Feed crisis keeps many pork producers away from PorkExpo

 

//27 Sep 2012

The feed crisis also has its impact on visitor numbers at the 2012 edition of the PorkExpo, held 26-28 September in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.

The event, combining a trade show with the Sixth International Forum on Swine Production, attracted about 2,000 visitors on the first day. The organisers said that the total aim of the show would be to attract about 10,000 visitors.

This is significantly less than previous editions. Very high feed prices, due to a higher demand from the USA, cause many producers to stay away or reconsider their future.

The first day offered a host of different activities, as can be seen in this photo gallery.

Related website:
• PorkExpo

MSD launches PRRS vaccine in South East Asia

 

//28 Sep 2012

Porcilis PRRS, is a field-proven, modified-live vaccine for immunizing pigs against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus, that will be introduced this month by MSD Animal Health in the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

The vaccine has been successfully used throughout Europe for over a decade. It should help pig producers to control PRRS, a significant health problem in major pig-producing regions throughout the world, including Asia, where serious PRRS outbreaks have occurred.
PRRS results in substantial economic losses for produces and higher pork prices for consumers. It causes reproductive failure in sows, including infertility, abortions, stillbirths and weak piglets. In growers and finishers, PRRS causes poor performance due to respiratory distress, lethargy and failure to thrive. Pigs with PRRS are also more susceptible to secondary infections, which escalate economic losses.
In finishing pigs vaccinated with Porcilis PRRS, field trials have demonstrated significant improvement in performance, including reduced morbidity due to PRRS and improved daily growth and feed conversion. In breeding pigs, use of the vaccine has resulted in significant improvement in reproductive performance on farms contaminated with the PRRS virus and it reduces transmission of the virus to piglets via the placenta. The duration of immunity with Porcilis PRRS is at least 24 weeks.
Reduces viral shed
Porcilis PRRS is based on a European PRRS strain and is intended for use in clinically health pigs living in a PRRS-contaminated environment. The vaccine’s recent approvals in three Asia Pacific countries were obtained following a rigorous review of the vaccine’s efficacy and safety by local regulatory authorities.
A published study* conducted by Paolo Martelli, DVM, of the University of Parma (Italy), demonstrated that compared to controls, the MSD vaccine provided a “statistically significant reduction in clinical signs in terms of incidence, duration and severity and by a more efficient cell-mediated immune response” in pigs that had natural exposure to a genetically diverse isolate of PRRS.
Marc Martens, DVM, a technical service veterinarian for MSD Animal Health, says that vaccination with Porcilis PRRS also reduces the amount of virus shed by animals, which in turn reduces transmission of the disease. The PRRS virus can be spread in a variety of ways, including direct contact and via air.
“If you reduce the amount of virus circulating and slow transmission of the virus from sows to piglets, you’ve taken the first step toward improving the respiratory health of the entire herd,” he continues.
“In practical terms, vaccinating with Porcilis PRRS means fewer abortions and stillbirths and more piglets born alive per sow. Piglets will be healthier and stronger and there will be more weaned piglets per sow, so producers can get more of them get to market. Pigs will also have fewer secondary infections,” he adds. “Used along with good management, this modified-live vaccine even makes it feasible to eradicate PRRS regionally,” he added.
Producers should depend on their swine veterinarians for advice about the best vaccination plan with Porcilis PRRS if they have herds in environments contaminated with the PRRS virus, he says.
Generally, however, gilts receive a single dose of the vaccine at the beginning of the quarantine period and 2 to 4 weeks before mating. In sows, experts recommend vaccination of the sow herd on what’s known as the 6-60 plan — vaccinating on the sixth day after farrowing and again 60 days into gestation, Martens says. In both sows and gilts, Porcilis PRRS is administered as an intramuscular injection in the neck, behind the ear, he says.
Early piglet vaccination
Infection with the PRRS virus often occurs during the nursery phase of production and early vaccination of piglets has been needed in the field. In piglets, a single dose of Porcilis PRRS can be administered to animals at least 2 weeks of age. They can receive the 2 ml intramuscular injection, or a needle-free, intradermal application of 0.2 ml in the skin.
Martens cited a trial with 2-week-old piglets that had maternally-derived antibodies to PRRS. They were vaccinated with Porcilis PRRS by either intramuscular or intradermal administration and a third group was not vaccinated and used as a control. All pigs in the study were then challenged with a PRRS virus field strain at 6 weeks of age. After vaccination, the level of the PRRS virus used for the challenge was highly, significantly reduced in the serum and lungs compared to the controls.
“In addition, extensive use of the vaccine in Europe has demonstrated that Porcilis PRRS is safe for swine,” Martens adds.

*Reference:
Martelli, P., et al. Efficacy of a modified live porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccine in pigs naturally exposed to a heterologous European (Italian cluster) field strain: clinical protection and cell-mediated immunity. Vaccine 2009;27:3788-99.

Related website:
MSD

New look for World Poultry HOME3310

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Russia bans the import of genetically modified maize

NUTRITIONNUTRITIONRAW MATERIALSGMO560
Federal Service on Surveillance for Consumer rights protection and human well-being (Rospotrebnadzor) has temporarily suspended the import into Russia of genetically modified maize NK603 after reports in the media about the maize’s negative impact on the health of laboratory rats.

“The reason behind this decision is an article published in the journal ‘Food and Chemical Toxicology’, which showed the results of a long-term toxicological study conducted by a group of scientists from Italy and France on the genetically modified maize NK603 and its resistance to the herbicide "Roundup". The article presents results showing a negative impact on the health of rats of the GMO-maize,” the agency said.

Importation and redistribution of maize NK603 in Russia has been suspended until Rospotrebnadzor has more information on the subject. The office has sent a request questioning the European scientists’ conclusions to the Russian Research Institute of Nutrition. A formal letter has been also been sent to the head of the Directorate General for Health and Consumer Protection Commission, asking for a comment on the situation and to present the EU's position on the issue.

The positive image of GMO
Interestingly, earlier this year the head of the department of health surveillance food hygiene of Rospotrebnadzor, Gennady Ivanov, announced his intention to create a positive image of GM-products in Russia. According to him, the government should improve the system of safety assessment of GMOs, upgrade control over the circulation of such products in the country, as well as build a positive image of genetically modified food in the community.

Rospotrebnadzor also recently put forth an opinion that certifying GMO crops could directly or indirectly contribute to better health for consumers.

From 2004 to 2010 Rospotrebnadzor registered 67 sorts of genetically modified products in the Customs Union, and another 44 products in the last three years.

EFSA: EU wide Salmonellosis outbreak due to turkeys?

OTHER POULTRY SPECIESEFSASALMONELLA700
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control have published a rapid risk assessment on the multi-country outbreak of Salmonella enteric serovar Stanley currently taking place in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Slovak Republic and the United Kingdom. The most recent assessment points to turkey meat as the culprit.

The Stanley serovar is more commonly associated with human infections in south-east Asia. There have been 418 confirmed and probable cases of Salmonella Stanley reported in the EU between August 2011 and September 2012.



On 14 September 2012 the European Commission asked EFSA and ECDC for joint scientific and technical assistance on the possible source of the on-going outbreak of Salmonella Stanley infection. This assistance applied particularly to:

• a summary of the descriptive epidemiology of human cases and an assessment of the current trend of incidence
• a collation of information on possible sources of S. Stanley in the EU,
• an assessment on the robustness of evidence implicating the possible sources of the on-going outbreak based on epidemiological data and molecular analyses both from the human, food and animal perspective.

At the EU level, ECDC is facilitating a coordinated response to the investigation related to human cases by gathering the available epidemiological and microbiological information, supporting the public health investigations in Member States and liaising with EC, EFSA and competent food safety partners in the EU.

• An outbreak of Salmonella [enterica_ serotype] Stanley infection involving 167 confirmed and 254 probable cases is on-going in several Member States of the European Union (EU). As cases do not have travel history outside the EU within the usual incubation period for salmonellosis, these findings strongly suggest a multi-state outbreak currently taking place in several countries in the EU. The descriptive epidemiology of human cases indicates a transmission originating from a persistent common source or multiple sources in the EU that are contaminated with isolates indistinguishable by XbaI-PFGE.

• Food and veterinary investigations conducted in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary identified an indistinguishable XbaI-PFGE fingerprint and a common resistance to nalidixic acid with concomitant decreased susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, among isolates originating from the turkey production chain (turkeys and turkey meat). Isolates with indistinguishable PFGE patterns were also detected in some cases from broiler flocks (breeding and fattening chicken flocks) and meat from other animal species (broiler meat, beef and pork.)

