//20 Dec 2011
An intensive surveillance system is in place for all poultry farms, poultry markets, pet bird shops in Hong Kong following the death of a wild bird infected with H5N1, the OIE has reported.
The H5N1 infected wild bird was detected in the framework of the ongoing surveillance program on wild birds and no spread of disease is evident.
A local school was closed after it emerged that an employee had found and handled the dead bird and developed flu-like symptoms. However a health department spokesman announced that medical tests had cleared her of bird flu. The secondary school will remain closed for an unspecified time for disinfection and while the department traces people who may have had contact with the bird.
The OIE Animal Health Information Department has noted that this outbreak does not change the HPAI free status of Hong Kong and should not affect trade of poultry and their products since the bird involved in this outbreak does not fall within the OIE definition of poultry.
Related website:
OIE
25 December 2011
20 December 2011
New Zealand consumers told to watch out for imported pork
//19 Dec 2011
As Christmas approaches, New Zealand consumers in Southland are being told by New Zealand Pork to look out for poorly labelled pork meat.
New Zealand Pork chief executive Sam McIvor said," Southland offers the best of everything, including good quality pork. New Zealand imports more than 700,000 kilograms of pork every week and there is no compulsory requirement for country-of-origin-labelling. The only guarantee you are buying New Zealand product is to look for the 100% New Zealand labels or the words "NZ grown," said Mr McIvor.
"Proudly made in NZ", "manufactured in NZ" and "made from imported and local ingredients" – are all terms consumers are being warned about.
It has reported that New Zealand farmers have become dedicated to ensuring that animal welfare, health and environmental standards are at the core of the production of local pork meat and these kinds of commitments have not been made by some farmers globally.
Source: The Southland Times
As Christmas approaches, New Zealand consumers in Southland are being told by New Zealand Pork to look out for poorly labelled pork meat.
New Zealand Pork chief executive Sam McIvor said," Southland offers the best of everything, including good quality pork. New Zealand imports more than 700,000 kilograms of pork every week and there is no compulsory requirement for country-of-origin-labelling. The only guarantee you are buying New Zealand product is to look for the 100% New Zealand labels or the words "NZ grown," said Mr McIvor.
"Proudly made in NZ", "manufactured in NZ" and "made from imported and local ingredients" – are all terms consumers are being warned about.
It has reported that New Zealand farmers have become dedicated to ensuring that animal welfare, health and environmental standards are at the core of the production of local pork meat and these kinds of commitments have not been made by some farmers globally.
Source: The Southland Times
Switzerland: Over 1,000 pigs to be slaughtered due to disease
//19 Dec 2011
In Lucerne, Switzerland over a 1,000 pigs will be heading for slaughter following the discovery of a respiratory disease, with 200 already culled.
Reports state that meat being tainted with the disease or a risk of the disease affecting humans is not possible.
The disease which could end up leading to pneumonia, has so far affected 12 farms in Lucerne.
Source: World Radio Switzerland
In Lucerne, Switzerland over a 1,000 pigs will be heading for slaughter following the discovery of a respiratory disease, with 200 already culled.
Reports state that meat being tainted with the disease or a risk of the disease affecting humans is not possible.
The disease which could end up leading to pneumonia, has so far affected 12 farms in Lucerne.
Source: World Radio Switzerland
US: 2012 has potential to be good year for hog producers
//20 Dec 2011
After several years of struggling to earn a profit, pork producers could find themselves back in the black in 2012, says a Purdue Extension agricultural economist.
Profits in 2012 are forecast at about $17 per head, which would be the highest since 2006, Chris Hurt said. In 2006 corn prices were $2.30 per bushel, compared with the $6-$7 per bushel this year, and hogs were bringing a profit of $27 per head.
According to Hurt, while a return to profitability is welcome news, it seems there are more broad implications.
"The pork industry, like most other animal industries, has made the adjustments necessary to live in a world of high-priced feed," he said. "It also looks like the pork industry has probably 'turned the corner' on high feed prices heading into 2012."
Some factors contributing to lower feed costs in 2012 include abundant and cheap feed wheat, potential moderation in the rate of growth in corn use for ethanol, the prospect of a larger South American soybean crop, and hope for a return to higher U.S. corn and soybean yields in 2012.
The pork industry has struggled to adapt to higher feed prices in recent years due, in part, to the recession. But hog producers took another hit when the H1N1 virus was initially called "swine flu," even though it was a human virus spread by people. At the start of the recession in 2008, hog producers lost an estimated $17 per head, and in 2009 the losses increased to $24 per head.
"These large financial losses resulted in some downsizing of the industry through discouragement and bankruptcy," Hurt said.
Between the industry downsizing and exports increasing, the amount of pork available to U.S. consumers has dropped from about 51 pounds per person in 2007 to an estimated 46 pounds per person in 2012. According to Hurt, that reduction has helped retail pork prices climb from $2.87 per pound in 2007 to $3.43 per pound in 2011 - a 20 percent increase.
Pork producers initially began returning to profitability in 2010, with an average profit of $10 per head. In 2011, that number increased to $14 per head.
But those numbers don't tell the whole story. Because so much was lost in 2008 and 2009, it will take the combined profits from 2010, 2011 and 2012 to allow farmers to catch up financially.
"It has taken three years just to get back the money lost in the two bad years when feed prices surged," Hurt said. "Another way to look at this is to say that the pork industry adjusted to $7 a bushel corn such that they can now break even if cash corn prices stay at that level, and can make money if prices are below $7. Current prospects for cash corn prices to be in the lower $6 area is a primary reason for the profit opportunity in 2012."
Even with corn prices down and seemingly more abundant prospects for affordable feed, Hurt was cautious about suggesting the peak in feed prices is over.
"Are feed prices now moving into their post-peak period? No one can know the answer with much confidence," he said. "With the declining prices of corn and soybean meal since August, many will be debating the issue."
Hurt said he would expect the post-peak price feed period to not only come with lower feed prices but also with less volatility - both conditions that could favor animal production expansion.
He said that doesn't mean pork producers should throw caution to the wind.
"Of course, pork producers do not quickly forget $7 to $8 corn prices and should be cautious in quickly expanding herds," Hurt said. "Perhaps the best and most logical advice is for pork producers to use the expected profitability in coming months to enhance their financial positions and to wait and see how the 2012 U.S. crops evolve before moving toward expansion in late 2012."
Writer: Jennifer Stewart
Source: Purdue University
After several years of struggling to earn a profit, pork producers could find themselves back in the black in 2012, says a Purdue Extension agricultural economist.
Profits in 2012 are forecast at about $17 per head, which would be the highest since 2006, Chris Hurt said. In 2006 corn prices were $2.30 per bushel, compared with the $6-$7 per bushel this year, and hogs were bringing a profit of $27 per head.
According to Hurt, while a return to profitability is welcome news, it seems there are more broad implications.
"The pork industry, like most other animal industries, has made the adjustments necessary to live in a world of high-priced feed," he said. "It also looks like the pork industry has probably 'turned the corner' on high feed prices heading into 2012."
Some factors contributing to lower feed costs in 2012 include abundant and cheap feed wheat, potential moderation in the rate of growth in corn use for ethanol, the prospect of a larger South American soybean crop, and hope for a return to higher U.S. corn and soybean yields in 2012.
