//31 Aug 2011
In economic and epidemiological terms, the practice of culling on farms within a radius of 1 to 3 km of infected farms is the best method of combating Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) according to a recent study.
Vaccinating chickens within a radius of 3 km of an infected farm may at first appear to be cheaper, but it is less effective because the epidemic spreads further and lasts longer. This was one of the findings of a study performed by LEI together with the Central Veterinary Institute (CVI), both part of Wageningen UR, the Netherlands.
Matters researched included the consequences of preventative culling and of vaccination programmes within a radius of 1, 3 and 10 km of a farm infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu. The results of this research are described in the report ‘Control of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza’. This report demonstrates that an epidemic is shorter in duration when preventative culling takes place, but that this results in culling taking place on more farms than in the case of vaccinations. Emergency vaccinations are less effective in shortening the duration of the epidemic, although they do reduce the number of infected farms. The EU strategy of only implementing culling on infected farms is not effective enough in helping to control an outbreak in a densely-populated poultry-rearing area.
In the report, the researchers describe the various strategies available to the government in the event of an outbreak of HPAI. The report was commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture & Innovation to provide a basis for decisions made in the event of a new HPAI epidemic. In this regard, account must be taken of the fact that large-scale preventative culling is increasingly less acceptable to society, according to the researchers. Society tends to call for alternative control measures such as vaccination.
Source: Wageningen UR
31 August 2011
30 August 2011
Almost 1,000 arrests in clenbuterol pork scandal in China
//29 Aug 2011
Recently China was hit by a scandal involving the illegal additive clenbuterol being added to pig feed. According to officials, the Chinese authorities have thus arrested 989 people accused of making and selling clenbuterol in the recent scandal.
Clenbuterol is used to produce lean pork meat, which fetch higher prices at the market.
According to Xu Hu, a senior official in the Ministry of Public Security, the arrests of the accused came about following a busted criminal ring by police. The ring was involved in the manufacture and sale of clenbuterol in 63 cities in China. Xu added that in the recent bust police seized 2.75 tonnes of clenbuterol and six illegal laboratories had been shut down, as well as 12 production lines, 19 processing and storage sites, and 32 "underground" factories.
Pork meat is the most consumed meat in the country and recent scandals involving the meat has raised consumer concerns across the country, as well as the government. The recent scandal first appeared in March this year, following other instances in the country in previous years.
Source: UPI.com
Chinese seek deal for British pigs
//30 Aug 2011
British pigs are still tops, particularly with the Chinese who are looking to buy new breeding stock. A delegation has just paid a visit to the UK looking to buy 1,000 pigs for an integrated operation.
The visit came about following the BPA’s presence on the BPEX stand at the China International Meat Industry Exhibition jointly funded by BPEX and UKTI.
BPEX director Mick Sloyan, who hosted a dinner for the visitors, said: “British breeding stock is still prized the world over.
“The Chinese are bringing their agriculture up-to-date at a tremendous rate and British pigs use less feed, therefore produce much less manure and they also need less land. This will in turn reduce the environmental impact quite markedly.”
BPA Export Promoter Chris Jackson said: “They were specifically looking for pedigree Large White and pedigree Landrace pigs.
“It was a very successful visit and we took the delegation all around the country. We are looking forward to doing business with them.”
Source: BPEX
29 August 2011
Kazakhstan to reduce dependency on poultry imports
//29 Aug 2011
The Kazakhstan government is taking active steps to support the poultry industry, the Director of the Department of Livestock under Ministry of Agriculture Rabiga Tokseitova has said, adding that it would allow the country to reduce the volume of imported poultry meat within the next five years.
"Kazakhstan is annually increasing its production output in the poultry industry, and nowadays the share of imports is constantly reduced, but so far we remain dependent on import supplies: and about 56% of poultry meat in the market is imported," Tokseitova said.
Based on the government support for the poultry industry it has been decided to form a fund of feed grain of 300 thousand tonnes. Also the government is annually lowering the interest rates on bank loans to purchase equipment and technology for poultry farming, which aims to provide working capital for producers, Tokseitova added.
In addition, Kazakhstan has consistently pursued the policy of reducing import quotas for poultry meat, in particular from the US – currently one of the largest exporters of poultry meat in the country. In 2009 Kazakhstan imported 147,000 tonnes of US poultry. In 2010, the quota was reduced to 110 ,000 tonnes.
According to the official statics, the number of poultry in Kazakhstan in 2010 amounted to 32.780 million heads and in 2011 it is expected that industry value will increase by 3-6%.
The Kazakhstan government is taking active steps to support the poultry industry, the Director of the Department of Livestock under Ministry of Agriculture Rabiga Tokseitova has said, adding that it would allow the country to reduce the volume of imported poultry meat within the next five years.
"Kazakhstan is annually increasing its production output in the poultry industry, and nowadays the share of imports is constantly reduced, but so far we remain dependent on import supplies: and about 56% of poultry meat in the market is imported," Tokseitova said.
Based on the government support for the poultry industry it has been decided to form a fund of feed grain of 300 thousand tonnes. Also the government is annually lowering the interest rates on bank loans to purchase equipment and technology for poultry farming, which aims to provide working capital for producers, Tokseitova added.
In addition, Kazakhstan has consistently pursued the policy of reducing import quotas for poultry meat, in particular from the US – currently one of the largest exporters of poultry meat in the country. In 2009 Kazakhstan imported 147,000 tonnes of US poultry. In 2010, the quota was reduced to 110 ,000 tonnes.
According to the official statics, the number of poultry in Kazakhstan in 2010 amounted to 32.780 million heads and in 2011 it is expected that industry value will increase by 3-6%.
28 August 2011
USDA review: Indian egg and poultry production
//26 Aug 2011
India has one of the world’s largest and fastest growing poultry industries, ranking third in hen egg production (FAOSTAT) and sixth in broiler meat production (USDA/FAS), according to a report by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service.
Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 6.4% annually during 2000-2008, making India the second fastest growing major economy in the world (after China). India is expected to overtake China as the world’s most populous country in the coming decades, with middle-class households being the fastest growing segment of the population. About 20% of the population is vegetarian, but with increased incomes and urbanization people prefer to go for non-vegetarian diets.
According to the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, about 70% of poultry is in the organised sector and 30% is in the unorganised sector. Nearly 60-70% of the broiler industry is located in the southern states, as is much of the layer industry. Large integrated operations incorporate all aspects of production: raising grandparent and parent stock, contracting production, compounding feed, and wholesaling. Integration has resulted in lower average costs of production and lower retail prices for poultry meat.
Broiler production grew at an annual percentage growth rate of 8.35% from 2001 (1.25 million metric tons) to 2010 (2.65 million metric tons). Production is projected to grow 2% in 2011 compared to the previous year. Per capita consumption has grown from 1.22 kilograms in 2001 to 2.26 kilograms in 2010, an increase of 185%.
In 2010/2011 (March 2010 to February 2011) India’s egg production is anticipated to reach 61.5 billion eggs, up 68% from 36.6 billion in 2000/2001. Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are the top fowl egg producing states; West Bengal is the top duck egg producing state.
India’s poultry exports are mainly shell eggs and egg products. Exports of poultry meat are limited by high production costs, inadequate meat processing facilities, and intermittent outbreaks of avian influenza. According to FAOSTAT data, since 2005 India has mostly exported dried eggs. In 2008 India’s top three markets for dried eggs were Germany, Denmark and Indonesia. Angola was the top market for liquid eggs.
Full report with tables and figures can be viewed here.
India has one of the world’s largest and fastest growing poultry industries, ranking third in hen egg production (FAOSTAT) and sixth in broiler meat production (USDA/FAS), according to a report by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service.
Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 6.4% annually during 2000-2008, making India the second fastest growing major economy in the world (after China). India is expected to overtake China as the world’s most populous country in the coming decades, with middle-class households being the fastest growing segment of the population. About 20% of the population is vegetarian, but with increased incomes and urbanization people prefer to go for non-vegetarian diets.
According to the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, about 70% of poultry is in the organised sector and 30% is in the unorganised sector. Nearly 60-70% of the broiler industry is located in the southern states, as is much of the layer industry. Large integrated operations incorporate all aspects of production: raising grandparent and parent stock, contracting production, compounding feed, and wholesaling. Integration has resulted in lower average costs of production and lower retail prices for poultry meat.
Broiler production grew at an annual percentage growth rate of 8.35% from 2001 (1.25 million metric tons) to 2010 (2.65 million metric tons). Production is projected to grow 2% in 2011 compared to the previous year. Per capita consumption has grown from 1.22 kilograms in 2001 to 2.26 kilograms in 2010, an increase of 185%.
In 2010/2011 (March 2010 to February 2011) India’s egg production is anticipated to reach 61.5 billion eggs, up 68% from 36.6 billion in 2000/2001. Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are the top fowl egg producing states; West Bengal is the top duck egg producing state.
India’s poultry exports are mainly shell eggs and egg products. Exports of poultry meat are limited by high production costs, inadequate meat processing facilities, and intermittent outbreaks of avian influenza. According to FAOSTAT data, since 2005 India has mostly exported dried eggs. In 2008 India’s top three markets for dried eggs were Germany, Denmark and Indonesia. Angola was the top market for liquid eggs.
Full report with tables and figures can be viewed here.
25 August 2011
ไข้หวัดนกทำพิษ พบผู้เสียชีวิตในกัมพูชาอีกราย
กระทรวงสาธารณสุขกัมพูชาแถลงการณ์ยืนยันการเสียชีวิตด้วยโรคไข้หวัดนก (H5N1) ของเด็กหญิงอายุ 6 ปี จากหมู่บ้าน Thleung ตำบล Mepring อำเภอ Cheung Prey ในจังหวัด Kampong Cham โดยเธอเริ่มแสดงอาการไข้หวัดนกตั้งแต่วันที่ 7 สิงหาคม 2554 และได้รับการรักษาเบื้องต้นโดยแพทย์ในท้องถิ่นแต่อาการไม่ทุเลา ต่อมาจึงถูกส่งตัวไปยังโรงพยาบาลเด็ก Kantha Bopha ในกรุง Phnom Penh ในวันที่ 12 สิงหาคม 2554 และเสียชีวิตในอีก 2 วันต่อมา
ทั้งนี้มีการรายงานว่า พบสัตว์ปีกล้มป่วยและตายในหมู่บ้านของเด็กหญิงดังกล่าว โดยเธอติดเชื้อไข้หวัดนกเป็นรายที่ 18 ในกัม! พูชา และเป็นรายที่ 16 ที่ตายด้วยอาการโรคแทรกซ้อน ในปี 2554 มีผู้เสียชีวิตจากไข้หวัดนกในกัมพูชาแล้ว 8 ราย
ขณะนี้ทีมสอบสวนเคลื่อนที่เร็ว (RRT) ในระดับประเทศและระดับท้องถิ่นในกัมพูชากำลังสืบสวนหาสาเหตุของ การระบาดของไข้หวัดนกให้เป็นไปตามระเบียบของกัมพูชา และอยู่ในระหว่างให้ความรู้ด้านสุขอนามัยในชุมชน จากการทดสอบจนถึงปัจจุบันยังไม่พบการติดต่อโรคไข้หวัดนก H5N1 ระหว่างมนุษย์
ที่มา : World Poultry
ทั้งนี้มีการรายงานว่า พบสัตว์ปีกล้มป่วยและตายในหมู่บ้านของเด็กหญิงดังกล่าว โดยเธอติดเชื้อไข้หวัดนกเป็นรายที่ 18 ในกัม! พูชา และเป็นรายที่ 16 ที่ตายด้วยอาการโรคแทรกซ้อน ในปี 2554 มีผู้เสียชีวิตจากไข้หวัดนกในกัมพูชาแล้ว 8 ราย
ขณะนี้ทีมสอบสวนเคลื่อนที่เร็ว (RRT) ในระดับประเทศและระดับท้องถิ่นในกัมพูชากำลังสืบสวนหาสาเหตุของ การระบาดของไข้หวัดนกให้เป็นไปตามระเบียบของกัมพูชา และอยู่ในระหว่างให้ความรู้ด้านสุขอนามัยในชุมชน จากการทดสอบจนถึงปัจจุบันยังไม่พบการติดต่อโรคไข้หวัดนก H5N1 ระหว่างมนุษย์
ที่มา : World Poultry
PRRS costs US industry $664 million annually
//25 Aug 2011
A new study, underwritten by the US Pork Checkoff and conducted by Iowa State University, estimates that porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) continues to be a major drag on the US pork industry – costing the pork industry $664 million per year.
This translates into $1.8 million per day or $114.71 per sow annually. The previous economic study in 2005 calculated PRRS losses at $560 million annually.
National Pork Board president Everett Forkner, said, "This Checkoff-funded work offers producers, veterinarians and every part of the pork chain a new and valuable insight into the economic impact of PRRS and underscores why we’ve leveraged domestic and international government funds to offer producers tools for regional control of this virus."
The 2011 study differed most significantly from the 2005 study in the allocation of losses between the breeding and the growing pig herds. Specifically, losses in the growing pig herd accounted for 88% of the total cost of PRRS in the 2005 study compared with 55% in the current analysis.
Differences
Iowa State University veterinarian Derald Holtkamp and agricultural economist Jim Kliebenstein collaborated on the study with others in academia, swine veterinarians in private practice and the USDA. They found that differences between the 2005 and the 2011 studies may be attributed to several key factors, including changes in the prevalence of PRRS virus and incidence of outbreaks, production and animal health management practices, inflation (accounts for 40% of the increase) and other pathogens that have emerged since 2005, such as porcine circovirus.
The report summary stated, "Since the 2005 study, pig production and health strategies have evolved, PRRS virus control/elimination strategies have improved and structural adjustments have occurred in the industry. Because of these developments, it was reasonable to question whether the incidence, severity and/or impact of PRRS outbreaks on pig health and productivity in the US herd may have changed since the 2005 study was conducted."
