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.”
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”.
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, 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, 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.
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.
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.
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
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, theadversity 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.
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
After dealing with challenges posed by COVID pandemic, Indian poultry industry is now focusing on key aspects like automation at farm level and adoption of stringent bio-safety norms at the farm so that occurrence of viral outbreak could be curbed or reduced. The sustained demand because of a spike in online sales and home delivery of chicken and eggs during the current phase of localised lockdowns is good indicators for the future growth of the poultry industry. Training of manpower (those engaged in online sales as well as wet markets who are carrying out home delivery of meat products) on food safety aspects would go a long way in sustaining the future growth of the poultry industry.
Indian broiler meat industry has been experiencing growth driven by increase in per capita consumption. Poultry, which includes broiler as well as egg sector, is one of the fastest growing segments of the agricultural sector in the country. While crops production has witnessed around 1.5% to 2% annual growth rate in the last decade, eggs and broilers segments have been rising at a rate of 7-10% annually.
The sustained growth in the broiler industry has been the result of technological breakthroughs in breeding, feeding and health, mostly driven by private sector investment. The broiler industry is witnessing growth because of adoption of the integration system which provides opportunities for the rural masses getting support in terms of assured remunerations.
The wet market, which has a major share in distribution and sales of broiler meat, has also witnessed a major shift as consumers are opting for home delivery. This new segment which focuses on ‘home delivery’ is expected to drive consumption of broilers in coming months and is expected to have a significant share of the consumption basket. The wet market now needs to invest on training of manpower as well as equipment to ensure that broiler meat is delivered taking into consideration hygienic and health aspects. One of the biggest segments which has witnessed growth in the last one year has been the ‘online models’ where consumers are ordering broiler meat and products for delivery at home, as a large segment of population are staying at home because of restrictions imposed to control COVID and companies opting for Work from Home (WFH) mode. Various players in the ‘online or home delivery’ segment are growing at significant pace as consumers’ preference for getting poultry meat delivered at home.
The commercial broiler industry is now following the ‘integrators model’ where there is contract with multiple smaller farmers who rear the chicks. The live birds are then lifted by the integrators, either for direct sales via wet markets or for slaughter and further processing. In the contract farming, rearing charge prices are pre-fixed to ensure that farmers are largely insulated from the fluctuations in the market demand. Due to challenges faced by the broiler industry since the beginning of last year, most of the losses incurred due to fluctuations in demand are absorbed by integrators thus helping farmers in tiding over the crisis.
With rising cost of labour, there is greater need for the farmers to adopt automation. Ensuring hygienic environment, adoption of food safety regulations etc. and sometimes non-remunerative prices for broiler meat is posing a challenge to the cost effectiveness. With the adoption of automation, feed wastage / shortage of labour and other inputs could be optimised and reduced. Use of Artificial Intelligence could help to address many challenges, reducing human interference and improve efficiency of poultry farming. The government must step in to provide support to the farmers. The Rs 15,000 crore Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund announced in June, 2020 by the government should be used for supporting farmers in automation also.
The rising feed costs because of higher rates of feed ingredients, mainly corn and soybean meal, prices are pushing up the cost of production of broilers and eggs. The government must ensure availability of feed raw material, either by discontinuing exports for a few months or allowing import of feed ingredients at zero percentage duty during shortage period so that broiler and egg production remains economically viable.
It is estimated that the poultry sector provides direct benefit to around 10 million maize and soybean growing farmers while around 50 million people are associated with poultry production value chain – trade, feed manufacturing, agriculture crops and logistics.
There is an urgent need for the farmers to follow stringent bio-safety norms. The poultry industry in association with government both at the centre and states should chart out and implement stringent bio-security protocols at the farm levels. Overall, the poultry industry is gearing up for meeting the future challenges through adoption of various measures in bio-safety and ensuring consumer confidence in broiler meat and eggs.
The livestock sector, especially poultry meat, eggs, fisheries & aquaculture, is contributing to the growth of agriculture and allied sectors in the country. For realizing the Government’s aim of doubling farmers’ income by 2022, livestock is playing a paramount role and the government must provide sustained support to the sector. For boosting farmers’ income, the government must provide financial as well as technological support to livestock in general and poultry industry in particular. This would boost the growth of Indian economy in the coming years.
What three decades in agriculture means for the feed additive company
NOVUS INTERNATIONAL, INC
SAINT CHARLES, MO (June 1, 2021) – On June 6, Novus celebrates 30 years of supporting animal Protein producers globally who are working to feed the world.
In 1991, Novus International, Inc. was founded with a mission “to make a clear difference in sustainability meeting the growing global need for nutrition and health.” The outcome of Novus’s mission statement is clear – the availability of healthy and affordable animal protein can positively impact populations, particularly when produced with regard for environmental impacts, feed costs and animal performance. Looking back at the last three decades, Novus President and CEO Dan Meagher said the company has always endeavored to offer solutions for the industry’s biggest challenges.
