Nutricare is now in Philippines with the concept of “Optimization of farm productivity using phytogenics”.

They had their recent product launch in Philippines with their partner Enovet. Both Enovet and Nutricare team emphasized on reducing antimicrobial resistance by minimising use of Antibiotics. Phytogenics was the talk show and was detailed by experts from the industry. Nutricare has now Mintoliv, Dysen 00, Imcare and Respomint-25 in Philippines with many more coming in future.

Nutricare is a four-decade old company having global certifications like GMP+ Certification from Control Union, Netherlands, Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP), ISO 9001-2015, Organic Certification and Halal Certification and currently exporting in more than 25 countries across the globe.

“We offer products in segments like Gut health, General health care, Liver care, Skin and wound management, Respiratory care, Immunomodulation and many more. We follow philosophy of green and organic products, so no chemicals are used and these products are potential replacement of antibiotics”.

From recent past, they are exporting to countries like Bangladesh and Nepal and looking for good market in other countries as well with the aim of providing promising solutions in field of phytogenics.

For more details, contact Dr. Vandana Sharma at vandana.sharma@nutricare.in

Related article: Destressing Using Natural Approach

The article suggests how incorporating natural sources in diet as feed additives can help to ameliorate negative impact of stress in birds.

AuthorsQuite a few problems with poultry can be attributable to the general term ‘stress’. Chickens suffer stress just as we humans do. The general health of your chicken depends on how much stress the birds are exposed to during their everyday life. Stress can directly affect bird’s health, but also have long term implications, and it can even be critical. While many people would not normally associate a chicken as being a possible victim of stress, once you describe the causes of stress in a chicken and the detrimental effects of various factors on their health, reproduction and performance, you will identify what harm it can cause.

What is stress??

The term “stress” has been widely used in biology to describe a set of physiological and behavioural changes elicited by aversive stimuli. It is sympatho-adrenomedullary (SAM) system’s attempt to regulate homeostasis when threatened by a variety of stressors. Stress occurs when animals have to make extreme and prolonged, physiological and behavioral adjustments in order to cope with their environment. In short “STRESS” is Situations That Release Emergency Signals for Survival.

Factors causing stress

The factors which can cause stress are called stressors. Although birds might be able to tolerate a single stressor for a short period of time, multiple stressors over a long period of time may lead to distress and suffering.

  • Physical: Accidental injury, poor handling during treatment and vaccination, transportation stress.
  • Physiological: Rapid growth, sexual maturity.
  • Environmental: Sudden rise and fall in temperature, poor ventilation, wet litter etc.
  • Social: Overcrowding during brooding, difference in body weight.
  • Nutritional: Insufficient or excess feed, imbalance in nutrient ratio, change in type/texture of feed.
  • Psychological: Fear of predators, poorly handled by catchers.
  • Pathological: Exposure to infectious agent bacteria, viruses and fungi producing mycotoxins, or excessive stimulation of the immune system allow body succumb to disease.

How to recognize stress??

There are many factors that are responsible for stressing chickens out. Pushing these ‘high-stressors’ on a repetitive cycle causes problematic avian disease. Recognizing and understanding causes of these stress-induced problems is key to solving them. The first obvious symptom of stress will be that layers will stop laying eggs, sometimes for up to 3-4 weeks.

The first stage is a ‘fright or flight’ reaction, which is short term, neurological stage based on adrenaline release which triggers the release of glucose into the blood and helps the bird prepare to power the muscles to escape.

Second stage, Adaption is based on the endocrine system where hormones are released to control the long-term effects of stress as they adjust to the new changes in their environment. They can be identified by the level of cortisone in the blood. Diseases associated with long term stress, can be attributed to high corticosteroid production.

The third stage, Exhaustion occurs when a bird does not recover from the stressor, its body reserves are depleted, and the metabolism of normal function fails, leads to death.

Heat stress causes changes in the intestinal microbiome

Due to reduced feed intake and impaired intestinal function, the presence and activity of the commensal microbiota can also be modified. Heat stress can lead to reduced populations of beneficial microbes. At the same time, it can boost the growth of potential pathogens and lead to dysbiosis, increased gut permeability, as well as immune and metabolic dysfunction. Pathogens such as Clostridia, Salmonella, and Coliform bacteria increase in poultry exposed to heat stress, while the populations of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria decrease. Heat stress causes damage in the gut microbiota, intestinal integrity, and villus morphology, as well as immunosuppression.

