Oct-Dec 2025 edition of Livestock & Poultry ME magaine

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Livestock & Poultry Middle East & Asia is designed to serve the fast growing livestock and poultry sectors in the Asia and Middle East region by providing the expert information to our readers in our four comprehensive issues in a year. It is circulated throughout Middle East region and worldwide in addition to the extra distribution at various Livestock, Poultry, Aquaculture and Agriculture Shows. The magazine provides editorial coverage on a wide range of topics which are of interest to industry professionals.

VIV AFRICA EXPANDS TO CÔTE D’IVOIRE: FIRST EDITION IN ABIDJAN ANNOUNCED FOR 2027

VNU Europe, the international division of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs, and organizer of VIV Worldwide, proudly announces a major expansion of its African operations with the launch of VIV Africa in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire at the Parc des expositions d’Abidjan/ Abidjan Exhibition Centre in 2027. The strategic move establishes an alternating show format, with VIV Africa taking place in Kigali, Rwanda in

2026 and Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire in 2027, ensuring the industry has a dedicated annual meeting point on the African continent— East Africa in even years, West Africa in odd years. Set to cover the entire value chain from feed to food with the main spotlight on poultry, aquatics, swine and dairy, this enhanced structure reflects the accelerating importance of Africa in the global animal

protein production sector and responds to strong industry demand for increased access to both regional markets. West Africa, in particular, represents a region of exceptional opportunity, characterized by rapid population growth, escalating demand for quality protein sources, and substantial investment across the livestock, poultry, and aquaculture sectors.

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TANMIAH INAUGURATES NEW PRIMARY PROCESSING PLANT AND AUTOMATED FEED MILL TO BOOST FOOD SECURITY AND GROWTH IN SAUDI ARABIA

Under the patronage and attendance of His Excellency Eng. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Tanmiah Food Company (Tanmiah), one of the Kingdom’s leading vertically integrated poultry and food producers, announced the launch of two new facilities in the central region of Saudi Arabia: a state-of-the-art poultry processing plant in Al Majmaa (Majmaa 2) and a cutting-

edge feed mill in Dahna. These additions complement Tanmiah’s existing network of hatcheries, feed mills, and processing plants, reinforcing Tanmiah’s commitment to advancing food security, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting local communities with job creation and sustainable development initiatives.

The official inauguration ceremony was held at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) in Riyadh, in the presence of His Excellency Eng. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, along with esteemed dignitaries and distinguished guests, and was attended by His

Excellency Amr Al-Dabbagh, Chairman of Tanmiah, Mr. Zulfiqar Hamadani, Group CEO, and a number of Tanmiah’s Board Members and senior executives.

In pursuit of its vision to become the number one global halal sustainable healthy protein company by 2030, over the past two years, Tanmiah has invested over SAR 1.5 billion within the Kingdom, while also facilitating more than SAR 400 million in foreign direct investment into the agri-food sector, with the aim of increasing the pace of private investments in this sector through 2030. These efforts have strengthened Saudi Arabia’s role as a regional powerhouse in food production and a vibrant hub for innovation, research, and product development across the industry.

THE ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL HUNTING AND EQUESTRIAN EXHIBITION CONCLUDED WITH RECORD-BREAKING LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, the twenty-second edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) concluded with exceptional success, attracting more than 379,572 visitors over 9 days, a growth of 9.2% compared to the previous edition in 2024.

The exhibition received widespread local and international

acclaim from exhibitors and visitors. Organised by ADNEC Group, a subsidiary of Modon, in cooperation with the Emirates Falconers’ Club, this edition set a new milestone as the largest and most vibrant since the exhibition’s launch in 2003, reflecting the growing global interest in this event.

The 2025 edition of the ADIHEX further strengthened its status as a prestigious international platform, embodying the UAE’s deep commitment to preserving cultural heritage and fostering innovation

in outdoor sports, hunting, and sustainable hunting activities.

His Excellency Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, affirmed that the 22nd edition of the exhibition underscored Abu Dhabi’s global standing as a key hub for preserving Emirati heritage in hunting, equestrianism, and all traditional sports, as well as a distinguished economic centre reflecting the diversity of its sectors and activities, offering opportunities for networking and exchange between exhibitors and visitors.

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SIGNING OF COOPERATION WITH DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF LIVESTOCK AND ANIMAL HEALTH TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT OF INDONESIAN LIVESTOCK SECTOR

As part of the 189th Bulan Bakti Anniversary, on 20-21 September 2025, at the Pakansari Stadium Area, Bogor, a cooperation agreement was signed between PT Napindo Media Ashatama (Napindo) as the organizer of Indo Livestock and the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia. This signing reaffirms the joint commitment as the host of Indo Livestock to support the development of the livestock sector, animal health, and the enhancement of the competitiveness of Indonesian livestock products.

Managing Director of Napindo, Arya Seta, expressed his pride in the full support of the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia, as the host of the

Indo Livestock Expo & Forum.

“This cooperation agreement strengthens Indo Livestock’s commitment to becoming a bridge between the government, business actors, and the community. We believe this synergy will encourage innovation and accelerate the transformation of the Indonesian livestock sector,” said Arya. This event serves as a strategic platform to bring together industry players, the government, and various stakeholders to improve access to information, technology, and innovation, while encouraging investment and business partnerships for the advancement of livestock development and animal health in Indonesia.

The highlight of the event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of

Indonesia, Sudaryono, B.Eng., M.M., MBA., Director General of Livestock and Animal Health of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. drh. Agung Suganda, M.Si., and the Bogor District Head, Rudy Susmanto, S. Si. They were accompanied by members of the Forum Koordinasi Pimpinan Daerah (Forkopimda) and Kepala OPD, including Kepala Badan Kesatuan Bangsa dan Politik Bogor Regency, Ferdinando Selmi Pardede, demonstrating cross-sector support for the development of education-based and locally-rooted animal husbandry.

HATO LIGHTS UP VIV MEA 2025 WITH INNOVATION AND IMPACT

From November 25–27, HATO will be present at VIV MEA 2025, booth Number: 07.D070, in Abu Dhabi, one of the leading international trade shows for animal husbandry and agribusiness.

This marks another exciting step in our mission to bring smarter agricultural lighting solutions to the global stage.

At VIV MEA, Hato will be introducing a selection of their latest and most impactful lighting products, designed to enhance

animal welfare and farm efficiency. Visitors can explore solutions such as the CORAX XL WW, a powerful new option tailored for breeders, the STERNA WW, designed specifically for laying hens, and PICA, a versatile lighting solution suitable for various poultry applications. “We will also showcase the newly launched PULSA WW/B & CW/B models with enhanced features, along with trusted classics like CORAX WWBR and BUBO HO, known for their

proven performance.”

These products reflect our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and supporting farmers with reliable, highquality lighting systems. To make the experience even more engaging, Hato will offer product demonstrations, opportunities for hands-on interaction, branded giveaways including pens, bags, and brochures, as well as hospitality to encourage meaningful conversations.

EFFICIENCY, RELIEF, AND FUTURE-READINESS: THE MR60 AT GRAFSCHAFTER FRISCHEI

Grafschafter Frischei GmbH and Co. KG has taken a major step toward automation and process optimization with the implementation of the fully automated MR60 case palletizer from Moba. Managing Director Stefan Gerdes describes the decision as a strategic move to meet growing demands for efficiency, workplace safety, and operational flexibility.

The MR60 is an intelligent palletizing robot designed specifically for the egg industry. At Grafschafter, it is connected to an Omnia PX180 grader, capable of processing up to 64,000 eggs per hour. The MR60 handles the automatic palletizing of up to 20 different product types, including open plastic crates and cardboard boxes on Euro pallets. With two infeed and two outfeed lines, it can manage multiple product streams and pallet positions simultaneously.

One of the main goals of the

investment was to reduce physically demanding tasks. “Previously, our staff had to manually move, wrap, and store pallets – now the robot does it all,” says Gerdes. The result: significantly reduced physical strain, a 50% drop in sick leave, and more efficient use of personnel.

In terms of product quality and safety, the MR60 delivers outstanding results. Its precise control and integrated camera system ensure consistent and gentle palletizing.

“Once the pallets are properly set up, they look like they’re aligned with a string,” Gerdes notes. Broken eggs are no longer an issue.

The choice of the fully automated version, including pallet transport, was deliberate, aimed at addressing labor shortages. “Every manual task we

can automate helps us allocate resources more effectively,” Gerdes emphasizes.

The MR60 also stands out for its user-friendliness. After a brief training, the system is easy to operate even simpler than previous equipment. The average throughput is 50,000 to 52,000 eggs per hour, which translates to approximately 278 to 289 crates per hour. At peak times, the system handles up to 60,000 eggs per hour, or around 333 crates per hour.

EVONIK ADDS PLANT-BASED PRODUCT BORUCARE® CAPSIN TO ITS PORTFOLIO FOR RUMINANTS

With a new, natural product rich in capsaicinoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids, Evonik helps the dairy industry address two major challenges: nutrient deficiency in early lactation and heat stress. BoruCare® Capsin has been developed in cooperation with Heidi Botanicals, a French specialist in plant-based products for livestock.

“BoruCare® Capsin expands and complements our solutions for ruminants”, says Dr. Marion Hax, head of the Specialty Nutrition product line of Evonik Animal

Nutrition. “With capsaicinoids as the main active compound in addition to polyphenols and flavonoids, it has multiple positive effects on the nutritional status, nutrient efficiency, and milk yield of dairy cows, particularly in stressful phases.”

In a proprietary process developed jointly with Heidi Botanicals, the product is derived from chili peppers without any solvent extraction. The process includes grinding the peppers, standardizing the capsaicinoids content to a minimum of 0.5%,

and then encapsulation into a fatty matrix to remove pungency for excellent handling properties.

“Our unique process makes BoruCare® Capsin a particularly environmentally friendly product”, says Dr. Claudia Parys, responsible for the ruminant portfolio at Evonik Animal Nutrition. Another advantage of BoruCare® Capsin is that the whole chili peppers are used. Therefore, the product contains all secondary metabolites of the plants in addition to capsaicin.

