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Review of Presentations – 2012 IPSF | Feb 16, 2012 |
A limited number of the 261 platform and poster presentations at the 2012 International Poultry Scientific Forum were relevant to table egg production. Selected abstracts were classified according to nutrition, pathology and management. Interpretive reviews on selected nutrition papers and posters will be provided in this edition of EGG-CITE.com and other topics will be considered in succeeding weekly postings.
NUTRITION
Based on the need to reduce the cost of egg production, there was an extreme concentration among the presentations on evaluation of enzymes. Other topics within this category included evaluating amino acid and phosphorus requirements which also have a direct impact on feed cost.
M18 Inclusion of Allzyme SSF® in brown layer diets containing up to 30% distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) reduces the detrimental effects on shell quality Quant et al, University of Kentucky
The effect of an enzyme supplement in diets containing 30% DDGS was carried out over a 60- week production cycle using Hy-Line Brown hens. Dietary treatments included 15% and 30% DDGS with or without Allzyme SSF® enzyme supplement. A corn-soybean meal diet served as the control. Incorporation of DDGS in diets resulted in a significant difference in shell weight compared to the control. The effect was eliminated by inclusion of the enzyme supplement. Similarly the deleterious effect to 15% and 30% DDGS on shell breaking strength was also reversed by the enzyme supplement. Inclusion of DDGS in diets increased Haugh unit values and intensified yolk color. Body weight was reduced by inclusion of DDGS although egg weight, yolk weight, feed conversion and hen day production were unaffected.
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Alltech 2012 Lecture Tour Visits Raleigh | Feb 12, 2012 |
The 2012 Alltech Lecture Tour will visit 110 locations in 67 nations. It is expected that over 5,000 attendees will hear presentations by teams of Alltech scientists.
The purpose of the lecture tours is to acquaint faculty and students at universities, managers of production operations, regulators, scientists and poultry health professionals with advances in biotechnology and to detail innovations by Alltech.
The program arranged for the North Carolina Triangle took place at the prestigious Umstead Hotel near Raleigh on Friday 3rd January.
Dr. Paulo Rigolin discussed opportunities in agriculture, a topic of especial interest to the graduate students at North Carolina State University. The challenges facing production in the proximal decade will be to make agriculture exciting, profitable and sustainable. An immediate challenge facing the livestock industry is how best to use 53 million tons of DDGS which will be available in 2012. Projects to add five incremental eggs over the productive life of a laying hen and parallel initiatives in broiler breeders, hogs and dairy were reviewed. These advances will be achieved through application of nutreogenomics, pioneered by Alltech. Studies conducted by the Company in collaboration with leading Land Grant universities have led to the principle of Programmed Feeding which has the potential to enhance the quality of beef, broiler meat and eggs.
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Apects of Global Competiveness Seminar | Feb 6, 2012 |
As part of the Global Competiveness Symposium organized by USPOULTRY at the 2012 IPE Dr. Ferry Leenstra and colleagues of the Wageningen Livestock Research Center in Holland presented data on consumer surveys conducted in Western Europe.
With respect to table eggs the following was determined for consumers in Western Europe:-
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Eggs are purchased when there are only a few left in the fridge
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Egg consumption is generally independent of price
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If a choice is available at point of sale the majority of consumers purchase the cheapest available
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The major purchase determinant of brand or type is availability on the shelf.
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U.S. Research on Alternative Housing Systems | Feb 6, 2012 |
In a presentation in the educational session concurrent with the 2012 International Poultry Exposition organized by USPOULTRY, Dr. Darrin Karher of Michigan State University reviewed cooperative studies on housing laying hens. These projects will be conducted by the Universities of California at Davis; North Carolina State; Michigan State; Guelph, Ontario Canada; Iowa State; Purdue University and the University of Nebraska. Much of the preliminary standards and proposed legislation in the U.S. is based on work from the EU. Recognizing the specific needs of the U.S. industry the consortium of universities has undertaken a range of projects which will guide the design of equipment and production practices for decades to come. It was originally proposed that the results of the experimental projects, some of which were in the planning stage and others had been initiated, would be used to frame regulations.