Oxidative stress is a consequence of heat stress

Oxidative stress, occurs when the amount of reactive oxygen species exceeds the antioxidant capacity of the cells. Oxidative stress damages cell proteins, lipids, and DNA, and reduces energy generation efficacy. Heat stress leads to higher cellular energy demand, promoting the generation of ROS in the mitochondria, which exceeds the antioxidant capacity of the organism. Both acute and chronic heat stress increase gut permeability, partly by increasing oxidative stress and by disrupting the expression of tight junction proteins. When the tight junction barrier is compromised, luminal substances leak into the bloodstream, which constitutes the condition described as “Leaky gut”.

Image 1

Stress and immune interactions

Stress can suppress immune function. However, the ways in which chronic stress suppresses the immune system are highly specific, and only some types of defense against disease are affected. When the stress response involves the release of glucocorticoids or catecholamines, the capacity of cellular immune mechanisms is reduced. During respiratory infectious diseases and Salmonella sp. infection susceptibility towards stress is increased. Although the precise mechanism explaining this effect is not known, it has been suggested that the function of the natural-killer cells could be impaired as a result of stress and this in turn could lead to an increased susceptibility of the body to infectious agents.

Nutritional manipulation to alleviate stress
Stress has negative effects on physiological response, growth performance and laying performance, which appeared in the form of reducing feed consumption, body weight gain, egg production, feed efficiency, meat quality, egg quality and immune response. Nutritional manipulations can help in ameliorating the negative impacts of stress on birds without any side effects and they are safe and economical as well.

  1. Diet density: As feed consumption decreases, providing a denser diet may assist in maintaining nutrient intake. Higher energy feeds may be required due to an increase in Metabolic energy requirement and low feed intake. Increasing the energy and amino acid content of diets may assist to improve performance.
  2. Balanced crude protein: Heat production in the body normally increases with an increase in the level of proteins. Excess protein metabolism increases the heat load in poultry and exacerbates ionic imbalance. Under heat stress conditions, lower protein rations supplemented with some essential amino acids, such as methionine, lysine, threonine and tryptophan, will result in better outcomes than higher protein rations.
  3. Increased fat percentage: Increasing the metabolizable energy content in the diet increases the intake of energy and reduces the specific dynamic action of the feed. Because fat has a lower heat increment than either carbohydrates and/or protein, a higher fat content in the diet helps mitigate the negative effects of heat stress in birds raised at higher ambient temperature. The inclusion of fat in the diet also decreases the passage rate of digesta through the gastrointestinal tract, thus increasing nutrient uptake and retention.
  4. Proper feed form: Offering feed as pellets is a method to reduce energy expenditure for eating. The physical nature of pellets allows the bird to consume feed with less wasted energy and assists in improving bird performance. Pellets should be of proper quality with minimum number of fines to gain optimal benefits.
  5. Introduction of Feed additives: The use of certain feed additives such as betaine, enzymes, antioxidants, mycotoxin binders, phytogenics, and probiotics to alleviate effects of heat stress
      1. Phytogenic or phytobiotics, acquired great concern in poultry production as antibiotics alternative to improve the growth by enhancing the efficiency of feed utilization and motivating the immunity and the antioxidative status of the birds. Phytomolecules, such as Carvacrol, Cinnamaldehyde, Capsaicin, Silymarin, Cineole, and Menthol, among others, have been found to alleviate heat stress through their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities, leading to improved bird’s health and performance.
      2. Betaine has a specific role in maintaining poultry biological processes such as osmoregulation, cellular water and ion balance, methionine-sparing, fat distribution and immunity and improves the bird’s capacity to resist heat stress. Betaine also acts as a methyl donor, allowing feed cost savings through the replacement of some of the added dietary methionine and choline.
      3. Prebiotics like Beta-glucans and Manan-oligosaccharides (MOS) mitigates the negative effects of heat stress on broiler chickens by benefiting the intestinal microbiota, gut morphology, oxidative status, physiological stress and subsequently immune status of broiler chickens (Fig.1).
      4. Probiotics have the ability to improve intestinal health, intestinal microbial balance and immune responses. Recently, probiotics gain more interest to mitigate the oxidative damage of heat stress in the poultry industry.
      5. Vitamins like Vitamin C helps to reduce corticosterone levels during heat stress. It combats heat stress, oxidative stress and improves the immune response in birds. Vitamin E provides cellular protection and scavenges free radicals. It protects lymphocytes, macrophages and plasma cells against oxidative damage and improves the immune response (Fig.2)
      6. Minerals like Selenium is involved in several biological functions, including antioxidative properties, protein composition, basal metabolic rate, and the metabolism of protein, carbohydrate, fat, and vitamin and ameliorate the negative impacts of heat stress. Zinc is involved in suppressing the free radicals by activating the antioxidative enzymes and minimize lipid peroxidation in broilers raised in heat stress conditions.
      7. Sodium bicarbonate is an antacid and is the source of CO2 for heat stressed birds. Due to panting and the excessive loss of carbon dioxide, blood pH and acid-base balance of the bird can be impacted during heat stress. The addition of sodium bicarbonate (0.5%) to diet can enhance performance under heat stress conditions

Beside adopting supplementation of various dietary additives, several strategies should be adopted to overcome the drastic effects of environmental stress. Selection of rearing systems with improved ventilation, proper housing conditions and recommended stocking density is important for improving the performances during high ambient temperature.