ROYAL DE HEUS EXPANDS ITS ASIAN FOOTPRINT WITH THE ACQUISITION OF CJ FEED & CARE

On October 1st 2025, Royal De Heus signed a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire 100% of CJ Feed & Care’s operations in Vietnam, Indonesia, South Korea, Cambodia, and the Philippines. The transaction marks a significant step in De Heus’ long-term growth strategy. It reflects De Heus’ continued ambition to provide access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food by supporting independent livestock and aquaculture farmers in key

growth markets. This acquisition includes 17 feed mills.

Since its entry into Vietnam in 2009, De Heus has steadily built a strong presence across Asia. The acquisition of CJ Feed & Care reinforces its position in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia, while enabling direct market access to South Korea and the Philippines, two strategically important countries with significant growth potential in animal protein production.

Empowering local value chains for animal proteins Consistent with its strategy as an animal nutrition-focused company, De Heus reaffirms its commitment to independent farmers. This acquisition facilitates

broader access to high-quality nutrition, genetics, and technical support for farmers while actively contributing to the development of a competitive and resilient livestock farming sector.

Gabor Fluit, CEO of Royal De Heus, says: “We are excited to have signed this Share Purchase Agreement. This acquisition marks a significant step in strengthening our footprint across Asia. By combining our expertise in animal nutrition, farm management, and animal health with CJ Feed & Care’s strong local presence, we can create even greater value for our customers, partners, and the wider sector. Together, we will continue empowering independent farmers and contributing to a more resilient and sustainable food system for generations to come.”

MARMADE TO HARNESS MARINE BIOMASS FOR INNOVATION IN FOOD AND FEED INGREDIENTS

The global population is projected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, significantly increasing the demand for food and feed. This translates to dramatic challenges for supply systems, as traditional production methods are increasingly unsustainable since they contribute to significant greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation, and water scarcity. Therefore, the sustainable management of the planet’s limited resources becomes imperative.

Launched in September 2025, MARMADE is a European research project aiming to develop sustainable, high-value ingredients

for food and feed through the valorisation of marine biomass. Specifically, the project focuses on the processing of crustacean residues (such as shrimp shells and blue crabs) and seaweed (green, red, and brown species).

Through advanced biorefinery processes, MARMADE will extract bioactive compounds to design innovative food and feed prototypes with improved nutritional properties. At the same time, MARMADE will ensure compliance with the highest safety, sustainability, and regulatory standards, paving the way for future market uptake.The three-year project

is funded by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), the partnership between the European Union and the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC). MARMADE brings together 11 partners from 7 European countries, combining scientific excellence with industry expertise. The kick-off meeting took place on 12 September 2025 at the University of Camerino marking the project’s first major milestone and confirming its ambitious roadmap. Representatives from all partners and the CBE JU participated to map out the initial activities and align the next steps.

SGS AND YILI GROUP SIGN GLOBAL AGREEMENT TO ADVANCE DAIRY QUALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has signed a global cooperation agreement with Yili Group, one of the world’s top five dairy enterprises. This partnership promotes fullchain mutual trust and global standardization across dairy production, safety, sustainability and innovation.

The signing took place on October 9, 2025, at Yili Modern Smart Health Valley, with Jian Wang, General

Manager, Agriculture and Food, China, signing for SGS and Lyu Zhiyong, General Manager of Yili’s Quality Management Department, representing Yili.

Charles Ly Wa Hoi, Head of Connectivity & Products and Health & Nutrition at SGS, and Liu Dapeng, Vice President of Yili Group, attended as witnesses.

Before the ceremony, the SGS delegation toured Yili’s National Dairy Technology Innovation Center, Chilechuan Ecological Smart Pasture and Yili Modern Smart Health Valley, gaining firsthand insight into how Yili integrates digitalization, low-carbon practices and intelligent systems across its value chain – ‘from a blade of grass to a glass of milk’.

During the tour, both teams discussed forage cultivation,

milk supply quality, sustainable manufacturing and product innovation, strengthening SGS’s understanding of China’s highquality dairy sector.

Charles Ly Wa Hoi, SGS, said: “As a globally trusted leader in quality and integrity, SGS will play a pivotal role in advancing Yili’s global development strategy of ‘Comprehensive Value Leadership.’ We look forward to working together to build a sustainable future for healthy food.”

Liu Dapeng, Yili Group, added: “The belief that ‘Yili means quality’ is deeply embedded in our corporate culture. Our long-standing partnership with SGS in food safety reflects this commitment. This agreement is a promise to global consumers – Yili and SGS will jointly demonstrate the quality and reliability of China’s dairy industry to the world.”

BEXTRAL FEED ADDITVES AT VIV MEA 2025 IN ABU DHABI

VIV MEA is a leading international trade show for animal protein production, held every two years in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). The event offers a complete “feed to food” platform, with exhibitors and visitors from over 40 countries. It combines a large exhibition floor with a rich conference program and various networking opportunities (VIV MEA). In addition to trade show booths, there are knowledge sessions, panel discussions, and matchmaking tools that allow participants to actively schedule meetings. Bextral regularly takes part in international events such as VIV Asia and other industry trade shows, see our event pages for more,

including VIV Asia 2025.

VIV MEA stands out for its international scope and cross-sector approach, making it one of the leading trade shows for animal protein production in the MENA region. It offers a wide range of products and services for poultry, cattle, swine, aquaculture, and egg production. This creates an exceptional platform where international players, industry experts, and innovative startups come together. What truly sets VIV MEA apart is the combination of a broad exhibition offering with in-depth knowledge sessions and meaningful content. Exhibitors showcase demos and product launches at the intersection of technology, animal health, and

feed-related challenges. At the same time, participants can make new connections through matchmaking tools, organized networking lunches, and informal events. This mix of content, innovation, and people is where VIV MEA really shines.

For Bextral, this is more relevant than ever. On this international stage, we showcase our solutions for gut health, disease control, and feed efficiency, powered by our own innovative production facility. Learn more about our mineral and feed additive solutions for various animal sectors on our Solutions page, and discover how we develop products tailored to sectors both large and small.

AL AIN FARMS GROUP AND AL DAHRA FORGE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO SECURE NATIONAL DAIRY SUPPLY AND STRENGTHEN UAE FOOD SECURITY

Al Ain Farms Group (AAFG), the UAE’s national food champion uniting five trusted brands –Al Ain Farms, Marmum Dairy, Al Ajban Chicken, Al Jazira Poultry’s Golden Eggs, and Saha Arabian Farms—has signed a three-year agreement with Al Dahra Group at Global Food Week. The partnership secures a dedicated local supply of premium raw milk from Al Dahra Group’s dairy farms in Al Ain, supporting end-to-end dairy production at AAFG’s facilities, including Marmum Dairy.

The strategic collaboration marks a major step toward advancing the UAE’s food security goals, reinforcing the nation’s drive to

build a resilient, self-sufficient food production ecosystem. Sourcing raw milk from within the country allows AAFG to deliver fresher, high-quality dairy to consumers while supporting national priorities for self-sufficiency and resilient supply chains.

“Through this agreement, we will ensure a consistent supply of quality raw milk for our operations, most notably Marmum Dairy, while strengthening the broader UAE dairy ecosystem,” said Hassan Safi, Group CEO of Al Ain Farms Group. “AAFG is deeply committed to local sourcing, empowering domestic farmers, and building resilient supply networks that ensure families across the UAE

have access to fresh, high-quality nourishment every day.”

Arnoud van den Berg, Group CEO of Al Dahra Group, commented: “This transformative partnership with Al Ain Farms Group represents a milestone in the evolution of the UAE dairy sector. We are proud to announce it at Global Food Week, demonstrating our commitment to delivering uncompromising quality raw milk that will support Marmum’s operations and strengthen the UAE’s local production capabilities. This collaboration embodies our dedication to providing consumers with the finest dairy products while bolstering the nation’s food security.”

SPACE 2025: THE WORLD’S LEADING ANIMAL FARMING EXHIBITION BREAKS ALL RECORDS

SPACE 2025 took place from Tuesday 16 September to Thursday 18 September at the Rennes Exhibition Centre. This 39th edition broke all previous records, welcoming 1,230 exhibitors from 40 countries and 102,528 visitors, including 14,011 international attendees from 125 countries — an 11% increase from the previous year. Wednesday alone saw 45,781 visitors, the highest attendance in the Show’s history.

The diversity of countries represented by the 125 visitor nations also set a new record. Organisers felt the strong enthusiasm for the event as early as exhibitor registration, when they were sometimes unable to accommodate

requests for larger spaces or additional booths in some halls.

These three days were a tremendous success, giving the animal farming sectors of Western France the chance to fully showcase their strength in a truly global setting, which was echoed by the participation from many international delegations.

Innov’Space celebrated its 30th

anniversary by highlighting the most awarded companies over the years. This retrospective showcased the advances made available to farmers by these suppliers. Digital tools and predictive analysis technologies are growing rapidly, as shown by this year’s 43 award winners.

At SPACE, animal farming innovation truly shines.

ADM, ALLTECH TO BRING TOGETHER UNPARALLELED EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE IN NEW NORTH AMERICAN ANIMAL FEED JOINT VENTURE

ADM (NYSE: ADM), a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, and Alltech, a global leader in agriculture, announced the signing of a definitive agreement to launch a North American animal feed joint venture, bringing together decades of experience and unparalleled capabilities to create new advantages for customers.

Alltech will contribute its U.S.-based Hubbard Feeds and Canada-based Masterfeeds businesses, including 18 feed mills in the U.S and 15 in Canada, and ADM will contribute its 11 U.S. feed mills. The joint venture will be majority-owned by Alltech and governed by a board with equal representation from each parent company.

“As the animal nutrition industry continues to reshape itself to support

a growing global population, Alltech and ADM are bringing together passionate teams, proven products and shared values to ensure enhanced advantages for our customers,” the companies said in a joint statement. “We’re evolving with purpose to offer an industry-leading range of products and solutions for livestock, equine, backyard and leisure animals.”

