requirements of organic pigs and poultry in Europe.
Pigs and poultry are not normally the largest consumers of roughage, but roughage has a certain beneficial effect on animal digestion. A large intake of roughage, for example, helps to maintain a healthy gut flora and good digestive function. The supplementation with roughage for pigs can encourage them to increase their foraging, which makes them more active and reduces possible aggressive behaviour.
A diet including plants is known to provide animals with extra minerals and vitamins, but there are many gaps in our knowledge of the value of foraging for pigs and poultry. Both pigs and hens root around in the soil and in that way not only consume plant material, but also insects, larvae and other protein-rich sources. The scientists will investigate how much protein the foraging can contribute in different biotopes, such as deciduous forests, coniferous forests, windbreaks and in different breeds of pigs and poultry.
The project is a collaboration with Research Institute of Organic Agriculture in Switzerland, Agrofood Research in Finland, Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute and University of Applied Sciences Weihenstephan-Triesdorf in Germany, Wageningen UR and the Louis Bolk Institute in the Netherlands, Organic Research Centre and Food Animal Initiative in England, BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Austria, Institut Technique de l’Agriculture Biologique in France, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Sweden and the Lithuanian Institute of Agrarian Economics in Lithuania. The project has been funded by the Green Development and Demonstration Programme of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture Fisheries.
Source: Aarhus University
US Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak spreads
//25 Nov 2011
The number of people affected by chicken livers contaminated with Salmonella Heidelberg in the US has risen to 179 people in six states, according to an updated CDC report. That is 22 more cases in four more states than the CDC reported in its initial report on 8 Nov 2011.
The kosher broiled chicken livers, sold by Schreiber Processing Corp. of Maspeth, New York, under the MealMart brand, were recalled 8 Nov 2011. The chicken livers had been distributed to New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Florida.
Customers may have incorrectly thought the word "broiled" in the label meant the chicken livers were ready-to-eat, however they were not fully cooked, the CDC has speculated.
In its latest report on the outbreak, the CDC said New York has now identified 99 cases of salmonellosis linked to the chicken livers, New Jersey has confirmed 61 related cases, Pennsylvania 10, Maryland 6, Ohio 2, and Minnesota 1. Those ill range in age from younger than 1 to 97 years old.
In August 2011, the CDC noticed a "sustained increase," about 30 to 40 cases per month since June 2011, in the number of S. Heidelberg isolates with the outbreak strain reported by New York and New Jersey to PulseNet, the national foodborne illness surveillance system. Those states typically report only about five cases of S. Heidelberg a month.
New York City conducted an enhanced epidemiologic investigation, which traced the source of the outbreak to the chicken livers. Lab tests in New York then identified the outbreak strain in samples of the MealMart chicken livers and in chopped liver made from the MealMart chicken livers.
Consumers should discard any of these chicken liver products still in their homes, the CDC said. It also advised that chicken livers should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees and when partially cooked chicken livers are repackaged for sale, retailers should clearly label them as requiring further cooking.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Photo source: Science Photo Library
The number of people affected by chicken livers contaminated with Salmonella Heidelberg in the US has risen to 179 people in six states, according to an updated CDC report. That is 22 more cases in four more states than the CDC reported in its initial report on 8 Nov 2011.
The kosher broiled chicken livers, sold by Schreiber Processing Corp. of Maspeth, New York, under the MealMart brand, were recalled 8 Nov 2011. The chicken livers had been distributed to New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Florida.
Customers may have incorrectly thought the word "broiled" in the label meant the chicken livers were ready-to-eat, however they were not fully cooked, the CDC has speculated.
In its latest report on the outbreak, the CDC said New York has now identified 99 cases of salmonellosis linked to the chicken livers, New Jersey has confirmed 61 related cases, Pennsylvania 10, Maryland 6, Ohio 2, and Minnesota 1. Those ill range in age from younger than 1 to 97 years old.
In August 2011, the CDC noticed a "sustained increase," about 30 to 40 cases per month since June 2011, in the number of S. Heidelberg isolates with the outbreak strain reported by New York and New Jersey to PulseNet, the national foodborne illness surveillance system. Those states typically report only about five cases of S. Heidelberg a month.
New York City conducted an enhanced epidemiologic investigation, which traced the source of the outbreak to the chicken livers. Lab tests in New York then identified the outbreak strain in samples of the MealMart chicken livers and in chopped liver made from the MealMart chicken livers.
Consumers should discard any of these chicken liver products still in their homes, the CDC said. It also advised that chicken livers should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees and when partially cooked chicken livers are repackaged for sale, retailers should clearly label them as requiring further cooking.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Photo source: Science Photo Library
24 November 2011
China-Brazil agreement boosts poultry trade
//24 Nov 2011
More Brazilian processing plants are being certified to export poultry meat to China, expanding the bilateral trade relationship between the two countries.
Brazil is the world's largest exporter of poultry and the increasing demand in China has resulted in a rise in imports. However, not all Brazilian slaughterhouses are allowed to export to China, because some of them have yet to implement the technical and hygienic procedures required to obtain a green light from Chinese regulators.
Therefore, Brazil's current output, most of which has already been sequestered by other countries, is unable to satisfy orders from Chinese dealers, said Adriano Zerbini, market relations manager of the Brazilian Poultry Association (UBABEF), the country's largest poultry industry organization.
In 2004, Brazil and China signed a hygiene agreement for poultry, allowing trade to flourish. Since 2009, 24 out of Brazil's 48 poultry exporting facilities have obtained certification from the Chinese authorities.
Analysts said the poultry business is a microcosm of trade between China and Brazil. They are two major emerging-market economies and could prove crucial for the ongoing global economic recovery, especially at a time when Europe is suffering a sovereign debt crisis and the US economy remains fragile with uncertain prospects.
Brazilian poultry, which the UBABEF said boasts integrated production methods and high standards of hygiene and technological support, can easily meet the increased demand from China. However, Chinese buyers need to have a deeper understanding of Brazilian products prior to making their orders, said Ricardo Joao Santin, markets director of the UBABEF.
He said a Chinese delegation may visit Brazil in March 2012 to assess production conditions in the poultry industry and decide whether to allow more imports from the country.
At present, Brazilian poultry exports to the Chinese mainland account for less than 5% of the country's total poultry exports. "We estimate our poultry exports to China could expand to between 180,000 and 200,000 tonnes this year, from 120,000 tonnes in 2010, doubling its proportion within our total exports," said Santin.
Source: China Daily
More Brazilian processing plants are being certified to export poultry meat to China, expanding the bilateral trade relationship between the two countries.
Brazil is the world's largest exporter of poultry and the increasing demand in China has resulted in a rise in imports. However, not all Brazilian slaughterhouses are allowed to export to China, because some of them have yet to implement the technical and hygienic procedures required to obtain a green light from Chinese regulators.
Therefore, Brazil's current output, most of which has already been sequestered by other countries, is unable to satisfy orders from Chinese dealers, said Adriano Zerbini, market relations manager of the Brazilian Poultry Association (UBABEF), the country's largest poultry industry organization.
In 2004, Brazil and China signed a hygiene agreement for poultry, allowing trade to flourish. Since 2009, 24 out of Brazil's 48 poultry exporting facilities have obtained certification from the Chinese authorities.
Analysts said the poultry business is a microcosm of trade between China and Brazil. They are two major emerging-market economies and could prove crucial for the ongoing global economic recovery, especially at a time when Europe is suffering a sovereign debt crisis and the US economy remains fragile with uncertain prospects.
Brazilian poultry, which the UBABEF said boasts integrated production methods and high standards of hygiene and technological support, can easily meet the increased demand from China. However, Chinese buyers need to have a deeper understanding of Brazilian products prior to making their orders, said Ricardo Joao Santin, markets director of the UBABEF.
He said a Chinese delegation may visit Brazil in March 2012 to assess production conditions in the poultry industry and decide whether to allow more imports from the country.
At present, Brazilian poultry exports to the Chinese mainland account for less than 5% of the country's total poultry exports. "We estimate our poultry exports to China could expand to between 180,000 and 200,000 tonnes this year, from 120,000 tonnes in 2010, doubling its proportion within our total exports," said Santin.
Source: China Daily
Newcastle Disease detected in Mexico
//24 Nov 2011
Two instances of sub-clinical Newcastle Disease have been detected in separate commercial flocks in Central Mexico, according to reports submitted to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
The first report describes a positive reaction to routine surveillance at a farm at Col. Montoro in the region of Aguascalientes on 26 October. All 850,816 birds were destroyed.
In Jalisco, 30,000 susceptible birds were destroyed at a commercial broiler farm at Road Lagos de Moreno-San Luis Potosí.
In both instances the farms have been depopulated and cleaning and disinfection activities have been carried out. In addition the properties have been quarantined with movement of birds restricted.
Source: World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
Two instances of sub-clinical Newcastle Disease have been detected in separate commercial flocks in Central Mexico, according to reports submitted to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
The first report describes a positive reaction to routine surveillance at a farm at Col. Montoro in the region of Aguascalientes on 26 October. All 850,816 birds were destroyed.
In Jalisco, 30,000 susceptible birds were destroyed at a commercial broiler farm at Road Lagos de Moreno-San Luis Potosí.
In both instances the farms have been depopulated and cleaning and disinfection activities have been carried out. In addition the properties have been quarantined with movement of birds restricted.
Source: World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
Poultry disease study sheds light on human cancers
//23 Nov 2011
Fresh discoveries about Marek’s disease could have major implications for the poultry industry, making it possible to breed birds with greater resistance to the disease and also improve our understanding of some types of cancers in people.
Scientists analysed thousands of genes to pinpoint those that play a role in Marek’s disease – a viral infection that costs the global poultry industry more than £1.4 billion a year.
The research from The Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh and the Institute for Animal Health, both of which receive strategic funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), identified a gene – called IRG1 – that makes chickens more susceptible to the disease.
The gene is thought to cause the death of cells, which can in turn lead to diseases including cancer. Researchers also found how the Marek’s disease virus may also encourage tumour growth.
Chickens and mammals, including humans, have anti-tumour mechanisms, one of which is controlled by a gene called HIC1. HIC1 switches on lots of other genes which have anti-tumour effects.
Marek’s disease virus switches off the genes controlled by HIC1 – in other words, it turns off key genes that would normally work to block tumours.
These genes are also linked to fighting tumours in humans and the study could help research into preventing of some types of cancers in people, which like Marek’s disease, are caused by viruses.
Such viruses include the human papilloma virus, which can lead to cervical cancer, and Kaposi’s sarcoma, which affects patients with HIV.
Professor Pete Kaiser, of The Roslin Institute who led the research, said: “Marek’s disease is highly contagious and chickens are becoming increasingly resistant to vaccination. Identifying a gene that increases the risk of Marek’s disease could help us breed chickens that are less susceptible to infection.
“Also, learning about how chickens affected by Marek’s disease fail to combat the onset of tumours will help us learn more about how certain viruses can trigger cancer in humans.”
The research, funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, is published in the Journal of Virology.
Source: The Roslin Institute
Fresh discoveries about Marek’s disease could have major implications for the poultry industry, making it possible to breed birds with greater resistance to the disease and also improve our understanding of some types of cancers in people.
