Feed Compounder | September/October 2024

CFE Group holds a highly successful two day seminar at the Mercure Hotel and CFE’s pioneering facility in Haydock

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LIVING WITH THE CONSEQUENCES OF PROGRESS

One step forward and two steps back is obviously a negative. How about two steps forward and one step back? While not ideal, this is the sort of development compromise that often gets signed off in search of ‘the greater good’.

The fact that food and feed producers often have to cope with such dilemmas, usually created by a new policy directive or consumer pressure, was highlighted recently by a couple of developments where the pursuit of a seemingly progressive objective turned out to include more than a share of downsides.

First up was a report from Hertfordshire-based Rothamsted Research which revealed that modern wheat varieties, bred for all the best forward-looking reasons, have been found to be lacking some of the sustainability qualities which existed in their ancestral counterparts.

Apparently, while modern wheats were bred to thrive in high-input systems, their forward-facing success was gained at the expense of a significant reduction in the numbers of beneficial bacteria living on or around their root systems. That was fine, of course, for as long as producers were able to rely on nutritional inputs to maintain yields but not so good now that the same farmers are being urged to transition back to more climate sensitive and lower-input cropping systems.

Where modern wheats have complex genomes with either four (tetraploid) or six (hexaploid) sets of chromosomes, due to extensive crossing and interbreeding, ancestral varieties relied on simpler genomes with only two (diploid) sets of chromosomes.

While there’s a bit more science to work through to complete this story (for which there’s insufficient space here), the conclusion is that the microbiota of ancestral crops may once again offer a way to enhance sustainable food production. This could lead to the reintroduction of key genetic traits into modern wheat from their ancestors. Who would have thought that a few years ago?

A good lesson perhaps in not throwing anything away in case it comes back into fashion in the years to come. That’s the philosophy, after all, which has driven various farming sectors to establish genebanks over the years to conserve living plant samples from the world’s ancient crops and their wild relatives.

The potato genebank created by the International Potato Centre in Peru, for example, maintains clonal and seed collections of potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its treasures are kept secure for the global public good under the guidance of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Always open to research, education, and breeding requests, the genebank’s contents have, to date, been used in breeding programmes in over 100 countries, helping to apply some very old solutions to modern day needs to resist disease, provide enhanced nutrition, or survive the world’s ever-changing soil and climatic conditions.

The second report featured another two steps forward, one step back, scenario, in which the development of free-range egg production, so loved by consumers, found itself under close examination for possibly adding to soil and water quality concerns in the Wye and Usk River catchment areas of England and Wales.

Commissioned by the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC), the report covered 42 pages of detailed investigation into the impact of 14 different free-range egg production units, all of which had been identified as ‘high risk’ within the Wye and Usk catchment.

Based on a number of paired soil samples, taken on 17 separate occasions, and water samples, taken on 11 occasions, it was concluded that the majority of poultry units studied had no significant direct impact on the quality of the relevant watercourses, which were also sampled.

BEIC’s subsequent comment stressed that causes of pollution in both the Rivers Wye and Usk had fuelled an on-going debate for some years, alongside allegations made that nutrient run-off from free range egg production units was a major contributor to the deterioration of the rivers’ water quality. The Council report was carried out therefore to address what was described as a lack of scientific evidence concerning such allegations, to better understand what impact free-range production may be having on river water quality and, thereby, what steps might be taken to ameliorate any identified problems.

As it is, BEIC pointed out that the conclusion reached showed that any increase in nutrient levels in the sampled soils was ‘relatively modest’ and broadly as expected of managed agricultural soils across England and Wales. In addition, neither the soil nor water samples showed any obvious indication of a link between water quality and free-range egg production.

While this result is clearly positive for poultry farmers in this instance, the sector’s success in giving consumers the free-range systems they desired undoubtedly opened them up to an array of water allegations, requiring an extensive investigation to clear the industry’s name.

Both these examples stand as sharp reminders of the fragile balance between winning and losing when seeking to secure the next product advance or new system development.

The modern vs ancestral wheat issue was driven by a perception of crop improvements, which were entirely correct at the time. The free-range egg move was also a hugely positive development, driven essentially by people power.

Getting it completely right in such circumstances is rarely easy though as, no doubt, those currently immersed in the pursuit of lowmethane feeds and other low-carbon advances will confirm.

