//31 May 2011
Since 23 May the Mulino, Nizhny Novgorod region in Russia has been reported to no longer be under quarantine. The region was associated with an outbreak of African Swine Fever recently, but the absence of the virus has been confirmed on 13 May.
"Specialists have finished the organizational and animal health measures to eliminate hotbeds of African Swine Fever and to prevent the disease from spreading in adjacent territories in the period of quarantine from 18 April to 20 May,” stated the Committee of state veterinary control. “Since 23 May the sale of pork products to markets of the area is permitted," added region officials.
The quarantine was imposed following the registration of African Swine Fever found in a backyard in the Volodarsky region on 18 April. The Rostov region, where a few months earlier African Swine Fever was discovered, is also no longer under quarantine.
Epidemic still a threat
However, experts believe it is too early to say that the epidemic is receding - recently two new outbreaks were recorded in the Krasnodar region and the Vladimir region. In each case, the investigation of pathological material sampled from the dead pigs by the Russian Scientific Research Institute of Veterinary Virology and Microbiology, gave a positive result. Animals were infected with Classical Swine Fever.
Since the beginning of the year in Russia more than twenty cases of African Swine Fever were officially registered. According to experts there is a very high probability of occurrence of new virus outbreaks in the Kuban and the Caucasus regions.
31 May 2011
Philippine pig farms stepping up biosecurity
//30 May 2011
While the Philippines still has a large backyard farm segment, swine production continues to move ahead in terms of consolidation, expertise and production levels. The closed 1,000 sow Nenas Quintos farms, located close to Manila, are a good example of the Philippines’ successful pig business.
There are currently more than 12 million pigs housed in the Philippines, which has a strong domestic market of 95 million people, but weak export markets. Many pork products are integral to Filipino cuisine, with firm favourites such as lechon kawali (fried salted pork belly), cicharon (dry pork skin and fat), bopis (spicy pig liver), dinuguan (pig intestines cooked in pork blood) and adobo pork stew.
The backyard farm sector is scattered throughout the 7,100 islands that make up the Philippines and probably comprise 70-80% of the total pig output. Many households hold some pigs throughout the year up until June, when they are often sold to provide an income for the family to pay for annual school tuition costs. Farm-gate prices therefore tend to peak in May.
Larger agribusiness operationsIn the larger agribusiness swine operations there is increasing integration (breeder and feed suppliers, finisher contractors) around the major cities and the number of smaller to medium-sized farms are also building up. What were once 100-sow farms are now 500- or 1,000-sow farms.
Some excellent farms in the Philippines are located in the agricultural province of Bulacan located close to Metropolitan Manila. Nenas Quintos farms are a well-run, 1,000 sow, single-site swine farming operation. The farms provide around 20,000 finisher pigs each year into the local dealer markets and slaughterhouses.
There are around 70,000 sows in the small and busy Bulacan province alone, which means all have difficult biosecurity issues due to the presence of numerous nearby farms.
At Nenas Quintos there is strong management control of the farrowing, weaner and finisher area operations, with well-cleaned facilities for breeder, nursery and finisher pigs. The farm maintains an excellent weaning weight of 8 kg, with low losses in wean-to-finish of only 6%. Slaughter weights tend to be low in the Philippines at 90 kg live bodyweight in the local markets.
Relatively high feed input prices are currently countered by good farm-gate prices. The high price and uncertain availability of coconut oil and cereals for animal feed, is often countered by the use of alternative meal ingredients placed into pig rations. The Nenas farms has taken this use of alternatives and by-products to new levels with on-site feed milling of a very wide range of alternatives. They currently use only 10% corn cereal in the final diets, with added components derived from bulk purchases (1 to 5 tonnes) of stale or unused noodles, biscuits, corn chip snacks, chocolate milk drinks, banana meal, coconut meal, chocolate snack bars, milk powder and others. As a result they are able to keep feed costs at 30% below the national average of 21 pesos (US$0.50) per kg. The farm has a closed herd, with both females and boars derived from on-site breeding programs. The managers and veterinarians are actively investigating new improved lines of Large White pigs from other suppliers; this breed is felt to provide the best all-round performance in tropical conditions.The finisher sheds have been constructed in a typical 800 to 1,000 head capacity in a set of adjacent sheds. Each shed has excellent curtain-sided ventilation and water-filled flush gutters for cooling. While American strains of PRRS were present on many Filipino farms, the closed farm structure in this herd has led to stable infections and low weaner mortality rates of only 1% to 3%.
PED
The farmer was having good success with the use of gut health stabilisers such as Sangrovit alkaloids to control some PED diarrhoea and poor performance in the finishers.
The Philippines is one of the few major pig producing countries with a major problem with the PED epidemic diarrhoea virus. Probably 100% of Filipino pig farms have been affected in the past five years and many farms complain of having regular re-occurring PED outbreaks – every six to 12 months, when specific immunity wanes in each breeding herd. There are no reliable vaccines on the market and the search is on for a good quality vaccine that will halt this common problem.On the upside, the Philippines’ pig industry has had great success recently in becoming free from Foot-and-Mouth Disease after a long struggle, particularly on the main island of Luzon. It is hoped that this can provide an incentive for increased pork exports, from the main integrators, such as Monterey and Bounty Fresh.
Source: Pig Progress magazine Volume 27. No. 4
While the Philippines still has a large backyard farm segment, swine production continues to move ahead in terms of consolidation, expertise and production levels. The closed 1,000 sow Nenas Quintos farms, located close to Manila, are a good example of the Philippines’ successful pig business.
There are currently more than 12 million pigs housed in the Philippines, which has a strong domestic market of 95 million people, but weak export markets. Many pork products are integral to Filipino cuisine, with firm favourites such as lechon kawali (fried salted pork belly), cicharon (dry pork skin and fat), bopis (spicy pig liver), dinuguan (pig intestines cooked in pork blood) and adobo pork stew.
The backyard farm sector is scattered throughout the 7,100 islands that make up the Philippines and probably comprise 70-80% of the total pig output. Many households hold some pigs throughout the year up until June, when they are often sold to provide an income for the family to pay for annual school tuition costs. Farm-gate prices therefore tend to peak in May.
Larger agribusiness operationsIn the larger agribusiness swine operations there is increasing integration (breeder and feed suppliers, finisher contractors) around the major cities and the number of smaller to medium-sized farms are also building up. What were once 100-sow farms are now 500- or 1,000-sow farms.
Some excellent farms in the Philippines are located in the agricultural province of Bulacan located close to Metropolitan Manila. Nenas Quintos farms are a well-run, 1,000 sow, single-site swine farming operation. The farms provide around 20,000 finisher pigs each year into the local dealer markets and slaughterhouses.
There are around 70,000 sows in the small and busy Bulacan province alone, which means all have difficult biosecurity issues due to the presence of numerous nearby farms.
At Nenas Quintos there is strong management control of the farrowing, weaner and finisher area operations, with well-cleaned facilities for breeder, nursery and finisher pigs. The farm maintains an excellent weaning weight of 8 kg, with low losses in wean-to-finish of only 6%. Slaughter weights tend to be low in the Philippines at 90 kg live bodyweight in the local markets.
Relatively high feed input prices are currently countered by good farm-gate prices. The high price and uncertain availability of coconut oil and cereals for animal feed, is often countered by the use of alternative meal ingredients placed into pig rations. The Nenas farms has taken this use of alternatives and by-products to new levels with on-site feed milling of a very wide range of alternatives. They currently use only 10% corn cereal in the final diets, with added components derived from bulk purchases (1 to 5 tonnes) of stale or unused noodles, biscuits, corn chip snacks, chocolate milk drinks, banana meal, coconut meal, chocolate snack bars, milk powder and others. As a result they are able to keep feed costs at 30% below the national average of 21 pesos (US$0.50) per kg. The farm has a closed herd, with both females and boars derived from on-site breeding programs. The managers and veterinarians are actively investigating new improved lines of Large White pigs from other suppliers; this breed is felt to provide the best all-round performance in tropical conditions.The finisher sheds have been constructed in a typical 800 to 1,000 head capacity in a set of adjacent sheds. Each shed has excellent curtain-sided ventilation and water-filled flush gutters for cooling. While American strains of PRRS were present on many Filipino farms, the closed farm structure in this herd has led to stable infections and low weaner mortality rates of only 1% to 3%.
PED
The farmer was having good success with the use of gut health stabilisers such as Sangrovit alkaloids to control some PED diarrhoea and poor performance in the finishers.
The Philippines is one of the few major pig producing countries with a major problem with the PED epidemic diarrhoea virus. Probably 100% of Filipino pig farms have been affected in the past five years and many farms complain of having regular re-occurring PED outbreaks – every six to 12 months, when specific immunity wanes in each breeding herd. There are no reliable vaccines on the market and the search is on for a good quality vaccine that will halt this common problem.On the upside, the Philippines’ pig industry has had great success recently in becoming free from Foot-and-Mouth Disease after a long struggle, particularly on the main island of Luzon. It is hoped that this can provide an incentive for increased pork exports, from the main integrators, such as Monterey and Bounty Fresh.
Source: Pig Progress magazine Volume 27. No. 4
Latest European view on antibiotics – launch of dose calculator
//31 May 2011
Following the latest European Parliament’s view on the use of antibiotics in livestock and poultry, animal health company Huvepharma has launched a ‘Dose Calculator’. This will allow veterinarians to more precisely measure the correct dose of antibiotics when applying these to pigs or poultry.
On May 12, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the use of antibiotics in livestock. In this document, the Parliament “emphasises that the ultimate objective is to maintain antimicrobials as an effective tool to combat disease, both in animals and in humans, while keeping the use of antimicrobials to the strict necessary.”
Prudent and responsible use
In addition, the European Parliament “calls for a prudent and responsible use of antimicrobials in animals and for more information to veterinarians and farmers to minimise the development of anti-microbial resistance; calls for the exchange of best practices such as the acceptance of guidelines on the prudent use of antimicrobials as important tools to combat the development of antimicrobial resistance.”
The Parliament directed itself to all stakeholders to acknowledge their responsibility for preventing both the development and the spread of antimicrobial resistance, “each in their own area of activity such as veterinary medicine and animal husbandry.”
Amendment
The adopted resolution repeatedly pointed to the impact of inadequate dosing and inappropriate use of antimicrobials in both humans and animal on the selection of antimicrobials resistance – this is where Huvepharma, headquartered in Bulgaria and Belgium, is focusing on.
The company’s dose calculator was developed to assure the right dose expressed in mg/kg body weight and for the right indication and correct registered usage period. This antibiotic dose calculator is available for the and certified veterinary surgeon responsible for farmers and livestock under his guidance and this for poultry and pig applications.
It was designed to calculate always the correct dose and is applicable for every medicated premix, water soluble veterinary product, in pig or poultry production, regardless of product concentration and it will be available in any part of the world.
Related websites:
Huvepharma
European Parliament
Following the latest European Parliament’s view on the use of antibiotics in livestock and poultry, animal health company Huvepharma has launched a ‘Dose Calculator’. This will allow veterinarians to more precisely measure the correct dose of antibiotics when applying these to pigs or poultry.
On May 12, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the use of antibiotics in livestock. In this document, the Parliament “emphasises that the ultimate objective is to maintain antimicrobials as an effective tool to combat disease, both in animals and in humans, while keeping the use of antimicrobials to the strict necessary.”
Prudent and responsible use
In addition, the European Parliament “calls for a prudent and responsible use of antimicrobials in animals and for more information to veterinarians and farmers to minimise the development of anti-microbial resistance; calls for the exchange of best practices such as the acceptance of guidelines on the prudent use of antimicrobials as important tools to combat the development of antimicrobial resistance.”
The Parliament directed itself to all stakeholders to acknowledge their responsibility for preventing both the development and the spread of antimicrobial resistance, “each in their own area of activity such as veterinary medicine and animal husbandry.”
Amendment
The adopted resolution repeatedly pointed to the impact of inadequate dosing and inappropriate use of antimicrobials in both humans and animal on the selection of antimicrobials resistance – this is where Huvepharma, headquartered in Bulgaria and Belgium, is focusing on.
The company’s dose calculator was developed to assure the right dose expressed in mg/kg body weight and for the right indication and correct registered usage period. This antibiotic dose calculator is available for the and certified veterinary surgeon responsible for farmers and livestock under his guidance and this for poultry and pig applications.
It was designed to calculate always the correct dose and is applicable for every medicated premix, water soluble veterinary product, in pig or poultry production, regardless of product concentration and it will be available in any part of the world.
Related websites:
Huvepharma
European Parliament
30 May 2011
Aviagen acquires Ross Breeders Anadolu
//30 May 2011
Aviagen has completed the transition of Ross Breeders Anadolu from a Joint Venture to a wholly-owned Aviagen company.
Ross Breeders Anadolu, based in the Central Anatolian region of Turkey, was formed in August 1999 as a Joint Venture between Aviagen and Supreme Foods of Saudi Arabia, part of the Dabbagh Group. In order to meet both companies’ long-term business strategies, Aviagen has now acquired the Supreme Foods shareholding.
Supreme Foods continue to be a very important Ross Parent Stock (PS) customer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The acquisition includes the Kalecik PS hatchery, built in 2001, which has since supplied over 32 million chicks to the Turkish market, and a diagnostic laboratory, established in 2003 and accredited by the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Stephen Jones will continue to be the General Manager of the company and all existing personnel will remain with the business.
Commenting on the acquisition, Tom Exley, Aviagen’s VP of International Business said: "Ross Breeders Anadolu has been a success story in the Turkish market with Ross products being the market leader for many years. We are delighted to welcome Ross Breeders Anadolu to the Aviagen Group and this acquisition allows us to continue to develop our understanding and relations with the Turkish market, therefore gaining a better understanding of their needs so we can provide them with the best possible products, supply and service.”
Source: Aviagen
Aviagen has completed the transition of Ross Breeders Anadolu from a Joint Venture to a wholly-owned Aviagen company.
Ross Breeders Anadolu, based in the Central Anatolian region of Turkey, was formed in August 1999 as a Joint Venture between Aviagen and Supreme Foods of Saudi Arabia, part of the Dabbagh Group. In order to meet both companies’ long-term business strategies, Aviagen has now acquired the Supreme Foods shareholding.
Supreme Foods continue to be a very important Ross Parent Stock (PS) customer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The acquisition includes the Kalecik PS hatchery, built in 2001, which has since supplied over 32 million chicks to the Turkish market, and a diagnostic laboratory, established in 2003 and accredited by the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Stephen Jones will continue to be the General Manager of the company and all existing personnel will remain with the business.
Commenting on the acquisition, Tom Exley, Aviagen’s VP of International Business said: "Ross Breeders Anadolu has been a success story in the Turkish market with Ross products being the market leader for many years. We are delighted to welcome Ross Breeders Anadolu to the Aviagen Group and this acquisition allows us to continue to develop our understanding and relations with the Turkish market, therefore gaining a better understanding of their needs so we can provide them with the best possible products, supply and service.”
Source: Aviagen
CPF Charoen allocates US$174m for expansion
//27 May 2011
Animal feed and processed chicken producer PT Charoen Pokphand Indonesia (CPI) says it will allocate Rp 1.5 trillion (US$174 million) in 2011 for capital expenditures to support expansion plans.
CPI director Ong Mei Sian said on Wednesday that the funds would be sourced internally, even though bank loans were available. She added that the company would spend the funds to increase the capacity at existing plants, relocate an existing plant in Lampung and build a new plant in East Java.
CPI, the local subsidiary of the Thai conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Foods, currently has seven plants – one each in West Java, Central Java, Lampung, North Sumatra and South Sulawesi and two plants in East Java.
The company produces poultry feed, day-old chickens (DOC) and processed chicken.
CPI president director Thomas Effendy told reporters the company was aiming to increase sales by 15% and profits by 10% this year with the investment.
CPI booked Rp 15.07 trillion in net sales in 2010 of which 75% was contributed by poultry feed products, 15% by DOC and the rest by processed chicken.
The company’s annual meeting approved to pay out 29.53% of last year’s net profit of Rp 2.21 trillion, giving shareholders a dividend of Rp 39.80 per share.
Animal feed and processed chicken producer PT Charoen Pokphand Indonesia (CPI) says it will allocate Rp 1.5 trillion (US$174 million) in 2011 for capital expenditures to support expansion plans.
CPI director Ong Mei Sian said on Wednesday that the funds would be sourced internally, even though bank loans were available. She added that the company would spend the funds to increase the capacity at existing plants, relocate an existing plant in Lampung and build a new plant in East Java.
CPI, the local subsidiary of the Thai conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Foods, currently has seven plants – one each in West Java, Central Java, Lampung, North Sumatra and South Sulawesi and two plants in East Java.
The company produces poultry feed, day-old chickens (DOC) and processed chicken.
CPI president director Thomas Effendy told reporters the company was aiming to increase sales by 15% and profits by 10% this year with the investment.
CPI booked Rp 15.07 trillion in net sales in 2010 of which 75% was contributed by poultry feed products, 15% by DOC and the rest by processed chicken.
The company’s annual meeting approved to pay out 29.53% of last year’s net profit of Rp 2.21 trillion, giving shareholders a dividend of Rp 39.80 per share.