• The epidemiological and microbiological information gathered through the public health, food, and veterinary investigations strongly suggest that the turkey production chain is the source of the outbreak. However, the contribution of other food and animal sources, such as beef, pork, and broiler meat to the outbreak cannot be ruled out.

• As control measures have not yet been implemented to remove the source of infection and potential food vehicles from the market, it is likely that additional human cases of S. Stanley infections will be reported in EU Member States.

• It is important to highlight that persons working in the food chain at all levels (from production to catering) as well as consumers should be very strict with personal (hand washing) and food hygiene (avoid cross-contamination between ready-to-eat and raw meat) when handling raw turkey meat.

• ECDC, EFSA, and the EU Salmonella Reference Laboratory are encouraging all Member States to perform PFGE analysis on food, animal, and human S. Stanley isolates from 2011 and 2012, and to submit their data to ECDC. This will provide information on the diversity of S. Stanley in the EU, allowing a more accurate assessment of the situation.

• Further information on the trace-back and trace-forward of foods items in the food chain will be necessary to understand and assess the risk associated with this outbreak. In addition, this information will help in the identification of the primary source of the outbreak strain and to track the spreading along the food chain. This information would in turn help to define the risk management actions to be taken in order to control the contamination with this strain in the animal production and food chain. These targeted measures are expected to help control the outbreak and prevent further human cases.

• As soon as the information above becomes available, ECDC and EFSA recommend that further actions should be taken by risk managers to detect and contain the S. Stanley infection in turkey production and the subsequent contamination of turkey meat, and when necessary, in the broiler production chain.

Source: EFSA

Feed crisis keeps many pork producers away from PorkExpo

//27 Sep 2012
The feed crisis also has its impact on visitor numbers at the 2012 edition of the PorkExpo, held 26-28 September in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
The event, combining a trade show with the Sixth International Forum on Swine Production, attracted about 2,000 visitors on the first day. The organisers said that the total aim of the show would be to attract about 10,000 visitors.

This is significantly less than previous editions. Very high feed prices, due to a higher demand from the USA, cause many producers to stay away or reconsider their future.

The first day offered a host of different activities, as can be seen in this photo gallery.

Related website:
• PorkExpo

Elanco president: Activism blocks innovation and technology

//27 Sep 2012
Jeff Simmons, president of Elanco Animal Health, has strongly criticised the activist movement as in his view demands for e.g. animal welfare, more environment and a total ban on antibiotics are blocking innovation and technology.
Simmons spoke at the Sixth International Forum on Swine Production, during the PorkExpo in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. He introduced the freedoms of innovation, choice and trade. These together, he stated, could solve hunger and poverty as the use of technology leads to efficiency in swine production, which in turn leads to affordable pork.

Simmons pointed to the recent European ban on cages for layers – and suggested that there would be a shortage of eggs in supermarkets. The same would apply to California. In his view, the bans mean a step back in terms of efficiency. He said: “In Europe, there is a lack of innovation and a lack of good practices.”

Taste, cost, nutrition
Simmons quoted a broad literature study involving 97,000 consumers – and said 95% of consumers prefer ‘taste, cost and nutrition’ as important when purchasing meat. Only 5% would be choosing ‘luxury’ or ‘organic’.

A minority of only 1%, Simmons continued, ‘want to take consumers’ choice away’. “They act as a government, but this fringe can really change the cost of agriculture. And that is why we need to stand up now.”

Chipotle
Simmons played a video by Willie Nelson, called ‘the Scientist’, on behalf of fast food chain Chipotle, in which the Mexican food brand suggested to ‘go back to the start’, producing meat like it used to be in the past. Simmons said in his view this misrepresents reality. “Produced in this way, swine production takes more environment. If all meat was produced this way, going back to the start would be bad for the environment. This is not marketing with integrety.”

He continued, “If you want to do this – fine. But don’t claim it is better.”

Passion
Simmons said, while speaking at Harvard, he found himself confronted with many students who did not agree with his views. Simmons said, “I saw how passionate they were. They didn’t have the numbers and facts right, but still, they were taking action and speaking up. That is what I learnt from the other side. I came home converted: I’m going to be an activist!”

Addressing the pig farmers in the audience, he closed off, saying: “99% of the world may be quiet. But they want what you do.”

Simmons’ presentation was received with a long applause and passionate acclaim.

Related websites:
• Pork Expo
• Elanco Animal Health

Aviagen to include genomics information on broiler products

 

//25 Sep 2012

After eight years of sustained investment in unravelling the relationship between the chicken genome and broiler and breeder performance traits, Aviagen has now included genomics information in the routine selection of its elite lines.

Genomics information will complement existing selection techniques, adding to the continuous improvement of Aviagen products year-on-year.
Launched in 2004, before the chicken genome sequence was released, Aviagen’s genomics project is concerned with identifying naturally occurring markers within the genome of elite birds and using those markers to help breed stronger and more productive birds through the current selective breeding programme, a completely natural process.
In line with Aviagen’s tradition of innovation and dedication to R&D, this achievement comes as a result of long term commitment to cutting-edge research and bringing together the expertise of top scientists in the field of genomics and the internal knowledge gained from 50 years at the forefront of breeding.
“Genomics is studying naturally occurring variations in DNA to help with breeding decisions in our elite lines,” said Santiago Avendaño, Aviagen’s Director of Global Genetics. “The use of genomics information will further strengthen our tradition of incorporating R&D for the improvement of our broiler products - a stronger, fitter and healthier bird which is able to resist disease and deliver predictable performance wherever it is placed.”
“Genomics information can be used to improve all traits in the breeding program including live performance, critically feed conversion rate, health, disease resistance and welfare. In addition to the observed and measured performance of our birds in a range of environments, we can now see at the genetic sequence level the unique qualities of each bird. This is especially important for attributes for which there is a limited amount of individual record of performance at the time of selection, like sex-limited traits. For instance, in the past we have been able to make a prediction of the genetic potential for egg production or hatchability of a male selection candidate based on the qualities of its family, but without individual records it is not possible to differentiate birds from the same male and female parent. With genomics we can now see exactly what the genetic configuration of each bird is and what has been inherited from its parents. By utilising this unique insight from our birds, we can make even more accurate selection decisions in order to improve all aspects of the bird’s performance at every generation.”
“For reproductive traits our comparisons with conventional selection methods indicate that we can achieve between 30% to 50% extra genetic progress through increased selection accuracy which is very good indeed for relatively low heritable traits. It is important to say that genomics selection will not replace traditional selection, but will add a novel source of information that will further enhance accuracy of selection. Essentially, it is like extending the statistical equations we currently use to predict genetic values to give us the most accurate picture of the genetic potential of our birds.”
“We have been working on Genomics for a long time and wanted to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of the information being generated before implementing this technology into our breeding programmes. As the project developed so did its objectives, and the sheer scale of the initiative. A good example is in the increase in the number of DNA markers we reviewed. Initially we started off with 6,000 and by 2012 this number had increased to 600,000, adding time, cost and complexity to the project, it has also meant that the results are much more accurate and will have a greater impact on performance.”
“We have worked with a broad number of leading external experts in the field of genomics from all over the world who have helped us immensely in getting us to this stage and we are hugely grateful to all for their inputs and advice.”
Genomics selection has been in use within Aviagen since June 2012 and it will take some years before the benefits are felt in the wider industry. Typically for fitness and reproductive traits expressed at the parent stock level, the lead time is between 3 to 5 years for the traits to be expressed and at the broiler level this period is between 4 to 5 years. Customers will see the benefit of genomics information for Aviagen products from 2016 for reproductive traits and from 2017 for broiler attributes.
Source: Aviagen

Backyard farms with native breeds still important in Indian egg supply

 

//13 Sep 2012

Backyard farmers are still the most important providers of food in India. An important part of the poultry meat and eggs consumed in the country comes from these small scale producers. In the production process they make use of a variety of native breeds.

By Dr K. Ravvi Kumarr , Director, Central Poultry Development Organisation, Chandigarh, India

Rural poultry farming in India contributes to about 40% of the national egg production. The state sector has been taking care of backyard poultry units and the capital requirement of its co-operatives. Backyard farming has over the years contributed to a great extent to the agrarian economy of India. In the same way, rural backyard poultry production plays a vital role in the rapidly growing economy. It provides livelihood security to the family in addition to securing the availability of food. Unemployed youth and women can also earn an income through poultry farming.

Photo caption: Aseel meat is highly valued by rural and urban dwellers, rich and poor alike.