The pork industry has struggled to adapt to higher feed prices in recent years due, in part, to the recession. But hog producers took another hit when the H1N1 virus was initially called "swine flu," even though it was a human virus spread by people. At the start of the recession in 2008, hog producers lost an estimated $17 per head, and in 2009 the losses increased to $24 per head.
"These large financial losses resulted in some downsizing of the industry through discouragement and bankruptcy," Hurt said.
Between the industry downsizing and exports increasing, the amount of pork available to U.S. consumers has dropped from about 51 pounds per person in 2007 to an estimated 46 pounds per person in 2012. According to Hurt, that reduction has helped retail pork prices climb from $2.87 per pound in 2007 to $3.43 per pound in 2011 - a 20 percent increase.
Pork producers initially began returning to profitability in 2010, with an average profit of $10 per head. In 2011, that number increased to $14 per head.
But those numbers don't tell the whole story. Because so much was lost in 2008 and 2009, it will take the combined profits from 2010, 2011 and 2012 to allow farmers to catch up financially.
"It has taken three years just to get back the money lost in the two bad years when feed prices surged," Hurt said. "Another way to look at this is to say that the pork industry adjusted to $7 a bushel corn such that they can now break even if cash corn prices stay at that level, and can make money if prices are below $7. Current prospects for cash corn prices to be in the lower $6 area is a primary reason for the profit opportunity in 2012."
Even with corn prices down and seemingly more abundant prospects for affordable feed, Hurt was cautious about suggesting the peak in feed prices is over.
"Are feed prices now moving into their post-peak period? No one can know the answer with much confidence," he said. "With the declining prices of corn and soybean meal since August, many will be debating the issue."
Hurt said he would expect the post-peak price feed period to not only come with lower feed prices but also with less volatility - both conditions that could favor animal production expansion.
He said that doesn't mean pork producers should throw caution to the wind.
"Of course, pork producers do not quickly forget $7 to $8 corn prices and should be cautious in quickly expanding herds," Hurt said. "Perhaps the best and most logical advice is for pork producers to use the expected profitability in coming months to enhance their financial positions and to wait and see how the 2012 U.S. crops evolve before moving toward expansion in late 2012."
Writer: Jennifer Stewart
Source: Purdue University
China teams up with IBM to improve pork safety
//20 Dec 2011
IBM and Shandong Commercial Group Co. Ltd. (Lushang Group) announced that they have built a system that will help ensure the safety of pork products in the Shandong Province while improving the efficiency of the food supply chain in the region.
Pork is a big business in China, which produces more pigs than the next 43 pork producing countries combined. The country consumes about half the pork produced worldwide, with the average citizen eating about a half a hog each year. In 2006, a fatal outbreak of porcine blue-ear disease killed millions of Chinese pigs. These losses represented a tiny portion of the country's total herd of more than 660 million, but led to soaring pork prices.
Pork is a major pillar of the economy in the Shandong Province, one of China's most important agricultural regions. To limit the impact of porcine diseases and prevent tainted pork from being sold to consumers, Shandong Provincial Municipality asked Lushang Group, one of China's top 10 retail companies, and its affiliate the research body - the National Engineering Research Center for Agricultural Products Logistics - to devise a system that would improve accountability and safety in the region's pork industry.
In 2010, Lushang Group began working with IBM to create the new system, which is being tested by six selected slaughter houses, six warehouses and about 100 Inzone hypermarkets and supermarkets across the Shandong province. When fully deployed in 2013, the system will allow Lushang Group to monitor and trace the movement of meat across all phases of the supply chain, including farms, processing plants, trucks and supermarkets.
"When fully deployed, this system will give consumers in the Shandong Province confidence in the pork products they serve to their families," said Wang Guo Li, director, National Agricultural Research Center for Modern Logistics Engineering. As an agricultural powerhouse within China, our province is committed to improving food safety and this system marks a significant step toward that goal."
Using the internet of things to create a smarter safer food supply
Using IBM WebSphere software running on IBM System x Servers, experts from IBM China Development Lab and China's National Engineering Research Center for Agricultural Products Logistics have created a pork monitoring and tracking system that can extract and store actionable business information from the millions of interconnected sensors that make up the "Internet of Things." The system brings an unprecedented level of accountability and efficiency to every stage of the pork production process. These stages include:
Production: The process begins at pig slaughter houses, where every pig is tagged with a bar code bearing a unique serial number which follows the packed pork products – as they move through the province's supply chain. In addition to tagging, better monitoring is made possible at these facilities through the addition of cameras that monitor the production process right up until shipping.
Distribution: To ensure that meat is transported at a safe temperature, Lushang Group has deployed temperature and humidity sensors and well as global positioning and geographic information systems. Using these technologies, Lushang Group can track the whereabouts of trucks and monitor the temperature and humidity conditions in each refrigerated container. If conditions exceed certain thresholds, the system will send an alert to prompt corrective action.
Retailers: Lushang Group has addressed the final phase of the pork supply chain – the retailer – by helping select supermarkets connect their ERP and point of sale systems to the platform, allowing tracking of every item sold.
In the event that a consumer's illness can be linked to pork produced in the Shandong Province, Lushang Group's new system will be able to pinpoint the stores that have the tainted food, arrange a targeted recall and in turn, minimize the number of people who get sick, while keeping pork that is safe available for purchase.
"Based on our experiences in building food and pharmaceutical tracking systems in other countries, IBM has helped to create a system that traces pork through the entire supply chain from pig farms all the way to supermarkets," said Matt Wang, Vice President, IBM China Development Lab. "Using this system, Shandong Province's pork products will be safer and thus, more desirable to consumers. Governments and pork producers in other countries should take note of what Lushang Group is doing."
New logistics solutions lab addresses industry-specific requirements
Located in the city of Ningbo in the Zhejiang Province, the IBM China Logistics Solutions Lab was set up in March of this year to bring together advanced data management and analytics skills, industry-specific offerings and the expertise required to make logistics networks and supply chains safer and more efficient. The lab draws on the expertise of a team of consultants, software engineers and IT architects in China as well as IBM mathematicians and industry specialists within the company's global network of development labs.
China, which is rapidly becoming the world's third largest economy, continues to experience high demand for logistics technology to improve the efficiency of the country's everyday business.
IBM and Shandong Commercial Group Co. Ltd. (Lushang Group) announced that they have built a system that will help ensure the safety of pork products in the Shandong Province while improving the efficiency of the food supply chain in the region.
Pork is a big business in China, which produces more pigs than the next 43 pork producing countries combined. The country consumes about half the pork produced worldwide, with the average citizen eating about a half a hog each year. In 2006, a fatal outbreak of porcine blue-ear disease killed millions of Chinese pigs. These losses represented a tiny portion of the country's total herd of more than 660 million, but led to soaring pork prices.
Pork is a major pillar of the economy in the Shandong Province, one of China's most important agricultural regions. To limit the impact of porcine diseases and prevent tainted pork from being sold to consumers, Shandong Provincial Municipality asked Lushang Group, one of China's top 10 retail companies, and its affiliate the research body - the National Engineering Research Center for Agricultural Products Logistics - to devise a system that would improve accountability and safety in the region's pork industry.
In 2010, Lushang Group began working with IBM to create the new system, which is being tested by six selected slaughter houses, six warehouses and about 100 Inzone hypermarkets and supermarkets across the Shandong province. When fully deployed in 2013, the system will allow Lushang Group to monitor and trace the movement of meat across all phases of the supply chain, including farms, processing plants, trucks and supermarkets.
