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Summer Management In Poultry

Summer Management In Poultry

In the summer season, as the temperature increases, poultry suffers from the condition called heat stress, also known as summer stress. This is a condition of imbalance between heat generation and heat loss in the body. This condition not only brings poor performance in birds but is also responsible for huge economic losses in terms of poor growth, lowered production, and higher mortality. This condition becomes a greater challenge when coupled with a high humidity environment, making the birds even more vulnerable. According to research, poultry is most Novus Logocomfortable in an environmental temperature around 22-28°C (known as their thermoneutral zone). Once the temperature rises beyond this point, poultry show symptoms of heat stress: reduction in feed intake, poor growth, poor production, and increased mortality.

Dr. Milind D. Rainchwar pic
Dr. Milind D. Rainchwar (author),
Technical Service Manager
Novus South Central Asia

In general, birds are susceptible to high environmental temperature due to an absence of sweat glands, their full body of feathers, their higher body temperature, and the fatty nature of the birds. This heat or summer stress not only brings lowered performance in poultry but also leads to immunosuppression issues, which can result in disease outbreaks and cause heavy mortality. This is mainly due to an absence of sweat glands in poultry making it impossible for them to dissipate heat. In this, males are found to be more prone to heat stress than females.

Ultimately, heat stress causes acid-base disequilibrium, or the inability to cool the body to maintain normal body temperature. Panting allows birds to release heat through an evaporative cooling kind of method, but high humidity coupled with high temperature causes insufficient panting to control body temperature resulting in heat stress.

Behavioural, neuroendocrinal, and physiological changes are observed in birds during heat stress. Behavioural changes can include decreased feed intake, increased water intake, panting, less walking, and elevated wings. Physiological changes include oxidative stress, acid-base imbalance, and respiratory alkalosis. Internally the bird may experience decreased protein digestion and absorption, increased metabolic disorders, Increased chances of disease prevalence, and fertility issues. Production challenges can include reduced feed intake, poor feed conversion ratio, reduced body weight, impaired meat, and egg quality, and, as mentioned before, increased mortality.

Summer Poultry Management: The following steps can help birds combat heat stress

  1. Water management
  2. Housing management
  3. Feed management
  4. General management

Water management is crucial in heat stress management. In summer, water consumption goes up 3-4 times feed intake. So, a good quality water supply is essential. A water hygiene process must be followed because bad bacteria can prevail rapidly under poor conditions, which will lead to disease conditions. Water pipelines must be cleaned well and flushed with organic acids or hydrogen peroxide periodically. Treat water with a quality water acidifier and sanitizer. In general, try to make the water pH in acidic conditions (5.5-6). As feed intake is less during times of increased temperatures, nutritional water acidifiers should be used to help combat heat stress.

Housing management can be divided into two parts, inside shed management, and outside shed management.

  1. Thatching of the roof with green grass or agricultural waste can help reduce shed temperature. Paddy straw can be used for this purpose.
  2. Whitewashing the roof with lime helps mitigate the temperature inside the shed.
  3. Applying sprinklers above the shed.
  4. The use of gunny bags on the side walls (grill) of the shed over which drip water is set.
  5. Allowing trees to grow near the shed to provide shade on the shed.
  6. Prohibit wild birds, which can carry diseases like Avian Influenza, from entering the shed.
  7. Provide 4-6 feet of roof overhang to protect birds from direct sunlight.
  8. Provide ridge ventilation to help remove hot air from inside the shed.

Inside the shed

  1. Use of fans
  2. Use of a fogger
  3. Provide a continuous supply of cool water (if not possible, periodically flush the water to provide cooler water for birds)
  4. Reduce litter thickness (ideally around 400-450 grams per square foot)

Feeding Management

Research shows feed intake is reduced by 1.25% with every 1° rise in temperature. Further, it is observed that there is a decline in feed intake by almost 5% with every degree rise in temperature from 32-38° C. Knowing this it’s best practice to feed a good quality feed during times when heat stress can occur.

  1. Feeding should be done during the cooler hours of the morning or evening but too much gap in feeding time is not advisable.
  2. Increase the number of feeders and drinkers during feeding time to reduce competition among birds.
  3. Adding antioxidants is shown to be helpful to reduce stress and improve feed consumption while maintaining or improving body weight gain. (Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Selenium).
  4. A high-energy diet should be provided during summer because birds lose more energy while panting.
  5. Energy in feed should be supplemented with oil rather than grain because fat has the lowest heat increment value compared to carbohydrates and protein.
  6. Feed consumption is reduced in summer. To overcome nutritional and productive losses it is suggested to supplement the diet with 10-15% more amino acids, vitamins, and minerals rather than increasing the protein level directly.
  7. Increase calcium and phosphorus levels to overcome thin eggshells more often seen during summer due to respiratory alkalosis (more carbon dioxide is lost due to panting).
  8. Instances of viral challenges increase during this time as immunosuppression is common. Fumaric acid is shown to have good antiviral properties and can help to reduce viral challenges. A combination of coated benzoic acid and fumaric acid as an acidifier (as AVIMATRIX® feed supplement) can help to reduce stress and improve the performance of the flock.
  9. MINTREX® chelated trace minerals, a supplement of organic trace minerals zinc, copper, or manganese, and methionine source HMTBa are shown to help heat stress conditions. HMTBa molecules undergo absorption through diffusion, which doesn’t require energy. Thus, using minerals with HMTBa can reduce heat stress during summer and help improve performance.
  10. Essential oils have a broad range of action from being immunomodulators to performance enhancers. Adding essential oils – especially thymol and carvacrol – to the diet can help mitigate summer stress challenges and improve meat yield and overall performance.
  11. Use of MOS and B Glucans during heat stress conditions is convincing due to the possibility to reverse or compensate physiological alterations induced by heat stress and by restoring immune function and promoting robust inflammatory responses.
  12. The addition of ammonium chloride, potassium chloride, and/or sodium bicarbonate has shown improved performance in broilers by improving water quality and feed intake.
  13. Probiotics can be used to help control the corticosterone level and the excessive release of pro-inflammatory agents. Lactobacillus-based probiotics enhance goblet cell count in the duodenum and jejunum of heat-stressed broilers thereby improving the feed conversion ratio.
  14. Since a hot humid climate favors the growth of mould/fungi in feed the consistent use of an antifungal is recommended.