ADM and Alltech have a longstanding relationship, tracing back to ADM being Alltech’s first customer. The new venture will offer an opportunity to align their complementary North American feed strengths, including the expertise of their teams, extensive manufacturing capabilities, deep experience in nutrition science, and wellrecognized and respected existing

product portfolios. The venture will be supported and strengthened by the parent companies’ leading-edge technology and R&D, broad logistical capabilities, and connections across the broader ag and feed value chains.

Alltech will retain its Ridley Block Operations, Ridley Feed Ingredients and Alltech specialty ingredients, although these business units will be partners and suppliers to the joint venture. ADM’s Canadian locations will remain with ADM, as will its U.S. premix and additive businesses, though those capabilities and products will help supply the new company.

The companies expect to complete the transaction and formally launch the joint venture in the first quarter of 2026.

CARGILL ANIMAL NUTRITION & HEALTH INCREASES MICRONUTRITION PRODUCTION CAPACITY TO MEET GROWING CUSTOMER DEMAND

Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health (ANH) announced the completion of a major expansion at its Engerwitzdorf, Austria facility, substantially increasing current production capacity by 50% to meet the growing customer demand for micronutrition solutions. This further demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation, growth and customer success in the rapidly evolving micronutrition space.

This investment allows Cargill to continue expanding its micronutrition business, which moves beyond traditional feed additives to consider the impact of how each microelement interacts with others in the animal’s microbiome and its effect on animal health and performance. This intimate understanding of each microelement allows for precise, effective nutrition solutions that maximize productivity and promote digestive health.

Cargill introduced its Micronutrition and Health

Solutions business in 2024 that combines the industry-leading capabilities and resources from Diamond V (acquired in 2017), Delacon (acquired in 2022), and Provimi (acquired in 2011) into one science-based portfolio. Holistically, this portfolio has experienced double-digit growth each year for the past three years as more customers adopt sciencebased nutrition solutions to boost performance, protect animal health and preserve resources.

“Our Micronutrition & Health Solutions business is a culmination of our industry-leading capabilities across phytogenics, postbiotics, anti-mycotoxin agents, enzymes and other performanceenhancing nutrition solutions," explained Gilles Houdart, Global Head of the Micronutrition & Health Solutions business. "This investment in our facility not only allows us to increase production capacity, but it allows us to work more safely, operate more efficiently and produce more sustainably."

JORENKU FULFILLS POTENTIAL IN LIQUID SUPPLEMENTARY FEED

Jorenku A/S saw great potential in liquid supplementary feed with the investments in Dan-Liq and MT LiqTek in 2017 and 2018. This has now borne fruit, and the company has increased the turnover from liquid supplementary feed tenfold. Thus, Jorenku fulfills potential in liquid supplementary feed.

The Danish disinfection manufacturer Jorenku has increased its turnover in liquid supplementary feed tenfold in the Northern European market.

This happens after the company acquired Dan-Liq in 2017 and MT LiqTek in 2018. They saw great potential in the two companies. That potential has now been fulfilled, explains Johnni Pedersen, CEO and founder of Jorenku, in a press release.

“When we decided to expand the range beyond Staldren®, we saw clear potential in offering supplementary feed as a natural part of our product portfolio. In this way, we could make it attractive for farmers to order more products from one supplier,” he says.

Jamil Kure Al-Shiekhly, sales manager and co-owner of Jorenku, explains to Effektivt Landbrug how they have succeeded in ensuring the large growth in turnover on liquid feed supplements.

HUBBARD RECEIVES GRANT TO SUPPORT DUAL-PUPOSE POULTRY INITIATIVES IN GHANA AND MOZAMBIQUE

Hubbard, a global leader in poultry genetics, in close collaboration with local agribusinesses WAFAD Group (Ghana) and Maëva Group (Mozambique), is proud to announce a groundbreaking initiative supported by a grant from the Gates Foundation to boost rural livelihoods and food security through the expansion

of dual-purpose poultry systems in sub-Saharan Africa.

This five-year initiative will enable the production and distribution of 10 million high-quality dualpurpose chickens to 500,000 small-scale farmers, with a special focus on women and youth in under-served rural communities.

The initiative – named ‘Chicken4U’ in Ghana and ‘Caferial Chicken’ in Mozambique –seeks to create sustainable micro-enterprises through the development of over 4,000 brooder units, expansion of hatcheries, and enhanced access to quality feed and vaccines.

Small-scale poultry farmers will benefit from hands-on training, veterinary support, and affordable inputs, improving their productivity and incomes while helping combat malnutrition.

“Hubbard is delighted to have been selected by the Gates Foundation to support WAFAD’s and Maëva’s important projects. We are extremely proud to be able to contribute to improving the lives of many rural families in the sub-Saharan region in this way,” said Olivier Rochard, Managing Director of Hubbard. “By building local supply chains through its strategic allies and providing the right genetics and support, Hubbard wants to make poultry farming a reliable and profitable livelihood in even the most remote villages.”

NOVUS AND KASETSART UNIVERSITY OPEN DEDICATED BROILER RESEARCH UNIT

Thanks to a cooperative enterprise with the NOVUS team in Thailand, Kasetsart University currently has a new Broiler Research Unit, located at the Animal Science Learning Center at the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus. The facility is designed to generate high-impact research and practical insights for broiler producers operating in tropical environments across Southeast Asia.

While the facility is open to research collaborations with any industry partners, NOVUS specifically supported its development to help

expand the intelligent nutrition company’s capability to validate nutritional technologies in the region. NOVUS has previously partnered with Kasetsart University on research trials for CIBENZA® Enzyme Feed Additives, MINTREX® Bis-Chelated Trace Minerals and NEXT ENHANCE® 150 Feed Solution in real-world conditions, reflecting the genetics, management styles, and climatic challenges unique to the region.

“This is a significant milestone in how we support our customers in Thailand and Indochina,” says Nannapas Moonsap, Regional Sales Director – Thailand and

Indochina, NOVUS. “Local broiler producers are navigating a rapidly changing production landscape. With this facility, we can partner more closely than ever before to create science-based solutions tailored to their operations.”

The unit was launched in collaboration with the Department of Animal Science at Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, one of the region’s most respected agricultural institutions. The facility will support commercial-scale trials and student engagement, blending applied research with academic development.

BIOMAR, INNOVAFEED AND AUCHAN ANNOUNCE LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP TO ACCELERATE THE COMMERCIALISATION OF INSECT MEAL

On the opening day of the Global Shrimp Forum, BioMar, Innovafeed, and Auchan are proud to announce a significant industry commitment: the large-scale integration of insect protein into commercial shrimp feed in Ecuador.

This milestone marks a turning point for both the insect and aquaculture industries, demonstrating that insect protein is a viable part of the solution in responsible and resilient shrimp farming.

Insect meal is much more than a protein source, it contains functional nutrients like antimicrobial peptides. Recent research from BioMar showed

a unique functional benefit in shrimp feeds, making it possible to substitute it with a similarly valued ingredient currently in use.

This discovery offers insect meal a viable market entry position in shrimp feeds at its current market value. From there, it’s possible to scale insect meal and hopefully be market competitive in the protein ingredient segment in the future, but for now, it can play a vital role in the functional ingredient segment in aquafeeds.

As part of this industry-first initiative, Auchan, one of Europe’s leading retailers, will support the rollout by integrating shrimp raised

on this next-generation feed into its responsible sourcing strategy and product offering.

This tripartite commitment marks a significant leap toward scaling insect-based solutions as a cornerstone of tomorrow’s food system. It reflects the shared ambition of key players in aquaculture, agritechnology, and retail to accelerate the shift toward a circular, resilient, and low-impact protein model, reducing dependence on wild-caught fish and conventional agricultural resources, while upholding rigorous sustainability standards and promoting responsible shrimp farming.

VOLAC WILMAR FEED INGREDIENTS LAUNCHES THE ROI CALCULATOR 2.0 TO HELP DAIRY FARMERS OPTIMIZE FAT SUPPLEMENT USE

Volac Wilmar Feed Ingredients’ launch of the upgraded ROI Calculator 2.0 offers farmers and nutritionists further support in assessing the financial and nutritional impact of rumenprotected fat supplementation in dairy rations globally. According to Paul Fransen, the developer and Business Development Manager for Volac Wilmar Feed Ingredients, the ROI Calculator 2.0 feeds off the original performanceto-financial correlation ‘return

on investment’ model, with more datasets and features to guide on-farm decision making.

“The Return on Investment Calculator 2.0 allows farmers anywhere in the world to input their own herd data, such as milk prices, feed costs and fat supplement pricing, for an instant projection on profitability and nutrient digestibility,” explains Mr Fransen. “By tailoring recommendations to individual farm economics, the tool empowers producers to strike a balance between cash flow constraints and long-term herd performance.”

Key inputs for the model, including expected milk yield, milk composition and

feed efficiency, come from two meta-analyses from Dr Adam Lock’s group at Michigan State University, USA, that collated more than 65 peer-reviewed research papers.

The new ROI Calculator 2.0 builds from those data points, giving users the ability to analyse hydrogenated fatty acid products, calcium salts and high-C16 rumenprotected fat supplements at flexible inclusion rates. Users also receive a greater amount of feedback with 15 selectable graphs, covering metrics such as margin, return on investment, nitrogen efficiency, feed efficiency, and NDF and fatty acid digestibility.

“This allows users much greater economic insights to compare cash flow impacts with longer-term efficiency gains,” explains Mr Fransen.

VIV MEA 2025: THE MOST EXTENSIVE EDITION YET

A World-Class Showcase for Animal Husbandry & Agribusiness Professionals

From poultry, dairy, fish and shrimp to eggs, cattle, calves, goats, and camels, VIV MEA 2025 will explore a comprehensive spectrum of animal husbandry. With a packed conference program, attendees can expect forwardthinking sessions that cover the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in sustainable farming, animal health, biosecurity, production efficiency, and more.

Abu Dhabi: A Strategic Hub for Regional Agribusiness

Set against the backdrop of Abu Dhabi, the event offers not only a vibrant business atmosphere but also a chance to experience one of the world’s most captivating destinations. With its blend of modern infrastructure, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Abu Dhabi provides an ideal setting for international networking and leisure. From stunning beaches and museums to global cuisine and luxury shopping, the city has something for every visitor.