Indian native breeds are well known for their tropical adaptability and disease resistance, while their colour plumage helps in protecting themselves against predators. The first priority of today’s rural poultry farmer is not only having birds which lay just more eggs but also birds which early lay eggs with an optimum size as well as birds which grow to an optimum body weight and show a good feed efficiency. Producers hereby have a choice out of a number of native breeds.

Aseel, the woman’s choiceThe Aseel has a short and broad breast, straight back and a close setting strong tail root. Its outstanding feature is its thick and long neck, long and slender face without feathers, short beak, short and small comb, ear lobes and the absence of wattles. Its legs are long, strong and straight and the bird has an upright and majestic gait. It has been traditionally bred for its meat with the average weight of a two year old adult male ranging between 3-4 kg and the average weight of a hen is 2-3kg. With 36-60 eggs laid per year; the Aseel is not a prolific layer. The hen matures and begins to lay eggs between 5-6 months of age, and lays 3-4 clutches per year, with each clutch having 10-12 eggs. Women are primarily interested in producing live birds, and not eggs. Studies have indicated, 95-100% of the total annual eggs laid by a bird are kept to hatch. Of the live birds that hatch and survive, between 60-70% are sold, 15-20% are consumed at home and the remaining 10-15% are kept as breeding stock to increase the flock.

The Cornish inherited from the Aseel its meaty, well-muscled body, sturdy frame and yellow skin and legs. Aseel meat is highly valued by rural and urban dwellers, rich and poor alike, with prices per kg live weight being 50-100% higher than the broiler because of its superior taste and texture. Moreover with demand outstripping supply, indigenous poultry meat is hard to access and is a niche commodity. CPDO (NR) Chandigarh supplied a significant number of Aseel cross in and around Punjab.

Kadaknath is all black

The Kadaknath is very popular mainly due to its adaptability to the local environment, disease resistance, meat quality, texture and flavour.

The Kadaknath is an Indian breed of chicken, which is local to the Madhya Pradesh area. Here it is known as “Kali masi” (“fowl having black flesh”). The Kadaknath is popular mainly for its adaptability, and the well-tasting black meat, which is believed to infuse vigour. Kadaknath is the only Black Meat chicken (BMC) breed in India. It is a native bird reared mainly by the tribal communities of Bhil and Bhilala in the Jhabua and Dhar districts of Western Madhya Pradesh. Its colour stems from the deposition of melanin pigment.

The commonly available varieties of Kadaknath are jet-black, pencilled and golden. The bird is very popular mainly due to its adaptability to the local environment, disease resistance, meat quality, texture and flavour. The Kadaknath eggs are light brown. The day-old chicks are brownish to black with irregular dark stripes over the back. The adult plumage varies from silver and gold spangled to bluish black without any spangling.


The skin, beak, shanks, toes and soles of feet are slate-like. The comb, wattles and tongue are purple. Most of the internal organs also show intense black colouration which is also seen in skeleton muscle, tendons, nerves and blood. The meat is repulsive to look at but delicious. The weight of cocks is about 1.5 kg and that of hens is 1.0 kg. The hens are medium layers and they are not good broodies. The CPDO (NR) Chandigarh created awareness for the Kadaknath in the north, where many small farmers have been supplied Kadaknath to take up rural poultry.

Dual purpose Naked Neck

The Naked Neck lays the largest sized eggs among all Indian native breeds of chicken.

The Naked Neck is a breed of chicken that is naturally devoid of feathers on its neck and vent. Naked Neck is a dual-purpose utility chicken. They are very good foragers and are immune to most diseases. Naked Neck roosters carry a single comb, and the neck and head often become very bright red from increased sun exposure.

This breed has approximately half the feathers of other chickens, making it resistant to hot weather and easier to pluck. They are preferred in India not only for their relatively good egg production but mostly for their excellent meat quality coming from the foraging of these birds, scratching for food regardless of hot or cold weather. They became strong, resistant to diseases and the costs of keeping them were very low. The birds are capable of tolerating the tropical stress. It lays the largest sized eggs among all the Indian native breeds of chicken.

Frizzle fowl

Fizzle Fowl are mostly kept for their ornamental value.

Frizzle fowl is described as a heavy breed, having a single comb, is clean legged, and has the size of the Plymouth Rock. They come in large fowl and bantams; in addition, frizzle can also be a version of any recognised breed, such as frizzled Japanese, frizzled Cochin. They are kept mostly for their ornamental value.

Frizzles actually makes good multipurpose chickens with the cockerels reaching a very good weight in 7-8 weeks and hens are reliable layers. Frizzle plumage helps in fast heat dissipation due to which birds are better adapted to the tropical climate especially the amid zones. Frizzle fowl doesn’t require vaccination. It is a dual purpose bird suitable for backyard production.

Synthetic speciesKrishna J fowl was a replica of indigenous fowl adopted into the family poultry keeping scavenger system for high egg productivity and acceptability as meat fowl. Krishna J is basically a carried sex-linked dwarf gene and has been subjected twice to crossing with coloured broiler to improve its body size than crossed with the light coloured breeds of high egg productivity to sustain egg production.

Kalyani DK is a synthetic hybrid prototype which resemble indigenous fowl in body conformation, and has multi coloured plumage, dull shanks, pink skin and single combs. It has generated new opportunities for poultry production in rural areas. Satpuda Desi chickens were introduced in 2002. They have multi colour feathers, dull bluish shanks, pink skin and a single comb. It has an indigenous fowl body confirmation for meat and egg production. The Satpuda Male Desi attained 1.0 kg body weight in 8-9 weeks with 2.45kg feed. Satpura – Desi chickens, have been able to capitalise on its acceptance as an indigenous breed in the local meat markets.

Well adapted birdsThese indigenous poultry birds are well adapted to harsh Indian environment of free range and they produce egg and meat at the least possible cost. The birds require no scientific feeding, health care, housing and management and thus make the indigenous birds suitable for backyard poultry farming. The raising of synthetic hybrid replicas of indigenous chicken ensures more monetary return than the traditional Desi fowl.

A reasonable livelihood is earned by small scale poultry farmers, with these birds. The bird is acceptable to the local inhabitants since it suits their socio-cultural beliefs. These small scale producers together produce more food than large farmers. They do not have the headache from the massive problems that go with intensification practised by larger producers. The crowded conditions of intensive industrial poultry meat production is contributing to more frequent and dangerous recombinant pathogens, which are not seen in backyard production. On the other hand intensive poultry production systems are beyond the reach of the common man and poor farmers in India.

Indian terminology. Jungli Murgi - Jungli murgi (Gallus Gallus) Red Jungle fowl is progenitor of the domestic chicken. Jungle fowl commonly known as Jungli Murgha is facing threat of extinction. Broiler - The term broiler goes back to the turn of century and literally means a young chicken that can be boiled, fried, baked or roasted. Kuroiler - (Kegg+Broiler) Chicken which is custom bred chicken for small farmers. A female kuroiler gives 200 eggs in 18th month cycle; a male kuroiler reaches 1kg weight in 6-7 weeks. Kuroiler adult male weights maximum 2-2.5 kgs. They survive on scavenging, foraging and remainings from kitchens. Kegg refers to Kegg farms Gurgaon. Croiler - It is a mediocre broiler breed cross between broiler and layer as higher demand and higher market return. Desi chicken - Desi chicken is good brooder for ages and efficient mothers. They are known for adaptability to local climate and geographical condition. Desi chickens with hold on their own in low or no input conditions. They vary greatly in their plumage pattern, comb type and body confirmation.

Source: World Poultry, Vol. 28, No. 7, 2012

New outbreaks of ASF in Russia, disease’s spread may be slowing down

 

//25 Sep 2012

Three new outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) have been reported in Russia last week. Representatives of Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) observe that in recent weeks the spread of the virus shows signs of slowing down.