Scientists analysed thousands of genes to pinpoint those that play a role in Marek’s disease – a viral infection that costs the global poultry industry more than £1.4 billion a year.
The research from The Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh and the Institute for Animal Health, both of which receive strategic funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), identified a gene – called IRG1 – that makes chickens more susceptible to the disease.
The gene is thought to cause the death of cells, which can in turn lead to diseases including cancer. Researchers also found how the Marek’s disease virus may also encourage tumour growth.
Chickens and mammals, including humans, have anti-tumour mechanisms, one of which is controlled by a gene called HIC1. HIC1 switches on lots of other genes which have anti-tumour effects.
Marek’s disease virus switches off the genes controlled by HIC1 – in other words, it turns off key genes that would normally work to block tumours.
These genes are also linked to fighting tumours in humans and the study could help research into preventing of some types of cancers in people, which like Marek’s disease, are caused by viruses.
Such viruses include the human papilloma virus, which can lead to cervical cancer, and Kaposi’s sarcoma, which affects patients with HIV.
Professor Pete Kaiser, of The Roslin Institute who led the research, said: “Marek’s disease is highly contagious and chickens are becoming increasingly resistant to vaccination. Identifying a gene that increases the risk of Marek’s disease could help us breed chickens that are less susceptible to infection.
“Also, learning about how chickens affected by Marek’s disease fail to combat the onset of tumours will help us learn more about how certain viruses can trigger cancer in humans.”
The research, funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, is published in the Journal of Virology.
Source: The Roslin Institute
Egypt, Indonesia report recent H5N1 outbreaks
//23 Nov 2011
Egypt reported five H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks in October, and the latest disease surveillance from Indonesia suggests that the highest incidence is in Bali, where three human fatal infections were recently reported, according to an overview from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The Egyptian H5N1 outbreaks struck four governorates: Beheira, Fayoum, Gharbia, and Giza. The event in Beheira occurred at a farm where poultry was vaccinated against H5N1. The other four outbreaks affected unvaccinated backyard or rooftop poultry, according to the FAO.
In Indonesia, disease surveillance authorities said Bali had the highest incidence of villages affected by highly pathogenic avian flu in September, at 5.6 per 1,000, followed by Central Sulawesi (4.3 per 1,000), West Sulawesi (3.1), West Kalimantan (3.1), and South Sulawesi (2.8) provinces. The figures are from the Participatory Disease Surveillance and Response program, which covers 29 of the country's 33 provinces.
In October, the H5N1 virus killed three Bali residents, a 29-year-old woman and two of her children, a 5-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy. Poultry in the family's household had died before the woman and her children got sick.
Outbreaks were also reported in two villages in East Nusa Tenggara province, the FAO reported.
More recently, the virus struck poultry in three subdistricts in South Sulawesi province, killing about 14,000 birds, according to a local media report cited on Nov 19 by Bird Flu Information Corner, a Web message board operated by Kobe University in Japan and Airlangga University in Indonesia.
The FAO overview of the latest H5N1 outbreaks also includes detections in Vietnam and Iran, which had been previously reported to the World Organization for Animal Health.
So far this year, 14 countries have reported H5N1 outbreaks, according to a chart in the FAO report.
H5N1 is endemic in a handful of countries, including China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, and Egypt.
Source: CIDRAP News
Egypt reported five H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks in October, and the latest disease surveillance from Indonesia suggests that the highest incidence is in Bali, where three human fatal infections were recently reported, according to an overview from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The Egyptian H5N1 outbreaks struck four governorates: Beheira, Fayoum, Gharbia, and Giza. The event in Beheira occurred at a farm where poultry was vaccinated against H5N1. The other four outbreaks affected unvaccinated backyard or rooftop poultry, according to the FAO.
In Indonesia, disease surveillance authorities said Bali had the highest incidence of villages affected by highly pathogenic avian flu in September, at 5.6 per 1,000, followed by Central Sulawesi (4.3 per 1,000), West Sulawesi (3.1), West Kalimantan (3.1), and South Sulawesi (2.8) provinces. The figures are from the Participatory Disease Surveillance and Response program, which covers 29 of the country's 33 provinces.
In October, the H5N1 virus killed three Bali residents, a 29-year-old woman and two of her children, a 5-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy. Poultry in the family's household had died before the woman and her children got sick.
Outbreaks were also reported in two villages in East Nusa Tenggara province, the FAO reported.
More recently, the virus struck poultry in three subdistricts in South Sulawesi province, killing about 14,000 birds, according to a local media report cited on Nov 19 by Bird Flu Information Corner, a Web message board operated by Kobe University in Japan and Airlangga University in Indonesia.
The FAO overview of the latest H5N1 outbreaks also includes detections in Vietnam and Iran, which had been previously reported to the World Organization for Animal Health.
So far this year, 14 countries have reported H5N1 outbreaks, according to a chart in the FAO report.
H5N1 is endemic in a handful of countries, including China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, and Egypt.
Source: CIDRAP News
Philippines: Pork shortage may be a reality during the festive season
//22 Nov 2011
Since the Philippine government has made no attempt to issue permits to import pork parts and chicken leg quarters, there could be a pork and chicken shortage this festive season in the country, according to meat processors.
It has been reported that since 3 November this year, not all import clearances for pork and chicken have been released. The issue was taken up at the Department of Agriculture (DA) by Francisco Buencamino, executive director of Philippine Association of Meat Processors, and Jesus Cham, president of the Meat Importers and Traders Association. Because of this, an impact on the Christmas season may be seen, in terms of shortage of pork and chicken meat.
According to Cham, meat supply will become scarce if manufacturers compete with ordinary consumers in getting the produce of local hog farmers, which will relay to a higher pork prices.
Higher prices in January
He added that by not issuing import permits, a meat shortage as well as 5% - 10% higher prices of products with imported meat components will be experienced by January 2012.
The Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, has been further urged by Buencamino to relook at its decision. The issue is currently still pending.
Source: ABS-CBNnews.com
Since the Philippine government has made no attempt to issue permits to import pork parts and chicken leg quarters, there could be a pork and chicken shortage this festive season in the country, according to meat processors.
It has been reported that since 3 November this year, not all import clearances for pork and chicken have been released. The issue was taken up at the Department of Agriculture (DA) by Francisco Buencamino, executive director of Philippine Association of Meat Processors, and Jesus Cham, president of the Meat Importers and Traders Association. Because of this, an impact on the Christmas season may be seen, in terms of shortage of pork and chicken meat.
According to Cham, meat supply will become scarce if manufacturers compete with ordinary consumers in getting the produce of local hog farmers, which will relay to a higher pork prices.
Higher prices in January
He added that by not issuing import permits, a meat shortage as well as 5% - 10% higher prices of products with imported meat components will be experienced by January 2012.
The Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, has been further urged by Buencamino to relook at its decision. The issue is currently still pending.
Source: ABS-CBNnews.com
Live pig export from Germany to Russia - restrictions still in place
//22 Nov 2011
In view of incoming requests the Rosselkhoznadzor has stated that the temporary restrictions on export of live pigs from Germany imposed on 15 November 2011 may be lifted when a system is introduced by German National Veterinary Service.
The system should ensure complete and steadfast compliance with the Russian and Customs Union requirements on safety of products under state veterinary control.
Source: Rosselkhoznadzor
In view of incoming requests the Rosselkhoznadzor has stated that the temporary restrictions on export of live pigs from Germany imposed on 15 November 2011 may be lifted when a system is introduced by German National Veterinary Service.
The system should ensure complete and steadfast compliance with the Russian and Customs Union requirements on safety of products under state veterinary control.
Source: Rosselkhoznadzor
22 November 2011
One third of rejected products at EU borders relate to mycotoxins
//22 Nov 2011
The European Union’s system for quick exchange of information on risks linked to food and feed has further grown in importance during 2010, the system’s annual report reveals.
The 2010 annual report of the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), notes that the number of notifications in RASFF rose to 8,582 last year.
This is a record number and constitutes an increase of 8% compared to 2009, when the number of notifications was slightly under 8,000.
This growth in notifications, taking place for the third consecutive year, is largely down to rejections of consignments at EU borders in the light of the strengthening of border controls.
There were also 576 alert notifications reporting on serious risks found in products on the market, a small increase compared to 2009.
Mycotoxins stopped at border
Border rejection notifications concern products that were refused entry into the Community and were given another destination or were destroyed.
More than three out of ten (34%) border rejections concerned products refused entry because of high levels of mycotoxins.
The second most frequent reason for rejection was the presence of pesticide residues above the limits set in legislation.
50% feed and food
Almost one out of two notifications in 2010 is about a feed, food or food contact material rejected at the EU border due to a risk posed to food safety.
When such a product is identified, the RASFF informs the third country in question, in order to prevent a recurrence of the problem, in most cases through its online RASFF Window platform.
When a serious and persistent problem is detected, the Commission sends a letter to the national authorities of the third country concerned, asking them to implement corrective measures such as delisting establishments, blocking exports or intensifying controls.
The RASFF report breaks down the overall number of notifications in 2010 into alert (576), information (1,168) and border rejection (1,552) notifications.
Alert notifications are sent when the food or feed presenting a serious risk is already on the market and immediate action is required.
Two-thirds EU origin
Two-thirds of the alert notifications in 2010 related to products originating in the EU, and most of these problems were detected by controls carried out on the market.
Among the risks most reported through these alerts were the presence of pathogenic micro-organisms, heavy metals, allergens and mycotoxins.
Information notifications are sent when a risk has been identified but immediate action by other Member States is not necessary either because the product is not yet or not anymore on the market or because the risk is of a non-serious nature.
About half of the information notifications (52%) were on products originating in third countries. Among the risks most reported for information notifications were the presence of pathogenic micro-organisms, pesticide residues, heavy metals and non-compliances regarding food additives.
The European Union’s system for quick exchange of information on risks linked to food and feed has further grown in importance during 2010, the system’s annual report reveals.
The 2010 annual report of the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), notes that the number of notifications in RASFF rose to 8,582 last year.
This is a record number and constitutes an increase of 8% compared to 2009, when the number of notifications was slightly under 8,000.
This growth in notifications, taking place for the third consecutive year, is largely down to rejections of consignments at EU borders in the light of the strengthening of border controls.
There were also 576 alert notifications reporting on serious risks found in products on the market, a small increase compared to 2009.
Mycotoxins stopped at border
Border rejection notifications concern products that were refused entry into the Community and were given another destination or were destroyed.
More than three out of ten (34%) border rejections concerned products refused entry because of high levels of mycotoxins.
The second most frequent reason for rejection was the presence of pesticide residues above the limits set in legislation.
50% feed and food
Almost one out of two notifications in 2010 is about a feed, food or food contact material rejected at the EU border due to a risk posed to food safety.
When such a product is identified, the RASFF informs the third country in question, in order to prevent a recurrence of the problem, in most cases through its online RASFF Window platform.
When a serious and persistent problem is detected, the Commission sends a letter to the national authorities of the third country concerned, asking them to implement corrective measures such as delisting establishments, blocking exports or intensifying controls.