Show Overview

For businesses and professionals in the global animal husbandry and agribusiness industry, VIV MEA 2025 is the event to attend. With its strong regional focus and international reach, the show serves as a vital meeting point to forge partnerships,

discover innovations, and shape the future of food production in the Middle East and Africa.

"Key themes like food security, sustainability innovations, and investment in alternative proteins seem to be shaping this momentum. We are grateful for the continued collaboration and loyalty we've seen from our partners-78% of this edition’s exhibitors are returning. At the same time, there’s growing interest from new businesses eager to enter the Middle Eastern market. I believe this provides a great opportunity to connect with a unique blend of leading global and regional players across the feed-to-food supply chain."

VIV MEA Sales Oversight Manager, Rachel Lum.

The exhibition floor will feature 500+ global and regional exhibitors, offering immersive

product displays and live demonstrations of state-of-the-art solutions in feed production, veterinary services, processing equipment, and agri-tech innovation.

With 10,000 expected visitors onsite and a packed conference program, VIV MEA is the perfect opportunity for industry professionals to discover new suppliers, products, and partnerships—all in one place.

Transformative Food Square

Innovations in alternative proteins, food processing, and sustainable production methods redefining how we feed the future.

VIL Lounge

VIV Industry Leaders get access to the exclusive VIL lounge, a dedicated space away from the exhibition floor where networking

truly matters. The lounge provides the perfect environment for senior executives and decisionmakers to connect, conduct business, and recharge during the event.

The Desert Café

Your welcoming space to network, refresh, and reflect on the insights shaping our industry's future.

VIV Worldwide Booth

Meet the VNU Europe team to rebook for the next edition of VIV MEA and discuss upcoming VIV events across the globe. Whether you need information about our worldwide show portfolio from VIV Asia to VIV Europe and beyond, want to explore participation opportunities, or have specific sales inquiries, this is your onestop destination for all things VIV.

SHOWCO MEMBERS

PRESENT AT VIV MEA 2025

27+ companies from the ShowCo Association will attend VIV MEA in November 2025. The association brings together leading companies that supply key products and services to poultry producers. They target the best poultry trade fairs which attract high quality visitors. ShowCo members will ensure it is worth visiting their stands at VIV MEA in Abu Dhabi. Visitors will come away with new ideas and new contacts to boost the performance of their poultry business.

Poultry trade shows are important events for everyone

involved in the poultry sector to make business connections. But with numerous events each year, a strategy is needed to pick when and where to go because it is not possible to attend them all. This is where ShowCo comes in. ShowCo is an association of companies who work together to achieve more from poultry trade shows. ShowCo is made up of various companies from around the world which all produce and sell products for the poultry industry.

More innovation

The founding principle of

ShowCo is to work together to make better trade shows and use the time and resources saved to improve the standard of the products and services for customers. By not attending every event, ShowCo believes that members offer visitors more innovation and higher quality at the exhibitions.

The participating ShowCo companies at VIV MEA 2025 can be found at www.showco.org/nextevent. Further information about ShowCo Association and its members can be found at www.showco.org

VIV MEA 2025: France Strengthens Presence with Largest National Pavilion

From November 25 to 27, 2025, 28 French companies will showcase their expertise during the VIV MEA at ADNEC Center in Abu Dhabi As the largest pavilion by number of participants, it will bring together French players in animal feed and health, genetics, livestock equipment, and meat production. Through a broad range of innovative and sustainable solutions, the pavilion will address the specific needs of Gulf markets, which remain heavily reliant on food imports, reaffirming France’s role as a reliable partner in advancing agriculture, food security, and livestock development across the region.

A Diverse and Strong French Delegation

Building on the strength of its collective presence, the French Pavilion will gather a wide range of companies covering

the entire livestock value chain from animal feed and health to genetics, equipment, slaughtering, and meat production across all species (poultry, bovine, aquaculture). This united showcase highlights France’s comprehensive expertise and its ability to deliver innovative, high-quality solutions tailored to the needs of local producers and Middle Eastern markets. As a major global player in the sector, France brings solutions that are both technologically advanced and perfectly aligned with regional requirements, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for the Middle East.

French Innovations on Display

French companies will present several innovations at this new edition:

• Agri Réseaux

International: Launch of ARIonline, a web platform providing market intelligence across more than 50 countries in poultry and livestock.

• Difagri: Launch of DIFATOX, a yeast-and-plant product designed to combat mycotoxins and their long-term effects.

• Laboratoires ACI: New product AGRICHOC TOTAL.

• SIPENA: Innovative protected potassium carbonate to limit milk production decline under heat stress conditions in cows.

• STI Biotechnologies: METALAC Postbiotic, an effective solution for animal health and performance.

• Technivet Equine:

Phytogenic products with a bioresonance approach, combining essential oils and liquid plant extracts boosted with micro-electric currents for all species.

Meeting Regional Market Needs with French Solutions

In 2023, French agri/agro imports to the Gulf region increased by +10.6%. Due to climatic constraints, Gulf countries rely heavily on imports to ensure food security. To address this dependency, the United Arab Emirates are investing significantly in the agricultural sector, particularly in livestock, often supported by sovereign funds.

The French Pavilion demonstrates the capacity of French companies to provide practical, innovative, and locally adapted solutions to these strategic market needs.

France Pavilion will be located in Hall 7, booth 07. C105 - Adnec Abu Dhabi.

The curtain raiser press meet for the 17th Edition of Poultry India Expo 2025 was successfully held in Hyderabad on 05th November 2025. The event marked the formal announcement of South Asia’s biggest poultry exhibition, which will be held from November 26 to 28, 2025, at Hitex, Hitech City, Hyderabad, with Poultry Knowledge Day scheduled for November 25 at HICC Novotel.

Addressing the media, Uday Singh Bayas, President of the Indian Poultry Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA - Poultry India), shared that the expo aims to highlight the latest developments in poultry management, health, nutrition, breeding, feed manufacturing, and production technologies.

He further mentioned that this year’s expo is expected to attract over 45,000 participants from 35 to 50 countries, with 500 exhibitors showcasing world-class products and innovations. Delegations from various international ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture from Uganda, are expected to visit the event to understand India’s rapid growth as the second-largest egg producer and fourth-largest chicken producer globally.

17th Poultry India expo 2025; Curtain Raiser Press Meet – 2025

Uday Singh Bayas also emphasized that India’s poultry industry reflects the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and aligns with Viksit Bharat@2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted the health benefits of poultry products, noting that promoting egg and chicken consumption can help address undernutrition and underweight issues in rural India due to their rich protein content.

The press meet saw the presence of several key industry representatives and dignitaries, including:

* K. G. Anand, General Manager, Venkateshwara Hatcheries Ltd

* Chitturi Suresh Rayadu, Special Invitee and Managing Director, Srinivasa Farma Pvt Ltd

* Dr. K. Balaswamy, President, National Egg & Chicken Promotion Council (NECPC)

* K. Mohan Reddy, President, Telangana Poultry Federation (TPF)

* V. Narasimha Reddy, Vice President, Telangana Poultry Federation (TPF)

* M. K. Vyas, President, Indian Poultry Journalists Association (IPJA)

* Naveen Pasuparthy, President, Karnataka Poultry Farmers & Breeders Association (KPFBA)

* Singaraj K., President, Tamil Nadu Poultry Farmers Association (TNPFA)

* Valsan P., Secretary, All India Poultry Products Exporters Association

* Dr. Ravinder Reddy, Secretary, Telangana Poultry Breeders Association (TPBA)

* Gurram Chandra Shekhar Reddy, Chairman, NECC Hyderabad Zone

* V. Bhasker Rao, General Secretary, Telangana Poultry Federation (TPF)

The press-meet was Presided over by IPEMA's President Uday Sing Bayas, along side Anil Dhumal (Founder President), Chakradhar Rao (Founder President), M.Srikanth (Treasurer) and Natarajan (Secretary)

The gathering concluded with a note of optimism about India’s growing influence in the global poultry sector and the promising opportunities the upcoming expo will offer.

AN INTELLIGENT MACHINE IS MORE THAN A TOUCHSCREEN

The ‘-i’ in JBT Marel machine names stands for intelligence. In the primary process this is about the Nuova-i and VC-i. Intelligence in evisceration is more than just a touchscreen on a machine. It’s an internal “brain” that ties together control, automatic adjustments, performance monitoring, connectivity, and system alerts. This intelligence ensures top performance and hygiene without depending on human input or judgment. Instead of relying on operator skills, the Nuova-i and VC-i combine mechanical precision with a smart digital base for the most efficient process possible.

HMI control

Even though these i-machines are advanced, they are easy to operate. The HMI (Human-Machine Interface) touchscreen is very straightforward to use and requires little training. Half an hour’s instruction will do. Controlling

the machine digitally, backed by SmartBase software, is about choosing ‘recipes’. Operators no longer adjust levers or hand wheels. Instead, they control the i-machines via the HMI. It shows a control menu with recipes that are pre-installed by JBT Marel or the poultry processor and are based on historical data gathered per flock. The recipes define the specific processes for a variety of flocks. Changing settings between flocks poses no problems. With a single tap on the screen, the i-machine will remember previous successful flock settings. The display also provides overviews of machine health and performance and can issue alerts.

Automatic adjustments

The digital recipes, which take flock anatomy into account, are responsible for setting the machine. This eliminates the need for manual adjustments based on guesswork or gut feeling and

reduces the risk of human error when setting the machine. With a few simple presses on the screen, all (or most) adjustments of the machine are set in their optimal way to handle the specific characteristics of the incoming flock of birds. Is it a flock of heavy broilers? Then, with a press of a screen button, the machine settings will adjust themselves to handle the large dimensions. Like this, each flock will be processed in a dedicated fashion, ensuring a higher yield.

When concept chickens with longer legs come in, the recipe adapts height or guides accordingly. Product Technologist Eva van der Velde explains, “Every operator knows what to do. When a heavy flock arrives, you simply select the right recipe on the touchscreen. The machine settings then adjust themselves. When light birds come in, you press the small-chicken icon to activate the corresponding settings; it is as simple as that. This works wonderfully. Performance stays incredibly stable.”