General Management

  1. The depth of litter should be 2-3 inches on the floor.
  2. 10% extra floor space should be provided in summer. Bird overcrowding only contributed to heat stress and must be avoided.
  3. Shifting, transportation, debeaking, and vaccination should take place during the night or cool hours in the morning.
  4. Birds severely heat stressed may be dipped in cold water for 2-3 minutes to provide relief. Be sure to keep their head and neck above the water level.
  5. Use foggers in the shed, which can reduce the shed temperature up to 5-10°C depending on the quality of the fogger.

The house should be situated away from other buildings to facilitate the free movement of air.

“Summer management is crucial not only to improve the performance but to gain profit in adverse conditions. So, effective use of feeding, Water, shed management brings the good health of birds and thereby profit to the farmer”.

Explicating Demand and Supply in Indian Poultry Sector: A Macroeconomic Perspective

Explicating Demand and Supply in Indian Poultry Sector: A Macroeconomic Perspective

Indian Poultry Sector: At a glance
The Indian poultry Sector has over the years grown exponentially and playing a significant role in contributing to the India’s Gross value added among all the primary sectors. The sector has witnessed a whopping growth in last 10 years at a compounded annualized growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% with a cumulative revenue of ~ INR 130 billion producing ~ 6+ Million MT of Broiler meet and ~90 billion edible eggs annually.

Dr. Anjan Goswami (Author)
Dr. Anjan Goswami (Author)

The Indian poultry sector generates direct and indirect employment to more than 5 million rural and urban Indians, contributing to the 5% of Agriculture GDP. The production efficiencies in the poultry sector have improved significantly over last one decade.

The feed conversion ratio (FCR) in broiler meat production has come down to 1.55-1.6 against 1.8-1.9 a decade ago with an efficiency improvement of ~14%. Similarly, in the layer and breeder sector as well, the hen housed eggs and hen housed hatching eggs has improvised to a great extent. Today a layer bird during her economic life cycle is able to produce 330 edible eggs and a breeder bird lay about 180 egg is her economic lifecycle of 68-70 weeks. The greatness of Indian Poultry sector and its contribution to the nation is known to all within the sector and beyond with the growing traction, growth and developments in the sector.

Fig: Traditional Value chain of a poultry Production Cycle:
Fig: Traditional Value chain of a poultry Production Cycle:

The Perfect competition in Poultry:
In the recent years, the Indian poultry sector has advanced significantly towards brand building and value addition of chicken meat and eggs. However, the fact of the matter is, about 91% of chicken meat and eggs in the market is still being sold through wet market and open wholesale market as a commodity in a perfect competition scenario. Under such circumstances, the price becomes the only differentiations between the products. Therefore, the poultry farmers are most often compelled to fall into trap of competition from fellow producers and sell their produced at a under-price and incur losses in spite of the performance efficiencies.

Fig: Fundamental Components of a perfect competition environment
Fig: Fundamental Components of a perfect competition environment

Demand & Supply in Poultry sector:
In this article, an attempt has been made to discuss a few key aspects of demand and supply which applies to the all-range poultry products. Fundamentally, when the demand matches the supply, the price optimises, but in the sectors like poultry wherein the supply and demand data are not available in secondary sources, demand is predicted on the available produced based on a given price.

Fig: Traditional demand and supply Curve with optimal price point
Fig: Traditional demand and supply Curve with optimal price point

The price above cost of production is a major indicator for demand in perfectly competitive market. If the poultry produce is sold in a price which is higher than the cost of production, the producers consider that to be the optimally available quantity. On the other hand, when the produced goods are sold in a price lesser than or closer to the cost of production, it is considered to be either a lower consumption demand or higher supply level with nominal demand. But the irony is, in the most of the cases, the actual consumption demand is measured through the price being offered by the intermediary buyers which may not be the right reflection of actual willingness to pay by consumers.

Price dynamics and volume of sales is the indicative of demand. A poultry farmer or a producer organisation identifies the demand based on the enquiry being made by customers over the previous period and price is obtained from that. Given the fact that measuring demand without knowing the actual pattern of consumption and supply is highly critical, the article aims at evaluating the fundamental facts which is to be looked at while deciding price of the poultry products.

Below are a few fundamental microeconomic concepts which are highly relevant with poultry sector in this regard.

Fig: Illustration of demand curve shifting leading to consumer surplus
Fig: Illustration of demand curve shifting leading to consumer surplus

Consumer Surplus:
It is an economic measurement of consumer benefits. A consumer surplus happens when the price that consumers pay for the poultry products is less than the price, they’re willing to pay. It’s a measure of the additional benefit that consumers receive because they’re paying less for something than what they were willing to pay. Lack of market information and desperate sales by the farmers mostly leads to a situation wherein the intermediary buyers gets the consumers benefit due the fact that the producers are not informed enough on the market prevailing price and available volume.

Producer Surplus:
On the other hand, a producer always tries to increase his producer surplus by trying to sell more and more at higher prices. However, it is simply not possible to increase the producer surplus indefinitely since at higher prices there might be very little or no demand for the produced goods. In a given circumstances, it is important for the producers to take an informed decision and identify the optimal production.

Both consumer surplus and the producer surplus occur in poultry sector in most of the time during the year due to the lack of information on supply and demand.

Deadweight Loss:
It is the excess burden created due to loss of benefit to the participants in the transaction which may be individuals as consumers or producers. In the supply chain of poultry produced, it is extremely important to maintain and streamline margins of intermediaries to eliminate the chances of deadweight loss for the consumers or producers.

Fig: Schematic representation of consumer and producer surplus and Deadweight loss
Fig: Schematic representation of consumer and producer surplus and Deadweight loss

Opportunity Cost:
Opportunity costs represent the potential benefits that a poultry producer misses out on when choosing one alternative over another. Because opportunity costs are unseen by definition, they can easily be overlooked. Understanding the potential missed opportunities when a poultry farmer or a producer company chooses one options over another allows for better decision making.