The RASFF report breaks down the overall number of notifications in 2010 into alert (576), information (1,168) and border rejection (1,552) notifications.
Alert notifications are sent when the food or feed presenting a serious risk is already on the market and immediate action is required.
Two-thirds EU origin
Two-thirds of the alert notifications in 2010 related to products originating in the EU, and most of these problems were detected by controls carried out on the market.
Among the risks most reported through these alerts were the presence of pathogenic micro-organisms, heavy metals, allergens and mycotoxins.
Information notifications are sent when a risk has been identified but immediate action by other Member States is not necessary either because the product is not yet or not anymore on the market or because the risk is of a non-serious nature.
About half of the information notifications (52%) were on products originating in third countries. Among the risks most reported for information notifications were the presence of pathogenic micro-organisms, pesticide residues, heavy metals and non-compliances regarding food additives.
How easy is it to diagnose and treat mycotoxins?
//22 Nov 2011
It’s now common knowledge that mycotoxins, harmful toxins produced by moulds, can create a variety of health problems for animals depending on species and type of toxins identified. Regulation limits are in place; however mycotoxin effects are synergistic in nature, meaning that combinations of low levels of mycotoxins can have a greater impact than a high level of a single toxin.
“Mycotoxins are now recognised as a genuine global threat to the feed industry. In the past two years, mycotoxin issues in the equine and pet industries have also been highlighted by the media. The decision to expand the features of www.knowmycotoxins.com reflects this reality,” said Alltech’s Global Mycosorb Manager, Dr. Jules Taylor-Pickard.
Some key facts about mycotoxins are:
· There are approximately 500 known mycotoxins.
· Animals are consistently exposed to multiple toxins.
· Interaction between toxins makes diagnosis difficult.
· Long term exposure to low levels of mycotoxins in the diet can reduce production and reproductive performance.
Producers should consider being proactive now. Testing samples and using a blending method are two common approaches.
However, once feed is contaminated there are no cost effective options currently available to remove the toxin from the feed and therefore, it has to be fed.
With this in mind, the use of an appropriate mycotoxin adsorbing product can help to minimise the negative effects on the animal.
Yeast cell wall
A glucomannan polymer extracted from the cell wall of the yeast cell, is a natural fibre source and can often be used at practical levels of inclusion against several mycotoxins.
A 2010 study from the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands conducted by Fink-Gremmels et al. selected dairy cows that were presenting disease conditions from three farms for experimental treatment with a yeast cell wall extract from Alltech.
Eighty-five percent of the cows supplemented with the product for two weeks showed reduced levels of oxidative stress, lower somatic cell counts and increased milk production.
The bottom line for producers and nutritionists is that the animal remains the best indicator of a mycotoxin presence.
Therefore, if that animal is not performing to its fullest, or unexplained symptoms persist, consider the role that a mycotoxin may be playing.
Mycotoxins are a leading area of study at Alltech. Through 31 years of research-driven product development, Alltech has created a range of natural solutions for the feed and food industries.
It’s now common knowledge that mycotoxins, harmful toxins produced by moulds, can create a variety of health problems for animals depending on species and type of toxins identified. Regulation limits are in place; however mycotoxin effects are synergistic in nature, meaning that combinations of low levels of mycotoxins can have a greater impact than a high level of a single toxin.
“Mycotoxins are now recognised as a genuine global threat to the feed industry. In the past two years, mycotoxin issues in the equine and pet industries have also been highlighted by the media. The decision to expand the features of www.knowmycotoxins.com reflects this reality,” said Alltech’s Global Mycosorb Manager, Dr. Jules Taylor-Pickard.
Some key facts about mycotoxins are:
· There are approximately 500 known mycotoxins.
· Animals are consistently exposed to multiple toxins.
· Interaction between toxins makes diagnosis difficult.
· Long term exposure to low levels of mycotoxins in the diet can reduce production and reproductive performance.
Producers should consider being proactive now. Testing samples and using a blending method are two common approaches.
However, once feed is contaminated there are no cost effective options currently available to remove the toxin from the feed and therefore, it has to be fed.
With this in mind, the use of an appropriate mycotoxin adsorbing product can help to minimise the negative effects on the animal.
Yeast cell wall
A glucomannan polymer extracted from the cell wall of the yeast cell, is a natural fibre source and can often be used at practical levels of inclusion against several mycotoxins.
A 2010 study from the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands conducted by Fink-Gremmels et al. selected dairy cows that were presenting disease conditions from three farms for experimental treatment with a yeast cell wall extract from Alltech.
Eighty-five percent of the cows supplemented with the product for two weeks showed reduced levels of oxidative stress, lower somatic cell counts and increased milk production.
The bottom line for producers and nutritionists is that the animal remains the best indicator of a mycotoxin presence.
Therefore, if that animal is not performing to its fullest, or unexplained symptoms persist, consider the role that a mycotoxin may be playing.
Mycotoxins are a leading area of study at Alltech. Through 31 years of research-driven product development, Alltech has created a range of natural solutions for the feed and food industries.
โรคอหิวาต์สุกรอัฟริกันระบาดในรัสเซีย 3 เขต
เมื่อวันที่ 16 พฤศจิกายน 2554 เจ้าหน้าที่สัตวแพทย์รัสเซียรายงานต่อองค์การโรคระบาดสัตว์ระหว่างประเทศ (OIE) เรื่อง การระบาดของโรคอหิวาต์สุกรอัฟริกัน ใน 3 เขต ได้แก่ Kurskaya Oblast, Stavropolskiy Kray และ Krasnodarskiy Kray ในรัสเซีย
รายงานระบุว่า สุกร 47 ตัวล้มตาย ส่วน สุกรที่ติดเชื้อจำนวน 2629 ตัวถูกทำลาย อย่างไรก็ตาม ยังไม่สามารถระบุหาสาเหตุของโรค และกำลังอยู่ในระหว่างดำเนินการหาสาเหตุ
ที่มา : The Pig Site (22/11/54
20 November 2011
Moldova planning 20% increase in poultry production in 2012
//18 Nov 2011
In 2012 Moldova plans to increase its domestic poultry production by 20%. After years of stagnation, the small country now expects the poultry industry to increase production by this level.
It was reported that high feed prices and technically outdated companies were the main factors for delaying the development of domestic production. In 2011, an investment of about 2 million USD has been made which is an unprecented amount for the whole agricultural sector of the country. To a minor extent the federal government was able to help only with 17 thousand dollars, whereas the rest came from private investors and bank loans. "The federal subsidy is a drop in the bucket compared with the investment that we made, " says the head of the National Poultry Producing Assotiation, Peter Pope.
Because the cost of feed accounts for 75% of the prime cost of poultry, a special fund will be created for 2012. "Producers can then buy grain on time. This measure should almost completely solve the problem and even cut a price for feed in the country’s market," said Head of Market policies department of the country Valentin Ciobanu.
Over 2011 Moldova expects to produce about 55 thousands tons of poultry which is 12% more than in 2010. Due to large investments in the industry and other measures, the aim is to develop the poultry sector, it is predicted that in 2012 this figure will rise up to 66 thousands tons or by 20% up, compared with the level of this year.
In 2012 Moldova plans to increase its domestic poultry production by 20%. After years of stagnation, the small country now expects the poultry industry to increase production by this level.
It was reported that high feed prices and technically outdated companies were the main factors for delaying the development of domestic production. In 2011, an investment of about 2 million USD has been made which is an unprecented amount for the whole agricultural sector of the country. To a minor extent the federal government was able to help only with 17 thousand dollars, whereas the rest came from private investors and bank loans. "The federal subsidy is a drop in the bucket compared with the investment that we made, " says the head of the National Poultry Producing Assotiation, Peter Pope.
Because the cost of feed accounts for 75% of the prime cost of poultry, a special fund will be created for 2012. "Producers can then buy grain on time. This measure should almost completely solve the problem and even cut a price for feed in the country’s market," said Head of Market policies department of the country Valentin Ciobanu.
Over 2011 Moldova expects to produce about 55 thousands tons of poultry which is 12% more than in 2010. Due to large investments in the industry and other measures, the aim is to develop the poultry sector, it is predicted that in 2012 this figure will rise up to 66 thousands tons or by 20% up, compared with the level of this year.
EU to ensure the protection of live animals during transport
//18 Nov 2011
EU rules on live animal transport need a complete overhaul - demands Eurogroup for Animals following the publication of a European Commission report on the impact of the transport legislation on the sector and on the welfare of animals.
The European Union has had legislation in place to regulate the protection of farm animals in transit either to another farm for fattening or to the slaughterhouse since 1977. No other EU protection law has been so controversial and ineffective, with widespread problems of enforcement and lack of compliance which result in continued animal suffering.
More animals are transported than ever and the number of consignments has greatly increased, looking at the transport of pigs alone we see an increase of 70% today compared to 2005, and this report shows that the presumed economic impact and significant administrative burden has been exaggerated.
This increase in transport volume goes against the European Food Safety Authority’s scientific advice, published in January 2011 which clearly stated that we must in order to minimise the risk of transport-associated disease outbreaks develop strategies “that reduce the volume of transport and long distance transport of animals for finishing or slaughter or reducing journey times”.
It is less clear what the impact has been on animal welfare. This Report states that available information shows that “severe animal welfare problems during transport persist” whilst “the quality of transport has improved”. This is worrying especially when the external study on which the report is based only refers to a “slight improvement”.
EU rules on live animal transport need a complete overhaul - demands Eurogroup for Animals following the publication of a European Commission report on the impact of the transport legislation on the sector and on the welfare of animals.
The European Union has had legislation in place to regulate the protection of farm animals in transit either to another farm for fattening or to the slaughterhouse since 1977. No other EU protection law has been so controversial and ineffective, with widespread problems of enforcement and lack of compliance which result in continued animal suffering.
More animals are transported than ever and the number of consignments has greatly increased, looking at the transport of pigs alone we see an increase of 70% today compared to 2005, and this report shows that the presumed economic impact and significant administrative burden has been exaggerated.
This increase in transport volume goes against the European Food Safety Authority’s scientific advice, published in January 2011 which clearly stated that we must in order to minimise the risk of transport-associated disease outbreaks develop strategies “that reduce the volume of transport and long distance transport of animals for finishing or slaughter or reducing journey times”.
It is less clear what the impact has been on animal welfare. This Report states that available information shows that “severe animal welfare problems during transport persist” whilst “the quality of transport has improved”. This is worrying especially when the external study on which the report is based only refers to a “slight improvement”.
15 November 2011
ASF continues to destroy pork farming in Black Belt region, Russia
//15 Nov 2011
Two new outbreaks of African swine fever have been recorded in the Black Belt region - the center of pork production in Russia, where a third of the pig stock is concentrated in the country, and where the Belgorod region is located with virtually all the major pig complexes.
ASF has been registered in one of the largest farms in the Rostov region. Rosselkhoznadzor confirmed that the pork producing enterprise of the company "Bataisk" a new outbreak of ASF has surfaced. The presence of the disease has been confirmed in the Regional Veterinary Laboratory and the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute. Total pig stock at the farm where the outbreak was found is about four thousands heads, reported Rosselkhoznadzor.