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The Cal-Maine Foods Approach to Sustainability | Feb 6, 2012 |
Allan Andrews, Director of Marketing for Cal-Maine Foods Inc,. presented a review of sustainability in relation to his Company and the U.S. Egg Industry. His contribution was a component of a program organized by USPOULTRY at the 2012 IPE, focusing on sustainability.
Andrews used the administration Executive Order of 2009 “Federal Leadership and Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance” as the basis for his approach to sustainability. The official definition reads “to create and maintain conditions, under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic, and other requirements are present in future generations”.
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Slide Presentation by Gene Gregory at the IPE 2012 | Jan 27, 2012 |
Gene Gregory, President of United Egg Producers delivered an address on the 2011 agreement between the UEP and the HSUS at the 2012 Program on the future of the U.S. Egg and Poultry Industry. Since many readers of EGG-CITE.com may not have attended the event organized by USPOULTY at the 2012 IPE the PowerPoints presented by Gene are reproduced with his permission as an entire set for the benefit of readers and the Industry.
» View the presentation online
» View the presentation in PDF format 
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Interview with Phil Laughlin, Dolco Packaging | Jan 17, 2012 |
EGG-CITE recently had the opportunity to review aspects of egg packaging with Phil Laughlin National Sales Director, Egg Packaging, who has been involved in the egg packaging business with Dolco for over 29 years.
EGG-CITE: Please comment on the history and ownership of Dolco Packaging.
PL: Dolco Packaging was established in 1966 as a joint venture between Dow Chemical Company and Olsen Brothers Inc. The enterprise was founded to manufacture polystyrene packaging material for eggs, apples, meat and other products and became an industry leader. Our parent company, Tekni-Plex, was established in 1967, in New Jersey, and through a series of acquisitions emerged as a multinational with involvement in a broad range of packaging equipment and plastic components with factories and markets in Europe, South America, and the Asia Pacific region. Tekni-Plex, headquartered in King of Prussia PA has established a significant position in core markets and focuses on vertically integrating production of specialized packaging and medical products. Dolco Packaging makes egg packaging at locations in Indiana, Georgia, Texas and Washington.
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European Perspective on Welfare | Jan 14, 2012 |
Chapter Four entitled Animal Welfare, An Issue Changing Local Egg Business is incorporated in a market report prepared by Agrivalue S.A. for the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation of the Dutch Government
The document which was released during the Summer of 2011 reviewed alternative housing systems including enriched modules now mandated in the EU and the German Kleingruppenhaltung (small group housing) and other non-confined systems including barns and pasture.
The directive EU of 1997/74EC banned cages as of January 1st 2012 and allowed only enriched modules and alternatives to be used. The Kleingruppenhaltung is similar to the enriched cage and comprises a group of approximately 50 hens with greater height and floor area per hen compared to enriched modules. Sweden and Switzerland do not allow any confined system and Germany recognizes only their version of the enriched cage as an alternative to confinement.
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BioChek Salmonella SE/ST Antibody Kit | Jan 10, 2012 |
BioChek, headquartered in the Netherlands, will soon commence U.S. distribution of a chicken Salmonella serum antibody detection kit applying ELISA technology. Widely used in Europe, this kit, which is highly sensitive, has the ability to measure the level of antibodies against Groups B and D Salmonella following vaccination. According to Tim Goode VP and General Manager of BioChek Corp. the U.S. subsidiary located in Scarborough ME, the Company has now received final approval from USDA and will commercial release of the test system. Kits were imported into the U.S. during 2011 by vaccine manufacturers under special license for research and evaluation and to monitor the response of flocks to specific vaccines under controlled conditions.
The test will be offered as a technique to establish the antibody response following administration of Salmonella Groups B and D vaccines to monitor geometric mean flock titer and to ascertain uniformity among vaccinates. A non-vaccinated flock which screens other than completely negative on assay could be regarded as having been exposed to either a group B or D Salmonella, although the ELISA test kit is not intended as a diagnostic procedure to establish freedom from SE or exposure. Drag swabs and egg pool assays have been mandated by FDA to determine the SE status of flocks and their environments.