The first outbreak was detected in the Tver region. The virus was found during the laboratory studies of the samples taken from the pigs fallen in Novozavidovsky village of Konakovo district of Tver region.
According to Rosselkhoznadzor spokesperson for the Tver and Pskov regions, Catherine Minin, the virus was found in the carcasses of dead pigs from one of the private farms.
“Samples from the carcasses were taken to All-Russian Research Institute of Veterinary Virology and Microbiology, where experts, after study, concluded that the animals died because of African Swine Fever,” Minin explained. The carcasses have been destroyed and the place has been sanitised.
Previous cases of ASF in the Tver region were registered in late August. The infection raged throughout the region during the summer, but now shows signs of slowing down. However, experts are warning that the virus is still present. The region remains under quarantine and Rosselkhoznadzor heads are still dissatisfied with regional and local authorities’ sluggish struggle with ASF.
Rosselkhoznadzor also briefly reported on the identification of two more outbreaks of ASF in the Krasnodar region.
One outbreak has been reported one of the private farms in the Staro Velichkovsky village of Kalinin district. The farm contained a total of 15 pigs. The distance to the nearest outbreak of disease, pig farm Delimit in Kalinin district, is about 20 km.
Another outbreak was registered in the same district on pig farm Kubanagro-Azov. Special measures are being undertaken to contain and prevent the disease from spreading further, Rosselkhoznadzor reports.
Sources:
First outbreak
Second and third outbreak

Vladislav Vorotnikov

Pfizer Animal Health invites PRRS innovation proposals

 

//24 Sep 2012

Pfizer Animal Health has allocated US$100,000 in funding under its Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome (PRRS) innovation research grant program.

Since the PRRS virus was discovered more than 20 years ago, the disease has cost the US swine industry more than US$644 million annually, according to a 2011 study conducted by Iowa State University and funded by the US Pork Checkoff.

"We are interested in novel ways to better understand the functional diversity of PRRS virus genomes," said Shelley Stanford, DVM, MS, MBA, director, US Pork Technical Services. "Pfizer is committed to research in PRRS by working openly with industry researchers to create advances to fight this costly virus."

Research proposals must be received by October 26, 2012. All applicants must be current university staff, advanced study students at universities or practicing doctors of veterinary medicine.
Research must be conducted in the United States.
Email PRRSInnovation@pfizer.com to receive a copy of the abstract template or submit questions. Following a committee review, the announcement of the grant will be made on Jan. 31, 2013.

"We know the losses from the PRRS virus are devastating," Stanford said. "Our company is committed to advancing product innovations available for producers and veterinarians. This grant is an important addition to the work already being conducted by the Pfizer Animal Health pork team and our internal researchers. We hope working together will yield exciting results."

Related website:
Pfizer Animal Health

Russia: Pig farmers demanding increased import duties on live pigs

 

//21 Sep 2012

The Russian Union of Pig Farmers is currently preparing a request to investigate the negative impact a sharp reduction in import duties on live pigs could have on the industry, after the country’s WTO accession.

The documents will soon be sent to the Kremlin, which has already voiced its support for this initiative. Russian pig farmers demand the introduction of safeguard measures, and in particular a return to the import duty on live pigs at the same volume, from the current 5%, to 40%.
As remarked recently by the general director of the Union Yuri Kovalev, according to the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO), if the input tariff measures represent a significant threat to the industry and economy, and it is possible to prove this negative effect, then the state has the right to impose special safeguard measures.
In that case, if the Union could present convincing evidence of such harm, the government will initiate a special investigation, which may have the result in the duty on pork to be re-raised.
Under the current rules, investigation must be carried out for a period for 2-3 months, so according to experts’ forecasts the final decision on this issue will be made in November or December of 2012.
Source: Newsland

Indonesia: USGC discusses DDGS and CGM use in poultry nutrition

 

//21 Sep 2012

Recently at a seminar entitled "DDGS and CGM use in poultry nutrition" held by the US Grains Council (USGC) in Jakarta, Dr William Dozier, associate professor at the department of Poultry Science, Auburn University, Alabama ,USA, discussed the use of DDGS in poultry feed.

According to Dozier, energy, protein and phosphorus are the three expensive nutrients in poultry feed. "And DDGS (Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles) contain the three nutrients, so that DDGS can be used as a substitute for corn and soybean meal in poultry feed," he said.
The advantages of using DDGS, Dozier said, are that DDGS may reduce feed costs, improve the colour of egg yolk, provide linolenic fatty acids, and lower levels of ammonia in faeces.
Still on DDGS, Eric Woodie, senior merchandiser of Trans Coastal Supply Company, said that there was no standard of quality in the purchase contract of DDGS. So far the suppliers and users of DDGS use protein and fat as a benchmark. The benchmark for fat is about 35% - 36%, protein minimum 26%, moisture maximum 12% and for crude fibre a maximum 10%.
CGM (Corn Gluten Meal) was covered by the USGC technical consultant for Southeast Asia, Dr Budi Tangendjaja. He explained that CGM is a byproduct of the wet milling of corn production. CGM contains protein and high energy. In addition, CGM contains about 200 ppm xantophyl that can help chicken pigmentation.
"CGM is ranked 8th for feed materials that are widely used in the world. While in Southeast Asia, CGM is ranked 3rd after soybean meal and DDGS," added Tangendjaja.
Source: Arief Fachrudin

Merck Animal Health partners with layer operations on Salmonella

//18 sep 2012
Merck Animal health plans to partner with layer operations underscoring its commitment to Salmonella control programs.
Commercial egg-laying operators are keenly aware of how important effective disease management is to the health and production of their flocks, especially when the disease has the potential to result in food-borne illness. That’s why Merck Animal Health is committed to partnering with egg producers to find an effective and FDA-compliant solution for the prevention of Salmonella.

“At the end of 2011, the US Food and Drug Administration published final guidelines for egg producers to help them further comply with the FDA egg safety rule. That ruling, coupled with the concerns we hear from our customers, has affirmed our commitment to developing vaccines that enable the producers to effectively protect not only their flocks, but also their businesses and reputations,” notes Charles Broussard, DVM, MAM, Technical Marketing at Merck Animal Health.

While many food-borne illnesses that were once a major threat to consumers have been nearly eliminated, Salmonella continues to be a concern to human, as well as poultry, health. Flock management practices that include vaccination against Salmonella can notably reduce the chance of an outbreak.

Related website
Merck Animal Health

Indonesia: Poultry feed prices rise 4.5%

//19 Sep 2012
As of 11 September 2012, poultry feed mills in Indonesia have raised the price of poultry feed by about 4.5%.
Vice president of broiler division of Ciomas Adisatwa (a company of Japfa group) Achmad Dawami said, "The price of poultry feed has risen about IDR 250 (US$0.03) per kg. So the current price is between IDR 5,750 – IDR 6,000 (US$0.63 – 0.61) per kg. The main cause of the rising feed prices is due to the high price of raw materials such as corn, soybean meal and meat and bone meal."

The chairman of Indonesian Feed Mill Association Sudirman FX said that the international corn prices had gone up 60% over the last two months, to US$8 per bushel. “The jump in prices in the international market also affected domestic corn prices, which last month for only IDR 2,600 (US$0.27) per kg, now IDR 3,400 (US$0.36) per kg, or up approximately 31%,” he said.

In addition, Sudirman continued, soybean meal prices rose from US$380 per tonnes to US$700 per tonnes. Meat and bone meal prices also rose. “Not to mention, the price of the commodity on futures contracts is high. By December this year, the price of corn is about US$7.5 per bushel and SBM US$650 – 700 per tonne,” he revealed.

Sudirman said, feed mills like local raw materials, but the stock is not sustainable. On the other hand, the price of alternative raw materials also soared, such as bran up from IDR 1,800 (US$0.19) per kg to IDR 2,700 (US$0.28) per kg.

Sudirman assessed, “The current price increase is just the beginning, the peak of the drought has not been taken into account yet. Although the national corn production of this year is predicted to be good, Indonesia however, is also running dry, so that corn production in the second half of this year will not be optimal.”


Source: Arief Fachrudin

China, Guangdong: 67,500 destroyed in HPAI cull

//19 Sep 2012
A new outbreak of avian influenza in China’s southern province of Guangdong has prompted a cull that destroyed 67,500 birds.
Dr Zhang Zhongqui, Director General of the China Animal Disease Control Centre of the Ministry of Agriculture has reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) a new outbreak of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus.

The virus was discovered on farm in Dongjian, Zhanjiang in Guangdong province, where 6,300 birds were found dead with the disease. Of the 73,800 susceptible birds; 67,500 birds were destroyed.

The outbreak started on the 11th of September. The H5N1 virus was confirmed by the Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, which is an OIE Reference lab.

Zhongqui reports that standard quarantine measures will be installed; stamping out; movement control, screening, zoning, disinfection of the premises, dipping, spraying.

There will be no vaccination or treatment of affected animals.

The event is ongoing and pertains to the whole country

Related website
OIE

Indonesia: Ministry of agriculture to increase crop production

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Indonesia’s ministry of agriculture received a budget allocation of IDR 19.47 trillion for the period of 2013.

The ministry will focus on increasing the production of food crops such as rice, corn, and soybeans.

Indonesia’s minister of agriculture Suswono says, “from the total budget, IDR 10.4 trillion will be used to increase the production of food crops. The funds will be used for the development of infrastructure and food crops related research.”