Also last week another outbreak of African swine fever was first registered in the Voronezh region - at a private farm, which contained 700 head of pigs. According to preliminary estimates of Veterinary Services of the Black Belt Region as a result of these two outbreaks, over 11 thousand of pigs will be destroyed.
Also officials added that in both cases, the outbreaks happened due to the use of infected feed - heat-treated food waste. A state of emergency has been declared in both regions.
Two cases of pig mortality has been recently registered in the Black Earth - one in the Kursk and another in the Voronezh region, about 20 km. from the border of the Belgorod region. The pathological material from dead animals were sent to veterinary laboratories to confirm the presence of ASF.
(By Vladislav Vorotnikov)
Two new outbreaks of African swine fever have been recorded in the Black Belt region - the center of pork production in Russia, where a third of the pig stock is concentrated in the country, and where the Belgorod region is located with virtually all the major pig complexes.
ASF has been registered in one of the largest farms in the Rostov region. Rosselkhoznadzor confirmed that the pork producing enterprise of the company "Bataisk" a new outbreak of ASF has surfaced. The presence of the disease has been confirmed in the Regional Veterinary Laboratory and the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute. Total pig stock at the farm where the outbreak was found is about four thousands heads, reported Rosselkhoznadzor.
Also last week another outbreak of African swine fever was first registered in the Voronezh region - at a private farm, which contained 700 head of pigs. According to preliminary estimates of Veterinary Services of the Black Belt Region as a result of these two outbreaks, over 11 thousand of pigs will be destroyed.
Also officials added that in both cases, the outbreaks happened due to the use of infected feed - heat-treated food waste. A state of emergency has been declared in both regions.
Two cases of pig mortality has been recently registered in the Black Earth - one in the Kursk and another in the Voronezh region, about 20 km. from the border of the Belgorod region. The pathological material from dead animals were sent to veterinary laboratories to confirm the presence of ASF.
(By Vladislav Vorotnikov)
Make an extra £1 per pig
//15 Nov 2011
A healthy pig can earn producers £1 more than a disease-challenged one because it can use the same feed more effectively.
Nutritionist Paul Toplis explained that health is the overriding factor affecting growth rate, during the BPEX 2TS Focus on Health conferences.
He said: “Even if there are no observable signs of disease, performance is being depressed on all commercial farms and the full nutritional value of the feed is not being realised. So producers should spare no effort in improving and protecting pig health.
“When there is an underlying health problem, there is still a lot producers can do to limit the impact on growth. Feed intake is the key priority and producers need to minimise the number of additional stressors to make sure feed intake is as high as possible. The biggest rewards come from ensuring pigs have free access to the correct diet at all times.”
Important areas for producers to focus on include:
• Adequate access to feed and water for all pigs
• Stocking density
• Environment and lighting
• Feed specification
• Feeder settings
• Monitoring feed intake and checking if it ties in with growth and grading
• Pellet quality and feeder cleaning routines
• Wet feed volume, frequency and fermentation
For more information on tackling pig disease, all the speakers’ presentations are available to view in full at www.bpex.org.uk/2TS/conferences.aspx, along with BPEX factsheets.
Source: BPEX
A healthy pig can earn producers £1 more than a disease-challenged one because it can use the same feed more effectively.
Nutritionist Paul Toplis explained that health is the overriding factor affecting growth rate, during the BPEX 2TS Focus on Health conferences.
He said: “Even if there are no observable signs of disease, performance is being depressed on all commercial farms and the full nutritional value of the feed is not being realised. So producers should spare no effort in improving and protecting pig health.
“When there is an underlying health problem, there is still a lot producers can do to limit the impact on growth. Feed intake is the key priority and producers need to minimise the number of additional stressors to make sure feed intake is as high as possible. The biggest rewards come from ensuring pigs have free access to the correct diet at all times.”
Important areas for producers to focus on include:
• Adequate access to feed and water for all pigs
• Stocking density
• Environment and lighting
• Feed specification
• Feeder settings
• Monitoring feed intake and checking if it ties in with growth and grading
• Pellet quality and feeder cleaning routines
• Wet feed volume, frequency and fermentation
For more information on tackling pig disease, all the speakers’ presentations are available to view in full at www.bpex.org.uk/2TS/conferences.aspx, along with BPEX factsheets.
Source: BPEX
Alltech Vietnam receives ISO 22000:2005 certification
//15 Nov 2011
Alltech has received an ISO 22000:2005 certification for its plant in Dong Nai, Vietnam.
Alltech began operating in Vietnam in 1994 and officially opened a representative office in Ho Chi Minh City in 2000. After steady development, Alltech Vietnam moved to Dong Nai in 2006, where it expanded its operations and built the production plant, which includes a state-of-the-art solid-state fermentation facility. The region is now supported by four full-time operation technicians who provide on-site quality control.
A higher national target for livestock population growth and increasing demand for better meat quality, presents huge opportunities and challenges for the feed industry in the coming years. “Operating under our strict AQS quality control system, which exceeds global standards and regulations, we can ensure that we are at the forefront to provide the technologies and quality assured solutions our customers need in order to address these future challenges,” added Steve Bourne, Alltech vice-president. “The facility will provide added flexibility allowing a greater tailored customer approach in what is one of Alltech’s fastest growing countries globally.”
Alltech has received an ISO 22000:2005 certification for its plant in Dong Nai, Vietnam.
Alltech began operating in Vietnam in 1994 and officially opened a representative office in Ho Chi Minh City in 2000. After steady development, Alltech Vietnam moved to Dong Nai in 2006, where it expanded its operations and built the production plant, which includes a state-of-the-art solid-state fermentation facility. The region is now supported by four full-time operation technicians who provide on-site quality control.
A higher national target for livestock population growth and increasing demand for better meat quality, presents huge opportunities and challenges for the feed industry in the coming years. “Operating under our strict AQS quality control system, which exceeds global standards and regulations, we can ensure that we are at the forefront to provide the technologies and quality assured solutions our customers need in order to address these future challenges,” added Steve Bourne, Alltech vice-president. “The facility will provide added flexibility allowing a greater tailored customer approach in what is one of Alltech’s fastest growing countries globally.”
Bayer and AgraQuest expand accord on poultry nutrition supplement
//14 Nov 2011
Bayer Animal Health and AgraQuest, have agreed to expand their collaboration and will allow Bayer to become the exclusive distributor of AgraQuest’s Bacillus subtilis QST 713 in selected countries for poultry applications.
The product that will be distributed under the agreement will be Baymix Grobig BS, a feed additive based on AgraQuest’s patented strain of Bacillus subtilis and co-branded with AgraQuest’s trademark Sympatic. Baymix Grobig BS has already received registration in India, Korea and Thailand and is already marketed by Bayer Animal Health in these countries. It will be launched in other key markets throughout Asia and Latin America, with registrations currently in process in eight countries
Baymix Grobig BS is a product designed to be complementary to existing poultry health regimes, brings balance to microflora of the intestinal tract of poultry. The genetically distinct QST 713 strain enhances digestion and has been shown to protect birds from profit robbing diseases such as necrotic enteritis.
Related:
•BayerHealthCare
•AgraQuest
Bayer Animal Health and AgraQuest, have agreed to expand their collaboration and will allow Bayer to become the exclusive distributor of AgraQuest’s Bacillus subtilis QST 713 in selected countries for poultry applications.
The product that will be distributed under the agreement will be Baymix Grobig BS, a feed additive based on AgraQuest’s patented strain of Bacillus subtilis and co-branded with AgraQuest’s trademark Sympatic. Baymix Grobig BS has already received registration in India, Korea and Thailand and is already marketed by Bayer Animal Health in these countries. It will be launched in other key markets throughout Asia and Latin America, with registrations currently in process in eight countries
Baymix Grobig BS is a product designed to be complementary to existing poultry health regimes, brings balance to microflora of the intestinal tract of poultry. The genetically distinct QST 713 strain enhances digestion and has been shown to protect birds from profit robbing diseases such as necrotic enteritis.
Related:
•BayerHealthCare
•AgraQuest
FDA lowers estimates on use of antibiotics
//14 Nov 2011
The US Food and Drug Administration has significantly lowered its estimate of antibiotic use on farms after a report last month showed a 6.7% increase in 2010.
The FDA has since posted new numbers that show only a 1.3% increase, which is on par with the increase in meat and poultry production.
The revised report concludes that the overall amount of antibiotics used in food production was 13.2 million kilograms in 2010. That's up from 13.1 million kilograms in 2009. The FDA said its initial numbers were based on an "earlier draft" that was "posted erroneously."
"We were still adjusting classifications and numbers," FDA said, "including a late submission from a drug sponsor."
The initial report had caused a flurry of activity among public health advocates who want to curtail the use of antibiotics in food production out of concern that it puts people at risk by increasing the number of drug-resistant bacteria and making antibiotics less effective.
The US Food and Drug Administration has significantly lowered its estimate of antibiotic use on farms after a report last month showed a 6.7% increase in 2010.
The FDA has since posted new numbers that show only a 1.3% increase, which is on par with the increase in meat and poultry production.
The revised report concludes that the overall amount of antibiotics used in food production was 13.2 million kilograms in 2010. That's up from 13.1 million kilograms in 2009. The FDA said its initial numbers were based on an "earlier draft" that was "posted erroneously."
"We were still adjusting classifications and numbers," FDA said, "including a late submission from a drug sponsor."
The initial report had caused a flurry of activity among public health advocates who want to curtail the use of antibiotics in food production out of concern that it puts people at risk by increasing the number of drug-resistant bacteria and making antibiotics less effective.
10 November 2011
Thai animal feed producers to get breaks on quotas
//09 Nov 2011
The Thai government is to lift import quotas for animal feed raw materials for up to three years to help manufacturers make longer-term business plans.
Import quotas for soybean meal and fishmeal are normally reviewed every year but will now be reviewed every three years. However, maize quotas will still be reviewed every year.
Feed producers and soybean oil manufacturers have long complained that annual reviews, and delays in decisions on quotas, resulted in shortages of raw materials and affected food prices.
Currently the import tariff for soybean meal is 2%. Rates for fishmeal and maize are based on the origin of the products.
Yanyong Phuangrach, the permanent secretary for the Commerce Ministry, said the 2% tariff on soybean meal would remain to help domestic farmers.
Eight feed meal industry associations will be allowed to import soybean meal on condition that they also buy agreed amounts of domestic soybeans.
Demand for soybeans this year is estimated at 2.075 million tonnes while domestic production is only 150,000 tonnes.
Fishmeal imports are duty-free from Asean, the US and Australia under free trade agreements. Imports from Japan will face a 1.67% tariff until March 2012 under the Thailand-Japan free trade agreement, but will be duty-free from April 2012 to December 2014. The normal tariff for fishmeal is 15%.
Pornsil Patcharintanakul, president of the Thai Feedmill Association, welcomed the decisions, saying producers would no longer have to wait for import permission every year.
However, the association would like to see the 2% tariff waived as production costs in Thailand are higher than in competing countries including Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia.
Mr Yanyong said the government had to review maize imports yearly because local production was high, and imports would be allowed from March to July.
Demand for maize last year was 4.35 million tonnes while the projection this year is 4.52 million tonnes.