29 May 2011
Global threat: African Swine Fever spreading
//27 May 2011
Warning of a likely imminent upsurge of a deadly pig disease in the Caucasus region and Russian Federation, FAO today called on affected countries to step up precautionary measures and for a concerted international effort to prevent the infection spreading more widely across the Northern Hemisphere.
GLobal threat
“African swine fever is fast becoming a global issue,” said Juan Lubroth, FAO's Chief Veterinary Officer. “It now poses an immediate threat to Europe and beyond. Countries need to be on the alert and to strengthen their preparedness and contingency plans.”
Measures recommended for countries by FAO include risk analyses to evaluate the situation and assess potential consequences. Such analyses should pave the way for fully-fledged contingency plans and provide the rationale for selecting disease-control strategies.
Importantly, there is currently no vaccine for the disease, which is very often lethal to pigs but is not harmful to humans.
Preventive action
Preventive strategies include quarantine, on-farm security and other measures aimed at minimizing the risk of ASF being introduced and becoming established. Early-warning contingency plans include epidemiological information-gathering, training and awareness campaigns.
African Swine Fever (ASF) was introduced into Georgia from southern Africa late in 2006, entering through the Black Sea port of Poti, where garbage from a ship was taken to a dump where pigs came to feed. Currently, ASF is spreading northwards at the rate of roughly 350 km a year.
Outbreaks are distinctly seasonal, with the highest number of cases registered in the summer and autumn. But as the ASF wave travels northwards a separate phenomenon, long-distance “jumps", is also occurring.
Finland
For example in the spring of 2011 ASF suddenly appeared in the port of Murmansk, more than 3000 km from southern Russia, and close to the border with Finland. In 2009 it leaped 2000 kilometers to St Petersburg where, however, it appears to have been contained after a relapse at the end of 2010 and again in March 2011.
ASF long-distance jumps are food-borne, with virus surviving in pig meat products taken by travellers. At the destination, food scraps may be fed to pigs, setting off a new outbreak.
The frequency of such jumps is increasing as the originally-infected territory enlarges. The ASF virus strain now spreading is a very aggressive one.
Buffer zone
ASF is now considered as being established in Georgia, Armenia and the southern part of the Russian Federation. And the number of long-distance outbreaks has increased this year.
Russia plans to set up a buffer zone next to the infected region, which may involve suspension of pig production in certain areas and measures directed at wild boar populations.
Still, progress will be difficult as farmers often appear not to be reporting ASF outbreaks for fear of seeing their pigs culled without adequate compensation.
Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Warning of a likely imminent upsurge of a deadly pig disease in the Caucasus region and Russian Federation, FAO today called on affected countries to step up precautionary measures and for a concerted international effort to prevent the infection spreading more widely across the Northern Hemisphere.
GLobal threat
“African swine fever is fast becoming a global issue,” said Juan Lubroth, FAO's Chief Veterinary Officer. “It now poses an immediate threat to Europe and beyond. Countries need to be on the alert and to strengthen their preparedness and contingency plans.”
Measures recommended for countries by FAO include risk analyses to evaluate the situation and assess potential consequences. Such analyses should pave the way for fully-fledged contingency plans and provide the rationale for selecting disease-control strategies.
Importantly, there is currently no vaccine for the disease, which is very often lethal to pigs but is not harmful to humans.
Preventive action
Preventive strategies include quarantine, on-farm security and other measures aimed at minimizing the risk of ASF being introduced and becoming established. Early-warning contingency plans include epidemiological information-gathering, training and awareness campaigns.
African Swine Fever (ASF) was introduced into Georgia from southern Africa late in 2006, entering through the Black Sea port of Poti, where garbage from a ship was taken to a dump where pigs came to feed. Currently, ASF is spreading northwards at the rate of roughly 350 km a year.
Outbreaks are distinctly seasonal, with the highest number of cases registered in the summer and autumn. But as the ASF wave travels northwards a separate phenomenon, long-distance “jumps", is also occurring.
Finland
For example in the spring of 2011 ASF suddenly appeared in the port of Murmansk, more than 3000 km from southern Russia, and close to the border with Finland. In 2009 it leaped 2000 kilometers to St Petersburg where, however, it appears to have been contained after a relapse at the end of 2010 and again in March 2011.
ASF long-distance jumps are food-borne, with virus surviving in pig meat products taken by travellers. At the destination, food scraps may be fed to pigs, setting off a new outbreak.
The frequency of such jumps is increasing as the originally-infected territory enlarges. The ASF virus strain now spreading is a very aggressive one.
Buffer zone
ASF is now considered as being established in Georgia, Armenia and the southern part of the Russian Federation. And the number of long-distance outbreaks has increased this year.
Russia plans to set up a buffer zone next to the infected region, which may involve suspension of pig production in certain areas and measures directed at wild boar populations.
Still, progress will be difficult as farmers often appear not to be reporting ASF outbreaks for fear of seeing their pigs culled without adequate compensation.
Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Vietnam halts nationwide poultry vaccination
//27 May 2011
The nationwide vaccination of poultry against bird flu in Vietnam has been halted as a new type of the H5N1 virus had rendered the vaccine ineffective the Vietnamese government has said.
The government said in a statement that a new type of the virus had appeared in 2010 following post-vaccination surveillance. Vietnam had planned to use a vaccine imported from China for its vaccination this year, but the vaccine did not work against the new variety, the Animal Health Department said.
The new type has been circulating in northern provinces, coastal provinces in the central region as well as in the Central Highlands, although it was reported that the old type of the virus remains active in southern provinces.
H5N1 virus in poultry was first detected in Vietnam in 2003 and health experts now fear that the disease could mutate to a form that could be easily transmitted between humans. Almost all of the human H5N1 infections to date are believed to have passed from birds to humans.
Vietnam has detected no human cases of bird flu in 2011 but several provinces across the country have reported outbreaks in ducks and chickens.
Source: Reuters India
The nationwide vaccination of poultry against bird flu in Vietnam has been halted as a new type of the H5N1 virus had rendered the vaccine ineffective the Vietnamese government has said.
The government said in a statement that a new type of the virus had appeared in 2010 following post-vaccination surveillance. Vietnam had planned to use a vaccine imported from China for its vaccination this year, but the vaccine did not work against the new variety, the Animal Health Department said.
The new type has been circulating in northern provinces, coastal provinces in the central region as well as in the Central Highlands, although it was reported that the old type of the virus remains active in southern provinces.
H5N1 virus in poultry was first detected in Vietnam in 2003 and health experts now fear that the disease could mutate to a form that could be easily transmitted between humans. Almost all of the human H5N1 infections to date are believed to have passed from birds to humans.
Vietnam has detected no human cases of bird flu in 2011 but several provinces across the country have reported outbreaks in ducks and chickens.
Source: Reuters India
USDA, urged ,prohibit, antibiotic-resistant ,Salmonella ,Poultry
//27 May 2011
Ground meat and poultry found to contain antibiotic-resistant strains of Salmonella should be recalled from the marketplace or withheld from commerce, according to a regulatory petition filed by the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
Ground meat and poultry found to contain antibiotic-resistant strains of Salmonella should be recalled from the marketplace or withheld from commerce, according to a regulatory petition filed by the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
The nonprofit food safety watchdog group wants the US Department of Agriculture to declare four such Salmonella strains as “adulterants” under federal law, making products that contain them illegal to sell.
Foodborne illnesses
CSPI is also urging testing for antibiotic-resistant Salmonella in ground meat and poultry, citing a number of major outbreaks of foodborne illnesses linked to the four strains. Those illnesses are harder for physicians to treat, resulting in longer hospitalizations and increased mortality, according to the group.
USDA already recalls products contaminated with antibiotic-resistant Salmonella—but only after those products have made people sick, according to CSPI. The group’s petition asks the agency to establish a testing regime for these pathogens in ground meat and poultry in the same way that it has for E. coli O157:H7. USDA declared that particularly dangerous strain of E. coli an adulterant in 1994.
Salmonella strains
The four Salmonella strains covered by the petition, Salmonella Heidelberg, Salmonella Newport, Salmonella Hadar, and Salmonella Typhimurium, have all been linked to outbreaks.
CSPI claims that the antibiotic resistance is an inevitable consequence of antibiotic overuse, stating that most antibiotics used on animal farms are not used to treat disease, but to promote growth or to prevent diseases caused by overcrowding, poor hygiene, and other problems.
The CSPI is also one of the organisations suing the FDA as reported here: FDA sued over antibiotics in poultry feed
Related website
Center for Science in the Public Interest
USDA
Ground meat and poultry found to contain antibiotic-resistant strains of Salmonella should be recalled from the marketplace or withheld from commerce, according to a regulatory petition filed by the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
Ground meat and poultry found to contain antibiotic-resistant strains of Salmonella should be recalled from the marketplace or withheld from commerce, according to a regulatory petition filed by the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
The nonprofit food safety watchdog group wants the US Department of Agriculture to declare four such Salmonella strains as “adulterants” under federal law, making products that contain them illegal to sell.
Foodborne illnesses
CSPI is also urging testing for antibiotic-resistant Salmonella in ground meat and poultry, citing a number of major outbreaks of foodborne illnesses linked to the four strains. Those illnesses are harder for physicians to treat, resulting in longer hospitalizations and increased mortality, according to the group.
USDA already recalls products contaminated with antibiotic-resistant Salmonella—but only after those products have made people sick, according to CSPI. The group’s petition asks the agency to establish a testing regime for these pathogens in ground meat and poultry in the same way that it has for E. coli O157:H7. USDA declared that particularly dangerous strain of E. coli an adulterant in 1994.
Salmonella strains
The four Salmonella strains covered by the petition, Salmonella Heidelberg, Salmonella Newport, Salmonella Hadar, and Salmonella Typhimurium, have all been linked to outbreaks.
CSPI claims that the antibiotic resistance is an inevitable consequence of antibiotic overuse, stating that most antibiotics used on animal farms are not used to treat disease, but to promote growth or to prevent diseases caused by overcrowding, poor hygiene, and other problems.
The CSPI is also one of the organisations suing the FDA as reported here: FDA sued over antibiotics in poultry feed
Related website
Center for Science in the Public Interest
USDA
FDA sued over antibiotics in animal feed
//27 May 2011
A coalition of health and consumer organisations have filed a federal lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration, claiming that the FDA failed to take action to protect human health.
The suit alleges that the FDA has known since 1977 that feeding animals low doses of certain antibiotics used in human medicine—namely penicillin and tetracyclines—could promote antibiotic-resistant bacteria capable of infecting people. Despite this conclusion and laws requiring that the agency act on its findings, the FDA failed to take any action to protect human health.
The lawsuit seeks to "compel FDA to take action on the agency's own safety findings, withdrawing approval for most non-therapeutic uses of penicillin and tetracyclines in animal feed."
The organizations suing the FDA include the Natural Resources Defense Council, Center for Science in the Public Interest, Food Animal Concerns Trust, Public Citizen and Union of Concerned Scientists.
Approximately 70 percent of all antibiotics used in the United States are given to healthy farm animals at low doses to promote faster growth and compensate for unsanitary living conditions, according to the coalition's statement. The antibiotics are added to feed or mixed into water for pigs, cows, chicken and turkeys. Because they are administered at such low levels, they leave surviving bacteria stronger and more able to resist them.
"Accumulating evidence shows that antibiotics are becoming less effective, while our grocery store meat is increasingly laden with drug-resistant bacteria," Peter Lehner, NRDC executive director, said in the statement.
Last year, the FDA urged farmers to give fewer antibiotics to livestock and poultry to reduce the risk of superbugs, multi-drug-resistant bacteria that can be transferred to humans and can cause infections that are difficult or impossible to treat, are more likely to be fatal, and can require longer and more expensive hospital stays. But FDA officials also stressed the drugs could play an important role on farms when used properly
A coalition of health and consumer organisations have filed a federal lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration, claiming that the FDA failed to take action to protect human health.
The suit alleges that the FDA has known since 1977 that feeding animals low doses of certain antibiotics used in human medicine—namely penicillin and tetracyclines—could promote antibiotic-resistant bacteria capable of infecting people. Despite this conclusion and laws requiring that the agency act on its findings, the FDA failed to take any action to protect human health.
The lawsuit seeks to "compel FDA to take action on the agency's own safety findings, withdrawing approval for most non-therapeutic uses of penicillin and tetracyclines in animal feed."
The organizations suing the FDA include the Natural Resources Defense Council, Center for Science in the Public Interest, Food Animal Concerns Trust, Public Citizen and Union of Concerned Scientists.
Approximately 70 percent of all antibiotics used in the United States are given to healthy farm animals at low doses to promote faster growth and compensate for unsanitary living conditions, according to the coalition's statement. The antibiotics are added to feed or mixed into water for pigs, cows, chicken and turkeys. Because they are administered at such low levels, they leave surviving bacteria stronger and more able to resist them.
"Accumulating evidence shows that antibiotics are becoming less effective, while our grocery store meat is increasingly laden with drug-resistant bacteria," Peter Lehner, NRDC executive director, said in the statement.
Last year, the FDA urged farmers to give fewer antibiotics to livestock and poultry to reduce the risk of superbugs, multi-drug-resistant bacteria that can be transferred to humans and can cause infections that are difficult or impossible to treat, are more likely to be fatal, and can require longer and more expensive hospital stays. But FDA officials also stressed the drugs could play an important role on farms when used properly
26 May 2011
Cull causes feed grain demand in South Korea to fall
//26 May 2011
Millions of pigs, cattle and poultry were culled during late 2010 to April this year in South Korea, due to disease, and as a result the demand for feed grain is expected to fall by as much as 10%, according to a local feed group.
Kim Chi Young, a director for grain purchases at Korea Feed Association, the nation’s top grain-buying group, said in an interview, that Consumption may fall 7-10% in 2011 from an estimated 9.35 million metric tons for 2010
South Korea destroyed about 9.7 million cattle, pigs and poultry after outbreaks of foot- and-mouth and bird-flu last winter.
“The Korean livestock industry may remain sluggish for a long time after the outbreaks,” said Kim at the group’s headquarters in Seoul. “It will probably take a long while for the pork industry, in particular, to recover.”
Corn futures in Chicago have doubled in the past year, climbing to the highest since 2008, as global supplies failed to keep pace with demand. South Korea (third largest corn buyer), which relies on imports for almost all its corn and wheat requirements.
Demand for corn may fall more than wheat this year as feed makers would seek to increase use of wheat at the expense of corn, Kim said, without giving a forecast. Output of the so- called compound feed made from various ingredients including corn and wheat may decline as much as 10% this year from 17.53 million last year, he said.
“Feed makers are trying hard to cut costs as they can hardly raise prices, while grain prices are rising,” Kim said.
The import cost for corn was about $63 a ton higher than wheat in April, compared with about $25 a year earlier, Kim said.
Corn futures were little changed at $7.535 a bushel at 11:38 a.m. Seoul time on the Chicago Board of Trade, while wheat was also little changed at $8.035 a bushel. Corn has advanced about 20% this year, while wheat rose 1%.
“Corn prices may remain strong as there’s always a risk of adverse weather and high oil prices support demand for ethanol, while demand from emerging markets keeps on growing,” said Park Jong Beom, a trader at Tong Yang Securities Inc. in Seoul.
South Korea’s corn imports will drop to 8 million tons in the year that ends Sept. 30, down from 8.46 million a year earlier, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service said in a report on May 4. Wheat imports will slide to 4 million tons in the year ended June 30, compared with 4.362 million a year earlier, the USDA unit said.
South Korea, Asia’s second-biggest grain buyer, imported 6.54 million tons of feed-corn last year, representing about 76% of total corn imports, data on the website of the Korea International Trade Association showed. Feed-wheat imports stood at 2.23 million tons, or about half its total wheat imports.
Millions of pigs, cattle and poultry were culled during late 2010 to April this year in South Korea, due to disease, and as a result the demand for feed grain is expected to fall by as much as 10%, according to a local feed group.
Kim Chi Young, a director for grain purchases at Korea Feed Association, the nation’s top grain-buying group, said in an interview, that Consumption may fall 7-10% in 2011 from an estimated 9.35 million metric tons for 2010
South Korea destroyed about 9.7 million cattle, pigs and poultry after outbreaks of foot- and-mouth and bird-flu last winter.
“The Korean livestock industry may remain sluggish for a long time after the outbreaks,” said Kim at the group’s headquarters in Seoul. “It will probably take a long while for the pork industry, in particular, to recover.”
Corn futures in Chicago have doubled in the past year, climbing to the highest since 2008, as global supplies failed to keep pace with demand. South Korea (third largest corn buyer), which relies on imports for almost all its corn and wheat requirements.
Demand for corn may fall more than wheat this year as feed makers would seek to increase use of wheat at the expense of corn, Kim said, without giving a forecast. Output of the so- called compound feed made from various ingredients including corn and wheat may decline as much as 10% this year from 17.53 million last year, he said.
“Feed makers are trying hard to cut costs as they can hardly raise prices, while grain prices are rising,” Kim said.
The import cost for corn was about $63 a ton higher than wheat in April, compared with about $25 a year earlier, Kim said.
Corn futures were little changed at $7.535 a bushel at 11:38 a.m. Seoul time on the Chicago Board of Trade, while wheat was also little changed at $8.035 a bushel. Corn has advanced about 20% this year, while wheat rose 1%.
