Poultry Grist - Winter 2023

Grand Valley Fortifiers Ltd. PO Box 726, Cambridge ON, N1R 5W6

1006704

Poultry Grist

CENTRAL & ATLANTIC EDITION A PERIODIC NEWSLETTER PRODUCED

BY GRAND VALLEY FORTIFIERS VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1 | WINTER 2023

Dear Friends, As we soon wrap up calendar year 2023 and this year’s harvest, we know that we have been blessed with a bountiful harvest. Ontario crop yields have been great this growing season but in southwestern Ontario corn is testing between 0 ppm and 8 ppm coming off the fields. Please review the article by Kayla Silva to brush up on your knowledge of mycotoxins and the various strategies to consider as we work together to incorporate the 2023 harvest into performance orientated feed rations on farm. In this edition of the Grist, we are pleased to welcome Aline Pereira MSc., Poultry Nutritionist, to our growing team of nutritionists as well as Bram Evers who has taken on the role of Poultry Specialist in Monogastric Sales. As Grand Valley Fortifiers enters its 64th year of operation in 2024, we are embracing the reality that a number of our three and four decade tenured team members are looking forward to a new season in retirement. One of those is our dearly loved and sincerely appreciated PhD Monogastric Nutritionists, Dr. Martin Clunies. Words can not express the gratitude that we, at GVF as well as the swine and poultry producers that Martin has worked with across the country and around the globe, have for the way Martin’s advice and nutritional expertise has improved the performance, productivity and profitability of their herds and flocks. Indeed, beyond that, Martin has become a friend to so many of us and has personified the “Humble Confidence” that we at GVF aspire to exude. Please join us in thanking Martin for his tireless work in the industry and wish him and his wife, Estelle smooth sailing as they literally sail into a new season of life together. David Ross and I, as well as the entire GVF family want to wish you are yours a very Blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with much love, health, prosperity and happiness.

Sincerely, Ian Ross, President & CEO, GVF group of companies

MYCOTOXIN UPDATE

by: KAYLA SILVA Monogastric Nutritionist, Grand Valley Fortifiers

DON Average (ppm)

#

Simcoe

0.44

1

Chatham-Kent

0.70

5

Brant

0.76

1

Bruce

0.92

2

Wellington

0.96

6

Elgin

1.04

5

Essex

1.15

4

Waterloo

1.25

3

Perth

1.80

4

Niagara

1.85

1

Oxford

1.92

5

Huron

2.34

4

County

T

he 2023 Ontario corn harvest is coming to an end.

While most Ontario corn regions have had decent growing conditions, the last week of June throughout September had frequent rainfall and therefore corn remained wet, was less mature, and hence increased the risk of mold contamination. To date, a total of 54 corn samples representing 35 different farms across Ontario were sampled and analyzed for DON (Vomitoxin), Zearalenone, T2, Fumonisons, and Aflatoxins (Table 1).

DON Average (ppb)

Zearalenone Average (ppb)

T2 Average (ppb)

Fumonisins Average (ppb)

Aflatoxins Average (ppb)

Average

1680

112

0

49

0

Haldimand

2.68

3

Min (ppb)

0

0

0

0

0

Lambton

2.73

1

2.83

8

3.27

1

Max (ppb)

8219

810

0

792

0

Middlesex

Fumonosins

>1.5

0.006

0.04

0.18

3

Stormont

1-800-567-4400 www.grandvalley.com

DON values represent the majority of the mycotoxin load and has an average of 1.68 ppm. Although the maximum value for DON is 8.2 ppm, it should be noted, however, that there can be variability of mycotoxin contamination due to hot-spots. With this in mind, mycotoxin contamination was further broken down by Ontario Counties.

While looking at this data, it is important to note that a small sample size will easily influence mycotoxin values, and it is crucial to send corn samples for analysis to determine your corn mycotoxin load. It is equally important to recognize symptoms of mycotoxin contamination within your herd.

Ian Ross, President & CEO | David Ross, VP & CMO Tanka Khanal, Ph.D., M.Sc. | Aline Pereira, M.Sc. | Drew Woods, M.Sc. | Kayla Silva, M.Sc. | Curtis Ebanks, Layout Editor

The table below lists the potential symptoms associated with mycotoxin contamination:

Since we are seeing roughly two times higher average DON toxin levels in 2023 (1.68 ppm) compared to 2022 (0.83 ppm), below are some strategies for dealing with feed grains contaminated with mycotoxins:

Cleaning or Roasting the Grain

Most of the mycotoxins are found in the fines of the grain samples, so removing the fines often reduces the number of mycotoxins in the grain. This can often be accomplished by screening or blowing the chaff of the grain away before the grain is stored.