In such a competitive environment, when birds are ready to be slaughtered for marketing within five weeks, any stress to poultry has severe effects on the body weight gain and hence in economy, therefore it should be identified at earlier stage and should be managed properly to attain maximum productivity.

Contact: 

Dr. Vandana Sharma: vandana.sharma@nutricare.in
Dr. Saurabh Agarwal: saurabh.agarwal@nutricare.in

www.nutricare.in

Nutricare

Previous Article By Authors: Essential Oils To Promote Gut Health In Poultry

As global animal production has rapidly shifted towards reduced Antibiotic free, “Gut health” has become a popular expression and all-encompassing concept in the scientific community. The gastro-intestinal tract must Novus Logoprovide a barrier function protecting against harmful environmental elements (e.g. toxins and pathogenic microbes), while simultaneously permitting appropriate nutrient absorption. Successful animal performance depends on the interplay between the intestine, microbiota, diet, and a multitude of environmental factors.

Dr. Koushik De, Director-Technical Services, SCA
Novus International

The shift to antibiotic free production or better gut health often results in the increase of soybean meal inclusion as there are limited in the number of efficacious protein sources that successfully reduce soybean meal content. Soybean meal is the most widely used major protein source in poultry production across the world. However, SBM contains various anti-nutritional factors that may affect intestinal homeostasis and impair nutrient utilization in poultry. The main anti-nutritional factors in SBM, are trypsin inhibitors (TI), oligosaccharides, such as raffinose and stachyose, and the antigen Glycinin, β-conglycinin and Lectins. Diets that include high levels of soybean meal contain proportionally higher anti-nutritional factors and may pose the risk of impaired performance.

Chen et al. (2016) analyzed the content of TI and Urease Activity (UA) in more than 1000 samples of SBM from all over the world and observed a high degree of variability in the reported ANF values, both within the same country and amongst different origins.

Fig 1
The levels of trypsin inhibitor (TI) of solvent-extracted soybean meal samples from different countries and world areas.
Chen et. al., The Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society, 2020

The elevated variability and its potential negative impact on performance highlights the importance of knowing the content of anti-nutritional factors in SBM for poultry formulations.

In this article, we will review mainly the role of Trypsin Inhibitors (TI) in broilers.

Why Should we care about TI?
Trypsin and chymotrypsin are important digestive enzymes that are secreted by the pancreas as the inactive enzyme precursors trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen. Trypsin activates itself via positive feedback and converts chymotrypsinogen and other inactive enzymes into their active forms. As Tis are protein in nature and one of the most anti nutritional components of SBM, they compete to bind to trypsin therefore affecting the digestion process. They have been correlated with rapid feed passage and decrease in digestibility of broilers with a relevant economic impact. The analysis is still more expensive, complex and time consuming for TI, for this reason, other parameters are commercially used as indirect SBM quality indicators, such as Urease activity and Protein solubility.

There are two types of TI present in Soya, Kunitz TI which is larger molecule & Bowman-Birk TI which is smaller molecule. But soyabean seed contain around 14% more Bowman Birk TI than Kunitz TI.

Consequence of TI for Soya Bean and bird performance:
Excessive quantities of TI in feed will cause pancreatic hypertrophy leading to poor growth and decreased performance (Pacheco et al. 2014; García-Rebollar et al. 2016; Rada et al. 2017). This pancreatic hypertrophy is a compensatory modulation by the body to offset the effect of ingested trypsin inhibitors (Liener 1981; Waldroup et al. 1985).

Linear increase in pancreas size with increasing TI content in SB

Fig 2
Erdaw et al., 2018: “Anti-nutrients Reduce Poultry Productivity: Influence of Trypsin Inhibitors on pancreas”

TI also affect the nutritive value of SBM. Because of loss of endogenous protein there is reduced digestion which affects the nitrogen balance, gut viscosity resulting into reduced live weight and negative impact on feed efficiency. Palliyeguru et al. (2011) demonstrated dietary soya TI elicited an increased severity of sub-clinical necrotic enteritis. When amino acid digestibility is compromised, the ileal ingesta will have a relatively high content of undigested amino acids that pass into the large intestine and cecal tonsils, where microbial fermentation will occur. C. perfringens, a pathogenic agent of necrotic enteritis, needs specific amino acids and peptides for its proliferation (Nakamura et al., 1968).

