Free range egg production in Australia - industry trends and challenges

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Page 10: Free range egg production in Australia – industry trends and challengesby Isabella Ruhnke

Page 4: Novus Australia Technology Transfer Forum

Page 26: Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition 2015

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Page 34: Young Poultry Veterinerian of 2015 announced

Page 36: Poultry CRC Ideas Echange 2015

Page 39: AMC/PIX 2016: New offer to attract growers

Volume 31, Number 2

Isabelle Ruhnke and Jessica De Souza Vilelaat the UNE poultry research sheds.

New ProductsPage 22: BEC and ICC Brazil launch Hilyses in AustraliaPage 33: LED light for broiler house control unitPage 42: Ovologic – new complete packaging system

NEWS

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Novus Australia Tecnhology Transfer ForumNovus Australia held its Sydney Technology Transfer Forum at the Grace Hotel on November 9, 2015.

Those attending included just about all NSW and Queensland broiler production members of senior management.

After a welcome by Novus Australia head Nick Nettle, internationally renowned poultry industry identity Dr Steve Leeson, Professor Emeritus at the University of Guelph, Ontario, has returned to Australia and was the first speaker outlining ‘Current and future trends in poultry production’.

The future of the industry was driven by “Societal issues such as consumer awareness and perceptions, also food safety/nutritional value and now environmental and accountability issues,” he said.

“The integration of farming into food products and human health and environment would create commercial impacts around animal health/well being, food quality assurance and human health (zoonosis) all of which had the potential to affect political decisions,” Dr Leeson stated.

“Overwhelmingley the media is a consumer’s primary source of food related information,” he warned.

In 2020 global poultry production would be dictated by the availability and cost of corn and soybean, adaptability to market trends, clean water, environmental issues and regional health status in regard to export potential.

“Critical science based issues were energy evaluation, gut microflora,fiber/particle size, ingredient evaluation,enzyme compatability, calcium metabolism and value added brands.

“Society based concerns included antibiotic use and welfare as key issues,” he said.

“Broilers will not be grown without availability of antibiotics, however emphasis will change from routine in feed use to prescription: the lack of new AB products is a significant concern.”

Dr Leeson went on to discuss the trend to separate sex feeding, digestible lysine requirement, betaine vs choline vs methionine and supplemental enzymes.

“Biological limits to production would be on farm feed intake (and by extension water intake), sustaining energy intake, optimising calcium metabolism in regard to eggshell

formation and bone maturation, and in climates like Australia, heat stress.

“So there are major challenges ahead but remember our achievable production targets are 2.5 kg male broilers at 35 days, 160 chicks from breeders and 500 eggs from our layers.

“We have, and will continue to make tremendous progress in poultry production, and nutrition plays a major supporting role,” Dr Leeson concluded.

Dr Xabier Arbe, head of technical services for Novus in SE Asia/Pacific region, next spoke about ‘Gut health factors for modern poultry.’

Firstly Dr Arbe explained the links between gut health and bone issue like Chrondronecrosis with Osteomyelitis and explained the transmission pathways that created these problems.

“Poor gut health is complicated and affects almost everything, including mortality, uniformity, leg problems, dermatitis, necrotic enteritis and ultimately product condemnation.”

He discussed the presence of salmonella in soya meal and quoted examples of poor performance in pigs fed contaminated feed.

The problem of undigested protein in broiler diets (at least 16%) was also revealed by Dr Arbe.

In summarizing he stated that “gut health is created by a complex cycle of factors and that all parameters are important in the development of poor gut health.

“There isn’t only one solution,” he concluded.

The mention of salmonella contamination in feed was the perfect seguay for the next speaker from Novus Australia Matt Becker who introduced a new product being distributed by Novus, Formycine Gold Px.

Firstly Matt described the increase in food related disease outbreaks and the fact that while consumers expect outstanding food security, far too often they take little or no personal responsibility.

“Incidents involving both eggs and chicken meat have almost doubled in the last ten years from 6,990 in 2003 to 12,836 in 2013.

“Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring organic compound and is formed endogenously during the metabolism of amino acids.

“It metabolises rapidly into formic acid and has zero residue,” he said.

“The Formycine Gold Px feed

1. Nick Nettle, Sales Director Novus Australia. 2. Dr Steve Leeson, Univeristy of Guelph, Canada. 3. Dr Xabier Arbe, head of Technical Services Novus SE Asia/Pacific.

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“It is 16 times more effective in feed than Formaldehyde alone due to dispersion and surface area and 72 times more potent than Proprionic acid and delivers 14 days of extended activity,” he said.

Matt then showed trial results on Clostridia and Salmonella.

In conclusion Matt stated that, “Formycine Gold Px is a powerful and rapid broad spectrum sanitiser that is safe to handle, free flowing and heat stable with superior dispersion.

“It contributes to better feed quality, improved animal health and performance and is a critical feed storage insurance.

“Reduced environmental ammonia is a key benefit but most important of all the product can contribute to increased public safety,” he said.

In the afternoon session of the Forum Dr Steve Leeson raised the critical topic of ‘Special considerations for feeding broilers within antibiotic free and /or cocci vaccination programs’.

First Dr Leeson posed the question “What does antibiotic free broiler production actually mean?

“We are highly unlikely to have long term production systems without recourse to antibiotics , for example the EU model with heavy usage on prescription basis(often penicillin) for ‘treatment’,” he said.

“Major issue with AGP free is usually bacterial overgrowth and cocci/necrotic enteritis at 15-19 days of age.

“Not controlling coccidiossis usually triggers gut health issues to varying degrees.

“AGPs have worked in almost all situations, with minimal effort in management.

“AGP alternatives don’t always work in all situations and most require changes to, and more effort in, management systems,” he said.

“Biosecurity is critical to support any program, other birds, rodents equipment, people (ie farm visitors), manure and feed trucks, are all important factors to monitor.

“Bacterial overgrowth fueled by undigested feed and ‘endogenous’ nutrients: protein is the main culprit,” Dr Leeson stated.

“If cocci leads to indigestion, the fermentable protein entering the ceca increases proliferation of proteolitic bacterial, and with AGPs the situation was controlled.

“Nutrition in the first 48 hours is a

critical factor – Dr Leeson showed the effect of body weight at seven days on growth to six weeks.

“Clostridia bacteria – being proteolitic means that they thrive on any supply of protein, nitrogen or amino acids.

“Nutritionally we can influence microbiota number and diversity using ingredient selection, particle size, diet electrolyte balance and through feed processing (pelleting eg).

“In practical terms it means taking more care in changing from a starter to grower diet.

“Never make a diet change in the critical period of 15-20 days and don’t forget the role of non infectious agents regarding gut health.

“These could include mycotoxins, biogenic amines, brooding (too hot or too cold), nipple dinker height and water flow, breeder flock and quality of soyben meal and supplemental fats,” Dr Leeson said.

“The role of enzymes was critical and in particular proteases with ABF systems as it reduces AA/N/CP reaching the ceca.

“Betaine reduces the ‘dehydration’ of microvilli and pro biotics are probably useful in the future in partially replacing AGPs but we still don’t know how to formulate a truly efficient product.

“There is potential for using spray dried plasma (SDP) as has been demonstrated in the pig industry.

“For the poultry industry SDP used in ABF broiler production has been shown to reduce inflammation and reduce inflammatory immune response of gut micro villi, also reduces diarrhea and improves early growth rates.”

In summarising nutrition for ABF/Cocci vaccination regimes, Dr Leeson stated that fermentable protein and soybean meal were usually the main practical /commercial issues.

“Diet ingredient selection, especially for 0-10d chicks is important as is timing of diet change as well as minimising indigestion in the young birds.

“Also limiting crude protein and N in pre-starter stage and using organic acids for upper tract security. Butyrate assists villi growth and Betaine and probiotics have useful roles,” he said.

“Cellular immunity could be generated by considering Vitamin E , Se and blood plasma and don’t forget the importance of biosecurity.

“Antibiotic free production and feeding programs invariably mean changes and added complexity to

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1. Matt Becker, Novus Australia. 2. Dr Isabelle Ruhnke from UNE. 3. Sally Pines, Regional Sales and Technical Support Manager, Novus Australia. 4. Rodel Cueno, Regional Product Manager, Novus International Inc.

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Free range egg production in Australia – industry trends and challenges

By Dr Isabelle Ruhnke*

production in 2014, which reflects an increase of 20% compared to 2013 (AECL, 2014).

The retail egg value sale of barn laid eggs in 2014 was 9% (increase of 11% compared to 2013), and those of specialty eggs 2% (increase of 18% compared to 2013) (AECL, 2014). With one of the major retailers aiming to phase out cage eggs by 2018, the demand for free-range eggs is expected to continue its upward trend.

In 2013, a total of 5,666 registered agricultural businesses produced eggs in Australia (AECL, 2014). The total number of egg producers that housed more than 500 laying hens was 355. Those producers can be considered the key players of the Australian egg industry.

Considering that it is not economic to invest on cage infrastructure housing less than 10,000 hens, at least 5,496 farms are free-range egg producers and 186 farms are free-range egg producers with more than 500 hens (key players). Free-range egg production in Australia, whilst rapidly expanding, is also evolving. Establishing free-range egg production enterprises that meet retailer and consumer demands remains a challenge for the poultry industry. In

Guard animals, such as Maremma dogs and/or Alpacas can be frequently observed protecting the free range flocks.

In Australia, free-range egg production is a rapidly growing sector with an estimated grocery market value share of 48% of total table egg production.

It can be estimated that around 200 commercial free-range egg producers are currently active. This report reflects the current situation these farmers are facing. Adverse climate conditions and Avian Influenza are a concurrent threat to the free-range egg industry.

However, on-range feeding is a common feed strategy performed by up to 47.5% of free-range egg producers. No national regulations regarding free range hen housing and egg production are in place.

In general, two housing systems can be distinguished: fixed housing and mobile housing. The use of guard animals to protect hens from predators is common. The large variety of farming systems and management procedures is reflected in the variety of challenges free-range hens are facing.

In a recent survey, free-range layer producers attributed their losses to predation (42%), heat stress (37%), cannibalism (37%), grass impaction (21%), diseases (21%), and malnutrition (5%). Furthermore, internal and external parasites can be considered as widely prevalent.

Producers identified that research should be conducted in welfare (52%), pasture management (54%), nutrition (44%), bird health (44%), housing (40%), and economics (29%). With those demands currently under investigation, Australia can be considered as highly active in the field of applied research focusing on free range-egg production.

The Australian egg industryIn Australia, free-range egg

production is a rapidly growing sector with an estimated grocery market value share of 48% of total table egg w

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1. Heat stress is considered as one of the major challenges Australian commercial laying hens are facing. In a recent survey, 45% of free range farmers indicated they had no environmental control in their laying housing system. Sophisticated sheds enhance hen welfare in extreme weather.2. Mobile sheds that can be integrated into the existing farm infrastructure are commonly seen in Australia and can reduce the environmental impact of poultry farming and the likelihood or parasite infection.