"When fully deployed, this system will give consumers in the Shandong Province confidence in the pork products they serve to their families," said Wang Guo Li, director, National Agricultural Research Center for Modern Logistics Engineering. As an agricultural powerhouse within China, our province is committed to improving food safety and this system marks a significant step toward that goal."
Using the internet of things to create a smarter safer food supply
Using IBM WebSphere software running on IBM System x Servers, experts from IBM China Development Lab and China's National Engineering Research Center for Agricultural Products Logistics have created a pork monitoring and tracking system that can extract and store actionable business information from the millions of interconnected sensors that make up the "Internet of Things." The system brings an unprecedented level of accountability and efficiency to every stage of the pork production process. These stages include:
Production: The process begins at pig slaughter houses, where every pig is tagged with a bar code bearing a unique serial number which follows the packed pork products – as they move through the province's supply chain. In addition to tagging, better monitoring is made possible at these facilities through the addition of cameras that monitor the production process right up until shipping.
Distribution: To ensure that meat is transported at a safe temperature, Lushang Group has deployed temperature and humidity sensors and well as global positioning and geographic information systems. Using these technologies, Lushang Group can track the whereabouts of trucks and monitor the temperature and humidity conditions in each refrigerated container. If conditions exceed certain thresholds, the system will send an alert to prompt corrective action.
Retailers: Lushang Group has addressed the final phase of the pork supply chain – the retailer – by helping select supermarkets connect their ERP and point of sale systems to the platform, allowing tracking of every item sold.
In the event that a consumer's illness can be linked to pork produced in the Shandong Province, Lushang Group's new system will be able to pinpoint the stores that have the tainted food, arrange a targeted recall and in turn, minimize the number of people who get sick, while keeping pork that is safe available for purchase.
"Based on our experiences in building food and pharmaceutical tracking systems in other countries, IBM has helped to create a system that traces pork through the entire supply chain from pig farms all the way to supermarkets," said Matt Wang, Vice President, IBM China Development Lab. "Using this system, Shandong Province's pork products will be safer and thus, more desirable to consumers. Governments and pork producers in other countries should take note of what Lushang Group is doing."
New logistics solutions lab addresses industry-specific requirements
Located in the city of Ningbo in the Zhejiang Province, the IBM China Logistics Solutions Lab was set up in March of this year to bring together advanced data management and analytics skills, industry-specific offerings and the expertise required to make logistics networks and supply chains safer and more efficient. The lab draws on the expertise of a team of consultants, software engineers and IT architects in China as well as IBM mathematicians and industry specialists within the company's global network of development labs.
China, which is rapidly becoming the world's third largest economy, continues to experience high demand for logistics technology to improve the efficiency of the country's everyday business.
19 December 2011
Myanmar warns for foul fish feed imports from India
//16 Dec 2011
The Myanmar Aqua Feed Association is urging members to test all bags of raw materials used to make fish feed imported from India after some bags were found to contain waste products with no nutritional value, a spokesperson said.
Dr. That Mhoo, the association’s general secretary, said six companies are importing Indian-made soy meal. “We found that some bags contain up to 10% of waste products such as bean shell or other plant stems,” he said.
“This means there is less protein and fibre in each bag and the farmers must source more protein,” he added. Each bag weighs 30 viss (48 kg),” he added.
Dr That Mhoo said domestic feed producers are unable to meet demand for the product, so imports are required to fill the gap. However, imported feed is also cheaper by about 12%.
“A wave of Indian-made fish feed – about 4,000 tonnes – was imported between October and November,” he said.
He added that the importers had hired warehouses to store their feed, without making contracts with buyers. And soon as the imported feed arrived they were able to sell it quickly, Dr That Mhoo said.
10% waste
“The samples of the feed they gave us to test were quite pure but the imported bags they have been selling has between 5 and 10% of waste product,” the manager of a feed factory in Hlaing Tharyar said.
“They [the suppliers] promised that this would not happen again,” the factory manager added. He added that the imported soy meal had been distributed before either the association of factory owners had been able to adequately test its quality.
Some factories have their own laboratories but many do not. In Yangon, only the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department’s laboratory at Thaketa township can provide quality control certificates. But the costs of using the laboratory are too high for most.
“The price must be lower than that to encourage all the importers to test what their goods,” he said.
The Myanmar Aqua Feed Association is urging members to test all bags of raw materials used to make fish feed imported from India after some bags were found to contain waste products with no nutritional value, a spokesperson said.
Dr. That Mhoo, the association’s general secretary, said six companies are importing Indian-made soy meal. “We found that some bags contain up to 10% of waste products such as bean shell or other plant stems,” he said.
“This means there is less protein and fibre in each bag and the farmers must source more protein,” he added. Each bag weighs 30 viss (48 kg),” he added.
Dr That Mhoo said domestic feed producers are unable to meet demand for the product, so imports are required to fill the gap. However, imported feed is also cheaper by about 12%.
“A wave of Indian-made fish feed – about 4,000 tonnes – was imported between October and November,” he said.
He added that the importers had hired warehouses to store their feed, without making contracts with buyers. And soon as the imported feed arrived they were able to sell it quickly, Dr That Mhoo said.
10% waste
“The samples of the feed they gave us to test were quite pure but the imported bags they have been selling has between 5 and 10% of waste product,” the manager of a feed factory in Hlaing Tharyar said.
“They [the suppliers] promised that this would not happen again,” the factory manager added. He added that the imported soy meal had been distributed before either the association of factory owners had been able to adequately test its quality.
Some factories have their own laboratories but many do not. In Yangon, only the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department’s laboratory at Thaketa township can provide quality control certificates. But the costs of using the laboratory are too high for most.
“The price must be lower than that to encourage all the importers to test what their goods,” he said.
Burmese poultry farmers face oversupply
//19 Dec 2011
The poultry industry in the Burmese region of Yangon is facing an oversupply which is depressing prices to dangerous levels for farmers, the chairman of the Myanmar Livestock Federation has stated.
“The wholesale price of chicken is lower than its production cost now, so farmers are facing difficulty in keeping their business going,” said U Win Sein, the federation’s chairman.
Last week the wholesale price of chicken last week was about K2250-K2350 a viss (1 viss is 1.6 kilograms or 3.6 pounds) whereas the cost of rearing chickens was about K2600 a viss, he said.
“There is no balance between supply and demand in the market. The supply of chickens into the market is double the demand, which means prices are falling,” said U Win Sein. Despite the drop in wholesale prices, which are more than 20% down on the same time last year, the retail price remains about K5000 a viss.
The federation met with farmers, wholesalers and the Yangon City Development Committee at the federation’s headquarters in late November to try to negotiate a solution to the oversupply problem. One idea put forward during that meeting was to allow more chicken retail markets to open up but YCDC officials immediately blocked the suggestion. U Win Sein said the federation was planning to encourage more people to buy frozen chicken.
“We have to let more people know that it’s perfectly healthy to buy and consume frozen chicken meat. People here always want their meat fresh but it’s difficult for retailers because they have only one day to sell the meat or it goes bad,” he said.
Farmers have also complained that feed and chick prices are too high, which increases the cost of rearing stock. Another factor contributing to the oversupply of chickens to the market is an increase in dual fish-chicken farming by fish farmers. This controversial practice sees fish farmers set up chicken coops above their ponds, with the fish feeding off the waste produced above.