Another method is to roast the grains which burns off the fines and removes the toxin from the surface of the grain.

Diluting Contaminated Grain

Dilute with clean grains to reduce mycotoxin levels in the feed. Some of the ingredients that can be used this year include clean wheat, barley, and bakery meal. For those producers liquid feeding, using ingredients like liquid whey or brewers yeast are great strategies for diluting mycotoxin contamination.

Enzymes

Enzymes are a more recent developing strategy for mitigating the effect of mycotoxins in the feed. These enzymes can transform mycotoxins into less toxic compounds. As more knowledge is gained in this area, there will be more and more efficacious enzymes developed to transform the known and unknown mycotoxins present in the grains.

Probiotics

Probiotics are evolving as a new strategy for dealing with mycotoxin contaminated feeds. Some probiotics can transform whole families of mycotoxins, such as the trichothecenes, to less harmful compounds or eliminate them completely by biotransformation. Probiotics can offer protection to the gut by restoring the tight junctions between the cells and thereby the permeability of the gut, decreased by the presence of mycotoxins in the feed.

Year to year mycotoxins remain a risk in feed grains fed to livestock animals, of which pigs are the most sensitive. Ultimately, laboratory testing is best for assessing the risks in feeding contaminated grains. Being vigilant and assessing symptoms within your herd as well as speaking with a Grand Valley Livestock Business Consultant or Grand Valley Nutritionist about mitigation strategies is the best way to cope with mycotoxin contamination.

HIGHER MORTALITY AND CONDEMN RATES IN BROILERS

by: TANKA KHANAL & ALINE PEREIRA Monogastric Nutritionists, Grand Valley Fortifiers

H

igher mortality rate in broilers production occurs due to a variety of causes, with early deaths typically resulting from yolk sac infection and other bacterial infections. At the onset of growth phase, mortalities are attributed to complex necrotic enteritis, other resistant infections, and faster pace of growth rate.

While mortalities at the end of cycle are commonly caused by ascites, again resistant pathogen infections, locomotory system disorders, and management failures such excessive stress or poor litter quality. Some of these late deaths are associated with condemnations at the processing plant. Genetic selection for higher appetite and fast-growing birds has led to a compromised health and increased susceptibility to pathogens. Moreover, this selection for a rapid growth has not been supported by a robust immune system and stronger physiological systems.

Not only the mortality, but the higher condemn rate is another significant determinant for poor farm profitability. Two stages of condemnation occur in a production cycle: one at farm level and the other at processing plant. At farm level, higher condemnation mostly related to poor chick quality, poor brooding management, poor quality feed and premix, compromised gut heath and poorer daily management. All these factors cause sick birds or lighter/smaller birds in the barn. At the processing plant, the primary causes for condemnation include abdominal edema, hepatis and non-infectious liver damage due to ascites, carcass contamination by E. coli and other fecal or litter bacteria, and subcutaneous inflammation/tissue infection and brises and contusion during catching and transportation.

How does the GVF Poultry Program reduce mortality and condemns?

In the GVF poultry team, we have a program approach, not just a formulation approach. What does this mean? It means we first understand the production system better, then we design a customised program for the producer followed by monitoring the KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) on regular basis until the program is successful.

To prevent early mortality, it begins at the breeder farm by ensuring good quality fertile eggs. Alongside quality eggs, implementing good management practices in the hatchery and providing quality nutrition and management during the initial weeks on the broiler farm This is essential to reduce mortality during this period. The swift provision of quality feed after hatching accelerates the maturation of the gut and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Stimulating early development of the gastrointestinal tract is crucial, as approximately 70% of the bird's immune system resides in or around the intestine, directly correlating with increased tolerance to pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli. As we know this, we implement an advanced nutritional approach to enhance internal immunity through high quality premix and balance ration formulation.

Another important mortality cause in modern birds is necrotic enteritis.