Australia, a total of 14,618 million laying hens are currently registered (AECL, 2014).

Housing of free-range laying hens is orientated towards the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals (CSIRO, 2002). Referring to this Code, the indoor stocking density for all cage free systems should not exceed 30 kg body weight/m2(15 hens/m²).

The floor may consist of litter material or wire/slatted flooring, with gaps between the slats not exceeding 25 cm. According to the Model Code of Practice, the maximum stocking density for the outdoor area is 1,500 hens/hectare (6.6 m²/hen) (CSIRO, 2002). However, any higher stocking density is acceptable when regular rotation of the hens onto fresh range areas is performed and hens are continuously provided with fresh pasture cover.

This stocking density is also referred to in the standards from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA, 2011). In comparison, individual accreditation bodies, such as the Free Range Egg and Poultry Australia Ltd (FREPA) implement different standards.

The indoor stocking density of FREPA guidelines is determined by the flock size and should not exceed 10 hens/m2 when up to 1000 birds/flock are housed, 9 hens/m2 when up to 2000 birds are housed, and 8 birds/m2 when up to 3000 birds are housed (FREPA, 2015).

However, FREPA does not define a stocking density for the outdoor area but refers to the Model Code of Practice and “the range area must be capable of continued production of vegetation”.

The Australian Certified Organic Standards regulate indoor stocking density more strictly compared to the Model Code of Practice and FREPA standards, focusing on 16 kg body weight/m2 (8 .hens/m²) and a minimum of 18 cm perch space, when at least 1/3rd of the floor is covered with solid floor space and litter material.

The stocking density on the range is comparable at 1,500 hens/ha (fixed range) (ACO, 2013) but, when range rotation is performed, stocking density outdoors should not exceed 2,500 birds/ha.

While Queensland (QLD) is the only state that has a mandatory regulation of their free-range hen stocking density in place (the stocking density was raised from 1,500 hens/ha range area (6.6 m²/hen) to 10,000 hens/ha (1 m²/hen) in June 2013), no other legally binding regulations are currently in place in any state.

Because of the lack of detailed governmental regulations and uniform standards, a broad spectrum of free-range hen management and housing CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 w

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Ruhnke et al., 2015a). With a total of 41 egg farmers completing 79 questions regarding their farm, range, feed, rearing, production and health status, as well as the environmental impact and their adaption to the free range system, current challenges and research priorities could be identified.

The predominant breed of hens used included Isa Brown (43%), Hy-line Brown (40%), or others such as Lohmann Brown, Bond Brown, Bond White, Bond Black, Plymouth Rock or Australorp (27%) (Singh et al., 2015).

While commercial brown laying hens with a European genetic background for intensive in-house cage production are most commonly used, those hens were genetically selected to focus predominantly on productivity and improved feed conversion ratio since being imported.

Other characteristics, such as social, feeding, foraging, or ranging behavior did not receive as much attention. Also current feed recommendations were developed based on housing in a climate controlled environment with limited hen movement. These circumstances may contribute to the fact that average hen body weight /flock obtained on 15 free-range layer farms all over Australia ranged from 1.42 kg-2.1 kg and uniformity of the flock ranged from 83-96% (Singh et al., 2015).

systems can be observed. In particular, the outdoor stocking density is highly debated and a nationwide uniform definition of ‘free-range’ warranted.

In June 2015, the elected state peak body representatives (also known as the Egg Farmers Australia) agreed upon a maximum range allowance of 10,000 hens/ha range area to be referred to the fair trade and business regulations, to be included into the draft of the constraint consumer law in 2016. In order to answer the question of the impact of stocking density on hen welfare and behavior, research is being conducted by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the University of New England. The discussion of a nationwide definition of “free-range” extends beyond the stocking density on the range.

The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission oversees the ranging activity of hens housed by major egg producers and decisions of the Federal Court revealed that, in order to declare eggs ‘free-range’, “laying hens have to move about freely on an open range on most ordinary days” (FCA, 2014).

In order to investigate current farm practices of free-range egg producers all over Australia, an on-line survey and subsequent farm visits were undertaken in 2014 (Singh et al., 2015,

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Challenges to the Australian egg industry

NSW and the ACT have 33% of the national layer flocks, whereas QLD, VIC, SA the NT, WA, and TAS account for 26%, 25%, 10%, 5%, and 1%, respectively (AECL, 2014).

The large geographic distribution of egg producers is reflected by highly diverse climatic challenges. The nationwide survey recently undertaken including 41 free-range layer farmers indicated that heat stress is considered a major cause of mortality (37%) (Ruhnke et al., 2015a). Overall, 45% free-range egg producers reported they do not have any environmental control in their layer housing systems.

Australian egg producers are generally exposed to extreme weather conditions. According to the results obtained from the free-range survey, 16% of respondents reported experiencing average temperatures of >40°C, 19% of respondents reported temperatures of 30-40°C, and 64 % of farmers frequently experience <0-10°C on the range (Singh et al., 2015). Furthermore, Australian farmers are frequently exposed to extreme droughts, heat waves, and bushfires.

The latest flooding was observed in March 2015 in the east coast area of NSW. This flooding resulted in a state-wide decline in egg production. While farmers and hens had to rely on autonomous power sources and helicopter feed delivery for days, significant bird losses including pullets occurred.

A more severe impact on national egg production was experienced in late 2013, when High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was detected in two laying farms in NSW.

Most likely introduced by wild birds and then spread by a feed delivery truck, the subsequent culling of hens and secondary effects on the egg market resulted in a nation-wide loss of production of 4%. Low Pathogen Avian Influenza (LPAI) detections and responses were noted frequently with around 80% of the outbreaks happening since 2007.

Additionally, there have been four AI incidents requiring national level responses since 2012. While two of those were LPAI detections affecting commercial duck farms, the other two were major HPAI outbreaks in commercial layer farms in November 2012 and October 2013. The fact, that the Avian Influenza was introduced into a free-range layer farm highlights the need for strict biosecurity barriers.

All poultry farms have to comply with the ‘National Farm Biosecurity Technical Manual for Egg production’ and should comply with the ‘Code

of Practice for Biosecurity in the Egg Industry’ (Grimes and Jackson, 2015; Scott, 2015). Furthermore, the national biosecurity strategy including poultry as one of the 14 sectoral strategies was initiated by Animal Health Australia, a peak industry body that oversees the national system of biosecurity and animal health-related matters.

The Avian Influenza generic surveillance procedure is under continuous review and includes detailed information about the monitoring and sampling procedures. Current research into the surveillance of Avian Influenza is conducted by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, the University of Sydney, Charles Sturt University, and several other research institutes.

However, despite the fact that feed and open water sources are important risk factors for the transmission of Avian Influenza, on-range feeding is a common feed strategy performed by up to 47.5% of free-range egg producers (figure 3, Feare, 2010; Ruhnke et al., 2015b). Feed and water on the range frequently attract wild birds and rodents, which are potential vectors for diseases. Recent data suggest the presence of endemic LPAI

Top: Feed on the range is one method to improve and maintain the body weight condition of the hens. However, the risk of attracting wild fowl and the introduction of exotic diseases such as Avian Influenza cannot be over emphasised. Left: Grass impaction can be observed frequently and may be one of the major causes for malnutrition and death. The picture shows the gizzard content of a hen with constant access to fresh pasture. The availability of edible fodder is warranted by several major accreditation organisations. (Photo courtesy of Bob Swick, UNE. )

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H5 and H7 in Australian wild birds, which have potential to be introduced to commercial poultry and mutate into HPAI (Grillo, 2015). With 72% of layer farmers reporting that >75% of the flock spend the majority of their time in the outdoors, contact to wild birds can be considered as a major biosecurity risk (Singh, 2015).

Grass impactionRange usage can also frequently

be associated with intestinal grass impaction (Ruhnke et al., 2015c). Fresh pasture cover and availability of fodder on the range is a requirement mentioned in most accreditation guidelines (FREPA, 2015; ACO, 2013; CSIRO, 2002).

For example, Australian Certified Organic stipulates that the range for organic certified hens shall include edible forage at all times (ACO, 2013). With the recent free-range survey indicating that 43% of free range farmers rotated the range usage, and 53% of free-range farmers used mobile caravan units, 74.4% of all farmers reported that they were able to maintain persistent vegetation and the range area was never stripped bare.

While this situation may be beneficial for reducing environmental

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impact and parasite burden, exposing hens which were genetically selected for intensive in-house cage production to a lush green pasture remains a challenge in many ways. For example, range usage lowered laying performance and increased mortality compared to layers housed in cages (Glatz et al., 2005).

The quality and amount of pasture intake may vary significantly among individual birds due to flock behavior and range design (Hegelund et al., 2005; Walker and Gordon, 2003).

On some occasions, the curiosity of the hens in combination with the ability of feed selection may result in overconsumption of pasture.

In fact, some birds are severely affected in their expected formulated feed intake (Ruhnke et al, 2015c). The nutritional value of pasture is minor. Research has shown that birds given access to pasture may, in part, compensate for small deficiencies in methionine through pasture access (Moritz et al., 2005).

However, the predominant polymer of grass is cellulose, which contributes 48% to the total crude fibre fraction (Bach-Knudsen, 1997). Chickens have a very limited ability to access fibre as a nutrient source (Choct et al., 1996; Walker & Gordon, 2003). Depending on the vegetation status of the grass, the non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) content varies between 37-43% and laying hens do not produce endogenous enzymes that can degrade NSPs (Bach-Knutsen, 1997).

Constant access to pasture can result in excessive fodder intake, reducing the intake of a balanced feed, leading to undernourishment in energy and essential nutrients such as amino acids (Ruhnke et al., 2015c). Consequently malnutrition occurs, resulting in a severe loss of body condition. In sub-clinical cases, affected birds exhibit reduced performance and in severe cases, death.

A recent free-range survey undertaken in Australia indicated that grass impaction is considered to be a mortality concern on up to 21% of farms surveyed (Ruhnke et al., 2015a, Singh et al., 2015). Nutrient requirements of a standard brown laying hen focus on 100-120 g feed intake/hen/day. Those estimations do not take into account extra energy required for free-range birds due to temperature maintenance and additional physical

activities. Furthermore, examining crop

contents of dead birds that were severely affected by grass impaction led to an estimated grass consumption of up to 60 g grass/day (original substance) (Ruhnke et al., 2015c). Others have estimated that the average forage consumption of free-range birds is about 30-40 g dry matter/hen/day, which severely affected the intake of commercially formulated feed, but did not affect productivity (Singh and Cowieson, 2013).