A spokesperson for the Myanmar Fish Farmers Association said dual farming lowered feed costs for farmers and provided them with extra income. However, it has also contributed to the flood of fowl into market since mid-September.
Source: The Myanmar Times
The poultry industry in the Burmese region of Yangon is facing an oversupply which is depressing prices to dangerous levels for farmers, the chairman of the Myanmar Livestock Federation has stated.
“The wholesale price of chicken is lower than its production cost now, so farmers are facing difficulty in keeping their business going,” said U Win Sein, the federation’s chairman.
Last week the wholesale price of chicken last week was about K2250-K2350 a viss (1 viss is 1.6 kilograms or 3.6 pounds) whereas the cost of rearing chickens was about K2600 a viss, he said.
“There is no balance between supply and demand in the market. The supply of chickens into the market is double the demand, which means prices are falling,” said U Win Sein. Despite the drop in wholesale prices, which are more than 20% down on the same time last year, the retail price remains about K5000 a viss.
The federation met with farmers, wholesalers and the Yangon City Development Committee at the federation’s headquarters in late November to try to negotiate a solution to the oversupply problem. One idea put forward during that meeting was to allow more chicken retail markets to open up but YCDC officials immediately blocked the suggestion. U Win Sein said the federation was planning to encourage more people to buy frozen chicken.
“We have to let more people know that it’s perfectly healthy to buy and consume frozen chicken meat. People here always want their meat fresh but it’s difficult for retailers because they have only one day to sell the meat or it goes bad,” he said.
Farmers have also complained that feed and chick prices are too high, which increases the cost of rearing stock. Another factor contributing to the oversupply of chickens to the market is an increase in dual fish-chicken farming by fish farmers. This controversial practice sees fish farmers set up chicken coops above their ponds, with the fish feeding off the waste produced above.
A spokesperson for the Myanmar Fish Farmers Association said dual farming lowered feed costs for farmers and provided them with extra income. However, it has also contributed to the flood of fowl into market since mid-September.
Source: The Myanmar Times
Australia studies environmental management of egg industry
//19 Dec 2011
A study by the Australian Egg Corporation Limited has demonstrated the efficiency of Australian egg production with respect to three important environmental and resource efficiency issues: global warming, water use and energy use.
The study, ‘Environmental Assessment of an Egg Production Supply Chain using Life Cycle Assessment’, is the first of its type for the Australian egg industry and establishes a performance benchmark for the future.
Environmental management is an important focus area for the Australian egg industry. Modern production systems have led to continual productivity improvements across the industry, which will in turn result in a high degree of environmental efficiency.
Highly efficient production systems
The Australian egg industry is characterised by intensive, modern, highly efficient production systems and a growing free range production sector, which together produce some 345 million dozen eggs annually. The industry aims to have a high degree of environmental performance through adoption of best management practices for a range of environmental issues although, to-date, there have been no comprehensive analyses of environmental performance across the whole egg supply chain.
In order to quantify the most important environmental and resource impacts faced by the industry, a life cycle assessment (LCA) study was commissioned to investigate emissions of greenhouse gases, energy and water use. This study investigated both caged and free range egg production through to the end of the primary production supply chain, using a functional unit of one kilogram of eggs produced.
Low levels of greenhouse gas
Australian egg production was found to generate low levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) when compared with egg production from European studies. Total GHG was 1.3 +/- 0.2 kg CO2-e / kg eggs from caged production and 1.6 +/- 0.3 kg CO2-e / kg for free range production. Despite the overlapping confidence intervals, free range production generated higher emissions than caged production when shared variability was taken into account.
Cumulative energy demand (CED) for caged production (0.7 +/- 0.9 MJ / kg eggs) was lower than studies previously reported in the literature. Cumulative energy demand for free range egg production (13.1 +/- 1.1 MJ / kg eggs) was slightly higher than for caged production, but was similar to other studies reported in the literature.
The higher impacts for GHG and CED associated with free range production were attributable to higher feed conversion ratio (FCR) and lower productivity compared to caged production.
Environmental efficiency of egg production
The relative environmental efficiency of egg production in this study arose from the high performance of modern Australian egg production coupled with the low input nature of Australian grain production. Additionally, Australian grain is produced in conditions that do not favour nitrous oxide emissions, which is reflected in the lower emission factor recommended for use in the Australian inventory (DCCEE 2010). These result in low GHG and energy use for Australian eggs, both in the caged and free range systems.
Related website:
Australian Egg Corporation Limited
A study by the Australian Egg Corporation Limited has demonstrated the efficiency of Australian egg production with respect to three important environmental and resource efficiency issues: global warming, water use and energy use.
The study, ‘Environmental Assessment of an Egg Production Supply Chain using Life Cycle Assessment’, is the first of its type for the Australian egg industry and establishes a performance benchmark for the future.
Environmental management is an important focus area for the Australian egg industry. Modern production systems have led to continual productivity improvements across the industry, which will in turn result in a high degree of environmental efficiency.
Highly efficient production systems
The Australian egg industry is characterised by intensive, modern, highly efficient production systems and a growing free range production sector, which together produce some 345 million dozen eggs annually. The industry aims to have a high degree of environmental performance through adoption of best management practices for a range of environmental issues although, to-date, there have been no comprehensive analyses of environmental performance across the whole egg supply chain.
In order to quantify the most important environmental and resource impacts faced by the industry, a life cycle assessment (LCA) study was commissioned to investigate emissions of greenhouse gases, energy and water use. This study investigated both caged and free range egg production through to the end of the primary production supply chain, using a functional unit of one kilogram of eggs produced.
Low levels of greenhouse gas
Australian egg production was found to generate low levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) when compared with egg production from European studies. Total GHG was 1.3 +/- 0.2 kg CO2-e / kg eggs from caged production and 1.6 +/- 0.3 kg CO2-e / kg for free range production. Despite the overlapping confidence intervals, free range production generated higher emissions than caged production when shared variability was taken into account.
Cumulative energy demand (CED) for caged production (0.7 +/- 0.9 MJ / kg eggs) was lower than studies previously reported in the literature. Cumulative energy demand for free range egg production (13.1 +/- 1.1 MJ / kg eggs) was slightly higher than for caged production, but was similar to other studies reported in the literature.
The higher impacts for GHG and CED associated with free range production were attributable to higher feed conversion ratio (FCR) and lower productivity compared to caged production.
Environmental efficiency of egg production
The relative environmental efficiency of egg production in this study arose from the high performance of modern Australian egg production coupled with the low input nature of Australian grain production. Additionally, Australian grain is produced in conditions that do not favour nitrous oxide emissions, which is reflected in the lower emission factor recommended for use in the Australian inventory (DCCEE 2010). These result in low GHG and energy use for Australian eggs, both in the caged and free range systems.
Related website:
Australian Egg Corporation Limited
18 December 2011
Lohmann Animal Health acquires Immuno-Vet Services CC
//15 Dec 2011
With the aim to strengthen its market position on the African continent, especially to expand even more actively into the sub-Saharan regions, Lohmann Animal Health has acquired its former distributor, Immuno-Vet Services CC in Johannesburg, South Africa.