Source: Bangkok Post
The Thai government is to lift import quotas for animal feed raw materials for up to three years to help manufacturers make longer-term business plans.
Import quotas for soybean meal and fishmeal are normally reviewed every year but will now be reviewed every three years. However, maize quotas will still be reviewed every year.
Feed producers and soybean oil manufacturers have long complained that annual reviews, and delays in decisions on quotas, resulted in shortages of raw materials and affected food prices.
Currently the import tariff for soybean meal is 2%. Rates for fishmeal and maize are based on the origin of the products.
Yanyong Phuangrach, the permanent secretary for the Commerce Ministry, said the 2% tariff on soybean meal would remain to help domestic farmers.
Eight feed meal industry associations will be allowed to import soybean meal on condition that they also buy agreed amounts of domestic soybeans.
Demand for soybeans this year is estimated at 2.075 million tonnes while domestic production is only 150,000 tonnes.
Fishmeal imports are duty-free from Asean, the US and Australia under free trade agreements. Imports from Japan will face a 1.67% tariff until March 2012 under the Thailand-Japan free trade agreement, but will be duty-free from April 2012 to December 2014. The normal tariff for fishmeal is 15%.
Pornsil Patcharintanakul, president of the Thai Feedmill Association, welcomed the decisions, saying producers would no longer have to wait for import permission every year.
However, the association would like to see the 2% tariff waived as production costs in Thailand are higher than in competing countries including Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia.
Mr Yanyong said the government had to review maize imports yearly because local production was high, and imports would be allowed from March to July.
Demand for maize last year was 4.35 million tonnes while the projection this year is 4.52 million tonnes.
Source: Bangkok Post
New dioxin find in Germany poses no danger
//10 Nov 2011
German authorities said this week they saw no danger to the public after an animal feed ingredient was found to contain the highly-poisonous chemical dioxin above permitted levels.
German sugar producer Pfeifer & Langen reported it had produced sugar beet pulp with dioxin levels of 1.0-1.6 nanograms, per kilo, "slightly above" permitted levels of 0.75 nanograms, a spokesman for the agriculture ministry in the state government of North Rhine Westphalia said.
"We see no danger," the spokesman said. "The sugar pulp usually makes up only 10-15% of a TMR ration in dairy feeds and the levels are not so high that the entire animal feed mixture would be pushed over the limits."
Unlisted Pfeifer & Langen had itself informed authorities.
"We see a problem in part of the process chain which is being investigated. Currently we see no necessity to issue a warning," the ministry spokesman added.
Deliveries had been made to Germany and the Netherlands, he said. They were being recalled.
Eight suppliers and 30 farmers in Rheinland-Pfalz region who received the contaminated beet pulp were locked and milk samples will be tested for dioxin levels.
German authorities said this week they saw no danger to the public after an animal feed ingredient was found to contain the highly-poisonous chemical dioxin above permitted levels.
German sugar producer Pfeifer & Langen reported it had produced sugar beet pulp with dioxin levels of 1.0-1.6 nanograms, per kilo, "slightly above" permitted levels of 0.75 nanograms, a spokesman for the agriculture ministry in the state government of North Rhine Westphalia said.
"We see no danger," the spokesman said. "The sugar pulp usually makes up only 10-15% of a TMR ration in dairy feeds and the levels are not so high that the entire animal feed mixture would be pushed over the limits."
Unlisted Pfeifer & Langen had itself informed authorities.
"We see a problem in part of the process chain which is being investigated. Currently we see no necessity to issue a warning," the ministry spokesman added.
Deliveries had been made to Germany and the Netherlands, he said. They were being recalled.
Eight suppliers and 30 farmers in Rheinland-Pfalz region who received the contaminated beet pulp were locked and milk samples will be tested for dioxin levels.
Pfizer aims to be number one in poultry
//10 Nov 2011
Pfizer Animal Health Global Poultry is determined to continue its expansion and become the leading provider of poultry health solutions worldwide, says Vice President Dr Paco Ortiz.
“We have expanded our business considerably in the past years and can now offer more customer service, more technology and more expertise than ever before,” he said.“Our aim is to use this considerable resource to create and deliver revenue-generating services for our customers.”
According to Paco Ortiz, Pfizer Global Poultry is currently the second largest provider of poultry health solutions, accounting for around 21% of the global market. A series of strategic acquisitions over recent years has given the company a solid and diverse portfolio of products including biologicals, MFAs (medicated feed additives), diagnostics and BioDevices. However, Dr Ortiz pointed out that the size of the company was not the ultimate measure of success.
“We don’t just want to be the biggest: more important to us, is to be the most valued. We want to add value to our customers’ businesses, so they see us as an indispensible partner.”
“Both poultry meat and egg production is predicted to increase globally over the next five years, with much of the increase being driven by growing markets in the Asia Pacific region,” said Dr Ortiz. “This increase in production means that quality health solutions will be needed more than ever to protect against disease and to improve production efficiency and flock performance.”
Related website: Pfizer Global Poultry
Pfizer Animal Health Global Poultry is determined to continue its expansion and become the leading provider of poultry health solutions worldwide, says Vice President Dr Paco Ortiz.
“We have expanded our business considerably in the past years and can now offer more customer service, more technology and more expertise than ever before,” he said.“Our aim is to use this considerable resource to create and deliver revenue-generating services for our customers.”
According to Paco Ortiz, Pfizer Global Poultry is currently the second largest provider of poultry health solutions, accounting for around 21% of the global market. A series of strategic acquisitions over recent years has given the company a solid and diverse portfolio of products including biologicals, MFAs (medicated feed additives), diagnostics and BioDevices. However, Dr Ortiz pointed out that the size of the company was not the ultimate measure of success.
“We don’t just want to be the biggest: more important to us, is to be the most valued. We want to add value to our customers’ businesses, so they see us as an indispensible partner.”
“Both poultry meat and egg production is predicted to increase globally over the next five years, with much of the increase being driven by growing markets in the Asia Pacific region,” said Dr Ortiz. “This increase in production means that quality health solutions will be needed more than ever to protect against disease and to improve production efficiency and flock performance.”
Related website: Pfizer Global Poultry
Russia bans the import of live pigs from Germany
//10 Nov 2011
Russia introduced a temporary ban on the import of live pigs from Germany. This was due to the delay of removing antibiotics. A temporary ban on the import of live pigs will be introduced from November 15 this year.
Rosselkhoznadzor head, Sergei Dankvert, has said that the inspection of animals has shown that the period in which antibiotics has to be removed in live pigs was not carried out by the German producers.
"Their veterinary services gave an order that 30 days prior to delivery of the pork to Russia antibiotics should not be used, but such an order was not given. After receiving live pigs, Russia must hold them for another month, because a week ago, antibiotics were used," said the head of Rosselkhoznadzor.
The Federal Veterinary Service of Germany informed Rosselkhoznadzor, that they are not ready to give guarantees of production safety yet. "We need a guarantee. While German services cannot provide them to us, the supply of live pigs from Germany will be temporarily suspended," said Dankvert.
The main problem is that the Veterinary Service of Germany has no authority to check federal lands and in fact it is only able to convey assurance from local manufacturers to the Russian side.
(By Vladimir Vorotnikov)
Russia introduced a temporary ban on the import of live pigs from Germany. This was due to the delay of removing antibiotics. A temporary ban on the import of live pigs will be introduced from November 15 this year.
Rosselkhoznadzor head, Sergei Dankvert, has said that the inspection of animals has shown that the period in which antibiotics has to be removed in live pigs was not carried out by the German producers.
"Their veterinary services gave an order that 30 days prior to delivery of the pork to Russia antibiotics should not be used, but such an order was not given. After receiving live pigs, Russia must hold them for another month, because a week ago, antibiotics were used," said the head of Rosselkhoznadzor.
The Federal Veterinary Service of Germany informed Rosselkhoznadzor, that they are not ready to give guarantees of production safety yet. "We need a guarantee. While German services cannot provide them to us, the supply of live pigs from Germany will be temporarily suspended," said Dankvert.
The main problem is that the Veterinary Service of Germany has no authority to check federal lands and in fact it is only able to convey assurance from local manufacturers to the Russian side.
(By Vladimir Vorotnikov)
Thailand: Possible pork shortage in January
//10 Nov 2011
Current pork surplus may turn into a shortage as swine raisers are rushing to sell their animals for short-term profit in order to avoid risking greater loss from current flooding, says Pravit Asanatham, president of the Thai Pork Traders Association.
Reports state that the current over-supply has seen the swine price drop. "The severity of any shortage will depend on the government's policy, especially involving the control of live swine exports - if they these exports can be kept at an appropriate level.
(By Joyce Rainat)
Current pork surplus may turn into a shortage as swine raisers are rushing to sell their animals for short-term profit in order to avoid risking greater loss from current flooding, says Pravit Asanatham, president of the Thai Pork Traders Association.
Reports state that the current over-supply has seen the swine price drop. "The severity of any shortage will depend on the government's policy, especially involving the control of live swine exports - if they these exports can be kept at an appropriate level.
(By Joyce Rainat)
CPF turns focus to international markets, avoiding Thai flooding effects
//10 Nov 2011
Charoen Pokphand Foods Plc (CPF) is placing greater emphasis on investment and revenue for foreign operations as the severe flooding will greatly affect the Thai economy and trim local spending, reports Adirek Sripratak, president/CEO of the SET-listed CPF food flagship.
It sees overseas ventures as the way to increase sales from foreign operations in three years from 26% to a total of 40%, as many people have lost their jobs and purchasing power.
His concern is echoed by the study by the Economic and Business Forecast Center of the University of the ThaI Chamber of Commerce, predicting that 300,000 workers will be unemployed due to flood-hit business disruption.
Although CPF's farms and production plants are safe from flooding, their retail units are not, 15% of which have been temporarily closed and this is why, he says, the focus now is on increasing revenue from overseas business, expanding investments to new countries and strengthening existing operations abroad.
Charoen Pokphand Foods Plc (CPF) is placing greater emphasis on investment and revenue for foreign operations as the severe flooding will greatly affect the Thai economy and trim local spending, reports Adirek Sripratak, president/CEO of the SET-listed CPF food flagship.
It sees overseas ventures as the way to increase sales from foreign operations in three years from 26% to a total of 40%, as many people have lost their jobs and purchasing power.
His concern is echoed by the study by the Economic and Business Forecast Center of the University of the ThaI Chamber of Commerce, predicting that 300,000 workers will be unemployed due to flood-hit business disruption.
Although CPF's farms and production plants are safe from flooding, their retail units are not, 15% of which have been temporarily closed and this is why, he says, the focus now is on increasing revenue from overseas business, expanding investments to new countries and strengthening existing operations abroad.
08 November 2011
Piglets found to have FMD in Taiwan
//07 Nov 2011
Five piglets have been found to be affected by Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Penghu County, Taiwan.
The Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine of the COA said that the FMD infected animals were found on 30 October. The pigs has come from Taiwan mainland.
Authorities have stated that where the pigs originally came from, the herd is FMD free. The COA stated that the five piglets and another 3 pen-mates were culled.
Also, all contaminated holding pens, equipment, and tools were disinfected and the outbreak is contained.
