Do regulations kill innovation?

 

Process Management

• algae
• sustainability

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Harrij Schmeitz Function: Agri & Food chains BloggerHarrij got his BSc Degree on Horticulture at the Agricultural College of ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands. In his last year of study (1985) the first computer arrived at the college. This triggered him.

Over the past decennia we have made things easy for our selves by time and time again creating new regulations about what’s not allowed to do in a feedmill (ie. European Feed and Food Hygienecode(2004), Trustfeed, GMP+, etc.)

Of course the food & feed scandals were a big influence on this. However, hand there was one important reason we did this - Easy to control and easy to manage. Which has been no problem, until now.

Looking at the challenges we have now in finding new recipes, ingredients, commodities, protein sources this is one of the biggest issues, I think. Because we now have to make feed and petfood more sustainable. We need to find new commodities and new ingredients for feed that helps the farmer produce sustainably and yet still efficiently.

New fodder sources like 'duckweed', algae, insects, tangle, fruits, vegetables, food waste etc. are often not allowed to be used without losing the certificates necessary to deliver to the market. Getting the allowance necessary to use those sources is not easy plus the costs involved are high and will not encourage you to do so unless you knew it worked, what cost effects it will give etc.

This is a big dilemma for the industry.

The questions are if the technology and quality management-procedures such as cleaning are in place and if adequate risk management protocols can give the industry the possibility to test those new sources in their business including what the inventory of the risk of using brings us.

Of course there is no discussion on if our feed should be safe. But how do we transfer our feed industry into a sustainable one on this playingfield.

Suggestions how to do this are welcome.

Improving sow and piglet feed efficiency

 

Nutrition

• lallemand

290

Thinking outside the box around piglet nutrition, trials in Texas and an in-depth study to the effects of endotoxins on agalactica - all were present at Lallemand Animal Nutrition's fourth international technical meeting, held in Noordwijk, the Netherlands.

It is well documented that yeast products do have beneficial effects on the growth of swine. All over the world, ongoing research is being performed to closely document its exact mode of action, not only in pigs but also in other food animals.
Lallemand focuses on its product Levucell SB, the registered name for its yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii (CNCM I-1079). Some of the presentations touched on the effects of Levucell SB on sows and piglets.

InraPorc
Dr Jean-Yves Dourmad, of the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) kicked off this edition summarising the tool InraPorc, to improve the nutritional efficiency of sows by both evaluating and optimising feeding strategies. The model has been existing for quite a number of years, but is frequently updated.

For instance, he showed an example of the utilisation of lysine and nitrogen, and how this can be optimised by a precision multi-phase feeding strategy.

Endotoxins
Next, Nick Gabler from Iowa State University, United States, told the audience of about 150 delegates about the role of endotoxins of intestinal origin. Endotoxins can be found on the outer membrane of bacteria.
He explained the difference between endotoxins and exotoxins – and made clear how purified endotoxins (also known as lipopolysaccharides – LPS) can act as pathogens for sows, especially its influence on Mastitis, Metritis and Agalactica (MMA).

PDS
Dr Leif Göransson, from Uppsala University in Sweden, then zoomed in on one element of MMA, the Post-partum Dysgalactia Syndrome – or a reduction of milk yield after farrowing causing piglet mortality. He pointed out that LPS can often be involved in this syndrome, and suggested feeding strategies to overcome this problem.

He said that it would be essential not to feed too much in late gestation and a change of feed should not occur later than five days prior to farrowing – or two to four days after farrowing.

Gene expression
Ken Mellits, University of Nottingham, UK switched from sows to piglets, explaining methods at the university how to characterise the gastro-intestinal tract in young piglets and how this can help to identify the change of GIT contents when changing diets. Gene expression is used in this process to identify microflora contents.

It was announced that Lallemand and the University of Nottingham will cooperate to start a Centre of Excellence for swine.

Thinking outside the box
Theo van Kempen, Nutreco, the Netherlands, did an exercise in thinking outside of the box by raising various questions about current-day piglet production. He challenged the thinking by asking various questions.

He said that in his view, pathogens are less harmful as long as piglets still consume sufficient amounts of feed. If the don’t eat, they will not consume any of the feed additives that prevent them to get sick. So it would be very important to get them eating quickly straight after weaning. So, how? Palatability can be different for humans and piglets – and he mentioned that the Nutreco product Presan, as well as Levucell SB, do not hurt feed intake.

Challenges
Jeff Carroll, USDA-ARS, Texas, United States, was the last speaker of the event. He tested piglets challenged with LPS as well as Salmonella – and measured the effects of S.c. boulardii.

He said that it appears that S.c. boulardii “offers immunological protection to the young pig, thus allowing more nutrients to be diverted towards growth during this critical period of development.” He added that “there does appear to be a direct ‘priming’ effect on the immune system, as well as an ability to aid in elimination or accumulation of pathogens.”