“Corn prices may remain strong as there’s always a risk of adverse weather and high oil prices support demand for ethanol, while demand from emerging markets keeps on growing,” said Park Jong Beom, a trader at Tong Yang Securities Inc. in Seoul.
South Korea’s corn imports will drop to 8 million tons in the year that ends Sept. 30, down from 8.46 million a year earlier, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service said in a report on May 4. Wheat imports will slide to 4 million tons in the year ended June 30, compared with 4.362 million a year earlier, the USDA unit said.
South Korea, Asia’s second-biggest grain buyer, imported 6.54 million tons of feed-corn last year, representing about 76% of total corn imports, data on the website of the Korea International Trade Association showed. Feed-wheat imports stood at 2.23 million tons, or about half its total wheat imports.
Nutrition for obtaining 35 piglets per year
//25 May 2011
Denmark is the most efficient pig producer of the world and farms achieve 35 weaned piglets per sow per year. At the Alltech Symposium in Lexington, Kentucky (USA) Gunner Sorensen of the Danish Pig Research Centre talked about the prerequisites to achieve this high number.
“We use a highly specialised production system and a unique breed, Danbred, which allows us to breed extremely high performing sows that produce many piglets< “ Sorensen said.
“At the same time these sows have a very high feed utilisation compared to other countries. It is crucial that sows are capable of properly tending to the majority of the pigs,” he added.
According to Sorensen efficient productivity levels on sow farms depend on:
•Skilled and reliable staff who cooperate and act with care
•Uniform work procedures in the farrowing facility
•An adequate gilt population of a satisfactory quality
•A farrowing rate above 90
•Efficient management of sow body condition
•An animal welfare policy ensuring treatment of weak sows aiming at a culling rate below 5%.
15 pigs per litter
“Sows must be able to tend to more piglets per litter without jeopardising sow health,” Sorensen said.
He said that in a recent trial it was demonstrated that healthy sows are capable of handling 15 piglets per litter, without compromising the number of weaned piglets. As the number of piglets in the litter increases, the piglets can be supplemented with dry feed.
Body condition
Management of sow body condition is of utmost importance and reduces feed use and the necessity to cull sows early. Body condition should be evaluated through the entire cycle and take place at farrowing, at weaning, at first gestation check and approximately at 70 days in gestation. As a result of the scores individual feed doses should be adjusted.
Digestion and transport of feed in the sow’s gastro-intestinal tract must function in a healthy manner, which requires a balanced diet.
“Otherwise sows might develop gastric changes such as pale and unthrifty pigs, black or dark faeces, failure to finish the feed and possible vomiting, or suboptimal performance,” Sorensen said.
Stomach ulcers
Sorensen emphasised that the content of fibre and starch must be correct in the diet, and also that the feed must not be ground too fine. Finely ground feeds are the cause of stomach ulcers.
“Wheat is the feedstuff that has the greatest effect on gastric health and should be used with care,” he said.
Sorensen also noticed that limited water supply can also attribute to stomach ulcers, which is a management issue that is often overlooked.
Lactation diets
It was found that piglets have different needs shortly after birth and a week later. Sorensen therefore said that a special “sow colostrum feed” would add to the liveability of the piglets and after approximately a week followed by a feed for the rest of the lactation period
Denmark is the most efficient pig producer of the world and farms achieve 35 weaned piglets per sow per year. At the Alltech Symposium in Lexington, Kentucky (USA) Gunner Sorensen of the Danish Pig Research Centre talked about the prerequisites to achieve this high number.
“We use a highly specialised production system and a unique breed, Danbred, which allows us to breed extremely high performing sows that produce many piglets< “ Sorensen said.
“At the same time these sows have a very high feed utilisation compared to other countries. It is crucial that sows are capable of properly tending to the majority of the pigs,” he added.
According to Sorensen efficient productivity levels on sow farms depend on:
•Skilled and reliable staff who cooperate and act with care
•Uniform work procedures in the farrowing facility
•An adequate gilt population of a satisfactory quality
•A farrowing rate above 90
•Efficient management of sow body condition
•An animal welfare policy ensuring treatment of weak sows aiming at a culling rate below 5%.
15 pigs per litter
“Sows must be able to tend to more piglets per litter without jeopardising sow health,” Sorensen said.
He said that in a recent trial it was demonstrated that healthy sows are capable of handling 15 piglets per litter, without compromising the number of weaned piglets. As the number of piglets in the litter increases, the piglets can be supplemented with dry feed.
Body condition
Management of sow body condition is of utmost importance and reduces feed use and the necessity to cull sows early. Body condition should be evaluated through the entire cycle and take place at farrowing, at weaning, at first gestation check and approximately at 70 days in gestation. As a result of the scores individual feed doses should be adjusted.
Digestion and transport of feed in the sow’s gastro-intestinal tract must function in a healthy manner, which requires a balanced diet.
“Otherwise sows might develop gastric changes such as pale and unthrifty pigs, black or dark faeces, failure to finish the feed and possible vomiting, or suboptimal performance,” Sorensen said.
Stomach ulcers
Sorensen emphasised that the content of fibre and starch must be correct in the diet, and also that the feed must not be ground too fine. Finely ground feeds are the cause of stomach ulcers.
“Wheat is the feedstuff that has the greatest effect on gastric health and should be used with care,” he said.
Sorensen also noticed that limited water supply can also attribute to stomach ulcers, which is a management issue that is often overlooked.
Lactation diets
It was found that piglets have different needs shortly after birth and a week later. Sorensen therefore said that a special “sow colostrum feed” would add to the liveability of the piglets and after approximately a week followed by a feed for the rest of the lactation period
25 May 2011
Rovabio from Adisseo increases use of DDGS in broiler diets
//25 May 2011
Rovabio, the versatile enzyme from Adisseo, has a proven efficacy on wheat and corn distillers dried grain with solubles (DDGS) on broilers. This has been demonstrated throughout in vitro and in vivo trials.
The metabolizable energy uplift with Rovabio turned out to be about 5.5 % for corn DDGS and 7.5% for wheat DDGS. Significant levels of cellulase and xylanase in Rovabio allow for breakdown of the increased amounts of cellulose and arabinoxylans. When including 15% corn DDGS on a corn-soybean base diet, levels of arabinoxylans and cellulose are increased by about 20% and 30% respectively (25% and 20% for wheat DDGS).
The in vitro data, carried out in France and the USA, show that degradability of dry matter is significantly increased with Rovabio. On wheat DDGS, the increase of degradability ranges from + 8 to + 43 %, and on corn DDGS, from + 16 to + 62 %. The lowest uplift can be explained by the use of industrial carbohydrolases during the production process of DDGS, reducing further improvement potential with feed enzymes. However, Rovabio increases degradability thanks to its combination of 19 enzyme activities.
Related website: Adisseo
Rovabio, the versatile enzyme from Adisseo, has a proven efficacy on wheat and corn distillers dried grain with solubles (DDGS) on broilers. This has been demonstrated throughout in vitro and in vivo trials.
The metabolizable energy uplift with Rovabio turned out to be about 5.5 % for corn DDGS and 7.5% for wheat DDGS. Significant levels of cellulase and xylanase in Rovabio allow for breakdown of the increased amounts of cellulose and arabinoxylans. When including 15% corn DDGS on a corn-soybean base diet, levels of arabinoxylans and cellulose are increased by about 20% and 30% respectively (25% and 20% for wheat DDGS).
The in vitro data, carried out in France and the USA, show that degradability of dry matter is significantly increased with Rovabio. On wheat DDGS, the increase of degradability ranges from + 8 to + 43 %, and on corn DDGS, from + 16 to + 62 %. The lowest uplift can be explained by the use of industrial carbohydrolases during the production process of DDGS, reducing further improvement potential with feed enzymes. However, Rovabio increases degradability thanks to its combination of 19 enzyme activities.
Related website: Adisseo
US egg production up slightly in April
//24 May 2011
United States egg production totaled 7.61 billion during April 2011, up slightly from last year, according to the latest figures from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Production included 6.56 billion table eggs, and 1.06 billion hatching eggs, of which 987 million were broiler-type and 70 million were egg-type. The total number of layers during April 2011 averaged 340 million, down slightly from last year. April egg production per 100 layers was 2,236 eggs, up 1% from April 2010.
All layers in the United States on May 1, 2011 totaled 339 million, down slightly from last year. The 339 million layers consisted of 281 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 54.7 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 2.93 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on May 1, 2011, averaged 74.3 eggs per 100 layers, up 2% from May 1, 2010.
Egg-type chicks
Egg-type chicks hatched during April 2011 totaled 43.4 million, down 9% from April 2010. Eggs in incubators totaled 40.8 million on May 1, 2011, down 2% from a year ago.
Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 287 thousand during April 2011, up 24% from April 2010.
Broiler-type chicks
Broiler-type chicks hatched during April 2011 totaled 780 million, up 2% from April 2010. Eggs in incubators totaled 649 million on May 1, 2011, up 1% from a year earlier.
Leading breeders placed 6.90 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during April 2011, up 1% from April 2010.
Source: USDA
United States egg production totaled 7.61 billion during April 2011, up slightly from last year, according to the latest figures from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Production included 6.56 billion table eggs, and 1.06 billion hatching eggs, of which 987 million were broiler-type and 70 million were egg-type. The total number of layers during April 2011 averaged 340 million, down slightly from last year. April egg production per 100 layers was 2,236 eggs, up 1% from April 2010.
All layers in the United States on May 1, 2011 totaled 339 million, down slightly from last year. The 339 million layers consisted of 281 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 54.7 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 2.93 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on May 1, 2011, averaged 74.3 eggs per 100 layers, up 2% from May 1, 2010.
Egg-type chicks
Egg-type chicks hatched during April 2011 totaled 43.4 million, down 9% from April 2010. Eggs in incubators totaled 40.8 million on May 1, 2011, down 2% from a year ago.
Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 287 thousand during April 2011, up 24% from April 2010.
Broiler-type chicks
Broiler-type chicks hatched during April 2011 totaled 780 million, up 2% from April 2010. Eggs in incubators totaled 649 million on May 1, 2011, up 1% from a year earlier.
Leading breeders placed 6.90 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during April 2011, up 1% from April 2010.
Source: USDA
Gut health a problem in late phase of broiler production
//19 May 2011
Improvements in the genetic performance of broiler birds, which have seen growth rates increase by 25% over the past two decades, has also led to a loss of intestinal integrity in later phases of the bird's life.
Addressing the BVPA spring meeting, Luis Canseco, poultry veterinary adviser for Elanco Animal Health, identified three main types of bacterial enteritis (BE): clostridial enteritis, dysbacteriosis and cholangiohepatitis, all of which led to increased mortality and loss of feed conversion efficiency.
Spotting the problem early was essential and treating the entire flock was recommended once 10% of the birds were found to be infected.
Widespread
Such intestinal diseases were widespread in Europe. A survey by Elanco last year, covering nine EU countries and involving interviews with vets, nutritionists, producers and field technicians, revealed that 23% of flocks were being treated for bacterial enteritis, wet litter or coccidiosis in the late phase.
Another 20% of flocks were "giving cause for concern". The situation was especially bad in Spain, Portugal and France, while rates of infection were lower in the UK, Italy and Germany.
Treatments
Canseco said that, for enteritis in late phase, the most common treatment was still antibiotics (86%), though copper, essential oils, natural growth promoters and restricted water were all used to a limited extent.
Data from the UK showed how all gut health problems tended to get worse as the birds got older, with the watery content of faeces, the level of excess mucus and the amount of undigested food in the gut at slaughter all rising with age.
This message was reinforced by Prof Margie Lee from the University of Georgia, USA. She explained that the balance of microflora in the gut shifted as birds got older. Understanding and managing this shift was crucial to maintaining gut health.
Diet also played a key part. For example, birds fed a wheat diet showed higher levels of Clostridia sp and C irregularis as they got older, while those on a maize diet had more Lactobacillus species.
Source: Farmers Weekly
Improvements in the genetic performance of broiler birds, which have seen growth rates increase by 25% over the past two decades, has also led to a loss of intestinal integrity in later phases of the bird's life.
Addressing the BVPA spring meeting, Luis Canseco, poultry veterinary adviser for Elanco Animal Health, identified three main types of bacterial enteritis (BE): clostridial enteritis, dysbacteriosis and cholangiohepatitis, all of which led to increased mortality and loss of feed conversion efficiency.
Spotting the problem early was essential and treating the entire flock was recommended once 10% of the birds were found to be infected.
Widespread
Such intestinal diseases were widespread in Europe. A survey by Elanco last year, covering nine EU countries and involving interviews with vets, nutritionists, producers and field technicians, revealed that 23% of flocks were being treated for bacterial enteritis, wet litter or coccidiosis in the late phase.
Another 20% of flocks were "giving cause for concern". The situation was especially bad in Spain, Portugal and France, while rates of infection were lower in the UK, Italy and Germany.
Treatments
Canseco said that, for enteritis in late phase, the most common treatment was still antibiotics (86%), though copper, essential oils, natural growth promoters and restricted water were all used to a limited extent.
Data from the UK showed how all gut health problems tended to get worse as the birds got older, with the watery content of faeces, the level of excess mucus and the amount of undigested food in the gut at slaughter all rising with age.
This message was reinforced by Prof Margie Lee from the University of Georgia, USA. She explained that the balance of microflora in the gut shifted as birds got older. Understanding and managing this shift was crucial to maintaining gut health.
Diet also played a key part. For example, birds fed a wheat diet showed higher levels of Clostridia sp and C irregularis as they got older, while those on a maize diet had more Lactobacillus species.
Source: Farmers Weekly
Groups working to identify best euthanasia, slaughter methods
//20 May 2011
The AVMA will lead a meeting looking to examine euthanasia practices across animal species and harmonize international guidance.
The AVMA Executive Board approved spending $60,000 in 2012 on an animal welfare symposium focused on euthanasia and euthanasia guidance. The AVMA Panel on Euthanasia and AVMA Animal Welfare Committee jointly proposed conducting the meeting after finding differences among euthanasia recommendations in publications from various scientific, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations.
The meeting will likely cost between $120,000 and $150,000, but the panel expects that most of the costs would be offset by registration fees and sponsorship. The events would occur over two or three days, and dates had not yet been determined.
Dr. Samuel C. Cartner, who is chair of the laboratory animal working group of the Panel on Euthanasia, said a forum for continued dialogue on euthanasia could help identify gaps in research and resolve questions. While he sees common ground among guidelines from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia, he was among panel members who saw substantial differences.
"I suggested that a symposium might fill a significant role to help us harmonize regulations across continents," Dr. Cartner said.
He thinks the symposium could substantially impact veterinarians' daily practices by helping them identify, establish, and follow best practices, particularly as knowledge about the pharmaceuticals and techniques used for euthanasia changes.
The AVMA will also convene a Panel on Humane Slaughter tasked with producing AVMA guidance on humane slaughter. The panel was created on the basis of a recommendation from the Panel on Euthanasia, which determined that euthanasia and slaughter differ enough in approach, environment, and expectations that the issues should be addressed separately.
The euthanasia panel identified a mix of nine veterinarians and nonveterinarians with expertise in animal welfare and slaughter who were willing to serve as members of the Panel on Humane Slaughter. Those members hope to issue their guidance in late 2012 or early 2013.
Dr. Robert E. Meyer, a member of the Panel on Humane Slaughter and chair of the inhalant methods working group for the euthanasia panel, said veterinarians should be consulted about the appropriateness and humaneness of slaughter methods, as they are in a unique position to recommend ideal methods. Although federal law provides rules on slaughter practices, he said a review of those methods could help further minimize animal suffering.
Dr. Meyer said that, given that millions of animals are slaughtered for food in the U.S. annually, he thinks a report from the humane slaughter panel could have a widespread impact on animal welfare
The AVMA will lead a meeting looking to examine euthanasia practices across animal species and harmonize international guidance.
The AVMA Executive Board approved spending $60,000 in 2012 on an animal welfare symposium focused on euthanasia and euthanasia guidance. The AVMA Panel on Euthanasia and AVMA Animal Welfare Committee jointly proposed conducting the meeting after finding differences among euthanasia recommendations in publications from various scientific, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations.
The meeting will likely cost between $120,000 and $150,000, but the panel expects that most of the costs would be offset by registration fees and sponsorship. The events would occur over two or three days, and dates had not yet been determined.
Dr. Samuel C. Cartner, who is chair of the laboratory animal working group of the Panel on Euthanasia, said a forum for continued dialogue on euthanasia could help identify gaps in research and resolve questions. While he sees common ground among guidelines from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia, he was among panel members who saw substantial differences.
"I suggested that a symposium might fill a significant role to help us harmonize regulations across continents," Dr. Cartner said.
He thinks the symposium could substantially impact veterinarians' daily practices by helping them identify, establish, and follow best practices, particularly as knowledge about the pharmaceuticals and techniques used for euthanasia changes.
The AVMA will also convene a Panel on Humane Slaughter tasked with producing AVMA guidance on humane slaughter. The panel was created on the basis of a recommendation from the Panel on Euthanasia, which determined that euthanasia and slaughter differ enough in approach, environment, and expectations that the issues should be addressed separately.
The euthanasia panel identified a mix of nine veterinarians and nonveterinarians with expertise in animal welfare and slaughter who were willing to serve as members of the Panel on Humane Slaughter. Those members hope to issue their guidance in late 2012 or early 2013.
