Think Grain Think Feed July Issue 2020

www.thinkgrainthinkfeed.co.in

Postal No. PKL-212/2018-2020

Volume 6 | Issue 09 July-2020

RNI No.: HARENG/2014/61357

Price: 75/-

Monthly Magazine for Feed Technology

EDITORIAL Publisher & Editor Prachi Arora prachi.a@thinkgrainthinkfeed.co.in

Managing Editor Dr. T.K. Walli Former Head, Dairy Cattle Nutrition, NDRI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Agriculture – A reality or dream for Indian livestock industry?

Marketing, Designing & Subscription Head

I

Published by

ndia is amongst the most open economies in the world and with its 1.3 billion population, it is attracting many technology investors.

A market report suggests that the Global AI in Agriculture market is projected to reach the valuation of US$ 3013 million by the year 2026 by growing at a CAGR of 21.6%. This can be attributed to factors such as rising demand for agricultural production, increased adoption of advanced technologies and smart sensors, rapid demand for drones in farms, and increased need for monitoring of livestock.

The Indian market has huge opportunities and AI has a proven record for better profitability and efficiency. But there is a big question about its implementation in the Indian livestock, which happens to be such a segmented market. Is it really ready for this transition?

Monthly Magazine for Feed Technology

In India, where dairy farming is a major industry, around 10 million dairy farmers are involved in the business. Cattle productivity issues can be improved with the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), in India, apart from expanding the regular Artificial Insemination (AI) services on a large scale. However, Yasir Khokhar, the founder and CEO of Connecterra observes that Agriculture is one of those areas that desperately needs technology investment.

Lokesh Singh of farMart mentioned in an interview that Using AI in the dairy industry in India could tremendously support the growth as almost all the production comes from small/marginal dairy farmers. These farmers, due to lack of financial resources, don't have access to capital-intensive solutions. AI could come in very handy for them with timely alerts leading to preventive measures, and thus could result in saving on expenses. If AI could be made available to these small dairy farmers affordably, it would end up helping create a more equal level playing field.

AI can help address many challenges in the poultry industry as well.

As human interference in farms can be a source of infection while machines and robotics can be much safer and more efficient as compared to chores done by Humans at the farm. It can very well reduce the errors, improve efficiency of farming and maximize profit at a farm.

Ashwani Verma info@thinkgrainthinkfeed.co.in

BENISON Media: SCO 17, 2nd Floor, Mugal Canal Market, Karnal - 132001 (Haryana) Tel: +91 184 4047817 info@thinkgrainthinkfeed.co.in www.thinkgrainthinkfeed.co.in www.benisonmedia.com

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Dr. Dinesh T. Bhosale Former Chairman, CLFMA of India Dr. S.P. Vinil Poultry Expert Mr. Amit Sachdev Indian Representative, US Grain Council Dr. P.E. Vijay Anand US Soybean Export Council Dr. Suhas Amrutkar Subject Matter Specialist, Animal Nutrition, MAFSU, Parbhani Dr. SN Mohanty Former Principal Scientist, CIFA Dr. Meeta Punjabi Mehta Agricultural Economist Raghavan Sampath Kumar Commodity Expert Dr. Swamy Haladi Feed Additive Expert Dr. R Gnana Sekar Lead Consultant, GS Dairy Farm Consulting Dr. Suraj Amrutkar Assistant Professor, Dept. of ILFC, SKUAST-J, Jammu

To get further insights on the role of AI in the aquaculture industry, please read the interview published right in this very issue.

Prachi Arora

For advertisement contact at +91 86074 63377

MonthlyVollume Magazine for 10 Feed Technology 1 | Issue | August 2015

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 6 | Issue 09 | July 2020

Contents R&D

INTERVIEW

05

German University investigating the influence of insect and microalgae feeds on meat quality

06

Research on water-saving alternative forage crops

INDUSTRY NEWS

12 Another acquisition of a digital platform solution

ARTICLE

Water – the neglected nutrient

08

14 Domestic market can change the fate of Indian Aquaculture Industry

18 Mycotoxins: A Threat to Cattle Feed Safety in Indian Dairy 24 Insect Meal as an Alternative Protein Source for Poultry

17 Iran government discontinues subsidies for animal feed premixes import 23 Brazil soybean export forecast 28 Lower demand pressures maize markets 29 Pashu Ayurveda to control animal diseases 30 Indian government allows corn import at reduced duty to support Poultry sector

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: One Year

:

Simple Post

Courier

Overseas

INR 1200

INR 1800

USD 300

Three Year

:

INR 3300

INR 4800

USD 900

Five Year

:

INR 5200

INR 6500

USD 1500

Printed by: Jaiswal Printing Press | Published by: Prachi Arora | On behalf of: BENISON Media | Printed at: Chaura Bazar, Karnal-132001, Haryana | Published at: SCO-17, 2nd Floor, Mugal Canal Market, Karnal-132001, Haryana | Editor: Prachi Arora Think Grain Think Feed is a monthly magazine published by BENISON Media at its office in Karnal. Editorial policy is independent. Views expressed by authors are not necessarily those held by the editors. The data/information provided in the magazine is sourced through various sources and the publisher considers its sources reliable and verifies as much data as possible. However, the publisher accepts no liability for the material herein and consequently readers using this information do so at their own risk.

Although persons and companies mentioned herein are believed to be reputable, neither BENISON Media, nor any of its employees or contributors accept any responsibility whatsoever for such persons’ and companies’ activities. All legal matters are subjected to Karnal Jurisdiction.

Disclaimer : The published material and images are sourced from various websites and newspapers, and used for information purpose only, if you have any issue, please inform us at info@thinkgrainthinkfeed.co.in. BENISON Media or Think Grain Think Feed is not liable for any claim prior to written information.

www.benisonmedia.com

R&D

Image Source: Feed Strategy

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 6 | Issue 09 | July 2020

German University investigating the influence of insect and microalgae feeds on meat quality Worldwide there is a growing demand for animal products for human nutrition, despite vegan and vegetarian diets becoming more popular in Western countries. Changing diets necessitate a substantial amount of protein as an input for animal production. Future protein feedstuffs will need to become independent of arable land in order to avoid further land use changes, such as deforestation. The cultivation of insects as well as microalgae are up-andcoming sectors in Germany, as well as globally, to meet protein demands for humans and animals alike.

Therefore, a research team at the University of Gottingen, investigated whether the meat quality of chickens fed with certain insects or microalgae was suitable for human consumption. The results have been published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture (JSFA).

In a study conducted as a part of the project “Sustainability Transitions in the Food Production�, broiler chickens were fattened using feed with the main protein sources being soybean meal, spirulina, or insects. Animal growth, meat quality (especially concerning shelf

05

www.benisonmedia.com

R&D

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 6 | Issue 09 | July 2020

life), and eating quality were investigated. Their results of laboratory testing and sensory (taste-testing) analyses across 132 birds gave following results: 1. Black soldier fly larvae meal and spirulina can be included in poultry feed without negatively impacting quality.

2. Chickens fed with black soldier fly larvae meal produce meat equivalent to the status quo.

3. Chickens fed with spirulina produce meat with a more intensive colour and flavour.

“Overall, both prove to be potential soybean meal

alternatives in the search for new protein sources for animal feed,” as explained by the study lead researcher Dr Brianne Altmann.