At the end of November, the co-founder and previous principal owner of Immuno-Vet, Harry Mahieu jointly signed the acquisition contract of the South African company, together with Lohmann’s Managing Director Dr. Bruno Kaesler and Messrs. Dean Hewson and Wanda Viljoen.
Immuno-Vet is to keep its individual business profile, which is why Lohmann continues to be represented by the already established local company Lohmann Animal Health SA (Pty) Ltd. Both companies will co-exist as independent economic players in order to ensure that the widest possible portfolio of vaccines and feed additives can be marketed successfully and thus the maximum impact in the market can be achieved by the new subsidiary.
For Thierry Vendrell, Sales Director for the regions of Southern Europe and Africa at Lohmann Animal Health as well as Head of the acquisition project, the advantages of the acquisition are quite obvious and clear: "With the new subsidiary, we provide a central hub for our business activities in southern Africa. Lohmann Animal Health strengthens its presence in Africa and may expand the existing market share, not least by means of using the already established distribution and sales structures. Our customers benefit from faster service times and a broadening of our product portfolio, thanks to the Immuno-Vet Services range of products.”
Source: Lohmann Animal Health
With the aim to strengthen its market position on the African continent, especially to expand even more actively into the sub-Saharan regions, Lohmann Animal Health has acquired its former distributor, Immuno-Vet Services CC in Johannesburg, South Africa.
At the end of November, the co-founder and previous principal owner of Immuno-Vet, Harry Mahieu jointly signed the acquisition contract of the South African company, together with Lohmann’s Managing Director Dr. Bruno Kaesler and Messrs. Dean Hewson and Wanda Viljoen.
Immuno-Vet is to keep its individual business profile, which is why Lohmann continues to be represented by the already established local company Lohmann Animal Health SA (Pty) Ltd. Both companies will co-exist as independent economic players in order to ensure that the widest possible portfolio of vaccines and feed additives can be marketed successfully and thus the maximum impact in the market can be achieved by the new subsidiary.
For Thierry Vendrell, Sales Director for the regions of Southern Europe and Africa at Lohmann Animal Health as well as Head of the acquisition project, the advantages of the acquisition are quite obvious and clear: "With the new subsidiary, we provide a central hub for our business activities in southern Africa. Lohmann Animal Health strengthens its presence in Africa and may expand the existing market share, not least by means of using the already established distribution and sales structures. Our customers benefit from faster service times and a broadening of our product portfolio, thanks to the Immuno-Vet Services range of products.”
Source: Lohmann Animal Health
13 December 2011
Tajikistan reduces egg imports by 15% in 2011
//09 Dec 2011
Import of eggs and chicken meat in Tajikistan declined significantly this year due to an increase in the volume of domestic production.
Statistics from January to August show imports of eggs in the country declined by more than 15%. Imports of poultry in the preliminary estimates will be 20-25% less in 2011 compared with last year.
"Earlier eggs came in a large volume from Iran, Pakistan, India and China. Now imports of eggs from these countries have completely stopped,” said Mashokir Nazarov, CEO of Gosunitarnogo Ptitseprom currently the largest egg producer in the country. "Increasing the production of eggs by the national enterprises was promoted. For example, in January-August more than 102.5 million eggs were produced, which is 18.3 million units more than the same period last year".
"Also at the end of the year the country's largest companies for the production of poultry in Pyanj and Faizabad districts will be put into operation. It is assumed that in the new complex in Faizabad district, the volume of chicken meat production will reach 12 thousand tons per year. These complexes in the first year of operation will produce about 1 mln eggs "- he noted.
"The Ministry of Agriculture predicts that 275 million eggs will be produced in the country this year while the domestic need is estimated at 1.3 billion pieces. The main constraint for the development of the industry is the high price for feed," Nazarov concluded
Import of eggs and chicken meat in Tajikistan declined significantly this year due to an increase in the volume of domestic production.
Statistics from January to August show imports of eggs in the country declined by more than 15%. Imports of poultry in the preliminary estimates will be 20-25% less in 2011 compared with last year.
"Earlier eggs came in a large volume from Iran, Pakistan, India and China. Now imports of eggs from these countries have completely stopped,” said Mashokir Nazarov, CEO of Gosunitarnogo Ptitseprom currently the largest egg producer in the country. "Increasing the production of eggs by the national enterprises was promoted. For example, in January-August more than 102.5 million eggs were produced, which is 18.3 million units more than the same period last year".
"Also at the end of the year the country's largest companies for the production of poultry in Pyanj and Faizabad districts will be put into operation. It is assumed that in the new complex in Faizabad district, the volume of chicken meat production will reach 12 thousand tons per year. These complexes in the first year of operation will produce about 1 mln eggs "- he noted.
"The Ministry of Agriculture predicts that 275 million eggs will be produced in the country this year while the domestic need is estimated at 1.3 billion pieces. The main constraint for the development of the industry is the high price for feed," Nazarov concluded
09 December 2011
Use of antibiotics in food animals addressed
//06 Dec 2011
Antibiotic use in food-animal production is the focus of a White Paper recently released by the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA). The White Paper is a summary of science-based information delivered by the 13 human health and animal health speakers and symposium participants at the "Antibiotic Use in Food Animals: A Dialogue for Common Purpose" symposium in Chicago, Oct. 26-27.
"Critics and proponents of the use of antibiotics in livestock have conflicting views on the correct interpretation of the body of evidence related to agricultural use of antibiotics and the development of resistant organisms," states Dr. Len Bull, chairman of the symposium. "This White Paper, written in laymen terms, will help individuals understand what the science shows to date and why each of us have a responsibility toward achieving the unified goal of 'One Health: Healthy People, Healthy Animals, Healthy Food'."
The White Paper provides science-based information regarding the use of antibiotics in food-animal production, human health implications relative to antibiotic use and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in livestock. A significant portion of the White Paper addresses the controversial topic of antimicrobial resistance. Citing that antimicrobial resistance is not a black-and-white issue, the White Paper notes that "the ultimate priority about antibiotic use going forward is the development of well-established, science-based criterion in the regulatory decision-making process."
The message to the livestock and poultry industries is plain and simple: Remain focused on disease prevention and continual improvement of good animal husbandry practices. Individuals can access the White Paper, as well as the symposium speakers' PowerPoint presentations with synchronized audio, online at the NIAA website.
Antibiotic use in food-animal production is the focus of a White Paper recently released by the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA). The White Paper is a summary of science-based information delivered by the 13 human health and animal health speakers and symposium participants at the "Antibiotic Use in Food Animals: A Dialogue for Common Purpose" symposium in Chicago, Oct. 26-27.
"Critics and proponents of the use of antibiotics in livestock have conflicting views on the correct interpretation of the body of evidence related to agricultural use of antibiotics and the development of resistant organisms," states Dr. Len Bull, chairman of the symposium. "This White Paper, written in laymen terms, will help individuals understand what the science shows to date and why each of us have a responsibility toward achieving the unified goal of 'One Health: Healthy People, Healthy Animals, Healthy Food'."
The White Paper provides science-based information regarding the use of antibiotics in food-animal production, human health implications relative to antibiotic use and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in livestock. A significant portion of the White Paper addresses the controversial topic of antimicrobial resistance. Citing that antimicrobial resistance is not a black-and-white issue, the White Paper notes that "the ultimate priority about antibiotic use going forward is the development of well-established, science-based criterion in the regulatory decision-making process."