Source: Chinapost.com
Five piglets have been found to be affected by Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Penghu County, Taiwan.
The Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine of the COA said that the FMD infected animals were found on 30 October. The pigs has come from Taiwan mainland.
Authorities have stated that where the pigs originally came from, the herd is FMD free. The COA stated that the five piglets and another 3 pen-mates were culled.
Also, all contaminated holding pens, equipment, and tools were disinfected and the outbreak is contained.
Source: Chinapost.com
Merck Animal Health announces EU approval for swine vaccine against M Hyo
//27 Oct 2011
Merck Animal Health (known as MSD Animal Health outside the USA and Canada) announced that it has received marketing authorisation in the European Union for Porcilis M Hyo ID Once, the first single-shot vaccine against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M Hyo) infection in pigs for intradermal administration.
Porcilis M Hyo ID Once is approved in the 25 member states of the European Union plus Iceland and Norway for the active immunisation of finishing pigs to reduce pulmonary lesions and the decrease in daily weight gain during the finishing period due to infection caused by M Hyo.
The new vaccine differs from the existing Porcilis M Hyo in that: (1) the new vaccine comes as a single-shot (whereas the existing vaccine is available as a two-shot vaccine), and (2) the new vaccine is approved for use as an intradermal administration (whereas the existing vaccine is approved for use as an intramuscular administration). This new single-shot, intradermal application of the vaccine adds flexibility and convenience in use to the current dosage scheme that has been available in Europe since 2004. Market introduction in the individual countries will depend on the granting of national licenses that have been scheduled for the coming four to six months.
Merck Animal Health already has two other vaccines with a label claim for intradermal use (in addition to an intramuscular claim) - Porcilis PRRS and Porcilis Begonia. The company has a needle-free ‘Intra Dermal Application of Liquids’ (IDAL) device which is used for the intradermal application of these vaccines. Before or in conjunction with the commercial launch of Porcilis M Hyo ID Once the company will introduce an improved IDAL device for intradermal use with all three vaccines.
Infection with M Hyo is known to cause enzootic pneumonia, a chronic pneumonia which can be complicated by opportunistic bacterial infections (such as P. multocida, B. bronchoseptica, S. suis, H. parasuis and A. pyogenes).
There is usually an incubation period of two to eight weeks before clinical signs of M Hyo infection are seen. Over the first six to eight weeks after it enters the population there may be severe acute pneumonia, dehydration, heavy breathing, coughing, respiratory distress and fever. This results in increased mortality, as well as a reduced rate of weight gain and lower feed efficiency. As a consequence, M Hyo infection in a pig herd often results in significant economic losses for the farmer.
For full prescribing information please consult the Summary of Product Characteristics.
Source: Merck Animal Health
Merck Animal Health (known as MSD Animal Health outside the USA and Canada) announced that it has received marketing authorisation in the European Union for Porcilis M Hyo ID Once, the first single-shot vaccine against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M Hyo) infection in pigs for intradermal administration.
Porcilis M Hyo ID Once is approved in the 25 member states of the European Union plus Iceland and Norway for the active immunisation of finishing pigs to reduce pulmonary lesions and the decrease in daily weight gain during the finishing period due to infection caused by M Hyo.
The new vaccine differs from the existing Porcilis M Hyo in that: (1) the new vaccine comes as a single-shot (whereas the existing vaccine is available as a two-shot vaccine), and (2) the new vaccine is approved for use as an intradermal administration (whereas the existing vaccine is approved for use as an intramuscular administration). This new single-shot, intradermal application of the vaccine adds flexibility and convenience in use to the current dosage scheme that has been available in Europe since 2004. Market introduction in the individual countries will depend on the granting of national licenses that have been scheduled for the coming four to six months.
Merck Animal Health already has two other vaccines with a label claim for intradermal use (in addition to an intramuscular claim) - Porcilis PRRS and Porcilis Begonia. The company has a needle-free ‘Intra Dermal Application of Liquids’ (IDAL) device which is used for the intradermal application of these vaccines. Before or in conjunction with the commercial launch of Porcilis M Hyo ID Once the company will introduce an improved IDAL device for intradermal use with all three vaccines.
Infection with M Hyo is known to cause enzootic pneumonia, a chronic pneumonia which can be complicated by opportunistic bacterial infections (such as P. multocida, B. bronchoseptica, S. suis, H. parasuis and A. pyogenes).
There is usually an incubation period of two to eight weeks before clinical signs of M Hyo infection are seen. Over the first six to eight weeks after it enters the population there may be severe acute pneumonia, dehydration, heavy breathing, coughing, respiratory distress and fever. This results in increased mortality, as well as a reduced rate of weight gain and lower feed efficiency. As a consequence, M Hyo infection in a pig herd often results in significant economic losses for the farmer.
For full prescribing information please consult the Summary of Product Characteristics.
Source: Merck Animal Health
Merck Animal Health: Swine Dewormer receives positive opinion in the EU
//08 Nov 2011
Merck Animal Health (known as MSD Animal Health outside the USA and Canada) announced that it has received positive opinion from the CVMP in the European Union for Panacur AquaSol (fenbendazole 200 mg/mL), a suspension for use in drinking water indicated for the treatment and control of gastro-intestinal nematodes.
Panacur AquaSol is exclusive for swine and is an improved pharmaceutical formulation of Panacur that has been used successfully as a deworming agent for many years in a wide range of animal species.
The new formulation was made possible due to a refinement of the milling process, resulting in a smaller particle size and a more homogeneous particle size distribution. The practical advances are (1) more convenience due to a stable suspension in drinking water for up to 24 hours without the need for re-stirring and (2) a higher bioavailability of Panacur AquaSol compared to Panacur powder.
The approved indications of Panacur AquaSol are the treatment and control of infections with Ascaris suum (adult, intestinal and migrating larval stages) and Oesophagostomum spp. (adult stages). It is well tolerated in pigs with no adverse effects being observed. The CVMP, on the basis of quality, safety and efficacy data submitted, considers that there is a favorable benefit/risk balance for Panacur AquaSol and therefore recommends the granting of the marketing authorization.
The active substance of Panacur AquaSol is fenbendazole, an effective anthelminthic medicinal product from the benzimidazoles family, which acts by interfering with cell growth and cell division in helminths. This means that benzimidazoles are effective at killing both adult and larval stages of worm parasites as well as of killing of worm eggs (by interruption of embryonization). Fenbendazole is widely used as a deworming agent in a wide range of animal species.
Worm infections in swine do not commonly represent the severe clinical disease picture that is often seen in some other species, but that is not to say that helminths are not important. Whilst in specific circumstances, different worm parasites can cause severe clinical illness and even deaths in swine. Hence such parasite infections can be economically important to the swine business as they can interfere with piglet or sow vaccination, restrict growth, affect sow productivity and reduce animal feed efficiency.
Merck Animal Health (known as MSD Animal Health outside the USA and Canada) announced that it has received positive opinion from the CVMP in the European Union for Panacur AquaSol (fenbendazole 200 mg/mL), a suspension for use in drinking water indicated for the treatment and control of gastro-intestinal nematodes.
Panacur AquaSol is exclusive for swine and is an improved pharmaceutical formulation of Panacur that has been used successfully as a deworming agent for many years in a wide range of animal species.
The new formulation was made possible due to a refinement of the milling process, resulting in a smaller particle size and a more homogeneous particle size distribution. The practical advances are (1) more convenience due to a stable suspension in drinking water for up to 24 hours without the need for re-stirring and (2) a higher bioavailability of Panacur AquaSol compared to Panacur powder.
The approved indications of Panacur AquaSol are the treatment and control of infections with Ascaris suum (adult, intestinal and migrating larval stages) and Oesophagostomum spp. (adult stages). It is well tolerated in pigs with no adverse effects being observed. The CVMP, on the basis of quality, safety and efficacy data submitted, considers that there is a favorable benefit/risk balance for Panacur AquaSol and therefore recommends the granting of the marketing authorization.
The active substance of Panacur AquaSol is fenbendazole, an effective anthelminthic medicinal product from the benzimidazoles family, which acts by interfering with cell growth and cell division in helminths. This means that benzimidazoles are effective at killing both adult and larval stages of worm parasites as well as of killing of worm eggs (by interruption of embryonization). Fenbendazole is widely used as a deworming agent in a wide range of animal species.
Worm infections in swine do not commonly represent the severe clinical disease picture that is often seen in some other species, but that is not to say that helminths are not important. Whilst in specific circumstances, different worm parasites can cause severe clinical illness and even deaths in swine. Hence such parasite infections can be economically important to the swine business as they can interfere with piglet or sow vaccination, restrict growth, affect sow productivity and reduce animal feed efficiency.
03 November 2011
Foot-and-mouth disease threatens China’s pig secto
//27 Oct 2011
A resurgence of a variant of foot-and-mouth disease is threatening China's pig supply and underpinning pork prices, a senior industry analyst with Rabobank Group said.
The disease, which affects most parts of the world that have major animal husbandry industries, creates the risk of pork prices continuing to keep food costs elevated at a time when Beijing is seeking to combat high consumer-price inflation.
"Hog inventories have risen a bit but disease is quite serious," Chenjun Pan said. "From the industry, we know the disease is coming back and it might worsen depending on the weather change and the vaccination and sanitary measures taken by the farmers."
Average wholesale fresh pork prices tracked by the Ministry of Commerce have fallen 3.7% this week since reaching a record CNY26.44 (€2.98) a kilogram in mid-September.
However, October prices are still up about 45% on year, suggesting hog supply hasn't significantly improved, Pan said.
"In the second half of the year, foot-and-mouth disease will continue to be prevalent, especially in pig populations that were already affected last year," the Hunan Province Pig Production Technique System, a provincial-level think tank, said in a report widely carried among industry websites last week. Hunan is China's major pig-producing province.
Chinese veterinary authorities reported an outbreak of the disease in Ningxia Autonomous Region last week to the World Organization for Animal Health.
China also reported an outbreak among swine, sheep, cattle and goats in Guizhou province in July and among pigs in Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region in March.
A resurgence of a variant of foot-and-mouth disease is threatening China's pig supply and underpinning pork prices, a senior industry analyst with Rabobank Group said.
The disease, which affects most parts of the world that have major animal husbandry industries, creates the risk of pork prices continuing to keep food costs elevated at a time when Beijing is seeking to combat high consumer-price inflation.
"Hog inventories have risen a bit but disease is quite serious," Chenjun Pan said. "From the industry, we know the disease is coming back and it might worsen depending on the weather change and the vaccination and sanitary measures taken by the farmers."
Average wholesale fresh pork prices tracked by the Ministry of Commerce have fallen 3.7% this week since reaching a record CNY26.44 (€2.98) a kilogram in mid-September.
However, October prices are still up about 45% on year, suggesting hog supply hasn't significantly improved, Pan said.
"In the second half of the year, foot-and-mouth disease will continue to be prevalent, especially in pig populations that were already affected last year," the Hunan Province Pig Production Technique System, a provincial-level think tank, said in a report widely carried among industry websites last week. Hunan is China's major pig-producing province.
Chinese veterinary authorities reported an outbreak of the disease in Ningxia Autonomous Region last week to the World Organization for Animal Health.