Microalgae are currently produced globally for biofuel, animal feed, and human consumption; however, they remain much more expensive than soybean meal. Currently in the European Union (EU), insects are only authorized for human consumption and for fish feed; they are likely to be approved for poultry feed in the near future. In the EU, all insects must be produced using certified animal feedstuffs. However,

“sustainability necessitates the incorporation of waste products in the production of insects,” explains Professor Daniel Mörlein, professor for the Quality of Animal Products.

Three groups at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Göttingen, are currently examining the foundations for more sustainable and sociallyaccepted plant and animalbased foods. Product perception as well as consumer acceptance studies are commonly conducted in the faculty's modern sensory laboratory.

Research on water-saving alternative forage crops

Image Source: ANU College of Science

In a new study published in Crop Science, researchers from Sukhbir Singh's laboratory at Texas Tech University investigated the potential of forage sorghum and pearl millet as alternatives to corn for forage production. The twoyear study evaluated the physiological responses of multiple varieties of all three

crops under various irrigation regimes, including dryland.

Although nutritive value was lower than corn, sorghum still can provide alternative for growers to produce more biomass with less water.

The team collected data on leaf water potential, stomatal conductance and canopy

temperature and also studied the influence of these responses on biomass production and nutritive values.

The study reported that sorghum showed better physiological responses and produced greater biomass under water stress conditions compared to pearl millet and corn. Although the nutritive value of sorghum was lower than corn, sorghum still could provide growers with an alternative to produce more biomass with less water, the researchers determined.

As a management option, forage sorghum could be mixed with high-nutrition supplements to achieve desirable feed quality and increase profitability, the researchers said.

06

www.benisonmedia.com

ARTICLE Image Source: UNU Flores

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 6 | Issue 09 | July 2020

Water – the neglected nutrient Dr. Sabiha Kadari, Trouw Nutrition India

Water is the most critical nutrient for poultry. In addition to being a nutrient, water aids in digestion and absorption and respiration in birds. Water also helps to remove waste, lubricates joints, and is a major component of blood and a necessary medium for many chemical reactions within the bird's body. Although the importance of providing enough water as per the bird's requirement and adequate access to water is well accepted, the importance of water quality on poultry performance is often overlooked.

Water Quality: Water quality is important across all livestock species; more so in poultry as, the water intake is on an average 2-3 times that of the feed intake in birds. Quality of water may vary with factors like source of water, the season, the water management processes etc. The drinking water for poultry should be fit for its consumption and should be checked at regular intervals for various parameters to assure of its quality. Often, it is the pH that is measured as an indicator of water quality; instead, pH along with parameters like hardness, microbiology, ORP, TDS etc. need to be given due importance as well. The various parameters and their relevance is as below,

08

www.benisonmedia.com

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 6 | Issue 09 | July 2020

versa of low pH to soft water need not essentially hold true. Hardness is a crucial parameter to be checked when we are considering acidification and stabilization of water pH. Water softeners can reduce water hardness but not necessarily the water pH, in which case, water acidification should be the resort.

Microbiology: Presence of microbes in water specifies possible faecal contamination, pipeline contamination, presence of biofilms etc.

E.coli, clostridium and salmonella, should be practically absent in water.

Improper pipeline cleaning will lead to biofilm formation in the pipes, reducing the quantity and quality of water that is being offered to birds, as shown in Fig. 1.

Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP):

pH: pH in simple terms is the level of free H+ ions in water, that determines the acidity or alkalinity of water.

Acidification of water is an established concept that helps in keeping all the pathogenic microbes at bay, if optimum acidic levels of up to 3.8-4.0 pH is achieved in the water. pH meters can be used to check the water pH. Hardness: Hardness is an indication of the amount of inorganic minerals in water in the form of carbonates/sulphates.

Hardness and pH do have a correlation, which is not proportional all the time.

Equivalency of high pH to hard water and the vice-

ORP is a measure of tendency of a molecule to acquire electrons and thereby be reduced. It is measured in millivolts and is directly related to the disinfection of water in terms of killing of microbes.

Optimal ORP is 650-700 mV, as shown in Table 1. Lesser than 650 mV will lead to microbial growth and not disinfect the water optimally and more than 700 mV ORP could reduce the water intake.

should be borne in mind that the latter is a measure of inorganic salts alone, whereas TDS of both inorganic and organic matter.

Management of water: Following steps need to be considered with respect to water management 1.

Test the water regularly for required parameters

2.

Maintain hygiene of tanks, canisters, pipelines, waterers etc.

3.

Maintain proper temperature – too hot and too cold a water, will reduce water intake.

4.

Use adequate water treatments

Water treatments can be like, 1.

Acidification

2.

Sanitization

3.

Disinfection

4.

Medications (vaccinations) as and when required

Few key points to be stressed upon whilst talking of water quality are, 1.

Your money invested on water sanitation would go as a waste, if the water were not adequately acidified.

Chlorination is the widely used method of water sanitation.

Fig. 1: Biofilm clogging the pipeline

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): TDS represents the total concentration of inorganic salts and organic matter in water. A TDS value of >3000 ppm is not satisfactory for poultry. TDS is often confused with hardness, it

09

www.benisonmedia.com

ARTICLE

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 6 | Issue 09 | July 2020

Table 1: Relation between ORP and microbiology ORP

Bacterial Count

Pseudomonas

4

805

0

0

4.4

730

0

0

100% 80%

4.9

668

0

0

2.3

653

0

0

1.2

618

170

12.400

1.2

296

640

1.600

0.8

590

310

2.400

0.7

480

15.000

2.400

% of HOCl or Ocl

Free Chlorine

Fig.2: Relation between pH and forms of chlorine

3.

40% 20%

Chlorine will be available in two forms when dissolved in water – as hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite. The former is a fast-acting compound as compared to the latter, which is quite slow in killing action of microbes, as shown in Fig. 2. The optimal pH for efficient killing of microbes when sanitation is practiced, as per the below fig.2 2.

60%

Maintain optimal ORP to kill microbes effectively.

As indicated in Table 1 above, an optimal ORP of 650mV needs to be maintained.

Stability of pH is the main criteria to be given emphasis rather than transient drop in pH, while judging the water

0% 4

5

6

7 pH

4.

6.

Last but not the least, water can act as one of the potential sources of infection that impacts gut health. Strategies to achieve optimal gut health should cover water route as well. One such concepts is inclusion of water

Water titration curve 7,00

Water pH

6,00 5,50 5,00 4,50 4,00 3,50 3,00 0,0

0,2

0,4

0,6

0,8

1,0

1,2

1,4

1,6

1,8

mL Selko-pH

10

2,0

2,2

2,4

2,6

2,8

3,0

11

Check the compatibility of medicines when water acidifiers are used.

Acidifiers and sanitizers are recommended not to be used, a day before and after vaccinations that are intended through water route.

Not all antibiotics are compatible with acidic water, their efficiency might be reduced when water is acidic, including water that naturally have a pH less than 7.