With those funds, Suswono is optimistic that food crops production in 2013 will increase significantly. He predicts, in 2013 corn production will reach 26 million tonnes, while soybeans will be around 2.3 million tonnes.

France discusses antibiotic resistance in pigs

//18 Sep 2012
In November 2011, France launched a national plan to combat antibiotic resistance, compatible with European animal health recommendations.
Among the precautions taken for pigs, the plan included a moratorium on 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporine use (not used preventatively on piglets, use only after an antibiogram), and limitation of the application of fluoroquinolones (no use before antibiogram, for example).

It is quite difficult to know precisely what a given farmer’s antibiotics use is, and whether the treatment is preventative or curative. To uncover this, IFIP (Institut Français du Porc) set up an investigation targeting antibiotics use at the farmer’s level. The investigation reports the number of treatments on animals, number of days under antibiotic treatment, and the selection pressure (% of pig weight treated by day on a farm).

The results confirmed suspicions that tetracycline use is too high. The reality is, that in France pigs are given around 100 mg of tetracycline/kg (or 100 ppm). It also confirms that piglets around weaning are the main target of antibiotic treatments, and that a good management of antibiotic use in pig production must focus on this physiological stage, in order to reduce antibiotic use/abuse in future.

At a meeting on antibiotic resistances, IFIP listed these main points:

feed formulation for first age piglet (less nitrogen matter, barley to secure digestive health…),
feeding (lot of small feeding better that huge amount of feed once a day),
water (clean, access to watering place…),
housing (0,20 m2/piglet, temperature…),
management (less group mixing as possible, homogeneity regarding weight and age in the groups…) and
cleaning/desinfection practices.
Experts are insisting on more lab analyses (antibiogram), but also desire that the manner in which antibiotics are administered is changed, e.g. less through medicated feed and via drinking water.
“In ten years,” said Isabelle Corrégé, “antibiotic use has already fallen, in tandem with increasing good management practices, new vaccines and alternative uses. De-medication is driving a lot of innovations seen at the stands at SPACE.”

RESEARCH: Antibiotic-resistant salmonella in Vietnamese pork

//18 Sep 2012
Vietnamese and Japanese researchers have investigated the spread of antibiotic-resistant salmonella isolates in retail pork and poultry meat from North Vietnamese markets.
A total of 118 Salmonella isolates were detected from 283 retail meat samples (135 pork and 148 chicken meat) purchased at retail markets in Northern Vietnam. Thirteen serovars, including Infantis, Anatum, Rissen, Reading, Emek, Typhimurium, Blockley, London, Newport, Derby, Weltevreden, Albany, and Hadar, were determined.

Resistance to tetracycline (54.2%), sulfonamides (52.5%), streptomycin (41.5%), trimethoprim (36.4%), chloramphenicol (35.6%), and ampicillin (33.1%) was commonly seen in the Salmonella isolates.

Fourteen [blaTEM, blaOXA-1, blaPSE-1, aadA1, sul1, tetA, tetB, tetG, cmlA1, floR, dfrA1, dfrA12, aac(3)-IV, and aphA1-1AB ] of 17 resistance genes were detected from the isolates demonstrating resistance.

Genes for plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance, such as qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, qepA, and acc(6′)-1b-cr, were not detected in 23 quinoloneresistant isolates. The substitution TCC to TTC at codon 83 of gyrA was found in the 18 quinolone-resistant isolates.

The data revealed that resistant Salmonella strains were widely distributed in Northern Vietnam via the food chain and that they might contain multiple genes specifying identical resistance phenotypes.

Source: Journal of Food Protection

Enzymes: how to obtain the most cost-effective inclusion in your formulation?

Enzymes have become a key solution in resource efficiency. Phytase is known to raise the available or digestible phosphorus (P). However, the power to release digestible P out of plant phytate is not linear. This means that it’s no use adding (expensive) phytase to the feed unlimitedly. But how to deal with this non-linear effect? How to obtain the most cost-effective use of enzymes in your formulation?

In other words: How to formulate easily the cheapest compound with the most optimal inclusion of enzymes?

Resource efficiency

Formulation managers have an increasingly strategic role to play in a complex market. Resource efficiency has become a key word in feed formulation. Breaking down the plant phytate to release more digestible Phosphorus by adding phytase in animal feed has become common practice.

Fast facts

Phytase is an enzyme that increases availability of phosphorus in animal diets
Phytase lowers the amount of supplemental phosphorus required in the diet
Because of improved dietary phosphorus utilization, less phosphorus is excreted in the manure.


Non-linear behaviour of phytase : challenge for feed formulation programs

How useful adding phytase to feed may seem, tests have shown that the power to release digestible P out of plant phytate is not linear. This means that the first 250 FTU of phytase will release more digestible P than the second 250 FTU you include in a compound.

This ‘non-linear behaviour’ forms special challenges for feed formulation programs, as these are based on linear programming. Adifo’s least-cost feed formulation program BESTMIX® is the first and only tool that offers a sound solution for optimising with “non-linear” effect. The software breaks down the effect of Phytase into linear phases to simulate the non-linear effect. This way, the formulator can apply Phytase as if it were any other ingredient, resulting in the same values: the optimal inclusion rate, the shadow price, the total consumption, etc. BESTMIX® uses a full optimisation, resulting in a dynamic inclusion rate of Phytase and the lowest possible compound price.

Detailed analysis of the result

There is more. BESTMIX® also gives insight in the behaviour of the enzyme in the composition. It compares the composition and the price of the compound twice: Once with the use of phytase and once without the use of phytase. This way, the nutritionist can analyse the behaviour of phytase in all details.

Anti-nutritional effect of enzymes

Phytase not only releases extra digestible Phosporus. Thanks to its anti-nutritional effect, it also raises the level of protein, amino-acids and energy values in the feed. These extra advantages are made visible in BESTMIX®. The software clearly shows to the nutritionist the effect of phytase in the compound feed for all nutrients.

Most cost-effective use of Phytase in the formulation

Not all phytases available on the market have the same effectiveness. Nor the same price. With BESTMIX®, it is easy to evaluate every single type of phytase, making you see which phytase brings the highest value to your specific compound.

NSP-enzymes

The BESTMIX® feed formulation software not only offers a solution for working with Phytase, but also with any kind of NSP enzyme. This means the formulator can set up a NSP-enzyme in such a way, that its effect on the nutritional value of certain other ingredients is defined. In other words, you define exactly on which ingredients the enzyme has an actual effect. This way, your ingredient matrix is kept clean. It has proven to be a far better solution than to create different series of a certain ingredient, with adapted nutrient values for every NSP enzyme and every possible enzyme activity combination.

Conclusion

Using the state-of-the-art formulation tool BESTMIX® to calculate the cheapest compound with the most optimal inclusion of enzymes is a real money saver.

Russia sees increased poultry meat import in H1 2012

//14 Sep 2012
Poultry imports in Russia during H1 2012 increased by 38.7% in volume and by 57.8% in monetary terms compared to the same period of the last year.
Import of fresh and frozen poultry meat during the period from January to July of this year amounted to 270,500 tonnes, during the same period last year imports were 195,000 tonnes.

In value terms, imports of poultry meat increased by 57.8% to US$422.5 million. The total volume of import from non-CIS countries amounted to 225,700 tonnes of poultry meat, representing US$326,300 million, the Russian Federal Customs Service reported in a press release.

Imports of poultry meat already have doubled compared to the volume initially forecasted by the Russian Union of poultry farmers (Rosptitsesoyuz). In this situation, experts say there is a risk of production excess in the domestic market, which could happen as soon as next year and result in a collapse in prices. Therefore experts once again said that it is necessary to establish poultry meat export supplies.

"We need to give clear guidance to businesses throughout the supply chain that the government is aware of how the agri-food market is developing, including through exports. Exports are not an end in themselves, but they are the mechanism for obtaining high and stable income for the manufacturers. Russia could sell poultry and pork abroad, about 200,000 tonnes annually [for both products]. We can also produce halal products from poultry and beef which are very interesting for Middle East countries," Alexander Korbut, the vice-president of the Russian Grain Union said in an interview.

Vladislav Vorotnikov

RESEARCH: Heavy metals in pork offal

//14 Sep 2012
In association with Mahidol University (Thailand) and IFIP (French Institute for Pig Industry), Animine presented analytical findings on the risk of heavy metal contamination in pork offal (liver, kidney), at the 8th Congress of Toxicology in Developing Countries (8CTDC) held in Bangkok (Thailand) under the theme of “Sharing toxicological knowledge for healthy life and environment”.
Heavy metals (mainly cadmium, lead, arsenic) in animal feeds can originate either from contaminated feedstuffs or from supplemental sources of additives, especially essential trace minerals like zinc and copper.