Demand Measurement: Predictive Demand Vs Actual Demand

Sources: Statista 2022
Sources: Statista 2022

The statistics depicts that the current population of India is at 1.39 billion or 1393.4 million. Out of the total population, 26.16 % of the Indian population fall into the 0–14-year category, 67.27% into the 15-64 age group and 6.57 % are over 65 years of age. According to the to the Indian National Family Health 2015–16 NFHS survey 75% of Indians are not vegetarian, the number is 78% for women and 70% for men. On the other hand, as per the poultry industry data, the per capita availability of chicken meat is ~ 5 Kg and edible egg is at ~65 numbers.

Segmentation of Consumers:

Table: Illustration of Indian population Demography
Table: Illustration of Indian population Demography
Table: Illustration of Availability of Chicken meat and eggs on target Population
Table: Illustration of Availability of Chicken meat and eggs on target Population

Above table reflects that although the per capita availability of chicken meat and egg is at 5 kg and 65 eggs respectively, but actual availability on target group of consumers is at 10.28 kg and 128 eggs. Moreover 65% of the Indian population are reported to be from rural and purchase power parity is limited. The demand for meat and eggs drop drastically as soon as price goes up beyond a point leading to a surplus supply at the same production level.

Fig: Demand Measurement tools
Fig: Demand Measurement tools

Summary:
Price optimization in correlation with supply and demand measurement with the help of information and technology is the key for Indian poultry sector to ensure protect return on investment and benefit the most.

Fig: Schematic representation of desired relationship framework among the stake holders
Fig: Schematic representation of desired relationship framework among the stake holders

The producer companies are required to consider at business models adding value towards vertical forward integration and reach out to the direct consumers so that the margins are maximised in the value chain which can be in turn passed on to the consumers to boost the consumption at a reasonable price. Establishing communication between the retailers and producers is the need of the hour to measure the actual demand at retail level based on which the dynamics of the price of different poultry products may be determined more efficiently.

Author: Dr. Anjan Goswami

Previous article by author:

Indian Poultry – New Consumer Behaviour Will Transform The Industry’s Future

Perstorp Group to be acquired by PETRONAS Chemicals Group

Perstorp Group to be acquired by PETRONAS Chemicals Group

Sustainable Specialty Chemicals provider Perstorp Group to be acquired by PETRONAS Chemicals Group.

Perstorp Group, a leading sustainability-driven global specialty chemicals company, said that it is to be acquired by PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad (PCG). PCG announced that it has signed a Securities Purchase Agreement on 14 May 2022 to acquire the entire equity interest in Perstorp Holding AB. The agreement was signed with Financière Forêt S.à.r.l, a company under PAI Partners, a European private equity firm.

Jan Secher pic
Jan Secher, President and CEO
Perstorp

Jan Secher, President and CEO of Perstorp said, “We are excited to become part of the PETRONAS family. I see a strong commonality in values and priorities for how to take our respective businesses forward, meeting the challenges and opportunities of the future. By tapping into PCG’s strength and market leading position in the Asia Pacific region, we are confident that Perstorp can continue to develop into its next phase of growth. Being part of PCG means Perstorp gets the scale to increase the pace of innovation and accelerate our sustainable transformation, which is at the forefront of the chemical industry. PCG’s and Perstorp’s businesses complement each other very well.”

“Perstorp is an outstanding strategic fit for PCG and enables us to participate in attractive end-markets such as paints and coatings, construction, plastic additives, personal care and food, feed & nutrition, paints and coatings that share a robust growth outlook. This acquisition will also provide us critical talent, know-how, technological platforms and proven customer channels to address the pressing needs of the market for more eco-friendly and sustainable solutions,” said PCG Managing Director and CEO, Ir. Mohd Yusri Mohamed Yusof.

Established more than 140 years ago, Perstorp is a leading niche specialty chemicals player that develops sustainable solutions with focus on the Resins & Coatings, Engineered Fluids and Animal Nutrition markets. The company has a global sales presence, seven state-of-the art manufacturing sites in Europe, US and China (the 8th plant will be ready in India in 2023) and three research and development (R&D) centres worldwide with approximately 1,500 employees serving more than 2,600 customers globally. Perstorp is highly regarded among its customers for its product quality and application expertise, supply reliability, customer centricity and Pro-Environment products and solutions.

“We find Perstorp attractive for their expansive range of products, established customer base as well as their market leadership in selected chemicals, which are complementary to PCG. It is our intention to make Perstorp our growth platform into the Specialty chemicals field. With Perstorp’s holistic and innovative approach to reduce environmental impact in line with PCG’s aim for positive environmental and social contribution, we are confident that together we can accelerate our sustainability journey towards circular economy and carbon neutrality by 2050”, concluded Ir. Mohd Yusri.

PCG’s journey to achieve its vision of becoming the preferred chemical company providing innovative customer solutions is based on a clear strategy; to strengthen its basic petrochemicals portfolio, and to selectively diversify into derivatives, specialty chemicals and solutions. In the execution of this strategy, the acquisition of Perstorp group marks the creation of a significant specialty chemicals portfolio, while enhancing PCG’s overall earnings. This transaction follows the acquisition of BRB Group in 2019, a leading global independent producer and formulator of silicones, lube oil additives and chemicals, which launched PCG into new areas aligned with its long-term growth ambitions.

“I am convinced that Perstorp and PCG can learn from each other’s capabilities to ensure we bring the best of our two companies to our customers and our employees. I am confident that PCG will provide the best possible ownership for Perstorp in the years to come” concluded Jan Secher.

The completion of the acquisition is subject to relevant regulatory and shareholders’ approvals.

For more information please find PCG:s media release here

Join Phileo Microbiota Days – Online Conference

Join Phileo Microbiota Days – Online Conference

Phileo by Lesaffre, the Global Key Player in fermentation is organising Online Conference Phileo Microbiota Days from 14–15, June, 2022. This virtual conference will provide an overview of the latest scientific results and future developments and their importance to animal health across the lifespan of different animal species.

The event will have High level keynote speeches by scientists from academia, institutes, and industry from Europa, USA and Asia. Followed by Lesaffre & Phileo experts, who will elaborate further on microbiota specie specific topics including poultry, ruminants, swine, aquaculture and pets.