GREAT BRITAIN

Feed Production Update

By Ryan Mounsey

June Production Overview

Total production of compounds, blends and concentrates, including integrated poultry units, in Great Britain during June surpassed its year earlier counterpart by 41,800 tonnes or 3.7 per cent and increased to 1,175,000 tonnes, the fourth highest total for the month under review on record. Additionally, the current total outpaced the 10 year average for June by 11,600 tonnes or 1.0 per cent.

Total feed production during the month of June 2024 was made up of: 50.6 per cent poultry feed; 27.5 per cent cattle and calf feed; 14.2 per cent pig feed; 4.3 per cent sheep feed; 1.3 per cent horse feed; and 2.1 per cent other feed.

At 594,300 tonnes of output for June, total poultry feed production had surpassed its year earlier return by 18,200 tonnes or 3.2 per cent. Despite this increase, the current total was lower than all but three of the past decade and as such, was 5,000 tonnes or 0.8 per cent lower than the 10 year average for the month.

Chick rearing compounds was the only poultry feed subsector that fell below its year previous return. It decreased by 1,400 tonnes or 11.9 per cent to 10,400 tonnes of output, its lowest for June since 2005. On the other hand, turkey feed production, at 6,900 tonnes, had bettered its year previous return by a considerable 1,300 tonnes or 23.2 per cent and at 98,000 tonnes of output, layers compounds had risen from its 2023 level by 1,600 tonnes or 1.7 per cent. Having fallen for the previous two Junes, the output of broiler chicken compounds increased by 11,300 tonnes or 6.3 per cent to 191,300 tonnes. Total integrated poultry units production had surpassed its year earlier counterpart for the fourth June in succession; the 214,100 tonnes produced in the month under review was 3,400 tonnes or 1.6 per cent in excess of a year previous. Finally, poultry breeding and rearing compounds output matched its year earlier level of 28,600 tonnes.

An increase of 14,100 tonnes or 4.6 per cent from a year previous brought total cattle and calf feed production for June up to 323,400 tonnes, a record high for the month under review. Furthermore, the current total outpaced the decade long average for the month by 16,800 tonnes or 5.3 per cent.

All cattle and calf feed subsectors surpassed their year previous totals for the month under review. Both compounds for dairy cows and cattle protein concentrates were at all-time highs for June: the former had increased from a year earlier by 1,000 tonnes or 0.6 per cent to 178,600 tonnes and the latter by 900 tonnes or 15.0 per cent to 6,900 tonnes of output. At 13,800 tonnes, total calf feed production bettered its 2023 return by 1,500 tonnes or 12.2 per cent and all other cattle blends outpaced its year earlier counterpart at a similar rate of 2,600 tonnes or 11.8 per cent, up to 24,700 tonnes. Production of blends for dairy cows was at its highest June level in 10 years at 61,800 tonnes, up 4,900 tonnes or 8.6 per cent on a year earlier. Lastly, all other cattle compounds production grew by 3,200 tonnes or 9.3 per cent from a year previous up to 37,600 tonnes.

Total pig feed was the one sector in June that failed to better its year previous counterpart. Production fell for the second June in succession to 166,300 tonnes, down 2,500 tonnes or 1.5 per cent from 2023. This fall brought the current total 2,800 tonnes or 1.7 per cent below the decade long average for the month under review.

Despite the sector wide drop, pig-growing compounds surpassed its year earlier counterpart by a considerable 5,700 tonnes or 22.4 per cent, up to 31,200 tonnes of output. The sector’s largest element, pig finishing compounds, also outstripped its year previous total, doing so by 400 tonnes or 0.4 per cent and rising to 92,800 tonnes. In contrast, link and early grower feed production dropped markedly to its lowest total for the month under review since 2005 of 5,700 tonnes, 4,100 tonnes or 41.8 per cent down on a year previous. There was also a sizeable decline in the production of pig link and early grower feed from a year earlier as it fell 900 tonnes or 22.5 per cent down to 3,100 tonnes, the lowest total for June since records were kept in their current form. Pig breeding compounds output was also at a long-term low for the month under review; production had decreased by 3,700 tonnes or 10.0 per cent to 33,200 tonnes, the lowest total for June since 2008.