This month Novus International, Inc., celebrates 30 years of providing solutions, service and sustainability to the animal agriculture industry. This abridged timeline shows key product launches and company growth during the last three decades
“Achieving performance and profit goals while optimizing animal health are challenges for every producer regardless of operation size,” he said. “There are many purposes for feed additives. For us, the purpose is to ensure the nutrients in raw feed are available to the animal, support the animal’s gut health to optimize the nutrition it receives from the feed, and to provide the animal with what it can’t get from raw feed materials to better prepare it for the health challenges it may encounter during its life. Regardless of the products we’ve offered over the years, focus on these objectives is how Novus helps its customers globally.”
Novus’s foundation began with methionine. In a joint partnership established in 1991, Mitsui & Co., Ltd., and Nippon Soda Co., Ltd., acquired the rights to ALIMET® feed supplement and SANTOQUIN® feed preservative*, creating the company with a source of methionine as its flagship product. From there, methionine solutions MHA® feed supplement and MFP® feed supplement were added to the portfolio. Novus’s next innovation was the MINTREX® trace minerals line, which includes organic sources of zinc, copper and manganese bonded to the HMTBa (hydroxy methionine analogue) molecule allowing for better absorption and mineral availability. ACIDOMATRIX™ feed additive and ACTIVATE® nutritional feed acid, both offering combinations of organic acids and HMTBa, were created for the eubiotics portfolio. Other organic acids, essential oils and the CIBENZA® enzyme platform were added, as were pigment and feed quality products before being sold to EW Nutrition earlier this year. The sale was part of a re-focusing currently underway for the company: its Project Destiny strategic business transformation, which includes the goal of becoming the industry’s go-to source for gut health nutrition solutions.
“Food production is changing with a strong focus on sustainability, animal welfare/health, efficiency, and other drivers directly related to gut health,” said David Dowell, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Health through nutrition has been a long-time principle in human health and Novus wants to expand our solutions in the key area of growth for our industry.”
As part of the renewed focus on innovation, Novus announced its partnership with biotechnology company Agrivida Inc. to develop an innovation pipeline of products using INTERIUS™ Technology; the first in-grain-based feed additive platform commercially available to animal nutritionists and feed formulators. Novus is also working to commercialize the flagship product GRAINZYME® PHOS phytase which uses the technology to produce the enzyme inside corn kernels, thus eliminating processes and costs in feed production.
“As a part of this industry, it’s important that we’re aware of the resources we use. Expressing feed additives directly inside grain is an exciting way to do more with less,” said Chief Innovation Officer Al Zimmerman.
Doing more with less also applies to the company’s commemoration of its anniversary. Since the pandemic is prohibiting Novus from celebrating in-person, it is taking the message to the web. During the upcoming months Novus social media followers will see video and images on what 30 years means for those closest to the company – its employees.
“There’s nothing I would like more than to take a world tour to celebrate this anniversary with every employee but that’s just not feasible,” Meagher said. “We’re having a toned-down, socially-distant anniversary instead, which is really unfortunate since the employees are the reason for Novus’s success. We have hard-working, dedicated, intelligent people at every level of our company, and they each deserve a standing ovation.”
Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Maria Burt echoed Meagher’s statement on the need to celebrate all that employees have achieved, particularly during the pandemic.
“Our colleagues have gone above and beyond in so many ways throughout the pandemic. All of those challenges, coupled with big changes in our company, would have been daunting for anyone, but they have shown their commitment, ingenuity and grit through it all. They are a truly excellent group,” she said.
What will the next 30 years look like? Meagher said Project Destiny is paving the way for a Novus known more for its partnerships with customers than its product line.
“There’s no question that our solutions – methionine, minerals, enzymes, organic acids, essential oils – can help our customers with their operations but we want to be more than that. Our goal is for customers to look at Novus as a trusted advisor that is going to help make their business more sustainable financially and environmentally.”
The new goals and direction of the company are wholly supported and commended by Novus’s Board of Directors. In a statement, Tetsu Watanabe, Novus chairman of the board and senior vice president of Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc., congratulated Novus employees on the 30th anniversary and said the Board is eager to see what comes next.
“Since its formation, Novus has been an integral part of our strategy and we have worked hand-in-hand with Novus to help ‘Feed the World’,” he said. “As always, we fully support the transformation and growth of Novus as it endeavors to be the provider of viable solutions for the industry. We are pleased to see that the organization is going down the right path.”
could be curbed or reduced. The sustained demand because of a spike in online sales and home delivery of chicken and eggs during the current phase of localised lockdowns is good indicators for the future growth of the poultry industry. Training of manpower (those engaged in online sales as well as wet markets who are carrying out home delivery of meat products) on food safety aspects would go a long way in sustaining the future growth of the poultry industry.