New study
The new study collected much of its data from cooperating producers and veterinarians across the United States in late 2010. While not benchmarked in 2005, additional PRRS-related costs that producers must contend with, such as veterinary and biosecurity measures, were collected in this study. Researchers found these costs added $477.79 million annually to total PRRS costs, putting the cumulative cost of the disease at more than $1 billion per year when added to production-related losses.
Based upon a survey of swine veterinarians from across the United States, the study’s researchers were able to estimate additional PRRS statistics. They found that 28% of sows and gilts used for breeding in the United States were PRRS virus-free and 60% of weaned pigs were PRRS-negative at placement.
Outbreaks
"This study also confirmed conventional wisdom that says outbreaks in PRRS virus-free herds are more severe than outbreaks in PRRS virus-infected herds," Holtkamp said. "When comparing elimination methods, we found that the time required for herds to provide a return on investment was still relatively short with herd closure and rollover. However, we found that complete depopulation/repopulation appears to make economic sense only if there are other reasons to depopulate the herd or for high-value genetics herds."
According to Lisa Becton, Checkoff’s director of swine health, the complete Checkoff-funded research study on PRRS will serve as a valuable resource for producers, veterinarians and the entire industry for years to come as more of its data is analyzed. She said the full report is expected to be available in coming months and will be available on pork.org.
Related websites:
• National Pork Board
• Iowa State University
A new study, underwritten by the US Pork Checkoff and conducted by Iowa State University, estimates that porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) continues to be a major drag on the US pork industry – costing the pork industry $664 million per year.
This translates into $1.8 million per day or $114.71 per sow annually. The previous economic study in 2005 calculated PRRS losses at $560 million annually.
National Pork Board president Everett Forkner, said, "This Checkoff-funded work offers producers, veterinarians and every part of the pork chain a new and valuable insight into the economic impact of PRRS and underscores why we’ve leveraged domestic and international government funds to offer producers tools for regional control of this virus."
The 2011 study differed most significantly from the 2005 study in the allocation of losses between the breeding and the growing pig herds. Specifically, losses in the growing pig herd accounted for 88% of the total cost of PRRS in the 2005 study compared with 55% in the current analysis.
Differences
Iowa State University veterinarian Derald Holtkamp and agricultural economist Jim Kliebenstein collaborated on the study with others in academia, swine veterinarians in private practice and the USDA. They found that differences between the 2005 and the 2011 studies may be attributed to several key factors, including changes in the prevalence of PRRS virus and incidence of outbreaks, production and animal health management practices, inflation (accounts for 40% of the increase) and other pathogens that have emerged since 2005, such as porcine circovirus.
The report summary stated, "Since the 2005 study, pig production and health strategies have evolved, PRRS virus control/elimination strategies have improved and structural adjustments have occurred in the industry. Because of these developments, it was reasonable to question whether the incidence, severity and/or impact of PRRS outbreaks on pig health and productivity in the US herd may have changed since the 2005 study was conducted."
New study
The new study collected much of its data from cooperating producers and veterinarians across the United States in late 2010. While not benchmarked in 2005, additional PRRS-related costs that producers must contend with, such as veterinary and biosecurity measures, were collected in this study. Researchers found these costs added $477.79 million annually to total PRRS costs, putting the cumulative cost of the disease at more than $1 billion per year when added to production-related losses.
Based upon a survey of swine veterinarians from across the United States, the study’s researchers were able to estimate additional PRRS statistics. They found that 28% of sows and gilts used for breeding in the United States were PRRS virus-free and 60% of weaned pigs were PRRS-negative at placement.
Outbreaks
"This study also confirmed conventional wisdom that says outbreaks in PRRS virus-free herds are more severe than outbreaks in PRRS virus-infected herds," Holtkamp said. "When comparing elimination methods, we found that the time required for herds to provide a return on investment was still relatively short with herd closure and rollover. However, we found that complete depopulation/repopulation appears to make economic sense only if there are other reasons to depopulate the herd or for high-value genetics herds."
According to Lisa Becton, Checkoff’s director of swine health, the complete Checkoff-funded research study on PRRS will serve as a valuable resource for producers, veterinarians and the entire industry for years to come as more of its data is analyzed. She said the full report is expected to be available in coming months and will be available on pork.org.
Related websites:
• National Pork Board
• Iowa State University
Novus International, Inc Celebrates 20th Anniversary
"Innovation with Integrity” will serve as the theme for the 20th anniversary of Novus International, Inc., which will celebrate the company’s milestone throughout 2011. Celebrations began January, with events and customer appreciation dinners at Asian-Pacific Aquaculture in Kochi, India and International Poultry Expo in Atlanta, Georgia.
"'Innovation with Integrity' has been a central attribute of Novus' culture from the beginning. Our heritage has been built on developing innovative, science-based health through nutrition products for livestock, pets and people," explained Thad Simons, President and Chief Executive Officer of Novus. "We are very proud of our global network of employees, customers and partnerships and excited to embark on a year of celebration with the many people who support our continued growth and success."
The company was founded in 1991, and today, has employees working in over 90 countries, serving more than 3,000 customers worldwide. Novus has facilities including corporate offices, research and development laboratories, and manufacturing operations in more than 35 countries, as well as offices with field staff in an additional 60 countries.
"'Innovation with Integrity' refers to our commitment to our clients, the industry and the environment. We seek to leverage technology and innovation to expand the capability of best practice agriculture to meet the world's growing demand for food." Simons added. "Our Vision 'to help feed the world affordable, wholesome food and achieve a higher quality of life' is always at the forefront of our thinking."
Novus has planned a number of activities throughout the year to commemorate its 20th anniversary, including customer appreciation dinners across the globe, VIP tradeshow events, special customer recognition activities and a gala celebration at the Global Headquarters.
"'Innovation with Integrity' has been a central attribute of Novus' culture from the beginning. Our heritage has been built on developing innovative, science-based health through nutrition products for livestock, pets and people," explained Thad Simons, President and Chief Executive Officer of Novus. "We are very proud of our global network of employees, customers and partnerships and excited to embark on a year of celebration with the many people who support our continued growth and success."
The company was founded in 1991, and today, has employees working in over 90 countries, serving more than 3,000 customers worldwide. Novus has facilities including corporate offices, research and development laboratories, and manufacturing operations in more than 35 countries, as well as offices with field staff in an additional 60 countries.
"'Innovation with Integrity' refers to our commitment to our clients, the industry and the environment. We seek to leverage technology and innovation to expand the capability of best practice agriculture to meet the world's growing demand for food." Simons added. "Our Vision 'to help feed the world affordable, wholesome food and achieve a higher quality of life' is always at the forefront of our thinking."
Novus has planned a number of activities throughout the year to commemorate its 20th anniversary, including customer appreciation dinners across the globe, VIP tradeshow events, special customer recognition activities and a gala celebration at the Global Headquarters.
Ethanol predicted to consume more corn than livestock
//25 Aug 2011
For the first time in US history vehicles are predicted to use more corn than livestock this year. According to USDA estimates, 5.1 billion bushels of corn will be used to make ethanol this year, compared to 4.9 billion for livestock feed.
“Ethanol is taking a larger and larger share of production,” said Seth Meyer, an MU agricultural economist with the Food and Agriculture Policy Research Institute. “I know it’s been overtaking feed for a long time.”
Several things have driven the demand for corn by ethanol producers and have contributed to ethanol’s projected outpacing of feed demand:
Government mandates for biofuel production, as well as ethanol tax subsidies, have in part supported the demand for corn, according to a USDA report from June 2011.
Oil prices have also pushed ethanol demand. As oil prices rise, Meyer said, gasoline manufacturers use more ethanol in their blends since it becomes cheaper relative to oil. Even when oil prices drop, government mandates ensure a minimum level of ethanol consumption.
Exports of corn also affect overall demand for the commodity. According to the USDA, developing economies such as China and India are helping to accelerate worldwide food consumption. As global incomes rise, consumers in other countries eat more meat, which is produced partly using U.S. corn exports as feed.
Parcell describes it as a perfect storm, this combination of ethanol-boosting government policies, jumps in oil prices starting in 2007 and a world economy that wants more meat. All these factors contribute to the exploding global demand for corn, which has significantly increased in price.
Higher corn prices provide incentives for farmers to grow more corn. They have also forced the livestock industry to reconsider its options. Livestock producers are looking for lower-cost alternatives, such as distiller grains created during the production of ethanol.
Gary Marshall, CEO of the Missouri Corn Growers Association, believes the USDA should include distiller grains in its total estimates for feed corn since the grains can be fed to livestock.
“We don’t think that we are going to use more corn for ethanol than for cattle feed or hog feed,” Marshall said. The Missouri Corn Growers Association has an ongoing dispute with the USDA over how it does its accounting, he said.
Even with these alternative feeds available, livestock numbers in the US have decreased. Part of this has occurred because farmers have bred larger animals to produce more meat, but Parcell said some is also due to the high prices for corn, which ethanol has helped drive up.
Parcell said the burgeoning ethanol industry and the higher corn prices that have accompanied it have been "a big boon” for rural America. However, he does not think that the number of jobs created by ethanol production has replaced the jobs lost in the livestock industries.
For the first time in US history vehicles are predicted to use more corn than livestock this year. According to USDA estimates, 5.1 billion bushels of corn will be used to make ethanol this year, compared to 4.9 billion for livestock feed.
“Ethanol is taking a larger and larger share of production,” said Seth Meyer, an MU agricultural economist with the Food and Agriculture Policy Research Institute. “I know it’s been overtaking feed for a long time.”
Several things have driven the demand for corn by ethanol producers and have contributed to ethanol’s projected outpacing of feed demand:
Government mandates for biofuel production, as well as ethanol tax subsidies, have in part supported the demand for corn, according to a USDA report from June 2011.
Oil prices have also pushed ethanol demand. As oil prices rise, Meyer said, gasoline manufacturers use more ethanol in their blends since it becomes cheaper relative to oil. Even when oil prices drop, government mandates ensure a minimum level of ethanol consumption.
Exports of corn also affect overall demand for the commodity. According to the USDA, developing economies such as China and India are helping to accelerate worldwide food consumption. As global incomes rise, consumers in other countries eat more meat, which is produced partly using U.S. corn exports as feed.
Parcell describes it as a perfect storm, this combination of ethanol-boosting government policies, jumps in oil prices starting in 2007 and a world economy that wants more meat. All these factors contribute to the exploding global demand for corn, which has significantly increased in price.
Higher corn prices provide incentives for farmers to grow more corn. They have also forced the livestock industry to reconsider its options. Livestock producers are looking for lower-cost alternatives, such as distiller grains created during the production of ethanol.
Gary Marshall, CEO of the Missouri Corn Growers Association, believes the USDA should include distiller grains in its total estimates for feed corn since the grains can be fed to livestock.
“We don’t think that we are going to use more corn for ethanol than for cattle feed or hog feed,” Marshall said. The Missouri Corn Growers Association has an ongoing dispute with the USDA over how it does its accounting, he said.
Even with these alternative feeds available, livestock numbers in the US have decreased. Part of this has occurred because farmers have bred larger animals to produce more meat, but Parcell said some is also due to the high prices for corn, which ethanol has helped drive up.
Parcell said the burgeoning ethanol industry and the higher corn prices that have accompanied it have been "a big boon” for rural America. However, he does not think that the number of jobs created by ethanol production has replaced the jobs lost in the livestock industries.
Ukraine poultry exports expected by the end of 2011
//25 Aug 2011
The Minister of Agrarian Policy and provision of Ukraine, Nikolai Prisyajnyuk hopes that this autumn Ukraine will receive permission to start the export of poultry to EU.
"We look forward to receiving permission to export poultry to EU by the end of this year, with the hope that appropriate actions will be taken already in the autumn", - said the minister. Representatives of the poultry association of the country also are encouraged by the recent success in the negotiations considering poultry meat export supplies to EU from Russia.
EU specialists have held a series of inspections of Ukrainian producers of poultry meat, and the last inspections were completed successfully. "I am convinced that the positive decision considering this question will be made very soon, especially because Ukraine and EU have almost completed negotiations about a free trade zone," added Prisyajnyuk.
He noted that today the production of poultry meat in Ukraine meets all phytosanitary and veterinary standards, and Ukraine has the necessary production capacity to start export of poultry meat to various new markets, including the EU.
As reported by UNIAN news agency, in December inspectors of the Food and Veterinary Office inspected the state of the current system of monitoring animal health in Ukraine during the production of poultry and eggs considering its possible export to the European Union. During this check inspectors didn’t find any serious defects of the production cycle in the production houses.
The Minister of Agrarian Policy and provision of Ukraine, Nikolai Prisyajnyuk hopes that this autumn Ukraine will receive permission to start the export of poultry to EU.
"We look forward to receiving permission to export poultry to EU by the end of this year, with the hope that appropriate actions will be taken already in the autumn", - said the minister. Representatives of the poultry association of the country also are encouraged by the recent success in the negotiations considering poultry meat export supplies to EU from Russia.
EU specialists have held a series of inspections of Ukrainian producers of poultry meat, and the last inspections were completed successfully. "I am convinced that the positive decision considering this question will be made very soon, especially because Ukraine and EU have almost completed negotiations about a free trade zone," added Prisyajnyuk.
He noted that today the production of poultry meat in Ukraine meets all phytosanitary and veterinary standards, and Ukraine has the necessary production capacity to start export of poultry meat to various new markets, including the EU.
As reported by UNIAN news agency, in December inspectors of the Food and Veterinary Office inspected the state of the current system of monitoring animal health in Ukraine during the production of poultry and eggs considering its possible export to the European Union. During this check inspectors didn’t find any serious defects of the production cycle in the production houses.
24 August 2011
Research: Benzoic acid and pig bones strength
//24 Aug 2011
Combined Swiss-French research has shown that the presence of benzoic acid in pig feed does not have any lasting negative effects on bones of growing pigs.