At 50,600 tonnes, total June sheep feed production had increased by a notable 11,200 tonnes or 28.4 per cent from a year earlier to its highest total for the month on record. In addition, the current output outpaced the 10 year average for June by 10,000 tonnes or 21.9 per cent.

The standout figure from the sheep feed sector was a 5,600 tonnes or 207.4 per cent rise in the output of compounds for breeding sheep, up to a record high 8,300 tonnes. The blends for growing and finishing sheep category was also at a record high for the month under review. It surpassed its year previous return by 300 tonnes or 4.8 per cent and grew to 6,500 tonnes in production. Compounds for growing and finishing sheep increased by 5,200 tonnes or 17.9 per cent from its 2023 output up to 34,200 tonnes and blends for breeding

sheep production matched its 2023 return for June of 1,000 tonnes.

Total June horse feed production bettered its year previous output by 500 tonnes or 3.3 per cent and climbed to 15,600 tonnes. In addition, the total under review was 900 tonnes or 5.9 per cent in advance of the decade long average for the month.

At 25,000 tonnes of output, total other feed production had risen for the second June in succession, in this instance by 500 tonnes or 2.0 per cent. However, due to significantly higher production levels at the beginning of the decade, the current total was a considerable 8,100 tonnes or 27.9 per cent below the 10 year average for June.

The release of the June figures completed the feed production statistics for the first half of 2024 which shall be analysed below.

Half Year Production Overview

Total production of compounds, blends and concentrates, including integrated poultry units, during the first half of 2024 amounted to 6,748,400 tonnes, an increase of 288,000 tonnes or 4.5 per cent from the corresponding period a year earlier. However, as a result of the higher levels of production in the middle part of the past decade, the current total was 110,400 tonnes or 1.6 per cent lower than the 10 year average for the period under review.

Total feed production during the first half of 2024 was made up of: 45.0 per cent poultry feed; 30.4 per cent cattle and calf feed; 13.6 per cent pig feed; 7.5 per cent sheep feed; 1.6 per cent horse feed; and 1.8 per cent other feed.

At 3,039,800 tonnes, total H1 poultry feed production bettered its year earlier counterpart by 156,900 tonnes or 5.4 per cent. Despite this increase, the total under review was 42,300 tonnes or 1.4 per cent down on the 10 year, half year average.

Chick rearing feed production was at its lowest H1 level since 2008 of 59,500 tonnes, a decrease of 1,500 tonnes or 2.5 per cent from the corresponding timeframe of 2023. Poultry breeding and rearing feed was more or less in line with its year earlier equivalent at 150,700 tonnes, down just 200 tonnes or 0.1 per cent. Total integrated poultry units production during the first half of 2024 increased from its year previous counterpart by a considerable 122,800 tonnes or 11.9 per cent up to 1,152,500 tonnes. There was also a significant growth in H1 turkey feed production, up 8,400 tonnes or 29.1 per cent from a year earlier to 37,300 tonnes. At 986,600 tonnes of output in the first

half of the calendar year, broiler feed was up 7,500 tonnes or 0.8 per cent on a year previous, however, the total under review was still the second lowest for the period in eight years. Finally, a 16,800 tonnes or 3.3 per cent rise in layer feed from a year previous brought the current half year total up to 533,700 tonnes.

Total first half cattle and calf feed production bettered its year previous output by 87,700 tonnes or 4.5 per cent and rose to 2,054,700 tonnes. Moreover, the total under review outpaced the decade long average for the period by 16,700 tonnes or 0.8 per cent.

All cattle and calf feed subsectors surpassed their respective year earlier totals and compounds for dairy cows, at 1,062,700 tonnes was at its second highest level for the period on record and 15,600 tonnes or 1.5 per cent up on 2023’s H1 output. All other cattle blends production was at its highest level for the time frame in 10 years, its output having risen by 38,500 tonnes or 28.0 per cent from a year earlier to 176,200 tonnes. Having dropped for the past two first half periods, total calf feed increased by 7,700 tonnes or 8.8 per cent from a year earlier to 90,400 tonnes. The remaining three sectors all increased from their year earlier at similar rates: blends for dairy cow production rose by 15,300 tonnes or 3.9 per cent to 412,200 tonnes; all other cattle feed production grew by 8,800 tonnes or 3.4 per cent to 265,700 tonnes; and lastly, the output of protein concentrates for cattle and calves rose by 2,000 tonnes or 4.4 per cent to 47,400 tonnes.