Fig 3a: Water titration curve as a measure to judge water quality

Soft Normal Hard

10

5.

Flush and clean the water pipelines adequately. Pipelines are for conducting the water to birds and not the microbes, so ensure to

6,50

9

have a cleaning protocol in place and for its effective implementation, if we want clean water to be taken up by birds. Water quality should be measured at all the levels, as shown in Fig. 4 below, nevertheless, the most critical, is to measure it at the bird level.

quality. The immediate drop in pH can be achieved with any acidifier; nevertheless, the aim should be to maintain that specific pH for a longer duration to preserve water quality throughout.

Measurements like water titration, use of on-farm technologies like i-Dip need to be adopted, to ensure that optimal water quality is achieved, as shown in Fig. 3a and 3b.

8

www.benisonmedia.com

ARTICLE

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 6 | Issue 09 | July 2020

Fig 3b: i-Dip – on-farm tool to judge water quality

acidifiers that are capable of protecting both water quality as well as effective in promoting gut health.

Conclusion:

Fig. 4: Water quality measurement points

INDUSTRY NEWS

Source

Tank

Sub-tank

Start of pipeline

End of Pipline

Another acquisition of a digital platform solution BASF acquired Cloudfarms, a software company for livestock farm management, traceability and precision farming with focus on pig production.

Cloudfarms' livestock farm management solution enables producers around the world to continuously improve the efficiency and productivity of complex farming operations.

With the livestock farm management system from Cloudfarms, producers can manage, track and analyze their production data from daily operations in real-time.

Deriving insights with digital solutions by connecting and analyzing data across the value chain helps to increase efficiency, animal vitality and sustainability.

Digital transformation in livestock production contributes to the growing demand for safe and nutritious food at affordable prices, while

12

Water is a critical and crucial nutrient. Water is available to us, almost free and is taken as granted for its quality, with no due emphasis being placed on it. Water quality keeps changing from season to season, from source to source and from farm to farm. Additionally, in few instances, when there is severe scarcity of water, water is purchased from

outside, which places a major threat on its quality aspect.

Water needs to be checked on a regular basis for required parameters from an authentic laboratory and/or using on-farm technologies.

Water is an indispensable natural resource and as responsible citizens; we all should take steps to preserve its quantity and quality.

Poultry producers should put in efforts to provide safe water to birds, which would then ensure healthy gut conditions that would consequently improve the overall bird performance.

increasing profitability for farmers and reducing environmental impacts.

“Combining Cloudfarms' digital capabilities with BASF's scientific expertise in animal nutrition and sustainability is a game changer for our business and the next-generation farming for livestock producers,” says Julia Raquet, Senior Vice President BASF Animal Nutrition & Aroma Ingredients.

“With this acquisition, we strengthen our commitment to address the global challenge of a sustainable food system for the growing world population, enabled by digital technologies,” continues Raquet.

For Daniela Calleri, Vice President Business Management BASF Animal Nutrition this creates new opportunities: “The acquisition of Cloudfarms is a key

milestone underlining our efforts to advance as a leading ingredients and solutions provider for the livestock sector.”

“BASF and Cloudfarms share the vision of developing a digital ecosystem in the global livestock sector to foster traceability, sustainability and precision livestock farming. We are very excited about the valuable prospects this partnership will bring to livestock producers around the world,” adds Jens Toppenberg, Co-Founder and Managing Director Cloudfarms.

Cloudfarms currently serves progressive livestock producers in over 37 countries.

It was founded in 2013 with the headquarters based in Bratislava, Slovakia. BASF is now offering Cloudfarms' livestock farm management system to producers around the world.

www.benisonmedia.com

INTERVIEW

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 6 | Issue 09 | July 2020

Domestic market can change the fate of Indian Aquaculture Industry

C

OVID-19 has impacted all the businesses and Indian aquaculture is no exception in that. Think Grain Think Feed discussed with an Aqua farmer, Dr. Manoj Sharma who is working in the sector for more than 2 decades now and a technocrat, Mr. Rajamanohar of Aquaconnect, which is a pioneer aquaculture technology venture that works to improve aqua farm productivity. Both shared insights for the industry and what should be done to reach the same growth level as that of previous years. Below are the excerpts.

Can you please share about the present scenario of Indian Aquaculture industry? How COVID-19 has impacted the business?

Dr. Manoj Sharma: India holds the number one position in shrimp exports in the world with a total production of 8 lakh tons. But COVID-19 has disrupted the industry like many other sectors. ~70% of the exports used to reach China and the US, one where this pandemic started and others where it is the worst hit, and with an almost negligible share in the domestic market, the industry is in the doldrums. The first crop is lost by at least 60% and even post COVID-19 it will take its own time to recover, we assume there would be 20 25% of less annual production.

Rajamanohar: COVID-19 has shown an adverse impact on the Indian aquaculture industry in production as well as the post-harvest value chain.

On the production front, we may see a reduction of 20-30%

in the production of shrimps due to the lockdown from March to April, the peak stocking period of the year.

Temporary shutdown imports across nations created panic among farmers who went stocking earlier which flooded the market with shrimp coupled with less demand from processors resulted in reduced farmgate prices up to 40%.

On the value chain front, COVID-19 blocked the transaction between farmers and upstream and downstream players of industry as well. Due to lesser stocking, stakeholders involved may incur a considerable loss in upcoming months.

How does 'Pradhana Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)' contribute to Indian Aquaculture growth?

Rajamanohar: PMMSY accelerates the Blue Revolution 2.0, bridges the gaps in production and distribution channels, and doubles the current production volume through the creation of necessary infrastructure and strengthening the cold storage chains. The post-harvest management value chain is getting more attention and creates an opportunity for processors/producers to become value-added players rather than just being raw producers/exporters.

Modernizing the fish and the shrimp value chain creates a stable market (Supply vs demand), boost employment, and farmers' income as well. Down the line, this will motivate more entrepreneurs to take up aquaculture as a viable occupation activity.

Dr. Manoj Sharma: I find this is a good initiative by the government but the mechanism of implementation of the scheme on the ground should be single-window and hassle-free.

The policies focus on improving production and processing facilities, though ~90% of Indian aquaculture produce is dependent upon export markets which are badly impacted by the pandemic. What should be done to improve domestic demand?

Rajamanohar: The interesting fact in the Indian aquaculture industry is

Dr. Manoj Sharma

www.benisonmedia.com

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 6 | Issue 09 | July 2020

Rajamanohar

that the 90% shrimp market depends on overseas exports whereas the farmed fish market completely depends on local market consumption. There is a need to create a local market system for shrimps to increase domestic consumption and increase the farmed fish share in the country's seafood exports.

Over-dependence on the import markets and the absence of any alternative backup plans threaten the sector's sustainability during crisis time (i.e., slashed prices & poor market dynamics). Government & private entities and institutions should join hands to promote the domestic market for shrimp through massive promotion and awareness.

Dr. Manoj Sharma: Presently, freshwater fish production is 140 lakh tons (as per the government data) while the fact is that there are hardly any processing houses as it is being handled in a very traditional way. Hence reliability & reference of the data is a question.

This unprecedented pandemic made us realize the importance of developing the domestic market for a secure future of the industry. The health index and life expectancy of the countries with per capita seafood consumption of 15-20 kg, is much better.