Dr. Robert E. Meyer, a member of the Panel on Humane Slaughter and chair of the inhalant methods working group for the euthanasia panel, said veterinarians should be consulted about the appropriateness and humaneness of slaughter methods, as they are in a unique position to recommend ideal methods. Although federal law provides rules on slaughter practices, he said a review of those methods could help further minimize animal suffering.
Dr. Meyer said that, given that millions of animals are slaughtered for food in the U.S. annually, he thinks a report from the humane slaughter panel could have a widespread impact on animal welfare
Algae hot topic at Alltech Symposium
//25 May 2011
With the purchase of an algae fermentation plant in November last year Alltech is profiling itself as an innovative company looking into new ingredients and solutions in animal and human nutrition. However, the world of algae is huge and needs further exploration.
It is estimated that there are over 800,000 species of algae that can produce more than 15,000 novel compounds. They have twice of the genome size of yeasts and a growth rate that is over 30 times that of terrestrial plants.
Algae can produce 300 times more oil per hectare compared to for example soybeans. The sunlight dependent species have the ability to a rapid and efficient sequestering of carbon dioxide in the growth process.
James Pierce of Alltech at their Symposium held in Lexington, Kentucky this week elaborated on what algae are and what can be obtained from these miniscule plants.
Multi-purpose output
“Microscopic algae have been around for millions of years,” Pierce said. “They provide an exciting new platform for innovation, from pharmaceuticals to biodiesel to nutritional products.”
There have been decades of research on algae and their first use would be in biofuels, as a fertilizer, in pollution control and as a pigmentation source. In terms of novel food ingredients they can be a valuable source of vitamins and minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidant such as DHA and EPA.
Four target species
Pierce focused on four species: Arthrospira, Chlorella, Dunaliella and Haematococcus.
“Arthrospira contain 55-60% crude protein and have been used in the secondary treatment of effluent from a methane generator to recover nitrogen, carbon and other nutrients,” Pierce said. “Their protein has a high biological value and is very heat stable.”
Chlorella are rapidly growing, single-celled green algae that offer tremendous potential for both food and energy production. “While they contain up to 45% protein, they can be excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids,” Pierce added. “They were already harvested by the Aztecs and used as a food source.
Dunaliella are known for high antioxidant and high beta-carotene contents and are routinely used in the manufacture of cosmetics and dietary supplements.
Haematococcus are fresh water algae that are a good source of astaxanthin, a pigment used in aquaculture and poultry diets.
“Livestock and poultry producers are positioned to take advantage of this renewable, traceable protein, fat and carbohydrate source,” Pierce said. “Algae are truly at the very heart of the future of energy and agriculture and the key to building a sustainable future of our planet.”
With the purchase of an algae fermentation plant in November last year Alltech is profiling itself as an innovative company looking into new ingredients and solutions in animal and human nutrition. However, the world of algae is huge and needs further exploration.
It is estimated that there are over 800,000 species of algae that can produce more than 15,000 novel compounds. They have twice of the genome size of yeasts and a growth rate that is over 30 times that of terrestrial plants.
Algae can produce 300 times more oil per hectare compared to for example soybeans. The sunlight dependent species have the ability to a rapid and efficient sequestering of carbon dioxide in the growth process.
James Pierce of Alltech at their Symposium held in Lexington, Kentucky this week elaborated on what algae are and what can be obtained from these miniscule plants.
Multi-purpose output
“Microscopic algae have been around for millions of years,” Pierce said. “They provide an exciting new platform for innovation, from pharmaceuticals to biodiesel to nutritional products.”
There have been decades of research on algae and their first use would be in biofuels, as a fertilizer, in pollution control and as a pigmentation source. In terms of novel food ingredients they can be a valuable source of vitamins and minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidant such as DHA and EPA.
Four target species
Pierce focused on four species: Arthrospira, Chlorella, Dunaliella and Haematococcus.
“Arthrospira contain 55-60% crude protein and have been used in the secondary treatment of effluent from a methane generator to recover nitrogen, carbon and other nutrients,” Pierce said. “Their protein has a high biological value and is very heat stable.”
Chlorella are rapidly growing, single-celled green algae that offer tremendous potential for both food and energy production. “While they contain up to 45% protein, they can be excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids,” Pierce added. “They were already harvested by the Aztecs and used as a food source.
Dunaliella are known for high antioxidant and high beta-carotene contents and are routinely used in the manufacture of cosmetics and dietary supplements.
Haematococcus are fresh water algae that are a good source of astaxanthin, a pigment used in aquaculture and poultry diets.
“Livestock and poultry producers are positioned to take advantage of this renewable, traceable protein, fat and carbohydrate source,” Pierce said. “Algae are truly at the very heart of the future of energy and agriculture and the key to building a sustainable future of our planet.”
Latest findings ,PRRS ,discussed,Bangkok
//25 May 2011
In early May 2011, top scientists and field practitioners came together in Bangkok, Thailand to present their latest findings on PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome) at the fifth Asian PRRSpective Symposium held by Boehringer Ingelheim.
The symposium provided updates on evolution of highly pathogenic PRRS in Asia and strategies to better control the disease that is spreading across Asia. Pig producers, veterinarians, academicians and government officers from across Asia took part in the symposium, which is held annually in different venues in the region. This year’s edition did host nearly 400 delegates, which makes it the most successful Asian PRRSpective ever.
Immunological control of PRRS
Prof Michael Murtaugh (photograph), a globally respected immunologist from the University of Minnesota, USA, opened the scientific session with a comprehensive insight into challenges and progress in immunological control of PRRS. He concluded that up to now only modified live PRRS vaccines were shown to induce a sound immune response, which is the foundation of solid protection against PRRS.
Two regional experts, Prof Yang (China) and Prof To (Vietnam), provided a good overview towards the highly pathogenic PRRS (HP-PRRS) situation in China and Vietnam. HP-PRRS caused massive losses and huge economic damages. One of the key speakers was Dr Kelly Lager, Veterinary Medical Officer of the National Animal Disease Center, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Dr Lager’s team has challenged vaccinated and non-vaccinated animals with an HP-PRRS isolate from China. He recognised that pigs vaccinated with the company's vaccine Ingelvac PRRS MLV showed a significant reduction of virus load and clinical signs due to PRRSv. This independent study is yet another proof, that the vaccine delivers effective cross-protection against the emerging diversity of PRRSv (including HP-PRRSv).
Practitioners' session
The practitioners’ session was opened by Dr Anan Lertwilai and Dr Watchara Jirasuttisarn (both Vietnam), who presented on behalf of the CP Group. The CP Group is the largest (and among the most modern) pig producer in Asia. He trained the audience in practical PRRS prevention and control strategies from a large integrators perspective.
The following presentations held by experienced veterinarians from the Philippines (Dr Galban, picture), Thailand (Dr Thongmak) and the USA (Dr Gillespie) shared their rich experience with PRRS and provided 'hands on' recommendations to an efficient control of PRRS. The intense Q&A session showed the high interest in practical solutions for this devastating disease.
The animal health company, headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, is eager to provide a platform for knowledge exchange and practical discussions. The Asian PRRSpective contributes to this commitment and based on their feedback, the attending swine experts enjoyed the exhausting but fruitful event.
(By Jitjaroen Channarong, Bernd Große Liesner and Dirk N. Rauleder)
In early May 2011, top scientists and field practitioners came together in Bangkok, Thailand to present their latest findings on PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome) at the fifth Asian PRRSpective Symposium held by Boehringer Ingelheim.
The symposium provided updates on evolution of highly pathogenic PRRS in Asia and strategies to better control the disease that is spreading across Asia. Pig producers, veterinarians, academicians and government officers from across Asia took part in the symposium, which is held annually in different venues in the region. This year’s edition did host nearly 400 delegates, which makes it the most successful Asian PRRSpective ever.
Immunological control of PRRS
Prof Michael Murtaugh (photograph), a globally respected immunologist from the University of Minnesota, USA, opened the scientific session with a comprehensive insight into challenges and progress in immunological control of PRRS. He concluded that up to now only modified live PRRS vaccines were shown to induce a sound immune response, which is the foundation of solid protection against PRRS.
Two regional experts, Prof Yang (China) and Prof To (Vietnam), provided a good overview towards the highly pathogenic PRRS (HP-PRRS) situation in China and Vietnam. HP-PRRS caused massive losses and huge economic damages. One of the key speakers was Dr Kelly Lager, Veterinary Medical Officer of the National Animal Disease Center, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Dr Lager’s team has challenged vaccinated and non-vaccinated animals with an HP-PRRS isolate from China. He recognised that pigs vaccinated with the company's vaccine Ingelvac PRRS MLV showed a significant reduction of virus load and clinical signs due to PRRSv. This independent study is yet another proof, that the vaccine delivers effective cross-protection against the emerging diversity of PRRSv (including HP-PRRSv).
Practitioners' session
The practitioners’ session was opened by Dr Anan Lertwilai and Dr Watchara Jirasuttisarn (both Vietnam), who presented on behalf of the CP Group. The CP Group is the largest (and among the most modern) pig producer in Asia. He trained the audience in practical PRRS prevention and control strategies from a large integrators perspective.
The following presentations held by experienced veterinarians from the Philippines (Dr Galban, picture), Thailand (Dr Thongmak) and the USA (Dr Gillespie) shared their rich experience with PRRS and provided 'hands on' recommendations to an efficient control of PRRS. The intense Q&A session showed the high interest in practical solutions for this devastating disease.
The animal health company, headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, is eager to provide a platform for knowledge exchange and practical discussions. The Asian PRRSpective contributes to this commitment and based on their feedback, the attending swine experts enjoyed the exhausting but fruitful event.
(By Jitjaroen Channarong, Bernd Große Liesner and Dirk N. Rauleder)
Virulence of highly pathogenic PRRSV influenced by Strep suis
//25 May 2011
The virulence of highly pathogenic PRRS is increased when there is a secondary infection with a specific serotype of Streptococcus suis, Chinese researchers have discovered.
In a research, which was published late last year in Virology Journal, researchers Min Xu (Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Harbin, China), and others asked themselves the question whether the presence of Streptococcus suis, serotype 7, had any influence on the virulence of the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus.
The research question originated as in samples, collected during the porcine high fever syndrome (PHFS) outbreak in many parts of China, these two pathogens often have been isolated together. To determine whether the coinfection was the cause of the PHFS outbreak, pigs were infected with a single and a mixed infection.
Results
Respiratory disease, diarrhoea, and anorexia were observed in all infected pigs. Signs of central nervous system disease were observed in four out of 12 highly pathogenic PRRSV-infected pigs and eight out of ten coinfected pigs; however, the symptoms of the coinfected pigs were clearly more severe than those of the HP-PRRSV-infected pigs.
The mortality rate was significantly higher in the coinfected pigs (eight out of ten) than in the HP-PRRSV-infected pigs (two out of 12) and S. suis-infected pigs (none out of ten). The deceased pigs of the coinfected group had symptoms typical of PHFS, such as high fever, anorexia, and red coloration of the ears and the body. The isolation rates of HP-PRRSV and S. suis were higher and the lesion severity was greater in the coinfected pigs than in monoinfected pigs.
In conclusion, the researchers say that HP-PRRSV infection increased susceptibility to S. suis, serotype 7 infection, and coinfection of HP-PRRSV with S. suis, serotype 7 significantly increased the pathogenicity of this serotype of Streptococcus suis to pigs.
APVS Congress
These results are in line with earlier findings, presented at the APVS Congress, in Pattaya, Thailand. There, several speakers argued that HP-PRRS may become more virulent when there is a co-infection.
Related website:
• Virology Journal
The virulence of highly pathogenic PRRS is increased when there is a secondary infection with a specific serotype of Streptococcus suis, Chinese researchers have discovered.
In a research, which was published late last year in Virology Journal, researchers Min Xu (Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Harbin, China), and others asked themselves the question whether the presence of Streptococcus suis, serotype 7, had any influence on the virulence of the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus.
The research question originated as in samples, collected during the porcine high fever syndrome (PHFS) outbreak in many parts of China, these two pathogens often have been isolated together. To determine whether the coinfection was the cause of the PHFS outbreak, pigs were infected with a single and a mixed infection.
Results
Respiratory disease, diarrhoea, and anorexia were observed in all infected pigs. Signs of central nervous system disease were observed in four out of 12 highly pathogenic PRRSV-infected pigs and eight out of ten coinfected pigs; however, the symptoms of the coinfected pigs were clearly more severe than those of the HP-PRRSV-infected pigs.
The mortality rate was significantly higher in the coinfected pigs (eight out of ten) than in the HP-PRRSV-infected pigs (two out of 12) and S. suis-infected pigs (none out of ten). The deceased pigs of the coinfected group had symptoms typical of PHFS, such as high fever, anorexia, and red coloration of the ears and the body. The isolation rates of HP-PRRSV and S. suis were higher and the lesion severity was greater in the coinfected pigs than in monoinfected pigs.
In conclusion, the researchers say that HP-PRRSV infection increased susceptibility to S. suis, serotype 7 infection, and coinfection of HP-PRRSV with S. suis, serotype 7 significantly increased the pathogenicity of this serotype of Streptococcus suis to pigs.
APVS Congress
These results are in line with earlier findings, presented at the APVS Congress, in Pattaya, Thailand. There, several speakers argued that HP-PRRS may become more virulent when there is a co-infection.
Related website:
• Virology Journal
24 May 2011
African Swine Fever hits Cameroon, 100,000 animals could be lost
//24 May 2011
Cameroon has been struck by a fresh outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF). Northern Cameroon is facing the disease and it has been reported that as many as 100,000 animals could be lost due to ASF.
The disease was present in the country in December last year, however, it was believed to have been under control. But the country is in the grips of the new outbreak, which has resulted in the culling of hundreds of pigs.
"I had over 200 pigs ready for the market and was planning on conveying them to the south of the country when disaster struck about a fortnight ago. The animals suddenly began dying and then the authorities issued a ban on the movement of pigs and before I knew it, they came and killed all of my livestock numbering over 300 animals. I don't know where I go from here," stated pig farmer Robert Ngaikoumi.
There is currently no vaccine for African Swine Fever, and there are fears that the disease could make its way to Chad and Nigeria.
Source: UPI.com
Cameroon has been struck by a fresh outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF). Northern Cameroon is facing the disease and it has been reported that as many as 100,000 animals could be lost due to ASF.
The disease was present in the country in December last year, however, it was believed to have been under control. But the country is in the grips of the new outbreak, which has resulted in the culling of hundreds of pigs.
"I had over 200 pigs ready for the market and was planning on conveying them to the south of the country when disaster struck about a fortnight ago. The animals suddenly began dying and then the authorities issued a ban on the movement of pigs and before I knew it, they came and killed all of my livestock numbering over 300 animals. I don't know where I go from here," stated pig farmer Robert Ngaikoumi.
There is currently no vaccine for African Swine Fever, and there are fears that the disease could make its way to Chad and Nigeria.
Source: UPI.com
22 May 2011
Russia hoping to abandon pork imports by 2020
//18 May 2011
By 2020 Russia intends to completely have abandoned pork imports. For the current year, the percentage of imports is expected to come down to 22%.
Recent years have shown a trend that Russia consumes increasingly less foreign produced pork. In 2008, imported pork had a share of about 32.1% on the Russian pork market, in 2010 it dropped to the 25%.
Pork consumption
At the same time consumption of pork in Russia is growing every year, according to Foodmarkets.ru. In 2010, the consumption of pork per capita was about 22 kg. Pork continues to be very popular among Russian citizens. According to official data, more than 90% of population has it in their food ration.
The Russian ministry of agriculture and the National Union of Breeders have developed a branch development programme of pig breeding in Russia, whose implementation by 2020 will fully meet the pork demands of domestic market. Analysts forecast the growth of livestock in 2012 to a level of 23.3 million heads.
"At current rates of pig production development in 2020 this figure will reach the level of 35 million heads. The acceleration of pig production development could be achieved by breeding high-yield breeds of pigs, the establishment of modern breeding and genetic centers, construction of new pig farms and the development of logistics infrastructure," said representatives of Russian Ministry of Agriculture.
Sources: AgroSouz, AgroPerspectiva
By 2020 Russia intends to completely have abandoned pork imports. For the current year, the percentage of imports is expected to come down to 22%.
Recent years have shown a trend that Russia consumes increasingly less foreign produced pork. In 2008, imported pork had a share of about 32.1% on the Russian pork market, in 2010 it dropped to the 25%.
Pork consumption
At the same time consumption of pork in Russia is growing every year, according to Foodmarkets.ru. In 2010, the consumption of pork per capita was about 22 kg. Pork continues to be very popular among Russian citizens. According to official data, more than 90% of population has it in their food ration.
The Russian ministry of agriculture and the National Union of Breeders have developed a branch development programme of pig breeding in Russia, whose implementation by 2020 will fully meet the pork demands of domestic market. Analysts forecast the growth of livestock in 2012 to a level of 23.3 million heads.
"At current rates of pig production development in 2020 this figure will reach the level of 35 million heads. The acceleration of pig production development could be achieved by breeding high-yield breeds of pigs, the establishment of modern breeding and genetic centers, construction of new pig farms and the development of logistics infrastructure," said representatives of Russian Ministry of Agriculture.