The message to the livestock and poultry industries is plain and simple: Remain focused on disease prevention and continual improvement of good animal husbandry practices. Individuals can access the White Paper, as well as the symposium speakers' PowerPoint presentations with synchronized audio, online at the NIAA website.
Blood parameters and weight gain in piglets at birth
//07 Dec 2011
Parameters recorded at birth and day 1, and weight gain at day 1 are highly associated with survival at weaning.
In addition, being born in the last third of the litter was less favourable with regard to vitality.
Study by Norwegian scientists
In short, these were the conclusions of a study of Norwegian scientists to record 22 blood parameters and weight gain in the first day of life in Landrace-Yorkshire-Duroc crossbred piglets and to find associations between these parameters and survival at weaning. All live piglets from 18 litters were weighed and blood sampled at birth and day 1 and monitored to weaning at the age of five weeks.
At birth, levels of lactate, pH, red blood cells, haemoglobin, and haematocrit were associated with survival to weaning. Also, levels of lactate increased, and pH decreased when born in the last third of a litter.
At day 1, levels of glucose, haemoglobin, and weight gain were all decreased in piglets that did not survive to weaning. Weight gain also decreased when born in the last third of a litter. Level of IgG decreased when born in the last third of a litter. The study was published in Journal of Animal Science.
Parameters recorded at birth and day 1, and weight gain at day 1 are highly associated with survival at weaning.
In addition, being born in the last third of the litter was less favourable with regard to vitality.
Study by Norwegian scientists
In short, these were the conclusions of a study of Norwegian scientists to record 22 blood parameters and weight gain in the first day of life in Landrace-Yorkshire-Duroc crossbred piglets and to find associations between these parameters and survival at weaning. All live piglets from 18 litters were weighed and blood sampled at birth and day 1 and monitored to weaning at the age of five weeks.
At birth, levels of lactate, pH, red blood cells, haemoglobin, and haematocrit were associated with survival to weaning. Also, levels of lactate increased, and pH decreased when born in the last third of a litter.
At day 1, levels of glucose, haemoglobin, and weight gain were all decreased in piglets that did not survive to weaning. Weight gain also decreased when born in the last third of a litter. Level of IgG decreased when born in the last third of a litter. The study was published in Journal of Animal Science.
Romania can start to export pork to the EU
//08 Dec 2011
European Union countries will soon see pork coming from Romania, as the country has been cleared to start pork exports as of 1 January 2012. A ‘channelled’ pork system will allow Romania to sell pork in the EU.
According to Radu Roatis, president of the National Medical Veterinary and for Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA), the decision was a unanimous one and approved by member states. Classical Swine Fever has been the culprit causing Romania to be unable to export pork to EU countries.
The issue regarding Classical Swine Fever in Romania has ‘largely improved’ in recent years, said the EU. The last outbreak of Classical Swine Fever in Romania was in 2007, in Timis County (western Romania), at farms owned by US firm - Smithfield. At the farms 50,000 pigs were killed. However, Romania is still not yet considered free of the disease.
'Lifting the commercial barrier imposed on Romania because of the swine pest might bring between 600 million and one billion Euros in the first year, according to the estimate made by the representatives of the Romanian meat processing industry,' said Roatis.
Channelled pork system
“Trade will be possible from a ‘channelled system’ developed in Romania including selected pig farms, slaughterhouses and establishments that provide all necessary guarantees concerning biosecurity, hygiene and surveillance for Classical Swine Fever,” the European Commission said in a statement.
European Union countries will soon see pork coming from Romania, as the country has been cleared to start pork exports as of 1 January 2012. A ‘channelled’ pork system will allow Romania to sell pork in the EU.
According to Radu Roatis, president of the National Medical Veterinary and for Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA), the decision was a unanimous one and approved by member states. Classical Swine Fever has been the culprit causing Romania to be unable to export pork to EU countries.
The issue regarding Classical Swine Fever in Romania has ‘largely improved’ in recent years, said the EU. The last outbreak of Classical Swine Fever in Romania was in 2007, in Timis County (western Romania), at farms owned by US firm - Smithfield. At the farms 50,000 pigs were killed. However, Romania is still not yet considered free of the disease.
'Lifting the commercial barrier imposed on Romania because of the swine pest might bring between 600 million and one billion Euros in the first year, according to the estimate made by the representatives of the Romanian meat processing industry,' said Roatis.
Channelled pork system
“Trade will be possible from a ‘channelled system’ developed in Romania including selected pig farms, slaughterhouses and establishments that provide all necessary guarantees concerning biosecurity, hygiene and surveillance for Classical Swine Fever,” the European Commission said in a statement.
01 December 2011
About 40% of Dutch male pigs are no longer castrated
//01 Dec 2011
Approximately 40% of all male piglets born in the Netherlands are not castrated anymore. This figure was revealed by Dr Gé Backus (pictured), Wageningen University & Research Centre, at the start of the Boars Heading for 2018 conference.
The conference, held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on Nov 30 and Dec 1, brings together 150 international experts, mainly from Europe, to discuss about the future of boar raising. In the European Union, piglet castration will be banned by 2018.
The Netherlands paved the way for this ban, which was agreed to voluntarily by stakeholders from all 27 countries of the European Union in the end of December 2009. In the Netherlands, a similar development had led to a similar agreement in 2007.
As a result, the vast majority of retail chains in the Netherlands do not sell pork from barrows anymore – those pigs castrated end up in other market segments, predominantly exports.
Pork consumption
Backus said that despite the decision to go for boar meat, and risk boar taint – pork meat consumption has been still the same, and retail organisations have reported to be satisfied. In addition, pig farmers have felt lower feed costs as boars grow more efficiently – and production has happened more sustainably.
The topic is ‘hot’ in Europe, Backus said as many new research projects are being started up to get to know more about the topic of boar taint and how to avoid it.
Backus briefly summarised that every year in the EU, 100 million piglets are castrated. He added, since boars grow more efficiently, in the situation of castration 700,000 ha of more land is needed to produce the additional feed.
Exception
He said that castration is performed throughout the EU with the exception of the UK and Ireland. In Spain and Portugal, about 30% of the male piglets is castrated.
The first speaker of the night was Mr Andrea Gavinelli, head of the unit Animal Welfare, DG Health and Consumers, European Commission.
Related weblog:
• A different subject: Talking about smaller litters
Related websites:
• Boars Heading for 2018
• Wageningen University & Research Centre
• European Union
Approximately 40% of all male piglets born in the Netherlands are not castrated anymore. This figure was revealed by Dr Gé Backus (pictured), Wageningen University & Research Centre, at the start of the Boars Heading for 2018 conference.
The conference, held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on Nov 30 and Dec 1, brings together 150 international experts, mainly from Europe, to discuss about the future of boar raising. In the European Union, piglet castration will be banned by 2018.
The Netherlands paved the way for this ban, which was agreed to voluntarily by stakeholders from all 27 countries of the European Union in the end of December 2009. In the Netherlands, a similar development had led to a similar agreement in 2007.
As a result, the vast majority of retail chains in the Netherlands do not sell pork from barrows anymore – those pigs castrated end up in other market segments, predominantly exports.
Pork consumption
Backus said that despite the decision to go for boar meat, and risk boar taint – pork meat consumption has been still the same, and retail organisations have reported to be satisfied. In addition, pig farmers have felt lower feed costs as boars grow more efficiently – and production has happened more sustainably.