Novus launches probiotic to boost poultry performance

 

Nutrition

• Novus

780

Novus International has launch Sporulin Direct-Fed Microbial (DFM) for the poultry industry. Sporulin delivers the optimal blend of a perfected combination of spores to just the right location in the gut, leading to optimized feed conversion, maximized health and improved food safety.

The research behind the development of Sporulin involved screening literally millions of potential isolates against rigorous selection criteria, followed by extensive laboratory and field testing. The result was a unique, proprietary blend of three specifically selected strains of Bacillus subtilis that work well in combination and, more importantly, perform well in the animal.

Many probiotic formulations used in commercial poultry production are pre-defined cultures that were originally developed for some other purpose. Sporulin, however, is a custom-designed, purpose-built probiotic for modern poultry production.

Sporulin is very tolerant to the heat and pressure of feed manufacturing and has a high post-pelleting potency and stability profile. The spores are robust and can survive harsh conditions during feed pelleting and storage, and they can sporulate and grow to large numbers quickly in the gastrointestinal track of the animal. The product has a positive effect on Clostridium spp. and Salmonella spp.

In field tests among broilers and turkeys, Sporulin has been shown to help maximize weight gain, optimize feed conversion, have a positive effect on Clostridium perfringens in commercial poultry and decrease the incidence of food safety associated pathogens.

This new DFM was developed at the University of Arkansas after five years of research and is currently manufactured by Pacific Vet Group-USA. Novus has the exclusive distribution rights in most markets around the world. Novus is proud to add Sporulin direct-fed microbial to its industry-leading poultry gut health portfolio.

USMEF: Pork exports in August lower than a year ago

 

//12 Oct 2012

Despite a continued slump in U.S. red meat export volume and a further dip in August sales, the value of beef and pork exports for the first eight months of the year remained slightly ahead of 2011’s record-setting pace, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

U.S. pork exports in August were down 6 percent in volume (175,310 metric tons) and 7 percent in value ($495.5 million) compared to a year ago, but these totals were up 10 percent and 6 percent, respectively, from the previous month’s performance. Through the first eight months of the year, 2012 pork exports were up 2 percent in volume (1.474 million metric tons) and 8 percent in value ($4.13 billion) from last year’s record levels.

“We face a challenging business climate in several key markets, with rising production costs and slowing economic growth creating some anxiety among buyers,” said USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng. “We’re also seeing a surge in domestic meat supplies in some areas, particularly in South Korea. But the commitment to enhancing global demand for U.S. beef and pork remains very strong, as evidenced by the terrific support of our producer organizations. These are the circumstances in which effective global marketing takes on an even greater level of importance, as producers need to maximize the value of every cut and every carcass.”

On the pork side, exports through August accounted for 23.7 percent of muscle cut production and 27 percent when including variety meats, compared to 22.8 percent and 27.3 percent in 2011. Export value averaged $56.51 per head slaughtered, up from last year’s $53.54 during the first eight months of the year.

US pork strong in mainstay markets Mexico, Japan
While beef exports to Mexico struggle, pork exports continue to perform well – with January-August volume (391,932 metric tons) increasing 14 percent and value ($727.2 million) up 11 percent from a year ago. August exports were up 16 percent in volume to 51,841 metric tons and 9 percent in value to $101.4 million.

“Mexico’s meat processing sector is an outstanding customer for U.S. pork, but USMEF has also made considerable strides in building retail demand,” Seng said. “This has made Mexico an attractive destination for a wider variety of pork cuts, which has really enhanced our export value.”

Pork exports to Japan had slowed during the early summer, but rebounded in August to post the highest volume since February at 39,689 metric tons (valued at $169.9 million). Through August, exports to Japan were down 6 percent in volume (307,442 metric tons) but were 6 percent above last year’s record value pace at $1.34 billion.

While pork exports to the China/Hong Kong region were higher through August (+11 percent to 282,637 metric tons and +35 percent to $569.4 million), they are not likely to match last year’s pace in coming months. This is not due to poor market performance, but simply reflects the surge in export activity in late 2011 when China’s domestic pork supplies were slumping and pork prices reached record levels. For August only, exports to China/Hong Kong were down 31 percent in volume to 30,450 metric tons and 34 percent in value to $60.5 million.

Other pork market highlights for January through August include:

· Exports to Canada were up 15 percent in volume (150,583 metric tons) and 18 percent higher in value ($549 million).

· Led by an exceptional performance in Colombia, exports to Central and South America were 18 percent higher in volume (53,206 metric tons) and up 19 percent in value ($134.1 million).

· Exports to Russia were 30 percent higher in volume (63,699 metric tons) and 22 percent higher in value ($182.9 million). Since Russia’s WTO accession was completed in August, in-quota exports now enter at zero duty, rather than the previous 15 percent.