When contaminated diets are fed to pigs, heavy metals accumulate preferentially in the storage organs. Recent analytical surveys showed that one fourth of pig kidneys in Thailandwas above the regulatory limit in cadmium (Cd) concentration.

The percentage of kidneys unsafe for human consumption could not be only explained by potentially Cd polluted areas, but may originate from contaminated sources of trace mineral supplements.
Recent analysis with batches of zinc oxide products utilized in pig diets showed very high levels of contaminants.

Supplementation of piglet feeds with zinc oxide at pharmacological levels, about 25 times more than the nutritional requirements, is common to secure growth performance and/or reduce post weaning diarrhoea of the piglets.

Although the period of supplementation is early in the pig life, the very long biological half-life of heavy metals causes a risk of high Cd levels in the organs at the slaughter. HiZox, the potentiated zinc oxide product from Animine, not only is utilized at a low inclusion rate in piglet diets, but is also guaranteed with concentrations in heavy metals at extremely reduced levels, even lower than EU maximal regulatory limits.

Related website
Animine


Figure caption:
Cadmium concentration in kidneys
(individual results in red > 1 mg/kg, maximum regulatory values)

Russian authorities say recent ASF outbreaks are economic terrorism

//14 Sep 2012
The recent outbreaks of ASF in Russia did not happen accidentally, they were deliberate actions of biological terrorism aimed to undermine the development of pig production in Russia, thinks Alexander Tkachev, governor of Krasnodar Territory.
"Almost simultaneously, ASF outbreaks have been reported in Ust-Labinsk, Krasnoarmeiski, Kalininsky, Korenovsky and Seversky districts of the region. Infection has entered the largest complexes with the highest levels of biological security in different areas of the region almost at the same time. This can only possible due to sabotage, planned importation of the infection into the complex. Our law enforcement agencies should investigate this scenario,"said Alexander Tkachev.

The hypothesis that the outbreaks of ASF virus were not accidental has already been checked by the regional department of the Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB). According to the district attorney of Krasnodar region Leonid Korzhineka, over the last two years, the damage to the economy of the region due to ASF has been estimated to be up to RUB 500 mln (US$16.7 mln), and therefore the situation is extremely serious.

However, the management of Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) doubts that these outbreaks could really be the acts of sabotage.

"I have grave doubts that the Krasnodar region could be subject to this kind of sabotage. In the world there is not one country which would dare to undertake such an action, with its grave consequences on an intercontinental scale,” said Deputy Head of Rosselkhoznadzor Nikolai Vlasov.

However, he also said that ASF could theoretically act as "biological weapons, just like the anthrax”.

"In international practice there is only one country that has previously used such methods; the United States against Cuba,” he added.

Vladislav Vorotnikov

China: FMD in Tibet, 340 swine culled

//14 Sep 2012
China’s Ministry of Agriculture announced that Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) infections have been confirmed in livestock in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Xinhua reports.
A total of 108 pigs and 123 live head of cattle at a village in Bomi County, Nyingchi Prefecture, showed symptoms associated with foot-and-mouth disease, according to the MOA.

The National FMD Reference Laboratory on Thursday confirmed that the livestock were infected with serotype-O FMD after testing samples collected at the farm, the MOA said.

Local authorities have sealed off and sterilized the infected area, where 340 pigs and 272 head of cattle have been culled and safely disposed of in order to prevent the disease from spreading since the case was confirmed, according to the MOA.

The outbreak was reported to have started in late February, according to a report received by the OIE from Dr Zhang Zhongqui, director general of the Veterinary bureau of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Related website
OIE

How to combat high feed prices

 

//13 Sep 2012

The price of animal feed commodities hit an all-time record high. The price of major ingredients has gone beyond any reasonable expectation.

In the meantime, the most severe drought in half a century has occurred in the US Midwest’s corn and soybean growing region which adversely affects crop production. The United States is the world's largest producer and exporter of corn and soybeans thus, the decline in the US production pushes up the global feed prices. Understandably, whenever commodity prices take an upturn, interest increases in using alternative ingredients that may help blunt the upsurge in feed costs.
Alternative ingredients are commonly known as non-conventional energy and protein sources (Peanut meal, bakery meal…) which can partially replace corn and/or soybean in the diet. Alternative ingredients are usually available in limited supplies and on a local basis. When commodity prices are high, the price of some alternative ingredients closely correlates with the price of major ingredients.
For instance, DDGS has usually been priced at 60-80% of the price of corn but with drought issue in the corn growing region, it is being priced about 90-100% of the value of corn. Meanwhile, the possibility of on-the-farm processing of local by-products/waste materials converted into cost-effective alternative ingredients seems underestimated.
Large poultry operations have the potential to produce quality ingredients from waste materials. Integrated poultry companies usually deal with a considerable quantity of waste material such as carcass processing waste, feathers, hatchery waste, egg shell, infertile eggs, spent hens, dead birds… which are usually disposed at a cost.
These waste materials can be processed locally using high-shear extrusion technology. This extrusion method is a high-pressure, high-temperature, and fast cooking approach with sterilisation, stabilisation, and dehydration functions. The technology has been around since the late 60s. It is simple, affordable, and does not need a large amount of capital investment. The extruded materials can further be used as a high quality ingredient in the diet.
Over the past two decades, numerous research projects have focused on developing novel ingredients from waste material. A study by Ohio State University showed that the nutritional value and amino acid digestibility of whole hen mortality co-extruded with either corn or wheat (mixing ratio of 25:75) is comparatively better than that of meat and bone meal.
In brief, large poultry operations can combat high feed prices by converting local by-products/waste materials into quality ingredients. Depending on its nutritional value, the novel ingredients can partially replace corn and/or soybean in the diet.

RESEARCH: Persistent threat of swine flu viruses

 

//13 Sep 2012

Underscoring the paramount importance of continued surveillance, a Korean-US research team have published in the US Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences a study identifying how an H1N5 Swine Influenza strain that spreads through respiratory droplets-without direct contact and under the radar.

The researchers tested the effects of four swine flu viruses isolated in Korea, and exposed them to groups of ferrets, which are considered a suitable animal model for human flu.
Secondary infections in the ferrets were found to spread even more rapidly, and already having evolved two mutations in a single passage.
These findings support the continuing threat of some field triple-reassortant swine viruses to human and animal health, reviving concerns on the capacity of pigs to create future pandemic viruses. Apart from warranting continued and enhanced global surveillance, this study also provides evidence on the emerging roles of HA225G and NA315N as potential virulence markers in mammals.
For more inforamtion go to:

• PNAS
• New Scientist
• USDA

Russia: Those guilty of aiding ASF spread will be punished

//11 Sep 2012
Law-enforcement agencies in the Krasnodar region have begun large-scale inspections into the recent cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks. In the near future, farmers found guilty of violating veterinary regulations set up to contain ASF outbreaks will be fined heavily. Officials found guilty will be not only evicted from their posts, but can also face imprisonment for a period of up to three years.
"This year in the [Krasnador] region 22 outbreaks of African Swine Fever were reported. From July 26 to August 20 alone 19 outbreaks were reported in Ust-Labinsk, Krasnoarmeisky, Kalininsky, Korenovsky, Seversky, Abinsky, Timashevsky, Slavanskov, Yeiskom, Temryukovsky and Bruhovetsky districts of the region, "said the Prosecutor General's Office in the statement.

Now prosecutors, working together with veterinary experts, are currently investigating the outbreaks. The investigations have already revealed gross violations of veterinary regulations made by the management of a number of pig farms.

Also, prosecutors have revealed a number of violations in the activities of public authorities and regulatory bodies.

"The violations cover untimely introduction of quarantine measures after the registration of the outbreaks of ASF, as well as violations of the veterinary medicine procedures covering the delineation of the borders of the quarantine zone. Violation have also been uncovered in the measures used to eliminate the outbreaks, and in the operation of security and quarantine posts intended to prevent the spread of the virus outside the region, " said in the official press release.

By now, based on prosecutor's inspections, 16 criminal cases have been initiated under Part 1 of article 249 of the Criminal Code of Russia (violation of veterinary rules). In the official report of the Prosecutor General's Office it has been also noted that the investigation of these cases was done under special surveillance.