Rapid Feed Passage

Feed Passage Pic

Using the Data from the simulation conducted by Havenstein et al.(2003) with “1957” broilers versus ‘2001” broiler it is possible to estimate the TI intake of the “1957” birds fed 1957 diets and compare it with the estimate of TI intake by the “2001” birds fed 2001 diets.

TI Intake Pic

Because of improvement of modern broilers in terms of average feed intake and body weight they consume more than three times TI than 1957 birds considering the same amount of TI in SBM.

The effects of TIA are particularly strong in young animals. It has been shown that overcooking of soybean meal decreases digestibility of amino acids (Lee and Garlich, 1992; Parsons et al., 1992). The explanation for the decreased amino acid digestibility and reduced growth responses appear to be related to the Maillard reaction with cross-linking involved to a lesser extent.

Correlation of TI (AOAC) & indirect Parameters for SBM quality:
Currently, the analytical technique most commonly used to measure soybean meal quality is protein solubility, perhaps combined with the urease test. The urease test has been used for some time as a measure of soybean meal processing. Trypsin inhibitors (TI) and urease activity (UA) are the two most relevant quality measurements for soybean products as feed ingredients for animals. TI were reported to be correlated with UA, so feed processing plants use UA as an indicator of TI in soybean meal (SBM). Chen et.al (2019) conducted a study to determine the levels of TI and UA in 414 SBM samples from 19 different countries and to validate whether TI and UA are correlated. They found that TI were poorly correlated with UA in solvent extracted SBM samples, suggesting that UA should not be used as a surrogate indicator for TI content in soybean products.

Figure 5
Araujo et al (2019) conducted similar study to determine the correlation of TI and KOH Protein Solubility.

How to deal with TI in SBM?
Soybean meal (SBM) is the most important source of dietary protein for poultry. Although TI is reduced by heat treatment, overheating has a negative impact on protein quality and amino acid digestibility. Exogenous Protease enzymes can improve digestibility of feedstuffs, lower feed costs and improve animal performance. Proteases improve animal performance and nutrient digestibility by decreasing digesta viscosity, improving endogenous enzyme activity and decreasing pancreas weight (Bedford and Classen, 1993; Bedford and Schulze, 1998; Erdaw et al., 2017a,b; Yan et al., 2017).

Fig 6

As mentioned earlier the determination in the laboratory of the TI content of SBM and its relationship with AA availability is tedious and time-consuming and provides inconsistent results. Also, the traditional processes of treating SBM can’t remove the anti-nutritional factors to a safe level. Therefore, use of exogenous protease is very effective in reducing the deleterious effect of TI in SBM. Liu et al., in 2013 conducted a study wherein they used a protease enzyme (Cibenza EP150) with different levels of TI and found that protease enzyme was able to destroy almost all trypsin inhibitors (both Bowman-Birk & Kunitz TI) present in soyabean meal (at 1:1 ratio) and destroy substancially even in higher concentración (2:1) of TI as well.

Fig 7
CIBENZA® EP150 can destroy almost all trypsin inhibitors present in soyabean meal (at 1:1 ratio) and destroy substantially even in higher concentración (2:1) of TI as well

Wedekind et al., in 2020 showed that addition of exogenous protease (Cibenza EP150) in a diet containing FFS(with TI 8.15mg/g) improved the amino acid digestibility and at the same time reduce the pancreas weight also indicating a potential amelioration of the negative effect of TI from FFS.

Figure 8
Wedekind et al., 2020

Conclusion:
There are lot of scientific evidences on the negative effect of soybean trypsin inhibitors in chickens. They can not only adversely affect the productive performance of chickens but can also impair their intestinal health. The beneficial responses of protease are likely due to decreases in endogenous amino acid losses, but in vitro evidence also demonstrates the ability of protease to hydrolyze Bowman-Birk and Kunitz-trypsin inhibitor proteins. Thus, there might be both direct and indirect mechanisms whereby amino acid digestibility is improved with proteases and so is the bird’s performances.

  • VAXXITEK® HVT + IBD provides life-long immunity against Infectious Bursal Disease and Marek’s Disease
  • It is the first vector vaccine launched in the avian market
  • VAXXITEK® HVT + IBD is available in 100 countries; more than 130 billion birds vaccinated so far

India, 26 May 2021 – Boehringer Ingelheim India today announced the launch of its poultry vaccine VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD. An innovative recombinant vaccine, VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD is a single shot vaccine, ensuring life-long protection for all types of production chickens, namely broiler, layer and breeder.

Designed to build and strengthen a stronger immune foundation in poultry, the vaccine enables better flock health and performance. VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD protects against two major immunosuppressive diseases – IBD (Infectious Bursal Disease) and Marek’s Disease, both of which are known to cause significant losses to poultry businesses.