Birds aged 14-35 days are affected by the rapid multiplication of Clostridium perfringens bacteria in the gut in certain conditions. This accelerated bacteria growth is typically instigated by factors that disrupt the balance of gut microbiota or cause alterations in the gut epithelium, as seen in infections caused by Eimeria spp.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in preventing or influencing the disease's progression. Drastic changes in diet composition, such as transitioning phases, can promote bacterial proliferation. Additionally, high levels of antinutritional factors or undigestible nutrients especially amino acids in the feed create a beneficial environment for C. perfringens. Ingredients high in insoluble fiber contribute to increased diet viscosity, slowing nutrient passage and digestion. On the other hand, the utilization of probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids, enzymes, and plant extracts aid in controlling C. perfringens growth. The use of enzymes can reduce gut viscosity in diets containing wheat or DDGS. The GVF poultry program carefully analyses this in a customised program for producers. That is why, we do not just replicate the feed formula, but we customise the program for the individual farm, it could be even a different program from barn A to barn B within the same farm.

Early fast-growth strains are more susceptible to ascites during the first weeks of life (3rd and 4th weeks), while late fast-growth strains become more vulnerable between the 5th and 7th week. As a result, measures to avoid predisposing factors should focus on these periods. Among the primary predisposing factors, male sex, thermal stress, excessive physical handling, nutrition, and excess ammonia in the barn—diminishing pulmonary ventilation quality—are the most common. Nutritionally, protein-rich, low-fat diets, arginine supplementation, partial replacement of sodium chloride with sodium bicarbonate to alkalize feed, and programs aimed at preventing ascites development are essential approaches in preventing ascites development.

Conclusion

Understanding the mechanisms for mortality and condemnation of broilers is the foundation for creating strategies tailored to each farm's reality, not only focusing on body weight gain but also preventing mortality and condemnation at the same time to increase overall barn performance and hence profitability. At Grand Valley Fortifiers our tailor-made poultry program involves a series of measures involving management, nutrition, and health and is proving successful by better controlling mortality and condemnation across Canada. Our customers are benefitting from significantly less mortality and condems compared to industry average mortality and condemnations. We are excited to have the opportunity to provide producers better profit per kilogram of live meat production. If you’re interested in reviewing your production numbers and determining if you can do better, reach out to Tanka or Aline at 519-621-4400 today.

Poultry Grist GVF SAILING INTO RETIREMENT: Farewell to Dr. Martin Clunies After 34 Remarkable Years

A

fter an incredible 34 years, Dr. Clunies is setting sail into retirement on December 29, and it's only fitting to reflect on the remarkable journey of the first monogastric nutritionist at Grand Valley Fortifiers.

Martin began his career at Grand Valley Fortifiers in 1989 and quickly made an impression in the industry. He created the foundation of the monogastric premixes that are still used today. Beyond his technical accomplishments, Dr. Clunies became a mentor and guide for countless colleagues over the years. He took this responsibility to heart, sharing his wealth of knowledge generously to the next generation of nutritionists at Grand Valley Foritifers. Martin had an answer for every question, a solution for every problem, and an idea for every challenge.

POOR WATER QUALITY NEGATIVELY IMPACTS FEED AND WATER INTAKE.

by: BRAM EVERS Poultry Specialist in Monogastric Sales, Grand Valley Fortifiers

W

ater is often regarded as the most important nutrient and yet most likely the cheapest and often forgotten. Clean water is a critical component of livestock farming as it directly affects animal health, productivity and overall well-being. Birds drink approximately up to 1.8 times more water than they do feed (for every 100 grams they eat, they drink around 180 mL of water).

As livestock business consultants, we closely monitor water and feed intake on the farms we work with. We often see that a lower feed intake is the result of a lower water intake which may removes have occurred a biofilm few days prior. In other Di-O-Clean words, a bird is probably eating less because it is drinking less. On a more practical level, lines that are contaminated with bio film can cause the drinking nipples to leak. This may be due to small particles of bio film, clogging up the nipple system. Farmers must ensure that their animals have access to clean and uncontaminated water sources to maintain a successful and sustainable livestock operation.

Did you know that through the drinking nipples, bacteria can move up into your waterlines? So even if you work with a clean water source (for exA biofilm is formed when microorganisms start to grow on the deposition of minerals and organic remains on the ample citywall. water) youproduce should scope waterlines regularly.

Book a free water pipe The bacteria a kind of mucusyour layer that grows and protects the bacteria.

The biofilm is divided into 2 layers, a soft out layer hard inner layer.