Also, domestic demand needs to be improved and even is 1% of this package can be used to capture domestic market, the whole scenario will change.

What is the role of AI for a growing market like India, which is more of traditional farming? Do you feel that the market is ready for such technological interventions?

Rajamanohar: The role of AI is much necessary for India where the prevalence of traditional practices for decades. In the last 6 to 8 years, the productivity per acre has dropped by 30% while the production cost has increased year by year.

Implementing AI technologies will analyze the production patterns from every pond and be able to tell the

15

www.benisonmedia.com

INTERVIEW

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 6 | Issue 09 | July 2020

Indian Shrimp Production

Production (tons)

CAGR-21.26% 900000 800000 700000 600000 500000 400000 300000 200000 100000 0 2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Year Data Source: MPEDA, India

(personalized advisory) farmers about the improvement measures that will boost productivity and adopt sustainable farming practices. Secondly, AI would play a key role in predicting diseases well in advance and facilitate effective prevention management. Every year, the Indian aquaculture industry incurs huge losses due to widespread diseases that are wiping out the production in farms.

There is a huge variation in the productivity between Shrimp production states. eg., Orissa & Tamil Nadu are approx. 4-5 tons/ha while in Andhra Pradesh & Gujarat are in the range of 7-8 tons/ha. The technology adoption may support to cover this gap by recognizing various factors which otherwise remain unnoticed in traditional farming.

As the optimal FCR range is 1.2-1.4 while FCR of Indian shrimp is 1.6-1.8 that means the farmer is feeding 15-20% more feed. With technology adoption, such expenditures can also be controlled and increase profit margins.

Yes, the market is ready for technological interventions, even inclusion of Real-time monitoring and sensing capabilities are possible but it requires customized pricing (subscription/pay as you go) that suits the affordability of the rural and coastal farmers with enhanced last-mile connectivity (Handhold support, hands-on training).

How do you compare the other animal protein sources with fish protein?

COVID lockdown made the industry realize the benefits of the adoption of technology in farming operations. In the last 3 months, we observed a 4-fold rise in the usage of our mobile farm advisor FarmMOJO. 16

Dr. Manoj Sharma: A consumer is spending Rs. 600-700 per kg to get 120 grams of protein from mutton while in case of fish, it would cost Rs. 120-150 per kg for 300 grams of protein. As an industry, we should focus on consumer awareness to change their perception.

What do you predict for the supply-demand scenario for the rest of 2020?

Rajamanohar: We may see a drop of 20-30% in shrimp production this year from 7.7 lakh MT last year. As the massive harvest happened in April and full swing stocking was resumed from June, we may see the current produce hitting the market after August. On-demand front, expect EU market, other markets are performing well, also the opening up of food chains in the overseas market will keep the demand in upcoming months and shall absorb completely what we produce.

Dr. Manoj Sharma: Looking at the situation in a holistic way, the world's shrimp market is close to 3.8 to 4 Million Ton. The two largest countries that contribute to this production are India (8 lakh tons) & Ecuador (6 lakh tons) which is approx. 40% of the world shrimp market. But unfortunately, both countries don't have a sizable domestic market. On the other hand, the export markets are impacted like China and the USA which consume 70% of the shrimp production, and Europe which consumes 10% of the shrimp production is also badly affected with COVID-19. The shrimp production markets Indonesia, Thailand, and China will also see a reduction in production. There might be an increase in the market demand as consumers look for nutrition-rich healthier food and shrimp is a perfect match there.

How do you see the Indian aqua feed industry 5 years down the line?

www.benisonmedia.com

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 6 | Issue 09 | July 2020

State wise distribution

Rajamanohar: Production tons

Andhra Pradesh West Bengal Odisha Gujarat Tamil Nadu Rest of India Total

570000 83000 73000 45000 22000 12000 8,05,000

Andhra Pradesh - 71% West Bengal - 10% Odisha - 9% Gujarat - 5.5% Tamil Nadu - 2.7% Rest of India - 1.7%

Aquafeed industry has seen a progressive growth in the last couple of years and gained attention from global players as well. Most of the key players have been involved in capacity expansion of the feed plants and global players have opened their units in India. According to sources, the Indian feed industry is operating at a capacity of 2.8 million MT, which is double than the current requirement of 1.1-1.3 lakh MT on the ground. In 5 years, down the line, I feel that we may not see such a progressive expansion like in the past, however, we see the technological upgradation/modernization of the feed plants.

Iran government discontinues subsidies for animal feed premixes import The government has

don't see a bright future,”

discontinued the payment

US$253 million were

he said in a report.

imported into the country

of subsidies for the import

He said animal feed prices

from March 20 to April 19,

of animal feed

in the Iranian market are

showing a 6% and 7%

premixes—vitamins,

twice as much as regulated

decrease in weight and

prices.

value, respectively,

minerals, trace elements and other nutritional additives—used to prepare animal feed, Chairman of Iran Feed Industry Association Majid Movafeq Qadirly said.

After the Iranian national currency decreased in value in early 2017, the government introduced rules like banning the import of non-essential

It has instead called on

goods, especially those

importers to meet their

produced inside the

foreign currency

country.

requirements from the

According to State

export earnings of non-oil

Livestock Affairs Logistics, a

products (petrochemicals,

company associated with

steel and minerals) traded

Iran's agriculture ministry,

through the so-called

more than 1.8 million tons

secondary FX market where

of raw materials used for

exchange rates are closer

animal feed entered the

to the free market rates.

country through ports for

“Importers of corn, barley

distribution among

and soybean meal can

producers from March 20

receive subsidized US

to May 20.

dollar at the rate of 42,000

Import data

rials. The government is

A report from the Animal

giving the subsidies in

and Poultry Feed Importers

driblets, though. Importers

Association said 866,570

are taking risks and they

tons of animal feed worth

INDUSTRY NEWS

State

compared with the similar period of last year.

More than 166,620 tons of barley worth US$41.4 million were imported over the period – a 14% and 21% year-on-year decline, respectively.

About 430,220 tons of corn worth US$104.62 million were imported, a 14% and 15% decline, respectively, year over year.

A total of 269,730 tons of oilcake worth $106.99 million were imported during the same period, an increase of 18% and 9%, respectively, compared with the corresponding period of last year.

Iran's economy has recently been affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which hit the country hard beginning in February.

17

www.benisonmedia.com

ARTICLE Image Source: Knowmycotoxins.com

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 6 | Issue 09 | July 2020

Mycotoxins: A Threat to Cattle Feed Safety in Indian Dairy Dr. Vimlesh Chandra Sharma and Dr. Sudhir Kumar Singh, Kemin Industries South Asia

Abstract: India is the largest milk producer in the world since many years, but this is due to the number of animals present, not because of their productivity. One of the reasons is ignorance of importance on feed safety by our feed manufacturers and dairy farmers. Major portion of dairy animals in India lies with backyard farmers, who are least aware of the role on feed safety or food chain. Domestic waste, dry or green fodder offered to dairy animals are often moldy. As most of the cattle feed manufacturers do not have silo for raw material storage, mold gets infested during storage. Mycotoxins which are secondary metabolite of molds are produced and enter animal body. There are several mycotoxins which affect digestive, reproductive and immune systems. Mycotoxins at very low dosage in animal body creates chronic effects for a longer time. Hence, animals infected with mycotoxins has problem with liver functions and reduced immunity does not perform to any feed or fodder as per its potential and dairy farm faces economical loss. Aflatoxin B1 produced by Aspergillus flavus of mold in dairy animals milk form into Aflatoxin M1 to some extent. This

18

www.benisonmedia.com

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 6 | Issue 09 | July 2020

Aflatoxin M1 enters food chain and becomes carcinogenic, hepatotoxic and immunosuppressive.