After a sizeable drop in production in the first half of 2023, total H1 pig feed output surpassed its year earlier return by 14,100 tonnes or 1.6 per cent. Despite this rise, the total under review was 18,300 tonnes or 2.0 per cent below the decade long average for the first half of a calendar year.

A greater number of pig feed subsectors fell below their year earlier counterparts than rose above them in the first half of 2024. Pig starters and creep feed’s first half output was at its lowest level on record of 16,500 tonnes and was 4,300 tonnes or 20.7 per cent down on its year previous counterpart. Moreover, link and early grower feed production declined by 18,300 tonnes or 37.2 per cent from its year earlier return to 30,900 tonnes, its lowest H1 return since 2006. First half pig breeding feed production also declined from a year earlier to 196,300 tonnes, 6,100 tonnes or 3.0 per cent down on 2023. In contrast, pig growing feed, at 165,300 tonnes of output, had surpassed its year previous counterpart by 32,400 tonnes or 24.4 per cent. The sector’s largest component, pig finishing feed, had also increased from its year earlier levels, doing so by 10,500 tonnes or 2.1 per cent up to 508,600 tonnes, the second highest H1 return on record. Protein concentrates for pigs matched its year previous level of 1,400 tonnes.

An increase of 34,200 tonnes or 7.2 per cent from the corresponding period of 2023 brought total first half sheep feed production up to 507,700 tonnes. Despite this increase, the total under review was lower than all but three H1 totals in the past decade and as such, sat 22,400 tonnes or 4.3 per cent below the decade long average for the period.

Compounds for growing and finishing sheep production increased by 11,100 tonnes or 4.8 per cent from a year earlier to 242,000 tonnes.

The output for both blends for growing and finishing sheep protein concentrates for sheep increased sharply from a year previous: the former’s rose by 4,900 tonnes or 15.2 per cent to 37,100 tonnes and the latter’s did so by 700 tonnes or 21.9 per cent, up to 3,900 tonnes. At 209,600 tonnes, compounds for breeding sheep production in the first half of the year surpassed its 2023 counterpart by 16,800 tonnes or 8.7 per cent. Finally, blends for breeding sheep production rose by 800 tonnes or 5.6 per cent from the corresponding period a year earlier to 15,2000 tonnes.

Total horse feed production surpassed its year earlier half year output by 1,700 tonnes or 1.6 per cent and rose to 105,100 tonnes. Furthermore, the current total was 7,000 tonnes or 6.9 per cent in excess of the 10 year H1 average.

At 122,500 tonnes of output, total first half other feed was the only feed sector where production fell below its respective year previous total, doing so by 6,600 tonnes or 5.1 per cent. Additionally, this decline dropped the total under review 53,900 tonnes or 36.1 per cent below the 10 year average for the timeframe, the fourth successive year where this has occurred.

Feed production in the first half of 2024 returned near to the long term average and with all sectors asides from other feed bettering their year previous total this trend looks set to continue throughout the remainder of the year.

NORTHERN IRELAND

March Production Overview

Total production of compounds, blends and concentrates in Northern Ireland during March rose by 6,100 tonnes or 2.3 per cent from the corresponding month a year previously to a record high of 270,300 tonnes. Additionally, the total under review was 27,800 tonnes or 11.4 per cent greater than the decade long average for March.

Total feed production during the month of March 2024 was made up of: 53.6 per cent cattle and calf feed; 31.6 per cent poultry feed; 8.3 per cent pig feed; 3.8 per cent sheep feed; and 2.8 per cent other feed.

subsectors dropped below their year previous returns. The output of beef cattle compounds dropped to its lowest level for March since 2016 at 13,200 tonnes, 1,400 tonnes or 9.7 per cent down on a year previous. Production of dairy cow compounds also declined from a year earlier, doing so by 2.000 tonnes or 3.0 per cent to 62,400 tonnes. However, this was still the second highest output for the month under review. Additionally, both other calf compounds and all other cattle compounds decreased by 100 tonnes from the March of 1013: the former fell to 9,200 tonnes, a drop of 1.9 per cent and the latter declined to 400 tonnes, a drop of 16.8 per cent. In contrast, beef coarse mixes or blends surpassed its year earlier return by 4,900 tonnes or 20.6 per cent and rose to its highest March total on record of 28,800 tonnes. Moreover, output of dairy coarse mixes or blends increased to its highest level for March of 30,700 tonnes, up 1,000 tonnes or 3.3 per cent from a year previous. Protein concentrates for cattle and calf remained at its year earlier output of 300 tonnes for the month.