First launched in Brazil, VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD is now available in 100 countries worldwide. With over 130 billion birds vaccinated globally, this is the first vector vaccine launched in the avian market. As the flagship poultry product of Boehringer Ingelheim, VAXXITEK® HVT + IBD is the largest selling poultry vaccine globally in terms of revenue, contributing close to 26 percent of sales in the poultry franchise globally. In India, the poultry vaccine market accounts for around USD 120mn.

Vani Manja, Managing Director, Boehringer Ingelheim India said “With the introduction of VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD, we bring a simplified and effective solution to the Indian poultry market, while providing producers with the flexibility and expected protection against two avian diseases in one product. An innovative single-dose recombinant vaccine, VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD eliminates the need for any additional field vaccination. With our holistic solutions approach, veterinarians and poultry producers are assured of vaccination process convenience and improved performance of the flock.”

Source: www.boehringer-ingelheim.in

  • Science-based system solutions that include low-protein diets, amino acids, probiotics, services and consulting
  • Tailored to the specific challenges of broiler chickens, laying hens and pigs
  • Focus on the interplay between animal health, productivity and profitability

Evonik has developed science-based system solutions for the gut health of broiler chickens, laying hens and weaned to growing-finishing pigs. This integrated approach makes it possible to keep animals healthy without the use of antibiotics, and to produce meat and eggs in a sustainable and economically profitable manner.

Evonik’s new system solutions for gut health include a tailored combination of its feeding concepts, amino acids, probiotics, services and consulting, depending on the individual needs and challenges of the customer. The approach means the customer receives better economic, animal welfare and sustainability results whatever their circumstances.

“The challenges for farmers in increasing productivity while maintaining healthy animals are manifold and can only be overcome with comprehensive solutions,” says Dr. Torben Madsen, head of the Sustainable Healthy Nutrition product line at Evonik. “Our new gut health system solutions provide the basis for solving those challenges”.

The intestinal microbiota, i.e., the totality of microorganisms in the digestive system, is at the center of the solution. Maintaining its sensitive balance depends on various factors. Among these, feeding is an important aspect that can stabilize or unbalance the microbiota. Environmental conditions such as heat stress or piglets at weaning from breast milk also impact the microbial balance. Ultimately, antibiotics or pathogens have an immediate effect on the microbiota.

As a result, morphological and functional changes occur in the gut which negatively affect digestion and thus nutrient absorption. This leads to reduced animal growth or even increased mortality.

“It is important to understand these complex gut systems and target them individually with the right solutions,” says Dr. Xu Wang, product manager for Gut Health Solutions at Evonik Animal Nutrition. “Our products and services make a significant contribution to this and we are more than happy to introduce our customers to our system solutions”.

Source: animal-nutrition.evonik.com

Poultry Science Association (PSA) Names its Award Winners for 2021

While Novus International, Inc., has been a long-time supporter of the Poultry Science Association’s annual award ceremony, this year is extra special with one of the feed additive company’s own named an award winner.

Vivek Kuttappan, Ph.D., Novus research scientist, was named recipient of the Early Achievement Award for Industry. This award recognizes the achievements of Poultry Science Association (PSA) members in the early stages of their career in the poultry industry.

Dr. Vivek Kuttappan Pic
Dr. Vivek Kuttappan, Ph.D., Novus Research Scientist

Kuttappan, who has worked in poultry physiology with Novus for five years, said he was honored and humbled to receive the award.

“I joined PSA in 2009 and so many people in the organization have inspired me to keep exploring different ways that science can impact bird growth and health,” he said.

Kuttappan’s research at Novus focuses on broiler meat quality and poultry gut health – two areas that can directly impact the success of poultry production. Along with his research at Novus, he collaborates with academia to solve gut health challenges in antibiotic-free production and investigates non-antibiotic strategies to control necrotic enteritis, coccidiosis, and salmonella.

He holds a patent for a novel molecule to improve gut health in broilers, and his work has been included in scientific publications: 38 peer-reviewed journal articles and 57 abstracts cited by researchers worldwide. As a subject expert in solving poultry meat quality challenges, he has presented to the industry and academic institutions globally.

Kuttappan received his doctorate in poultry science from Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, University of Arkansas and a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in veterinary science from Kerala Agricultural University, India.

While he’s received several awards for his work, Kuttappan said this is extra special for him.

“My doctoral advisor, Casey Owens from the University of Arkansas, nominated me for the award, which was hugely validating,” he said. “PSA is filled with people who really care about the poultry industry. They are glad to offer support and guidance to young and longtime professionals alike.”