For more information, visit www.marel.com

IS BIGGER ALWA YS BE TTER? A NEW APPROACH TO POULTRY PROCESSING

At Dutch Poultry Tech, we innovate to create practical solutions for poultry processors worldwide. Based in the Netherlands, we design and manufacture standardized, pre-fab poultry processing systems. Our equipment is intentionally designed to be easy to install, -operate, and -maintain, all with full technical training and without the need for specialized external (expensive) engineers. Our core mission is to make practical processing accessible to producers everywhere.

We observe that the industry's obsession with massive, highspeed lines often comes with serious risks. We see the major drawback: a single breakdown can affect production for hours, even days, resulting in

thousands in lost revenue.

A Smarter, More Resilient System

That's why Dutch Poultry Tech promotes a fundamentally different approach: distributed processing capacity.

Instead of relying on one highspeed line (e.g., 13,000 birds per hour), we supply multiple, compact, pre-fab, fully automated lines that are floor-mounted and easy to manage. A typical setup uses three lines, each running at a more moderate 6,500 bph. An intelligent weight distribution system splits the load approximately in thirds, ensuring maximum efficiency.

Advantages?:

• Less Vulnerability: If one line goes down, the other two

can quickly compensate, ensuring minimal disruption and little to no production loss.

• Flexible Maintenance: Routine (even complex) maintenance can be performed on a single line during normal operating hours without impacting full production. This eliminates costly, night or weekend shifts.

• Simplified Management:

Our standardized designs lead to lower overall costs, simpler sparepart management, and easier operation

Our approach is about working smarter, safer, and more resiliently, building systems that fit your business instead of forcing your business to fit an overly complex and inflexible system.

For more information, visit www.dutch-poultry-tech.com

For poultry and livestock producers across the region, the race is no longer just about scale — it’s about control, efficiency, and traceability. From farm to feed mill, hatchery to slaughterhouse, the complexity of modern agribusiness leaves little room for error. That’s where XELERATE comes in.

As an official Oracle Solution Partner, XELERATE has carved a niche as one of the few technology providers in MENA blending deep industry expertise with the world’s leading cloud ERP platform, Oracle NetSuite. The result is a set of smart, sector-specific frameworks designed to tackle the pressures of high-volume operations — from rising feed costs to regulatory compliance and biosecurity demands.

Nowhere is the impact more visible than in poultry. The XELERATE NetSuite Poultry Management System connects

every stage of the value chain: farms, feed mills, hatcheries, slaughterhouses, even fleets and van sales. The platform tracks everything — feed consumption, flock health, mortality rates — while delivering cost and margin analysis down to the bird or kilogram. Hatchery performance, from incubation through chick placement, is integrated into the same dashboards that record slaughterhouse output and quality checks. Fleet trips are logged for egg and bird transfers, while van sales integration ensures distribution data flows seamlessly back into finance and inventory modules. The technology is not just about oversight; it’s about insight. By consolidating operational data into one integrated system, producers can forecast demand, manage procurement with accuracy, and reduce losses that would otherwise erode margins. Mobile apps extend this intelligence into the field, giving farm managers

and sales teams instant visibility.

Success Snapshot

Taryah Poultry in Saudi Arabia partnered with XELERATE to modernize its operations with Oracle NetSuite. In less than two years since going live, the company has achieved smooth, integrated performance across its entire value chain — from farms and feed mills to processing and sales. The system continues to drive growth, efficiency, and visibility, proving the long-term impact of a unified ERP tailored for poultry operations.

As agri-businesses across MENA navigate volatile markets and stricter regulatory landscapes, solutions like XELERATE’s are proving that digital transformation isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.

For more information,

https://xelerate.org | info@xelerate.org

The Impact of Nest Materials on Breeder Layer Productivity

Today’s poultry growers can choose from several types of nest construction, including film-faced plywood, plastic and metal. But which delivers the best performance and long-term value? Each material has its own strengths and limitations, and the following information outlines key factors to consider when selecting nests that support the highest productivity and profitability.

Sanitation

Smooth surfaces make plastic and metal nests easy to clean, which appeals to many growers. However, poultry houses are generally washed only after flocks are removed, meaning nests aren’t cleaned frequently. As a result, other properties of the material play a greater role in maintaining

overall hygiene.

Wood’s porous structure allows it to absorb some moisture, which might seem like a drawback. Yet research shows the opposite effect. The capillary action in wood draws bacteria below the surface, where it soon dies. By contrast, bacteria linger on the surface of plastic or metal and may persist longer in damp conditions.

This phenomenon has been documented in food safety studies.

In a 1994 University of Wisconsin report titled “Cutting Boards and Food Safety,” Dr. Dean Cliver demonstrated that bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli declined significantly over time on wooden cutting boards, even without cleaning, thanks to the porosity of wood. Follow-up studies at the University of California, Davis,

reached similar conclusions that plastic surfaces retained bacteria more readily than wood.

In addition, certain wood species have natural antimicrobial properties that inhibit bacterial growth. Plastic lacks this ability, which can create a better environment for bacteria to live.

Bird Response and Nesting Behavior

The type of material used in nest boxes directly affects bird behavior

and nesting consistency, which are key to maximizing the number of Grade A eggs. Wooden nests typically perform best in this regard. Their density and mass provide stability and quietness — qualities birds instinctively prefer. The sounddampening nature of wood often results in higher nest acceptance rates than either plastic or metal options.

Evidence from Wageningen University in the Netherlands supports this conclusion. The study,

Wood Nests

“Relative preference for wooden nests affects nesting behavior of broiler breeders,” compared wooden and plastic nests, showing that hens laid more eggs in wooden nests. Camera data further reinforced the findings, also showing a stronger preference for wooden nests, as more birds visibly spent a greater amount of time in them.

Metal nests, being noisier, are the least attractive to birds and experience the worst acceptance. Because the low nest acceptance

rate will negatively impact production, metal designs are now seldom used in broiler breeder facilities.

Strength and Longevity

Durability is another strong point for wood. Though growers may worry about rot, this concern is minor since poultry houses are typically pressure-washed less than once a year, minimizing the length of exposure to water.

Also, the marine-grade, film-faced plywood used in these types of nests is engineered for moisture exposure and can be easily wiped clean. Interestingly, the porous structure of wood is a benefit because, even though wood absorbs water, it is also able to dissipate moisture quickly. This durability is evident through the fact that many wooden nests have been in service for over 15 years, while showing minimal wear despite repeated cleaning with disinfectants.

On the contrary, plastic becomes brittle after extended exposure to detergents and high-pressure washing. As a result, plastic nests are more likely to break after years of use. Also, sheet metal options tend to rust over time, contributing to durability concerns.

It’s also important to distinguish between high- and low-quality wooden nests. Premium versions use multiple layers of dense plywood (up to nine layers) for added stability and sound absorption. Lower-cost models with fewer layers may not provide the same durability or performance.

Sustainability

Next, wood’s renewability gives it an environmental edge over plastic and metal. When obtained from certified forests, it represents a sustainable material choice with a smaller

ecological footprint.

By contrast, metal and plastic production relies on nonrenewable resources such as fossil fuels and mined minerals, making them less sustainable alternatives.

Cost Efficiency and Investment Value

One negative of wooden nests is they usually carry the highest purchase price. However, as previously highlighted, they often produce the best return on investment through improved bird welfare, higher egg output and longer lifespan.

Metal nests cost less initially but typically reduce profitability due to lower nest use and increased floor eggs.

Final Assessment

The material used for nests has a direct influence on flock comfort, hygiene and long-term return on investment. Film-faced plywood stands out as a balanced choice because it is durable, easy to maintain and supportive of natural bird behavior. Its combination of resilience and comfort contributes to better flock health, greater nest acceptance and improved economic outcomes for poultry operations.

For more information, visit www.choretime.com

Metal Nests

Plastic Nests

Uniform flocks don’t happen by chance — they’re the result of smart, consistent management. The key? Accurate, daily weight data. That’s where mobile, automated scales such as EasyCheck come into play: they turn monitoring into a hands-free, high-impact routine that helps producers build and maintain the kind of uniformity that pays off.

Uniformity in poultry flocks means consistency — birds of the same age should be growing and developing at nearly the same time. It’s a key indicator of flock health and management quality. Imagine a flock of chickens forming a perfect bell curve: most birds have a similar, healthy weight close to the average, while only a few are much lighter or heavier. This natural shape, known as the Gaussian distribution, reflects balanced growth and is the ideal in poultry farming. This is the goal. See the

figure 1 for a visual comparison. Uniform flocks drive performance and profit Uniform bird growth brings multiple advantages: reduced stress, optimized feed conversion, and more straightforward daily management. Feeding programs become more targeted, bird handling becomes more efficient, and farmers benefit from time savings through simplified flock management. A uniform flock also minimizes surprises. It enhances predictability and maximizes profitability by reducing mortality, improving flock health, and ensuring smoother transitions across all production phases.

Uniformity is a quiet powerhouse — it supports every stage of production, from rearing to processing. Birds of similar size pass through the processing plant more efficiently, requiring fewer

THE POWER OF UNIFORMITY IN POULTRY GROWING

adjustments and generating less waste. Working toward better flock uniformity offers clear benefits for performance, animal welfare, and operational efficiency.

Regularly weighing a representative sample of birds provides key insight into growth consistency. To be effective, this process must be standardized and not demand extra labor. The more accurate weight data collected daily, the better the monitoring. Automatic Scales such as EasyCheck support this by gathering reliable data without tying up labor. For assessing flock uniformity, measurements from multiple locations in the house are most effective. A mobile, floorlevel scale makes this easy and practical. Uniformity doesn’t just occur – it must be built, monitored, and refined continuously.

For more information: www.bigdutchman.com

Figure 1: Distribution of body weights in a uniform (yellow) vs. non-uniform flock (orange).

For poultry breeders, each egg is valuable. Success depends on quality, hatchability and the resilience of hens. Every egg is an investment in the next generation, so losses affect both current and future productivity. Problems like cracked shells, small eggs and mortality often trace back to an overlooked culprit: endotoxins.