Only way to combat this is by inhibiting the mold growth in raw material of feed by using mold inhibitors, and binding toxins with a good toxin binder which helps to expel mycotoxins out of the animal body.

Introduction: In India, per animal production and reproductive performance are the major challenges for economic viability of dairy farms.

Production is sub optimum due to several reasons. In

past few years, a lot has been done on the improvement of breeds. Any dairy breed, be it a high yielder or low yielder, can perform only when it is healthy, and its nutrient requirement is fulfilled. Dairy animals have to synthesize milk in their body, the most wholesome edible on earth.

If they don't get it, both production and reproduction are impacted. Mold and mycotoxins that enter the animal body through feed, reduce its performance in several ways. Mold deteriorates nutrient quality of grains by utilizing the fat, protein and carbohydrates for its own propagation.

Mycotoxins are produced as a secondary metabolite by certain class of fungi like Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium, which infest the crop in field or during storage under optimum temperature and relative humidity conditions.

Mycotoxin term was first launched in 1960 in London, England when around 1,00,000 turkeys died due to consumption of aflatoxin contaminated peanut meal, imported from Brazil. They have been regularly found responsible in toxic syndromes in humans and animals. Almost all the mycotoxins have carcinogenic, teratogenic, embryotoxic, hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, and immunosuppressive effect.

Mold and mycotoxins have ubiquitous presence, all over the globe. In last few years, demand of dairy products has increased in India, due to constantly growing

population, urbanization, improved economic status of people, and increased awareness on nutrient requirements of body. To meet this ever-increasing demand, performance of dairy animals becomes crucial. Feed safety can play a major role to achieve this goal, as unsafe feed due to mycotoxins restricts animals to perform their full potential. Mycotoxins do not affect animal health and performance alone, but some part is drained into milk, meat and eggs which ultimately affects human health. Further discussion on important mycotoxins and their impact on animal health and production was detailed as below.

Aflatoxins: Aflatoxins are a group of mycotoxins produced from different species of Aspergillus, one of them is Aspergillus flavus, which gives this mycotoxin its name. These are the most studied mycotoxins associated with animal feed and human food. European countries are least bothered with the problem of Aflatoxins, due to their geographical location.

Aflatoxins are a major problem of regions having hot and humid environmental conditions like Asian and African countries along with some parts of Australia. Along with adequate substrate, temperature and humidity are the most crucial parameters for production and amount of aflatoxin.

19

www.benisonmedia.com

ARTICLE Image Source: Cleanfax

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 6 | Issue 09 | July 2020

Optimum temperature for the growth of Aspergillus flavus is 29 to 35째C, as aflatoxin production is maximum at 24째 C and not produced at all below 13째C or above 42째C, and relative humidity below 70%. India encountered an outbreak of aflatoxicosis in 1974, which resulted in the death of around 100 people. In nature, there are more than 14 different chemical forms of aflatoxin, out of which aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 are the most dangerous forms. The suffix letters with aflatoxin, i.e. B and G represents the color these aflatoxins exhibit in ultraviolet radiation (B for blue and G for Green).

Susceptibility to aflatoxicosis is maximum in young animals, but no age group is unaffected. Symptoms of aflatoxicosis depend on animal, breed, species, age, nutritional status, dose and duration of exposure to aflatoxin. Commonly observed symptoms of aflatoxicosis in all animals are

20

gastrointestinal dysfunction, liver damage, decreased feed utilization and efficiency, reduced productive and reproductive performances, embryonic death and immunosuppression, even at very low dose. Reports revealed that reduced feed intake is mostly the first sign of aflatoxin problem.

Reduction in feed efficiency in cattle is attributed to decreased ruminal function by reduction of cellulose digestion, volatile fatty acid production and motility of rumen. A part of aflatoxin B1 consumed by dairy cows through contaminated feed was drained in milk in the form of aflatoxin M1.

Drainage of aflatoxin M1 in milk was more in early lactation when compared to late lactation.

Ochratoxins: Ochratoxins are produced by a species of Aspergillus and Penicillium. Ochratoxins are of three types, namely A, B and C. Ochratoxin A (OTA) is the most common and important mycotoxin, due to its impact on public and animal health. Most common sources of Ochratoxin A are grains like maize, wheat, sorghum, rice, barley, oat, rye, etc. Ochratoxin A causes renal dysfunction of animal along with various toxic effects like other potential mycotoxins, i.e. carcinogenic, teratogenic, immunosuppressive, embryotoxic and hepatotoxic. Ochratoxins alone are comparatively less toxic in cattle, perhaps due to detoxification and ruminal

microbial degradation.

Fumonisins: Fumonisins are produced from Fusarium moniliforme.

Out of the sixteen different analogues of fumonisin known till date, B-series fumonisins comprises an important fumonisins like B1, B2, B3 and B4. In a recent study, Aspergillus niger was also found to produce fumonisins. Reports revealed that fumonisin B1 was the most toxic and predominant member of the family and was carcinogenic.

Carcinogenic effect of fumonisin was not by direct DNA damage, rather they disrupt sphingolipid biosynthesis owing to their structural similarity with backbone precursors of sphingolipids. Fumonisin toxicity was more significant in horse, swine and rabbits as cattle and poultry are less sensitive to fumonisin toxicity. In dairy animals, fumonisins exhibit their effect by immunosuppression, damage to liver and kidney, decrease in weight gain, and increased mortality rates.

Zearalenone (ZEA): Zearalenone (earlier known as F-2 toxin) is produced by some of the Fusarium species. Zearalenone is found to cause infertility, reduction in milk yield and hyperestrogenism in cattle.

Zearalenone toxicity was due to its molecular similarity to naturally occurring estrogen hormones. Higher doses of zearalenone were found to interfere with normal fertility, i.e. ovulation, conception,

www.benisonmedia.com

ARTICLE

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 6 | Issue 09 | July 2020

implantation, fetal development and survival of new born animals. Higher doses of zearalenone can result in abortions.

Zearalenone toxicity can also result in reduced feed intake, reduced milk yield, increased vaginal secretions, vaginitis, poor reproductive performance, and enlarged mammary glands in heifers.

In cattle, zearalenone exposure for longer duration leads to problem of follicular cysts. Maximum permissible limit of Zearalenone in diet is 250 ppb.

Trichothecenes: A large number of mycotoxins produced by different species of Fusarium are grouped under Trichothecenes.

Trichothecenes and their derivatives which are more than 200 in number are classified into four types (AD). Types A and B are most common and occurs widely in cereals. The T-2 and HT-2 toxins are included in type A trichothecenes, while deoxynivalenol (DON) is included in type B of trichothecenes.