The topic is ‘hot’ in Europe, Backus said as many new research projects are being started up to get to know more about the topic of boar taint and how to avoid it.
Backus briefly summarised that every year in the EU, 100 million piglets are castrated. He added, since boars grow more efficiently, in the situation of castration 700,000 ha of more land is needed to produce the additional feed.
Exception
He said that castration is performed throughout the EU with the exception of the UK and Ireland. In Spain and Portugal, about 30% of the male piglets is castrated.
The first speaker of the night was Mr Andrea Gavinelli, head of the unit Animal Welfare, DG Health and Consumers, European Commission.
Related weblog:
• A different subject: Talking about smaller litters
Related websites:
• Boars Heading for 2018
• Wageningen University & Research Centre
• European Union
Canadian poultry farmers told to stop use of bovine antibiotic
//01 Dec 2011
The Public Health Agency of Canada (CIPARS) is warning British Columbia poultry farmers and veterinarians to stop using a bovine antibiotic on chickens.
The agency believes the practice is behind a significant spike in a strain of Campylobacter in chicken that is resistant to an antibiotic commonly used to treat respiratory infections in human beings and cattle.
Routine testing of chicken from grocery stores detected a dramatic spike in drug-resistant Campylobacter bacteria in retail samples of B.C. chicken in 2009 and levels have remained stubbornly above normal in the province ever since.
Positive tests for the resistant strain of Campylobacter in retail chicken have ranged as high as 40% in B.C. and 28% in Saskatchewan compared with an average of less than 4% in the other provinces monitored by the Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance.
Campylobacter is the most common food-borne pathogen in Canada. It is usually associated with substandard food handling and consumption of undercooked chicken.
The rate of human Campylobacter poisoning in B.C. has been about 30% above the national average during the past 10 years, according to the BC Centre for Disease Control.
CIPARS is comparing Campylobacter from human cases in B.C. and Saskatchewan to the bacteria from retail poultry to determine whether the same pathogen is infecting people who eat poultry.
‘Off-label’ fluoroquinolone
A bulletin to be released this week by CIPARS attributes the increase in drug-resistant Campylobacter in B.C. chicken to use of the antimicrobial drug fluoroquinolone.
The agency says veterinary fluoroquinolones labelled for cattle are being used "off-label" to prevent salmonella in chicken in breeder flocks.
Health Canada requires fluoroquinolone-based veterinary drugs for cattle to carry a warning not to use them in any other species.
Public health authorities want to curb the use of fluoroquinolone in chickens because the risk of spreading drug resistance could render those medications ineffective.
It is not unusual for veterinarians to use antibiotics labelled for one species on another species, but steps are being taken within the poultry industry to stamp out the practice.
Association warning
B.C.'s poultry farming association has issued a warning written by Ministry of Agriculture veterinarian Bill Cox in a July bulletin instructing producers not to use prescription drugs on their flocks except under veterinary supervision and not to use any drug without a veterinary diagnosis.
Chicken Farmers of Canada executive director Mike Dungate said antimicrobial resistance is one of the industry's "critical" concerns.
Chicken producers are required to report all medications given to their flocks to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency before they are sent for processing. That information is verified by government veterinarians, according to CFC safety program manager Steve Leech.
The CFC and CIPARS are developing a national on-farm surveillance program designed to record antimicrobial use and pinpoint the sources of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.
"The CFC hopes the program will explain B.C.'s persistently higher incidence of antimicrobial-resistant Campylobacter and correlate that with on-farm practices," Leech said.
The CFC maintains there is no conclusive use of veterinary drugs on farms with the drug-resistant bacteria detected in samples taken from chicken in B.C. grocery stores
The Public Health Agency of Canada (CIPARS) is warning British Columbia poultry farmers and veterinarians to stop using a bovine antibiotic on chickens.
The agency believes the practice is behind a significant spike in a strain of Campylobacter in chicken that is resistant to an antibiotic commonly used to treat respiratory infections in human beings and cattle.
Routine testing of chicken from grocery stores detected a dramatic spike in drug-resistant Campylobacter bacteria in retail samples of B.C. chicken in 2009 and levels have remained stubbornly above normal in the province ever since.
Positive tests for the resistant strain of Campylobacter in retail chicken have ranged as high as 40% in B.C. and 28% in Saskatchewan compared with an average of less than 4% in the other provinces monitored by the Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance.
Campylobacter is the most common food-borne pathogen in Canada. It is usually associated with substandard food handling and consumption of undercooked chicken.
The rate of human Campylobacter poisoning in B.C. has been about 30% above the national average during the past 10 years, according to the BC Centre for Disease Control.
CIPARS is comparing Campylobacter from human cases in B.C. and Saskatchewan to the bacteria from retail poultry to determine whether the same pathogen is infecting people who eat poultry.
‘Off-label’ fluoroquinolone
A bulletin to be released this week by CIPARS attributes the increase in drug-resistant Campylobacter in B.C. chicken to use of the antimicrobial drug fluoroquinolone.
The agency says veterinary fluoroquinolones labelled for cattle are being used "off-label" to prevent salmonella in chicken in breeder flocks.
Health Canada requires fluoroquinolone-based veterinary drugs for cattle to carry a warning not to use them in any other species.
Public health authorities want to curb the use of fluoroquinolone in chickens because the risk of spreading drug resistance could render those medications ineffective.
It is not unusual for veterinarians to use antibiotics labelled for one species on another species, but steps are being taken within the poultry industry to stamp out the practice.
Association warning
B.C.'s poultry farming association has issued a warning written by Ministry of Agriculture veterinarian Bill Cox in a July bulletin instructing producers not to use prescription drugs on their flocks except under veterinary supervision and not to use any drug without a veterinary diagnosis.
Chicken Farmers of Canada executive director Mike Dungate said antimicrobial resistance is one of the industry's "critical" concerns.
Chicken producers are required to report all medications given to their flocks to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency before they are sent for processing. That information is verified by government veterinarians, according to CFC safety program manager Steve Leech.
The CFC and CIPARS are developing a national on-farm surveillance program designed to record antimicrobial use and pinpoint the sources of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.
"The CFC hopes the program will explain B.C.'s persistently higher incidence of antimicrobial-resistant Campylobacter and correlate that with on-farm practices," Leech said.
The CFC maintains there is no conclusive use of veterinary drugs on farms with the drug-resistant bacteria detected in samples taken from chicken in B.C. grocery stores
Bird flu confirmed at Nepalese poultry farm
//29 Nov 2011
The Veterinary Epidemiology Center has confirmed an outbreak of bird flu at a poultry farm in Nepal’s Bhaktapur district.
An expert team dispatched from Department of Livestock Services under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives had initiated works in the disease prone areas following a complaint from local farmer Chandra Bahadur Tamang that 35 of his chickens died on Nov 9 and 10.
A sample of the dead chicken was sent to England for tests after the veterinary center suspected the disease. This test confirmed that the chickens had died of Bird flu. Meanwhile, more than 500 chickens and ducks have been killed in the area as a way of controlling the spread.
The Veterinary Epidemiology Center has confirmed an outbreak of bird flu at a poultry farm in Nepal’s Bhaktapur district.
An expert team dispatched from Department of Livestock Services under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives had initiated works in the disease prone areas following a complaint from local farmer Chandra Bahadur Tamang that 35 of his chickens died on Nov 9 and 10.