In order to minimise the intake of excessive fibre materials such as long grass, range management such as mowing or grazing with cattle or sheep should be considered. Anecdotal evidence provided by farmers suggests that the application of organic acids, such as apple cider vinegar in the drinking water may be of benefit (Ruhnke et al., 2015c). Research investigating several solutions in order to overcome the challenges associated with excessive fibre intake and grass impaction is currently being conducted by the University of Sydney and the University of New England, Australia.

Nutritional managementDespite the fact that grass intake

can interfere with the consumption of a well-balanced diet, the individual hen faces further nutritional challenges based on individual ranging behaviour. Free-range laying hens spend up to 75% of their day in the outdoors (Keeling et al., 1988).

In commercial flocks, the range may be used by 5-95% of the hens (Bubier and Bradshaw, 1998; Hegelund et al., 2005; Hinch and Lee, 2014). A previous study revealed that, when housed in fixed sheds, up to 10% of layers never leave the hen house, while others spend a variable time on the range (Hinch and Lee, 2014). Hence, the freedom of choice results in the development of several sub-populations within one flock. Hens on the range spend not only less time close to their feeders and are less likely to obtain enough formulated feed to satisfy their nutrient requirements; they will also incur higher energy loss due to increased physical activity and maintenance of their body temperature.

The urgent need for alternative feeding strategies is reflected by the wide application of highly diverse

feeding approaches in practice. Details of results obtained from the free-range survey mentioned earlier regarding the feed source and the feeding strategy are presented in tables 1, 2, and 3 (Ruhnke et al., 2015b, Singh et al., 2015). Additional feed supplements included shell grit (43%), limestone (40%), hay (29%), silage (9%), and others, including vegetables, pasture, insects, and harvested grass (37%) (Ruhnke et al., 2015b, Singh et al., 2015). Hens were fed ad libitum in 78% of cases.

The fact that 50% of Australian free-range farmers offer feed on the range and contribute to the risk of the biosecurity status of this industry was already mentioned above. However, current feed recommendations do not always meet the nutrient requirements for the majority of free-range hens. One standard formulation or feeding system ignores not only the different needs of individual hens, but results in an economic waste of feed material.

With feed costs contributing more than 50% of the variable costs of free-range egg production, new approaches of feeding management are highly relevant. The current inadequate feeding practice may also contribute to the lower performance and higher mortality seen on free-range farms (Glatz et al., 2005). Investigating nutritional solutions for management of free-range laying hens is a priority of the Poultry Cooperative Research Centre, and the Australian Egg Corporation Ltd, who currently fund research in this area.

ParasitismThe freedom of movement and

expression of natural behaviour increase the risk of infection with several parasites, as hens are in contact with excreta allowing intestinal parasites to complete their lifecycle. Consequently the biosecurity in these production systems seems to be fairly poor. However, loose husbandry facilities such as free-range facilities are considered the housing system of the future in Australia and other developed countries. Consequently it is the responsibility of the industry to investigate the impacts, effects and constraints of free-range production systems in order to support the management of these alternative production systems. While mobile sheds are frequently used, rotational

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Table 1: Feed sources for free-range laying hens (%),n=40 (Ruhnke at al.,2015b)

Table 2: The type of feeding used for Australian free-range laying hens (%),n=40 (Ruhnke at al.,2015b)

Milling facilityOwn productionMilling facility and own productionOther (national feed company)

Complete diet

Choice feeding

Combined feeding

62.522.55.0

10.0

80.0

7.5

12.5

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ranges are commonly implemented, and low stocking densities with up to 350 hens/ha can be observed, the prevalence for parasite burden may be low. However, the last investigation about the prevalence of intestinal parasites in the Australian poultry was conducted in 1942 (Broadbent, 1942). When questioning free-range egg producers in Australia about their parasite monitoring and control, 58.6% of farmers noticed external and/or internal parasites in their flock (Singh et al., 2015).

However, subsequent investigations revealed that many farmers never or rarely checked for parasite infestation. The survey also revealed that 20% of farmers are unsatisfied or completely unsatisfied with the options available for preventing and treating parasites. Survey responses also revealed that some of the parasite control information available to free-range producers is speculative, subjective and incomplete. Excreta sampling on farms provided evidence that Ascaris galli may be the most prevalent parasitic infection in the Australian free-range egg industry, which is in general agreement with findings in free-range enterprises in other countries (Jansson et al., 2010; Kaufmann, 2011; Sherwin et al., 2013; Yazwinski et al., 2013).

Parasitic infections in livestock are costly, due to expenses for medical treatment, secondary infections and other direct or indirect losses caused by reduced performance and/or death of the hen. The direct impact of parasites such as Ascaris galli on the economy of the Australian egg production remains unknown. While the total eradication of parasites in a free-range environment is unfeasible, the threshold to which level such parasites can be accepted has not been determined to date.

Since only efficient monitoring of the parasite load enables farmers and farm managers to control the parasite infections, there is a need for developing accurate and practical test measurements. Research in this area is currently performed by CSIRO in collaboration with the University of New England. The applied approach aims to provide free range producers with tools that will allow for effective parasite monitoring, aimed at increased compliance and reducing the likelihood

of therapeutic drug resistance. Chemicals, anthelmintics and pesticides are registered in Australia for the control of internal or external parasites in birds.

Currently, only levamisole is registered for use to control nematode parasite in commercial layer flocks in Australia.

Other medication such as piperazine is registered for some other classes of poultry such as young birds and breeder flocks. Drug resistance of anthelmintics is widespread in many regions of the world. In Australia, resistance will likely evolve against the only registered layer product (levamisole) if its use is widespread and poorly controlled. Currently, there is no scientific data available about the prevalence or parasites and the use of anthelmintics, as well as the drug resistance.

Major causes of mortality and cannibalism

Free range laying farmers attributed their losses to a wide variety of causes (table 4) (Ruhnke et al., 2015a). Maremma dogs and Alpacas are frequently placed with the flock in order to protect the hens from predators (figure 5). Usually, a couple of guard animals are introduced to the flock early on, and accompany them for the rest of their life. When asked why they have switched to free-range egg production, the following reasons were given: bird welfare reasons (64%), consumer demand (60%) and to produce a better quality product (53%) (Singh et al., 2015: Ruhnke et al., 2015a).

The focus on hen welfare is reflected in concern about feather pecking and cannibalism and the wide variety of hen treatment in respect to beak trimming. Plumage scoring obtained on 15 free-range farms revealed that the majority of birds are affected by severe feather pecking and/or cannibalism (Singh et al., 2015). This observation supports research conducted in 2008, where cannibalism and vent pecking were major causes of mortality in all Australian states (Nagle et al., 2008).

Based on information from the recent free-range survey, 50% of the free range farms did not beak-trim their hens (Singh et al., 2015). Both the Model Code of Practice and the FREPA standards support minimal beak trimming by competent persons

qualified under the national competency standards (CSIRO, 2011; FREPA, 2015). Therefore, the practice of infrared trimming at day one and additional hot blade trimming later in life is common in Australian laying hens and it is not expected to be regulated in the near future.

An increased activity of animal welfare groups is expected but their impact on regulations is unknown. However, organisations such as the Australian Certified Organic do not allow for beak-trimming, nor do they permit routine vaccination (ACO, 2013). Therefore, research of practical innovations to reduce the occurrence of aggression, severe feather pecking, and cannibalism in free-range laying hens is warranted.

Currently, scientific evidence to establish best practice in free-range systems, including the use of pecking stones, range cover, and stocking density that may optimise welfare conditions is under investigation.

Summary and conclusionsFree-range egg production pushed

by the supermarkets is reshaping the Australian egg industry. While the country is characterised by its deregulated industry standards, a broad variety of housing systems and management actions exist. Some of the key characteristics include family operated farms, the use of mobile sheds and farming focus on a low environmental impact by maintenance of pasture cover on the range.

A nation-wide survey identified key characteristics, current challenges and research priorities, such as biosecurity, malnutrition, parasitism, severe feather pecking and cannibalism. Applied research is highly warranted and currently conducted by intensive collaboration of various research organisations and interdisciplinary research teams. Improving the health and welfare of free-range laying hens, reflected by optimised egg production, is of highest priority to the Australian egg industry. The author thanks AECL, Bede Burke, NSW Farmers Association, Mingan Choct, Poultry CRC. References available on request. *Dr Isabelle Ruhnke is a researcher at UNE. Article courtesy of Lohmann Information.

Table 3: The structure of feed offered to Australian free-range laying hens (%),n=40 (Ruhnke at al.,2015b)MashPelletCombined feedingCoarse groundFine ground

30.027.525.017.515.0

Table 4: Causes for mortality in free-range egg enterprises (%),n=30 (Ruhnke at al.,2015b). PredatorsHeat stressCannibalismDiseasesGrass impactionMalnutrition

42.037.037.021.021.05.0

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NEWS

By ALEX BEDWELL

BEC and ICC Brazil launch Hilyses in Australia

On October 10 in Brisbane, BEC Feed Solutions and ICC Brazil launched a new feed additive into the Australian market.

The product, Hilyses, has been used successfully in overseas markets for a number of years, and its introduction into Australia will bring several benefits to the poultry industry in terms of enhanced immune system, intestinal integrity, decreased mortality and improved feed efficiency, according to BEC Animal Health, Innovation and Research Manager Dr David Isaac.

“Hilyses is a complete yeast product,” he said. “It is obtained from Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast fermentation originating from ethanol production in Brazil.

“Hilyses contains free nucleotides and nucleosides as well as short chain peptides, beta glucans and MOS,” Dr Isaac said.

“The main difference point between Hilyses and other yeast products available in the market is the hydrolysis of the DNA & RNA of the cell, which results in free nucleotides and nucleosides the bio-available form of the building blocks for cell proliferation.

“The autolysis and hydrolysis process will favour the breakdown of yeast components but still all of them will be in a highly bioavailable form in one single additive.”

“The product contains an important percentage of free nucleotides as well as a highly digestible protein and is rich with yeast components that assist in immune system modulation such as beta glucan 1,3-1,6 and MOS.”

“It is a unique solution when we think about yeast benefits in animal nutrition. We do not necessarily need to isolate yeast components for their functionality and a highly bioavailable product will bring also an important economic gain while also considering partial replacement of protein sources, toxin and pathogen binders by Hilyses,” said Dr Melina Bonato, R&D Coordinator from ICC Brazil.

“Australian broiler and broiler breeder diets tend to be quite low in nucleotides and it is almost mandatory to provide some yeast in the diet,” she said.

A number of trials have been done with Hilysis in the broiler and broiler

breeder industry. Starting in 2008, a study titled ‘Hilysis supplementation to broiler diets and its effect on performance and intestinal integrity’ was carried out at the Department of Poultry Science in Mississippi State University. The conclusion of this study showed that Hilysis supplementation to broiler diets during the pre-initial (pre-starter) phase improves intestinal integrity, performance and breast yield.

In 2010, The Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Sao Paulo carried out two trials titled ‘Effects of dietary Lysine and/or nucleotide source on broiler performance’ and ‘Effects of dietary Lysine and/or nucleotide source combined with yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) cell wall supplementation on broiler performance’.