Each year Novus also sponsors its Outstanding Teaching Award, which goes to a top researcher educator. This year’s winner is Andrew P. Benson with the University of Georgia (UGA).

Selected by a PSA committee, the Novus Outstanding Teaching Award is presented to a PSA member who has demonstrated outstanding success in the classroom as well as a dedication to professional improvement.

Andrew P. Benson Pic
Andrew P. Benson, University of Georgia

Since joining the faculty at UGA’s Department of Poultry Science, Benson has taught several courses, including Introduction to Poultry Science and Avian Anatomy and Physiology each Fall and Spring semester.

Benson himself attended UGA and it’s where he first found an interest in poultry science. As an outsider to the industry, Benson said it was his teachers that influenced his career path.

“I know firsthand the impact of effective teaching, so I seize the opportunity to mentor and enthusiastically teach poultry at UGA,” he said.

Since arriving at UGA in 2016, he has won the student-voted departmental teaching award each year it has been offered. Outside of teaching, Benson’s research focus is to improve fertility in commercial poultry.

For a full list of award winners, visit https://poultryscience.org/About-Awards-2021. Due to the pandemic, this year’s award ceremony will be held virtually on July 19-22, 2021. Novus is a Gold Sponsor of the PSA annual meeting.

PSA is a professional organization consisting of educators, scientists, extension specialists, industry researchers, administrators, producers, and college students who are committed to advancing the poultry industry. Founded in 1908, PSA’s member scientists have contributed through their research to the development of safer and more nutritious food product. For more information about PSA, visit www.poultryscience.org.

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Dr. Vivek Kuttappan recent article published on Poultry Trends magazine.
Feed Additive Combinations Could Be Solution For Wooden Breast

Broiler Breeders Association North Logo

Mr. Gurminder Singh Bisla is the President – Broiler Breeders Association North (BBAN) and owner of M/s Vijay Research & Breeding Farm in district Hisar (Haryana, India). He started his poultry business in 1988 with 2000 Commercial Broiler Birds. Two years later in 1990, he started Broiler Breeding Farming & Hatcheries with 2000 Broiler parent birds and today, his Broiler Breeding Farm capacity is approximately one lakh birds.

In an Exclusive Interview to POULTRY TRENDS, Mr. Bisla addresses the current challenges of North Indian poultry sector.

Excerpts of the interview are reproduced as follows:

What are the reasons of current increase in poultry feed prices?
Mr. Gurminder Singh Bisla: The sky rocketing hike in prices of raw material i.e. Soya DOC is the main reason for the increase in feed rates. There is 250% increase in Soya DOC rates currently and therefore, the feed which is being produced is available at a higher rate in market.

To reduce feed cost, what are the alternate protein sources available?
Mr. Gurminder Singh Bisla: The Sunflower DOC, Mustard Cake, Till Oil Cakes, Rice Gluten, Maize Gluten are the protein source options. But we can use these in Poultry to a permissible limit.

Any suggestions to the Government?
Mr. Gurminder Singh Bisla: Poultry meat and eggs are a great source of protein. They also provide lots of other nutrients our body needs, like iodine, iron, zinc, vitamins and essential fatty acids. The Government must prioritise the poultry sector needs and import of Soya DOC at a very low or no import duty. This will help reduce feed production cost and greatly help in sustaining production.

How has the ongoing flu outbreak affected the North Indian poultry industry.
Mr. Gurminder Singh Bisla: There has been incidences of Flu from time to time in different parts of the country largely in wild birds. The recent outbreak of Flu in Barwala Layer belt (Haryana) affected many layer farmers with huge financial losses. Large mortalities in farms have now led to less productions and also affecting the Industry’s economy in a worst way.

What are the issues faced by the producers today?
Mr. Gurminder Singh Bisla: Our poultry producers are facing several problems like high feed production cost, transport costs, expensive vaccine costs. In these times of covid-19, due to less awareness at the consumer level, the consumption of poultry has gone down, reducing the demand in market. The lockdown has also hit us in a very bad way. And non-availability of Flu vaccines are also hitting the producers in a hard way.

Please comment on culling price due to Avian influenza set by the Govt.
Mr. Gurminder Singh Bisla: There are different verticals in Poultry Industry like Layer Birds, Broiler Birds and Broiler Parent Birds. Every bird is different and their cost of production and rearing is completely different from each other. However, our Government has decided a single policy for all Poultry birds i.e. INR 85 per bird as compensation. This is far too less for Broiler Parent Birds as its cost of production is more than INR 1500 per bird. The government must revise the Culling price as per the cost of production of birds in the supervision of concerned authorities.