Source: Vladislav Vorotnikov

Novozymes reduces carbon footprint

PROCESS MANAGEMENTEUDENMARKCARBON FOOTPRINTNUTRITIONNOVOZYMES640
By working with transport companies, Novozymes has succeeded in reducing traffic supplying the company's production site in Kalundborg. With 800 fewer trucks on Denmark’s roads, Novozymes claims to have reduced its CO2 footprint by 148 tonnes a year.

Instead of freighting goods and products by truck, Novozymes is working with transport companies to get goods sent by ship directly to the production site at Kalundborg. This means there are fewer trucks on the roads between Copenhagen and Kalundborg, reducing CO2 emissions by 148 tonnes a year.

The road system on the Danish island of Zealand is under severe strain, with traffic particularly heavy in the Copenhagen area. Working with Kalundborg Harbour and the shipping company Unifeeder, Novozymes is now taking measures to eliminate a good share of the heavy transport normally associated with industrial production.

Some of the transport will be switched from truck to ship: ”Instead of receiving our raw materials from truck containers, we're now reorganising part of our transport so that our raw materials are shipped directly to Kalundborg Harbour,” explains Peter Hansen, Transport Manager at Novozymes. "On an annual basis we expect to be able to take 800 articulated trucks off the roads between Copenhagen and Kalundborg. This represents a CO2 saving of 148 tonnes a year and of course less noise and nuisance on the roads."

Saves money and reduces carbon footprint
A substantial part of Novozymes’ global production is based in Kalundborg, which is 100 kilometres from Copenhagen in western Zealand.

Novozymes’ plant in Kalundborg uses raw materials from all over the world. At present these are typically shipped to Copenhagen Free Port or the port in Hamburg in Germany, and then unloaded and driven the rest of the way by truck.

“We have worked with Kalundborg Harbour to get this project up and running. Kalundborg Harbour is now geared up to handle this form of logistics, and in the light of rising fuel costs, it makes good sense for us to have the containers freighted direct to Kalundborg from the major ports of Europe.

“Embarking on a project such as this is an obvious thing to do, because it makes good financial sense. As well as saving on transport costs, what’s also been important for us is being able to reduce the carbon footprint of our suppliers when they are freighting goods for us. Another plus point is that fewer trucks mean less noise for local residents and less strain on the roads,” says Peter Hansen, and concludes:

”We see both these as important elements of our efforts to carry out all our production in the most responsible and environmentally aware way we can.”

Insect protein as animal feed

Research:
A project to develop insect-derived feed protein that could help replace expensive soya bean meal and fishmeal in poultry and pig diets has been announced by AB Agri parent company of ABN.
The project involves nutritionists, biochemists and entomologists, combining the expertise within ABN with that of scientists at the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera).

Initially evaluated in poultry, insect larvae will be grown on organic waste materials, then processed for use in animal feed.

"As a bonus, the organic waste substrate is reduced in mass by about 50%, and can be used as a valuable fertiliser."

"With global protein supply currently struggling to keep up with demand, and protein prices sky-rocketing this year as a result, there is a real need to develop new, sustainable alternatives," explained ABN technical director Angela Booth. "This project is an exciting opportunity to see if the highly digestible protein in insect larvae could help meet that need.

In addition to overcoming the technical production challenges, a strong focus will be placed on evaluating the feed's nutritional value and its suitability for use as an animal feed, especially in relation to consumer acceptability.

The aim is to have a viable pilot scale production system up and running by the end of the three-year project, which is jointly funded by AB Agri and the Technology Strategy Board.

Boehringer Ingelheim opens annual call for PRRS research proposals

//06 Sep 2012
To help research on Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome (PRRS), the US division of Boehringer Ingelheim issued a call for proposals for the Annual Boehringer Ingelheim Advancement in PRRS Research Award Program.
The deadline for submissions are January 1 of each year.

Boehringer Ingelheim will provide three US$25,000 awards to the winning proposals for PRRS research in the NAFTA region. Candidates included graduate students, academic researchers, company or private researchers, and practicing veterinarians.

The 2013 Advancement in PRRS Research Awards recipients will be announced at the American Association of Swine Veterinarians Conference on March 1, 2013.

Objective: Examine practical methods of controlling, managing, and possibly eradicating the PRRS virus.

Evaluation
Once the three winning year-long research projects are completed and submitted for peer review, PRRS Research Review Board (PRRB) will conduct a second evaluation. Upon acceptance for publication of his or her findings, the first place award recipient will receive an additional US$5,000; second place, US$3,000; and third place, US$1,000.

The independent PRRS Research Review Board (PRRB) members include:

• Matt Andersen, Suidae Health and Production, Algona, IA
• Luc Dufresne, Seaboard Farms, Shawnee Mission, KS
• Dr Tim Loula, Swine Vet Center, P.A., St Peter, MN
• Dr Bill Mengeling, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
• Daryl Olsen, AMVC, Audubon, IA
• Dr Montse Torremorell, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

Related website:
• Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica

Italy’s swine industry reorganises: Less farms, more pigs

//06 Sep 2012
The Italian swine business has been industrialising rapidly in the first decade of this century. While 83.3% of the country’s pig farms disappeared, the total number of pigs in Italy grew by 8.5% and the average number of pigs per farm grew by over 500%.
The Italian Agricultural Census pointed out that in the year 2000, Italy counted 156,818 pig farms, while ten years later, only 26,197 were left – mainly located in the island of Sardinia (4,860), and the regions Lombardy and Calabria. In Lombardy, 100-150 km south of Milan, in the North, 2,642 farms were left in 2010; in Calabria, in the far south of Italy, 2,193 farms were counted.

Swine farms
The majority of swine farms can be found in Northern Italy: Lombary, Emilia-Romagna, Piemonte and Veneto together account for the growing of over 84% of Italian pigs. Most of these are used for the production of official Parma ham (see picture) and San Daniele ham.

The contraction certainly did hit the industry in Northern Italy hard. In Lombardy alone, the country’s most relevant area for Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) hams, with over 4.7 million pigs, about 60% of farms disappeared.

Despite the dwindling numbers of farms, the numbers of pigs, however, did increase. Numbers in 2000 were 8,603,141, whereas ten years later, an 8.5% rise could be observed as then 9,331,314 head were counted. Consequently, the average pig farm had increased from 55 pigs to 356 – a rise of 549.3%.

Italy therefore is going through a relevant reorganisation of the farms, from small and family style ones to industrially produced pork.

Difference
There is a difference with industries in other EU countries (i.e. the Netherlands, Denmark or France), which could present itself as troublesome for Italian sector. Too often producers and processors disagree – a situation large retailers happily profit from. Only 14% of the entire value chain belongs to farmers and this vacuum is sometimes filled by large feed manufacturers.

The added value of swine production has increased by 14% between 2010 and 2012. Andrea Cristini, president of the Italian National Association of Swine Breeders (Anas) warned: “We can’t forget that feed costs have risen by 24% – and the outlook of cereals prices worry us.” (by Matteo Bernardelli)

RESEARCH: Progesterone supplementation effect on pig embryo survival

 

//04 Sep 2012

A consortium of Australian, Belgian and Dutch researchers have published an article in Reproduction in Domestic Animals on the effect of progesterone supplementation administered to sows during early pregnancy. An analogue of progesterone , altrenogest, was used. The researchers conclude that administering altrenogest early in sow pregnancy has no effect on increasing embryo survival, and thus is not a remedy for low litter sizes.

Progesterone supplementation during early pregnancy may increase embryo survival in pigs. The current study evaluated whether oral supplementation with an analogue of progesterone, altrenogest (ALT), affects embryo survival.
Methods
A first experiment evaluated the effect of a daily 20-mg dosage of ALT during days 1-4 or 2-4 after onset of oestrus on embryo survival at day 42 of pregnancy. A control group (CTR1) was not treated. The time of ovulation was estimated by transrectal ultrasound at 12-h intervals.
Altrenogest treatment significantly reduced pregnancy rate when start of treatment was before or at ovulation: 25% (5/20) compared to later start of treatment [85% (28/33)] and non-treated CTR1 [100% (23/23)]. Altrenogest treatment also reduced (p < 0.05) number of foetuses, from 14.6 ± 2.6 in CTR1 to 12.5 ± 2.5 when ALT started 1-1.5 days from ovulation and 10.7 ± 2.9 when ALT started 0-0.5 days from ovulation.
In a second experiment, sows with a weaning-to-oestrous interval (WOI) of 6, 7 or 8-14 days were given ALT [either 20 mg (ALT20; n = 49) or 10 mg (ALT10; n = 48)] at day 4 and day 6 after onset of oestrus or were not treated (CTR2; n = 49), and farrowing rate and litter size were evaluated. Weaning-to-oestrous interval did not affect farrowing rate or litter size.
ALT did not affect farrowing rate (86% vs 90% in CTR2), but ALT20 tended to have a lower litter size compared with CTR2 (11.7 ± 4.1 vs 13.3 ± 3.1; p = 0.07) and ALT10 was intermediate (12.3 ± 2.9).
Conclusion
In conclusion, altrenogest supplementation too soon after ovulation reduces fertilization rate and embryo survival rate and altrenogest supplementation at 4-6 days of pregnancy reduces litter size. As a consequence, altrenogest supplementation during early pregnancy may reduce both farrowing rate and litter size and cannot be applied at this stage in practice as a remedy against low litter size.
The aricle is available behind a paywall at Reproduction in Domestic Animals.