The conclusion was that the addition of 0.11% extra lysine to pre-starter diets did not improve bird performance, but the supplementation of Hilysis, with or without AGP, was able to significantly improve broiler body weight gain and feed conversion ratio during the first 10 days.

Also the supplementation of Hilysis then immunowall, with or without AGP, was able to significantly improve body weight gains and feed conversions of broilers at 42 days.

In 2010, the University of Sao Paulo carried out a trial titled ‘Ecogenous enzymes, nucleotide source, and/or yeast cell wall in broiler diets’ and concluded that the the use of dietary exogenous enzymes in combination with Hilysis and immunowall provided improvements in body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of 42 days.

In 2011the university carried out two further trials, ‘Nucleotide supplementation to the diet of broiler breeders and subsequent effects on progeny performance’ and ‘Nucleotide supplementation to the diet of broiler breeders and effects on watchability of eggs’.

The conclusion was that the progeny of the breeders supplemented with Hilysis had an improvement in body weight gain and feed conversion ratio even though chicks received no Hilysis supplementation.

In the second trial the conclusion was that the supplementation of Hilysis in broiler breeder diets resulted in four extra chicks per breeder from 25 to 45 weeks of age (100 days).

In similar trials held in 2013, the

Top: Dr David Isaac from BEC Feed Solutions. Above: Dr Melina Bonata from ICC Brazil.

university concluded that the progeny of the breeders supplementation with Hilysis had improvements in body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The chicks from unsupplemented breeders and fed with ICC nutrition program showed best BWG and FCR performance when compared to the unsupplemented control group.

In the second trial the conclusion was that the supplementation of Hilysis to broiler breeder diets resulted in eight extra chicks per breeder from 25 weeks to 45 weeks of age (100 days).

Trials have now started in Australia and Professor Paul Iji, School of Environmental & Rural Science at UNE is enthusiastic about the trials and interested in finding out how the product will behave in Australian diets.

For more information about the product contact BEC Feed Solutions, phone (07) 3723 9855 or visit the website at ww.becfeedsolutions.com.au

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NEWS

Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition 2015The ‘Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition in Australia’ conference was held at the University of New England, Armidale NSW during October 2015.

The focus for this event was ‘Early Life Nutrition for Long Term Animal Productivity’. The conference covered ruminants as well as monogastric livestock and is the only academic event of its type held in Australia.

A surprising number of issues are common to all livestock production and for the many commercial attendees and speakers, RAAN offers a unique opportunity to communicate with just about all of their customer base.

The broad nature of RAAN delivers a wider gene pool in both the lecture theatre and at the social gatherings – it has a well deserved reputation for the delivery of relevant and often novel science and the 2015 event certainly maintained that track record.

Dr Bob Swick, Chair of the organizing committee and Dr Roger Hegarty Co-Chair, gave the opening welcome address.

Dr Phil Hynd from Adelaide University was the first speaker of specific relevance to the poultry industry with his paper ‘Developmental programming: a new frontier for the poultry industry’.

If anyone had any doubts as to the significance of Phil’s topic the first slide dispelled any doubt.

Programming potential of maternal lines in poultry demonstrated that over a 3 to 4 year breeding cycle a single female could affect the production of 5400 tonnes of chicken meat!

“The maternal environment has a vital role in poultry production: broiler chicks spend almost half their life in ovo under the influence of the maternal environment (yolk and albumen factors).

“Maternal effects on cardiac, metabolic and immunity health issues and critical maternal effects on behavior such as aggression, cannibalism, resilience and stress responses – all of interest to free range operations,” Phil explained.

In concluding his paper Phil mentioned the “significant effects of the maternal environment on progeny growth, immune function and organ development.

“Developmental programming represents a new frontier for the poultry industry given the huge multiplier influence of hens, importance of innate

immunity in short lived animals, the importance of behavior on welfare, and the large economic impacts of small changes in FCR.

“Small adjustments to the in ovo environment (nutritional, hormonal,osmalarity, temperature) can have large beneficial effects,” he concluded.

Reza Barekatain, a well known post grad at UNE and now working with SARDI at the Roseworthy Campus of Adelaide University, spoke about the ‘Composition of more specialised pre-starter and starter diets for young broiler chickens’.

“The concept of feeding broilers a more specialised pre-starter diet is gaining interest for the first 10-14 days of age as this now accounts for more than 20% of the time for grow-out,” Reza said.

He spoke about the importance of early access to feed. “The sooner the gastrointestinal tract achieves functional capacity, the more quickly the chick can utilise dietary nutrients efficiently, thus achieving genetic growth potential.

“At day 7, some 80% of feed is used for growth and only 20% used for maintenance, while the opposite is observed at day 49 of age,” he said.

The results of feeding spray dried plasma protein from 0 to 10 days in broilers in both corn and wheat based diets was discussed.

In concluding he said “preconditioning the birds to digest nutrients was important, and the effectiveness of specialised diets may substantially vary depending on dietary composition,” Reza stated.

“Highly digestible ingredients should be included in specialised pre-starter diets, and nutrition of amino acids is shown to have a profound effect on broiler performance with possible carryover effects remaining until market age.

“The main focus of future research for nutrient requirement of chicks in early age should be on amino acids,” Reza suggested.

“With an increasing demand for the removal of antibiotic growth promoters from all broiler feeds, focus on formulations to ensure sustainable growth at start will gain in importance,” he added.

Dr Alex Chang from the Aviagen Nutrition Team is a well known poultry industry identity.

His presented a paper, ‘Can feeding the broiler breeders improve chick quality and offspring performance?’

The outline of his talk was broiler genetic improvement, importance of chick quality, how hen nutrition impacts chick quality; the influence of various nutrients in hen diets on chick quality and offspring performance.

Dr Chang talked about trace minerals and in particular the effects on progeny of zinc and manganese.

On the subject of ‘vitamins in the egg’, though most of the vitamins

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1. Dr Phil Hynd, Adelaide University. 2. Reza Barekatain, Roseworthy Campus, Adelaide University. 3. Dr Alex Chang, Aviagen Nutrition.

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are concentrated in the yolk, “some components are more concentrated in the albumen (vitamin B1,B2,B6, Niacin and Biotin),” he said.

“The egg is sensitive to the effects of vitamin changes in the hen diet: vitamins A, D, E and some complex B vitamins and that they can be increased through dietary changes.

“The embryo is particularly sensitive to vitamin deficiencies (Leeson & Summers, 2001) possibly causing death, deformities and other atypical responses.

“On maternal dietary issues vitamins have a significant effect on fertility and embryo viability.

“There are some indications vitamins A, and E in hen diets can increase antibody levels in chicks (Surai et al.)

“Vitamin E has the largest impact on progency– a significant carry over of Vit E in chicks from hens (DeBeer 2010).

In concluding Dr Chang stated that “broiler breeder nutrition affects not only breeder performance, but also chick quality and offspring performance.

“Undersupply of nutrients into and through lay has a very significant impact on breeder production and progeny performance.

“Protein, energy, fatty acid source, vitamins and minerals, pigments and certain additives can play an important role on chick quality and offspring performance,” he said.

“The impact of breeder nutrition on progeny performance in the field is likely to be greater under conditions of poor breeder flock uniformity, low vitamin and trace mineral contents, or certain kinds of stress in the broiler shed.

“Broiler performance can be economically improved by optimising breeder nutrition,” Dr Chang concluded.

Kate Jacques from Alltech’s Center for Nutrigenomics and Applied Animal Nutrition in the USA spoke about ‘Understanding early-life nutritional programming using nutrigenomics’.

“Nutrigenomics is the study of how nutrients impact the genome.

“Nutrigenomics has evolved into a systems biology approach fir studying the impact of nutrition on gene transcription, protein abundance and tissue metabolites,” Ms Jacques said.

In animal production, nutrigenomics technology can be used to help better understand fetal and early life programming and how they relate to productivity. Research has begun to investigate how changes in the maternal diet can affect the fetal genome and

how these changes affect growth throughout the life of offspring.

“”Evidence is also growing that indicates early life nutrition can have long-lasting effects on an animal’s development.

“Though both fetal programming and early life programming, nutrigenomics has been used to better understand nutrient triggered biomollecular changes and how these changes relate to animal growth health and production.

“The potential of epigenetic imprinting and nutritional conditioning is critical to disease resistance, enteric ecosystems, nutrient utilisation, performance efficiency, meat yield and quality, reproductive efficiency and animal behavior,” Ms Jacques said.

Professor Mamduh Sifri from ADM, Animal Nutrition, USA raised the vexed subject of ‘The World without in-feed antibiotics and the scientific process for alternatives’.

“Why should we be discussing this subject?”, was the question posed by Prof Sifri.

“Because it has a profound impact on early nutrition,” he said.

“To have a world without in-feed antibiotics, it requires using the scientific process to assure that an alternative is efficacious and supports the desired economic performance,” Prof Sifri said.

“A successful alternative might not be one product that addresses one aspect of what the antibiotic does.

“”Consequently it might require a multitude of products or one product that can replace many of the effects that an antibody can exert.

“Regardless of what measures are used, it is critical that animal performance is always measured to assure that an economic assessment is made and validated,” he said.

“This long scientific process culminated in the development of a commercial product now known as CitriStim,” he said.

The social aspect of RAAN is always a key component on the overall conference experience.

At the welcome barbecue on the first night, Alltech’s Adam Naylor supplied the drinks which included Kentucky Ale and some less alcoholic additions to the Alltech brewing range.

The official conference dinner the guest speaker was Peter Brown (Australian National University) whose interesting revelation entitled ‘Hobbit Nutrition’ concerned the diets and habits of a sub-species of modern

NEWS

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1. Kate Jacques from Alltech. 2. Prof Mamduh Sifri from ADM Animal Nutrition. 3. Adam Naylor from Alltech supplied the Kentucky Ale. 4. Prof Wayne Brydon, University of Queensland.

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Farm Premium XLMunters’ Farm Premium XL and Premium P XL Climate Controllers are modular systems designed for operations requiring a large number of relays, providing a plug-and-play solution for growers wanting to invest minimum time in programming the controller. Alternatively, growers wanting to configure the controller to fit exactly their particular installation can set every detail.

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NEWShumans whose remains, artefacts and dietery detrious were found on the remote island of Flores (Indonesia) not long ago.

The find spurred a blizzard of publicity in both scientific and popular media.

On the final day of RAAN there was a paper that reminded delegates of effective additives that had slipped from common use.

Hubert Regtop is a co-director of Agricure, a private R&D company specialising in optimising nutrition for rapidly growing animals.

In introducing his paper, ‘Vitamin K, the forgotten vitamin’, he explained that in 1929 Henrick Dam was conducting studies of chickens fed a a fat free diet and he observed that some birds developed hemorrhages on the skin, muscle and other tissues and that blood taken for lab examination showed delayed coagulation.