Trichothecenes use protein synthesis inhibition as their mechanism of action. They are also reported to affect leucocytes resulting in immunosuppression.

of nutritive value of feed

health or performance of

stuff or feed. In the process

cattle. Even at a dose of 6

of multiplication, molds

mg/kg of feed,

produce secondary

deoxynivalenol had no

metabolites called

negative impact on milk

mycotoxins. These molds

production or its residue in

and mycotoxins when enters

milk.

the animal body through

T-2 Toxin:

feed, results in various

The T-2 toxins are

complications like, reduced

synthesized mainly by

feed intake, feed rejection,

Fusarium tricinctum. These

reduced milk production,

were the first trichothecenes

reduced rumen function,

to be isolated as a naturally

diarrhea, liver damage,

occurring contaminant in

kidney damage,

grains of United states. A

immunosuppression,

lethal toxicosis by T-2 toxin

reproductive problems like

in dairy cattle was reported

anestrus, abortions, and

in Wisconsin state of United

embryonic death, etc.

states in 1970 due to

Productivity of dairy animals

consumption of moldy corn.

in India is very low to fulfill

The T-2 toxin also reported

the ever increasing demands

to suppress immunity in

of milk and milk products,

cattle by the reduction in

and the performance of dairy

serum levels of IgA, IgM and

animals needs to be

IgG. It also induces necrosis

optimized. Awareness on

of lymphoid tissues.

feed safety among dairy

Abortion in third trimester of

farmers and feed

gestation and infertility in

manufacturers can do a lot.

cattle was also stated as a

A broad spectrum on mold

consequence of T-2 toxicity.

inhibitor in concentrate feed

Other than the T-2 toxin, rest

will inhibit growth of molds

of the trichothecenes have

between the interval of feed

no adverse effect in cattle. In

manufacture to feed

other countries, association

consumption. No mold, no

of T-2 toxins with any

mycotoxins. A good quality

disorder in animals or

toxin binder will bind any

humans were doubtful.

toxin entering the rumen of

Chances of residual T-2 toxin

animal and won't allow it to

in edible tissue was rare, as

cause any damage to the

T-2 toxin was rapidly

animal body by excreting

metabolized inside the body.

toxins out along with toxin

Conclusion:

binders. Thus, nutritive value

called as vomitoxin is the

Molds get entry into the

of feed will be maintained,

most prevalent trichothecene

crops while in field, or in

animal will be free from

in grains like barley, maize,

feed/ feedstuff during

mycotoxin effects, and

wheat, oats and rye, and less

storage. They utilize

performs as per its potential.

common in sorghum, rice

nutrients (fat, protein and

As a result, economic

and triticale. In feedlot, there

carbohydrates) for their own

viability of dairy farms will be

were no reports of

growth resulting in reduction

ensured.

Deoxynivalenol (DON): Deoxynivalenol (DON), also

22

deoxynivalenol affecting

www.benisonmedia.com

INDUSTRY NEWS

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 6 | Issue 09 | July 2020

Image Source: Splash 247

Brazil soybean export forecast

Brazil soybean exports in 2020-21 are forecast to reach 84 million tonnes, which would top the previous record of 83.7 million tonnes set in 2017-18, according to a July 14 Global Agricultural Information Network report from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The USDA said the forecast is based on available supplies and an extremely favorable exchange rate.

The report said a continued weakness of the domestic currency is anticipated amid the expected sluggish economy grappling with the effects of the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As of mid-June, the Brazilian government forecast GDP to shrink by 7% in 2020.

Brazil's nearly 2 million cases of COVID-19 ranks second in

the world behind the United States.

“The export forecast assumes that global demand for soybeans will not see a severe downturn connected with the coronavirus pandemic,” the USDA said.

“Unlike a multitude of other sectors, soybean consumption has limited elasticity. In China and Europe — key soybean importers — despite the economic slowdown, meat consumption is not likely to suffer a dramatic downturn.”

The USDA noted that in the 2019-20 marketing year, the much-maligned Brazilian grain transportation system outperformed expectations.

Brazil's largest port located outside of São Paulo in Santos loaded a record 4.6 million tonnes of soybeans in April, up 68% year over year.

Similarly, the port of

Paranagua shipped 2.4 million tonnes of soy and soy products in May, twice the amount shipped during the same month in 2019.

“Containment of coronavirus has been key to the Brazilian ports' performance,” the USDA said. “Early on in the pandemic, rumors of a strike at Santos forced the government and private industry to come up with an enhanced protection and mitigation protocol to ward off coronavirus outbreaks. At the port of Santos, managers also developed contingency plans to hire contracted workers if absenteeism put operations at risk.

“Although there have been sporadic reports of workers testing positive for coronavirus at various export terminals of Brazilian ports, as of late June there were no reports of contagion.”

23

www.benisonmedia.com

ARTICLE Image Source: The Economist

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 6 | Issue 09 | July 2020

Insect Meal as an Alternative Protein Source for Poultry Dr Pooja Rawal, GBPUAT, Pantnagar

Introduction Protein sources are second largest component of Poultry diets. Due to limited distribution and expensive nature, usually Poultry is depriving of a rich protein source. Soya bean seed is the premier protein source followed by Fishmeal used by poultry industry. Seeds are rarely used, rather the residue after oil extraction i.e., Soya bean meal (SBM) is usually fed to poultry. Owing to limited no. of producers and demand, the price of SBM is high and tends to fluctuate with changes in climatic condition. Similarly, Fishmeal is based on fish cultivated in aquaculture or marine fish. Due to overgrowing population and scarce conventional protein sources, it is the need of the hour to shift the focus towards identifying alternative protein sources. Insect protein is one of the very apt alternate protein sources that can be explored and brought in usage for poultry industry.

Finding Alternative Source Due to overgrowing population and developing industries, justby relying on traditional sources such as Soya bean meal, Fishmeal would make the sources scarce and expensivein near future.

Therefore it seems indispensableto consider alternative protein sources to fully or partially

24

www.benisonmedia.com

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 6 | Issue 09 | July 2020

¡Technical aspect-

Availability and supply throughout the year, bulkiness and wetness &/or powdery texture processing requirement, predicted availability of ingredients in long-term, consistency in research and development efforts. ¡Economical aspect-

Farmers may use on farm waste such as crop leftovers as input for insect production and add resulting flies larvae to feed their livestock.

With limited space, resource, poor farmers can engage themselves in insect farming and increasing their productivity while contributing to waste management.

Insect meal fulfilling these aspects stands out to be the very next alternate solution for scarce conventional protein sources. replace the conventional sources in poultry feed, Generally, a product fits in the category of competent alternative protein substituent in poultry if it is in good supply, reasonably priced and has proper nutrition level.

However there is some nutritional and technical consideration that determines the competence. ¡Nutritional aspect-

Essential amino acid balance, presence of naturally occurring Anti nutritional factors such as tannins and enzyme, presence of pathogens and need for supplementation.

What is Insect Meal?

Insects being used as an alternative protein source for poultry and aqua industries.