A sample of the dead chicken was sent to England for tests after the veterinary center suspected the disease. This test confirmed that the chickens had died of Bird flu. Meanwhile, more than 500 chickens and ducks have been killed in the area as a way of controlling the spread.
Cotton as potential hay substitute
//30 Nov 2011
The search for hay substitutes has led some to consider cotton residues as a potential supplement for other animal feeds. Dr. Tyron Wickersham of Texas AgriLife Research, a nutrition scientist at Texas A&M University analysed the feed potential of cotton.
Cotton is treated with pesticides and defoliants before it is harvested, and hence is under restrictions prior to its release for consumption.
The question was whether the chemcial pre-treatment affected the cotton residue’s nutritional value.
Dr. Wickersham of Texas A&M University found that cotton residue can be given to livestock with some precautions.
A far better nutritional option is giving the whole cotton plant for consumption. There is more crude protein in cotton plants than in the commonly used hays.
The cotton seed gives the feed a high fat content, higher than what would normally be given to cattle, and some scouring may occur, Wickersham said.
Dr. Wickersham and his colleagues plan to continue their research on feed cotton.
The search for hay substitutes has led some to consider cotton residues as a potential supplement for other animal feeds. Dr. Tyron Wickersham of Texas AgriLife Research, a nutrition scientist at Texas A&M University analysed the feed potential of cotton.
Cotton is treated with pesticides and defoliants before it is harvested, and hence is under restrictions prior to its release for consumption.
The question was whether the chemcial pre-treatment affected the cotton residue’s nutritional value.
Dr. Wickersham of Texas A&M University found that cotton residue can be given to livestock with some precautions.
A far better nutritional option is giving the whole cotton plant for consumption. There is more crude protein in cotton plants than in the commonly used hays.
The cotton seed gives the feed a high fat content, higher than what would normally be given to cattle, and some scouring may occur, Wickersham said.
Dr. Wickersham and his colleagues plan to continue their research on feed cotton.
Thai deteriorated rice goes to animal feed
//30 Nov 2011
The Thai Commerce Ministry has put up for auction 92,000 tonnes of rice in storage, mainly deteriorated stock for animal feed producers, says a ministry source.
Of the total up for auction, 66,927 tonnes is mixed-grade rice damaged by disasters, a supply that entered the government's mortgage scheme from 2008-09.
The remaining 25,153 tonnes is second-grade fragrant rice and white rice that entered the mortgage scheme from 2005-07.
Chanchai Rakthananon, the president of the Thai Rice Mills Association, said the auction might not be well received by the private sector, as deteriorated rice cannot be made into packed rice.
More likely was that the government would have to sell at a loss to millers which the government originally contracted to keep the rice.
Chanchai agreed with this year's policy of milling paddy into rice every 10 days and releasing stocks as soon as possible, as keeping the stockpile for longer periods would result in huge losses such as happened in the past.
If the government wants to keep rice for several years, a standard warehouse could ensure management of stock without quality deterioration
The Thai Commerce Ministry has put up for auction 92,000 tonnes of rice in storage, mainly deteriorated stock for animal feed producers, says a ministry source.
Of the total up for auction, 66,927 tonnes is mixed-grade rice damaged by disasters, a supply that entered the government's mortgage scheme from 2008-09.
The remaining 25,153 tonnes is second-grade fragrant rice and white rice that entered the mortgage scheme from 2005-07.
Chanchai Rakthananon, the president of the Thai Rice Mills Association, said the auction might not be well received by the private sector, as deteriorated rice cannot be made into packed rice.
More likely was that the government would have to sell at a loss to millers which the government originally contracted to keep the rice.
Chanchai agreed with this year's policy of milling paddy into rice every 10 days and releasing stocks as soon as possible, as keeping the stockpile for longer periods would result in huge losses such as happened in the past.
If the government wants to keep rice for several years, a standard warehouse could ensure management of stock without quality deterioration
CP Foods is aiming for global top three position
//30 Nov 2011
Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) said the acquisition of CP Pokphand Co (CPP) in Hong Kong is part of its strategy to become one of the world’s top three animal-feed firms.
The acquisition will cost the equivalent of Bt66 billion (US$2.17 billion) to purchase a 74.18% stake from Orient Success International, Worth Access Trading and CPI Holding – three companies owned by the Cheravanont family under the Charoen Pokphand Group (CPG).
Adirek Sripratak, president and CEO of CPF, said the strategy was to encourage CPF to restructure its business in the region to achieve synergy, security and cost competitiveness.
"We intend to become one of the world's top three feed-meal producers. Now we rank as the sixth or seventh," Adirek said.
The deal will also help increase total CPF sales to Bt300 billion ($9.6b) next year from this year's estimated Bt210 billion ($6.7b).
Bargaining power
"CPF is to spearhead exploring business opportunities overseas by itself rather than relying on its subsidiaries. The strategy will strengthen the company's bargaining power with trading partners," Adirek said, adding that this restructuring was similar to what CPF did in 1999 to consolidate all related subsidiaries into branches of CPF.
He said the acquisition was predicted to generate 18% return of investment per year thanks to CPP, which manages business not only in China but CP Vietnam Corporation (CPV).
CPP's main business in China under the Chia Tai brand has focused on animal feed in 28 provinces, accounting for 95% of its total sales.
The deal will also support CPF's strategy of directly expanding business into both China and Vietnam. It will increase the contribution from its overseas business from 26% of total revenue to 50%.
Adirek added that the company had to lower this year's total sales target a little from Bt220 billion ($7.0b) to Bt210 billion ($6.7b) because of the flooding. However, sales are still set to grow by 10-15% next year.
Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) said the acquisition of CP Pokphand Co (CPP) in Hong Kong is part of its strategy to become one of the world’s top three animal-feed firms.
The acquisition will cost the equivalent of Bt66 billion (US$2.17 billion) to purchase a 74.18% stake from Orient Success International, Worth Access Trading and CPI Holding – three companies owned by the Cheravanont family under the Charoen Pokphand Group (CPG).
Adirek Sripratak, president and CEO of CPF, said the strategy was to encourage CPF to restructure its business in the region to achieve synergy, security and cost competitiveness.
"We intend to become one of the world's top three feed-meal producers. Now we rank as the sixth or seventh," Adirek said.
The deal will also help increase total CPF sales to Bt300 billion ($9.6b) next year from this year's estimated Bt210 billion ($6.7b).
Bargaining power
"CPF is to spearhead exploring business opportunities overseas by itself rather than relying on its subsidiaries. The strategy will strengthen the company's bargaining power with trading partners," Adirek said, adding that this restructuring was similar to what CPF did in 1999 to consolidate all related subsidiaries into branches of CPF.
He said the acquisition was predicted to generate 18% return of investment per year thanks to CPP, which manages business not only in China but CP Vietnam Corporation (CPV).
CPP's main business in China under the Chia Tai brand has focused on animal feed in 28 provinces, accounting for 95% of its total sales.
The deal will also support CPF's strategy of directly expanding business into both China and Vietnam. It will increase the contribution from its overseas business from 26% of total revenue to 50%.
Adirek added that the company had to lower this year's total sales target a little from Bt220 billion ($7.0b) to Bt210 billion ($6.7b) because of the flooding. However, sales are still set to grow by 10-15% next year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)