“Results of studies into the application of Vitamin K demonstrated that egg production and hatchability were improved.

“Further trials will be conducted by Agricure and Professor Wayne Bryden’s team at the University of Queensland and with Professor Fariba Deghani at the University of Sydney.

The next speaker, Dr Carrie Walk, joined AB Vista in July 2010 as Research Manager.

Her topic was ‘The influence of calcium on phytase efficacy in non-ruminant animals’.

Her role includes developing, managing and implementing research trials utilising various AB Vista products.

“High dietary Ca can negatively influence growth performanve and reduce P, Protein and amino acid digestibility in broilers and pigs,” Dr Walk said.

“In addition, high dietary Ca will precipitate with phytate at pH conditions within the small intestine.

“Details of our research aim to highlight factors influencing the effect of Ca on phytase efficacy, encompassing the difference between Ca sources and their affinity for phytate, and finally how these factors influence the Ca to P ratio and thus phytase efficacy,” Dr Walk concluded.

A lively panel debate followed which revealed apart from other things that there is plenty to do in the field of ‘early life nutrition’. As one speaker put it, “there are a few Phds out there!”

The Vice Chancellor UNE Prof Annabelle Duncan made the concluding statements at the last session.

1. Dr Carrie Walk, AB Vista. 2. Vice Chancellor of UNE, Prof Annabelle Duncan.3. Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce with the speakers at this year’s event.

“We are proud of the university’s interaction with industry and UNE has a good track record of transference of research conducted by our students and staff,” Prof Duncan said.

“The last thing we want to be in an ‘ivory tower’ remote from the realities and needs of the students and industries who need our help and who can help us in return.

“The university is going through a significant growth phase involving a $27 million investment to build 17 specialist laboratories and facilities to keep us at the forefront of research involving key aspects of agricultural science.

She then introduced the Minister for Agriculture the Hon. Barnaby Joyce to deliver the event’s closing address.

“I was born in Tamworth and graduated from UNE in 1990,” the Minister, whose parliamentary seat is New England, revealed.

On the future of agriculture in

Australia and in particular New England, the Minister stated that “we are in the right place at he right time”.

“There are many regions in Australia including around the New England region, where the country is too poor to raise crops but is ideal to rear livestock of all species.

“The kind of work conducted at this university plays a vital role in fulfilling the global protein supply task that is before us,” he concluded.

The Minister then spent time with students and researchers who attended RAAN and showed keen interest in their studies and views.

RAAN has established a consistent record of delivering both good science and a good time and the 2015 event was no exception.

The event is a credit to the team that organised it – Bob Swick , Roger Hegarty and Florian Ruhnke to name but a few who contributed their efforts.

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Highly effective againstAvian Influenza including H7

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NEWSAVPA holds conference at Queenstown, NZThe Australian Veterinary Poultry Association (AVPA) held its conference in Queenstown in New Zealand from October 11 to 14, 2015.

Many of the speakers and other attendees were from new Zealand agencies and the fact that New Zealand is a major agri economy results in the fact that there is perhaps more focus on disease risk and livestock based human health issues than there is currently in Australia.

The opening keynote speaker, Dr Doug Powell, a food safety blogger (powellfoodsafety.com: barflog.com) resides in Brisbane.

“Campylobacter in New Zealand, Salmonella in dishes containing raw-egg in Australia and both in the UK – there is no shortage of poultry-related food safety outbreaks and issues,” he said.

“If poultry producers and veterinarians want to embrace evidence based solutions, they need to promote evidence based solutions.

“Much of microbial food safety is a matter of ‘pay attention’- especially to the checks that are supposed to reduce risk,” Dr Powell said.

“In 2009, the operator of a Japanese yakiniku barbeque restaurant chain was linked to four deaths and 70 illness incidents from E. Coli 0111 in raw beef. The company admitted that it had not tested the raw meat served at its outlets for bacteria as required by Japan’s Health Ministry.

“We’d never had a positive result from a bacteria test, not once, so we assumed our meat would always be bacteria free,” the company responsible for the outbreak stated.

“Many who study engineering failures say he same thing. The BP oil well in the Gulf of Mexico, the space shuttle Challenger, the Bhopal disaster in India. All the companies say the same thing: human behavior can mess things up.

“The attitude that seems to prevail is ‘Things didn’t go bad yesterday, so the chances are, things won’t go bad today’. And so those in charge begin to ignore the safety systems.

“Food producers should truthfully market their microbial safety programs, coupled with behavior based food safety systems that foster a positive food safety culture from farm to fork.

“The best producers will go far beyond the lowest common

denominator of government and should be rewarded in the marketplace.

“They should pay attention ,” Dr Powell concluded.

This opening paper really defined the direction of the rest of the conference – food safety and related issues such as antibiotic use and potential government reaction to these issues.

Poultry Digest has been attending

1. Dr Susan Bibby, President of the AVPA. 2. Dr Doug Powell, food safety blogger and consultant. 3. The old steamer the SS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu. 4. Michael Leahy from Aviagen chats to Louise Sneddon from 4PR.

4

various symposia and seminars both in Australia and New Zealand and overseas, on the commercial poultry industry for more than 15 years.

The consistent theme seems to be how to increase production and lower cost and then a few years ago the direction changed to how to keep consumers, retailers and various social action groups happy with our livestock rearing methods.

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®

Aviagen Management Essentials De Wet Nortje

Service Manager, Aviagen Australia, New Zealand and Asia

De Wet has 23 years of experience in the poultry industry with a large integrated company in South Africa, before joining Aviagen ANZ in 2012.

“The modern broiler requires optimum feed intake in order to support efficient growth. Feed form has an impact on feed intake, FCR and profit opportunities”.

Optimizing Feed Form for Improved Broiler PerformanceObjective

To optimize feed consumption and broiler growth rate:

Key Points

1. Use good quality crumbled and pelleted feed.2. Good quality crumbled and pelleted feeds are preferred to mash.3. Broiler growth and feed conversion ratio (FCR) will improve with crumbled starter feed or mini pellets and grower/finisher feed pellets. Depending on pellet size, it may be necessary to deliver the first delivery of grower feed as crumbs or mini pellets.4. Poor FCR represents waste and economic impact to the broiler farmer. Any reduction in broiler feed intake, growth or health will affect FCR.

Table 1: Form of feed by age in broilers

Age Feed Form and Size

0-10 days Sieved crumbs or mini-pellets

11-24 days 2-3.5 mm (0.08-0.125 in) diameter pellets or coarse mash

25 days to processing 3.5 mm (0.125 in) diameter pellets or coarse mash

5. The most significant factors affecting pellet quality are feed formulation, feed conditioning and grinding. Poor pellet durability results in fines which effect feed intake.6. Feed form may improve by manipulating feed formulations and optimizing feed manufacturing.7. Detailed management and maintenance of conditioners and pelletizers can improve durability.8. During transportation and feed line auguring, segregation of feed constituents can occur, particularly if quality is poor. Fine particles can build up in the feeder.9. Turn feeders off for a short period each day to allow birds to empty feeders, reducing feed wastage and maintaing feed quality.10. For mash feeds, particles should be sufficiently coarse and uniform.

Table 2: Typical particle size distribution for mash feeds.

Particles Coarse Mash

>3 mm 25%

2-3 mm 25%

1-2 mm 25%

< 1 mm 25%

11. Mash feed benefits from the inclusion of fats to reduce dustiness and improve homogeneity of feed components.12. ‘Manual shaker sieves’ can be used for assessment of feed particle sizes. Fine particles (<1 mm) in a mash feed should be below 25% of the feed.13. Assessing pellet quality at the mill and farm helps ensure improvements are maintained.

1. Feed Shaker Sieve 2. Feed Forms

Free range organic and antibiotic free seem to be more about marketing rather than the critical aspects of providing safe and affordable protein.

Now while pressure mounts to remove vital antibiotics out of our intensive livestock industries, little is said about inappropriate human AB use where Australia and New Zealand are amongst the world’s major over users of ABS.

At the AVPA conference food safety and achievable poultry production was the focus and some handy solutions offered so the industry can stay in business without harming the consumers who really need to be carefull in what they wish for.

Apart from good science, attendees enjoyed the delights of Queenstown which must offer some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet.

A trip on the old steamer SS Earnslaw to a sheep station on the shore of Lake Wakatipu for a great dinner was a highlight of the whole event.

A lot of highly significant material was delivered at this event and while much of that information applies to New Zealand, its not hard to predict that Australia could be in a similar position on government regulation and food safety issues.

So we have decided to cover some of these papers in more depth than would be the usual practice and as that takes up more space than is available in the magazine we have published on our website:- go to www.primarymedia and see the link to the rest of he story.

NEWS

Roxell has developed an LED light for the control unit in the broiler feeding systems.

“The LED light for the control unit optimises the fast and frequent delivery of fresh feed, leading to superior hygiene and outstanding feed conversion rates,” said Ben Dehaeck, Product Manager Broilers of Roxell.

“This light is positioned inside the control unit which ensures an optimal light dispersion inside the feeding pan.

“The kit fits on the broiler feeders: CoMeo, the standard HaiKoo and the HaiKoo for heavy broilers, both for intermediate and end control units.

“This innovative development is a practical solution for broiler houses. The control unit is always positioned at the end of the house, with an unfavorable climate (less lighting, less ventilation). The LED light in the control pan is an efficient way to attract the birds and to guarantee a completely filled feeding line and feeding pans.

“In this way poultry farmers can optimise their results.”

LED light for broiler house control unit

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NEWS

Michael Leahy joins Aviagen Australia and New Zealand as Managing Director and started with the company earlier in 2015.

He is a graduate in rural science from the University of New England and has more than 20 years experience in the poultry industry across a range of responsibilities including farm management, state livestock manager, sales management, national livestock director and a period in cooked food processing.

Michael commenced his career with Steggles Foods, an emerging poultry company in 1979 at a time of rapid growth and consolidation in the Australian poultry industry.

By 1986 Michael became the Livestock Manager in New South Wales and soon after gained responsibility merging the acquisition of Table Talk poultry farming assets and employees into the Steggles’ team.

At the same time Michael gained exposure to several international poultry companies including a notable visit to Ross Breeders in Edinburg, Scotland.

Later in a national role of Livestock Director he became involved and helped commission the development and start up of the Singleton Quarantine Station dedicated to the importation of poultry breeding stock for the Australian industry.

Michael then spent several years away from the poultry industry before joining Baiada Poultry, one of the leading poultry integrators in Australia as National Livestock Operations Manager. Following the purchase of Bartter Enterprises in 2009 he became responsible for pulling the two livestock businesses together while optimising cost and performance.

Upon joining Aviagen, Michael quickly became part of the international business team and is based in the Aviagen ANZ corporate office at Goulburn in Australia.

He has a history of a results and growth driven leadership and will provide a strong focus on quality, cost, efficiency, meeting targets, developing people and achieving customer satisfaction in his new role directing the ANZ team.