China also reported an outbreak among swine, sheep, cattle and goats in Guizhou province in July and among pigs in Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region in March.
South Korea: Foot and Mouth disease may have struck
//01 Nov 2011
The Agriculture Ministry said that South Korea has possibly discovered what seems to be Foot and Mouth Disease at a cattle farm in Pohang city. Last year 9.7 million cattle, pigs and poultry were culled due to disease outbreaks such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease and bird flu.
According to the farm owner, 14 cattle seemed to have contracted the disease and currently tests are being carried out in order to confirm the disease.
As a result if disease outbreaks last year, inflation increased and a rise in meat imports was also seen.
Source: Bloomberg.com
The Agriculture Ministry said that South Korea has possibly discovered what seems to be Foot and Mouth Disease at a cattle farm in Pohang city. Last year 9.7 million cattle, pigs and poultry were culled due to disease outbreaks such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease and bird flu.
According to the farm owner, 14 cattle seemed to have contracted the disease and currently tests are being carried out in order to confirm the disease.
As a result if disease outbreaks last year, inflation increased and a rise in meat imports was also seen.
Source: Bloomberg.com
29 October 2011
Russia: Sixth outbreak of ASF this month
//28 Oct 2011
The sixth outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in the last month in Russia and the fifth in the Krasnodar region has been detected a few days ago.
According to the official statement by Rosselkhoznadzor, the ASF virus was found on a private farm "Pobeda", which has 7600 pigs.
According Rosselkhoznadzor’s press service, the Briukhovetsky district is where the virus this time has been registered – it contains 39 600 pigs while individual sectors have about 5900 heads. A special commission of Rosselkhoznadzor will decide how many animals will be destroyed.
According to Rosstat, the number of pigs in the Krasnodar region as of 1October has been reduced (compared to same period of the last year) by 7.2%.
"This statistic obviously is the result of outbreaks of African swine fever, said representatives of Rosselkhoznadzor. “Moreover, the greatest decrease was observed at individual households (13.4%) and on the private farms (18.5%). It is predicted that if this negative trend of livestock reduction continues, then the retail prices for meat and meat products will experience a strong pressure because the regional market could face a deficit of pork.”
It is also predicted that by the end of the year the total number of pigs in the Krasnodar region could be reduced by 13% compared with the numbers for the same period of last year.
The sixth outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in the last month in Russia and the fifth in the Krasnodar region has been detected a few days ago.
According to the official statement by Rosselkhoznadzor, the ASF virus was found on a private farm "Pobeda", which has 7600 pigs.
According Rosselkhoznadzor’s press service, the Briukhovetsky district is where the virus this time has been registered – it contains 39 600 pigs while individual sectors have about 5900 heads. A special commission of Rosselkhoznadzor will decide how many animals will be destroyed.
According to Rosstat, the number of pigs in the Krasnodar region as of 1October has been reduced (compared to same period of the last year) by 7.2%.
"This statistic obviously is the result of outbreaks of African swine fever, said representatives of Rosselkhoznadzor. “Moreover, the greatest decrease was observed at individual households (13.4%) and on the private farms (18.5%). It is predicted that if this negative trend of livestock reduction continues, then the retail prices for meat and meat products will experience a strong pressure because the regional market could face a deficit of pork.”
It is also predicted that by the end of the year the total number of pigs in the Krasnodar region could be reduced by 13% compared with the numbers for the same period of last year.
PRRS outbreaks in Vietnam
//27 Oct 2011
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, there have been Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) outbreaks in five provinces.
The disease has made its way to four southern and one central province in Vietnam. PRRS has spread in Long An, Tay Ninh, Soc Trang, and Tien Giang in the south and Quang Nam in the central region, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Diep Kinh Tan said.
It has been reported that Long An is the area most affected, with 7,000 pigs that have been culled due to the disease.
The provincial Department of the Agriculture and Rural Development purchased 30,000 vaccines for distribution.
Diep Kinh Tan has ordered the tightening of control to halt the spread of the disease. Health authorities in Dien Ban have announced a pandemic.
** Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), also known as blue-ear pig disease, is a virus that causes a disease of pigs, called porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). This economically important, pandemic disease causes reproductive failure in breeding stock and respiratory tract illness in young pigs. (Wikipedia)
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, there have been Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) outbreaks in five provinces.
The disease has made its way to four southern and one central province in Vietnam. PRRS has spread in Long An, Tay Ninh, Soc Trang, and Tien Giang in the south and Quang Nam in the central region, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Diep Kinh Tan said.
It has been reported that Long An is the area most affected, with 7,000 pigs that have been culled due to the disease.
The provincial Department of the Agriculture and Rural Development purchased 30,000 vaccines for distribution.
Diep Kinh Tan has ordered the tightening of control to halt the spread of the disease. Health authorities in Dien Ban have announced a pandemic.
** Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), also known as blue-ear pig disease, is a virus that causes a disease of pigs, called porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). This economically important, pandemic disease causes reproductive failure in breeding stock and respiratory tract illness in young pigs. (Wikipedia)
Rabobank: Foot-and-mouth disease threatens China’s pig sector
//27 Oct 2011
A resurgence of a variant of foot-and-mouth disease is threatening China's pig supply and underpinning pork prices, a senior industry analyst with Rabobank Group said.
The disease, which affects most parts of the world that have major animal husbandry industries, creates the risk of pork prices continuing to keep food costs elevated at a time when Beijing is seeking to combat high consumer-price inflation.
"Hog inventories have risen a bit but disease is quite serious," Chenjun Pan said. "From the industry, we know the disease is coming back and it might worsen depending on the weather change and the vaccination and sanitary measures taken by the farmers."
Average wholesale fresh pork prices tracked by the Ministry of Commerce have fallen 3.7% this week since reaching a record CNY26.44 (€2.98) a kilogram in mid-September.
However, October prices are still up about 45% on year, suggesting hog supply hasn't significantly improved, Pan said.
"In the second half of the year, foot-and-mouth disease will continue to be prevalent, especially in pig populations that were already affected last year," the Hunan Province Pig Production Technique System, a provincial-level think tank, said in a report widely carried among industry websites last week. Hunan is China's major pig-producing province.
Chinese veterinary authorities reported an outbreak of the disease in Ningxia Autonomous Region last week to the World Organization for Animal Health.
China also reported an outbreak among swine, sheep, cattle and goats in Guizhou province in July and among pigs in Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region in March.
A resurgence of a variant of foot-and-mouth disease is threatening China's pig supply and underpinning pork prices, a senior industry analyst with Rabobank Group said.
The disease, which affects most parts of the world that have major animal husbandry industries, creates the risk of pork prices continuing to keep food costs elevated at a time when Beijing is seeking to combat high consumer-price inflation.
"Hog inventories have risen a bit but disease is quite serious," Chenjun Pan said. "From the industry, we know the disease is coming back and it might worsen depending on the weather change and the vaccination and sanitary measures taken by the farmers."
Average wholesale fresh pork prices tracked by the Ministry of Commerce have fallen 3.7% this week since reaching a record CNY26.44 (€2.98) a kilogram in mid-September.
However, October prices are still up about 45% on year, suggesting hog supply hasn't significantly improved, Pan said.
"In the second half of the year, foot-and-mouth disease will continue to be prevalent, especially in pig populations that were already affected last year," the Hunan Province Pig Production Technique System, a provincial-level think tank, said in a report widely carried among industry websites last week. Hunan is China's major pig-producing province.
Chinese veterinary authorities reported an outbreak of the disease in Ningxia Autonomous Region last week to the World Organization for Animal Health.
China also reported an outbreak among swine, sheep, cattle and goats in Guizhou province in July and among pigs in Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region in March.
Research: Dietary supplements to reduce methane emissions
//27 Oct 2011
Australian researchers investigated the influence of cold-pressed canola, brewers grains and hominy meal as dietary supplements suitable for reducing enteric methane emissions from lactating dairy cows.
There are limited data in the literature concerning in vivo effects of dietary fat supplementation on enteric CH4 emissions from lactating dairy cows.
The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate four dietary treatments designated as control (CON), brewers grains (BG), hominy meal and cold-pressed canola (HCC) and hominy meal only (HM) for their effects on CH4 emissions and milk production.
Trial setup
Sixteen late lactation Holstein cows were used in pairs, in a double 4 × 4 Latin square experiment with the four dietary treatments fed as total mixed rations over 24 d treatment periods.
All diets contained ∼600 g forage/kg dry matter (DM; 5 kg DM of alfalfa hay and 7 kg DM of perennial ryegrass silage/day).
The CON diet contained 303 g/kg DM of cracked wheat grain and 70 g/kg DM of solvent extracted canola meal and the CON diet was formulated to contain ∼26 g total fat/kg DM.
For the BG, HCC and HM diets, part of the cracked wheat and solvent extracted canola was substituted with the designated fat supplement so that the resulting diets contained 51, 52 and 65 g total fat/kg DM respectively.
Results
Fat supplementation did not influence DM intake and there were only small positive effects on milk yield and negative effects on concentrations of milk fat and milk protein.
The HM diet reduced CH4 emissions when expressed either as g CH4/cow/d, g CH4/kg DM intake, or g CH4/L milk.
The BG diet also reduced CH4 emissions when expressed as g CH4/cow/d or g CH4/L milk, while the HCC diet decreased CH4 emissions in terms of g CH4/L milk.
Combining data from the fat supplemented diets enabled comparison of CH4 emissions from the CON diet with CH4 emissions from the fat supplemented diets.
Fat supplementation reduced CH4 emissions: 500, 462 g CH4/cow/d; 25.0, 23.2 g CH4/kg DM intake and 23.3, 20.5 g CH4/L milk for the CON and fat supplemented groups respectively.
Similarly, by combining data from all fat supplemented groups, regression analysis revealed that fat supplementation reduced CH4 emissions for at least 7 wk.
Conclusion
Combining results of this investigation with data from the literature, the scientists conclude that for each increase of 10 g/kg DM in dietary lipid concentration, enteric emissions are reduced by 0.79 g CH4/kg DM intake or ∼3.5% thereby allowing estimation of the magnitude of enteric CH4 abatement based on dietary fat supplementation.
Australian researchers investigated the influence of cold-pressed canola, brewers grains and hominy meal as dietary supplements suitable for reducing enteric methane emissions from lactating dairy cows.
There are limited data in the literature concerning in vivo effects of dietary fat supplementation on enteric CH4 emissions from lactating dairy cows.
The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate four dietary treatments designated as control (CON), brewers grains (BG), hominy meal and cold-pressed canola (HCC) and hominy meal only (HM) for their effects on CH4 emissions and milk production.
Trial setup
Sixteen late lactation Holstein cows were used in pairs, in a double 4 × 4 Latin square experiment with the four dietary treatments fed as total mixed rations over 24 d treatment periods.
All diets contained ∼600 g forage/kg dry matter (DM; 5 kg DM of alfalfa hay and 7 kg DM of perennial ryegrass silage/day).
The CON diet contained 303 g/kg DM of cracked wheat grain and 70 g/kg DM of solvent extracted canola meal and the CON diet was formulated to contain ∼26 g total fat/kg DM.