Over time, pipes become clogged with the biofilm water consultation with us and and we are happy tothe come out! We will bring an and becomes a feeding ground for bacteria, spores and viruses (e.g. E. coli, Salmonella, Clostridium, streptococci, endoscope (water camera) to look at the inside of your waterlines. staphylococci, Campylobacter, etc.).

Di-O-Clean removes the biofilm and kills bacteria, spores, and viruses.

Virusses

Iron/ manganese

Additives

Di-O-Clean Bacteria

Yeast

water

Do you want to test this yourself?

What you will need: 1. White bucket 2. Transparent water can With his long tenure at GVF, there are many treasured memories but to share a few today: “Martin always embraced the myriad of questions we had and took them as an opportunity to teach and make us think critically.

He would always challenge my mind to think of different perspectives and provide solutions based on experience and research. Not only is Martin a wealth of knowledge, but he has a great sense of humour, one that will be missed in the office!” – Kayla Silva

Water can be assessed with our own senses. For example, judge the flushwater that comes out from the drinking water lines. It’s a quick and easy way to get a good idea of what the inside of the drinking water system looks like.

This test is based on 4 Criteria: 1. Sediment: do you see floating particles in water?

2. Clarity: can you see through the water or is it cloudy?

3. Colour: Is the water visually discoloured?

4. Smell/taste: Is there a smell or taste in the water?

“Dr. Martin Clunies always tells me that " I trust farmers 100%, but I never forget to verify". Dr. Martin and I did a lot of chicken barn walking together from coast to coast in Canada, and down South in the US. He always observes, holds, and listens to chickens to try to understand what they are saying about his ration. If the chickens are happy and on target, he is happy.” – Tanka Khanal “Martin's story telling was second to none. You always knew you were in for a long story when he would say "Tell me something" or "I'm going to ask you a question". At this point, you might as well grab your popcorn, but without a doubt you would always learn something from him. Martin was a fountain of knowledge, and his storytelling will be missed.” – Adam Totafurno As Martin prepares to embark on a new chapter of his life, we can't help but to be grateful and to reminisce on his time at Grand Valley Fortifiers. We are grateful for the years of dedication, hard work, and invaluable contributions that have made Grand Valley Fortifiers what it is today, and we reminisce of the friendship, the shared victories, and the lessons learned under his guidance. Retirement, however, doesn't mark the end of Martin’s journey but rather the beginning of a new and exciting chapter with his wife Estelle. December 29 will not only be a day of farewell but also a day of celebration for a career well-lived, for friendships gained, and for a legacy that will endure long after he sets sail on new adventures.

Smooth sailing and endless adventures, Marty.

Was the water up to your expectations? In other words- would you drink it? If the answer is no, we have some solutions for you!

Cleaning Programs

1. Continuous cleaning: With continuous cleaning, our product is added to the drinking water during the cycle. Because animals must drink the product, lower concentrations are used compared to cleaning the waterlines in between cycles. When working with lower concentrations, a product with a high oxidation capacity is preferred (such as chlorine-dioxide). This means that the product is active from the front to the rear of your waterlines, even with low doses.

Advantages of continuous cleaning: • Animals are present in the barn.

• Low dosage • Di-O-Clean doesn’t affect taste or smell of the water.

• No labor required, lines become cleaner over time while animals are drinking.

2. Periodic (shock) cleaning: Is a compromise of cleaning in between cycles and continuous cleaning. Lower concentrations are still used so that your animals can drink the water. Instead of using a product continuously, a product is only dosed during certain intervals. For example, this can be once a week, once a month, or the last week of a cycle. grandvalley.com

When we know we are working with clean water and waterlines (the whole water infrastructure), we can provide nutritional care through the water. Everyone knows of vitamin C or electrolytes, but there is a growing interest in the significance of organic acids, and we would like to show you the results!

Undigested proteins increase pathogenic threats

Good digestion and intestinal health are very important for your animals.

Seventy percent of immune system problems arise in the gastrointestinal tract. Poor digestion and intestinal health restrict your animals’ growth and increase the risk of diseases.

How can we help?