His familiarity with Ross broilers and parent stock in Australia will help his

Michael Leahy appointed Managing Directorof Aviagen Australia and New Zealand

early introduction and progress within the company.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity here at Aviagen and see the need to continue to strengthen the business as we move operations from older to better, more modern facilities for production.

Investment is continuing with a new hatchery under construction and scheduled for the early part of 2016. Additional team members are planned as we increase customer contact and support in the future. We have a long term commitment of being a growing part of the industry we serve in Australia,” said Michael.

“We welcome Michael to Aviagen ANZ and look forward to his experience to help us utilise the new and existing facilities

The World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA), together with Zoetis, has announced the winner of the WVPA Young Veterinarian of the Year 2015 as Dr Maximillian Sim Kwang Hui, Commercial and Technical Consultant, South East Asia, Amlan International. The award was presented at the Global Congress in Cape Town.

Dr Sim was chosen by an independent panel of poultry experts who selected him for his outstanding contribution to poultry health in South East Asia, and in particular his passion for incorporating natural feed additives with conventional drug therapies. He will receive a USD$5,000 contribution towards attending international scientific or professional development meetings.

Nigel Horrox, President of the WVPA said the association received a high standard of nominations from all around the world – reflecting the nature of the global poultry industry.

“It is pleasing to see that during the last four years the four award winners have come from four different continents. In Maximillian we have an outstanding individual who is a credit to our profession and to Malaysia.”

and build a team to fully serve the local poultry industries,” commented Bob Dobbie, President Aviagen International.

Young Poultry Veterinerian of 2015 announced

Dr Sim works for a US-based animal health company, liaising with the top 10 poultry producers in South East Asia to offer effective, natural, gut health solutions, as well as effective control to various mycotoxicosis. He also believes in the importance of education and travels within South East Asia to work with local veterinarians, broiler and layer producer associations, and visits poultry farmers in rural areas to conduct seminars in disease prevention and farm management.

A volunteer within the Veterinary Association of Malaysia, Dr Sim also assists in establishing guidelines and documentation for professional development programs.

“I’m honoured and humbled to receive this award and be recognised by my colleagues in the industry.

Zoetis Poultry Marketing Director Erik Uyttebroek said Dr Sim has demonstrated a passion for the poultry industry through his work promoting holistic gut health.

“At Zoetis we are dedicated to supporting young veterinarians such as Dr Sim, who demonstrate the highest level of care and work excellence.

35

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36

NEWSPoultry CRC Ideas Exchange 2015In opening the Poultry CRC’s Ideas Exchange conference for 2015, Poultry CRC CEO MIngan Chock spoke about the process of collaboration that has made previous ideas exchanges such a success.

He also spoke about the Poultry CRC coming to an end and what happens next.

“It has been decided that the University of New England (UNE) location is the most feasible option for transition to a national poultry research organisation and that will require support from industry as funding won’t be as high without government support and that is a key feature of a formal SRC structure,” he said.

The first session of the conference was titled ‘Utilisable Outcomes’ and was chaired by Dr David Tinworth.

Lloyd Thompson, Poultry CRC’s commercial Manager, spoke about the importance of communication and understanding the industry to actually solve the problems of today and then work with others to look at tomorrow’s possible problems.

On the topic of ‘The Big Picture’ Lloyd posed the question “Why is it so hard?”

“Only a tiny fraction of scientific outputs (1-3%) are commercialised but most are transferable as knowledge. Actually 97% of patents end up making no money at all,” he said.

“The ratio of R&D to D (ie development) is around 1:$100 – sometimes less or more,” he concluded.

Tim Doran from CSIRO spoke about embryo sexing and a new approach to welfare. The CSIRO is looking at the idea of introducing a more ethical approach to the culling of male chicks in the layer industry.

In 2017 France and Germany will be forced to grow out male chicks and this trend, if followed worldwide, would not be financially viable.

Tim Doran’s team have hit upon an elegant solution that, although involving gene manipulation with a male embryo to aid identification, does not involve the female and thus any eggs produced from the female line are truly GM free, which reduces potential consumer concerns – just brilliant science.

Mark Dunlop spoke about the possible benefits of litter reuse and if they are fully known yet. He also spoke about the problem of defining what wet litter exactly is, whether to use

descriptions such as caking and sticky or trying to put a quantifiable number on how wet it is like 20-40%.

“Another problem is how dry litter should be stored, as some diseases are more prevalent in dry litter and tail off as litter gets wetter,” Mark explained.

The second session was titled ‘Research Highlights’ and was chaired by Glenn Browning.

Some of the highlights of this session included Bob Swick’s talk on the use of canola seed and meal instead of soy bean meal (imported from the US) and discovering how much canola seed can be potentially put into chicken feed diets. The results found that this is a more cost effective solution but more testing is needed on feed intakes.

Another highlight was Dana Campbell’s talk on ‘Stocking density in free range layers’. She spoke about the importance of defining what free range is and the discrepancy between public perception and reality.

Isa Ruhnke spoke on nutrition of free range layers and her paper on the subject is covered in detail starting on page 10.

The final session was ‘Communication and Extension’ and was chaired by Dave Alden.

Some of the highlights included a talk by Vivien Kite who spoke about understanding industry issues and the utilisation of resources along with talking and listening to the right people.

Another highlight was Dr Kylie Hewson who spoke about

1

2

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1. The event provided a relaxed environment for discussion about all aspects of the poultry industry.2. Lloyd Thompson, Commercial Manager Poultry CRC. 3. Tim Doran from CSIRO talked about a new approach to embryo sexing.

37

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NEWS‘Communicating salmonella to the public’.

She raised the concern that the number of cases of salmonella in Queensland has tripled and that the incidents seem to be occurring in catered, restaurant and function food. Dr Hewson also blamed recent trends to ‘cook fancy’ from various cooking shows where people are experimenting with food and possibly not cooking it properly. She posed the idea of marketing food safety and make consumers better aware of the risks of salmonella.

As usual, the event provided a relaxed environment in which poultry producers, researchers, students, board members and CRC staff could spend a couple of days discussing research outcomes, industry happenings and new ideas.

Ideas Exchange is a unique event as it covers topics ranging from blue sky research to applied on-farm studies; from poultry health to nutrition; from environmental science to poultry welfare research; from industry communication to intellectual property management.

Such a forum is essential for researchers and industry to discuss ideas and seek solutions to industry problems that are becoming multi-dimensional and ever more complex.

Single discipline based conferences lack the cross fertilisation critical to connect the ‘long chain’ that makes up a live agricultural production system, such as the poultry industry.

As Dr Tamsyn Crowley, lecturer at Deakin University said “if poultry production is a house, then Ideas Exchange shows us the whole house, not just one window or the front door”.

In closing the proceedings Dr Mingan Choct said “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the speakers for taking the time and effort to prepare their talks and all the delegates for making Ideas Exchange a real success.

“This was our 11th Ideas Exchange and one simple observation this year sums up the power of events like this: the participants from more than 60 organisations did not sit in organisational silos as in the past, but sat at 10 round tables in a completely random fashion; no discipline or organisational alliances, just like they were from the same family.

“Exchanges were candid and frank, aiming to come up with ideas that will solve important issues facing the Australian poultry industry.

“This demonstrates a collaborative

network that is genuine, mature and effective.

“Such a network is of paramount importance for the sustainability of the poultry industry in Australia, as there is no single institute that has the full complement of expertise and facilities that can deal with the problems of tomorrow,” Dr Choct concluded.

Poultry Digest attended the ideas conference as a two generational team. An observation from the elder representative is that not only has the Poultry CRC achieved some spectacular milestones in product development and really practical ways to take the industry forward both with profit and safety (often hard to achieve), they have actually created a generation of scientists more than capable of taking over from the generation that has been involved in the spectacular growth of an industry that has gone from being Sunday lunch provider to Australia’s favourite protein source: egg consumption has rocketed.

This valuable resource must not be lost when the current CRC ends in 2017.

The new organisation based at UNE will need support from both industry and the work of individuals. There are challenges ahead and opportunities that will be lost unless we preserve a hard core of scientific expertise, be they gene jockeys, nutritionists or vets and just as important, those with the practical experience to keep the industry on track.

The best may be yet to come.

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1. Dana Campbell from UNE. 2. Poultry CRC Mingan Choct. 3. Bob Swick, Industry Professor of Poultry Nutrition, UNE. 4. Vivien Kite, Executive Director of Australian Chicken Meat Federation Inc.

39

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AMC/PIX 2016: New offer to attract growersRecently Poultry Digest spoke to Karen Redfern who is responsible for handling potential visitors, exhibitors and sponsors at International Conferences & Events (ICE), the Sydney based event managers for the AMC/PIX 2016 conferenc to be held May 29-31 2016.

“On the first day, Sunday 29, the AMC/PIX 2016 Trade Exhibition will be open from 12.00 to 5.00pm.

“This is an hour longer than the previous event and one-day attendees will be able to visit the trade exhibition for $100 which includes a meal served in the exhibition hall.

“That charge is a substantial reduction over the charge made for the 2012/14 events. The registration desk will be open from 9.00am on May 29 and it is recommended that visitors register as early as possible to avoid a long wait at midday when the trade hall opens,” Karen said.

Poultry Digest also caught up with PIX organising committee Vice President Dr Santiago Ramirez and Doug Bray from Darwallah who is looking after the AMC side of things for the combined AMC/PIX 2016 event.

“This event provides a unique opportunity to combine information transfer with the biggest display of state of the art poultry industry equipment and services in the Southern hemisphere,” said Mr Bray.

Given that the event is run on the famous Queensland Gold Coast there is plenty of opportunity for fun and socialising not to mention a dip in a still swimmable ocean (in May) at Mermaid Beach.

“The information available in the conference sessions will be highly relevant to all aspects of our industries,” Dr Ramirez said.

“That information will be more practical than purely scientific and will have a ‘farmer focus’. Any science components will be clearly understandable and at the 2016 event there will be a new generation of speakers delivering their message to changing generations of farmers.

“There will be different conference sessions for both the feed/milling industry and the poultry sector.

“The trade exhibition will be open at midday for single day entry on Sunday and at 10am on May 30 and 31.

On the Wednesday following AMC/PIX 2016 (June 1) there will be workshops relevant to broilers and

layers and an AVPA workshop that will be industry relevant,” Mr Ramirez said.

Details of the social program are yet to be announced and the committee will have to come up with some good ideas to top the James Bond theme dinner at the 2014 event.

“There are still good opportunities for sponsorships and to set up seminars and other meetings, particularly on the weekend before AMC/PIX 2016 as many delegates will still be in town after the Pan Pacific Pork Expo 2016, so start planning,” Mr Bray said.

“Rooms in the Exhibition hall can be rented by the hour for seminars and/or consultations,” he added.