Insects are either fed as a whole or processed such as in powdery form, either fed as fresh or dried. Insect meal is being a great startup for entrepreneurs where protein and fat is extracted from insects and processed. E.g., INSECTFii, a company piloting in India uses Black soldier fly larva and convert organic waste that is obtained from urban areas into high value insect protein, that replaces water and climate intensive plant protein as well as over harvested and depleting fish

protein used in animal feed. next Protein is a company that produces insect-based protein for animal feed stocks in order to develop sustainability in agriculture and tackle resource scarcity.

Insect Protein- A Sustainable Alternative Protein Fly larvae can be reared on a wide range of wastes and byproduct, offering a way of recovering values from material that may traditionally be disposed of

by Agriculture and food industries. Moreover, as far as environmental impact of insect industry is concerned, compared to Fishmeal production, Housefly and Black soldier fly production have shown favorable results regarding impacts on fossil fuel depletion, Freshwater and marine eutrophication and ecotoxicity and natural land transformation.

Nutrition composition of insects depends on growth, environmental growing conditions, as well as the life stages. E.g., When Methionine content of housefly larvae grown in Poultry stools, it was found to be higher than that grown in various vegetable residues. On average, insects can convert 2 Kg of feed into 1 Kg of insect mass, whereas cattle require 8 Kg of feed to produce 1 Kg of body weight gain. Protein levels in insect meal vary between 55%-75% (levels comparable to animal protein i.e., meat and bone meal and fish meal sources).

Feed incorporation rates range between 5-40% for aqua and broiler feed.

25

www.benisonmedia.com

ARTICLE

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 6 | Issue 09 | July 2020

Table1- Various insect species viable for large scale production of insect meal with their nutritional specifications (CP%- Crude Protein%, EE%- Ether Extract%, CF%- Crude Fiber%, GE- Gross Energy, ME- Metabolizable Energy) INSECT AVAILABILITY CP (%) EE (%) CF (%) Ash (%) ENERG REMARK Y(Kcal/ kg) BLACK SOLDIER

Naturally found in poultry, cattle

FLY( Hermetia illucens)

manure but can be reared in organic waste

HOUSEFLY ( Musca domes tica)

Grow on poultry, cattle manure andcan been reared on

4 1-44

15-34

7

15-2 8

GE 5278

Rich in Ca lcium and Phosphorus i.e., 5 -8% and 0.6 -1.5% respectively .

64

24

3-10

5-11

ME 4140

municipal organic waste.

Maggots contain higher quantity of Lysine, Arginine, and Valine.

Maggots either fresh /dried could entirely or partially replace conventional prot ein ingredient such as FM, Meat meal, GNC.

MEALWORM

Can be grown on

LARVAE( Tene brimolitor)

dried and cooked waste material.

45 -60

25-43

5-8.8

3-4.5

ME -

Though Methionine and

5258

Lysine content were not adequate for broilers, but all the other Essential amino acids were in enough quantity for growth of broiler.

EARTHWORM (Lumbricina)

Natural feed source for poultry

63

6

2

9

ME 3525

kept under free range system.

improved the FI, BW & also increased the di gestibility of nutrients.

GRASSHOPPE R (Caelifera)

Can be harvested from their habitats such as croplands, grasslands, wetlands.

62-67

12

7-9

1

ME 39234018

Harvesting these insects could reduce the use of hazardous chemicals to control pest. Thus, it is economical and sustainable protein source in developing countries.

DESERT LOCUST (Schistocerca gregaria)

Can be harvested on organic waste.

52

12

19

10

ME 2714

The gregarious pest creates havoc for Agriculture. It is palatable and moreover it is rep orted that partial substitution of FM with Locust meal is suitable.

Production of one metric ton of Housefly larval meal replaces .5 metric tons of Fishmeal and .5 metric tons of soyabean meal.

Industrial Scale Production and Process Control

26

Adding 0 .4% Earthworm Meal to the broiler diets

Food waste should be avoided as much as possible in the chain from food production to consumption.

However from farm to fork some waste is unavoidable. In rural areas, agricultural by products and wastes from

farming will be available while in urban areas it will be from distribution centers and final consumers. This waste can be used to feed insects. The dried insect larvae are then used in chicken feed. In developing countries, poor

www.benisonmedia.com

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 6 | Issue 09 | July 2020

urban people can collect food waste (usually for free) and use it to farm insects.

Smallholder farmers usually depend on external sources for feed, including National & International feed companies which usually cost them expensive. Fly larvae maybe produced locally by smallholder farmers that opens their door to become feed supplier in addition to/ or instead of being feed buyers. This helps in gaining income from producing fly larva as feed component and to improve livelihood and food security of smallholder farmers. In this way this strategy works at three levels: reduce the disposal of waste in the city, provide cash income opportunities and improve nutrition. This strategy of economical sustainability sooner or later can be developed from 'hobby style' to industrial scale and process control.

Most companies are exclusively dedicated to insect production and fully integrate all production steps from farming up to delivery of insect meal or oil. A startup can be established by smallholders with limited input to generate insect meal for animal feed and the residue from insect meal cam be used as organic fertilizer for crop production. Insect production by smallholder farmers may both somewhere disconnect them from the conventional external input such as Fishmeal and Soyabean meal based feed as well as connect them to local economies by selling insects to local livestock farmers as well as feed millers.

FEEDSTOCK Feeding insects

BREEDAdult colony and egg production

PRODUCTION -insect growth management

INCUBATIONpupae for new adults

Thus insect rearing and farming proves to be an economical pavement and moreover should be explored for new employment and revenue generation.

Conclusion International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF 2016) predicts that livestock production will get doubled by 2050. Therefore in order to meet future requirement, need of hour is to explore new protein sources. Poultry that have access to outdoor areas voluntarily pick and eat insects which clearly indicate that they are evolutionarily adapted to insects as a natural part of their diet.

Production of fly larvae is based on waste streams as input. Usually the waste streams ends up in landfills leading to environmental damage. Producing insect for feed yields a residue after harvesting the larvae that can be used as fertilizer. Thus, insect meal production proves to be an economical employment option with eco friendly trait that should be explored. Due to high nutritive value and ubiquitous presence, insects are potential sustainable feed resources in poultry nutrition.

Value of insects as feed component not only

SEPARATION - Separating larvae from residue

PROCESSING -protein and fats from larvae

STORE AND SELL-Outlet to customers

OUTLETReject and residue management

improves livelihood of small farmers but also reshapes food system into efficient climate resilient and nutrition driven element of a circular economy. Inclusion of insect meals in poultry diets may lower the cost of feeds, thus resulting to more profit for smallholder poultry production, then why there should be any delay and restriction to open that door and to explore the area.

References are available upon request.

27

www.benisonmedia.com

INDUSTRY NEWS

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 6 | Issue 09 | July 2020

Lower demand pressures maize markets contribute nearly 11% of current year Rabi season's projected stocks. Due to procurement operations, average wholesale prices may show some gains in coming weeks, in case retail demand improves from current levels.