Quick Links:

  • Program details: Click HERE
  • Speaker details: Click HERE
  • Full Agenda: Click to Download PDF

To Register to the event, click https://phileo-microbiota-days.com/register

For any queries, contact:

Mr. Gaurav Agarwal
+91 96807 00999
g.agarwal@phileo.lesaffre.com

Phileo Microbiota Days June 2022

Phytoactives in Dermal Care

Phytoactives in Dermal Care

The article explains how essential oils and herbs emerged as effective wound healer and helps in constructive wound management. Due to presence of active ingredients, having wide range of bioactivity, they help in eliminating various skin ailments and wounds and exert beneficial effect on performance of livestock and birds.

Dr. Vandana Sharma
Dr. Vandana Sharma
Technical Manager
Nutricare Lifesciences

External injuries to domesticated animals are common, ranging from tiny scratches to lacerated wounds to catastrophic deep damage. Such wounds have a negative impact on their health, their ability to function, and the owner’s financial situation. Accidental cutaneous injuries, if left untreated, can result in a cascade of pathophysiological changes such as myiasis, sepsis, and, in certain cases, cellulites.

Antibiotic-based treatments have been promoted as a means of encouraging healthy and rapid healing. However, in the quest of side effect free derma care, phytomedicines are a promising choice and are gaining popularity in wound care. It involves disinfection, debridement and ensuring a pathogen-free environment to accelerate healing with minimal side effects is a pressing necessity.

Wound and its consequences
Wounds are injuries caused by external aggression or a mechanical agent rather than disease, and frequently involve tissue division or rupture of the integument or mucous membrane. Domestic animals may sustain wounds as a result of fighting injuries, animal/insect bites, barbed wire injuries when grazing, accidents, and blows. The issues connected with a wound emerge as a result of an infection caused by toxins generated by bacteria at the wound site, resulting in abscess, necrosis, and slough, among other things. Microorganisms enter the wound in a variety of ways. They enter through direct contact with an infective surface, surgical equipment, air, and occasionally self-contamination by scratching or biting the wound. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenus, Enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the most prevalent causal organisms associated with wound infections. Therefore, timely and correct dressing of the wound is required for complete healing process.

Wound healing is a complex process
Wound healing is separated into three phases, each of which has its own time period, as well as specific tissues and cell lines. The inflammatory phase begins with the formation of a clot to halt the bleeding, followed by vasodilation and the activation of immunological defence mechanisms. Following that is the proliferative phase of epidermal, endothelial, and fibroblast cells, which results in the formation of early granulation tissue and angiogenesis. The granular tissue is modified in the final phase by the formation of new collagen fibres and the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, which increases tensile strength and allows the borders of the lesion to be closer together. Wound fail to heal when there is disruption of the normal delicate balance of the growth factors and inflammatory mediators and when left unmanaged leads to formation of biofilms, Sepsis, Myiasis and Cellulitis.

Stages of Wound healing

 

Wound management is a vital step for effective healing
Wound management is an ongoing treatment of a wound, by providing appropriate environment for healing, by both direct and indirect methods, together with the prevention of skin breakdown.

Basic principles of wound management are universally identifiable and include the following:

  • Reduce bioburden
  • Reduce edema
  • Maintain a moist wound environment

Wound lavaging is important in initial wound treatment. Irrigation of the wound, washes away both visible and microscopic debris. This reduces the bacterial load in the tissue, which helps decrease wound complications and also allows better examination of underlying tissues. Open wounds often must be managed for several days, weeks, or even months until they can be closed or they heal by second intention.

The majority of wounds heals effectively with standard wound management approaches and good bandaging; however, topical medications may be explored as an adjuvant for chronic, non-healing wounds. Non-healing wounds are halted during one of the healing phases, most commonly the inflammatory phase 2. As a result, topical treatments help the body move from an inflammatory to a proliferative state.

There are a number of factors that influence how well and quickly wounds heal. Healing is influenced by a variety of factors, including the environment, the animal’s overall health, and pharmacological treatments. One environmental component that influences wound healing is temperature. The optimal temperature for wound healing is around 86°F (30°C). Cold temperatures can weaken wounds, causing them to take longer to heal. Wounds require oxygen to heal as well. Bandages should not be too tight to allow blood to flow freely through the wound.

Herbs in wound healing
Many topical drugs are used to treat wounds. These may be intended to promote natural wound closure, prevent infection, or reduce pain. However, other topical drugs (used for other purposes) may slow wound healing. Plants can help manage and cure wounds in a variety of ways. In many areas, tribal and traditional heal wounds and burns using a wide variety of plants. The molecular and physiological effects of therapeutic plant extracts and components are frequently studied in mammalian systems; in 2008, 68 percent of all pharmaceutical medicines were derived from or inspired by plants.

  • Aloe vera has been used as a first-line treatment for burns, ulcers, and surgical wounds. Pyrocatechol, saponins, acemannan, anthraquinones, glycosides, oleic acid, phytol, and simple and complex water-soluble polysaccharides are among the many natural bioactive substances found in aloe vera. Acetone extracts from Aloe vera leaves are rich in saponins, acemannan, and anthraquinone possess antibacterial activity. Gram-positive bacteria appear to be more responsive to Aloe vera than Gram-negative bacteria.
  • Safflower seeds, or Carthamus tinctorius, has been linked to a variety of biological actions, including vasodilation, immunological modulation, anticoagulation and thromboprophylaxis, antioxidation, anti-inflammation, antihepatic fibrosis, and analgesia. The primary water-soluble monomer of safflower yellow pigments, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory , proangiogenic, and apoptosis-inhibiting characteristics. Topical administration promotes neovascularization, reepithelialization, and granulation tissue development in wounds.
  • Curcumin, an active ingredient found in the root of Curcuma longa, has been used as a medication for centuries. Curcumin is used to treat inflammation, lung problems, and liver problems by traditional Ayurvedic medicine practitioners. Abdominal pain is often treated with curcumin. At the transcriptional, translational, and posttranslational levels, this highly pleiotropic protein has been shown to interact with critical physiological pathways. Epithelial malignancies are treated with curcumin. Curcumin promotes fibroblast proliferation, granulation tissue development, and collagen deposition in the healing of cutaneous wounds, which is maybe not surprising.