Any other challenge for North Indian Poultry Industry today?
Mr. Gurminder Singh Bisla: As there is a lot of climatic variations in North India. And therefore, the management for every flock and every month of the year is different depending upon the time. This increases our cost of production from other regions in country. There is extreme weather (both hot and cold) and humid in summers. This is affecting our productions too.

How you see the future of poultry industry in next 2 years?
Mr. Gurminder Singh Bisla: Poultry Industry has a very bright future in years to come as there will be gap in demand and supply of the birds. This would result in increasing the demand of Chicken in market and making good profits.

Please tell us about Broiler Breeders Association North (BBAN).
Mr. Gurminder Singh Bisla: In 1999, we formed North Zone Broiler Breeder Association (NZBBA) with same objectives. Later, in 2012, the name was changed to The Broiler Breeders Association North (BBAN).

Currently we have about 230 Broiler Breeders members.

Our Association has always been working for the welfare and betterment of the poultry sector. We try to solve issues and keep in mind the interests of North Broiler Breeders and the problems faced by them. We always stand with each other as one family and have been helping our Industry and Country grow.

Who can be a member and from what region?
Mr. Gurminder Singh Bisla: As per the By-laws of Association, only Broiler Breeders can be members of the Association.

Breeders from North India (Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan Delhi and Chandigarh) can become members by paying a nominal onetime membership fee.

RR Animal Health Logo

We are glad to welcome Dr Rajeeb Kumar Roy to RR Animal Health Care Limited as Manager – Technical Sales & Services. Dr Rajeeb Kumar will be responsible for Key Client Management & Technical support to the sales team in Northern region of India. Dr Rajeeb Kumar is Masters in Veterinary Science (MVSc) in Pharmacology & Toxicology from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science & Technology, Jammu.

Dr Rajeeb Kumar has an illustrious career that started with PRADAN, Jharkhand in 2002 just after doing BVSc & AH. In 2005, he went to pursue MVSc & after completion started his work as an academician at Apollo College of Veterinary Medicine, Jaipur & then in College of Agriculture & Veterinary Science, Ambo University, Ambo Ethiopia, Africa. Once back to India in 2016, Dr Rajeeb started his career in Poultry Industry by joining Zydus AHL. Prior to joining us Dr Rajeeb was working with Elanco India Pvt Ltd as Asst Manager-Technical Services.

Dr Rajeeb is based at Karnal, Haryana, India and can be reached at his phone number +91 73804 43854 and mail id rajeebkumar.roy@rrahc.in

RR Animal Health Care Ltd is a company with diversified interested in Animal and Human Health & Nutrition segment. With over 12 years of legacy, this company has established itself with unique solutions for Human, Poultry, Aqua and Livestock management in India. With 3 manufacturing facilities in India, the company is committed to deliver value to its customers across diversified species & segments. Pioneer in farm biosecurity segment with new concepts, the company is well recognized as a ‘Unique Solution Provider’ across industries.

For more info: www.rrahc.in.

Author
Mr. Pattabiraman Nagarajan

About the author: Mr. Pattabiraman Nagarajan is a HR professional, Consultant, trainer and an ICF certified coach. Has managed organization change and aligned HR practices to ensure business growth. He holds master degree in Social work and a PG Diploma in Business Management from IIM Trichy. He could be reached at npattabiraman@relyonus.in

In this current pandemic are you feeling that your physical and psychological reserves are tested? Do you think there is a threat of imminent crisis? You are not alone as the current pandemic is taking its toll on everyone.

While the pandemic has impacted everyone, what would explain the differential performance. IPL 2020 was successful while IPL 2021 had to be abandoned. Countries like New Zealand, Australia, Israel, South Korea have managed to contain covid infections while others like India are witnessing a huge surge? How is Tesla managing to continue strong performance while other auto majors are struggling? If the pandemic was to cause a damage it should have impacted all.

The answer to this question lies in the belief that Adversity causes crisis. We have little control over the events. While it is true that an adversity like the current pandemic has the potential to cause crisis it is not the only outcome. While it is true that we may not have control over these macro events, that does not mean we could do nothing about it. In my assessment what causes crisis in an adversity is our response. The way we perceive the adversity and what actions do we take (or we do not take) results in we are emerging successful or falling into crisis.

American psychologist Martin Selignam, in his book titled “Learned Optimism” provides a very simple framework as to how could we learn to be optimistic when faced with an adversity. He talks about the ABCDE model which us given below.

ABCDE model
ABCDE model

He says that Optimism could be learnt and that would help people manage adversities. This applies to leaders as well. Reason being we have been facing one adversity or other every 10-15 years.

This model speaks against the idea of giving up when faced with a difficulty and stresses on the benefit of more positive inner dialogue. This skill could help everyone cope up with problems and realize their potential. It forces us to believe that problems are temporary and limited in scope.