Sources: AgroSouz, AgroPerspectiva
Betagro’s swine business takes another step forward
//20 May 2011
Betagro Group's swine business in Thailand has taken a crucial step forward after the government certified its seven farms meet food safety production standards, the Bangkok Post reports.
The award by the Industry Ministry's Management System Certification Institute makes Betagro the first local swine producer and distributor in the country to have its entire supply chain complete the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point programme.
Slaughterhouses
Vasit Taepaisitphongse, the chief operating officer, said that Betagro Group's slaughterhouses and meat-processing facilities were certified several years ago.
The seven farms operate under the subsidiaries Betagro Hybrid International and Thai SPF Products to raise pigs including fatteners and breeders using ‘specific pathogen-free’ (SPF) farm technology.
The SPF designation is applied to animals free from chemicals and diseases throughout the production and supply chains.
Farms
The seven farms are located in Prachin Buri, Lop Buri and Nakhon Sawan provinces.
Vasit said Betagro had integrated its pig business with feed production operations, followed by the operation of breeder and fattening farms for distribution of pigs to farmers and pork processing plants and the processing of cooked and frozen pork products for export.
Sumitomo
The SPF programme was introduced to the country by Japan's Sumitomo, a partner of Thai SPF Products.
Swine operations accounted for 2.4 billion baht (€55.9 million) of Betagro's 52 billion baht (€1.2 billion) in sales revenue last year and contributed significantly to the group's food business and regional operations.
This year, Betagro forecasts sales revenue of 61 billion baht (€1.4 billion) including 2.4 billion baht (€55.9 million) from swine operations, five billion from foods such as sausages and ham and 30.2 billion baht (€703 million) from other operations such as swine abattoirs and processing.
Related websites:
• Bangkok Post
• Betagro
• Sumitomo
Betagro Group's swine business in Thailand has taken a crucial step forward after the government certified its seven farms meet food safety production standards, the Bangkok Post reports.
The award by the Industry Ministry's Management System Certification Institute makes Betagro the first local swine producer and distributor in the country to have its entire supply chain complete the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point programme.
Slaughterhouses
Vasit Taepaisitphongse, the chief operating officer, said that Betagro Group's slaughterhouses and meat-processing facilities were certified several years ago.
The seven farms operate under the subsidiaries Betagro Hybrid International and Thai SPF Products to raise pigs including fatteners and breeders using ‘specific pathogen-free’ (SPF) farm technology.
The SPF designation is applied to animals free from chemicals and diseases throughout the production and supply chains.
Farms
The seven farms are located in Prachin Buri, Lop Buri and Nakhon Sawan provinces.
Vasit said Betagro had integrated its pig business with feed production operations, followed by the operation of breeder and fattening farms for distribution of pigs to farmers and pork processing plants and the processing of cooked and frozen pork products for export.
Sumitomo
The SPF programme was introduced to the country by Japan's Sumitomo, a partner of Thai SPF Products.
Swine operations accounted for 2.4 billion baht (€55.9 million) of Betagro's 52 billion baht (€1.2 billion) in sales revenue last year and contributed significantly to the group's food business and regional operations.
This year, Betagro forecasts sales revenue of 61 billion baht (€1.4 billion) including 2.4 billion baht (€55.9 million) from swine operations, five billion from foods such as sausages and ham and 30.2 billion baht (€703 million) from other operations such as swine abattoirs and processing.
Related websites:
• Bangkok Post
• Betagro
• Sumitomo
20 May 2011
Broiler survey shows potential for better disease control
//19 May 2011
The importance of good protection against infectious bronchitis (IB) and infectious bursal disease (IBD) — often hidden diseases that impair bird performance — has shown up in a new survey of broiler farms in the South West of the UK.
The serology survey, commissioned by Datapoul as part of the South West Health Initiative and supported by a Pfizer Poultry Health educational grant, covered 169 farms representing more than 90% of the broiler farms in the region.
The survey found that 20% of farms tested positive for IB 793B infection — higher than expected and not associated with any clear clinical signs on the farms in question
The newer IB QX variant strain of the disease, which has spread to the UK over the past four years, was found on 7% of farms. These farms were in areas where QX virus had already been diagnosed on layer units.
Poultry vaccination
The positive farms were given advice on adopting a more robust vaccination programme using the vaccine on day 1 and day 10, and on biosecurity measures.
The survey report stated: “The most important thing that farmers can do to protect their flocks against IB is to have good biosecurity and hygiene measures in place.”
Gumboro disease
Regarding IBD also known as Gumboro disease, 24% of farms had positive titres suggesting infection on top of vaccine and pointing to a large number of farms where the disease is sub clinical with raised blood titres.
An audit of the administration and type of vaccine was carried out by the farmers’ vets and, says the report, all farms on intermediate vaccine with evidence of sub clinical infection were moved to a hotter strain of vaccine.
The survey covered 81 farms with standard or lower stocking density indoor production and 88 free range or organic farms. A higher percentage of free range and organic farms tested positive for each type of infection.
Related website
Pfizer
Datapoul
The importance of good protection against infectious bronchitis (IB) and infectious bursal disease (IBD) — often hidden diseases that impair bird performance — has shown up in a new survey of broiler farms in the South West of the UK.
The serology survey, commissioned by Datapoul as part of the South West Health Initiative and supported by a Pfizer Poultry Health educational grant, covered 169 farms representing more than 90% of the broiler farms in the region.
The survey found that 20% of farms tested positive for IB 793B infection — higher than expected and not associated with any clear clinical signs on the farms in question
The newer IB QX variant strain of the disease, which has spread to the UK over the past four years, was found on 7% of farms. These farms were in areas where QX virus had already been diagnosed on layer units.
Poultry vaccination
The positive farms were given advice on adopting a more robust vaccination programme using the vaccine on day 1 and day 10, and on biosecurity measures.
The survey report stated: “The most important thing that farmers can do to protect their flocks against IB is to have good biosecurity and hygiene measures in place.”
Gumboro disease
Regarding IBD also known as Gumboro disease, 24% of farms had positive titres suggesting infection on top of vaccine and pointing to a large number of farms where the disease is sub clinical with raised blood titres.
An audit of the administration and type of vaccine was carried out by the farmers’ vets and, says the report, all farms on intermediate vaccine with evidence of sub clinical infection were moved to a hotter strain of vaccine.
The survey covered 81 farms with standard or lower stocking density indoor production and 88 free range or organic farms. A higher percentage of free range and organic farms tested positive for each type of infection.
Related website
Pfizer
Datapoul
Research: Effect of yeast protein on piglet intestines
//19 May 2011
Australian scientists studied the use of nucleotides, vitamins and functional amino acids to enhance the structure of the small intestine and circulating measures of immune function in the post-weaned piglet.
Ninety individually-housed castrated pigs (Large White × Landrace × Duroc mixed crossbred, n=18) were used in a randomised block experiment to determine the effect of yeast protein concentrate (YPC) or its major active components, nucleotides (NCL), inositol (INS), and glutamate (GLU), on pig performance, indices of gut structure and circulating measures of immune function.
Results
Daily gain and feed intake were not affected by diet, however pigs fed the YPC diet had a lower feed conversion ratio compared to those fed the control (CON), INS and NCL diets in the feeding period.
Villous height in the duodenum was increased in pigs that received the YPC diet compared to the CON and INS diets.
In addition, immunoglobulin G levels were increased in pigs that received the INS and GLU diets compared to the CON and NCL diet on day 21.
Conclusion
These data suggest that although the effect was limited on the duodenal villous structure, pigs fed the YPC diet showed an improved duodenal villous height and the positive effect of YPC is most likely attributable to glutamate and nucleotides in the yeast protein concentrate
Australian scientists studied the use of nucleotides, vitamins and functional amino acids to enhance the structure of the small intestine and circulating measures of immune function in the post-weaned piglet.
Ninety individually-housed castrated pigs (Large White × Landrace × Duroc mixed crossbred, n=18) were used in a randomised block experiment to determine the effect of yeast protein concentrate (YPC) or its major active components, nucleotides (NCL), inositol (INS), and glutamate (GLU), on pig performance, indices of gut structure and circulating measures of immune function.
Results
Daily gain and feed intake were not affected by diet, however pigs fed the YPC diet had a lower feed conversion ratio compared to those fed the control (CON), INS and NCL diets in the feeding period.
Villous height in the duodenum was increased in pigs that received the YPC diet compared to the CON and INS diets.
In addition, immunoglobulin G levels were increased in pigs that received the INS and GLU diets compared to the CON and NCL diet on day 21.
Conclusion
These data suggest that although the effect was limited on the duodenal villous structure, pigs fed the YPC diet showed an improved duodenal villous height and the positive effect of YPC is most likely attributable to glutamate and nucleotides in the yeast protein concentrate
18 May 2011
Research: Lipids to control methane emission in dairy cows
//18 May 2011
Australian scientists studied 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 set up
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 researchers 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 scientists studied 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 set up
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 researchers 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.
16 May 2011
Bird flu discovered in The Netherlands
//13 May 2011
An Avian Influenza outbreak has been diagnosed on an organic poultry farm near the village of Kootwijkerbroek in the Netherlands.
Most likely it is the low pathogenic H7 strain, but still this must be confirmed. All 8,800 hens have been culled immediately. The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture announced a 3 kilometer non transportation zone for live poultry, eggs, litter, manure and feed.
Within the 3 kilometer zone, 60 poultry farms are located. The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture and food safety authorities are investigating all these farms individually on the possible occurrence of AI. All poultry within the 3 kilometer zone must be kept indoors.
An Avian Influenza outbreak has been diagnosed on an organic poultry farm near the village of Kootwijkerbroek in the Netherlands.
Most likely it is the low pathogenic H7 strain, but still this must be confirmed. All 8,800 hens have been culled immediately. The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture announced a 3 kilometer non transportation zone for live poultry, eggs, litter, manure and feed.
Within the 3 kilometer zone, 60 poultry farms are located. The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture and food safety authorities are investigating all these farms individually on the possible occurrence of AI. All poultry within the 3 kilometer zone must be kept indoors.
Korean poultry industry strong despite HPAI outbreaks
//16 May 2011
Korea’s poultry industry has weathered a series of highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks over the last several months with no noticeable impact on the country’s broiler meat production, according to a Gain Report by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.
Poultry consumption has also increased due to a shortage of local pork, high red meat prices, and fears about radiation-contaminated seafood from Japan. As a result, this year’s import estimate was raised 22% to 110,000 tons. In response to high prices, the government has announced its intent to open a zero duty tariff-rate quota (TRQ) for chicken, but exact details have not yet been revealed.
HPAI outbreaks
H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks began in wild birds located in the southern part of the country. The virus quickly spread, affecting commercial duck and chicken operations in 52 farms in 6 provinces. The last case was reported on April 18. Poultry on the affected farms has been culled and those premises within a 500 meter radius were also depopulated as a pre-emptive measure.
As of April 25, 2011, the number of culled poultry has reached a record of 6.4 million birds. Nonetheless, local broiler meat (chicken) production and consumption is expected to remain relatively unchanged from earlier estimates since the scope of the outbreak is relatively small in terms of total inventories. In addition, the affected broiler growers are expected to quickly re-populate their flocks. The largest HPAI outbreak before this latest string of cases was in spring 2008 when 3.45 millions of poultry were culled.
Poultry consumption
Korean consumers are not cutting back on chicken consumption because of the recent spate of HPAI cases in large part because they have already lived through past outbreaks and are well aware that proper handling and cooking eliminate the already low risk of contamination, the report stated.
Korea’s poultry industry has weathered a series of highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks over the last several months with no noticeable impact on the country’s broiler meat production, according to a Gain Report by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.
Poultry consumption has also increased due to a shortage of local pork, high red meat prices, and fears about radiation-contaminated seafood from Japan. As a result, this year’s import estimate was raised 22% to 110,000 tons. In response to high prices, the government has announced its intent to open a zero duty tariff-rate quota (TRQ) for chicken, but exact details have not yet been revealed.
HPAI outbreaks
H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks began in wild birds located in the southern part of the country. The virus quickly spread, affecting commercial duck and chicken operations in 52 farms in 6 provinces. The last case was reported on April 18. Poultry on the affected farms has been culled and those premises within a 500 meter radius were also depopulated as a pre-emptive measure.
As of April 25, 2011, the number of culled poultry has reached a record of 6.4 million birds. Nonetheless, local broiler meat (chicken) production and consumption is expected to remain relatively unchanged from earlier estimates since the scope of the outbreak is relatively small in terms of total inventories. In addition, the affected broiler growers are expected to quickly re-populate their flocks. The largest HPAI outbreak before this latest string of cases was in spring 2008 when 3.45 millions of poultry were culled.
Poultry consumption
Korean consumers are not cutting back on chicken consumption because of the recent spate of HPAI cases in large part because they have already lived through past outbreaks and are well aware that proper handling and cooking eliminate the already low risk of contamination, the report stated.
13 May 2011
Vietnamese farmers finding ways for expansion
//30 Dec 2010
The Vietnamese pig industry has a mixture of larger and smaller pig operations – and especially for the smaller farms the communist world requires clever approaches to be able to obtain investment sums. Pig Progress visited three thriving pig sites with plans to expand.
By Stuart Lumb
Vietnam has the fourth largest swine industry in the world, with 4 million sows – hardly surprising as most Vietnamese prefer a bowl of pork and noodles for breakfast. The industry is an amazing one, with many large intensive units at one end of the spectrum, whilst at the other there are vast numbers of small backyard operators, making up about 30% of the total pig farm numbers.
The large number of small units poses a big headache to government authorities in terms of monitoring them should a major disease break out. Several large Asian integrators have established in Vietnam and they are seen as a threat to the many small family-run operations, as the integrators - by nature of their business, by being both feed compounders and pig producers - are better able to withstand the ups and downs of the pig cycle, as opposed to small independent pig farmers.
Dabaco & Mitraco Farms
•Bac Ninh City, to the north of Vietnam, is the location of a 3,000 sow unit owned by the Dabaco Vietnam Corporation (Dabaco Pig Raising Investment & Development Co.). Director Le Quoc Doan produces 20 pigs per sow per year. Slaughterweight is 100 kg liveweight and FCR from weaning to slaughter is 2.65:1 – which is considered to be too high. Yorkshire, Landrace and Duroc genes are imported from the USA and Canada. His farm is about to grow to 5,000 sows.
•Le Van Nhi is the director of the 1,500 sow Mitraco Breeding Joint-Stock Company, situated in Ha Trinh Province (mid-Vietnam). His farm produces 23 pigs per sow per year. Slaughterweight is 100 kg with weaning to slaughter Feed Conversion Rate (FCR) an excellent 2.45:1. The Mitraco farm is situated in a low pig density area, and enjoys high health status. Breeding stock (GGPs) are bought in from Charoen Pokphand in Thailand and as with the other farms are used to breed a Yorkshire/ Landrace F1 female. Biogas is used to generate electricity, with the plant generating 108 kW/hour over eight hours per day. The farm is doubling up in size in 2011 – labour is plentiful here, plus capital will be raised through public investment as Mitraco is a joint stock company.
Kim Long
Chung Kim is the director of Kim Long Livestock Producers and Feed Processing Company, which runs a 1,050 sow farm in Binh Duong Province. The company is a private one, as are many in Vietnam, despite the fact that Vietnam is still nominally a communist country. In fact, the bulk of farms are still government-owned, plus to further complicate the issue, there are many joint ventures operating as well.
Kim is a passionate supporter of the small family farm and has set up a pig farmers’ association in order to lobby the government and the banks. “The government says that the farmer can get credit from the banks, but the banks won’t lend,” explains Kim. “Our association has more power than an individual small farmer which we can use to get the banks to lend.”
With regard to his unit, overall pigs reared per sow per year stands at 22. His pigs reach slaughterweight of 95 kg at 165 days. He employs an extensive cross-breeding policy, based on Landrace, Yorkshire, Piétrain and Duroc genes. Kim has ‘broad shoulders’ – prior to 2006 he lost US$1 million, but fortunately his pigs are now back in profit.
This article became possible through kind cooperation of Olmix.
The Vietnamese pig industry has a mixture of larger and smaller pig operations – and especially for the smaller farms the communist world requires clever approaches to be able to obtain investment sums. Pig Progress visited three thriving pig sites with plans to expand.
By Stuart Lumb
Vietnam has the fourth largest swine industry in the world, with 4 million sows – hardly surprising as most Vietnamese prefer a bowl of pork and noodles for breakfast. The industry is an amazing one, with many large intensive units at one end of the spectrum, whilst at the other there are vast numbers of small backyard operators, making up about 30% of the total pig farm numbers.
The large number of small units poses a big headache to government authorities in terms of monitoring them should a major disease break out. Several large Asian integrators have established in Vietnam and they are seen as a threat to the many small family-run operations, as the integrators - by nature of their business, by being both feed compounders and pig producers - are better able to withstand the ups and downs of the pig cycle, as opposed to small independent pig farmers.
Dabaco & Mitraco Farms
•Bac Ninh City, to the north of Vietnam, is the location of a 3,000 sow unit owned by the Dabaco Vietnam Corporation (Dabaco Pig Raising Investment & Development Co.). Director Le Quoc Doan produces 20 pigs per sow per year. Slaughterweight is 100 kg liveweight and FCR from weaning to slaughter is 2.65:1 – which is considered to be too high. Yorkshire, Landrace and Duroc genes are imported from the USA and Canada. His farm is about to grow to 5,000 sows.