Benzoic acid, an additive that reduces ammonia formation in the slurry, is added to many pig feeds nowadays in order to minimise environmental pollution. In addition, the feeds also contain low phosphorus and protein concentrations.
Since both a low phosphorus (P) intake and metabolic acidosis compromise bone mineralisation, the effect of a diet with a low concentration of calcium (Ca), phosphorus and crude protein and the effect of benzoic acid on Ca and P metabolism were examined in an experiment using pigs from 13 to 64 kg body weight.
Compared to the control piglet and grower diets, the intake of the low nutrient piglet and grower diets reduced Ca and P retention by 27% and 24%, respectively, reduced the growth rate of the piglets by 7%, and decreased the bone breaking strength and bone mineral content by 5% in the animals which were slaughtered at 64 kg body weight.
Digestibility
Benzoic acid (5 and 10 g per kg piglet and grower diet, respectively) did not influence the apparent digestibility of Ca, increased the apparent digestibility of P by 5% and increased the urinary Ca and P output by 70% and 83%, respectively, but had no effect on the proportion of ingested Ca and P which was retained.
Furthermore, benzoic acid increased the serum activity of the bone formation marker alkaline phosphatase at 25 and 40 kg body weight by 17% and 13%, respectively and decreased the concentration of the bone resorption marker serum crosslaps at 25 kg body weight by 12%, implying that benzoic acid affected bone metabolism at 25 and 40 kg body weight.
Blood variables
Since benzoic acid neither affected the blood variables at 60 kg nor the bone breaking strength and bone mineral content, any possible negative effect of benzoic acid on bone metabolism of the piglets and of the young growing animals thus seems to have disappeared during the last period of the grower period.
The research was recently published in the scientific publication Animal Feed Sciency and Technology.
Related article:
• Benzoic acid: The latest knowledge
Related website:
• Animal Feed Sciency and Technology
Combined Swiss-French research has shown that the presence of benzoic acid in pig feed does not have any lasting negative effects on bones of growing pigs.
Benzoic acid, an additive that reduces ammonia formation in the slurry, is added to many pig feeds nowadays in order to minimise environmental pollution. In addition, the feeds also contain low phosphorus and protein concentrations.
Since both a low phosphorus (P) intake and metabolic acidosis compromise bone mineralisation, the effect of a diet with a low concentration of calcium (Ca), phosphorus and crude protein and the effect of benzoic acid on Ca and P metabolism were examined in an experiment using pigs from 13 to 64 kg body weight.
Compared to the control piglet and grower diets, the intake of the low nutrient piglet and grower diets reduced Ca and P retention by 27% and 24%, respectively, reduced the growth rate of the piglets by 7%, and decreased the bone breaking strength and bone mineral content by 5% in the animals which were slaughtered at 64 kg body weight.
Digestibility
Benzoic acid (5 and 10 g per kg piglet and grower diet, respectively) did not influence the apparent digestibility of Ca, increased the apparent digestibility of P by 5% and increased the urinary Ca and P output by 70% and 83%, respectively, but had no effect on the proportion of ingested Ca and P which was retained.
Furthermore, benzoic acid increased the serum activity of the bone formation marker alkaline phosphatase at 25 and 40 kg body weight by 17% and 13%, respectively and decreased the concentration of the bone resorption marker serum crosslaps at 25 kg body weight by 12%, implying that benzoic acid affected bone metabolism at 25 and 40 kg body weight.
Blood variables
Since benzoic acid neither affected the blood variables at 60 kg nor the bone breaking strength and bone mineral content, any possible negative effect of benzoic acid on bone metabolism of the piglets and of the young growing animals thus seems to have disappeared during the last period of the grower period.
The research was recently published in the scientific publication Animal Feed Sciency and Technology.
Related article:
• Benzoic acid: The latest knowledge
Related website:
• Animal Feed Sciency and Technology
People: Merck appoints Richard R. DeLuca Jr. as president
//24 Aug 2011
Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, have announced the appointment of Richard R. DeLuca Jr. as executive vice president and president, Merck Animal Health, effective September 15, 2011.
DeLuca, 48, will report to Kenneth C. Frazier, Merck’s president and chief executive officer, and will serve on the company’s Executive Committee. He will succeed Raul Kohan, who has decided to retire from the company. Kohan will remain with the company until the end of the year, reporting to Frazier, to ensure a smooth transition.
As leader of Merck Animal Health, DeLuca will leverage the division's strong product portfolio and customer focus to capitalise on new growth opportunities, including expanding the business in emerging markets. The unit offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments a broad range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets.
“Merck Animal Health, one of the largest and most profitable animal health businesses in the world, is an integral part of Merck. We believe the business is well positioned in a number of fast-growing segments within the global animal health market," said Frazier. "We are delighted to welcome Rick DeLuca as the new leader of our Animal Health division, with his experience leading and growing international animal health businesses. While Merck Animal Health already has a considerable presence around the world, further global expansion of the business represents a significant long-term growth opportunity for us.
DeLuca served as chief financial officer of BD Biosciences since 2010. Prior to that, he was president of Wyeth's Fort Dodge Animal Health division since 2007. While at Wyeth, DeLuca led a global team across all functions of the business unit with worldwide revenues of over $1 billion.
Prior to leading the Fort Dodge Animal Health division, DeLuca was chief operating officer of Fort Dodge from 2006 to 2007, where he oversaw all sales and marketing activities and implemented growth strategies internationally.
Source: Merck Animal Health
Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, have announced the appointment of Richard R. DeLuca Jr. as executive vice president and president, Merck Animal Health, effective September 15, 2011.
DeLuca, 48, will report to Kenneth C. Frazier, Merck’s president and chief executive officer, and will serve on the company’s Executive Committee. He will succeed Raul Kohan, who has decided to retire from the company. Kohan will remain with the company until the end of the year, reporting to Frazier, to ensure a smooth transition.
As leader of Merck Animal Health, DeLuca will leverage the division's strong product portfolio and customer focus to capitalise on new growth opportunities, including expanding the business in emerging markets. The unit offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments a broad range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets.
“Merck Animal Health, one of the largest and most profitable animal health businesses in the world, is an integral part of Merck. We believe the business is well positioned in a number of fast-growing segments within the global animal health market," said Frazier. "We are delighted to welcome Rick DeLuca as the new leader of our Animal Health division, with his experience leading and growing international animal health businesses. While Merck Animal Health already has a considerable presence around the world, further global expansion of the business represents a significant long-term growth opportunity for us.
DeLuca served as chief financial officer of BD Biosciences since 2010. Prior to that, he was president of Wyeth's Fort Dodge Animal Health division since 2007. While at Wyeth, DeLuca led a global team across all functions of the business unit with worldwide revenues of over $1 billion.
Prior to leading the Fort Dodge Animal Health division, DeLuca was chief operating officer of Fort Dodge from 2006 to 2007, where he oversaw all sales and marketing activities and implemented growth strategies internationally.
Source: Merck Animal Health
Cambodia reports 16th human avian influenza death
//23 Aug 2011
The Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Kingdom of Cambodia has announced a confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus.
The case was a 6 year old female from Taing Thleung Village, Mepring Commune, Cheung Prey District, Kampong Cham Province.
She developed symptoms on 7 August, was initially treated by local practitioners with no effect and was later admitted to Kantha Bopha Children Hospital in Phnom Penh on 12 August. She died on 14 August, two days after admission.
There have been reports of poultry dying in her village and the case is reported to have had exposure to sick poultry. The female is the 18th person in Cambodia to become infected with the H5N1 virus and the 16th to die from complications of the disease. All eight cases of H5N1 infections in humans in Cambodia this year have been fatal.
The National and local Rapid Response Teams (RRT) are conducting outbreak investigation and response following the national protocol. Health education messages are ongoing in the community. To date none of the human contacts have tested positive for A (H5N1).
Source: World Health Organisation (WHO)
The Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Kingdom of Cambodia has announced a confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus.
The case was a 6 year old female from Taing Thleung Village, Mepring Commune, Cheung Prey District, Kampong Cham Province.
She developed symptoms on 7 August, was initially treated by local practitioners with no effect and was later admitted to Kantha Bopha Children Hospital in Phnom Penh on 12 August. She died on 14 August, two days after admission.
There have been reports of poultry dying in her village and the case is reported to have had exposure to sick poultry. The female is the 18th person in Cambodia to become infected with the H5N1 virus and the 16th to die from complications of the disease. All eight cases of H5N1 infections in humans in Cambodia this year have been fatal.
The National and local Rapid Response Teams (RRT) are conducting outbreak investigation and response following the national protocol. Health education messages are ongoing in the community. To date none of the human contacts have tested positive for A (H5N1).
Source: World Health Organisation (WHO)
Russian egg production increases
//23 Aug 2011
The egg production industry in Russia has develop rapidly over the past two years maintaining an average annual growth rate of 3-4%.
In 2010 the total market volume increased by 4.6% compared with 2009 amounting to 43.1 billion units, according to statistical data, of AI Navigator.
Most eggs in Russia are produced in the Volga Federal District. Here in 2010 the total output was about 10.3 billion pieces. The Central Federal District took the second place, with a production capacity of 8.2 billion pieces. South Federal District is the third with total output in 2010 about 5.8 billion eggs.
Large agricultural enterprises are making a great contribution in egg production, providing more poultry and producing more eggs than the private and peasant farms do. Russia's largest egg production company is "Bohr poultry." In 2010, the output of this company has been amounted to 900 million units. The second place belongs to "Sverdlovsk poultry" (846 million peaces). "Roskar" Company closes the list of top three leaders with production capacity about 600 million eggs.
In the short-term it is expected that increases in egg production in the country will continue due to the growth of sales in both retail and industrial sectors of the market.
The egg production industry in Russia has develop rapidly over the past two years maintaining an average annual growth rate of 3-4%.
In 2010 the total market volume increased by 4.6% compared with 2009 amounting to 43.1 billion units, according to statistical data, of AI Navigator.
Most eggs in Russia are produced in the Volga Federal District. Here in 2010 the total output was about 10.3 billion pieces. The Central Federal District took the second place, with a production capacity of 8.2 billion pieces. South Federal District is the third with total output in 2010 about 5.8 billion eggs.
Large agricultural enterprises are making a great contribution in egg production, providing more poultry and producing more eggs than the private and peasant farms do. Russia's largest egg production company is "Bohr poultry." In 2010, the output of this company has been amounted to 900 million units. The second place belongs to "Sverdlovsk poultry" (846 million peaces). "Roskar" Company closes the list of top three leaders with production capacity about 600 million eggs.
In the short-term it is expected that increases in egg production in the country will continue due to the growth of sales in both retail and industrial sectors of the market.
Animal vaccination growing industry in China
//23 Aug 2011
China's animal vaccine industry has been growing fast. The market maintained an average annual growth rate of 13.6% in 2006-2010, and reached around RMB 7.5 billion in 2010, up 21.0% YoY, according to a new report published by Research and Markets.
With the increase of state investment in animal epidemic funds, the expansion of compulsory immunization against animal epidemics and immunization, and the strengthening of China livestock breeding industry standardization, China's animal vaccine industry is expected to continue to maintain a relatively high growth momentum in future, the report "China Animal Vaccine Industry Report, 2010-2011" states.
Although there are nearly 60 animal vaccine manufacturers in China, the market share is concentrated in the hands of a few enterprises. CAHIC, Yebio QD, Guangdong Dahuanong Animal Health Products, Tecon and Chengdu Tech-Bank are representatives of the Chinese animal vaccine industry, accounting for a market share of 37.4%. Sales of these companies mainly come from the government procurement of compulsory vaccines, wherein, the revenue from government compulsory vaccines accounted for 88% of the total animal vaccine revenue of CAHIC in 2010.
According to China's compulsory immunization plan against animal epidemics in the past three years, China not only expands the application scope of the existing animal immunization products, but also attaches great importance to the upgrading of animal vaccine products at the same time.
In recent years, the scope of China's animal compulsory vaccinations scheme is being gradually expanded. Constrained by economic conditions, the compulsory immunization against animal epidemics currently only contains five kinds of Epidemics of Class I, while there are about 17 kinds of epidemics of Class I in China and other epidemics lead to greater risk as well. With the increasing recognition of animal epidemic prevention and control from breeding enterprises and individuals, the future demand for conventional self-pay vaccinations will be further enhanced. As China's livestock breeding relies mainly on raising pig and poultry, Newcastle disease vaccines and porcine circovirus vaccines will be two conventional vaccines with good market prospects.
China's animal vaccine industry has been growing fast. The market maintained an average annual growth rate of 13.6% in 2006-2010, and reached around RMB 7.5 billion in 2010, up 21.0% YoY, according to a new report published by Research and Markets.
With the increase of state investment in animal epidemic funds, the expansion of compulsory immunization against animal epidemics and immunization, and the strengthening of China livestock breeding industry standardization, China's animal vaccine industry is expected to continue to maintain a relatively high growth momentum in future, the report "China Animal Vaccine Industry Report, 2010-2011" states.
Although there are nearly 60 animal vaccine manufacturers in China, the market share is concentrated in the hands of a few enterprises. CAHIC, Yebio QD, Guangdong Dahuanong Animal Health Products, Tecon and Chengdu Tech-Bank are representatives of the Chinese animal vaccine industry, accounting for a market share of 37.4%. Sales of these companies mainly come from the government procurement of compulsory vaccines, wherein, the revenue from government compulsory vaccines accounted for 88% of the total animal vaccine revenue of CAHIC in 2010.
According to China's compulsory immunization plan against animal epidemics in the past three years, China not only expands the application scope of the existing animal immunization products, but also attaches great importance to the upgrading of animal vaccine products at the same time.