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Reassessment of Biotin Requirement | Jan 9, 2012 |
INTRODUCTION
Dr. Nelson E. Ward of DSM Nutritional Products Inc. has recently reviewed biotin requirements for broilers with specific emphasis on integrity of skin and the quality of broiler feet. This has stimulated a consideration of the role and benefits of biotin supplementation in the egg production industry.
Biotin has been recognized as an essential nutrient since 1940 although there was evidence of a nutritional requirement for an unidentified factor from the mid 1920’s onwards. In 1940 “Vitamin H” which had been described as a factor essential for the development of skin and a second compound “Coenzyme R” involved in plant metabolism, were recognized as a common nutrient. In 1942 the structure of biotin was characterized followed by synthesis of the vitamin in the following year.
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DSM Releases DDGS Vitamin Assays | Jan 9, 2012 |
In view of the fact that DDGS is now incorporated as a routine in layer diets at levels ranging from 10% to 20%, DSM conducted a series of assays to determine the vitamin content of six randomly collected commercial samples of DDGS. Assays were conducted in DSM laboratories using accepted, documented technology and procedures. Proximate analyzes of the six samples was conducted by Dr. N. Dale at the University of Georgia.
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Experts Warns of Mycotoxicosis | Jan 8, 2012 |
Dr. Swamy Haladi, Global Technical Manager for Alltech, who specializes in mycotoxicosis has warned of the increased risk of contamination from corn harvested during the 2011 season. Corn samples collected by the Ohio State University were assayed for 37 mycotoxins using sophisticated analytical equipment. Corn yielded fumonisin levels as high as 7000 ppb. In contrast to the 2009 crop, deoxynivalenol (DON) levels were low. High mold counts were recorded in corn silage from 50% of the 2011 crop by Dairyland Laboratories in Wisconsin.
His warning also relates to the recall of dog food contaminated with violative levels of aflatoxin as reported in EGG-CITE.com.
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Percentage of U.S. Flocks Molted | Dec 4, 2011 |
Don Bel, Poultry Specialist Emeritus of the University California, Riverside has questioned the accuracy of the October 2011USDA value of 23.3% posted for the number of flocks in the second cycle of production.
According to Bell a typical molt program extends for 70 weeks to 105 weeks at which time the flock is sold. The 35 week duration of the second cycle represents 41% of the 85 weeks of production from a nominal 21 weeks through 105 weeks. It is assumed that 60% of flocks are molted and 21.7% of hens are in a second post-molt cycle at any time.
This calculation does not take in to account the non-producing inter-cycle period of approximately 3 weeks. If molt is initiated at 70 weeks and flocks are depleted at 105 weeks the second production cycle is 33 weeks in duration or 39% of the entire production period extending from 20 week to 105 weeks. The assumption that 60% of flocks are molted is always speculative and it subject to considerable differences according to region. The October 2011 value of 24% posted by USDA incorporates a molt value of 42% for the Northwest region but only 7.1% for the Northeast. Accordingly the assumption that 60% of flocks are molted is generous in the light of current practice as driven by feed cost and the supply-demand relationship.
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SDIX Offers Producers Comprehensive Salmonella Group-D1 Diagnostic Methods | Nov 8, 2011 |
Introduction
Since the inception of the FDA Final Rule on suppression of SE producers have turned to state and commercial diagnostic laboratories to provide rapid, reproducible results on environmental swabs and egg pool assays. Conducting tests and interpreting results is generally routine but problems may occur as a result of improper laboratory technique or failure to recognize the high sensitivity (see block for definitions) which is required for a screening test.
The SDIX RapidChek® SELECT ™ Test System provides highly sensitive responses. In the event of a negative result on drag swabs, the environment of a house can be regarded as free of Group-D1 Salmonella. In the event of a “presumptive positive test” it is necessary to proceed to conventional microbiology using selective media. In view of the high level of contamination in enriched samples obtained from environmental swabs, the SDIX RapidChek® CONFIRM™ Immunomagnetic Separation Kit has been developed to expedite diagnosis.