•Le Van Nhi is the director of the 1,500 sow Mitraco Breeding Joint-Stock Company, situated in Ha Trinh Province (mid-Vietnam). His farm produces 23 pigs per sow per year. Slaughterweight is 100 kg with weaning to slaughter Feed Conversion Rate (FCR) an excellent 2.45:1. The Mitraco farm is situated in a low pig density area, and enjoys high health status. Breeding stock (GGPs) are bought in from Charoen Pokphand in Thailand and as with the other farms are used to breed a Yorkshire/ Landrace F1 female. Biogas is used to generate electricity, with the plant generating 108 kW/hour over eight hours per day. The farm is doubling up in size in 2011 – labour is plentiful here, plus capital will be raised through public investment as Mitraco is a joint stock company.
Kim Long
Chung Kim is the director of Kim Long Livestock Producers and Feed Processing Company, which runs a 1,050 sow farm in Binh Duong Province. The company is a private one, as are many in Vietnam, despite the fact that Vietnam is still nominally a communist country. In fact, the bulk of farms are still government-owned, plus to further complicate the issue, there are many joint ventures operating as well.
Kim is a passionate supporter of the small family farm and has set up a pig farmers’ association in order to lobby the government and the banks. “The government says that the farmer can get credit from the banks, but the banks won’t lend,” explains Kim. “Our association has more power than an individual small farmer which we can use to get the banks to lend.”
With regard to his unit, overall pigs reared per sow per year stands at 22. His pigs reach slaughterweight of 95 kg at 165 days. He employs an extensive cross-breeding policy, based on Landrace, Yorkshire, Piétrain and Duroc genes. Kim has ‘broad shoulders’ – prior to 2006 he lost US$1 million, but fortunately his pigs are now back in profit.
This article became possible through kind cooperation of Olmix.
Intervet/SP launches new atrophic rhinitis vaccine for pigs
//12 May 2011
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has introduced a new vaccine against progressive atrophic rhinitis in piglets.
The vaccine, called Porcilis AR-T DF, is an inactivated vaccine with a new adjuvant associated with fewer injection site reactions.
The vaccine uses Diluvac Forte (DF), an aqueous vitamin E-based adjuvant and it will replace Porcilis AR-T, a similar vaccine containing an oil-based adjuvant. The newly formulated vaccine is approved to reduce the clinical signs of progressive atrophic rhinitis in their offspring.
Atrophic rhinitis
Atrophic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nose mucosal tissue of both suckling and growing pigs. During the process of infection the delicate turbinate bones in the nose become damaged and may shrink or become distorted. There are two forms of the disease: mild and non-progressive where the infection or irritation occurs over a period of two to three weeks. The serious disease form is progressive atrophic rhinitis where toxin-producing strains of P. multocida present in the herd cause a continual and progressive inflammation and atrophy of the tissues.
The clinical characteristics are nose bleeds, shortening of the upper jaw and reductions of daily weight gain, resulting in significant economic losses for pig farmers.
Pasteurella and Bordetella
The new vaccine contains protein dO, a non-toxic gene deletion derivative of the P. multocida dermonecrotic toxin as well as inactivated Bordetella bronchiseptica bacterial cells. B. bronchiseptica is often present with P. multocida and is considered an important predisposing factor for the disease. When pregnant sows are vaccinated, their immune system starts to produce antibodies, which are then passed onto the piglets via colostrum to protect them against the disease.
Field trials with the novel vaccine have shown good protection against the clinical signs of progressive atrophic rhinitis in piglets. In a direct comparative study of the new vaccine against the previous version (without Diluvac Forte), colostrum of vaccinated sows had comparable levels of antibodies against progressive atrophic rhinitis, whereas there were significantly fewer tissue reactions at the injection site in the novel vaccine’s group.
In a placebo-controlled study, piglets from vaccinated sows were protected by the maternally derived antibodies against clinical signs of progressive atrophic rhinitis and had a higher average daily weight gain as well as higher carcass weight at slaughter as compared to untreated controls.
Related website:
• Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has introduced a new vaccine against progressive atrophic rhinitis in piglets.
The vaccine, called Porcilis AR-T DF, is an inactivated vaccine with a new adjuvant associated with fewer injection site reactions.
The vaccine uses Diluvac Forte (DF), an aqueous vitamin E-based adjuvant and it will replace Porcilis AR-T, a similar vaccine containing an oil-based adjuvant. The newly formulated vaccine is approved to reduce the clinical signs of progressive atrophic rhinitis in their offspring.
Atrophic rhinitis
Atrophic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nose mucosal tissue of both suckling and growing pigs. During the process of infection the delicate turbinate bones in the nose become damaged and may shrink or become distorted. There are two forms of the disease: mild and non-progressive where the infection or irritation occurs over a period of two to three weeks. The serious disease form is progressive atrophic rhinitis where toxin-producing strains of P. multocida present in the herd cause a continual and progressive inflammation and atrophy of the tissues.
The clinical characteristics are nose bleeds, shortening of the upper jaw and reductions of daily weight gain, resulting in significant economic losses for pig farmers.
Pasteurella and Bordetella
The new vaccine contains protein dO, a non-toxic gene deletion derivative of the P. multocida dermonecrotic toxin as well as inactivated Bordetella bronchiseptica bacterial cells. B. bronchiseptica is often present with P. multocida and is considered an important predisposing factor for the disease. When pregnant sows are vaccinated, their immune system starts to produce antibodies, which are then passed onto the piglets via colostrum to protect them against the disease.
Field trials with the novel vaccine have shown good protection against the clinical signs of progressive atrophic rhinitis in piglets. In a direct comparative study of the new vaccine against the previous version (without Diluvac Forte), colostrum of vaccinated sows had comparable levels of antibodies against progressive atrophic rhinitis, whereas there were significantly fewer tissue reactions at the injection site in the novel vaccine’s group.
In a placebo-controlled study, piglets from vaccinated sows were protected by the maternally derived antibodies against clinical signs of progressive atrophic rhinitis and had a higher average daily weight gain as well as higher carcass weight at slaughter as compared to untreated controls.
Related website:
• Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health
Market share definitions causes Sanofi-Merck JV failure
//12 May 2011
Sanofi-Aventis plans to cut costs and expand its animal health business through acquisitions after the collapse of its longstanding joint venture with Merck of the US, The Financial Times writes.
Chris Viehbacher, chief executive of the French pharmaceutical group, told the Financial Times there was scope for “synergy” in back office operations, manufacturing, marketing, and research and development.
He said the failure of the partnership meant Sanofi-Aventis would seek new takeover targets in animal health and plan to grow, notably in emerging markets where animal health sales contributed a smaller proportion than other divisions in the group.
Defining market share
In the first detailed comments by either company on the reasons for the failure, Viehbacher said that the failure to recombine the two companies’ animal health divisions was caused by difficulties in clearly defining market share and concentration in a way that permitted international regulatory approvals.
The process led to repeated delays and Viehbacher said that one cannot put a business on hold, stressing that both companies would have preferred to maintain the joint venture.
The current structure allows Sanofi-Aventis to fully consolidate its animal health operations
Sanofi-Aventis plans to cut costs and expand its animal health business through acquisitions after the collapse of its longstanding joint venture with Merck of the US, The Financial Times writes.
Chris Viehbacher, chief executive of the French pharmaceutical group, told the Financial Times there was scope for “synergy” in back office operations, manufacturing, marketing, and research and development.
He said the failure of the partnership meant Sanofi-Aventis would seek new takeover targets in animal health and plan to grow, notably in emerging markets where animal health sales contributed a smaller proportion than other divisions in the group.
Defining market share
In the first detailed comments by either company on the reasons for the failure, Viehbacher said that the failure to recombine the two companies’ animal health divisions was caused by difficulties in clearly defining market share and concentration in a way that permitted international regulatory approvals.
The process led to repeated delays and Viehbacher said that one cannot put a business on hold, stressing that both companies would have preferred to maintain the joint venture.
The current structure allows Sanofi-Aventis to fully consolidate its animal health operations
11 May 2011
China facing new poultry scandal
//11 May 2011
Almost a thousand live chickens filled with mineral powder to increase their weights have been found in China, becoming the latest food scandal in the country.
The chickens were found in Southwest China's Chongqing municipality during a raid jointly conducted by several local authorities while they were being transported from Guizhou province on early Sunday morning.
When officers stopped two trucks carrying suspected chickens at the toll stations of the Chongqing-Guizhou highway, the officers noticed that the chickens' craws were abnormally plump and asked the drivers to hand over several of the chickens for testing.
The owners of the livestock confessed to the inspectors that each of the birds had been fed from 300 to 400 grams of barite powder. Barite powder is mostly used to add weight to oil drilling mud, to deflect X-rays in medical science, as a material in the brakes of vehicles and in high-quality paints.
The chickens had been purchased from Zunyi, a city in Guizhou province. The chickens were seized, and the case is under further investigation.
Source: Xinhua
Almost a thousand live chickens filled with mineral powder to increase their weights have been found in China, becoming the latest food scandal in the country.
The chickens were found in Southwest China's Chongqing municipality during a raid jointly conducted by several local authorities while they were being transported from Guizhou province on early Sunday morning.
When officers stopped two trucks carrying suspected chickens at the toll stations of the Chongqing-Guizhou highway, the officers noticed that the chickens' craws were abnormally plump and asked the drivers to hand over several of the chickens for testing.
The owners of the livestock confessed to the inspectors that each of the birds had been fed from 300 to 400 grams of barite powder. Barite powder is mostly used to add weight to oil drilling mud, to deflect X-rays in medical science, as a material in the brakes of vehicles and in high-quality paints.
The chickens had been purchased from Zunyi, a city in Guizhou province. The chickens were seized, and the case is under further investigation.
Source: Xinhua
Market share discussions killed Sanofi-Merck JV
//11 May 2011
Sanofi-Aventis plans to cut costs and expand its animal health business through acquisitions as it fully integrates Merial after the collapse of its longstanding joint venture with Merck of the US, The Financial Times writes.
<- As of Friday May 6, Sanofi-Aventis shareholders approved a name change. From now on the company is known as Sanofi.
Chris Viehbacher, chief executive of the French pharmaceutical group, told the Financial Times there was scope for “synergy” in back office operations, manufacturing, marketing, and research and development.
He said the failure of the partnership meant Sanofi-Aventis would seek new takeover targets in animal health and plan to grow, notably in emerging markets where animal health sales contributed a smaller proportion than other divisions in the group.
Failure reasons
In the first detailed comments by either company on the reasons for the failure, Viehbacher said that the failure to recombine the two companies’ animal health divisions was caused by difficulties in clearly defining market share and concentration in a way that permitted international regulatory approvals.
The process led to repeated delays and Viehbacher said that one cannot put a business on hold, stressing that both companies would have preferred to maintain the joint venture.
The current structure allows Sanofi-Aventis to fully consolidate its animal health operations.
Seeking acquisitions
He said Merial was likely to seek acquisitions “probably not of significant size” as it expanded, stressing that it generated only a fifth of its sales in emerging markets compared with a third for the group overall. It would also seek closer links to joint development of human and animal treatments.
Sanofi-Aventis plans to cut costs and expand its animal health business through acquisitions as it fully integrates Merial after the collapse of its longstanding joint venture with Merck of the US, The Financial Times writes.
<- As of Friday May 6, Sanofi-Aventis shareholders approved a name change. From now on the company is known as Sanofi.
Chris Viehbacher, chief executive of the French pharmaceutical group, told the Financial Times there was scope for “synergy” in back office operations, manufacturing, marketing, and research and development.
He said the failure of the partnership meant Sanofi-Aventis would seek new takeover targets in animal health and plan to grow, notably in emerging markets where animal health sales contributed a smaller proportion than other divisions in the group.
Failure reasons
In the first detailed comments by either company on the reasons for the failure, Viehbacher said that the failure to recombine the two companies’ animal health divisions was caused by difficulties in clearly defining market share and concentration in a way that permitted international regulatory approvals.
The process led to repeated delays and Viehbacher said that one cannot put a business on hold, stressing that both companies would have preferred to maintain the joint venture.
The current structure allows Sanofi-Aventis to fully consolidate its animal health operations.
Seeking acquisitions
He said Merial was likely to seek acquisitions “probably not of significant size” as it expanded, stressing that it generated only a fifth of its sales in emerging markets compared with a third for the group overall. It would also seek closer links to joint development of human and animal treatments.
09 May 2011
Indonesia: A correlation between AI and the rainy season
//09 May 2011
From January to March 2011, the data from the Directorate of Animal Health of Agriculture Ministry showed a significant increase in Avian Influenza (AI) cases in sector 4 (small-scale poultry farming and poultry backyard farming).
In January 2011, there were 136 cases, in February 2011, 156 cases, and in March 2011, 307 cases.
According to Prof. Charles Rangga Tabbu of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, the rainy season during 2010 until the end of March 2011 and floods in some areas were suspected to have triggered the increasing number of AI cases in poultry in Indonesia. Floods and rains continue to make biosecurity hard to apply strictly.
“In a normal season, the highest occurrence of AI cases was usually from November to March and sometimes until April. If observed further, the peak occurred from January to April mainly due to the heavy rains and floods, aggravated by the poultry raising system in Indonesia where the majority of houses were open and farm locations tended to concentrate in certain areas,” he explained.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Bayu Krisnamurthi, said that AI cases in 2009 to early 2011 were seasonal. “Although AI cases were seasonal, we have to put a special attention to this problem. It is because some provinces such as North Sulawesi and West Kalimantan which are free of AI were attacked by AI recently,” he said.
Source: Arief Fachrudin
From January to March 2011, the data from the Directorate of Animal Health of Agriculture Ministry showed a significant increase in Avian Influenza (AI) cases in sector 4 (small-scale poultry farming and poultry backyard farming).
In January 2011, there were 136 cases, in February 2011, 156 cases, and in March 2011, 307 cases.
According to Prof. Charles Rangga Tabbu of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, the rainy season during 2010 until the end of March 2011 and floods in some areas were suspected to have triggered the increasing number of AI cases in poultry in Indonesia. Floods and rains continue to make biosecurity hard to apply strictly.
“In a normal season, the highest occurrence of AI cases was usually from November to March and sometimes until April. If observed further, the peak occurred from January to April mainly due to the heavy rains and floods, aggravated by the poultry raising system in Indonesia where the majority of houses were open and farm locations tended to concentrate in certain areas,” he explained.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Bayu Krisnamurthi, said that AI cases in 2009 to early 2011 were seasonal. “Although AI cases were seasonal, we have to put a special attention to this problem. It is because some provinces such as North Sulawesi and West Kalimantan which are free of AI were attacked by AI recently,” he said.
Source: Arief Fachrudin
08 May 2011
GFPT makes 1 billion baht poultry investment
//06 May 2011
GFPT, an integrated poultry producer in Thailand, is planning to invest 1 billion baht to set up new broiler and grandparent chicken farms to supply its joint-venture processing plant.
The Bangkok Post reports that the investment is necessary for the company to meet its commitments with its Japanese partner which earlier coinvested to develop a 2.2-billion-baht chicken plant under GFPT Nichirei (Thailand) Co. According to chairman Anan Sirimongkolkasem, the company is required to use only raw poultry supplied from GFPT's farms, not contracted farmers.
Broiler farms
The investment will be made in two broiler farms in Chon Buri province, at the same location as the processing plant to save on logistics costs. These farms will have a combined daily production capacity of 35,000 hens or 15 million a year.
GFPT Nichirei's plant in Chon Buri has a capacity to slaughter 100,000 birds per day to produce 1,500 tonnes per month of processed foods. The factory increase its current output for 60% to 85% in August and is aiming for 100% early next year.
Grandparent stock
GFPT also needs to invest in a grandparent stock farm in order to produce around half a million chicks each week by the end of this year. The target is to be able to produce more than 100 million chicks each year to supply its own farms, as well as other joint ventures such as McKey Food Services (Thailand) Co, which supplies McDonald's restaurants in Thailand and overseas.
GFPT estimated its revenue at 3 billion baht in the first quarter, compared with 2.8 billion in the same period last year. It targets total sales growth of 10% this year to 12.5 billion baht
GFPT, an integrated poultry producer in Thailand, is planning to invest 1 billion baht to set up new broiler and grandparent chicken farms to supply its joint-venture processing plant.
The Bangkok Post reports that the investment is necessary for the company to meet its commitments with its Japanese partner which earlier coinvested to develop a 2.2-billion-baht chicken plant under GFPT Nichirei (Thailand) Co. According to chairman Anan Sirimongkolkasem, the company is required to use only raw poultry supplied from GFPT's farms, not contracted farmers.
Broiler farms
The investment will be made in two broiler farms in Chon Buri province, at the same location as the processing plant to save on logistics costs. These farms will have a combined daily production capacity of 35,000 hens or 15 million a year.
GFPT Nichirei's plant in Chon Buri has a capacity to slaughter 100,000 birds per day to produce 1,500 tonnes per month of processed foods. The factory increase its current output for 60% to 85% in August and is aiming for 100% early next year.