In recent years, the scope of China's animal compulsory vaccinations scheme is being gradually expanded. Constrained by economic conditions, the compulsory immunization against animal epidemics currently only contains five kinds of Epidemics of Class I, while there are about 17 kinds of epidemics of Class I in China and other epidemics lead to greater risk as well. With the increasing recognition of animal epidemic prevention and control from breeding enterprises and individuals, the future demand for conventional self-pay vaccinations will be further enhanced. As China's livestock breeding relies mainly on raising pig and poultry, Newcastle disease vaccines and porcine circovirus vaccines will be two conventional vaccines with good market prospects.
The value of weaning weight
//22 Aug 2011
Author: Ioannis Mavromichalis
A most common question is ‘what is the value of extra weaning weight?’ Say, a supplier comes knocking on your door with the next additive for the lactating sow feed. It costs 20 euros per kilogram (huge gasp goes here!) and you need one such kilogram per metric tonne of feed. This will give you an extra 500 grams on your current weaning weight, which at 21 days of age is lamentably too low, at 5.5 kg per piglet (summer and all that, you know).
So, we assume the sow consumes a (hugely optimistic) 6 kg feed per day for 21 days, which is 6 grams per day of the said additive, for a total of 6x21=126 grams per lactation period, at a cost of 0.126x20=2.52 euros per sow per litter. Not an insignificant amount of money!
Now, let’s assume your pigs at weaning are indeed 500 grams heavier, just because of this new additive! How do we evaluate the return on investment? Indeed, there are many good ways that have to do with heavier weight at the exit of the nursery phase, lower mortality, better feed efficiency, reduced veterinary expenses, and so on...But, these calculations will have to wait until pigs are 20-25 kg body weight and these are still indexes, with little monetary value. We need an answer now!
What I find as most ‘acceptable’ by my customers is using the cost of piglet feed it would take to get these extra 500 grams post-weaning. Say, a super quality piglet feed costs 0.8 euros per kilogram (perhaps, not so super quality, but that’s what we have now). Assuming a 1:1 feed efficiency rate (I know, this is not entirely correct, but it is practical) we need 500 grams of this piglet feed to get those extra 500 grams of body weight. So, each piglet would need 0.4 euros of extra expense just for feed. Assuming the sow had a litter of 10 piglets, this makes the expense for extra feed equal to 4 euros per sow. Now, this is worst than the 2.52 we spent on the additive, so in this case the additive wins!
Now, this sow required 2.52 euros to spare us these 4 hypothetical euros, so we’re talking a return on investment of 4:2.52 = 1.58, which means for every euro spent on that additive, the farmer gets back his euro and on top of that (or it would make little sense to just swap euros around!) at least an additional 1.58 euros are deducted from the feed bill. Adding the extra benefits described above only make things better!
But, before you spend the 2.52 euros per sow, better make sure the additive really works!
Author: Ioannis Mavromichalis
A most common question is ‘what is the value of extra weaning weight?’ Say, a supplier comes knocking on your door with the next additive for the lactating sow feed. It costs 20 euros per kilogram (huge gasp goes here!) and you need one such kilogram per metric tonne of feed. This will give you an extra 500 grams on your current weaning weight, which at 21 days of age is lamentably too low, at 5.5 kg per piglet (summer and all that, you know).
So, we assume the sow consumes a (hugely optimistic) 6 kg feed per day for 21 days, which is 6 grams per day of the said additive, for a total of 6x21=126 grams per lactation period, at a cost of 0.126x20=2.52 euros per sow per litter. Not an insignificant amount of money!
Now, let’s assume your pigs at weaning are indeed 500 grams heavier, just because of this new additive! How do we evaluate the return on investment? Indeed, there are many good ways that have to do with heavier weight at the exit of the nursery phase, lower mortality, better feed efficiency, reduced veterinary expenses, and so on...But, these calculations will have to wait until pigs are 20-25 kg body weight and these are still indexes, with little monetary value. We need an answer now!
What I find as most ‘acceptable’ by my customers is using the cost of piglet feed it would take to get these extra 500 grams post-weaning. Say, a super quality piglet feed costs 0.8 euros per kilogram (perhaps, not so super quality, but that’s what we have now). Assuming a 1:1 feed efficiency rate (I know, this is not entirely correct, but it is practical) we need 500 grams of this piglet feed to get those extra 500 grams of body weight. So, each piglet would need 0.4 euros of extra expense just for feed. Assuming the sow had a litter of 10 piglets, this makes the expense for extra feed equal to 4 euros per sow. Now, this is worst than the 2.52 we spent on the additive, so in this case the additive wins!
Now, this sow required 2.52 euros to spare us these 4 hypothetical euros, so we’re talking a return on investment of 4:2.52 = 1.58, which means for every euro spent on that additive, the farmer gets back his euro and on top of that (or it would make little sense to just swap euros around!) at least an additional 1.58 euros are deducted from the feed bill. Adding the extra benefits described above only make things better!
But, before you spend the 2.52 euros per sow, better make sure the additive really works!
22 August 2011
Vietnam feed makers worried about CP dominance
//19 Aug 2011
The information that CP Vietnam has been sold to a Hong Kong-based Company CP Vietnam, has caused a tumult among animal feed producers, because CP Vietnam has been considered the company which controls the animal feed material market in Vietnam.
Recently CPP, whose headquarter is in Hong Kong, has wrapped up the deal of purchasing 70.82% of stakes of CP Vietnam (Modern State) at 609 million dollars to hold the controlling stakes in CP Vietnam.
The news immediately caught the special attention from animal feed producers. Van Duc Muoi, General Director of trading company Vissan, still feels worried after reading the information, because the majority of the farm materials that serve the livestock feed production in Vietnam is being controlled by CP Vietnam.
“The livestock infrastructure in Vietnam remains very weak. Especially, the animal feed market is being controlled by foreign companies, including CP Vietnam,” Muoi said.
This can be understood that Vietnamese enterprises now have worries about the possible changes in the policies of CP Vietnam, once it has a new investor. The changes may badly affect their business plans.”
Sources close to the matter said that the deal has not been completed yet, and that the involved parties are still under negotiations.
By the nature, the purchase deal is simply an action of transferring capital inside the CP Group, while there is no new legal entity involved in the case. “Everything is still being discussed, while no final decision has been made,” a representative from CP Vietnam said.
China export
This means that even though the deal would go exactly the way people think, the operation of CP Vietnam would not see any considerable changes.
Analysts have also said that this will not happen that CPP buys animal feed and then exports to China as domestic businesses think.
The domestic enterprises fear that if CPP does this, this would badly influence the supplies to the animal feed production industry in Vietnam.
“Even though if CPP successfully buys CP Vietnam’s stakes and become a main shareholder, CPP would only join a certain field among the many existing operation fields of CP Vietnam,” the source from CP Vietnam said.
Meanwhile, HCM newspaper quoted Diep Kinh Tan, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development as saying that CP is a public company which is listing its shares on the bourse, therefore, the sale and purchase of stakes should be seen as a normal thing.
Tan also said that there are different figures about the animal feed market share being held by CP Vietnam, but the figure just hover around 15 or 17%.
CP Group, besides the main headquarter in Thailand, is operating in Indonesia, Vietnam and Hong Kong as well. Some sources said that the new affair aims to help CP in Hong Kong to polish its image when it prepares to list shares on Hong Kong’s bourse.
The information that CP Vietnam has been sold to a Hong Kong-based Company CP Vietnam, has caused a tumult among animal feed producers, because CP Vietnam has been considered the company which controls the animal feed material market in Vietnam.
Recently CPP, whose headquarter is in Hong Kong, has wrapped up the deal of purchasing 70.82% of stakes of CP Vietnam (Modern State) at 609 million dollars to hold the controlling stakes in CP Vietnam.
The news immediately caught the special attention from animal feed producers. Van Duc Muoi, General Director of trading company Vissan, still feels worried after reading the information, because the majority of the farm materials that serve the livestock feed production in Vietnam is being controlled by CP Vietnam.
“The livestock infrastructure in Vietnam remains very weak. Especially, the animal feed market is being controlled by foreign companies, including CP Vietnam,” Muoi said.
This can be understood that Vietnamese enterprises now have worries about the possible changes in the policies of CP Vietnam, once it has a new investor. The changes may badly affect their business plans.”
Sources close to the matter said that the deal has not been completed yet, and that the involved parties are still under negotiations.
By the nature, the purchase deal is simply an action of transferring capital inside the CP Group, while there is no new legal entity involved in the case. “Everything is still being discussed, while no final decision has been made,” a representative from CP Vietnam said.
China export
This means that even though the deal would go exactly the way people think, the operation of CP Vietnam would not see any considerable changes.
Analysts have also said that this will not happen that CPP buys animal feed and then exports to China as domestic businesses think.
The domestic enterprises fear that if CPP does this, this would badly influence the supplies to the animal feed production industry in Vietnam.
“Even though if CPP successfully buys CP Vietnam’s stakes and become a main shareholder, CPP would only join a certain field among the many existing operation fields of CP Vietnam,” the source from CP Vietnam said.
Meanwhile, HCM newspaper quoted Diep Kinh Tan, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development as saying that CP is a public company which is listing its shares on the bourse, therefore, the sale and purchase of stakes should be seen as a normal thing.
Tan also said that there are different figures about the animal feed market share being held by CP Vietnam, but the figure just hover around 15 or 17%.
CP Group, besides the main headquarter in Thailand, is operating in Indonesia, Vietnam and Hong Kong as well. Some sources said that the new affair aims to help CP in Hong Kong to polish its image when it prepares to list shares on Hong Kong’s bourse.
21 August 2011
China – pork prices remain the same
//18 Aug 2011
It seems that pork prices in China have remained unchanged...
The Ministry of Commerce stated that for the week ending 7 August – China saw pork prices that remained unaffected.
This comes after a decline was seen for two weeks. Sky-rocketing pork prices have been a massive concern in the country.
It seems that pork prices in China have remained unchanged...
The Ministry of Commerce stated that for the week ending 7 August – China saw pork prices that remained unaffected.
This comes after a decline was seen for two weeks. Sky-rocketing pork prices have been a massive concern in the country.
China may pull in more pork imports
//19 Aug 2011
The price of pork in China has been a major concern lately. If prices continue to increase then the country will opt to increase pork imports. For the first six months of 2011, the US exported 16 times more pork to China compared to the same period last year.
Currently, the US is keeping an eye on China’s import decisions – as this will allow even more exports from the US into China.
According to reports, wholesale pork prices in China were up 0.1% last week compared with a week earlier, after posting three straight weeks of flat or lower prices.
'The country will continue to see high pork prices in the next few months of the year,' Wang Jimin, said deputy director of the agricultural economics and development institute at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. 'The central government may consider importing more pork in the future, especially when the country has been harmed by long-term increases in pork prices.'
Source: guococap.com
The price of pork in China has been a major concern lately. If prices continue to increase then the country will opt to increase pork imports. For the first six months of 2011, the US exported 16 times more pork to China compared to the same period last year.
Currently, the US is keeping an eye on China’s import decisions – as this will allow even more exports from the US into China.
According to reports, wholesale pork prices in China were up 0.1% last week compared with a week earlier, after posting three straight weeks of flat or lower prices.
'The country will continue to see high pork prices in the next few months of the year,' Wang Jimin, said deputy director of the agricultural economics and development institute at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. 'The central government may consider importing more pork in the future, especially when the country has been harmed by long-term increases in pork prices.'
Source: guococap.com
Poultry industry contributes to Indonesian feed production growth
//19 Aug 2011
Although real data is yet to be calculated, animal feed production in Indonesia is predicted to reach 5 million tonnes during this first semester of 2011, the chairman of Indonesian Feedmills Association, FX Sudirman has stated.
Of that production, 85% or around 4.25 million tonnes would be dominated by poultry feed, such as broiler, layer, duck and quail. The remaining 15% consists of cattle and pig feed and around 500,000 tonnes of aquaculture feed.
Sudirman also stated that three new feedmills have just built in 2010. The first one is owned by PT Malindo Feedmill, the second one is owned by PT New Hope and is located in East Java. The third one is owned by PT East Hope and is located in West Java. “The investment of one feedmill ranged from USD 50 million to USD 100 million,” he said.
Considering the additional three feedmills, Sudirman predicts the total production could reach 10.3 million tonnes at the end of 2011.
Although real data is yet to be calculated, animal feed production in Indonesia is predicted to reach 5 million tonnes during this first semester of 2011, the chairman of Indonesian Feedmills Association, FX Sudirman has stated.
Of that production, 85% or around 4.25 million tonnes would be dominated by poultry feed, such as broiler, layer, duck and quail. The remaining 15% consists of cattle and pig feed and around 500,000 tonnes of aquaculture feed.
Sudirman also stated that three new feedmills have just built in 2010. The first one is owned by PT Malindo Feedmill, the second one is owned by PT New Hope and is located in East Java. The third one is owned by PT East Hope and is located in West Java. “The investment of one feedmill ranged from USD 50 million to USD 100 million,” he said.
Considering the additional three feedmills, Sudirman predicts the total production could reach 10.3 million tonnes at the end of 2011.
19 August 2011
Biomin survey – mycotoxins remain ubiquitous problem
//18 Aug 2011
Mycotoxins remain an ubiquitous problem as 89% of the analysed samples show the presence of at least one mycotoxin as was revealed in the just released Q2 results of Biomin Mycotoxin Survey. The data helps to assess the risk level incurred by the use of commodities from certain regions.
In the period between April and June 2011, Biomin on a global scale analysed a total of 804 samples and 2,867 analyses were carried out for the most important mycotoxins in terms of agriculture and animal production - aflatoxins (Afla), zearalenone (ZON), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins (FUM) and ochratoxin A (OTA).
Samples tested were diverse, ranging from cereals such as corn, wheat, barley and rice to processing by-products, such as soybean meal, corn gluten meal, DDGS and other fodders such as straw, silage and finished feed.
The table below gives an overview on the distribution of mycotoxins amongst different world regions.