“There is a new conference organising team (ICE) and changes to the registration process that will keep visitors moving quickly into the venue of their choice.

“The improved website is we believe more user friendly and has links to a wider range of accommodation options.

“There are also more opportunities for a wider range of budgets – for a Bronze Sponsor seeking a 3x3 booth the cost is around $1700 – double booths for $1950.

“Refer to the website for all relevant information and contact Karen Redfern

at ICE for any clarification,” he said.“We are anticipating larger numbers

at this year’s combined event and we urge visitors from the poultry sector to study the topics at the feed /milling conference as there will be information relevant to both industries.

Also take time to look at the whole exhibition, not just those focused on the poultry sector.

Poultry Digest will be running a preview of the AMC/PIX 2016 in its April/May issue and we hope to include product and services information on both the feed/milling and poultry industries.

As in past AMC/PIX years the April/May issue will have an additional print run to make sure that edition is placed in every satchel and on every stand.

We are expecting more than 1500 visitors and an expansion in the number of exhibitors as both industries are now used to the combined format and this seems to work well for both industry sectors.

A final word of advice from both AMC/PIX 2016 committe members is book early and if you are anticipating foreign guests, remeber that visa applications can take time!

See you there!

40

NEWSRefurbished facilites at UNE deliver boost to layer and broiler research

Top: The renovated broiler shed was fiited out by TSA with new equipment. Above: PTN mini vents and winching. Below left: Isa Ruhnke with the Rotem AC 2000 environmental control system. Below right: Roof mounted variable speed exhaust fan Corona S model).

When Poultry Digest attended the Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition conference (RAAN) at the University of New England (UNE) Armidale we met with researcher Dr Isabelle Ruhnke and her visiting student from Brazil, Jessica De Souza Vilela who took time after the conference to show us the pens and range areas where Isa is conducting her research into free range layers ( see the article in this issue) and a renovated broiler shed that has received major attention since Poultry Digest visited a few years ago.

The shed has been fitted with new equipment that would be typical of a modern tunnel ventilated unit in commercial production.

Martin Simmons from Technical Services Australia supplied the major items of equipment including Plasson Nipple drinkers, LB White hot air heaters (and they will get a workout in Armidale), Rotem AC 2000 environmental control systems connected to a Communicator alarm system, an Agrotop dimmable LED lighting system, PTN mini vents and winching, roof mounted variable speed exhaust fans (Corona S model) and a 600 psi fogging system.

The shed will be a focal point for research conducted in the final years of the Poultry CRC based at UNE and will be used during on going broiler research well into the future.

By owning and operating shed equipment typical on modern broiler farms, UNE researchers will be able to use both laboratory and real life commercial facilities to gain meaningful research results relevant to current broiler production.

Alignment of consumers and egg farmers

41

NEWS

Recent research has clearly demonstrated broad alignment between Australian consumers and egg farmers when it comes to definitions of free range.

Free range production practices, undertaken in accordance with the Egg Farmers Australia free range definition, are consistent with expectations of free range buyers according to a study undertaken by Quantum Market Research.

Egg farmers across Australia expect this research will help inform federal, state and territory governments considering a national free-range standard.

NSW Farmers CEO Matt Brand said: “This study should put some common sense back into the ‘free range’ debate. While consumer views on free range are varied and diverse, they are generally

aligned with egg industry performance and management systems.”

“I’m particularly pleased that the research dispels some of the myths being peddled in the media.

“The clear evidence is thst the industry stocking density of one bird per square metre matches the expectations of nearly 75% of Australian consumers. It also demonstrates that those who argue that each bird should have six square metres of outside space are only advocating for 11% of shoppers.

“The research also debunks the myth that ‘free range’ should be simply defined in accordance with the overly prescriptive specifications of most birds moving freely on an open range on most ordinary days. That definition in unclear for producers and inconsistent with consumer expectations.

“I don’t want our egg farmers to

At its Annual General Meeting held on the October 14, 2015 at the Victorian Farmers Federation offices in Melbourne, industry veterans Mr Rob Kestel and Mr Graham Hopgood were elected to the positions of President and Treasurer respectively of Free Range Egg and Poultry Australia Ltd (FREPA).

New President Mr Kestel replaces Mr Fred Wilson who has retired and relocated to New Zealand. New Treasurer Mr Hopgood replaces Mrs Meg Parkinson, a founding member of FREPA who has made a valuable contribution to the organisation.

Mr Kestel said that “while there are challenges ahead of us which include remaining relevant to consumers as a credible quality accreditation organisation for egg and poultry products and keeping our market position across the entire supply chain, our strengths include a strong brand and membership base and a Board line up absolutely committed to making the organisation the best it can be on behalf of its members.”

Mr Kestel and Mr Hopgood both said they are very passionate about FREPA building on its current reputation of relevance, protecting the integrity of product and the independence of the audit process and are committed

FREPA Ltd elects new President and Treasurer

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to success by ensuring that FREPA operates strictly in accordance with principles of good corporate governance.

Mr Kestel thanked Mr Wilson and Mrs Parkinson for their contribution to the FREPA Board and wished them the very best for their future endeavours.

have to a head count of their chooks to figure out if they satsify the regulator’s expectations. The research clearly tells us that consumers simply want birds to have access to the outdoors.”

NSW Farmers has pointed to the research following the release of the Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement Free Range Labelling, Consumer Affairs Australia/NZ 2015 (RIS) by Small Business Minister, Kelly O’Dwyer.

“It would be unfortunate if the RIS was hijacked by ideology or activism,” Mr Brand said.

“The definition is in competent hands with Minister O’Dwyer taking the lead. Let’s hope the free-range egg standard balances the expectations of the vast majority of consumers with a minority of consumers seeking a very niche brand,” he concluded.

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NEW PRODUCTSOvologic – new complete packaging systemThe Vencomatic Group has introduced a complete packaging solution for the handling and transportation of eggs called Ovologic.

“Ovologic was designed using its vast knowledge on dividers, a Vencomatic Group innovation and the first step towards automated palletizing of eggs,” said Simon McKenzie, Area Sales Manager for Vencomatic in Australia and New Zealand.

“The Ovologic trays, dividers and pallets ensure fast, safe and efficient handling and transportation of eggs from the farm to the grading/packing station or processing industry,” he said.

“In order to ensure excellent quality trays, dividers and pallets, Ovologic only uses 100% first quality class virgin plastics in all products.

“Combined with UV-stabilisers this results in a long lifetime and high durability.

“The Ovologic plastic 30-cell trays with a smooth surface, are combined with custom designed dividers and pallets.

“The packaging materials allow for thorough cleaning and disinfection after each usage. This greatly reduces the risk of contamination in comparison to traditional paper and low quality plastic packaging materials.

“Minimising hairline cracks is one of the key topics in egg handling for both layer and breeder farms.

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the eggs. Research on Ovologic has shown a significant decrease in hairline cracks compared to other packaging materials,” Mr McKenzie said.

“All products were developed in strong collaboration with Prinzen to ensure optimal automated palletizing.

“A perfect and seamless match between the different components combined with low weight, results in easy manual handling.

“Vencomatic Group is known for its innovative and sustainable systems for the poultry industry.

“Combining three well-known brands – Vencomatic, Agro Supply and Prinzen - Vencomatic Group offers a full range of innovative systems for all types of poultry farms worldwide,” Mr McKenzie concluded.

For more information please visit www.vencomaticgroup.com or email marketing@vencomaticgroup.

Alltech to acquire MasterfeedsAlltech and Masterfeeds, Canada’s largest animal nutrition company, have announced that they have entered into a share purchase, under which Alltech will acquire 100% of the outstanding shares of Masterfeeds, Inc., from Ag Processing Inc (AGP).

This will provide Alltech complete ownership of Masterfeeds LP.

“This is a crucial time in agriculture, and Canadian farmers are facing ever-increasing pressures, including the continued drive to produce more with fewer resources,” said Dr Pearse Lyons, founder and president of Alltech.

“Masterfeeds provides the on-farm support that is critical to Canada’s farmers and ranchers. This new opportunity will enable more efficient delivery of superior animal nutrition and tailored feeding programs, supported by robust scientific research.”

“Masterfeeds further strengthens Alltech’s presence in Canada by creating one of the country’s largest animal nutrition offerings,” said Masterfeeds CEO Rob Flack.

Alltech, Masterfeeds and EMF Nutrition, another Alltech-owned Canadian company, employ approximately 700 Canadians, operating 25 feed manufacturing and premix facilities, nine retail locations and seven distribution centers in a business spanning the entire country.

“Masterfeeds and Alltech are two of the most respected brand names in Canadian Animal Agriculture,” said Keith Spackler, CEO Ag Processing Inc.

“This aquisition is a significant development and is grounded in providing the best nutrition solutions.”

43

NEWS DuPont grows expertise and facilitiesAs the movement to reduce the use of Antibiotic Growth Promoters (AGPs) gathers apace, the animal nutrition division of DuPont Industrial Biosciences has taken on additional microbiology and live production experts to provide support for its growing poultry gut health products and services portfolio.

The laboratory facilities and staff servicing this area of business, currently located in Waukesha, WI, US will also move to a larger research and development, and manufacturing site in nearby Madison to support business growth.

The new staff, who will join a team that already includes veterinary and microbiology experts will include:• John Smalley, Live Production Specialist – with experience in live animal production for a major US poultry producer and in the animal feed

industry. John Smalley received his BS degree in Agriculture from the University of Arkansas. In addition to an in-depth understanding of live animal production, his expertise includes animal welfare, health and nutrition.• Jason King, Technical Services Manager – University of Georgia. Jason King brings more than 17 years of experience in poultry live production to the work he does with customers. Formerly with Koch Foods in Ashland, AL, his expertise span layers, broilers, broiler breeders, GP and GGP breeding stock.• Dr Alastair Thomas, Business Development Manager - Previously global product manager for probiotics in DuPont Industrial Biosciences’ animal nutrition division, Alastair gained a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Bath, UK and his postdoctoral work at Bristol University in the UK

focused on the impact of bird stress on Campylobacter colonization in broiler chickens.

Andrew Carlson, North America Sales Leader, Danisco Animal Nutrition, commented, “We believe that achieving gut health is the lynchpin of profitable animal production. This move will bring additional expertise to the poultry gut health team and enables expansion of our on-site support, not only for our Direct Fed Microbial products but for more tailored services to support animal gut health.

“We believe it will also encourage even stronger collaboration between our scientists.”

For further information on the company’s animal gut health offerings, including the award-winning Syncra AVI feed enzyme and DFM combination and its multi-strain Bacillus spp DFM, Enviva PRO, visit animalnutrition.dupont.com

Kylie Hewson wins prestigious award at WVPADr Kylie Hewson’s research in infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) was recognised recently by the World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA).

Kylie won the prestigious Dr Bart Rispens Research Award, which is given biennially to the author of the paper judged the best that was published in the WVPA journal Avian Pathology during the two calendar years preceding the year of the award.