Grandparent stock
GFPT also needs to invest in a grandparent stock farm in order to produce around half a million chicks each week by the end of this year. The target is to be able to produce more than 100 million chicks each year to supply its own farms, as well as other joint ventures such as McKey Food Services (Thailand) Co, which supplies McDonald's restaurants in Thailand and overseas.
GFPT estimated its revenue at 3 billion baht in the first quarter, compared with 2.8 billion in the same period last year. It targets total sales growth of 10% this year to 12.5 billion baht
South Korea still not 100% FMD free – two new outbreaks in pigs
//06 May 2011
Although occurring with low swine morbidity rates, two new outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) have been confirmed in South Korea in the end of April, Pro-Med Mail reports.
The outbreaks have been found on two farms near Yeongcheon-city in North Gyeongsang province, in the east of South Korea. Of a total of 2,800 susceptible animals, only 21 animals died. One farm has 2,000 pigs (17 infected), the other 800 (four infected).
Setback
The finding of two more cases confirms a setback in South Korea’s approach to control the Foot-and-Mouth outbreak, which started in November 2010 and reached its peak in February 2011, at the expense of the culling of over 2.5 million animals with losses estimated to exceed US$2 million.
In the end of March, having included vaccination in its approach, and encouraged by the fact that no new cases appeared since the end of February, Seoul assumed that the highly contagious disease was largely contained and hence downgraded the alert level ‘red’ to ‘orange’. In mid-April, the alert level was further lowered from ‘orange’ to ‘yellow,’ the second-lowest level in the four-tiered alert system.
Unfortunately, on April 16, after absence of the disease for almost two months, a new case of FMD was diagnosed in a pig farm near Yeongcheon-city where now two additional cases have been found.
Continuing circulation
While showing a low apparent morbidity rate (0.75%), these new outbreaks may be indicative of a continuing circulation of the virus in South Korea.
The source of the virus which has infected the two pig farms deserves to be investigated. Surveillance should cover also wildlife, such as wild boars and deer.
Pro-Med Mail is a reporting service by the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID).
Related websites:
• ISID
Although occurring with low swine morbidity rates, two new outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) have been confirmed in South Korea in the end of April, Pro-Med Mail reports.
The outbreaks have been found on two farms near Yeongcheon-city in North Gyeongsang province, in the east of South Korea. Of a total of 2,800 susceptible animals, only 21 animals died. One farm has 2,000 pigs (17 infected), the other 800 (four infected).
Setback
The finding of two more cases confirms a setback in South Korea’s approach to control the Foot-and-Mouth outbreak, which started in November 2010 and reached its peak in February 2011, at the expense of the culling of over 2.5 million animals with losses estimated to exceed US$2 million.
In the end of March, having included vaccination in its approach, and encouraged by the fact that no new cases appeared since the end of February, Seoul assumed that the highly contagious disease was largely contained and hence downgraded the alert level ‘red’ to ‘orange’. In mid-April, the alert level was further lowered from ‘orange’ to ‘yellow,’ the second-lowest level in the four-tiered alert system.
Unfortunately, on April 16, after absence of the disease for almost two months, a new case of FMD was diagnosed in a pig farm near Yeongcheon-city where now two additional cases have been found.
Continuing circulation
While showing a low apparent morbidity rate (0.75%), these new outbreaks may be indicative of a continuing circulation of the virus in South Korea.
The source of the virus which has infected the two pig farms deserves to be investigated. Surveillance should cover also wildlife, such as wild boars and deer.
Pro-Med Mail is a reporting service by the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID).
Related websites:
• ISID
05 May 2011
CPF five-year focus; “India, Vietnam, Russia and Philippines”
//04 May 2011
Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) fve year business plan has identified India, Vietnam, Russia and the Philippines as its “top priority markets for expansion, says president and CEO Adirek Sripratak,
“because we plan to access those markets where we believe we can win”!
CPF’s yearly investment budget of which 60% will be spent overseas in these four countries, and the aim is to “increase CPF’s overseas sales from 26% to 40% by 2015”.
In Vietnam, CPF is expanding businesses including pig, chicken, fish and shrimp farms, feed mills and shrimp hatcheries, while in Russia, the focus will be on pig farms – two of the planned 10 already running – and more investments in feed mills to serve the pig farms.
The Philippines, a high consumption market where the population growth is estimated at 2%, CPF operates pig, chicken, fish farms and shrimp hatcheries.
Earnings from overseas investments in its main markets in Taiwan, Turkey, India, Malaysia, Russia, Laos, the Philippines and mainland China, are expected to surge 66% in this year’s first quarter and 6% year on year, driven by higher meat product prices amid short supply and strong demand.
Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) fve year business plan has identified India, Vietnam, Russia and the Philippines as its “top priority markets for expansion, says president and CEO Adirek Sripratak,
“because we plan to access those markets where we believe we can win”!
CPF’s yearly investment budget of which 60% will be spent overseas in these four countries, and the aim is to “increase CPF’s overseas sales from 26% to 40% by 2015”.
In Vietnam, CPF is expanding businesses including pig, chicken, fish and shrimp farms, feed mills and shrimp hatcheries, while in Russia, the focus will be on pig farms – two of the planned 10 already running – and more investments in feed mills to serve the pig farms.
The Philippines, a high consumption market where the population growth is estimated at 2%, CPF operates pig, chicken, fish farms and shrimp hatcheries.
Earnings from overseas investments in its main markets in Taiwan, Turkey, India, Malaysia, Russia, Laos, the Philippines and mainland China, are expected to surge 66% in this year’s first quarter and 6% year on year, driven by higher meat product prices amid short supply and strong demand.
Huvepharma adds soluble tylosin to pig product range in Europe
//05 May 2011
Animal health company Huvepharma has officially launched its new product Pharmasin 100% Water Soluble Granules (WSG) this week with a two-day seminar in Istanbul, Turkey.
The product is built around the macrolide antibiotic tylosin, to be used for pigs and poultry, for veterinary purposes. It had already been existing as a powder variety, to be used in premixes, but the company has now added a soluble variety to its portfolio, to cover all parts of the market.
Pigs & poultry
In poultry (broilers, pullets, turkeys), the product has received indications for use to prevent or cure respiratory infections caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae; and also against necrotic enteritis caused by Clostridium perfringens.
In pigs, the product can be used to prevent or cure Porcine Intestinal Adenomatosis (PIA) associated with Lawsonia intracellularis and also enzootic pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Mycoplasma hyorhinitis.
Value of antibiotics
Several speakers in Istanbul focused on the value of antibiotics use – despite a tendency in some European countries to cut back on antibiotic use in Europe. Not surprisingly, one of the take home messages was that veterinarians need the widest variety tools of possible to help their livestock to stay healthy – and antibiotics should be among these.
On Wednesday, May 3, Prof Pascal Richez, spoke about pharmacokinetics, explaining the mode of action of tylosin – and explaining why soluble antibiotics may sometimes be more desirable – as antibiotics in water provide a constant intake even when animals are on a restricted feeding pattern.
He also presented ‘formulas’ so veterinarians can easily decide how much of the product to add to the water of certain target animals.
Multifactorial
The need to use antibiotics was the topic of various presentations the next morning. In a session dedicated to pigs, Dr Andreas Palzer, University of Munich, Germany, zoomed in on multifactorial enzootic pneumonia cases. Often, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is a key pathogen in these cases, destroying part of the lung cells, after which secondary pathogens can more easily affect the pig’s respiratory condition in a negative sense.
Scientific research has already proven that M.hyo is ‘co-operating’ with other pathogens in pig lungs like PRRSV, PCV2 and Pasteurella multocida. Co-infections with Bordetella bronchiseptica and Mycoplasma hyorhinitis is observed but synergies have not been proven.
Vaccinating the pigs would be not sufficient enough to protect the piglets for 100% until fattening, he said, as early infections (before vaccinating) may not be prevented. In addition, when secondary pathogens are very aggressive, they may profit from initial damage already done by M.hyo.
Gut health in chickens
A similar message could be heard minutes later in the poultry sessions when Prof Filip Van Immerseel, University of Ghent, Belgium dived into the topic of gut health in chickens. In necrotic enteritis the key pathogen is the toxin producing bacteria Clostridium perfringens. Its effect is similar, as its presence may induce a lot of other secondary pathogens to also launch an attack on the animal’s gastro-intestinal tract.
Other speakers included Prof Steven McOrist (University of Nottingham, UK), Dr Anneke Feberwee (University of Utrecht, Netherlands), and Prof Erik Van Vooren (DM Institute, Belgium).
Metabolisation
In the presentations it was emphasised that the soluble tylosin both is metabolised extensively and eliminated very quickly.
In addition, it was stressed that managing the stall climate is also a very important tool to prevent the occurrence of pathogens.
As from January 1, 2006, the use of antibiotics as growth promoters has been forbidden in the European Union to avoid the risk of creating resistant bacteria.
Related website:
• Huvepharma
Animal health company Huvepharma has officially launched its new product Pharmasin 100% Water Soluble Granules (WSG) this week with a two-day seminar in Istanbul, Turkey.
The product is built around the macrolide antibiotic tylosin, to be used for pigs and poultry, for veterinary purposes. It had already been existing as a powder variety, to be used in premixes, but the company has now added a soluble variety to its portfolio, to cover all parts of the market.
Pigs & poultry
In poultry (broilers, pullets, turkeys), the product has received indications for use to prevent or cure respiratory infections caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae; and also against necrotic enteritis caused by Clostridium perfringens.
In pigs, the product can be used to prevent or cure Porcine Intestinal Adenomatosis (PIA) associated with Lawsonia intracellularis and also enzootic pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Mycoplasma hyorhinitis.
Value of antibiotics
Several speakers in Istanbul focused on the value of antibiotics use – despite a tendency in some European countries to cut back on antibiotic use in Europe. Not surprisingly, one of the take home messages was that veterinarians need the widest variety tools of possible to help their livestock to stay healthy – and antibiotics should be among these.
On Wednesday, May 3, Prof Pascal Richez, spoke about pharmacokinetics, explaining the mode of action of tylosin – and explaining why soluble antibiotics may sometimes be more desirable – as antibiotics in water provide a constant intake even when animals are on a restricted feeding pattern.
He also presented ‘formulas’ so veterinarians can easily decide how much of the product to add to the water of certain target animals.
Multifactorial
The need to use antibiotics was the topic of various presentations the next morning. In a session dedicated to pigs, Dr Andreas Palzer, University of Munich, Germany, zoomed in on multifactorial enzootic pneumonia cases. Often, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is a key pathogen in these cases, destroying part of the lung cells, after which secondary pathogens can more easily affect the pig’s respiratory condition in a negative sense.
Scientific research has already proven that M.hyo is ‘co-operating’ with other pathogens in pig lungs like PRRSV, PCV2 and Pasteurella multocida. Co-infections with Bordetella bronchiseptica and Mycoplasma hyorhinitis is observed but synergies have not been proven.
Vaccinating the pigs would be not sufficient enough to protect the piglets for 100% until fattening, he said, as early infections (before vaccinating) may not be prevented. In addition, when secondary pathogens are very aggressive, they may profit from initial damage already done by M.hyo.
Gut health in chickens
A similar message could be heard minutes later in the poultry sessions when Prof Filip Van Immerseel, University of Ghent, Belgium dived into the topic of gut health in chickens. In necrotic enteritis the key pathogen is the toxin producing bacteria Clostridium perfringens. Its effect is similar, as its presence may induce a lot of other secondary pathogens to also launch an attack on the animal’s gastro-intestinal tract.
Other speakers included Prof Steven McOrist (University of Nottingham, UK), Dr Anneke Feberwee (University of Utrecht, Netherlands), and Prof Erik Van Vooren (DM Institute, Belgium).
Metabolisation
In the presentations it was emphasised that the soluble tylosin both is metabolised extensively and eliminated very quickly.
In addition, it was stressed that managing the stall climate is also a very important tool to prevent the occurrence of pathogens.
As from January 1, 2006, the use of antibiotics as growth promoters has been forbidden in the European Union to avoid the risk of creating resistant bacteria.
Related website:
• Huvepharma
04 May 2011
TFG to focus on domestic poultry sales
//04 May 2011
In a turn-around, the Thai foods Group (TFG) will keep its focus on domestic sales, which according to TFG chief executive, Chaisaks Boonprasopthanachote, offers “a bigger market with lighter competition and fewer barriers”.
“TFG will expand its chick production and slaughterhouse capacity to become a top local supplier of chicken meat, with chick production rising to 1.5 million a week from 900,000,” has said in a statement.
This expansion, he says, will be fueled by supplying TFG chicks to more than 1,000 Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi and Uthai Thani farmers who grow our chickens under a closed contract farming system laid out by the Livestock Development Department.
Source: Joyce Rainat
In a turn-around, the Thai foods Group (TFG) will keep its focus on domestic sales, which according to TFG chief executive, Chaisaks Boonprasopthanachote, offers “a bigger market with lighter competition and fewer barriers”.
“TFG will expand its chick production and slaughterhouse capacity to become a top local supplier of chicken meat, with chick production rising to 1.5 million a week from 900,000,” has said in a statement.
This expansion, he says, will be fueled by supplying TFG chicks to more than 1,000 Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi and Uthai Thani farmers who grow our chickens under a closed contract farming system laid out by the Livestock Development Department.
Source: Joyce Rainat
Ceva opens new poultry vaccine production facility
//04 May 2011
Ceva Animal Health is pleased to announce the May 3, 2011 opening of a new poultry vaccine production facility at its Biomune Campus in Lenexa, Kansas.
“After many years of building a strong research and development base, along with a fine sales force and excellent technical support, we are investing in our future growth with the opening of this new production facility,” said Dr. Arnaud Bourgeois, Vice President and Global Director of Biology at Ceva Santé Animale. “Increased demand for Ceva vaccines, plus the ability to create and utilize new vaccine technology not available from competitors made this the perfect time to build our new facility.”
Ceva Santé Animale purchased Lenexa-based Biomune Company in 2005, creating Ceva Animal Health as its US subsidiary. The purchase secured a strong foundation in research with Vectormune vaccines along with an aging manufacturing plant. With the opening of its new $18M facility, Ceva is poised to fill a global market need with high-quality vaccines. “Today, what we output is almost entirely for the domestic market,” explains Bourgeois, “ The new facility will double our domestic output while also allowing for expansion globally.” The existing plant will be renovated as part of Ceva’s long-term investment plan and is designated for a stand-alone custom vaccine project.
Ceva is well-known for its dedication to providing animal health products and services that ultimately benefit humans. The Biomune Campus’s contribution to the “One Health” effort is clear: poultry vaccines keep the world’s food supply safe and sufficient to meet the needs of an ever-growing population. “We continue to invest in our people and our facilities in order to innovate and therefore ensure that our products and services have a direct impact in improving global health,” said Marc Prikazsky, Chief Executive Officer of Ceva Santé Animale.
Ceva's new facility features:
· 55,000 square feet of innovative technology and automated systems
· State-of-the-art operations to ensure vaccine quality and consistent, safe supply
· Future physical plant growth/expansion opportunities
· Capability to product both standard and vector vaccines
· Career opportunities for 80 new production, research and development staff by 2015
Related website: CEVA
Ceva Animal Health is pleased to announce the May 3, 2011 opening of a new poultry vaccine production facility at its Biomune Campus in Lenexa, Kansas.
“After many years of building a strong research and development base, along with a fine sales force and excellent technical support, we are investing in our future growth with the opening of this new production facility,” said Dr. Arnaud Bourgeois, Vice President and Global Director of Biology at Ceva Santé Animale. “Increased demand for Ceva vaccines, plus the ability to create and utilize new vaccine technology not available from competitors made this the perfect time to build our new facility.”
Ceva Santé Animale purchased Lenexa-based Biomune Company in 2005, creating Ceva Animal Health as its US subsidiary. The purchase secured a strong foundation in research with Vectormune vaccines along with an aging manufacturing plant. With the opening of its new $18M facility, Ceva is poised to fill a global market need with high-quality vaccines. “Today, what we output is almost entirely for the domestic market,” explains Bourgeois, “ The new facility will double our domestic output while also allowing for expansion globally.” The existing plant will be renovated as part of Ceva’s long-term investment plan and is designated for a stand-alone custom vaccine project.
Ceva is well-known for its dedication to providing animal health products and services that ultimately benefit humans. The Biomune Campus’s contribution to the “One Health” effort is clear: poultry vaccines keep the world’s food supply safe and sufficient to meet the needs of an ever-growing population. “We continue to invest in our people and our facilities in order to innovate and therefore ensure that our products and services have a direct impact in improving global health,” said Marc Prikazsky, Chief Executive Officer of Ceva Santé Animale.
Ceva's new facility features:
· 55,000 square feet of innovative technology and automated systems
· State-of-the-art operations to ensure vaccine quality and consistent, safe supply
· Future physical plant growth/expansion opportunities
· Capability to product both standard and vector vaccines
· Career opportunities for 80 new production, research and development staff by 2015
Related website: CEVA
02 May 2011
Storms in US destroy 200 chicken houses
//29 Apr 2011
Tornadoes and violent storms which are sweeping through southern-eastern US states have destroyed 200 chicken houses that held up to 4 million chickens in Alabama, state officials told Reuters.
Futhermore another 180 chicken houses have been damaged by the storm.
Alabama is No. 3 US chicken producer, behind Georgia and Arkansas. The state has about 14,000 chicken houses that hold approximately 200 million chickens, according to the National Chicken Council.