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Avangard Emerges as a Significant World Egg Producer | Nov 7, 2011 |
Avangard, a fast growing power in egg production is now ranked as the second largest egg producer with 22 million hens housed. The company, located in the Ukraine operates seventeen egg production units with packing plants, three parent complexes with hatcheries, five feed mills, and a modern egg processing plant.
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Insight into Probiotic Action | Nov 7, 2011 |
A recent article published in the electronic Science, Translational Medicine* reported on a significant experiment conducted both on mice and human subjects to define the mode of action of probiotics.
Dr. Jeffrey Gordon at Washington University in St Louis administered five strains of bacteria found in a commercially available yogurt product. The selected gnotobiotic mice used in the study were colonized with gut organisms derived from humans which had been previously characterized. It was significant that the bacteria in yogurt did not alter the population of the existing gut microbes but the probiotic bacteria altered the expression of genes coding for key metabolic enzymes in the selected bacteria introduced into the tract of mice. The enzymes were responsible for breakdown of complex sugars including oligosaccharides. This effect was confirmed by sophisticated analysis of urine metabolites which provided results which would be expected from the degradation of complex sugars.
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Comprehensive Approach to Evaluating Disease Prevention | Oct 18, 2011 |
Dr. Barbara J. Grabkowsky of Lohmann Animal Health in Germany reviewed disease control in a recent presentation at the 2011 Pennsylvania Poultry Sales and Service Conference. Her observations were based on experience in Europe controlling Salmonella infection. In response to the demand for advice on suppressing food-borne Salmonellosis, Lohmann Animal Health has embarked on a program of assessing the probabilities of infection occurring on a specific farm. They have developed a Zoonosis Risk Index (ZRI) in an attempt to develop sanitation and prevention programs.
The approach involves three phases. The first involves an initial assessment of risks and identifying potential mechanisms for introduction of disease mainly associated with deficiencies in biosecurity. The second phase involves implementation of measures designed to reduce risk of infection. The subsequent third phase requires monitoring in the form of audits to evaluate the efficacy of preventive measures.
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Emergence of a Novel Strain of Marek’s Disease Virus | Oct 18, 2011 |
Dr. John K. Rosenberger and Dr. Sandra C. Rosenberger in cooperation with Milos Markis of the University of Delaware, evaluated an outbreak of Marek’s disease with an unusual presentation. The condition was observed during late winter of 2010 extending into the spring of 2011. Marek’s disease virus was isolated from affected layers. The condition was characterized by elevated mortality in pullets and losses continued subsequent to transfer to layer houses. A number of laying strains were affected and the clinical signs included characteristic paralysis. In some cases tumors occurred in pullets without any apparent involvement of the nervous system. Concurrently a similar presentation was observed in broiler flocks in Pennsylvania.
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Report on the USAHA Committee on Salmonella | Oct 18, 2011 |
EGG-CITE is indebted to Dr. Eric Gingerich of Diamond V Mills for a report on the activities and resolutions of the United States Animal Health Association which form the basis of this article. Commentary is provided by the Editor.
Prevalence of SE
In an update provided by Dr. Dana Cole of the Enteric Disease Epidemiology Branch of the Centers for Disease Control, eggs are now responsible for 18% of attributed single-food cases of SE in consumers. Poultry meat is implicated in 29% of single-food outbreaks. It is noted that 42% of outbreaks of SE are not identified as to food source and 34% of cases are attributed to multiple foods.
Based on a model developed in Denmark, poultry meat is considered to be the highest contributor to infection followed by ground beef and turkey with eggs, fourth in significance. The overall prevalence of Salmonella infection as determined through FoodNet remains at 13.4 cases per 100,000 persons. Sporadic cases account for 95% of isolates with only 5% of cases associated with an outbreak. Salmonella Enteritidis is responsible for 17.5% of the Salmonella isolates submitted for diagnostic laboratory-based enteric disease surveillance.