· While exports to the Oceania region were roughly steady with last year, exports to New Zealand were up one-third in volume (5,853 metric tons) and 30 percent in value ($17.7 million).

NOTE: Complete export results for pork, beef and lamb visit USMEF, click here.

Rabobank: Hog prices to recover this year

 

//12 Oct 2012

The bank expects global hog prices to remain under pressure in the first part of Q4, followed by a price recovery towards the end of 2012 and into 2013 – which will begin when the current supply boost from feed price-induced herd liquidation fades.

In a new report, Rabobank's Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory group looks at the issues of pork supply, demand and pricing in China, the U.S., the EU, Canada, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Mexico and Russia, as well as industry-wide.

In particular, the report looks at the impact of drought in various markets, notably consolidation at the farm level due to high feed costs, as well as the variance in pricing in major pork markets.

David C. Nelson, global Animal Protein strategist at Rabobank and an author of the report, said, "Diverging price trends in key markets were the distinguishing feature of the global pork trade in Q3 2012. Clearly, production cycles are not synchronized globally – and this creates opportunities for those with flexible procurement and sales operations."

The report explores these key points:

• Global pork prices will remain pressured in Q4 2012.
  
• Production cutbacks to support strong prices will continue into 2013.
  
• There are contrasting price developments between pork producing regions globally.
  
• High feed costs will trigger another consolidation round.
  
• The Rabobank five-nation (Brazil, China, U.S., Canada, EU) finished hog price index was down in September after rising since May.
  
• The impact of economic conditions on demand will be key for 2013 pricing.
  
• Agricultural commodity price volatility, exchange rate movements, and fluctuating Chinese pork imports will drive the global pork market in coming years "The consequences of the worst drought in the U.S. in nearly a century were further exacerbated by droughts in South America and Russia," commented Nelson. "The result will be historically low stocks-to-use ratios for feed crops and high costs for at least the coming 12 months. Further demand rationing for feed crops will be required for the biofuel production and animal protein industries, including pork. Continuing tight global beef supplies will also provide a pricing umbrella for pork."

Source: Rabobank

Research: Feeding fungus to broilers

NUTRITIONCHICKENS2110
Supplementing broiler diets with a a fungus, Aspergillus awamori (Koji) reduces skeletal muscle protein breakdown activity and stimulates growth, this is the conclusion of a study conducted by Egyptian and Japanese researchers.

A total of 30 chicks at 15 days of age were divided into control and two treatment groups (10 birds per treatment). Control group was fed the basal diet and treatment groups were fed the basal diets supplemented with A. awamori at levels of 0.05% and 0.2%. The birds were raised for 12 days from 15 to 27 days of age and then the effect on growth, organ weights and plasma 3-methylhistidine concentration and digestibilities of protein and energy was evaluated. The messenger RNAs (mRNAs) of atrogin-1, ubiquitin, proteasome, m-calpain, µ-calpain, β-actin, myosin and pax-7 in the breast muscle were also measured.

Body weight gain and breast muscle weight were increased, although feed intake was decreased by the fungus and thus feed efficiency was increased. Protein and energy digestibilities were increased. Furthermore, plasma 3-methylhistidine concentration was decreased by the fungus. The mRNAs of atrogin-1, ubiquitin, proteasome, m-calpain and µ-calpain were all decreased. The mRNA of β-actin but not myosin and pax-7 was slightly increased by the fungus.

In conclusion, feeding A. awamori improves growth performance because skeletal muscle proteolytic activity is reduced and digestibilities of energy and protein are increased.

Source: Animal Science Journal

Russia: 100,000 chickens died due to feed costs

PROCESS MANAGEMENTFEED PRICESCHICKENS2660
The difficult situation with feed prices has recently led to mass deaths of birds at a number of poultry farms of Russian agricultural holding "Kirovhleb."

"The poultry farms of agricultural holding "Kirovhleb" in recent months have had issues with feed stocks. On October 5, the veterinary inspection conducted at the Kostinskaya poultry farm, revealed that there was no feed at all. The farm needed a total of 33 tonnes of feed per day, but only purchased 10 tonnes, and not every day," the head of the Veterinary Department of the Kirov region Sergei Chuchalin said.

As of October 5, 70,000 chicken died. At a press conference on October 10, the head of Kirovhleb Mikhail Prusak said that this figure continues to rise and the current death tol was closer to 100,000. He also confirmed that the cause of death for the birds was underfeeding.

“This difficult situation appeared to be due to the fact that poultry feed prices almost doubled in August, and the company could not buy in the required amount. Due to lack of working capital the company failed to accumulate any backlog of feed,” Prusak said.

Currently, Kirovhleb poultry farms still have a stock of 560,000 poultry. The dead birds were disposed of under strict supervision of experts from the regional veterinary services.

Poultry deaths are continuing so the figure of losses could rise in the coming days.