For the BG, HCC and HM diets, part of the cracked wheat and solvent extracted canola was substituted with the designated fat supplement so that the resulting diets contained 51, 52 and 65 g total fat/kg DM respectively.
Results
Fat supplementation did not influence DM intake and there were only small positive effects on milk yield and negative effects on concentrations of milk fat and milk protein.
The HM diet reduced CH4 emissions when expressed either as g CH4/cow/d, g CH4/kg DM intake, or g CH4/L milk.
The BG diet also reduced CH4 emissions when expressed as g CH4/cow/d or g CH4/L milk, while the HCC diet decreased CH4 emissions in terms of g CH4/L milk.
Combining data from the fat supplemented diets enabled comparison of CH4 emissions from the CON diet with CH4 emissions from the fat supplemented diets.
Fat supplementation reduced CH4 emissions: 500, 462 g CH4/cow/d; 25.0, 23.2 g CH4/kg DM intake and 23.3, 20.5 g CH4/L milk for the CON and fat supplemented groups respectively.
Similarly, by combining data from all fat supplemented groups, regression analysis revealed that fat supplementation reduced CH4 emissions for at least 7 wk.
Conclusion
Combining results of this investigation with data from the literature, the scientists conclude that for each increase of 10 g/kg DM in dietary lipid concentration, enteric emissions are reduced by 0.79 g CH4/kg DM intake or ∼3.5% thereby allowing estimation of the magnitude of enteric CH4 abatement based on dietary fat supplementation.
EU tightens control on dioxins in food and feed
//26 Oct 2011
Member states have endorsed a draft regulation governing the handling of crude vegetable oils to the European Commission in order to get a firmer grip on dioxin contaminations in food and feed.
The measure was endorsed last week by the member states at the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health. It will now be sent to the European Parliament and Council for scrutiny before the Commission can officially approve it. The regulation is expected to enter into force in mid-2012.
The regulation is a response to the dioxide crisis last December and January that shut down meat and egg sales from 4,700 farms across Germany after animal feed was found to be contaminated with the cancer-causing chemical.
About 136,000 metric tonnes of feed for poultry and swine containing industrial fat was fed to livestock across Germany. The fat contained industrial dioxins and should not have been in the animals' feed.
The draft regulation contains four measures to be implemented throughout the EU by mid-2012 to reduce the risk of contamination in the food chain. These measures are aimed at avoiding food recalls from the market and financial costs to consumers and industries.
Feed businesses processing crude vegetable oils, manufacturing products derived from oils of vegetable origin and blending fats, will have to be approved, and not only registered, by the competent authority.
Fats intended for feed and food will be strictly segregated during their production and transport from fats intended for technical use in the chemical industry. The labels on the products must explicitly mention their intended use to help prevent products unfit for feed from entering the food chain.
An EU harmonized plan with mandatory minimum testing for dioxin depending on the risk inherent to the products, will be introduced. The testing will focus on the risky products at the moment they enter the feed chain to facilitate the detection of non-compliant cases and the enforcement of feed law.
All laboratories are obliged to directly notify the competent authorities of any excessive findings of dioxins.
Although industry will have to bear some addition costs under the new regulation, annual costs will amount to just a small percentage of the costs of one dioxin incident.
Member states have endorsed a draft regulation governing the handling of crude vegetable oils to the European Commission in order to get a firmer grip on dioxin contaminations in food and feed.
The measure was endorsed last week by the member states at the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health. It will now be sent to the European Parliament and Council for scrutiny before the Commission can officially approve it. The regulation is expected to enter into force in mid-2012.
The regulation is a response to the dioxide crisis last December and January that shut down meat and egg sales from 4,700 farms across Germany after animal feed was found to be contaminated with the cancer-causing chemical.
About 136,000 metric tonnes of feed for poultry and swine containing industrial fat was fed to livestock across Germany. The fat contained industrial dioxins and should not have been in the animals' feed.
The draft regulation contains four measures to be implemented throughout the EU by mid-2012 to reduce the risk of contamination in the food chain. These measures are aimed at avoiding food recalls from the market and financial costs to consumers and industries.
Feed businesses processing crude vegetable oils, manufacturing products derived from oils of vegetable origin and blending fats, will have to be approved, and not only registered, by the competent authority.
Fats intended for feed and food will be strictly segregated during their production and transport from fats intended for technical use in the chemical industry. The labels on the products must explicitly mention their intended use to help prevent products unfit for feed from entering the food chain.
An EU harmonized plan with mandatory minimum testing for dioxin depending on the risk inherent to the products, will be introduced. The testing will focus on the risky products at the moment they enter the feed chain to facilitate the detection of non-compliant cases and the enforcement of feed law.
All laboratories are obliged to directly notify the competent authorities of any excessive findings of dioxins.
Although industry will have to bear some addition costs under the new regulation, annual costs will amount to just a small percentage of the costs of one dioxin incident.
25 October 2011
The search for alternatives to zinc oxide
//28 Feb 2011
In the beginning, the use of zinc oxide in pig production was greeted with some skepticism. Ever since, the method has always remained the subject of pro and con discussions, resulting nowadays in some countries having embraced, banned or re-embraced ZnO. This overview aims to give more insight into its history – and alternatives.
In fact, it's been known for a long time that zinc oxide (ZnO) could stop diarrhoeas in weaned pigs.
By Dr Ioannis Mavromichalis, international consulting nutriionist, Ariston Nutrition, Spain
Perhaps what Dr Hanne Poulsen presented back in 1989 wasn’t news, but for sure the knowledge was not widely known at the time. At the scientific community at the 40th annual meeting of the European Association for Animal Production in Dublin she said that zinc oxide (ZnO) could stop diarrhoeas in weaned pigs – a long-practiced remedy among some veterinarians. After all, ZnO was already used as a bacteriostatic in human medicine in the form of ointment applied to external cuts and other skin problems. In 1989, it was the first time that this method of controlling diarrhoea in piglets was published in a scientific forum.
In the beginning, the use of zinc oxide in pig production was greeted with some skepticism. Ever since, the method has always remained the subject of pro and con discussions, resulting nowadays in some countries having embraced, banned or re-embraced ZnO. This overview aims to give more insight into its history – and alternatives.
In fact, it's been known for a long time that zinc oxide (ZnO) could stop diarrhoeas in weaned pigs.
By Dr Ioannis Mavromichalis, international consulting nutriionist, Ariston Nutrition, Spain
Perhaps what Dr Hanne Poulsen presented back in 1989 wasn’t news, but for sure the knowledge was not widely known at the time. At the scientific community at the 40th annual meeting of the European Association for Animal Production in Dublin she said that zinc oxide (ZnO) could stop diarrhoeas in weaned pigs – a long-practiced remedy among some veterinarians. After all, ZnO was already used as a bacteriostatic in human medicine in the form of ointment applied to external cuts and other skin problems. In 1989, it was the first time that this method of controlling diarrhoea in piglets was published in a scientific forum.
Danes want to keep their leading position in pig production
//25 Oct 2011
The Danish Pig Research Centre is confident about the future pig production in Denmark. This is the conclusion today at the Danish Pig Research Centre’s Annual Meeting.
Together with 35 pigs per sow per year, the Danish Pig Research Centre wants to develop and employ pens for loose lactating sows and reduce the overall mortality by 20 percent before 2020.
“For about 10 to 15 percent of the Danish producers this is a mission impossible, but for the rest it’s possible,” said chairman Lindhart B. Nielsen (top photo) from Danish Pig Research Centre .
Also director Nicolaj H. Noergaard from the Danish Pig Research Centre is convinced of the Danish pig producer’s capability to survive.
Director Nicolaj H. Noergaard- Danish Pig Research Centre.
“You are world-class pig producers, and it is important for us and the surroundings that we send out the signal that we are among the best pig producers in the world when it comes to environmental, health related and productivity related matters,” said Noergaard.
To keep the Danish pig producers in the leading position, Noergaard mentioned that the Danish Pig Research Centre has launched a new project which means they can reach 35 pigs per year per sow. This can be done due to new breeding objects focused on maternal qualities among other things.
“At the same time we will focus on developing a farrowing pen for loose lactating sows without raising the mortality in the farrowing unit,” said Noergaard. But he pointed out that it has to be a safe pen for the piglets, before they can recommend loose lactating sows.
On top of that, the Danish Pig Research Centre wants to reduce the overall mortality by 20 percent before 2020. “We call it minus 20 in 20,” added Noergaard.
And both the chairman and the director are convinced that the Danish pig producers will keep their leading position.
“You can do it by using the technical knowledge and latest technology out in the stable. Therefore we and the politician have to give priority to research and development within the pig industry,” said Nielsen.
After the Annual Meeting there is a two day congress for pig producers with 94 speakers, all of whom will deliver a message about how the Danes will have to keep their leading position.
The Danish pig industry means quite a lot to the Danish society. In 2010 production was 28.6 million pigs. The overall value of pig production in 2010 was about €4.2 billion.
***Main photo: Chairman Lindhart B. Nielsen - Danish Pig Research Centre.
(By Asger Kjær Nielsen)
The Danish Pig Research Centre is confident about the future pig production in Denmark. This is the conclusion today at the Danish Pig Research Centre’s Annual Meeting.
Together with 35 pigs per sow per year, the Danish Pig Research Centre wants to develop and employ pens for loose lactating sows and reduce the overall mortality by 20 percent before 2020.
“For about 10 to 15 percent of the Danish producers this is a mission impossible, but for the rest it’s possible,” said chairman Lindhart B. Nielsen (top photo) from Danish Pig Research Centre .
Also director Nicolaj H. Noergaard from the Danish Pig Research Centre is convinced of the Danish pig producer’s capability to survive.
Director Nicolaj H. Noergaard- Danish Pig Research Centre.
“You are world-class pig producers, and it is important for us and the surroundings that we send out the signal that we are among the best pig producers in the world when it comes to environmental, health related and productivity related matters,” said Noergaard.
To keep the Danish pig producers in the leading position, Noergaard mentioned that the Danish Pig Research Centre has launched a new project which means they can reach 35 pigs per year per sow. This can be done due to new breeding objects focused on maternal qualities among other things.
“At the same time we will focus on developing a farrowing pen for loose lactating sows without raising the mortality in the farrowing unit,” said Noergaard. But he pointed out that it has to be a safe pen for the piglets, before they can recommend loose lactating sows.
On top of that, the Danish Pig Research Centre wants to reduce the overall mortality by 20 percent before 2020. “We call it minus 20 in 20,” added Noergaard.
And both the chairman and the director are convinced that the Danish pig producers will keep their leading position.
“You can do it by using the technical knowledge and latest technology out in the stable. Therefore we and the politician have to give priority to research and development within the pig industry,” said Nielsen.
After the Annual Meeting there is a two day congress for pig producers with 94 speakers, all of whom will deliver a message about how the Danes will have to keep their leading position.
The Danish pig industry means quite a lot to the Danish society. In 2010 production was 28.6 million pigs. The overall value of pig production in 2010 was about €4.2 billion.
***Main photo: Chairman Lindhart B. Nielsen - Danish Pig Research Centre.
(By Asger Kjær Nielsen)
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