Wondrous role of essential oils
Essential oils are recognised for their natural protective role for host plants, as well as the fact that they contain characteristics that are several times stronger than those found in dried herbs. Antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal qualities, as well as some specific therapeutic benefits, are among the features that make essential oils of great interest. The herbal bioactives present in the essential oils change the chemical and cellular environment of the wound bed. Essential oils create a wonderful wound environment by enhancing the intrinsic factors such as cytokines and other growth factors, enhance body defense, aid in proliferation of fibroblasts and result in effective healing.

Activities of Essential Oil

Moist environment is necessary for healing. Essential oils are lipophilic and stick to the wound texture easily. They form a layer on the surface thus shielding the wound completely, hence preventing dessication, and maintaining moist wound surface. Since, the intracellular moisture remains intact and celluar integrity, is maintained, perfect wound environment is thus generated.

We at Nutricare offer a unique combination of essential oils and phytobioactives for wound, eczema, ringworm, pruritis and other problems.Nutricare Logo

  • Pine oil treats various skin problems like psoriasis, itching, pimples, eczema, skin diseases, scabies, sores and fleas. It can also act as an antioxidant and prevents free radicals attack on the healthy skin cells.

  • Eucalyptus oil is antibacterial and analgesic. Cineole in eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. Eucalyptus oil has larvicidal activity and repellency has been tested against Aedes albopictus, Aedes aegypti, and Culex pipiens.

  • Himachalenes and Atlantones from Cedar oil have been found to have immunemodulatory, antiseptic, insecticidal, anti-fungal activity, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and molluscidal activity. Cedrol treats eczema and cure the inflammation that leads to this irritating skin issue. It reduces skin pealing and treats the infection with its antifungal properties.

  • Ocimum basilicum oil significantly inhibits the growth of bacterial strains S. aureus, E. faecalis, E. coli, P.aeruginosa and the yeast Candida albicans, which are the common causatives of mastitis.

  • α-turmerone, β-turmerone and ar-turmerone from Curcuma longa oil have insecticidal, antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant actions. They also have healing ability and avoid udder cracks.

  • Ingredients like Nimbine from Neem oil prevent secondary infection. The alpha-linolenic acid and related chemicals are anti-inflammatory and remove hardness of tissues.

Hemostasis, inflammation, debridement, repair (proliferation), and remodeling are all aspects of wound healing that occur simultaneously. Various endogenous and external factors influence each phase. Essential oils shows promising results in skin wound healing by modulating processes involved in the inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling stages.

More details can be reached at www.nutricare.in

Previous article by author: Phytogenics Role In Maximising Liver Protection In Layers

How to Improve Broiler Performance?

How to Improve Broiler Performance?

Good Broiler performance means More Body weight, More Liveability & Low FCR. With today’s increasing operational Cost one more parameter become very important; Mean Age. We need to produce 7 Flocks in a year to sustain. Therefore, today’s Broiler performance only means EEF or BEF.

EEF Formula

The more the EEF, the better is Broiler Performance.

Dr B C Dutta
Dr B C Dutta (Author),
Poultry Consultant

We need More Body Weight. But in India, Bangladesh & Nepal, live bird market scenario, Body Weight need to match the customer demand which is 2 to 2.20Kg now. More Body weight means more EEF.

We want more broiler Liveability which depends on several factors like

  1. Breeder Management: Health, Age, and Vaccination Program.
  2. Hatchery Management: Sanitation, Hatch Window, Temperature & Ventilation management.
  3. Farm Management: Brooding, Vaccination Program & Health management.
  4. Biosecurity.

More Liveability = Less Mortality, means more EEF.

Mean Age is the average age of culling or selling the birds. Less no of days to reach Targeted Body Wt means less overheads, less Feed, less water & less mortality. Low Mean age means high EEF.

FCR Formula

In simple terms FCR means the amount of Feed required to produce one Kg Live Broiler. Hence, Lower the FCR better the EEF.

Considering current scenario with increasing Feed Cost (which accounts 67-70% of Broiler Cost) FCR is the most important parameter in broiler farming. Again FCR is directly related to Body Weight vis-a-vis Mean Age & Health status of birds. Practically both Body Wt & FCR are directly depends on Average Daily Weight Gain (ADG). Faster Growth yields more ADG results more Body Wt in less no of days with Less Feed (low FCR) & Less Overhead expenses.

Hence we can conclude that better Broiler Performance is only possible with better ADG means more EEF. Therefore, the issues are; how to get More Liveability & MORE Av Day Gain?

LIVEABILITY

Increase Liveability or reduce mortality is not just a subject to read or write. It is a continuous process of husbandry practise (Farm Management), health management, Vaccination program & Veterinary practise considering receipt of active & healthy Day Old Chicks (DOC).

Several factors related to Breeder farm operation directly affect broiler liveability which includes:

  1. Age of Parent Stock: Early Chick Mortality & Lameness is common with chicks from young flocks. Chicks from old age flocks have relatively less Immune power and frequently suffer from disease outbreaks. Chicks from middle aged breeder flocks perform excellently.

  2. Vaccination Program: Breeder Vaccination program should aim not only to protect the parent stock but also to provide enough immune strength to progeny considering the local disease history & challenges. The diseases like CIA, REO, ND, IBD, IB, Salmonellosis & Mycoplasmosis need to taken seriously at breeder level. Presently IBH auto vaccines are being used in breeder to prevent outbreaks in progeny with questionable success.Broiler farm

  3. Health Status of parent Stock: It is not only related with Parent Liveability & no of Settable Hatching Eggs but also quality of DOC. Chicks must be free from vertically transmitted diseases like Salmonella (Pullorum or Gallinerum), Mycoplasmosis (CRD) and AE (Avian Encephalomylitis) etc. Moreover, general health status of breeder flock directly responsible for broiler performance. Healthy breeder means high liveability in broiler.

  4. Sanitation of Breeding Farm: Cleanliness & sanitation of breeding farm in general, Egg collection team & Egg Store, vehicles affect broiler liveability. Egg shell can carry infections which ultimately results poor liveability.