Leaders would benefit immensely by reading this book which would change the way they perceive adversity.

In this article, I would like to share my experience from my corporate experience where the organization I was working with managed a severe adversity and apply those actions to this ABCDE framework.

With 50% of our raw materials being imported, we saw a sudden 20% depreciation of INR, huge spike in raw material prices and Payment delays from customers owing to huge credit crunch caused by global slowdown. In matter of 45 days, we had a huge hit in our Gross margins, sales revenues with mounting working capital management problems. So, the adversity was a sudden dip in both topline and bottom line. This made us believe that noting was under our control and expected the business to further decline. The consequence of this belief was fear, panic, and negativity. Then we started to think as to what we could do given this situation and started to dispute our belief. This was where our organization took a different part than our competitors. We dismantled the issues part by part and started thinking as to what we could do to mitigate. Given below are the actions;

Currency fluctuation – We concluded that this issue is going to be of perineal nature and wanted to be in a position to not to let it affect our margins. We wanted to hedge the risk and after lot of discussions, we decided to achieve natural hedge by focusing on exports which was done in US$.

Payment delays – An analysis of our AR issues revealed an interesting trend. Those customers who used to pay on time, continued to pay on time and those who used to delay did not pay at all. The answer was a tight credit policy

RM Prices – Out of the 2-3 raw materials that had the highest value, we found one of them did not have a local substitute. Hence, we decided to partner with the suppliers of this RM on a global basis with a focus of managing the cost of use. This was a liquid, and we were buying them in barrels. Barrels were expensive because handling, storing, and disposing them required lot of efforts and resources. We decided that we needed bulk storage and approached a supplier with a long-term contract if he agreed to build a storage tank at his expenses in our premises. This worked and we could achieve significant savings.

Tiger teams were formed to get these projects moving and we had clear goals with set milestones. This was communicated to all employees to build energy around these actions and shift focus on the adversity. The belief that we could not do anything, and the feeling of fear were replaced with credible actions and hope. Our organization emerged stronger from the adversity while several of our competitors were still struggling to gain the lost ground. No wonder that this organization maintains a healthy 23% CAGR.

As a leader we may need to focus on taking credible actions and inspire others to work toward ways of successfully accomplishing our goals. We should not let adversity impact our ability to help our organization succeed. Noted American singer Jimmy Dean said “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination” very true.

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APPLICATIONS / NOMINATIONS Invited for “PROF.D. Anjaneya Prasad LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR Animal Nutritionist of India

Background: PROF.D. ANJANEYA PRASAD LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR ANIMAL NUTRITIONIST OF INDIA was instituted in the honour of Prof. D. Anjaneya Prasad, Eminent Animal Nutritionist and Former Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Acharya N.G.Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad by Dr. Pratap V. Reddy, DVM. Ph.D, his students and Alumnus of College of Veterinary Science, Tirupati and President and CEO of Nu Tech Biosciences Inc. New York State, USA in the year 2016.

The Award: The award caries a cash award of Rupees one lakh and a Citation.

The award is presented biennially during convocation of Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Tirupati to an Animal Nutritionist of India with vast experience in Teaching / Research / Extension / Industry with outstanding contribution to the discipline of Animal Nutrition including Poultry and Aqua Nutrition.

Who can Apply: Application / Nominations are invited for the Award of outstanding Animal Nutritionist for the biennium 2019-2020 which is proposed to be presented during ensuing Annual Convocation of Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Tirupati during Month of June/ July 2021 at Tirupati. Applications can be submitted by Candidates/ Nominations can be made by Vice-Chancellors of SAUs / SVUs, Directors of ICAR/ CSIR/ DST/ DBT institutions, Secretaries of Scientific departments of State and Central Governments, Presidents of National Science Academies, Director Generals of ICAR/ CSIR, Chairpersons/ Managing Directors of Public / Private organizations and NGOs.

How to Submit: The applications/ Nominations have to be submitted in 4 sets in bound form. No reprints shall be attached to the application. However, to avoid postal delay, PDF Version of Signed Application can be sent by e mail also.

The Process: The Vice- Chancellor of Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Tirupati shall constitute a committee of three Eminent Veterinarians not connected with SVVU during the year of award for screening the applications and suggest the panel of not more than three in the order of Merit. The University shall have the discretion not to present the award in any year, if in its opinion none of the candidates deserve the award.

Deadline: The Applications / Nominations should reach the following address by 5 PM, 10 June 2021. The notification and application format are available HERE

Dr. T.S. Chandrasekhara Rao
Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Science
Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Tirupati, 517502 A.P
Ph: 0877-2249787,2249786(F)
dvsc_svvutpt@yahoo.co.in, tammineedirao@rediffmail.com
Website: www.svvu.edu.in