Endotoxins – the hidden threat

Endotoxins are fragments of gram-negative bacteria such as E. coli. Normally present in the gut, their levels rise under stress from heat, feed changes, infections or antibiotics. Once they cross the intestinal barrier, they trigger inflammation, reduce nutrient absorption and impair calcium use. In hens, this leads to weak shells, small eggs and higher mortality.

Endotoxin stress reduces

Keeping breeder hens strong: controlling endotoxins for better egg quality

By: Muhammad Umar and Dr Bernhard Eckel, Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition

hatchability, increases mortality and adds workload through sick birds and higher veterinary costs. For breeder farms with tight margins, these preventable losses are particularly harmful.

Comprehensive protection: Anta®Catch

Anta®Catch counters endotoxins with triple protection: activated surfaces lower endotoxin load in the gut, prebiotics strengthen the intestinal barrier, and phytogenics support detoxification and reduce inflammation. This helps maintain egg quality and flock health.

A field trial in Taiwan with 4,000 broiler breeders showed strong results. Mortality fell by up to 37%. Small eggs dropped by 81% and 57% in two barns. Softshelled eggs decreased by up to 34%, broken eggs by 11%. This means fewer downgrades, better hatchery output and more stable productivity.

Efficiency and profitability for farmers

Endotoxins waste feed, raise mortality and demand extra care. Controlling them results in healthier, more resilient flocks and better use of resources. Anta®Catch helps breeders stay competitive under cost pressure. Endotoxins may be invisible, but their impact is clear: fragile eggs, fewer chicks and higher losses. With its holistic approach, Anta®Catch reduces damage, strengthens resilience and safeguards productivity. Trials prove its value: more viable eggs, healthier hens and improved survival. For breeder farmers, where every egg counts, Anta®Catch ensures long-term success.

Find out how Anta®Catch can support your breeder operations. Visit www.dr-eckel.de or reach out to our experts today.

Water is an important nutrient

Often neglected as a source of nutrients, but water is a very important nutrient for all production animals. Birds consume at least 1.6 times more water than feed, with an increased amount during the period of reproduction organ development. The birds should be able to easily find, access and drink the water, besides they should be able to drink as much as they need at any time. Water intake stimulates feed intake and both water and feed are necessary for the birds’ development and the production of eggs. A decrease

By: Estella Leentfaar, Nutritionist, Hendrix Genetics Layers

in water consumption can be an early warning that something is wrong with the health of your flock. Daily water monitoring is therefore an easy and clear monitoring tool.

Good quality water is important as water can also be used as a

carrier for vaccines & antibiotics / chemotherapeutics. But on the other hand, it can also be an important source of pathogens! The goal is to keep your water free from biofilm, scale, bacteria, molds, fungus, algea and yeasts, while maintaining the correct chemical values as pH.

GOOD QUALITY DRINKING WATER

Birds, at all ages, must always have easy access to clean, fresh and good quality drinking water. Good quality drinking water is clean, clear, fresh, tasteless and free from contaminants. The quality of the drinking water should be regularly checked as contaminated drinking water can cause serious disease problems. Never forget the importance of water: when birds don’t drink, they won’t eat and cannot grow or produce.

Visual inspection

The easiest and cheapest way to inspect the drinking water is by having a look at it. Collect water samples from the source (the well), a sample from the beginning of the water line in the poultry house, and a sample taken at the end of the line. Compare all samples with each other, this will help to understand where problems with water quality

might occur. The source is not always the problem, often the water lines inside the barn can cause problems, e.g. biofilter causing discoloration or debris. Relatively cheap and easy method is to make use of an inspection camera, these cameras can be used to go inside the water system itself and have a closer look what the situation is inside the system.

Know what your birds are drinking

Soluble minerals can easily make interactions in water, this can reduce the absorption of other minerals found in water and feed, therefore certain minerals in drinking water can have an indirect negative effect. For example, it is known that high iron and calcium levels can lead to deficiency of other minerals. From several minerals it is known that they can have a direct effect in the performance of the laying hens, high sodium levels can cause wet litter whilst high magnesium levels can decrease eggshell quality. It is also known that abrupt fluctuations in water pH can affect the intake of water.

Water source and drinking system

1for laying hens under 20 weeks of age

2for laying hens above 20 weeks of age

Source: GD Animal Health

The water quality also depends on the source of water, type of drinking water system used in the houses (storage vessels, pipelines, drinkers) and hygiene of the water system. Make sure the water system is closed and cannot be contaminated from the outside. When using storage vessels, pay extra attention to the

quality of these vessels. When using municipality water, it is important to discuss the water sources with your supplier. In general municipality water has different origins, and therefore the water quality could fluctuate more. Borehole water sometimes needs some treatments to make it suitable for drinking. Surface water should never be used as a source

“ALWAYS CLEAN CAREFULLY YOUR WATER SYSTEMS BETWEEN FLOCKS, BUT BE CAUTIOUS WHEN LEAVING ORGANIC ACIDS IN MIXING TANKS AND THE DRINKING LINES. THESE ACIDS MAY RESULTS IN SLIME AND THEREFOR BIOFILM ISSUES. ALWAYS FLUSH THE DRINKING LINES PRIOR THE NEW FLOCK ENTERS THE BARN. IN THIS WAY YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO SOLVE ANY ISSUE WITH THE DRINKING LINES AND THE QUALITY OF THE DRINKING WATER"

for drinking water, because of the risk of contamination with bird pathogens. Wild waterfowl travel freely over the globe, carrying diseases with them (i.e. avian influenza) and dropping large amounts of contaminated droppings on their resting places along their way.

The water system in the houses should be regularly cleaned and disinfected. It should always be disinfected in-between flocks and after water treatments. To keep the water system clean in longer production periods it is important to check the water system regularly. If needed it can also be cleaned during production. Make sure that the water systems are working properly after cleaning.

Water treatment

A good water treatment program needs to effectively treat water coming into the poultry houses, and keep it clean all the way up to the end of the drinking water supply in the poultry house. Your water treatment program should complement the water and make the quality consistent over time. Monitoring the water quality

before and after water treatment should be part of your program. Sanitizing the water system during the rearing period can be a risky exercise. In general, a good cleaning of the system in the empty period should be sufficient for the whole 16 weeks rearing period and the rearing birds should get the chance to build up some immunity against normal environmental bacteria’s like E. coli. Semi-continuous use of water sanitizers can interfere with this.

Different products can be used for cleaning the system, both in-between flocks, when the houses are cleaned and disinfected, and during the production. These products can contain (combinations of) acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, organic acids and inorganic acids. Be careful of the percentages used when using these products in drinking water. Also be careful with the taste and with the acidity of the water. Using acids, pH should be below 4, to achieve the disinfecting effect and above 3.5, otherwise it becomes corrosive and the birds stop drinking. High levels of chlorine have the same effect on the birds. To have an efficient disinfection with chlorine, decrease the PH. There must be no organic matter in the water, and a low iron and manganese concentration: if these conditions are not met, a proper water disinfection with chloride is not efficient. Using only organic acids as a water sanitizer for a longer period can be dangerous. You can see growth of yeasts and moult in the water. It is better to use acids and chlorine alternatively. However, always keep in mind the instructions and dosage of the supplier of the products.

Comparing water from the source, vs. water coming from the end of the drinking lines in the barn.

Water analysis

In order to know the drinking water quality that is provided to your hens, you can analyse the water. A proper analysis starts with good sampling and storage conditions. In total 2 litres of water should be enough to do both a chemical and microbiological analysis. The frequency of checking should be at least once every 3 months. When checking water quality, it is important to check the water that your birds are receiving, as most contamination occurs via the drinking water system and not necessarily at the source. In the table below we give some simple indicators and tools to estimate the drinking water quality.

An easy checklist for water supply towards your birds

• Is the water according to the recommendations?

Estimation of water quality

pH

Conductibility

Hardness

Visual check

Odor

pH meter or pH paper

Conductibility meter

Calcium sediments at the nipples, tap or in water cooker

Clarity, sediment, biofilm

Sulphur, faecal contamination, Taste salty

• Can the birds easily find and drink the water?

• For day-old chicks, is there enough light to find the water from the start?

• Is the water fresh (e.g. has the system been flushed shortly before the delivery of the day-old chickens)?

• Is the height of the drinkers correct? (adjust it over time as the chicks will grow)

• Is the system of the drinkers used the same during the

different phases of production (rearing versus lay)?

• Are bell drinkers used or nipple drinkers, what was used in rearing?

• What kind of nipples?

• Can the small birds easily activate the nipples?

• What is the nipple flow rate?

• Are there enough drinkers/ nipples per bird installed?

• What is the water pressure?

EFFECTIVE COCCIDIOSIS PREVENTION WITH SALINOMYCIN

Coccidiosis is a common and economically significant disease in poultry farming, particularly in broilers. It is caused by protozoa of the Eimeria species and can lead to intestinal damage, reduced feed conversion efficiency, poor weight gain, and increased mortality.

Salinomycin premix is a widely used anticoccidial feed additive that helps control this disease effectively. It is available in 12% and 24% concentrations to suit different production needs.

What Is Salinomycin Premix?

Salinmycin is a polyether ionophore antibiotic used to prevent and control coccidiosis in poultry. It works by disrupting the ion transport in the membranes of coccidia, resulting in osmotic imbalance and cell death. The premix is typically added to poultry feed in granular form and is suitable for large-scale integration into commercial feed systems.

Benefits of Salinomycin in Poultry Feed

Salinomycin offers multiple

advantages for poultry production, making it one of the most widely used anticoccidial agents in commercial farming:

• Effective Coccidiosis Control – Targets multiple Eimeria species, helping to prevent intestinal damage and performance loss.

• Improved Feed Efficiency –Reduces energy loss caused by parasite infection, allowing birds to convert feed into body weight more effectively.

• Better Growth Performance –Supports healthy weight gain and uniform flock development.

• Lower Mortality Rates – Protects birds during critical growth phases, especially in high-density farming conditions.

• Consistent Flock Health –Maintains gut integrity, reducing the risk of secondary infections.

• Cost-Effective Solution – Low inclusion rates provide reliable protection without significantly increasing feed costs.