Many issues of Hatchery & Chick Transportation are directly responsible for broiler liveability:

Sanitation is very important subject in hatchery management which not only affect hatchery performance (Saleable Chick %) but also produce Sick Chicks which eventually dies in few days after reaching broiler farm.

  1. Infections of Staphylococcus & E coli are very commonly carried by chicks from hatchery resulting Omphalytis with early chick mortality.

  2. Mycoplasma from eggs of one flock can infect eggs of other flocks in hatchery producing CRD after 21 days age.

  3. Similarly Salmonella infection can horizontally transmit to other hatching eggs in the hatchery resulting high mortality in early life (both embryonic & first few days of broiler).

  4. Fungal Infection (Aspergillosis or Brooder Pneumonia) in chicks are mostly brought from hatchery (infected chick box, paper pieces & vehicle) causing very high mortality with low body weight and poor performance.

Hatch Window is very important not only for hatch% but also for the Liveability of Chicks at farm. Extended Hatch window is a common problem resulting Lameness & respiratory distress with Ascites in later stage. The chicks born in the first part are worst performer.

Ventilation is major management issue in hatchery. Air Space between two Incubators and between Machine & Wall must be sufficient enough for continuous Oxygen supply inside the machines.

Husbandry practice & Farm management is the main issue behind High Liveability. A chick from best breeder & good hatchery fails due to poor farm management. Further, good husbandry & farm management many times gives beyond expected results from ordinary breeder & poor hatchery practice. The following issues need to be taken care for better liveability:

a) Shed Ready:- Housing of Chicks only after making the farms free from all source of Disease. Pre-Heating of brooding house helps improving liveability.

Poultry shed

b) Chick Receiving:- Unloading, counting & releasing immediately on reaching farm increases liveability.

Receiving Poultry chick pic

c) Immediate Access of chicks to Fresh Feed & Water with good Probiotic and making them accustomed with brooding house not only reduce early chick mortality but also helps development of immune system to minimize later stage disease outbreak.

Access of chicks to Fresh Feed & Water

d) Brooding Management to provide comfort to newly arrived chicks with respect to Space, Litter (bedding), Temperature, Ventilation (Air Circulation) & Light.

Brooding Management

e) Scientific Vaccination & Medication program considering disease history of the area & present challenges involving Poultry Veterinarian.

Biosecurity & Health Management is directly related to Liveability. Exposure to disease need to be checked to improve liveability.

Potential Routes of Disease Exposure
Potential Routes of Disease Exposure

DAY GAIN (ADG):

Average Daily Weight Gain (ADG) depends on our capacity & ability to extract the bird’s Genetic potential through Nutrition, Husbandry practise & Farm Management.

NUTRITION: Today’s good nutrition not only depends on

1) Best Formulation &

2) Good quality Raw Materials

but also on

3) Production Efficiency like Grinding, Mixing, Pelleting, Conditioning etc.

4) Physical Presentation like Particle Size, Hardness, Dust%, Moisture% etc.

5) Storage Efficiency like Downtime, Technique, System, etc.

Broiler Feed

6) Feeding Management at Farm e.g. Equipment status, Feed Consumption, Feeding method, Water quality, Farm Sanitation and Health Management.

# Minimum the storage time, maximum is the ADG & EEF. Fresh Feed offers 100% Nutrients availability to the broiler resulting excellent ADG. Storing feed for long in air-tight godown shall be avoided. Under Hot & Humid Indian scenario Pellet/Crumb feed should be consumed within 7 days.

# Equipment Quality:

Feeder Type – Best is Chick Tray followed by Big Feeder or Automatic Feeder with Conveyer system. Feeder No should be 1 for 50 chicks in Big Feeder and 1 for 40 Chicks in Automatic Feeder.

Farm equipment

Feeder Line Distance: Distance between 2 lines should not be more than 10 Feet because broilers are lazy & reluctant to move beyond 5 feet.

Feeding Method has direct impact on quantity of Feed Intake & on its digestion. Meal Feeding or Intermittent Feeding through lighting management gives high ADG resulting excellent FCR & EEF.

# Water Quality:

The Chicken body consist of 70% water and water is the medium by which Nutrients & Oxygen transportation takes place in the body. Water Quality impacts heavily on ADG & EEF.

The pH should be around 6 for better ADG. Organic Acids as liquid water Acidifier helps reducing pH. The Hardness shall be below 100 and Water should be free from dissolved Heavy metals. Water should be free from any chemical & microbial contamination.

# Farm Sanitation & Health Management:

Healthy bird eats as per breed standard and grows as per genetic potential. Maintenance of perfect health is the key of success in today’s broiler. The birds need to be protected from diseases

a) Causing High Mortality e.g. ND, IBD, IBH, IB, AI, Salmonellosis, Aspergillosis, etc

b) Causing Moderate Mortality but affecting ADG e.g. E coli, Mycoplasma, Staphylococcus, etc and

c) Causing Little or No Mortality but affects ADG e.g. Coccidiosis, Mycotoxins, Sub-Clinical IBD, Necrotic Enteritis.

These can be achieved through

  • a) Strict Biosecurity:-
    • Poultry Traffic Control by restricting unwanted visitor to farm specially poultry related person.
    • Fencing with Effective Footbath at Entrance.
    • Do not keep any other domestic animal or birds in the farm complex.
    • Disposal of Dead birds in Death Pit with disinfectant. Awareness needed to stop selling Sick & dead birds in market which not only infects the vehicle but also spread the disease in other areas. Feeding Dead birds to dogs or Fish is only inviting and aggravating our problem.

Biosecurity

  • b) Scientific Vaccination, Disinfection & Medication program as given by Poultry Veterinarian.
  • c) Daily Health monitoring; any abnormally shall be dealt with scientific approach.
  • d) Daily Water & Feed Intake monitoring; any deviation shall be looked seriously
  • e) Keeping the Farm Complex clean and free from organic debris which harbour infections.

Author: Dr B C Dutta, Poultry Consultant, www.drbcdutta.com

Note: This article was earlier published in West Bengal Poultry Mela Souvenir, February 2017.