The award was presented to Kylie at the WVPA biannual world congress held in Cape Town, South Africa in September.

The recipient of the Award is elected by the Dr Bart Rispens Research Award Committee, which includes representatives of the Board of the WVPA, a representative of Avian Pathology journal, a representative of the corporate sponsor MSD Animal Health, and four other appointed scientists.

The Dr Bart Rispens Research Award was established in 1973, in memory of the Dutch poultry veterinarian by the Dr Bart Rispens Memorial Award Fund.

The main goal of the fund was to honour the great contribution of Dr Rispens to the control of Marek’s

disease in poultry.Kylie won the award for

her publication ‘Hewson KA, Noormohammadi AH, Devlin JM, Browning GF, Schultz BK and Ignjatovic J (2014) ‘Evaluation of a novel strain of infectious bronchitis virus emerged as

a result of spike gene recombination between two highly diverged parent strains, Avian Pathology, Volume 43, Issue 3, pp. 249-257’.

This paper which was the result of work performed during her PhD (part-funded by the Poultry CRC).

Above: CRC CEO Mingan Choct with Dr Kylie Hewson holding her award.

NEWS

44

the usual management practices and standard operating procedures.

“There has to be a ‘will’ to make cocci vaccination work as an essential component of this new paradigm,” Dr Leeson concluded.

‘Strategies to manage feeding behavior in free range layers’ was the next paper presented by Dr Isabelle Ruhnke, a researcher UNE.

The outline of her study was , current free range management, impediments to production, bird behavior, grass/fibre as a component of the diet, nutritional strategies and flock management, and finally the future of free range layer nutrition.

The overall aim of the study was to evaluate the farmer’s needs and challenges and then to identify research priorities in free range systems.

(You can read Dr Ruhnke’s full paper on ‘Free-range egg production in Australia’ starting on page 10.)

“Free range egg production-European perspective was the next topic for Dr Xabier Arbe .

“The EU consists of a largely ‘full stomach’ society with a tendency to humanise animals while having a disconnect from the country and farming.

“In the past badly run cage systems have not helped the industries image overall, and then there are the commercial realities where supermarkets sell cage laid eggs at 1.1 Euro/12 eggs but 1.5 Euro for 6 free range eggs,” he said.

“Egg consumption per capita in Europe is estimated at around 203 eggs p.a. and in 2012 conventional cages were shut down.

“Initial fears after 2012 were that due to high investment costs in line with welfare requirements (and thus high production costs) the EU might not be competitive in the future as an exporter.

“WTO rules state that the EU can not ban egg imports for welfare reasons though for sanitary reasons fresh egg imports can be banned under the Salmonella monitoring program,” Dr Arbe explained.

“Economic returns are driving growers to barn and free range production but free range is a challenge both economically and technically.

“Overall the egg business in the EU isn’t as efficient as it was and could do better in many areas,” Dr Arbe concluded.

The final speaker was Sally Pines, Novus Australia’s Regional Sales and Technical Support Manager.

“Novus solutions for modern broiler production’ was her topic.

“To make a clear difference in sustainability and meeting the growing global needs for nutrition and health: that’s the Novus mission,” Sally said.

On the R&D focus of Novus Sally explained the function of the Novus research Green Acre facility and farms located in Missouri US.

“Product development typically takes 5-7 years for poultry, swine and ruminant industries.

“For the poultry industry we are

working on ABF production, free range gut health and immunity and gene expression biomarkers,” she said.

“On bird structural health and welfare we are concentrating on issues including lameness, foot pad lesions, scratches and dermatitis.

“Barrier function integrity is a phrase that will be mentioned many times in our message at Novus.

“Internally focus is on gut health, the intestinal tract and the respiratory system: externally we are concerned with feathering, skin, claws and beaks – all connected by the circulatory system.

Explaining the gut health degeneration cycle, “poor gut health typically involved digestive failure, excess nutrients to the hind gut, inflammation and oxidative stress and barrier failure and acute phase response,” Sally explained.

“In the USA serious health issues associated with barrier health include lameness where a prime cause is bacterial Chrondronecrosis with Osteomyelitis (BCO) also known as femoral head necrosis.

“Cause can be attributed to growth plate micro trauma resulting from bacterial infection.”

On the subject of egg shell quality, “Zn, Mn and Cu play a structural and catalytic role in metalloenzymes during eggshell formation,” Sally said.

“If eggshell quality is poor, then the chances for that egg to result in a quality chick are reduced.

“Low eggshell quality reduces production of settable eggs and causes excessive moisture loss during incubation.

“Higher transfer of minerals results in more settable eggs, improved fertility, higher egg numbers, better egg quality, improved chick livability, and more chicks per hen.

“Concentrating on environmental issues Novus product development is addressing solutions to deliver improved outcomes on ammonia levels which can be achieved by application of Formycine Gold and Cibenza DP 100 in poultry production.

“Mintrex offers better solutions regarding mineral excretion levels.”

In her concluding research recap Sally summarised structural health issues in broilers and Epigenetics of offspring (DNA). Nutrition has an impact on which genes are going to be read.

Following the last paper of the day attendees of the Forum enjoyed drinks and dinner as discussion continued over the information and challenges outlined by the speakers.

v CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

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China agriculture leaders focus on growth opportunties at Alltech REBELation dayChallenging the audience to “do what makes your heart sing,” Alltech founder and president Dr Pearse Lyons concluded the Alltech China REBELation Day in Beijing, where more than 100 industry leaders gathered to explore innovation, inspiration and enormous opportunities for growth in China.

Alltech REBELation, an international conference that celebrated entrepreneurship, business and marketing, and the roles of science and technology in agriculture, was held last May in Lexington, Kentucky.

Alltech China shared highlights of the event with Chinese industry leaders, allowing them to explore and discuss the global concepts on a local level.

Dr Lyons shared that Alltech is focused on two things: innovation and urgency. As the company moves towards becoming a 10 billion dollar company, it is consistently seeking new products and ways to innovate, such as the algae platform. He stressed that there is a level of urgency required, but one cannot do it alone.

Four industry leaders took to the stage to discuss opportunities and challenges in Chinese food production. Tao Yishan, chairman of Tangrenshen; Wang Lianzen, Huayu CEO; Cai Huiyi, CAAS researcher; and Fu Wenge, China Agriculture University professor, talked about change in the industry and the importance of conducting business with a high level of integrity.

The growing importance of the internet in agriculture was of particular interest and the panel agreed that as more agricultural companies develop new technologies, the internet will be an integral part of business in the future and this should help to improve the flow of information in agriculture and thus help to improve overall efficiency.

Patrick Yu, President of COFCO, China’s largest food processing manufacturer and trader, opened the meeting with a discussion on the outlook of the food and feed industry in China. He said the industry must upgrade animal protein consumption and that there is plenty of room for further development of China’s food and feed industry.

“Companies who lead the innovation of manufacturing and technology will become the future leaders of the food and feed industry,” he said.

Dr Mark Lyons, Alltech Vice President and General Manager of Alltech China, highlighted the tremendous opportunities in China.

“As 400 million people have been lifted out of poverty, the transformation of economic growth and industry structure upgrades bring tremendous potential to the market,” he said. He emphasised that technology cooperation and speed are key to development in China.

Aidan Connolly, Alltech Chief Innovation Officer and Vice-President of corporate accounts, talked about future proofing the food industry.

“Challenges associated with feeding the planet have never been as complex,” he said. Traditional concerns with costs, quality and yields are now combined with new challenges that were inconceivable 50 years ago.

Mr Connolly discussed Red Tractor, a UK farm and quality food assurance initiative. Red Tractor was launched by the food industry to promote clearer labelling and ensure food originates from a trustworthy source.

Rob Koepp, Director of the Economist Corporate Network, shared an analysis of China’s economy. He said that while the US is still the world’s largest economy, China is the second largest, generating $901 billion in GDP.

Malcolm Nerva, founder and Managing Director, Genowledge Corporation, talked about building a high performance team, encouraging the audience to consider who is leading the team and determine the size and quality of the team.

Dr Neil Xue, Research Director of Alltech China, spoke about using research to address the problems of tomorrow. He stressed that efficient research and innovation is a necessary core competence. Xue shared that Alltech has developed 23 research alliances globally, ten of which are in China, to help address challenges such as increasing environmental regulations and growing concern regarding food safety.

In concluding the event, Dr Pearse Lyons said, “Alltech is constantly seeking new products and new ways to innovate.”

Next year’s international conference, ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference, will be held in Lexington, Kentucky, May 22-25, 2016. Registration for the event is open now at one.alltech.com.

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NEWS

46

Poultry Industry Golf Day beats the weather

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As Poultry Digest headed slowly down the highway to the Lakes Golf Course, Camden Club on October 21 through one of the worst thunderstorms in 2015 the thought was to turn back as it was unlikely anybody would want to be on a golf course in such appalling weather.

However by the time that the organising group at Zoetis had got competitors registered and set to go, the skies cleared and the storm passed by and so the buggies headed out onto the magnificent greens.

Playing styles varied from the skilled, stylish, determined through to desperate, but whatever else participants were obviously enjoying the day.

While the aim of the day is to socialise and have fun there is a competitive streak in the poultry industry so there are results.

The Jock Smith Memorial Trophy was won by Gary Tekely with a net score of 72.

Overall first was Colin Pike (69), second Ralph Gerace (net 72) and third Tina Skuados (net 76).

In the Ambrose, first was the team of Nigel Olsson, Linden Olssen, Wayne Perich and Bren Gilmor.

Second Ambrose was the team of Philip Lambeth, Jonothon Doubleday, Richard Sevil and Jim Rey.

Third Ambrose consisted of Peter Bracken, Janet Bracken, Sue Smith, and Michael Smith.

Darryl Meaney and his colleagues at Zetas did a great job of organising the day.

As a miraculously dry Poultry Digest headed home we even managed to spot the concealed police car on the nearby road works (40km limit) – hope nobody got pinged.

1. David Sherwood, from CCD, Jonothon Doubleday and Philip Lambeth from Auspac. 2. Rick Carter from Kemin (centre) wonders where his ball went. 3. Baiada team: David Otte, Sheridan Alfirevich and Jorge Ruiz. 4. New recruit to CCD, Peter Nicholson.

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ApologyIn the previous issue there were a number of inaccuracies in our story about Nichols Poultry. The company produces 33% of Tasmania’s broiler meat, not 75%. The Nichols family came from Leicestershire, not Leicester. The company is number 3 out of 10 (not 20) in brand awareness among consumers. Rob Nichols is not currently investigating the use of waste products to produce bio-fuels although he did 4 years ago as part of his Nuffield scholarship. The hatchery and breeding farm are operated by Rob’s brother Andrew as a separate company. Rob’s company has aimed to double its market every 5 (not every few) years. We apologise for any confusion or misunderstanding.

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