This combination of disease control, productivity improvement, and economic efficiency makes salinomycin premix a valuable tool for poultry producers worldwide.

How to Use Salinomycin Premix Effectively

The recommended dosage depends on the concentration used:

1. Select the Appropriate Concentration

• 12% Salinomycin Premix: 50–70 g per ton of complete feed

• 24% Salinomycin Premix: 25–35 g per ton of complete feed

This provides 60–84 mg of active Salinomycin per kg of feed. The premix should be thoroughly mixed into the feed using a stepwise dilution method. Continuous use is advised during periods of high coccidiosis risk, especially in broilers.

2. Mix Thoroughly for Even Distribution

First, blend the premix with a small portion of feed to create a concentrated mix.

Then combine this concentrate with the remaining feed to ensure uniform dispersion and avoid uneven dosing.

3. Apply During Critical Growth Stages

Continuous use is recommended throughout the growth period of broilers, particularly from early life to near market age, when the risk of coccidiosis is highest.

4. Avoid Incompatible Additives

Do not mix with other ionophore anticoccidials in the same feed.

Check compatibility with the overall feed formula to prevent nutrient imbalance or reduced efficacy.

Following these steps helps maintain effective protection, promotes uniform growth, and reduces economic losses caused by coccidiosis.

For more information, visit www.polifar.com

Postbiotics: The Smart Way to Beat the Heat in Livestock

When temperatures rise, livestock face more than just discomfort. They face a real threat to health and productivity. Heat stress is one of the costliest challenges in animal agriculture, reducing feed intake, slowing growth, and lowering milk production. For feed distributors and producers, finding solutions that work in these conditions is critical. That’s where SPEC-7, a postbiotic feed additive from RD LifeSciences, comes in.

SPEC-7 is a platinum postbiotic feed additive designed to deliver comprehensive gut health and immune support. SPEC-7represents the pinnacle of postbiotic innovation for animal nutrition. Unlike probiotics, which require live organisms, postbiotics deliver the functional compounds produced during fermentation. This means they’re stable, safe, and effective even under

the harsh conditions of feed processing and storage.

Why It Matters: Heat stress doesn’t just make animals uncomfortable; it disrupts their physiology. High temperatures:

• Reduce feed intake and nutrient absorption

• Increase oxidative stress and inflammation

• Lower milk yield and growth rates

SPEC-7 is designed to help animals stay cool, healthy, and productive, even in high temperatures.

How SPEC-7 Works: The power of SPEC-7 lies in its proprietary fermentation technology, developed and manufactured in the USA. This process creates a unique blend of bioactive compounds that:

• Support gut health for better digestion and nutrient uptake

• Enhance immune function, helping animals cope with stress

• Support gut integrity and

function by protecting against cellular damage caused by heat stress

Proven Benefits: Research and field trials have shown that SPEC-7 delivers measurable results:

1. Reduced health incidences

2. Better feed conversion and nutrient absorption

3. Consistent quality, Made in the USA with proprietary fermentation technology

Partner with RD LifeSciences

As a feed distributor, you can bring this innovative solution to your customers. SPEC-7 isn’t just another additive; it’s an innovative, science-backed way to protect animal performance during heat stress.

Contact RD LifeSciences today to discover how you can incorporate SPEC-7 into your portfolio and help your customers keep their animals cool in the heat. https://rdlifesciences.com

THE TOP 5 TRENDS DRIVING THE POSTBIOTICS IN ANIMAL FEED MARKET IN 2025

Faced with a global clampdown on antibiotics and rising consumer demand for clean-label meat, the animal feed industry is turning to a powerful new solution: postbiotics. These non-viable microbial by-products are revolutionizing animal nutrition by enhancing gut health, boosting immunity, and improving growth performance all without relying on live bacteria.

The momentum is strong. According to DataM Intelligence, the global postbiotics in animal feed market was valued at US$ 17.50 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 35.18 billion by 2032, growing at a robust CAGR of 9.12%. This rapid growth is being shaped by five transformative trends that will define the industry in 2025 and beyond.

1. The Unstoppable Shift to Antibiotic-Free Production

With regulations tightening worldwide, especially in poultry

and swine production, producers are under pressure to move away from antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs). Postbiotics provide a proven alternative by strengthening gut integrity, improving feed conversion ratios (FCR), and supporting stronger immune responses. They are becoming essential in antibioticfree (ABF) and “no antibiotics ever” (NAE) production systems directly supporting market access and consumer demand for safer food.

2. Evidence-Based Adoption: From Lab to Field

What was once theory is now backed by large-scale validation. 2025 marks a turning point as feed manufacturers increasingly demand field-trial data that proves measurable improvements in health, efficiency, and profitability. This evidence-driven adoption derisks investment, validates ROI, and is helping postbiotics move from niche additives to mainstream feed solutions.

3. Regional Hotspots Driving Growth

While North America and Europe remain mature markets, Asia-Pacific and South America are emerging as the fastest-growing regions. Drivers include soaring demand for animal protein, the expansion of intensive livestock operations, and a focus on meat

exports. Postbiotics are rapidly gaining ground as producers in these regions look to balance productivity with compliance and competitiveness.

4. Innovation in Sources, Functions, and Formulations

The market is evolving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. Innovations include:

• Diverse sources: From bacterial strains to yeast and fungal-derived compounds.

• Targeted benefits: Products focused on gut health, immune modulation, and disease prevention.

• Advanced formulations: Stable postbiotics designed to withstand modern feed processing and storage, available in powders, pellets, and liquids. This wave of innovation is expanding functionality and ensuring long-term efficacy in diverse production environments.

5 Sustainability as a Core Growth Driver

Sustainability is no longer optional it’s a business imperative. By improving FCR, postbiotics help reduce the environmental footprint of livestock production. They also lower disease incidence and minimize reliance on antibiotics, supporting more responsible and climate-conscious farming. With sustainability now embedded in corporate strategies and policies, postbiotics are positioned as a tool that unites productivity with environmental stewardship.

LOOP BOOSTS

Sustainability and profit don’t have to be opposites.

In fact, they go hand in hand. The key is making smarter use of resources — and that’s exactly what the Zero-Waste Loop does. By transforming underutilized materials into high-quality functional proteins, ProChaete creates a feed solution that’s efficient, sustainable, and profitable.

Numbers that speak for themselves

Not only does the Zero-Waste Loop minimize waste, but it also drives measurable financial benefits. Studies shows that our

feed ingredients boosts growth and feed efficiency.

The benefits go beyond the bottom line:

• Higher efficiency

Better feed conversion means less waste and more growth.

• Stronger brand value Sustainability matters to consumers, and companies embracing circular feed solutions gain a competitive edge.

• Future-proofing

As regulations tighten and demand for responsible sourcing grows, early adopters of circular feed solutions will lead the industry.

“NOT ONLY DOES THE ZERO-WASTE LOOP MINIMIZE WASTE, BUT IT ALSO DRIVES MEASURABLE FINANCIAL BENEFITS. STUDIES SHOWS THAT OUR FEED INGREDIENTS BOOSTS GROWTH AND FEED EFFICIENCY.”

Produce feed for highend retailers and premium markets

High-end retailers and premium markets only work with companies that meets their sourcing standards. What is unique with our Zero waste loop is that both the fish and shrimp produce inherit the ACS approval along with the residual raw material used to create the feed ingredients. This secures the quality and transparency of the entire loop.

For more information, visit https://prochaete.com

BASF LAUNCHES COMBINED VITAMIN A AND D3 PRODUCT FOR ANIMAL NUTRITION

BASF is launching Lutavit® A/D3 1000/200 NXT – a next-generation vitamin formulation – that combines vitamin A and vitamin D3 in a single, microencapsulated form. This innovative product marks BASF’s return to the market with a product that delivers convenience, performance, and sustainability.

“Our customers can count on BASF’s decades of expertise in vitamin A formulation, drawing on the strengths of our unique production Verbund site in Ludwigshafen. With our commitment to highest quality, we provide ingredients that our partners can trust to support their success,” states

Christian Müller, Vice President Business Management Vitamins & Carotenoids at BASF. “By producing Lutavit® A/D3 1000/200 NXT at the world’s largest vitamin A formulation facility, we leverage advanced resource efficiency and utilize energy sources as well as raw materials that help reduce our carbon footprint. This does not only ensure reliable supply and excellent product quality but also supports the sustainability goals of our customers.”

Lutavit® A/D3 1000/200 NXT delivers a consistent 5:1 ratio of vitamin A to D3, making it suitable for all animal species. It demonstrates superior stability across all relevant applications,

even in demanding premixes and pellets. The product offers an 18-month shelf life under standard storage conditions and proven bioavailability of vitamin A in all relevant species.

“Our ongoing collaboration with our customers and dedication to their success remain central to our operations. We are proud to announce the launch of Lutavit® A/D3 1000/200 NXT in direct response to the needs expressed by our customers and partners,” states Deepak Karthikeyan, Global Product Management Vitamin A and A/D3 Animal Nutrition.

For more information, visit www.basf.com

PREVENT PROFIT LOSS: STOP LAMENESS IN ITS TRACKS

Lameness is one of the most costly and underestimated challenges on dairy farms worldwide. Around 90% of dairy cows will suffer from it at least once in their lifetime – many of them multiple times. Yet the issue is often detected too late or not addressed properly, with serious consequences for both animal health and farm profitability.

Here’s what you can do

Did you know that lameness accounts for 15% on average of all dairy cow culls worldwide? Alongside fertility problems and udder health issues, it consistently ranks in the top three reasons for involuntary culling. That’s no coincidence: lameness affects almost every vital function of a cow –walking, eating, lying down, showing heat, and recovery. The result is reduced milk production, fertility, longevity, and ultimately, animal profitability.

Serious economic damage

The financial impact of lameness is enormous. According to research,

lameness costs a dairy farm an average of $4.50 per lame cow per day based on an average yearly incidence rate of 50%.

This includes direct cost for treatment and extra labor as well as reduced revenues of 10 to 30% lower milk production, premature culling, reduced fertility, increased risk of other health issues and lower animal welfare scores.

The good news? Most of this damage is preventable.