Area
Mycotoxin presence (%)
Afla
ZON
DON
FUM
OTA
North America
38
17
38
67
18
Central America
100
0
100
100
0
South America
17
35
12
92
13
Northern Europe
100
71
86
0
1
Central Europe
0
65
82
70
42
Southern Europe
54
15
12
62
62
Middle East
29
0
0
-
71
Africa
0
0
100
100
0
North Asia
22
62
80
49
30
South-East Asia
8
38
39
64
32
South Asia
86
3
24
55
52
Oceania
9
29
41
25
8
Average positives
31
48
62
63
32
Ubiquitous problem
It is obvious that mycotoxins are an ubiquitous problem as 89% of the analysed samples show the presence of, at least, one mycotoxin.
The presence of more than one mycotoxin in 53% of the samples raises the attention to the problem of synergistic effects caused by multiple mycotoxins in animal feeds.
This is the second of 4 reports to be released this year. More detailed figures can be found on the Biomin website as well as past survey results.
Biomin survey – mycotoxins remain ubiquitous problem
//18 Aug 2011
Mycotoxins remain an ubiquitous problem as 89% of the analysed samples show the presence of at least one mycotoxin as was revealed in the just released Q2 results of Biomin Mycotoxin Survey. The data helps to assess the risk level incurred by the use of commodities from certain regions.
In the period between April and June 2011, Biomin on a global scale analysed a total of 804 samples and 2,867 analyses were carried out for the most important mycotoxins in terms of agriculture and animal production - aflatoxins (Afla), zearalenone (ZON), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins (FUM) and ochratoxin A (OTA).
Samples tested were diverse, ranging from cereals such as corn, wheat, barley and rice to processing by-products, such as soybean meal, corn gluten meal, DDGS and other fodders such as straw, silage and finished feed.
The table below gives an overview on the distribution of mycotoxins amongst different world regions.
Area
Mycotoxin presence (%)
Afla
ZON
DON
FUM
OTA
North America
38
17
38
67
18
Central America
100
0
100
100
0
South America
17
35
12
92
13
Northern Europe
100
71
86
0
1
Central Europe
0
65
82
70
42
Southern Europe
54
15
12
62
62
Middle East
29
0
0
-
71
Africa
0
0
100
100
0
North Asia
22
62
80
49
30
South-East Asia
8
38
39
64
32
South Asia
86
3
24
55
52
Oceania
9
29
41
25
8
Average positives
31
48
62
63
32
Ubiquitous problem
It is obvious that mycotoxins are an ubiquitous problem as 89% of the analysed samples show the presence of, at least, one mycotoxin.
The presence of more than one mycotoxin in 53% of the samples raises the attention to the problem of synergistic effects caused by multiple mycotoxins in animal feeds.
This is the second of 4 reports to be released this year. More detailed figures can be found on the Biomin website as well as past survey results.
China – pork prices remain the same
//18 Aug 2011
It seems that pork prices in China have remained unchanged...
The Ministry of Commerce stated that for the week ending 7 August – China saw pork prices that remained unaffected.
This comes after a decline was seen for two weeks. Sky-rocketing pork prices have been a massive concern in the country.
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Rising pork prices in Thailand need quick addressing
//18 Aug 2011
New Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra has instructed the country’s ministry of commerce to quickly address the rising price of pork in Thailand.
The Bangkok Post reported that commerce minister Kittirat Na Ranong said the retail price of pork has increased in line with the market mechanism.
He said people's demand for pork went up while the supply dropped due to the outbreak of the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). This viral outbreak, combined with pig deaths from the hot summer weather, is predicted to cut pig production by 30% this year, from 12 million animals to 8.4 million.
Adding to the damage from the virus, which is deadly in pigs, have been local outbreaks in Thailand of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea (PED) and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).
On top of all this, the price of pig feed, especially broken rice, rice bran and soybean meal, has risen abruptly, resulting in the cost of feeding pigs going up by an average of 20%.
Chinese autumn festival
Kittirat said, "The pork price should decline once the Chinese Autumn festival ends as people would no longer have to purchase pork for this occasion.
"There is no need to import pork to increase the pork supply in the country," Kittirat added.
The minister said stringent measures had been implemented to control the pork price. The Ministry of Commerce (MOC) announced early August a ceiling of 162 baht/kg (€3.77/kg) on the retail price, but sales have been sluggish.
Suffering
Pig raisers, however, said the PRRS outbreak had cut output, resulting in a rise in retail pork prices to about 160 baht/kg (€3.72/kg) from an average of 90 to 100 baht (€2.09-€2.33) last year. Thai pork merchants therefore have been suffering as consumers switch to other meats.
Last week the Swine Raisers Association of Thailand warned that retail prices for pork could go to 200 baht/kg (€4.65) by September, but urged the government to cancel its price controls.
PRRS outbreaks have also affected pig production elsewhere in Asia, including Myanmar, Vietnam and China.
Related websites:
• Bangkok Post
• Thai Ministry of Commerce
• Swine Raisers Association of Thailand (in Thai)
|More
US poultry exports set value record
//18 Aug 2011
US poultry exports for the first half of 2011 set a new year-on-year record in value, while the quantity was the third-highest on record, according to trade data released last week by the Foreign Agricultural Service.
First-half US poultry meat exports increased by 2% to 1.77 million metric tons, while export value of $2.16 billion rose by 10% compared to the first half of 2010.
Broiler meat exports
For the month of June, exports of broiler meat (excluding chicken paws) declined by 14% to 236,416 tons, and value for the month dipped by less than a point to $269.1 million. The quantity decline reflects lower shipments to such key markets as Cuba, Ukraine, Taiwan, Georgia, Angola and Ghana. Shipments increased to other markets, however, such as Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Russia.
Cumulative first-half exports broiler meat (excluding paws) were 1.41 million tons, down 2% from the same period in 2010. Export value was $1.6 billion, up 8%.
US broiler shipments to Mexico for the first half rose by 3% to 225,550 tons, while exports to Hong Kong dipped by 3.7% to 105,944 tons. Exports to Korea jumped by 86% to 72,281 tons, and exports to Iraq (including transshipments via Turkey) were 68,214 tons, down 10%.
Exports of US broiler meat to Canada were 65,283 tons, up 11%, while shipments to Taiwan decreased by 10% to 60,072 tons. Exports to Russia were 50,241 tons, up 95%, and shipments to China were down 12% to 24,765 tons.
US chicken paws
Meanwhile, exports of US chicken paws in June reached 29,593 tons, up 15% from June 2010, but export value was $42.8 million, down by less than 1%. Paw shipments to Hong Kong rose by 16% to 25,565 tons, while exports to mainland China increased by 20% to 3,143 tons.
Cumulative first-half exports of paws were 165,646 tons valued at $244.6 million, up 16 and 6% year on year, respectively. Export value set a year-on-year record.
Turkey exports
As for turkey, cumulative first-half exports reached 150,034 tons valued at $263.3 million, up 32 and 31% from the June 2010, respectively, both year-on-year records.
June turkey exports were 24,310 tons valued at $45.3 million, up 16 and 24%, respectively. Export value set a record for the month of June.
US turkey meat exports in June to Mexico, the top market, rose by 18.5% to 13,808 tons, while shipments to China decreased by 2.5% to 3,147 tons. The increase in turkey exports to Mexico is due largely to the increased pork prices relative to turkey, which encouraged Mexican meat processors to use more turkey instead of pork.
Table eggs
For table eggs, exports for June 2011 were 5.9 million dozen, down 4% from the same month of last year, while export value reached $5.282 million, up 14%.
Cumulative exports of table eggs for the first half of 2011 were 36.9 million dozen valued at $33.4 million, up 17 and 28% year on year, respectively.
For processed egg products, June exports were $9.4 million, down 11% from June 2010. Export value to Japan, the top export market for U.S. egg products, decreased by 6% to $4 million. Export value to Canada increased 40% year over year, and export value to EU-27 decreased 25%.
Cumulative exports of egg products in the first half of 2011 were $59 million, down less than 1% year on year. Exports to Japan increased 44% to $28.9 million, accounting for nearly half of U.S. total exports of egg products worldwide.
Total egg exports (table eggs plus egg products in shell-egg equivalents) for the first half of 2011 year were 110.4 million dozen, with an export value of $92.4 million, up 9 and 8% from the same period of last year, respectively.
Source: USAPEEC
16 August 2011
Cargill makes offer to acquire Provimi
//16 Aug 2011
Cargill has made a binding offer to acquire Provimi, the global animal nutrition company, for an enterprise value of euro 1.5 billion from Permira funds, the private equity firm which owns Provimi. Provimi has agreed, on an exclusive basis, to commence the necessary Works Council consultations and appropriate regulatory approvals.
Cargill plans to acquire Provimi's worldwide animal nutrition business, which has operations in 26 countries and employs more than 7,000 people across Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America. The acquisition would strengthen and expand Cargill's existing operations creating a global leader in animal nutrition.
"The combination of Cargill and Provimi would create a new, world class animal nutrition offering with the expertise to offer customers a full range of enhanced products and services," says Paul Conway, Cargill vice chairman. "This acquisition would mark a significant step in Cargill's animal nutrition growth strategy and underlines our commitment to continued long term investment to meet the needs of our customers around the world. We look forward to working with Provimi."
Cargill and Provimi have complementary market positions and strengths. Provimi has broad nutritional expertise, and a wide portfolio of premix, additives and ingredients; Cargill's animal nutrition business brings expertise in compound feed, supply chain and risk management as well as access to global trends, knowledge and information from across the agricultural supply chain. The combination of the businesses would provide an increased range of capabilities and a global network to service customers.
"Bringing together the talents and expertise of both companies is expected to open up new innovation and market development opportunities," comments Todd Hall, Cargill corporate vice president. "Provimi's excellence in cutting edge technology and application, alongside Cargill's global supply chain and market insights should enable us together to develop and deliver a range of innovative, high quality products and services to customers."
Ton van der Laan, chairman and group chief executive officer of Provimi says: "Cargill provided a clear and compelling case to become our new owner and we believe that a combination of its animal nutrition business with Provimi will create a stronger business, improving the delivery of innovative nutritional solutions to our customers. With Cargill's global presence and committed focus on animal nutrition, we can take Provimi to the next stage of its development. For our people this is also a great outcome. Cargill can offer many opportunities and recognizes the talent within Provimi. We very much look forward to working with our new owners in the future."
Cargill has a long history in the animal nutrition business, dating back to feed sales in 1884. The company currently has animal feed operations in 26 countries worldwide offering both branded and customized feed products and services, as well as ingredients for feed manufacturers and retailers.
Cargill has made a binding offer to acquire Provimi, the global animal nutrition company, for an enterprise value of euro 1.5 billion from Permira funds, the private equity firm which owns Provimi. Provimi has agreed, on an exclusive basis, to commence the necessary Works Council consultations and appropriate regulatory approvals.
Cargill plans to acquire Provimi's worldwide animal nutrition business, which has operations in 26 countries and employs more than 7,000 people across Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America. The acquisition would strengthen and expand Cargill's existing operations creating a global leader in animal nutrition.
"The combination of Cargill and Provimi would create a new, world class animal nutrition offering with the expertise to offer customers a full range of enhanced products and services," says Paul Conway, Cargill vice chairman. "This acquisition would mark a significant step in Cargill's animal nutrition growth strategy and underlines our commitment to continued long term investment to meet the needs of our customers around the world. We look forward to working with Provimi."
Cargill and Provimi have complementary market positions and strengths. Provimi has broad nutritional expertise, and a wide portfolio of premix, additives and ingredients; Cargill's animal nutrition business brings expertise in compound feed, supply chain and risk management as well as access to global trends, knowledge and information from across the agricultural supply chain. The combination of the businesses would provide an increased range of capabilities and a global network to service customers.
"Bringing together the talents and expertise of both companies is expected to open up new innovation and market development opportunities," comments Todd Hall, Cargill corporate vice president. "Provimi's excellence in cutting edge technology and application, alongside Cargill's global supply chain and market insights should enable us together to develop and deliver a range of innovative, high quality products and services to customers."
Ton van der Laan, chairman and group chief executive officer of Provimi says: "Cargill provided a clear and compelling case to become our new owner and we believe that a combination of its animal nutrition business with Provimi will create a stronger business, improving the delivery of innovative nutritional solutions to our customers. With Cargill's global presence and committed focus on animal nutrition, we can take Provimi to the next stage of its development. For our people this is also a great outcome. Cargill can offer many opportunities and recognizes the talent within Provimi. We very much look forward to working with our new owners in the future."
Cargill has a long history in the animal nutrition business, dating back to feed sales in 1884. The company currently has animal feed operations in 26 countries worldwide offering both branded and customized feed products and services, as well as ingredients for feed manufacturers and retailers.
Cephalosporin antibiotics: Control or ban?
//12 Aug 2011
Author: David Burch
The Panel of Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) of EFSA has just published an opinion on the public health risks of bacterial strains (primarily E. coli and Salmonella species) producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) enzymes or AmpC beta lactamases in food producing animals and food.
These enzymes cause resistance to 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins, such as ceftiofur and cefquinome and are thought to be associated with their use in veterinary medicine. Similar antibiotics are of critical importance in human medicine, hence the concern of the spread of the resistance genes that produce these enzymes from animals to man. They are looking at possible control options i.e. to stop all uses of cephalosporins, systemically active cephalosporins (not those used for mastitis control), or systemically active 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins only or to severely restrict their use.
Comprehensive report
This is a very comprehensive report and as well as highlighting the potential problems admits to weakness and deficiencies in the data. From a survey of a number of EU countries they have identified a potential hazard of ESBL and AmpC resistance genes being found in both E. coli and Salmonella species in animal production (see Figure 1).
Figure 1. Prevalence of cefotaxime (3rd generation cephalosporin) resistance in E. coli and salmonella from chickens pigs and cattle in 2009.