Acidifying water with organic acids improves digestion and function by: • Increasing retention time (more digestion time) • Increasing pepsin activation (faster protein breakdown) • Increasing bacterial barrier Lactic acid is critical because: • Increasing retention time (more digestion time) • Increasing pepsin activation (faster protein breakdown) • Increasing bacterial barrier Lactic acid is critical because: • Improves taste of water (animals will drink more) • Able to stay active against gram-negative bacteria at higher pH levels (e.g. intestines) • Acts as energy source for intestinal villi (for better nutrient absorption)

However, there was a common theme in most of these research projects: testing different formulations and the use of additives in challenged broilers while observing their impact on organs, histology, microbiology population, and performance parameters. This sparked her curiosity to better understand the interaction of nutrition with gut physiology, which led her to the University of Guelph, where she pursued her Master of Science program in Animal Nutrition under the supervision of Dr. Elijah Kiarie.

Aline’s Master's research used enzymatically treated and untreated cranberry pomace in broiler chickens challenged with Coccidiosis. Her results showed that dried raw cranberry pomace has the potential to mitigate the effects of Coccidiosis, but the treatment with enzymes still needs more investigation because, although the enzymes reduced the insoluble fibers present in the cranberry pomace, the bioactive compounds were also affected.

After completing her Master's program, Aline happily joined us here GVF as a monogastric nutritionist where she has been working with the poultry team. Her main role is to contribute to solving the growing demand for poultry formulations. Aline’s background in improving gut health will help provide solutions to producers through nutrition. A healthy chicken gut makes Aline happy.

Effect of pH on Bacterial Growth pH

E. Coli

Salmonella

Clostridium

6,4

++++

++++

++++

6

+++

+++

++++

5,8

++

++

++++

5,4

+

+

+

5

-

+

4,5

-

-

4

-

-

2 0 2 2

Dear Friends

++

AND NEW YEAR’S SCHEDULE

+ -

Let us show you this program in action! Schedule a free water analysis today with Farmers Depot.

During the visit we will: • Collect water for a water mineral analysis report. You will receive a FREE copy after the visit.

• Discuss how the waterlines can be kept clean during the flock.

• Discuss the benefits of using organic acids to support the gut health of the birds.

A Ntreatment.

D • Provide you with advice and a plan for water Nthe E hardware/pump W Y E A R systems ’ S that can • Provide you with information on be used for injecting water treatment S C products.

H E DU LE • Talk about water and your birds’ health.

Thank you for your business in 2022.

We are ready to help you achieve your farm’s production goals!

Call Bram or John for more information: Bram Evers: 905-329-6103 | John Toonders: 519-621-0241 ext 2257

GVF JOIN US IN WELCOMING OUR NEWEST MONOGASTRIC NUTRITIONIST! Aline was born and raised in the state of Santa Catarina Brazil, and pursued an undergraduate program in Veterinary Medicine at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR). During her undergraduate program, Aline joined UFPR's Avian Pathology and Microbiology laboratory, which focused on developing research for gut health of broiler chickens. Initially, Aline was a volunteer research assistant, ALINE PEREIRA but then she recognized that working Monogastric with poultry and gut health was her true Nutritionist passion. Aline became an undergraduate researcher and had the opportunity to get involved in research involving Salmonella, Coccidiosis, Nonspecific Enteritis, Mycotoxins, and E. Coli.

In order to help us provide you with the best service possible during the holiday season, please be advisedMONDAY of the days we’ll be closed.

MONDAY TUESDAY TUESDAY

DEC. 25

MONDAY

CLOSED DEC. 26

CLOSED

Order early to ensure you don’t run out.

DEC. 26

JAN. 01

TUESDAY

MONDAY

8AM - 5PM

DEC. 27SERVICE CUSTOMER DESK OPEN, DELIVERIES 8AM - 5PM RESUME DEC 27.

CUSTOMER SERVICE DESK OPEN, FARMERS DEPOT CLOSED DELIVERIES RESUME DEC 28.

CLOSED JAN. 02

CLOSED

JAN. 02, 2023

TUESDAY

RETURN TO JAN. 03, 2023 NORMAL BUSINESS RETURN TO NORMAL HOURS BUSINESS HOURS

Thought for the Day Let Earth Receive Her King “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” (– spoken by the Angel to Mary in Luke 1: 32 – 33) Here Mary is told of the significance of the birth of her son that would be provided her, a virgin, through the coming upon her of the Holy Spirit.

For this reason the holy Child is called the Son of God. Nowhere else does the value of a baby’s birth, come with the value of his life!

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, how much value are you placing on Christ Jesus birth? Let us take time to remember and reflect on this significant event in history when Earth received her King and how this pivotal time, changed our future forever – “… and His kingdom will have no end.”