Article by same author: Lameness In Poultry – Contributing Factors

Srinivasa Farms Adopts ‘SOY FED’

Srinivasa Farms Adopts ‘SOY FED’

SRINIVASA FARMS ADOPTS ‘SOY FED’, INDIA’S FIRST-EVER FEED LABEL, TO HELP CONSUMERS IDENTIFY HIGH-QUALITY PROTEIN PRODUCTS

Following other leading poultry producers, Srinivasa Farms joins the list of supporters of the ‘Soy Fed’ label that enables Indian consumers to make better protein choices.


Soy Feed LabelRight to Protein, a nationwide public health initiative, welcomes another renowned industry leader, Srinivasa Farms, to the league of Soy Fed adopters. ‘Soy Fed’ label is India’s first-ever voluntary feed label, launched in 2021 to raise awareness about the role of animal feed in determining the quality of protein consumed. The voluntary label will feature on Srinivasa Farm’s processed chicken portfolio and ‘HelloEggs’ brand products soon.

Since its inception last year, the ‘Soy Fed Label’ has received widespread support from industry stakeholders like Sneha Farms and Shalimar Group, owing to its ability to distinguish soy as a high-quality protein source for animal feed and empowering consumers to make informed decisions while differentiating packaged poultry, meat, and fish fed with soy.

Mr. Suresh Chitturi, Managing Director, Srinivasa Farms said, “As a leading player in building the Indian poultry industry, we are extremely passionate about food and strongly believe it to be a vehicle for good health and nourishment. While soy feed plays a significant role in the growth and development of animals and helps define the quality of protein consumed by humans, awareness about it remains limited. Hence, introducing the ‘Soy Fed’ label was imperative to bridge the knowledge gap and set a benchmark for quality, and we wanted to play a role in it. We believe that adopting the label further reinforces our commitment to provide quality and affordable nutrition to consumers, which has always been at the core of our existence.”

“The introduction of the label was a necessary step undertaken to drive awareness about Soy as a complete protein source for animal, as well as human consumption. It is encouraging to witness the overwhelming support we are receiving from our industry partners for the ‘Soy Fed’ label and are happy to have champions like Srinivasa Group helm the cause with us. With this, we are indeed progressing on our journey to further the protein knowledge beyond just the immediate source – going from food to feed”, stated Jaison John, Lead – India, US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and Right To Protein supporter.

Surging ahead in its mission to drive protein sufficiency in the country through awareness, advocacy, and action, Right to Protein, continues to reach out to multiple brands in India for voluntary inclusion of the label on their packaged protein products – meat, poultry, and fish – and helping citizens learn that We Are What Our Food Is Fed!

To know more about Soy Fed, head here.

New Corporate Office for Novus International in India

New Corporate Office for Novus International in India

The new Novus International office in Bangalore opened on 21 April 2022.

BANGALORE, INDIA (21 April 2022) – Novus International’s Asia leadership team in India inaugurated its new corporate office in the country in April.

Novus LogoThe new space was officially opened on 21 April 2022 in Bangalore, the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Karnataka located in the country’s southwestern region. Having a corporate office in Bangalore has the advantage of being in proximity to many customers. While a large city that is home to more than 8 million people, Bangalore is centrally located with major livestock and poultry hubs like Coimbatore, Namakkal, Hospet, Hyderabad, Pune, etc., contributing more than 60 percent of the poultry and dairy markets. The location also facilitates frequent engagement with customers, which will result in enhanced customer intimacy, improved services, and business growth.

Abishek Shingote
Abishek Shingote
Sr. Director – Global Strategy Marketing

On the 20th of April, Novus South Asia team hosted the customer meet-and-greet featuring Sr. Director of Global Strategy Marketing Abishek Shingote and Vice President and Asia Managing Director Dr. Vaibhav Nagpal from Novus Headquarters in the U.S.

Neeraj Kumar Srivastava
Mr. N.K. Srivastava, Managing Director – South Asia & SE Asia

The evening started with the welcome address by Neeraj Kumar Srivastava, Managing Director for South Asia & Southeast Asia, followed by the leadership messages from Dr. Nagpal, Shingote, Sr. Vice President and COO Ed Galo, and the company’s CEO and President Dan Meagher.

In his speech, Srivastava highlighted the importance of shifting the corporate office to Bangalore and he thanked all customers and business partners for their support. He spoke about growth, collaboration, trust and new beginning for Novus in the region. He also emphasized the opportunities in the region and the commitment of Novus to serve its customers with the right solutions and services.

Ed Galo
Ed Galo
Sr. VP and COO

Galo thanked all customers and business partners for their continuous support, stating that Novus has built a sustainable business over the years in the Indian market, and company leadership is pleased and proud of its position in the country.

“In return, we are committed to supporting the market to help feed the world and continue bringing nutritional health and solutions for best-in-class animal protein production to the market,” Galo said.

Dan Meagher
Dan Meagher
CEO and President

Meagher congratulated Srivastava and the entire team of Novus South Asia for their renewed commitment to country and its animal protein producers. “The commitment of Novus’s office in India demonstrates the importance of the Indian market to Novus,” Meagher said.

Dr. Vaibhav Nagpal
Dr. Vaibhav Nagpal
VP  and Asia M.D.

Dr. Nagpal mentioned the evolution of Novus in India over the last 15 years and spoke to the global development, innovation and focus of the company. He also added the importance of customers and business partners for the growth of any organization. “Customers are the backbone of any business,” Dr. Nagpal said.

Many prominent animal nutrition and health companies are located in and are operating out of Bangalore. The area is also a hub for the software and biotechnology-related industry in India and is known as the “Silicon Valley & Biotech Capital of India.” Recently, Bangalore has emerged as the start-up capital with almost 32 entrepreneurial companies located there. With this investment in the city, Bangalore has an advantage over other cities in attracting and retaining talents.

Novus South Asia Team
Novus South Asia Team
Special Guests
Special Guests

Bangalore is also demographically diverse and the second fastest-growing major metropolis in India as per the Centre for Science and Environment. Bangalore is called the most livable city in India due to its economic ability and opportunities.

Novus Animal Nutrition (India) Pvt. Ltd.
IS-48, Second Floor, KHB Industrial Area,
Yelahanka New Town, Bengaluru – 560 064,
Karnataka, India
www.novusint.com | +914 4268 80782

Livestock Philippines – Just 3 Months To Go!