Although the overall prevalence is generally low, in some countries, such as Spain and the Netherlands the incidence in chickens is quite high, 26.4 and 17.9%, respectively but only 1.1 and 3.7% in pigs. The highest recorded in pigs was in Hungary and Poland, both on 3.8% and in cattle in Hungary at 6.5%. These results are surprising in that chickens appear to have the main problem, thought to be due to injection of eggs and day old chicks but also due to the close pyramidal structure of the industry and the ease of vertical transmission of resistant organisms. In addition, the cephalosporins are no longer approved for use in chickens in the EU but are being used under the cascade and possibly could be better controlled.
Selection
The overall selection of these specific resistance genes is thought to be primarily associated with the use of 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins but it was pointed out that the genes are commonly associated with other resistance genes to the more common, veterinary antimicrobials used and therefore general antimicrobial use is a potential risk factor. However, they also comment that the establishment of risk factors is complicated by the unavailability of supportive data or lack of its accuracy, as in this case.
Denmark and France have already voluntarily suspended the use of 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins, what are your opinions on the best way forward to control this problem?
Author: David Burch
The Panel of Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) of EFSA has just published an opinion on the public health risks of bacterial strains (primarily E. coli and Salmonella species) producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) enzymes or AmpC beta lactamases in food producing animals and food.
These enzymes cause resistance to 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins, such as ceftiofur and cefquinome and are thought to be associated with their use in veterinary medicine. Similar antibiotics are of critical importance in human medicine, hence the concern of the spread of the resistance genes that produce these enzymes from animals to man. They are looking at possible control options i.e. to stop all uses of cephalosporins, systemically active cephalosporins (not those used for mastitis control), or systemically active 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins only or to severely restrict their use.
Comprehensive report
This is a very comprehensive report and as well as highlighting the potential problems admits to weakness and deficiencies in the data. From a survey of a number of EU countries they have identified a potential hazard of ESBL and AmpC resistance genes being found in both E. coli and Salmonella species in animal production (see Figure 1).
Figure 1. Prevalence of cefotaxime (3rd generation cephalosporin) resistance in E. coli and salmonella from chickens pigs and cattle in 2009.
Although the overall prevalence is generally low, in some countries, such as Spain and the Netherlands the incidence in chickens is quite high, 26.4 and 17.9%, respectively but only 1.1 and 3.7% in pigs. The highest recorded in pigs was in Hungary and Poland, both on 3.8% and in cattle in Hungary at 6.5%. These results are surprising in that chickens appear to have the main problem, thought to be due to injection of eggs and day old chicks but also due to the close pyramidal structure of the industry and the ease of vertical transmission of resistant organisms. In addition, the cephalosporins are no longer approved for use in chickens in the EU but are being used under the cascade and possibly could be better controlled.
Selection
The overall selection of these specific resistance genes is thought to be primarily associated with the use of 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins but it was pointed out that the genes are commonly associated with other resistance genes to the more common, veterinary antimicrobials used and therefore general antimicrobial use is a potential risk factor. However, they also comment that the establishment of risk factors is complicated by the unavailability of supportive data or lack of its accuracy, as in this case.
Denmark and France have already voluntarily suspended the use of 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins, what are your opinions on the best way forward to control this problem?
14 August 2011
More jailed over illegal clenbuterol-tainted pork in China
//12 Aug 2011
It has been reported that an additional seven people were sentenced in reference to the clenbuterol tainted pork scandal which occurred recently. China’s Henan Province handed down sentences to the seven people ranging from 1 to 10 years. They were said to have sold the illegal pig feed additive clenbuterol to farmers since 2009.
In addition, the sentenced were also slapped with fines amounting between 1,000 yuan ($156) to 28,000 yuan ($4,377).
Initial arrests
In previous arrests at the end of July, five people who received sentences by the Chinese court are clenbuterol producer, Liu Xiang, who was handed a death sentence with a two-year reprieve. His wife, Liu Honglin, who was found to be an accomplice, was sentenced to nine years for buying raw materials he used in making the pig feed additive. Xi Zhongjie was sentenced to life in prison. Xiao Bing to 15 years and Chen Yuwei to 14 years. Also, three former food safety officials were sentenced for 5 – 6 years for dereliction of duty.
Clenbuterol is harmful to humans, promotes lean meat in pig production and reels in higher pig meat prices in China. The additive also allows meat to get to market sooner.
China has been in the spotlight before regarding tainted pork meat – in March this year it was found that Jiyuan Shuanghui, a subsidiary company of Shuagnhui Group, used clenbuterol tainted-pork. Many retailers as a result recalled products affiliated with the subsidiary. Wan Long, chairman of the board at Shuanghui Group, has apologised to consumers on behalf of the company.
Source: Philstar.com
It has been reported that an additional seven people were sentenced in reference to the clenbuterol tainted pork scandal which occurred recently. China’s Henan Province handed down sentences to the seven people ranging from 1 to 10 years. They were said to have sold the illegal pig feed additive clenbuterol to farmers since 2009.
In addition, the sentenced were also slapped with fines amounting between 1,000 yuan ($156) to 28,000 yuan ($4,377).
Initial arrests
In previous arrests at the end of July, five people who received sentences by the Chinese court are clenbuterol producer, Liu Xiang, who was handed a death sentence with a two-year reprieve. His wife, Liu Honglin, who was found to be an accomplice, was sentenced to nine years for buying raw materials he used in making the pig feed additive. Xi Zhongjie was sentenced to life in prison. Xiao Bing to 15 years and Chen Yuwei to 14 years. Also, three former food safety officials were sentenced for 5 – 6 years for dereliction of duty.
Clenbuterol is harmful to humans, promotes lean meat in pig production and reels in higher pig meat prices in China. The additive also allows meat to get to market sooner.
China has been in the spotlight before regarding tainted pork meat – in March this year it was found that Jiyuan Shuanghui, a subsidiary company of Shuagnhui Group, used clenbuterol tainted-pork. Many retailers as a result recalled products affiliated with the subsidiary. Wan Long, chairman of the board at Shuanghui Group, has apologised to consumers on behalf of the company.
Source: Philstar.com
Pfizer AH: A single-dose vaccine to prevent PCV2 viraemia in pigs
//11 Aug 2011
Veterinarians and pork producers in the United States can now help prevent Porcine Circovirus type 2 (PCV2) viraemia with the convenience of a single dose using new Fostera PCV from Pfizer Animal Health.
"Nearly all pigs are exposed to PCV2 during their lifetime, so the goal is to create an environment with the least amount of virus present," says Darrell Neuberger, DVM, pork technical services veterinarian at Pfizer Animal Health. "A challenge study demonstrated a single dose of Fostera PCV vaccine reduced the amount of PCV2 in the blood up to 10,000 times compared to non-vaccinated pigs."
PCV2 viraemia can compromise herd health, performance and kg per pig at market.
"Maintaining a low to non-existent PCV2 viremia level can enable the immune system to help fight other diseases more effectively and allow animals to grow more successfully," explains Neuberger.
Fostera PCV also helped provide protection against PCV2 infection in lymphoid tissues, while helping reduce lymphoid depletion in pigs challenged with virulent PCV2.
Costly disease
Porcine circovirus and mycoplasmal pneumonia are two of the costliest diseases affecting pork producers. Helping provide protection before disease exposure is critical to the success of any vaccination programme, explains Neuberger.
Studies show that pigs are typically infected with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae within the first three weeks of their life - through exposure from the dam during lactation or through exposure to older pigs. Vaccinating after this point can leave a gap in protection.
"RespiSure-ONE at processing and Fostera PCV at weaning help fill a gap in protection without compromising convenience," says Neuberger.
Both products are available on the US market only.
Related news item:
• Pfizer Animal Health
Veterinarians and pork producers in the United States can now help prevent Porcine Circovirus type 2 (PCV2) viraemia with the convenience of a single dose using new Fostera PCV from Pfizer Animal Health.
"Nearly all pigs are exposed to PCV2 during their lifetime, so the goal is to create an environment with the least amount of virus present," says Darrell Neuberger, DVM, pork technical services veterinarian at Pfizer Animal Health. "A challenge study demonstrated a single dose of Fostera PCV vaccine reduced the amount of PCV2 in the blood up to 10,000 times compared to non-vaccinated pigs."
PCV2 viraemia can compromise herd health, performance and kg per pig at market.
"Maintaining a low to non-existent PCV2 viremia level can enable the immune system to help fight other diseases more effectively and allow animals to grow more successfully," explains Neuberger.
Fostera PCV also helped provide protection against PCV2 infection in lymphoid tissues, while helping reduce lymphoid depletion in pigs challenged with virulent PCV2.
Costly disease
Porcine circovirus and mycoplasmal pneumonia are two of the costliest diseases affecting pork producers. Helping provide protection before disease exposure is critical to the success of any vaccination programme, explains Neuberger.
Studies show that pigs are typically infected with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae within the first three weeks of their life - through exposure from the dam during lactation or through exposure to older pigs. Vaccinating after this point can leave a gap in protection.
"RespiSure-ONE at processing and Fostera PCV at weaning help fill a gap in protection without compromising convenience," says Neuberger.
Both products are available on the US market only.
Related news item:
• Pfizer Animal Health
FMD virus detected in swine herds in Taiwan – no disease
//12 Aug 2011
Animal health authorities in Taiwan have reported the detection of the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) virus in two swine populations in the country. The pigs were clinically healthy though.
The detection was first confirmed at July 11, and was found at farms in New Taipei City and Tainan City. Total swine population at these sites was 733, of which 17 were found to be carrying the virus through routine FMD serological surveillance. None of the animals had died.
The investigation showed that all pigs on those farms were clinically healthy. Laboratory checks confirmed nine positive results with antibodies on the first farm, and eight on the second.
The serotype O was identified by using an FMD ELISA kit. The monitoring and epidemiological investigation of the index farms and those surrounding farms that keep cloven-hoofed animals (a total of 40 pig farms, three cattle farms, three deer farms and six goat farms within 3-km radius of the index farms) have been done and no clinical or epidemiological evidence of infection was found.
Other measures applied included quarantine, movement control, screening, disinfection – and no treatment or vaccination.
The information was sent to the Organization for Animal Health (OIE) at August 9.
Related website:
• Organization for Animal Health (OIE)
Animal health authorities in Taiwan have reported the detection of the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) virus in two swine populations in the country. The pigs were clinically healthy though.
The detection was first confirmed at July 11, and was found at farms in New Taipei City and Tainan City. Total swine population at these sites was 733, of which 17 were found to be carrying the virus through routine FMD serological surveillance. None of the animals had died.
The investigation showed that all pigs on those farms were clinically healthy. Laboratory checks confirmed nine positive results with antibodies on the first farm, and eight on the second.
The serotype O was identified by using an FMD ELISA kit. The monitoring and epidemiological investigation of the index farms and those surrounding farms that keep cloven-hoofed animals (a total of 40 pig farms, three cattle farms, three deer farms and six goat farms within 3-km radius of the index farms) have been done and no clinical or epidemiological evidence of infection was found.
Other measures applied included quarantine, movement control, screening, disinfection – and no treatment or vaccination.
The information was sent to the Organization for Animal Health (OIE) at August 9.
Related website:
• Organization for Animal Health (OIE)
13 August 2011
Chemicals causing damage to poultry watering systems
//11 Aug 2011
Poultry watering system components are primarily comprised of various types of plastic. The use of plastics in the watering systems has many advantages, including the ability to withstand the corrosive atmosphere common to poultry operations.
However, there are certain chemicals that can cause extensive damage to the watering system. Petroleum-based products are the most common. Producers often will use lubricant sprays to assemble the system or to assist in a repair. These products can stress some plastics to the point where they fail.
Producers also will use a petroleum-based product to spray around the base of the poultry house as a wood preservative. Mist from the spray can land on the system and cause unintended damage.
In addition, certain chemicals used to control flies and insects may have a petroleum base. Other compounds that contain phenols (carbolic acid) or aldehydes (such as glutaraldehyde) can damage certain plastics.
These compounds most often are used to disinfect the poultry house. During the wash down process, some of the mist can get on the watering system causing extensive damage.
In addition, producers have been known to use phenol- or aldehyde-based products to sanitise the watering system. Again, this can cause extensive damage.
Many producers regularly introduce chlorine and/or acidifiers into the watering system in an attempt to kill bacteria and viruses in the water. However, these products can damage the metal and plastic parts. We know of one producer who had to replace every drinker in his poultry house twice in less than a year because his acidification program was too aggressive. That cost him about $4,000 not a good return on investment. Ziggity recommends using a correctly formulated hydrogen peroxide product to clean the watering system. It not only kills bacteria, but also scrubs away the biofilm that bacteria form.
In general, disinfectants that are not biodegradable are the most aggressive in causing corrosion to the plastics in the watering system.
Source: Ziggity Systems
Poultry watering system components are primarily comprised of various types of plastic. The use of plastics in the watering systems has many advantages, including the ability to withstand the corrosive atmosphere common to poultry operations.
However, there are certain chemicals that can cause extensive damage to the watering system. Petroleum-based products are the most common. Producers often will use lubricant sprays to assemble the system or to assist in a repair. These products can stress some plastics to the point where they fail.
Producers also will use a petroleum-based product to spray around the base of the poultry house as a wood preservative. Mist from the spray can land on the system and cause unintended damage.
In addition, certain chemicals used to control flies and insects may have a petroleum base. Other compounds that contain phenols (carbolic acid) or aldehydes (such as glutaraldehyde) can damage certain plastics.
These compounds most often are used to disinfect the poultry house. During the wash down process, some of the mist can get on the watering system causing extensive damage.
In addition, producers have been known to use phenol- or aldehyde-based products to sanitise the watering system. Again, this can cause extensive damage.
Many producers regularly introduce chlorine and/or acidifiers into the watering system in an attempt to kill bacteria and viruses in the water. However, these products can damage the metal and plastic parts. We know of one producer who had to replace every drinker in his poultry house twice in less than a year because his acidification program was too aggressive. That cost him about $4,000 not a good return on investment. Ziggity recommends using a correctly formulated hydrogen peroxide product to clean the watering system. It not only kills bacteria, but also scrubs away the biofilm that bacteria form.