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United Soybean Board Releases Study on Soy Demand | Oct 17, 2011 |
Fluctuation in commodity prices, abnormal weather conditions, increasing demand from Southeast Asia and domestic recession have all created uncertainty for the soybean production segment of agribusiness. The United Soybean Board has reported on a commissioned study to evaluate factors which will influence future demand for both meal and oil derived from soybeans.
The study is timely in relation to the projected 8% decline in the 2011 harvest compared to 2010.
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US Table Egg Industry Health Update | Oct 13, 2011 |
Eric Gingerich, DVM ACPV. - Diamond V
This report was presented at the 2011 Annual Meeting of the U.S. Annual Health Association and is based on a survey of Poultry Health Veterinarians. Editor.
Introduction
Overall, the health of the national table egg layer flock continues to be very good. There are no major clinical disease problems at the present time. This is due to the genetics of commercial strains, production practices, feeding and support resources available to the Industry. Health is maintained by:-
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Continued availability of high quality vaccines
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Supervision of flocks by well-trained supervisors
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Readily available veterinary technical assistance from primary breeders, vaccine suppliers, diagnostic laboratories, feed additive manufacturers and consulting veterinarians
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Diets formulated by professional nutritionists
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Housing of 90% of the Nation’s layers in environmentally controlled facilities in cages without exposure to litter
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Biosecurity
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Financial Impact of the FDA Final Rule on the U.S. Egg Industry | Oct 7, 2011 |
A presentation on the impact of the FDA Final Rule on Prevention of SE was made at the 2011 Pennsylvania Poultry Sales and Service Conference held concurrently with the 83rd Northeastern Conference of Avian Diseases.
The Power Point Presentation: Financial Impact of the FDA Final Rule on the U.S. Egg Industry is available for your viewing, however the main points can be summarized, assuming a 10-house complex of 1,125,000 hens in high rise units:-
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Know Your Enemy | Oct 5, 2011 |
Chris Herr recently reviewed organizations opposed to intensive livestock production in an article entitled “Trends in Agricultural Public Perceptions and Groups Working Against Agriculture”.
The HSUS represents the banner organization with a number of achievements which have advanced their cause and raised their standing among donors. With an annual income estimated at $160 million the organization has successively engineered 25 ballot initiatives and 500 laws at state level. The organization boasts 11 million members with at least 3,000 in every congressional district. The organization is lead by Wayne Pacelle who is an expert at publicity and lobbying. He is assisted by Paul Shapiro who is principally involved in advancing the HSUS agenda for livestock at the level of retail chains and quick service restaurants.
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How Old is A Pullet? | Oct 5, 2011 |
Frequently in the course of my consulting I’m asked to review flocks which do not peak in accordance with standard and which also show either a lower than expected flat production curve for a six to ten week period or may even display cyclic two-week drops in production of approximately 2 to 4 percent.
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Economic Considerations in Determining when to Medicate | Oct 5, 2011 |
A presentation by Dr. Bill Pierson the VA-MD Regional College of Veterinarian Medicine at the 83rd Northeastern Conference on Avian Diseases reviewed financial aspects of medication. Dr. Pierson emphasized that antibiotic therapy is an added cost of production and it essential to predict whether treatment will be cost effective. The paper was based on medication of broiler flocks and accordingly calculations were prepared to determine the potential additional egg production required to cover the cost of feed medication.
In actual practice producers are restrained in their use of antibiotics in feed for laying flocks and are effectively restricted to tylosin during production unless a withdrawal period is allowed.
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Solar Power Under Scrutiny | Oct 5, 2011 |
In a panel session entitled “Solar Applications in Poultry” the organizers of the 2011 Pennsylvania Poultry Sales and Service Conference provided a platform to evaluate progress in solar installations for both egg production and broiler grow-out farms in the state. Scott Gochenaur recounted the history of his installation on a single house with 120,000 caged layers. After acquiring the operation it was determined that the high monthly power bill amounting to $3,000 was partly caused by the use of incandescent bulbs, exhaust fans blowers to dry manure and for the farm residence. The monthly bill was reduced to $2,800 by replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents, installing timers on manure dryers and purchasing a geothermal heat pump for the residence.