Early detection always pays off The sooner you detect lameness, and treat it prompt and effective, the smaller the impact. For both your animals and your bottom line. Here are a few proven benefits of early intervention:

• Lower treatment time per case: Early treatment (stage 1) saves time compared to treating advanced cases.

• Preserved milk yield and fertility: Prevent losses in milk and avoid unnecessary extension of calving intervals.

• Longer productive lifespan:

Cows that don’t become chronically lame stay healthier and productive for more lactations.

• Improved animal welfare and public perception: Healthy cows score higher in welfare audits. Important for quality programs and increasingly valued by consumers and supply chains.

Smart technology that has your back

Many dairy farmers want to act sooner, but lack time, insight, or objective signals. That’s where technology comes in. Automated detection systems monitor cow behavior continuously –24/7, without missing a beat.

Nedap Locomotion Monitoring with the SmartSight camera automatically records the cows’ movement patterns. Thanks to AI-powered vision technology, the system detects subtle signs of lameness, often before you or your staff even notice. This allows you to take faster and more targeted action, without relying on chance observations or lengthy monitoring.

The result: fewer severe cases of lameness, reduced direct costs and economic losses, and healthier cows.

For more information, visit www.nedap-livestockmanagement.com

Article by Dr. Ammara Fiaz, DVM, MPhil

Milk production is an essential agricultural produce in almost all the countries in the world.

Up to a billion people in the world live on farms and make a livelihood through dairy and dairy produce. It is an indispensible part of the global food system and plays a significant role in sustaining development in rural areas. It is a well-known fact that the dairy industry is actively contributing to the economy of a number of communities, regions and countries. There is a growing demand around the world for globalizing this industry there by increasing scope and intensity of world trade in dairy products. Global Investment must be considered in to the latest breeding and management techniques of dairy animals so that a sustainable form of economic gain

REPRODUCTIVE CHALLENGES AND HEALTH FACTORS IN DAIRY CATTLE

can be achieved. Therefore, in the Middle east, an increased avenue of investments in this sector will ensure food security and viable economic gain.

The objective of health management is to ensure optimal care and welfare of dairy cattle to in turn check productivity losses due to mismanagement. Only healthy dairy animals lead to healthy dairy products, which in turn leads to good economic gains.

Basics of Reproduction in Cattle:

The period of oestrous cycling occurs every 21 days in a cow after the period of postpartum anaestrous and for heifers that reach puberty (first ovulation). This means that these estrus cycles give a heifer or cow a chance to get pregnant about every 21 days.

There are various best management practices that can be followed in order to ensure that this cycle is taken most advantage of in producing optimum results in dairy production.

Body Conditioning Score is one of the most essential ways of continually monitoring Optimal health and productivity in dairy cattle. This system of scoring (BCS) is directly related to livestock reproduction. If BCS is low or poor, the dairy animal will not attain its peak productivity. BCS is also an indicator of the amount of energy stored in the dairy animal. Optimum BCS, ensures that energy levels are maintained well enough in the animal to ensure good productivity.

The high-energy transition period for dairy cows, three weeks before and after calving, is of utmost importance, as their metabolic needs increase dramatically during this time. The animal needs to maintain sufficient energy levels in order to cope with this critical period. The performance of dairy cows during the rest of lactation is directly related to how well they cope with this high-energy requirement during the transition phase. This has direct effect on disease and reproduction. Essentially all dairy cows experience a period of insulin resistance, reduced feed intake, negative energy balance, hypocalcemia, decreased immune function, and bacterial contamination of the uterus just before or during the weeks after calving. A third of dairy cows can be affected by some type of metabolic and infectious diseases in early lactation. Routine, proactive actions, veterinary

observations, or analysis are intended to accurately and efficiently provide early detection of problems, to provide an opportunity for investigation and intervention in order to limit the consequences and costs of health problems and reduce animal performance or welfare. Methods of early detection include monitoring of disease and culling records, feed intake, milk production, body condition, and simple metabolic tests.

Genetic improvement of dairy cows has markedly increased milk yield over the last three decades. Increased production has been associated with reduced conception rate. Because conception rate in dairy heifers has remained higher, the metabolic demands of higher production may be related to the decline in reproductive performance in cows. During early lactation, increasing dietary intake fails to keep pace with rising milk production. The resultant negative energy balance and rate of mobilization of body reserves appear directly related to the postpartum interval to first ovulation and lower conception rate. Delays in the onset of normal ovarian activity, thus limiting the number of estrous cycles before breeding, may account for the observed decrease in fertility. Negative energy balance probably acts similarly to under nutrition and may manifest in delayed ovarian activity by impinging on pulsatile secretion of LH. Lower availability of glucose and insulin may also decrease LH pulsatility or limit ovarian responsiveness to gonadotropins. Alternatively, release of endogenous opioids in association with increasing feed intake or other lactational hormone responses may provide neural or pituitary inhibition of the pulsatile LH production that is requisite for ovarian follicular development.

Correlations between reproductive traits and measures of milk yield indicate that higher yield is associated phenotypically and genetically with reduced reproductive performance in lactating cows. Numerous recent studies have reported that reproductive performance is compromised, primarily through delayed ovarian activity and reduced conception rates, by the demands of high milk yield. However, daily managerial decisions to obtain efficient reproductive performance have considerable impact. Management can offset depression in fertility, because high yielding herds often achieve the fewest days open.

Different techniques are used worldwide to improve and maximize production through reproduction in cattle keeping their health as top priority. An increase in research and modern techniques in the Middle Eastern and GCC countries can increase economic gains in this sector.

1. Artificial Insemination

2. Synchronization of Estrus

3. Embryo Transfer

4. Sexed semen

5. In vitro fertilization

6. Cloning

Local dairy farmers can also be empowered to increase their abilities to perform better in the dairy sector by following simple protocols. In a dairy farm, keeping control of these parameters, farmers can maintain the health and reproduction of the herd.

1. Schedule farm visits

2. Health services and individual emergencies

3. Planned, traditional and technical activities

4. Quality control programs

5. Performance Targets

6. Keeping Records

7. Health Research and production problems

WHY QUALITY ANIMAL BEDDING MATTERS

Good bedding does more than line a stall. For both livestock and poultry, the quality of bedding directly impacts the health, safety, and comfort of your animals.

In poultry, poor bedding can lead to “footpad dermatitis,” a painful condition where prolonged exposure to dampness causes lesions on the feet. High ammonia levels in coops and stalls can trigger respiratory infections, like chronic respiratory disease in chickens and heaves in horses, a form of asthma linked to dusty, unclean environments. For larger animals, unstable or clumped bedding increases the risk of hock sores and joint strain from constant shifting. With the right mix of absorbency, stability, and odor control, quality bedding helps prevent these risks, creating a safe, healthier environment for animals and simplifying maintenance.

ETEPEK Animal Bedding

“Our bedding solutions combine the best natural materials to create a safe, comfortable environment for animals while being

sustainable and easy to maintain.”

Learn key components and benefits of our unique bedding mix, which can be customized to suit various needs:

Optimal Absorbency and Odor Control

Dry, fresh, and healthy – our bedding locks in moisture and controls odors, creating a space where animals breathe easy and stay comfortable day in and day out:

• Peat Composition: With white peat (H1-H3) and brown peat (H4-H7) on the Von Post scale, this mix absorbs moisture and controls humidity effectively, creating a drier, healthier barn environment.

• Odor Control: The naturally low pH of peat helps neutralize odors and keeps ammonia levels down, improving air quality for both animals and staff. We know this is critically important for enclosed spaces like coops and stables.

Balanced Texture for Comfort and Durability

The mix of soft and broadleaf wood shavings, sourced from carefully selected trees such as aspen and alder, offers a durable

and comfortable bedding layer:

• Soft Wood Shavings: These shavings add a plush layer for comfort, with natural resins that help limit bacteria growth.

• Broadleaf Shavings: These shavings add structure to the bedding, minimizing clumping and helping to reduce dust. The combination creates a stable, supportive surface that minimizes foot injuries and respiratory irritation.

Eco-Friendly and Reusable

ETEPEK bedding not only serves as a reliable bedding solution but also supports sustainability: Recyclable as Fertilizer: Once used, our peat-based bedding can be mixed with animal manure to create a natural fertilizer, adding value to farm operations and reducing waste.

Sustainable Sourcing:

Sourced from Latvia’s rich peat and wood and harvested through sustainable practices, our bedding reflects our commitment to the environment.

For more information, visit www.etepek.com

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR SLICED PRODUCTS BY MULTIVAC

In the face of rising costs, a growing shortage of personnel and an increased focus on sustainability, meat processing companies are on the search for production lines, which offer added value and also open up the potential for savings. The MULTIVAC Group knows exactly how sliced products can be processed efficiently and costeffectively with our line solutions in different categories.

High-output slicing line for raw ham products: Leading simplicity and connectivity within the sector

A new function of MULTIVAC Line Control (MLC), so-called "Uninterrupted product change", enables operators to change seamlessly between different

items during running operation – without having to interrupt production or run the line empty. This enables downtime to be reduced by up to 95 percent. At the same time, resources are used more efficiently, since product loss as well as the consumption of film, labels and energy are all minimized. All the modules in the line are automatically adjusted to the new item – from slicing through to feeding product to packaging and labelling machines, and right up to quality inspection. This minimizes manual intervention, while also reducing the risk of errors. The simple operation of the whole line via the central MULTIVAC Line Control makes the change process transparent and intuitive, even for unskilled personnel. This line

solution ensures that maximum process reliability is achieved, while also providing consistently high pack quality. Production orders can be transmitted directly to the line, so that operating errors are minimized still further. The line is particularly sustainable, for example with regard to the packaging material used (recyclable mono films). Thanks to the "Consumption monitoring" feature, the consumption of compressed air, coolant, energy and packaging material is captured throughout the entire line, and this can be evaluated in real time. This means that creeping over-consumption of resources can be detected at an early stage.

For more information, visit www.multivac.com

under the California sun Consistent quality & year-round availability Trusted by dairies, feedlots, and importers worldwide

• Alfalfa Hay • Bermuda Grass & Straw • Oat Hay, Straw & Grain

• Sudan Grass

25-27 NOVEMBER

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