In general, disinfectants that are not biodegradable are the most aggressive in causing corrosion to the plastics in the watering system.
Source: Ziggity Systems
Company update: CPF strong 2Q results
//11 Aug 2011
CPF posted a net profit of 4,869 million baht for the second quarter 2011, surged 40% from the previous quarter. Interim dividend payment will be at 0.60 baht per share and CPF expected its second half results to remain strong.
Adirek Sripratak, President and Chief Executive Officer of Charoen Pokphand Foods Plc. (CPF), vowed that as a result of Thailand operations restructuring and overseas expansion CPF will be able to continually deliver satisfactory performance and CPF’s net profit for 2011 will remain strong as expected.
For the second quarter 2011, CPF reported sales revenue 53,230 million baht, increased 11% from the same period of last year. Net profit surged to 4,869 million baht, increased 40% from the previous quarter and 22% from the same period last year. An increase of export sales and strong growth of associated income are major contribution to such impressive growth of net profit.
If classify by products, sales from food business has highest growth of 16% while farm business and feed business grew 9% and 4%, respectively. If classify by operations, sales from export business has highest growth of 11% while Thailand’s operations and overseas operation grew 9% and 6%, respectively.
CPF, is expected to export 82,000 tonnes of chicken meat this year, or 18.3% of the combined 445,000 tonnes to be shipped overall, outperforming the company’s targets.
Source: CPF Worldwide
CPF posted a net profit of 4,869 million baht for the second quarter 2011, surged 40% from the previous quarter. Interim dividend payment will be at 0.60 baht per share and CPF expected its second half results to remain strong.
Adirek Sripratak, President and Chief Executive Officer of Charoen Pokphand Foods Plc. (CPF), vowed that as a result of Thailand operations restructuring and overseas expansion CPF will be able to continually deliver satisfactory performance and CPF’s net profit for 2011 will remain strong as expected.
For the second quarter 2011, CPF reported sales revenue 53,230 million baht, increased 11% from the same period of last year. Net profit surged to 4,869 million baht, increased 40% from the previous quarter and 22% from the same period last year. An increase of export sales and strong growth of associated income are major contribution to such impressive growth of net profit.
If classify by products, sales from food business has highest growth of 16% while farm business and feed business grew 9% and 4%, respectively. If classify by operations, sales from export business has highest growth of 11% while Thailand’s operations and overseas operation grew 9% and 6%, respectively.
CPF, is expected to export 82,000 tonnes of chicken meat this year, or 18.3% of the combined 445,000 tonnes to be shipped overall, outperforming the company’s targets.
Source: CPF Worldwide
Thailand updates OIE on poultry diseases
//12 Aug 2011
Agriculture officials in Thailand are to update the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) on the state of Newcastle Disease in the country.
The Thai poultry industry was certified free of the disease this year by the OIE, however recent news reports of diseases with similar symptoms to ND have caused concern, an official in the Livestock and Development Department said.
"Our inspection found some chickens suffered from bronchitis, but that might not be because of Newcastle Disease," he said.
The disease is now contained, but farmers are urged to vaccinate chicks at 1-7 days, 21 days and every three months. A continuity vaccination at about two years is an option, and the OIE could clear the country of the diseases if there was no detection for five years.
Avian influenza crippled the poultry industry in Thailand in 2004, but no cases have been detected for two years.
Source: Bangkok Post
Agriculture officials in Thailand are to update the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) on the state of Newcastle Disease in the country.
The Thai poultry industry was certified free of the disease this year by the OIE, however recent news reports of diseases with similar symptoms to ND have caused concern, an official in the Livestock and Development Department said.
"Our inspection found some chickens suffered from bronchitis, but that might not be because of Newcastle Disease," he said.
The disease is now contained, but farmers are urged to vaccinate chicks at 1-7 days, 21 days and every three months. A continuity vaccination at about two years is an option, and the OIE could clear the country of the diseases if there was no detection for five years.
Avian influenza crippled the poultry industry in Thailand in 2004, but no cases have been detected for two years.
Source: Bangkok Post
Study: Organic poultry have fewer drug-resistant bacteria
//11 Aug 2011
Poultry farms that have adopted organic practices and ceased using antibiotics have significantly lower levels of drug-resistant enterococci bacteria that can potentially spread to humans, according to a new study by the University of Maryland.
The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives is the first to demonstrate lower levels of drug-resistant bacteria on newly organic farms in the United States and suggests that removing antibiotic use from large-scale US poultry farms can result in immediate and significant reductions in antibiotic resistance for some bacteria.
Antibiotic-resistant enterococci
"We initially thought we would see some differences in on-farm levels of antibiotic-resistant enterococci when poultry farms transitioned to organic practices. But we were surprised to see that the differences were so significant across several different classes of antibiotics even in the very first flock of birds that was produced after the transition to organic standards," explained Amy R. Sapkota, an assistant professor with the Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health. "It is very encouraging."
Sapkota and her team investigated the impact of removing antibiotics from US poultry farms by studying 10 conventional and 10 newly organic large-scale poultry houses in the mid-Atlantic region. They tested for the presence of enterococci bacteria in poultry litter, feed, and water, and tested its resistance to 17 common antimicrobials.
"We chose to study enterococci because these microorganisms are found in all poultry, including poultry on both organic and conventional farms. The enterococci also cause infections in human patients staying in hospitals. In addition, many of the antibiotics given in feed to farm animals are used to fight Gram-positive bacteria such as the enterococci. These features, along with their reputation of easily exchanging resistance genes with other bacteria, make enterococci a good model for studying the impact of changes in antibiotic use on farms," Sapkota said.
Organic poultry resistance
While all farms tested positive for the presence of enterococci in poultry litter, feed, and water as expected, the newly organic farms were characterised by a significantly lower prevalence of antibiotic-resistant enterococci. For example, 67% of Enterococcus faecalis recovered from conventional poultry farms were resistant to erythromycin, while 18% of Enterococcus faecalis from newly organic poultry farms were resistant to this antibiotic.
Dramatic changes were also observed in the levels of multi-drug resistant bacteria (organisms resistant to three or more antimicrobial classes) on the newly organic farms. Multi-drug resistant bacteria are of particular public health concern because they can be resistant to all available antibiotics, and are, therefore, very difficult to treat if contracted by an animal or human. Forty-two percent of Enterococcus faecalis from conventional farms were multi-drug resistant, compared to only 10% from newly organic farms, and 84% of Enterococcus faecium from conventional farms were multi-drug resistant compared to 17% of those from newly organic farms.
"While we know that the dynamics of antibiotic resistance differ by bacterium and antibiotic, these findings show that, at least in the case of enterococci, we begin to reverse resistance on farms even among the first group of animals that are grown without antibiotics, said Sapkota. Now we need to look forward and see what happens over five years, 10 years in time." Sapkota said she expects that reductions in drug-resistant bacteria on US farms that "go organic" are likely to be more dramatic over time as reservoirs of resistant bacteria in the farm environment diminish.
Source: University of Maryland
Photo source: Amy R. Sapkota, University of Maryland
Poultry farms that have adopted organic practices and ceased using antibiotics have significantly lower levels of drug-resistant enterococci bacteria that can potentially spread to humans, according to a new study by the University of Maryland.
The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives is the first to demonstrate lower levels of drug-resistant bacteria on newly organic farms in the United States and suggests that removing antibiotic use from large-scale US poultry farms can result in immediate and significant reductions in antibiotic resistance for some bacteria.
Antibiotic-resistant enterococci
"We initially thought we would see some differences in on-farm levels of antibiotic-resistant enterococci when poultry farms transitioned to organic practices. But we were surprised to see that the differences were so significant across several different classes of antibiotics even in the very first flock of birds that was produced after the transition to organic standards," explained Amy R. Sapkota, an assistant professor with the Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health. "It is very encouraging."
Sapkota and her team investigated the impact of removing antibiotics from US poultry farms by studying 10 conventional and 10 newly organic large-scale poultry houses in the mid-Atlantic region. They tested for the presence of enterococci bacteria in poultry litter, feed, and water, and tested its resistance to 17 common antimicrobials.
"We chose to study enterococci because these microorganisms are found in all poultry, including poultry on both organic and conventional farms. The enterococci also cause infections in human patients staying in hospitals. In addition, many of the antibiotics given in feed to farm animals are used to fight Gram-positive bacteria such as the enterococci. These features, along with their reputation of easily exchanging resistance genes with other bacteria, make enterococci a good model for studying the impact of changes in antibiotic use on farms," Sapkota said.
Organic poultry resistance
While all farms tested positive for the presence of enterococci in poultry litter, feed, and water as expected, the newly organic farms were characterised by a significantly lower prevalence of antibiotic-resistant enterococci. For example, 67% of Enterococcus faecalis recovered from conventional poultry farms were resistant to erythromycin, while 18% of Enterococcus faecalis from newly organic poultry farms were resistant to this antibiotic.
Dramatic changes were also observed in the levels of multi-drug resistant bacteria (organisms resistant to three or more antimicrobial classes) on the newly organic farms. Multi-drug resistant bacteria are of particular public health concern because they can be resistant to all available antibiotics, and are, therefore, very difficult to treat if contracted by an animal or human. Forty-two percent of Enterococcus faecalis from conventional farms were multi-drug resistant, compared to only 10% from newly organic farms, and 84% of Enterococcus faecium from conventional farms were multi-drug resistant compared to 17% of those from newly organic farms.
"While we know that the dynamics of antibiotic resistance differ by bacterium and antibiotic, these findings show that, at least in the case of enterococci, we begin to reverse resistance on farms even among the first group of animals that are grown without antibiotics, said Sapkota. Now we need to look forward and see what happens over five years, 10 years in time." Sapkota said she expects that reductions in drug-resistant bacteria on US farms that "go organic" are likely to be more dramatic over time as reservoirs of resistant bacteria in the farm environment diminish.
Source: University of Maryland
Photo source: Amy R. Sapkota, University of Maryland
Russia: A state of emergency, African Swine Fever outbreak
//09 Aug 2011
In a district in the Krasnodar Region, a state of emergency has been declared due to an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF).
A private farm has been discovered to have been affected by African Swine Fever, however the source of the infection is still not known. At the private farm, 15 pigs had already died due to ASF.
According to authorities, 12,000 pigs in and around the Krylovskaya village, about three km from the private farm, are being culled, 50 of which have already died of the ASFV.
The state of emergency area is home to 11,839 pigs, the regional emergencies center stated.
The emergency was declared on Sunday.
Source: xinhuanet.com
In a district in the Krasnodar Region, a state of emergency has been declared due to an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF).
A private farm has been discovered to have been affected by African Swine Fever, however the source of the infection is still not known. At the private farm, 15 pigs had already died due to ASF.
According to authorities, 12,000 pigs in and around the Krylovskaya village, about three km from the private farm, are being culled, 50 of which have already died of the ASFV.
The state of emergency area is home to 11,839 pigs, the regional emergencies center stated.
The emergency was declared on Sunday.
Source: xinhuanet.com
07 August 2011
Research: Yeast protein concentrate and heat stress in broilers
//05 Aug 2011
The effects of yeast and yeast protein concentrate on the production performance of broiler chickens exposed to heat stress and challenged with Salmonella enteritidis, has been investigated by scientists at the West Bengal University, India.
In cooperation with AB Vista an experiment of 35 d duration was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation (1 g/kg) of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), yeast protein concentrate (YPC) and YPC-pellets on production performance of heat stressed broilers.
Trial setup
For this experiment 128 Cobb 400 broilers were used. Ambient temperature was constantly maintained at 32–34C. At 21 d, all the birds were orally challenged with Salmonella enteritidis (10 × 107 cfu/ml) and the numbers of total Salmonella were enumerated in excreta at periodic intervals.
Results
Dietary supplementation of YPC and YPC pellets improved body weight at 21 and 35 d of age and FCR in 35 d.
Salmonella numbers decreased in the pooled digesta and excreta due to dietary supplementation of yeast and YPC additives particularly in the YPC-pellets group.
E. coli numbers in digesta also decreased in the treated groups. Humoral immune response against Newcastle disease was improved by dietary supplementation of YPC and YPC-pellets at 14 d, 28 d and 35 d.
The effect of dietary yeast supplementation on humoral immune response was evidenced on 35 d of age. Severity of panting was comparatively less when the YPC additives were supplemented in diet and this was corroborated by a lower serum CO2 concentration in the YPC and YPC-pellets groups at 21 d of age as compared with the control.
Supplementation of YPC and YPC-pellets increased serum T3 level at 21 d and decreased serum cortisol at 21 and 35 d vis-à-vis the control group.
Yeast supplementation was also as effective as the YPC additives in reducing serum cortisol level. Villus height increased by supplementation of YPC-pellets as compared with the other dietary groups although the implication of this increment was not discernible in terms of production performances.
Conclusion
Although, converting the yeast protein concentrates into YPC-pellets did not offer any substantial advantage in terms of enhancing production performance of the heat stressed broilers, it may be concluded that YPC additives may effectively sustain the production performance in heat stressed broilers than the conventional yeasts probably by modulation of the levels of circulatory thyroid hormones and cortisol.
Full research was published in Animal Feed Science & Technology (Aug 2011)
The effects of yeast and yeast protein concentrate on the production performance of broiler chickens exposed to heat stress and challenged with Salmonella enteritidis, has been investigated by scientists at the West Bengal University, India.
In cooperation with AB Vista an experiment of 35 d duration was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation (1 g/kg) of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), yeast protein concentrate (YPC) and YPC-pellets on production performance of heat stressed broilers.
Trial setup
For this experiment 128 Cobb 400 broilers were used. Ambient temperature was constantly maintained at 32–34C. At 21 d, all the birds were orally challenged with Salmonella enteritidis (10 × 107 cfu/ml) and the numbers of total Salmonella were enumerated in excreta at periodic intervals.