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Sodium Butyrate – A Consumer- Acceptable Enhancer of Production | Aug 18, 2011 |
Sodium butyrate which is derived from butyric acid is used as a non- antibiotic feed additive to enhance production from monogastric livestock. Based on extensive studies it is evident that butyrate is responsible for a number of functions in the intestinal tract. These include supplying energy for mucosal cells which are present in the lining of the intestinal tract, modulating cell differentiation of enterocytes, increasing the contact surface between intestinal microvilli, enhancing absorption of calcium from the lumen and stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes. Recent research has shown immuno-stimulatory activity in both humans and research animals. Butyrate modifies the composition of the intestinal micro-flora favoring the proliferation of lactobacilli (“beneficials”) with concurrent suppression of Clostridium spp and coliforms.
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DSM Premix Plant Re-opened | Aug 18, 2011 |
Arising like a Phoenix from ashes, the DSM premix plant located in Pendergrass GA was re-commissioned at the beginning of August.
After operating for 16 years without incident, an explosion occurred on December 22nd 2010 resulting in extensive damage to the structure and installations. Fortunately there were no serious injuries although the plant was in full operation at the time. Immediately following the explosion, the contingency and emergency plan was activated, expediting response at the site and initiating an investigation.
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Preventing Immunosuppressive Diseases | Aug 18, 2011 |
Introduction
Preventing MD and IBD, the two major immunosuppressive diseases is critical to attaining optimal performance from laying flocks.
Dr. Kalen Cookson of Pfizer Animal Health emphasized the need to effectively vaccinate against Marek’s disease (MD) and infectious bursal disease (IBD) in a presentation at an Eggland’s Best Inc. workshop for Franchisees in mid-May. Cookson emphasized the need to protect the developing immune system to enable flocks to establish a solid immune response following vaccination against infectious bronchitis (IB), epidemic tremor (AE), mycoplasmosis and colibicillosis which are significant erosive diseases during lay. Of special importance is the protective response of lymphoid tissue and stimulation of antibodies against Salmonellla enteritidis (SE) as a result of vaccinating pullet flocks with attenuated (live) and inactivated emulsion (killed) vaccines.
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German Research on E.coli Outbreak-Implications for the U.S. | Aug 1, 2011 |
The severe outbreak of enterohemorrhagic E.coli (EHEC) which resulted in almost 4,000 cases and claimed 46 lives in NW Germany has abated after the peak encompassing late May and early June. Subsequent studies have confirmed that the source of infection was fenugreek seeds imported from Egypt incorporated in salads consumed with organic sprouts from a specific producer. Studies on the organism which was responsible for hemolytic uremic syndrome in 30% of patients has disclosed an unfortunate combination of potentially deleterious genes. The organism concerned was essentially enteroaggregative which allows close adherence of the specific E.coli strain to enterocytes, the cells lining the intestinal tract. In addition the organism had acquired genes for the production of shiga-like toxin which was responsible for HUS.
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Disposal of Mortality | Jul 28, 2011 |
The current heat wave is responsible for elevated mortality in many areas of the U.S. especially in complexes and on farms where evaporative cooling systems are either defective or have not been installed.
Options for disposal of excess mortality include:
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Recent Disease Research | Jul 27, 2011 |
A number of items of significance to the U.S. egg production industry were published in the June edition of Avian Diseases (Volume 55 # 2)
Gast, R. K. et al. The relationship between the numbers of Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Heidelberg or Salmonella Hadar colonizing reproductive tissues of experimentally infected laying hens and disposition inside eggs. Avian Diseases 55 : 243-247, (2011)
Three serovars of Salmonella were evaluated by the USDA-ARS Egg Safety and Quality Research Unit. Hens were infected orally with large doses of the three organisms and reproductive tissues were examined within a month.
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Alltech Research Presentations at the 2011 PSA Meeting | Jul 23, 2011 |
Scientists at Alltech Inc..in association with research faculty affiliated with Universities funded by Alltech grants have concluded a series of laboratory experiments to define the beneficial actions of enzyme feed additives and selenomethionine in nutrition of chickens.