Livestock Philippines – Just 3 Months To Go!

The much-awaited International Trade Fair for Innovative Production and Processing for Poultry and Livestock, Livestock Philippines, will be held on 24 – 26 August 2022 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, Pasay City, Philippines.

Livestock Philippines

Livestock Philippines brings together local and international exhibitors, and trade visitors with profiles such as but not limited to industry professionals, key stakeholders, owners, and decision- makers integrators, farmers, feed millers, pre-mixers, meat processors, slaughterhouses, veterinarians, distributors, retailers, and others. It is a B2B show where you can see cutting-edge technology and solutions available in the global market, attend educational technical seminars and conferences, and experience quality face-to-face networking with the potential market.

Supported By: The Department of Agriculture has recently expressed its support to Livestock Philippines five years later after its last edition in 2017. The department is responsible for the promotion of agricultural development by providing the policy framework, public investments, and support services needed for domestic and export-oriented business enterprises. Livestock Philippines is also supported by some affiliated agencies of the Department of Agriculture, such as the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), National Meat Inspection (NMIS), Philippine Dairy Authority (PDA), Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), and Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). Together with the Livestock Philippines team, the said government agencies create a working committee to discuss and plan a comprehensive collaboration which includes hosting an exclusive conference during the show, which will be attended by key important people within the livestock industry.

LsP 2022
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Show Highlights: Livestock Philippines 2022 features new show highlights such as the Eggcellent Corner, Sustainability Square, and Innovation Zone to educate the visitors about certain causes that would help boost the livestock industry in the Philippines and are aligned with the programs of the Department of Agriculture. Furthermore, the event highlights different initiatives and approaches toward a more sustainable event that would inspire and encourage exhibitors and visitors to be more environmentally and socially responsible.

Eggcellent Corner

Watch out for this new and innovative corner at Livestock Philippines that showcases the importance and wonders of eggs. This corner is specially designed to promote eggs as the cheapest source of proteins and can be added to human daily diets. Some of the activities that must be expected are small seminars about the Philippine Layer Roadmap, Sustainable Egg Farming, free consultations about cage-free systems and innovative layer products, mini live theatre, and free trials of various egg products. The Eggcellent Corner will be led by the Batangas Egg Producers Cooperative (BEPCO) and Global Food Partners.

Sustainability Square

Sustainability Square at Livestock Philippines is an interactive zone where visitors and exhibitors can learn more about sustainability within the livestock, feed, and meat processing industries. The sponsors in Livestock Philippines Sustainability Square can highlight their companies’ initiatives or approaches to promote sustainability and create a positive impact on building a sustainable future.

Innovation Zone

At Livestock Philippines, every exhibitor is given an equal opportunity to showcase their latest products and technologies that they can offer to the market. Find diverse and multiple cutting-edge products and talk with some industry professionals at the Innovation Zone

Aside from these new show features, expect another comprehensive and insightful conferences and technical seminars from industry experts and key exhibitors.

Visitors at the event

This year, Livestock Philippines assures the stakeholders a safer, more convenient, and efficient trade show experience. Informa Markets has launched Informa AllSecure to provide enhanced health and safety standards following COVID-19 on top of the government and local authorities’ guidance. The Informa AllSecure standard guidelines raise the bar of a safer, hygienic, and well-organized event to give everyone the confidence in doing business during the show.

Livestock Philippines expects more than 200 exhibitors and at least 12,000 trade visitors from various sectors of the livestock industry to attend in August. Aside from the government agencies, the event is also supported and endorsed by some industry associations like Batangas Egg Producers (BEPCO), Cold Chain Associations of the Philippines (CCAP), and Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (PAMPI).

For more information, please contact team or visit www.livestockphilippines.com

For Sales: Ms. Rita Lau | rita.lau@informa.com
For Marketing: Ms. Jomia Pagkatotohan | jomia.pagkatotohan@informa.com

Birgit Horn Appointed Managing Director VIV Worldwide

Birgit Horn Appointed Managing Director VIV Worldwide

Welcoming a senior expert from the event industry onboard, Royal Jaarbeurs | VNU Group is excited to announce new leadership with a vision of boosting the VIV worldwide portfolio.

Birgit HornBirgit Horn (49) has been appointed as the new Managing Director of VIV worldwide. Based in the head office in Utrecht, Mrs. Horn will officially start on August 1, 2022. She will contribute to enlarge the VIV worldwide network on all measures with regards to exhibitors, visitors and partner development and also further strengthen the worldwide reach of the VIV show portfolio.

Horn has a vast experience of 25 years working in the exhibition industry. She has worked in different leadership positions with Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, a key player in the sector. As Director, Horn was recently responsible for two world leading trade shows with global reach counting a base of around 3,200 exhibitors. In her tenure she has developed new trade fair and conference formats, expending industry segments in Germany, India as well as in Turkey.

As the new Managing Director of VIV worldwide, Brigit Horn will succeed Heiko M. Stutzinger, who recently became COO of Royal Jaarbeurs | VNU Group. “We are thrilled to have Birgit on board. Her focus on industry developments by building strong connections through clear customer-driven event concepts will help VIV worldwide to continue its legacy in the sector.” affirms Heiko M. Stutzinger, COO Jaarbeurs.

Sharing the sentiment, Horn adds, “I am very excited to join the VNU Group and looking forward to inspiring the whole team in reaching for the best possible services to supply top-quality events. At the same time, I am ready and keen to dive into the world of AgriFood and animal protein production, meet our existing partners and expand the VIV worldwide network in the Feed to Food industry.”

In her new role, Horn will be responsible for the entire VIV worldwide portfolio, which is spread across the globe – Asia, Europe, and the MEA region, and consists of VIV trade exhibitions, VIV Connect and the VIV trade forums. She will report to the Group COO Heiko M. Stutzinger.

To stay tuned for the latest news and developments, please follow VIV worldwide and VNU Europe on LinkedIn.

About VIV worldwide | VIV worldwide is the business network linking professionals from Feed to Food, offering boundless opportunities to the animal protein supply chain players. VIV worldwide developed with dedication a network through 40 years of experience and interactions with the industry, making it the leading platform for some of the most promising markets of the world. Visit WWW.VIV.NET/EVENTS.