Maize markets are reeling under subdued demand situation currently. Prices since month of April have fallen by nearly 100 rupees on a quintal. Maize mostly goes for consumption in poultry feed industry – nearly 55% of the production is generally absorbed by this industry. Due to affected demand, the quantity required for manufacturing feed rations has dropped significantly, leading to lower intake of maize. Sowing operations have gone well Price Trend of Superior grades of Rabi Maize at Gulabagh centre in June

Average Price in Rs/Qtl 1270 1260 1250 1240 1230 1220 1210 1200

Average Price in Rs/Qtl

28

with government's efforts during the lock down and as per official reports maize in the country has been sown in 31.27 lakh hectares as of 26th Jun'20 which is higher than 15.74 lakh hectares compared to corresponding period last year.

Since supply outlook is improving against subdued demand situation, prices are constantly under pressure these days. Currently supply is mostly from the state of Bihar which is the biggest producer of winter crop. Prices in Bihar market are averaging near Rs.1225-1250 per quintal at present and buying interest remains poor. Meanwhile, PSS procurement activity in AP is in full swing as on first week of June Maize procurement stood at 3.0 Lakh MT against target of 3.4 Lakh MT for the 2019/20 Rabi season.

Likewise, procurement in Telangana was reported at 7 Lakh tons for corresponding period. As a result, estimates for, stocks in AP and Telangana are expected to

From demand perspective, Jun'20 weekly chick replacement across India is anticipated to hover at 3.8 crore birds, with logistic hassles reducing. This development has provided scope for hatcheries to ship new born chicks with minimal chick mortality, and such scenario will be beneficial in boosting Maize demand prospects moving forward.

Although consumption from poultry sector is expected to improve from broader perspective, but as of now it is difficult to assess whether this will be likely scenario, this year or the next year. On the whole good Rabi harvest with enhanced yields, rise in Year on year Kharif acreage till date, and sluggish domestic demand shall continue to keep the maize market under greater influence of sellers in coming weeks, also raising the possibility of a notable rise in year on year inventory.

As per trade sources the maize processing units are currently operating at 45-50% of their capacity. Going by traders/mandi people views, average Rabi Maize prices in Bihar may fluctuate in the range of 1225-1275 Rs/qtl in the month of July.

www.benisonmedia.com

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 6 | Issue 09 | July 2020

Pashu Ayurveda to control animal diseases

Cattle and buffaloes account for more than 50% of the livestock population in India, according to the latest census.

The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) is aggressively promoting use of ethno-veterinary medicine after seeing successin a pilot project run at Sabarkantha dairy in Gujarat.

"The recent Covid-19 pandemic has turned out to be a global health crisis. In order to mitigate the risk to human health,controlling zoonotic diseases at the animal source is of paramount importance," said DilipRath, chairman of NDDB. According to the World Animal Health Organisation (OIE), 60% of the human infectious diseases across the world are zoonoticand at least 75% of emerging infections in humans are of animal origin.

In May, the government had formed a committee to work on the OneHealth concept, of which Rath is a member.

The committeeis working to promote multi-sectoral, trans-disciplinary approaches

Image - PwC Image Source: Source: Strategy USATODAY.com

The Indian dairy industry is promoting use of 'pashuayurveda', or ethnoveterinary medicine, to help control animal diseasesand decrease the chances of pathogens jumping from them to humans, as in the case of novel coronavirus.

to promote OneHealth.

Promotion of ethnoveterinary medicine is part of the OneHealth concept, which recognises that the health of animals is closelylinked with the health of humans.

"Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has also become a major concern due to indiscriminate use of antibiotics to treat animaldiseases. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) believes that the solution to this problem lies in alternative treatmentstrategies like pashuayurveda-based ECM and has started aggressively promoting it," said Rath.

Rabies, bovine tuberculosis, bird flu, Japanese encephalitis and Covid-19 are some of the examples of diseases having zoonoticorigins, which put a huge monetary burden on the public health systems.

The pilot project at Sabarkantha Milk Union and has been running for two years now. "About 80% of

the animal diseases can bereduced significantly using EVM (ethno-veterinary medicine) prepared by farmers using locally available ingredients," said NPunniamurthy, a retired veterinarian, who now trains veterinarians on use of Siddaayurveda-based ethnoveterinary medicine.

"I realised that the functional remedies prepared by traditional healers were more effective in treating animal diseases. However,different places have availability of different types of herbs and plants. So, we decided to use spices, which are commonly availableacross the country, to prepare medicines," he said.

Mastitis is a common and prevalent cattle disease in India, due to which farmers suffer losses worth millions of rupees. The ethnoveterinary medicine solution given by Punniamurthy has become so popular that 30 milk unions in the country, including privateand cooperative, have started using it.

29

www.benisonmedia.com

INDUSTRY NEWS Image Source: World Grain

Think Grain Think Feed - Volume 6 | Issue 09 | July 2020

Indian government allows corn import at reduced duty to support Poultry sector India's corn imports in 2019 jumped to 312,389 tonnes in 2019 from 30,962 tonnes a year ago The Central Government has authorised imports of 500,000 tonnes of corn this year at a concessional 15 per cent import tax as it tries to augment supplies of the animal feed for the poultry industry.

India, the world's seventhbiggest corn producer, normally imposes a 60 per cent import tax on the grain.

The corn imports under the tariff-rate quota (TRQ) were allowed for end-consumers in the poultry and starch supply sectors, the government said in a notification.

A major exporter of corn to

30

southeast Asia until a few years ago, India has turned importer as output has fallen and demand has grown from domestic poultry producers and corn starch manufacturers.

India's corn imports in 2019 jumped to 312,389 tonnes in 2019 from 30,962 tonnes a year ago, the Government data showed.

India, which does not allow cultivation of any genetically modified food crops, has rules in place to ensure that imports contain no trace of genetically modified organisms.

New Delhi also cleared imports of 10,000 tonnes of milk and cream powder for this year at a concessional 15 per cent import tax, the Government notification

said.

The country also authorised import quotas of 150,000 tonnes each of rapeseed oil and sunflower oil carrying import taxes of 45 per cent and 50 per cent respectively.

India is the world's biggest importer of edible oils. It mainly imports rapeseed/canola oil from Canada and sunflower oil from Ukraine and Russia.

But B V Mehta, executive director of the Solvent Extractors' Association (SEA), a Mumbai-based trade body, said Indian refiners may be unlikely to import rapeseed oil and sunflower oil under those tariff-rate quotas as the import tax on regular imports is actually lower, at 35 per cent.

www.feedtechexpo.com

5thedition

Feed Tech Animal Feed Technology

Expo 2020

INDIA’S ONLY FEED FOCUSED EXPOSITION

Kingston Event Center Kurukshetra, Haryana, India

FTE20 Feed Tech Expo 2019 Facts 72 EXHIBITORS

ORGANIZER

2700+

4

450+

27

VISITORS

COUNTRIES

DELEGATES

SPEAKERS

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE

CONCURRENT EVENTS

MONTHLY MAGAZINE FOR FEED INDUSTRY

Feed Conference & Feed Workshops

For Stall Booking +91 86074 63377, 86074 63355 info@feedtechexpo.com

JOIN US

FeedTechExpo

Head Office: SCO-17, 2nd Floor, Mugal Canal Market, Karnal-132001, Haryana | Phone: +91 184 4047817