"Thousands of chickens have been lost in the tornadoes, and these numbers could grow as we continue to assess the damage," Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan said in a statement.
"Power outages and loss of drinking water could worsen an already critical situation for poultry producers and meat processors," he said.
Pilgrim's Pride Corp, the No. 2 US chicken company and majority owned by JBS SA, said a number of its complexes were affected by the storms and its processing plants in Guntersville and Boaz were without power.
Tyson Foods, the No. 1 chicken producer, has yet to comment whether it has also been affected.
Source: Reuters
Tornadoes and violent storms which are sweeping through southern-eastern US states have destroyed 200 chicken houses that held up to 4 million chickens in Alabama, state officials told Reuters.
Futhermore another 180 chicken houses have been damaged by the storm.
Alabama is No. 3 US chicken producer, behind Georgia and Arkansas. The state has about 14,000 chicken houses that hold approximately 200 million chickens, according to the National Chicken Council.
"Thousands of chickens have been lost in the tornadoes, and these numbers could grow as we continue to assess the damage," Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan said in a statement.
"Power outages and loss of drinking water could worsen an already critical situation for poultry producers and meat processors," he said.
Pilgrim's Pride Corp, the No. 2 US chicken company and majority owned by JBS SA, said a number of its complexes were affected by the storms and its processing plants in Guntersville and Boaz were without power.
Tyson Foods, the No. 1 chicken producer, has yet to comment whether it has also been affected.
Source: Reuters
Vietnamese animal feed producers request price hike
//02 May 2011
For the 15th time since the begining of 2010 animal feed producers in Vietnam have sent registrations to the Ministry of Finance to increase prices, the ministry has reported.
The request is in response to the continued rise in prices of raw materials.
Le Ba Lich, chairman of the Vietnam Animal Feed Association, said the price of corn is currently up from US$240 to $280 per tonne. Meanwhile, the price of Soya oil cake has risen from $420 to $450 per tonne.
The devaluation of the dong has also greatly affected the industry as the country imported 60% of all raw material. For this reason, restructuring, cost cutting and strong co-operation among related stockholders had been the most important measures to help protect producers.
"Farmers have concentrated on producing animal feed while ignoring breeding, which is vital to stock-farming. A project may go as long as five years before being able to extensively market its products. But once it has been successful, the benefits created for customers and the local industry will be overwhelming, particularly when pig breeding in Vietnam still remains unstable in terms of genetics and productivity," said Tran Ngoc Chi, CP GreenFeed Vietnam CEO, while discussing what his company would do to help stabilise the market and support farmers in the long run.
Since September of 2009, animal feed has been listed as one of the products in need of price-stabilisation; the price has increased 23-fold. The large number of foreign companies investing in the local industry in recent years has made the animal feed market even more competitive.
More than 400 animal feed mills nationwide provide poultry and aquaculture feeds. Most of them are foreign or joint-venture companies.
For the 15th time since the begining of 2010 animal feed producers in Vietnam have sent registrations to the Ministry of Finance to increase prices, the ministry has reported.
The request is in response to the continued rise in prices of raw materials.
Le Ba Lich, chairman of the Vietnam Animal Feed Association, said the price of corn is currently up from US$240 to $280 per tonne. Meanwhile, the price of Soya oil cake has risen from $420 to $450 per tonne.
The devaluation of the dong has also greatly affected the industry as the country imported 60% of all raw material. For this reason, restructuring, cost cutting and strong co-operation among related stockholders had been the most important measures to help protect producers.
"Farmers have concentrated on producing animal feed while ignoring breeding, which is vital to stock-farming. A project may go as long as five years before being able to extensively market its products. But once it has been successful, the benefits created for customers and the local industry will be overwhelming, particularly when pig breeding in Vietnam still remains unstable in terms of genetics and productivity," said Tran Ngoc Chi, CP GreenFeed Vietnam CEO, while discussing what his company would do to help stabilise the market and support farmers in the long run.
Since September of 2009, animal feed has been listed as one of the products in need of price-stabilisation; the price has increased 23-fold. The large number of foreign companies investing in the local industry in recent years has made the animal feed market even more competitive.
More than 400 animal feed mills nationwide provide poultry and aquaculture feeds. Most of them are foreign or joint-venture companies.
01 May 2011
Reducing FCR in broilers requires timing of immunity
//27 Apr 2011
Enabling broilers to operate at maximum metabolic efficiency is a realistic goal that will be affected in part by vaccine choices, according to a leading poultry nutritionist.
Dr. Robert Teeter, of Oklahoma State University, has extensively studied energy utilization in broilers with the aid of sophisticated metabolic chambers. At a recent respiratory health conference, he pointed out what broiler producers know well: that the lion’s share of total production costs - from 60% to 75% - go to feed. In fact, one point of FCR is valued at over $54 million annually for the broiler industry.
Considering the rising cost of feed and the fact that further gains in feed formulations are becoming increasingly difficult, producers need to find non-nutritive factors that can be manipulated to improve energy utilization. In short, they need management strategies that minimize calories used and the energy lost by broilers, he said.
Experiments by Teeter and colleagues have already demonstrated that the FCR for birds raised on the same ration to the same weights can vary from 1.63 to 2.11, depending on differences in bird behavior that are affected by management. They have also identified management practices that affect bird activity and result in energy loss or retention. Feeding pellets instead of mash, for instance, reduces bird activity and is especially beneficial later in the production cycle, when birds eat the most. Birds raised with 12 hours versus only 1 hour of dark need less feed to reach market weight, the investigators have found.
Impact on developing immunity
Additional improvements in caloric savings can be achieved with management strategies aimed at manipulating the development of immunity, Teeter said at the conference, held in Ocean City, Maryland, and sponsored by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health. He and colleagues have discovered that a coccidial challenge late in the broiler’s life that results in even minor coccidial lesions has a significant, negative impact on performance values such as live weight, average daily gain and FCR. In contrast, when birds are vaccinated at 1 day of age with the live coccidiosis vaccine Coccivac-B, they develop immunity against coccidiosis early and the impact on performance is minimal.
Similar manipulations in the timing of immunity against respiratory diseases, coupled with other management changes designed to conserve energy, can lead to further gains in performance, enabling birds to attain their genetic potential, said Teeter, who is embarking on studies to discover which vaccines are “kinder and gentler to the bird” and induce immunity for the least calorific cost. “Today’s bird is operating at about 51% efficiency; 66% metabolic efficiency is possible, which means that an FCR of about 1 is also possible,” he said.
Field evidence
Field evidence that the vaccine chosen can affect performance came from Dr. Jeff Courtney, of Pilgrim’s Pride. During a panel discussion at the conference, Courtney reported that the use of the recombinant vaccine Innovax-ND-SB, which his company administers in ovo during winter months to help prevent Newcastle and Marek’s diseases, resulted in a “measurable decrease” in feed conversion and condemnations at one of the company’s complexes; the incidence of femoral head necrosis also decreased.
There is “no doubt” that use of Innovax-ND-SB was associated with improved performance, which he attributes to less stress. Eliminating the use of a live ND vaccine, which can result in side effects, and using the recombinant vaccine instead, which causes no side effects, put less stress on broilers, he said. “I’m a proponent of the recombinant vaccines. Anything we can do to decrease stress is to the benefit of the bird. Decreased reactions mean decreased stress,” said Courtney.
[Source: Newsletter Intestinal Health Centre for Poultry issue #5 – Intervet Schering- Plough Animal Health]
Enabling broilers to operate at maximum metabolic efficiency is a realistic goal that will be affected in part by vaccine choices, according to a leading poultry nutritionist.
Dr. Robert Teeter, of Oklahoma State University, has extensively studied energy utilization in broilers with the aid of sophisticated metabolic chambers. At a recent respiratory health conference, he pointed out what broiler producers know well: that the lion’s share of total production costs - from 60% to 75% - go to feed. In fact, one point of FCR is valued at over $54 million annually for the broiler industry.
Considering the rising cost of feed and the fact that further gains in feed formulations are becoming increasingly difficult, producers need to find non-nutritive factors that can be manipulated to improve energy utilization. In short, they need management strategies that minimize calories used and the energy lost by broilers, he said.
Experiments by Teeter and colleagues have already demonstrated that the FCR for birds raised on the same ration to the same weights can vary from 1.63 to 2.11, depending on differences in bird behavior that are affected by management. They have also identified management practices that affect bird activity and result in energy loss or retention. Feeding pellets instead of mash, for instance, reduces bird activity and is especially beneficial later in the production cycle, when birds eat the most. Birds raised with 12 hours versus only 1 hour of dark need less feed to reach market weight, the investigators have found.
Impact on developing immunity
Additional improvements in caloric savings can be achieved with management strategies aimed at manipulating the development of immunity, Teeter said at the conference, held in Ocean City, Maryland, and sponsored by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health. He and colleagues have discovered that a coccidial challenge late in the broiler’s life that results in even minor coccidial lesions has a significant, negative impact on performance values such as live weight, average daily gain and FCR. In contrast, when birds are vaccinated at 1 day of age with the live coccidiosis vaccine Coccivac-B, they develop immunity against coccidiosis early and the impact on performance is minimal.
Similar manipulations in the timing of immunity against respiratory diseases, coupled with other management changes designed to conserve energy, can lead to further gains in performance, enabling birds to attain their genetic potential, said Teeter, who is embarking on studies to discover which vaccines are “kinder and gentler to the bird” and induce immunity for the least calorific cost. “Today’s bird is operating at about 51% efficiency; 66% metabolic efficiency is possible, which means that an FCR of about 1 is also possible,” he said.
Field evidence
Field evidence that the vaccine chosen can affect performance came from Dr. Jeff Courtney, of Pilgrim’s Pride. During a panel discussion at the conference, Courtney reported that the use of the recombinant vaccine Innovax-ND-SB, which his company administers in ovo during winter months to help prevent Newcastle and Marek’s diseases, resulted in a “measurable decrease” in feed conversion and condemnations at one of the company’s complexes; the incidence of femoral head necrosis also decreased.
There is “no doubt” that use of Innovax-ND-SB was associated with improved performance, which he attributes to less stress. Eliminating the use of a live ND vaccine, which can result in side effects, and using the recombinant vaccine instead, which causes no side effects, put less stress on broilers, he said. “I’m a proponent of the recombinant vaccines. Anything we can do to decrease stress is to the benefit of the bird. Decreased reactions mean decreased stress,” said Courtney.
[Source: Newsletter Intestinal Health Centre for Poultry issue #5 – Intervet Schering- Plough Animal Health]
Thai egg producers decry government’s import ban
//28 Apr 2011
The Hen-Egg Farmers, Traders and Exporters Association in Thailand has posted their opposition to the government’s plan to import eggs to combat rising retail prices.
The Association’s president Narong Jiemjaiburjong has warned that the present rainy season’s inclement weather has lowered egg production but that will soon increase. With the importation of more hens, production is expected to increase between 27 and 29 million eggs per day from the current 24 to 25 million eggs.
The Hen-Egg Farmers, Traders and Exporters Association in Thailand has posted their opposition to the government’s plan to import eggs to combat rising retail prices.
The Association’s president Narong Jiemjaiburjong has warned that the present rainy season’s inclement weather has lowered egg production but that will soon increase. With the importation of more hens, production is expected to increase between 27 and 29 million eggs per day from the current 24 to 25 million eggs.
Salmonella concerns in alternative housing systems for laying hens
//29 Apr 2011
The results of a new study from researchers in Belgium suggest that any shift from conventional to alternative housing systems for laying hens should be accompanied by a keen concern for optimising and maintaining Salmonella surveillance programs, due to an increased risk of bird-to-bird transmission and internal egg contamination in some non-traditional housing systems.
The study, “Effect of Housing on Transmission of Salmonella,” will appear in the July issue of Poultry Science, said the Poultry Science Association (PSA), which publishes the journal.
According to the study’s lead author, Dr. Jantina De Vylder, Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Ghent University, the researchers sought to quantify the effect of housing systems on the spread of Salmonella infection within a group of layers and on internal egg contamination.
Salmonella Enteritidis
They found that aviary and floor housing systems pose a greater risk of bird-to-bird transmission of Salmonella Enteritidis than traditional battery cages and furnished cages. The study also found a higher number of eggs that were internally contaminated by Salmonella in aviary systems, as compared both to cage systems and the floor system.
“We found a slightly higher bird-to-bird transmission rate in aviary systems, and an even more pronounced rate for floor systems in comparison with cage systems. Given that we controlled for a number of other variables that might impact transmission rates, we believe that differences inherent to the housing systems – such as hygienic status, air quality, and more intensive contact between birds in large group-housing – are likely responsible,” said De Vylder.
Contaminated eggs
The reason for the higher incidence of Salmonella-contaminated eggs in aviary housing systems, the second major finding of the study, was less clear.
“We were unable to establish any relation between the significantly larger number of internally contaminated eggs in the aviary system and either the internal colonisation or the faecal shedding status of hens. It’s possible that stress could play a role in the difference, but that’s still speculation at this point,” added De Vylder.
The article cites an earlier study which found that stress induces some changes in the hen’s oviduct. This, the authors of the Belgian study say, “might create an environment that is more susceptible for Salmonella survival and also might affect the survival of Salmonella in egg albumen.”
Because of their findings, De Vylder and her co-authors urge that, following a move of laying hens from conventional to alternative housing systems, it is vital for Salmonella control plans to be maintained and for additional care to be taken to minimise within-flock transmission of Salmonella.
Previous Studies
The upcoming ban in the European Union on battery cages, which takes effect next January, and broad concerns about the hygienic status of alternative housing systems, prompted a number of earlier studies that tried to determine whether infectious agents like Salmonella Enteritidis spread more readily in non-conventional systems than in battery cages. While most of these epidemiological studies showed a higher prevalence of the bacterium in layer flocks housed in conventional systems, there was some concern, said De Vylder, that their findings may have been influenced by any number of factors, such as farm and flock size, age of the housing system, etc.
“A more recent study controlling for such environmental factors also concluded that alternative housing systems posed no additional risk for Salmonella colonisation of the gut and internal organs than conventional battery cages. However, in this study, all of the birds inoculated with the pathogen were given very high doses – which most likely would not reflect the actual situation in the field. To address this, our group undertook what we believed was a more realistic approach to studying transmission,” said De Vylder.
Source: The Poultry Science Association (PSA)
The results of a new study from researchers in Belgium suggest that any shift from conventional to alternative housing systems for laying hens should be accompanied by a keen concern for optimising and maintaining Salmonella surveillance programs, due to an increased risk of bird-to-bird transmission and internal egg contamination in some non-traditional housing systems.
The study, “Effect of Housing on Transmission of Salmonella,” will appear in the July issue of Poultry Science, said the Poultry Science Association (PSA), which publishes the journal.
According to the study’s lead author, Dr. Jantina De Vylder, Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Ghent University, the researchers sought to quantify the effect of housing systems on the spread of Salmonella infection within a group of layers and on internal egg contamination.
Salmonella Enteritidis
They found that aviary and floor housing systems pose a greater risk of bird-to-bird transmission of Salmonella Enteritidis than traditional battery cages and furnished cages. The study also found a higher number of eggs that were internally contaminated by Salmonella in aviary systems, as compared both to cage systems and the floor system.
“We found a slightly higher bird-to-bird transmission rate in aviary systems, and an even more pronounced rate for floor systems in comparison with cage systems. Given that we controlled for a number of other variables that might impact transmission rates, we believe that differences inherent to the housing systems – such as hygienic status, air quality, and more intensive contact between birds in large group-housing – are likely responsible,” said De Vylder.
Contaminated eggs
The reason for the higher incidence of Salmonella-contaminated eggs in aviary housing systems, the second major finding of the study, was less clear.
“We were unable to establish any relation between the significantly larger number of internally contaminated eggs in the aviary system and either the internal colonisation or the faecal shedding status of hens. It’s possible that stress could play a role in the difference, but that’s still speculation at this point,” added De Vylder.
The article cites an earlier study which found that stress induces some changes in the hen’s oviduct. This, the authors of the Belgian study say, “might create an environment that is more susceptible for Salmonella survival and also might affect the survival of Salmonella in egg albumen.”
Because of their findings, De Vylder and her co-authors urge that, following a move of laying hens from conventional to alternative housing systems, it is vital for Salmonella control plans to be maintained and for additional care to be taken to minimise within-flock transmission of Salmonella.
Previous Studies
The upcoming ban in the European Union on battery cages, which takes effect next January, and broad concerns about the hygienic status of alternative housing systems, prompted a number of earlier studies that tried to determine whether infectious agents like Salmonella Enteritidis spread more readily in non-conventional systems than in battery cages. While most of these epidemiological studies showed a higher prevalence of the bacterium in layer flocks housed in conventional systems, there was some concern, said De Vylder, that their findings may have been influenced by any number of factors, such as farm and flock size, age of the housing system, etc.
“A more recent study controlling for such environmental factors also concluded that alternative housing systems posed no additional risk for Salmonella colonisation of the gut and internal organs than conventional battery cages. However, in this study, all of the birds inoculated with the pathogen were given very high doses – which most likely would not reflect the actual situation in the field. To address this, our group undertook what we believed was a more realistic approach to studying transmission,” said De Vylder.
Source: The Poultry Science Association (PSA)
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