Alltech has invested substantially in nutrigenomics and has a program of studies to define the biochemical action of additives at the sub-cellular level.
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USDA Dumps the Pyramid | Jun 13, 2011 |
On June 2nd USDA threw in the towel and abandoned the much maligned nutritional recommendation based on the “pyramid”. The new icon comprises a plate with segments designated for major food groups www.choosemyplate.gov. The old pyramid when introduced in 2005 was confusing and possibly understood only by its creators.
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An Edible History of Humanity* | Jun 6, 2011 |
There are many ways to look at the past: as a list of important dates, a conveyor belt of kings and queens, a series of rising and falling empires or a narrative of political, philosophical or technological progress. This talk will look at history in another way entirely: as a series of transformations caused, enabled or influenced by food.
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Risk Management in the Supply Chain* | Jun 3, 2011 |
The success of organizations operating in complex environments depends on how well supply chains adapt to disruptions caused by unanticipated events. Building this resilience requires the capability to identify risks and uncertainties and to model the impact of these forces on operations.
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Communication Along the Feed and Food Production Supply Chain* | Jun 2, 2011 |
With global distribution of animal feed and human food and ingredients, countries are dependent on each other for the safety of their food supplies. Likewise companies are interdependent, as their brands and reputations are only as secure as the standards adapted by their weakest supplier. The interdependency along the food chain needs to be recognized by all stakeholders. They also need to be aware of the ultimate destination of “finished product”.
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Protecting Our Food Supply From Risk* | Jun 1, 2011 |
A chronology of food scares, many linked to ingredients in animal feed, continue to generate consumer anxiety and sensational media coverage. The food chain has became increasing global in scope with more stages that ever before. With the increasing number of stages there are more opportunities for errors. The more players there are in the food chain, the more likely one of these may be negligent or worse still a criminal.
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The AFIA Sustainability Initiative Adapted to Your Business* | May 31, 2011 |
The American Feed Industry Association is in the process of implementing a major initiative that will lead the industry in meeting long-term sustainability for our producers, customers, consumers, feed industry, food industry and the global environment. To be successful, we will need to effectively respect and meet the needs of each constituency.
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Econometrics of Fat Inclusion in Diets for Layers | May 25, 2011 |
The price of fat has increased from less than 10 cents to over 50 cents per pound over the past five years. This increase in price has lead to a re-evaluation of this ingredient in U.S. layer diets incorporating corn-DDGS and soybean meal as the main ingredients.
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Game Changers in Intestinal Health | May 24, 2011 |
The following presentation at the Alltech 27th Annual International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium has direct application to rearing of pullets especially with floor housing. Recently Runting and Stunting Syndrome has been documented in brown-feathered pullets and may become a problem in the egg production industry.
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Building and Maintaining a Strong Poultry Brand
Challenges for the Technical Team | May 24, 2011 |
Dr. Bruce Stewart-Brown presented his perspective on quality for branding at the 27th Annual International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium held in Lexington KY. Although Dr. Brown addressed the issue of branding in the context of the broiler industry his comments have relevance to egg production and marketing.
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Robotics from the Grader to the Truck | May 11, 2011 |
Recent escalation in the cost of production has forced egg producers to examine all possible areas to reduce expenditure and enhance efficiency. Robotics offers opportunities in egg packing plants as demonstrated by installations which are yielding an attractive return on investment and acceptable payback periods. Robots are infinitely superior to mechanical systems for a number of applications in egg handling and packing.
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Domino Invest in Shell Etching | May 5, 2011 |
The announcement that Domino Printing of the UK has invested $50 million in a new company to etch individual eggs with a plant code and expiry date is eerily reminiscent of the now defunct Egg Fusion endeavor which failed to gain traction in the egg industry during the mid 2000’s. The joint-venture company has received from private equity investment based on technology developed by NewMarket Impressions.
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60th Western Poultry Disease Conference | May 4, 2011 |
An interpretive review of presentations at the 60th Western Poultry Disease Conference in late March is provided for readers of Egg-Cite.
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