Results
Dietary supplementation of YPC and YPC pellets improved body weight at 21 and 35 d of age and FCR in 35 d.
Salmonella numbers decreased in the pooled digesta and excreta due to dietary supplementation of yeast and YPC additives particularly in the YPC-pellets group.
E. coli numbers in digesta also decreased in the treated groups. Humoral immune response against Newcastle disease was improved by dietary supplementation of YPC and YPC-pellets at 14 d, 28 d and 35 d.
The effect of dietary yeast supplementation on humoral immune response was evidenced on 35 d of age. Severity of panting was comparatively less when the YPC additives were supplemented in diet and this was corroborated by a lower serum CO2 concentration in the YPC and YPC-pellets groups at 21 d of age as compared with the control.
Supplementation of YPC and YPC-pellets increased serum T3 level at 21 d and decreased serum cortisol at 21 and 35 d vis-à-vis the control group.
Yeast supplementation was also as effective as the YPC additives in reducing serum cortisol level. Villus height increased by supplementation of YPC-pellets as compared with the other dietary groups although the implication of this increment was not discernible in terms of production performances.
Conclusion
Although, converting the yeast protein concentrates into YPC-pellets did not offer any substantial advantage in terms of enhancing production performance of the heat stressed broilers, it may be concluded that YPC additives may effectively sustain the production performance in heat stressed broilers than the conventional yeasts probably by modulation of the levels of circulatory thyroid hormones and cortisol.
Full research was published in Animal Feed Science & Technology (Aug 2011)
05 August 2011
Global enzyme market to reach $3.74 billion by 2015
//04 Aug 2011
Worldwide demand for industrial enzymes is expected to achieve levels of US$3.74 billion by 2015.
Major influences promoting growth include new enzyme technologies attempting to improve cost effectiveness and productivity, and increasing popularity with customers of using organic compounds such as enzymes in place of petrochemical.
Other features driving demand includes increasing sales to textile makers, animal food manufacturers, detergent producers and pharmaceutical and cosmetics firms.
Global market for industrial enzymes was fairly immune to the recent turmoil in the global economy and grew moderately during 2008-2009. Demand for industrial enzymes in matured economies such as the US, Western Europe, Japan and Canada was relatively stable during the recent times, while developing economies of Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe and Africa and Middle East regions emerged as the fastest growing markets for industrial enzymes.
According to Global Industrial Analysts, increased demand for various specialty enzymes, polymerases and nucleases coupled with the robust growth in animal feed markets are likely to steer growth in industrial enzymes market.
Biotechnology
Introduction of smaller and newer molecular drugs in the market involves a complicated and intricate process, which is likely to compel pharmaceutical companies to shift their focus on biotechnology sector, thus fuelling the demand for biotechnology and research enzymes.
However, demand for the enzymes that are used in production of ethanol on the other hand, is likely to slowdown in the near future as several countries are increasingly re-evaluating the usage of food-derived raw materials in the manufacture of ethanol.
Europe largest market
Europe represents the largest region for industrial enzymes worldwide. The United States trails Europe in terms of sales of industrial enzymes.
The US and Europe collectively command a major share of the world industrial enzymes market. On the other hand, Asia Pacific is poised to register the fastest compounded annual growth rate of more than 8.0% over the analysis period.
Proteases lead the pack
Proteases (protein splitting enzyme) constitute the largest product segment in the global industrial enzymes market.
Growth-wise, Carbohydrases market is projected to be the fastest growing product segment, with a CAGR of more than 7.0% over the analysis period.
Lipases (fat splitting enzyme) represent the other major product segment in the global industrial enzymes market with high growth potential.
In terms of end-use, Food and feed represents the largest segment for industrial enzymes. Developing regions are expected to emerge as the fastest growing consumers of industrial enzymes for food and feed applications, as increase in per capita income in these regions would continue to drive the demand for meat.
Detergents constitute the other major end-use segment for industrial enzymes. Demand for detergent enzymes, however, is likely to be affected by the fluctuating prices of raw materials and the continuous innovations by the manufacturers to cut down on the costs. Nevertheless, a large percentage of mid-tier and low tier-detergent manufacturers are increasing the usage of enzymes in their products for offering enhanced performance.
Major players profiled in the report include AB Enzymes, Advanced Enzyme Technologies, Amano Enzyme, Asahi Kasei Pharma, BASF, Cargill Texturizing Solutions, Chr. Hansen, Danisco, Genencor International, DSM Food Specialties, Hayashibara Company, Nexgen Biotechnologies, Novozymes, Verenium Corporation, among others.
The report can be obtained from Companies and Markets
Worldwide demand for industrial enzymes is expected to achieve levels of US$3.74 billion by 2015.
Major influences promoting growth include new enzyme technologies attempting to improve cost effectiveness and productivity, and increasing popularity with customers of using organic compounds such as enzymes in place of petrochemical.
Other features driving demand includes increasing sales to textile makers, animal food manufacturers, detergent producers and pharmaceutical and cosmetics firms.
Global market for industrial enzymes was fairly immune to the recent turmoil in the global economy and grew moderately during 2008-2009. Demand for industrial enzymes in matured economies such as the US, Western Europe, Japan and Canada was relatively stable during the recent times, while developing economies of Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe and Africa and Middle East regions emerged as the fastest growing markets for industrial enzymes.
According to Global Industrial Analysts, increased demand for various specialty enzymes, polymerases and nucleases coupled with the robust growth in animal feed markets are likely to steer growth in industrial enzymes market.
Biotechnology
Introduction of smaller and newer molecular drugs in the market involves a complicated and intricate process, which is likely to compel pharmaceutical companies to shift their focus on biotechnology sector, thus fuelling the demand for biotechnology and research enzymes.
However, demand for the enzymes that are used in production of ethanol on the other hand, is likely to slowdown in the near future as several countries are increasingly re-evaluating the usage of food-derived raw materials in the manufacture of ethanol.
Europe largest market
Europe represents the largest region for industrial enzymes worldwide. The United States trails Europe in terms of sales of industrial enzymes.
The US and Europe collectively command a major share of the world industrial enzymes market. On the other hand, Asia Pacific is poised to register the fastest compounded annual growth rate of more than 8.0% over the analysis period.
Proteases lead the pack
Proteases (protein splitting enzyme) constitute the largest product segment in the global industrial enzymes market.
Growth-wise, Carbohydrases market is projected to be the fastest growing product segment, with a CAGR of more than 7.0% over the analysis period.
Lipases (fat splitting enzyme) represent the other major product segment in the global industrial enzymes market with high growth potential.
In terms of end-use, Food and feed represents the largest segment for industrial enzymes. Developing regions are expected to emerge as the fastest growing consumers of industrial enzymes for food and feed applications, as increase in per capita income in these regions would continue to drive the demand for meat.
Detergents constitute the other major end-use segment for industrial enzymes. Demand for detergent enzymes, however, is likely to be affected by the fluctuating prices of raw materials and the continuous innovations by the manufacturers to cut down on the costs. Nevertheless, a large percentage of mid-tier and low tier-detergent manufacturers are increasing the usage of enzymes in their products for offering enhanced performance.
Major players profiled in the report include AB Enzymes, Advanced Enzyme Technologies, Amano Enzyme, Asahi Kasei Pharma, BASF, Cargill Texturizing Solutions, Chr. Hansen, Danisco, Genencor International, DSM Food Specialties, Hayashibara Company, Nexgen Biotechnologies, Novozymes, Verenium Corporation, among others.
The report can be obtained from Companies and Markets
Cargill recalls ground turkey and suspends production
//04 Aug 2011
Cargill Value Added Meats Retail, a business unit of Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation, has recalled approximately 36 million pounds of fresh and frozen ground turkey products produced at the company’s Springdale, Arkansas facility, due to possible contamination from Salmonella Heidelberg.
Cargill is initiating the recall as a result of its internal investigation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information that became available on Aug. 1, 2011, as well as an ongoing USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) investigation into multiple illnesses from Salmonella Heidelberg.
Additionally, Cargill has suspended production of ground turkey products at its Springdale, Ark., turkey processing facility until it is able to determine the source of the Salmonella Heidelberg and take corrective actions. Other turkey products produced at Springdale are not part of the recall. Cargill owns four turkey processing facilities in the US and no products from the other three are involved in the recall.
“While facts continue to be gathered, and currently there is no conclusive answer regarding the source of Salmonella Heidelberg contamination, given our concern for what has happened, and our desire to do what is right for our consumers and customers, we are voluntarily removing our ground turkey products from the marketplace,” said Steve Willardsen, president of Cargill’s turkey processing business.
“Suspending production until we can determine the source of the Salmonella Heidelberg at our Arkansas facility, and take corrective action, is the right thing to do,” stated Willardsen. “We are closely examining every aspect of our production process and have identified enhancements to our procedures in our efforts to ensure safe food. Eliminating food borne illness is always our goal.”
Cargill has launched awebsite for consumers with any queries regarding the recall.
Source: Cargill
Cargill Value Added Meats Retail, a business unit of Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation, has recalled approximately 36 million pounds of fresh and frozen ground turkey products produced at the company’s Springdale, Arkansas facility, due to possible contamination from Salmonella Heidelberg.
Cargill is initiating the recall as a result of its internal investigation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information that became available on Aug. 1, 2011, as well as an ongoing USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) investigation into multiple illnesses from Salmonella Heidelberg.
Additionally, Cargill has suspended production of ground turkey products at its Springdale, Ark., turkey processing facility until it is able to determine the source of the Salmonella Heidelberg and take corrective actions. Other turkey products produced at Springdale are not part of the recall. Cargill owns four turkey processing facilities in the US and no products from the other three are involved in the recall.
“While facts continue to be gathered, and currently there is no conclusive answer regarding the source of Salmonella Heidelberg contamination, given our concern for what has happened, and our desire to do what is right for our consumers and customers, we are voluntarily removing our ground turkey products from the marketplace,” said Steve Willardsen, president of Cargill’s turkey processing business.
“Suspending production until we can determine the source of the Salmonella Heidelberg at our Arkansas facility, and take corrective action, is the right thing to do,” stated Willardsen. “We are closely examining every aspect of our production process and have identified enhancements to our procedures in our efforts to ensure safe food. Eliminating food borne illness is always our goal.”
Cargill has launched awebsite for consumers with any queries regarding the recall.
Source: Cargill
UK: On-farm pilot projects for better pig health
//04 Aug 2011
New biosecurity measures will be put in place on pig units in three pilot projects just given the go ahead, as part of the national BPEX Pig Health Improvement Project (PHIP). This marks the eagerly-awaited second stage of the programme for pig producers in Yorkshire and East Anglia, which were the first to get started on regional health improvement – gathering and mapping health information and forming a regional network of producers.
The three on-farm pilot groups – two in Yorkshire and one in East Anglia – will help establish the effectiveness of certain measures in improving pig health status in a sustainable way.
BPEX has helped the producer groups access RDPE funding to support the practical steps they are taking. One group is upgrading its loading ramps to improve biosecurity and, in the second group, one of the farms is doing a full depopulation. The third group, comprising more than 30 units, is carrying out a targeted PRRS vaccination.
Dr Charlotte Evans of BPEX said: “The aim is to show that, where local producers work together, health status improves more rapidly and should make for a lasting solution to persistent challenges.”
All other regions of England are now embarking on the first stage of the project and there are already more than 400 pig units across the country signed up to the PHIP.
All pig farmers in England can now sign up for the PHIP and get free support and services to help improve pig health status. The initial steps are:
· Sign and return PHIP and BPEX Pig Health Scheme (BPHS) form
· Immediate free access to BPHS post-mortem information
· The vet completes the health survey and biosecurity audit at their quarterly visit (funded by PHIP)
· Producers form local working groups and start to develop long-term health plans to improve pig performance and welfare
Producers in Yorkshire and East Anglia who were previously registered with the regional schemes need to ‘re-register’ for the national PHIP which is, in effect, bringing all English regions together to provide the same free support, including BPHS post-mortem checks.
Visit www.pighealth.org.uk or contact Helen Clarke at BPEX on 07973 701369.
Source: BPEX
New biosecurity measures will be put in place on pig units in three pilot projects just given the go ahead, as part of the national BPEX Pig Health Improvement Project (PHIP). This marks the eagerly-awaited second stage of the programme for pig producers in Yorkshire and East Anglia, which were the first to get started on regional health improvement – gathering and mapping health information and forming a regional network of producers.
The three on-farm pilot groups – two in Yorkshire and one in East Anglia – will help establish the effectiveness of certain measures in improving pig health status in a sustainable way.
BPEX has helped the producer groups access RDPE funding to support the practical steps they are taking. One group is upgrading its loading ramps to improve biosecurity and, in the second group, one of the farms is doing a full depopulation. The third group, comprising more than 30 units, is carrying out a targeted PRRS vaccination.
Dr Charlotte Evans of BPEX said: “The aim is to show that, where local producers work together, health status improves more rapidly and should make for a lasting solution to persistent challenges.”
All other regions of England are now embarking on the first stage of the project and there are already more than 400 pig units across the country signed up to the PHIP.
All pig farmers in England can now sign up for the PHIP and get free support and services to help improve pig health status. The initial steps are:
· Sign and return PHIP and BPEX Pig Health Scheme (BPHS) form
· Immediate free access to BPHS post-mortem information
· The vet completes the health survey and biosecurity audit at their quarterly visit (funded by PHIP)
· Producers form local working groups and start to develop long-term health plans to improve pig performance and welfare
Producers in Yorkshire and East Anglia who were previously registered with the regional schemes need to ‘re-register’ for the national PHIP which is, in effect, bringing all English regions together to provide the same free support, including BPHS post-mortem checks.
Visit www.pighealth.org.uk or contact Helen Clarke at BPEX on 07973 701369.
Source: BPEX
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