RESEARCH: Risk factors for Salmonella-infections on pig farms

 

//04 Sep 2012

In light of recent changes to the German pig industry, German researchers set up a study to identify and examine the key contributing risk factors for farms in Lower Saxony. A survey conducted by the team showed that control of Salmonella on farms is highly individualistic and therefore extremely complex.

Salmonellosis is one of the major zoonotic, food-borne diseases, among others, caused by pig derived food products. As infected pigs are one of the main sources of the introduction of the bacterium into the food chain, scientific research in the last years has focussed on identifying risk factors for infection as well as developing mitigation strategies on this level of production.
In order to update the knowledge of the German situation by incorporating recent changes in the German pig industry, a case–control study was set up to identify the key contributing risk factors for farms located in the western part of Lower Saxony, the region with the highest pig density in Germany.
Based on an extensive and systematic literature search, a comprehensive questionnaire with 302 questions concerning such topics as personnel hygiene, animal management, biosecurity, feeding management as well as cleaning and disinfection routines was utilized in a face-to-face interview on 104 case and 67 control farms.
Within a stepwise forward selection process the preliminary identified factors were grouped contextually, associations between variables were calculated and multivariable logistic regression models were conducted. Identified risk factors were: the moving of individual animals during the fattening period (OR 5.3, CI 95% 1.35–20.35), not having a separate transporter for different age groups (OR 11.4, CI 95% 1.94–66.18) and pigs having contact to other animals (OR 4.3, CI 95% 1.39–12.96).
The following factors were identified as being protective: not cleaning the transporter (OR 0.2, CI 95% 0.05–0.72) and not having clean boots available (OR 0.2, CI 95% 0.07–0.64).
While this study was able to identify some factors which influence the Salmonella-infection of a herd, overall the process of analysis showed that the control of Salmonella on farm is due to a series of individual factors and therefore remains extremely complex.


Source: Meat Science

Pork producers can have carcasses checked for African Swine Fever

 

//27 Aug 2012

Swiss pork producers can have their dead pigs checked for the presence of the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus.

The newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung reported this in a feature on growing concern about new livestock diseases, like the Schmallenberg virus and African Swine Fever. The former does not occur in pigs.

Research costs will be paid for by the Swiss state, the Swiss Federal Veterinary Office (FVO) states.

Concern in Europe is growing about the African Swine Fever virus, as outbreaks have been confirmed in Russia and Ukraine.

Ukraine ask FAO and EU for funds to fight ASF

 

//04 Sep 2012

Ukraine has asked the FAO and EU for financial assistance to help stop the epidemic of African Swine Fever (ASF), reported State Veterinary and Phytosanitary Service of Ukraine (Gosvetfitoslujba) head Vladimir Gorzheev.

"The Ukrainian authorities are negotiating with the European Commission's Directorate General for Health and Consumer Protection (SANCO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to provide financial assistance for a various activities to combat the spread of the virus of African swine fever (ASF)," said Volodymyr Gorzheev.
"We are currently still in the stage of negotiations with the EU. We have provided a number of proposals about the exact amount of assistance. We do not need professional help, we need help with equipment for PCR laboratories," he said.
The Minister could not forecast the amount of funding only noting that it will be known after the upcoming meeting. If the funds are allocated they will be spent on the purchase of modern diagnostic tools and on the construction of two PCR-laboratories in two different part of the country.
Gorzheev also expressed assurance that the funds will be allocated, given EU and FAO fears of ASF virus spreading to the west.
"The countries of the European Union, have expressed concern regarding the outbreak of ASF virus in Ukraine and its possible spread into the territory of the European countries. Therefore, Ukraine has already received offers from the European Union for assistance in resolving the situation around identification of ASF in the Zaporozhye region," said Gorzheev.
“Ukraine also sent samples of material from dead animals to Spain, where the specialists confirmed the presence of ASF and its timely detection, which helped to check further spread of the disease,” he added.

Abu Dhabi says domestic poultry and eggs antibiotics free

 

//31 Aug 2012

Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), an independent food regulatory agency for the emirate, conducted a survey on 25 livestock farms looking for antibiotic residues.

Nineteen types of antibiotics in samples of poultry, eggs, milk and other meats were analysed.
Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa, director of Communication and Community Service at ADFCA, said the survey was part of the Authority's efforts to ensure food safety during Ramadan.
"The high levels of compliance in the animal farms with the rules and regulations are attributable to the intensive monitoring activities and awareness drives by ADFCA. The inspection visits to animal farms in 2011 and in the first half of this year stood at 492 and 354 respectively.
“Compliance levels reached 89.2% and the farms are implementing standards such as HACCP and ISO 22000. The seven events organized for awareness increase in which ADFCA's veterinarians and specialists targeted farm workers also played a big role in bringing compliance levels up," he explained.
"ADFCA monitors the use of antibiotics very carefully in animal farms as their wrong use can lead to animals becoming resistant to these antibiotics. This will, in turn, make disease control near impossible. The survey has confirmed that products from animal farms in the emirate are safe and reliable," Al Reyaysa said.
Source: Trade Arabia

2000 Israel broilers struck by Newcastle disease

 

//31 Aug 2012

Israel’s Veterinary Services and Animal health has reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) an outbreak of Newscastle Disease in the south of the country.

A total of 2000 five-week- old broilers died of Newcastle disease. The outbreak was localised to one incident.
The birds, some 47,500 in total, were divided up in two pens. The disease was found in one of the pens. In addition, the OIE reports 7,500 cases of Newcastle disease, and 38,000 susceptible birds.
All the birds are scheduled for destruction.
Source: OIE www.oie.int

Philippines ban Dutch poultry again

 

//31 Aug 2012

The Philippines has proclaimed a temporary ban against imported poultry from the province of Utrecht, the Netherlands, due to an outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza(LPAI) in the province, Xinhua reports.

The Department of Agriculture issued a memorandum Thursday, which reported that the LPAI serotype H7N7 was detected in free range laying hens in a Hagestein last August 9.
Philippine quarantine officers will confiscate all shipments of poultry and poultry products (with the exception on heat treated products) from Utrecht.
In June 2011 the Philippines imposed a similar ban on poultry imports, that time from the province of Gelderland, the Netherlands, which similarly suffered a LPAI outbreak last year.

Russia introduces tightened control on pork exports from the US

 

Russia introduces a number of intense laboratory controls on meat supplies from a number of US companies including Tyson Foods and Triumph Foods.

"During the laboratory studies listeria was identified in the shipment of pork that came from the US. The pork sample had been produced by Tyson Fresh Meats. Also in another samples of pork produced by Triumph Foods, traces were found of tetracycline and chlortetracycline which are prohibited in the Customs Union. Their total content was more than 10 mg / kg. "said the head of Rosselkhoznadzor Sergey Dankvert.

Tyson Foods will be the subject of special supervision also because, in all three enterprises of the company ractopamine was identified. In particular during the last monitoring, ractopamine was found in shipments of products from the enterprises N 244W (Tyson Fresh Meats), N 244I (Tyson Fresh Meats), N 17D (John Morrell), N 31 965 (Triumph Foods), N 320M (Farmland Foods), N 244M (Tyson Fresh Meats); in lots of pork, pork cheeks and pork hearts, produced by the enterprise N 717 (Farmland Foods), in quantities of pork and pork cheeks, produced by the enterprise N 18079 (Smithfield Packing Inc).

"Taking into account that the violations have a primary character, Rosselkhoznadzor found it necessary to introduce a regime of intensive laboratory testing from the supply of US meat production from the enterprises NN 244W, 244I, 17D, 31 965, 320M, 244M. In the case of the continuation of violations, Rosselkhoznadzor will be forced to introduce temporary restrictions on the supply of products from these companies to Russia. "stated Deputy Head of Rosselkhoznadzor Eugene Nepoklonov.