An increase of 3,400 tonnes or 4.1 per cent brought total poultry feed production for the month under review to an unmatched 85,400 tonnes. This rise brought 2024’s output 12,100 tonnes or 16.6 per cent above the 10 year average for March.

All poultry feed subsectors bettered their year previous returns. Both layer and breeder feed and chick rearing feeds outputs were at record levels for March; the former had risen by 1,500 tonnes or 4.5 per cent from a year previous to 34,600 tonnes and the latter had done so by 200 tonnes or 8.4 per cent to 3,000 tonnes. Broiler feed production was at its second highest total for the month at 44,800 tonnes, an increase of 500 tonnes or 1.2 per cent from 2023. Lastly, turkey and other poultry feed output increased by a substantial 1,200 tonnes or 60.1 per cent from a year earlier, up to 3,100 tonnes, the highest output for the subsector since 2020.

Having fallen for the last two Marches in succession, total pig feed production matched its year previous output of 20,100 tonnes. The total under review was just 50 tonnes or 0.1 per cent lower than the decade long average for the month.

Total cattle and calf feed production was at a record high for March of 145,000 tonnes and had bettered its year previous return by 2,200 tonnes or 1.6 per cent. In addition, the current total outpaced the decade long average for the month by a significant 15,700 tonnes or 12.1 per cent.

Despite the overall upturn, the majority of cattle and calf feed

At 2,900 tonnes of production, pig breeding feed output was 300 tonnes or 12.1 per cent greater than in the corresponding month a year previous. In addition, both the pig link and early grower feed and pig finishing feed subsectors bettered their year earlier production by 400 tonnes, a growth of 12.3 per cent up to 3,400 tonnes and of 16.1 per cent up to 2,600 tonnes respectively. In contrast, the output from the remaining two categories decreased by 500 tonnes apiece. Pig growing feed output fell by 14.0 per cent to 3,000 tonnes and pig finishing feed output dropped by 6.3 per cent to 7,900 tonnes.

Total sheep feed was the one sector where March output decreased from its year previous total. Current production, at 11,600 tonnes was 500 tonnes or 4.3 per cent lower than in 2023 and, moreover, was 400 tonnes or 3.4 per cent down on the 10 year average for March.

Production of breeding sheep compounds declined for the third March in succession as the total under review had decreased by 500 tonnes or 7.4 per cent to 6,600 tonnes. Coarse mixes or blends for sheep output also fell from its 2023 level to 1,600 tonnes, down 200 tonnes or 13.3 per cent from a year earlier. However, production of growing and

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finishing compounds for sheep rose to its highest March return in four years at 3,400 tonnes, up 300 tonnes or 8.3 per cent from a year previous.

Total other feed production surpassed its year earlier counterpart by a considerable 1,000 tonnes or 14.3 per cent and rose to 8,200 tonnes. As a result, the total under review was 300 tonnes or 4.3 per cent greater than the decade long average for March.

With all sectors, bar sheep feed, matching or bettering their 2023 outputs for March and total output at a record high for the month under review, Northern Irish feed production for the first quarter was rounded off in strong fashion. The quarter as a whole is analysed below.

First Quarter Production Overview

Total production of compounds, blends and concentrates in Northern Ireland during the first quarter of 2024 amounted to 753,900 tonnes, a record total for the period and 39,300 tonnes or 4.9 per cent up on the year previous first quarter. Moreover, the total under review was 66,200 tonnes or 9.6 per cent in excess of the decade long average for the period.

Total feed production during the first quarter of 2024 was made up of: 54.1 per cent cattle and calf feed; 31.3 per cent poultry feed; 8.0 per cent pig feed; 3.8 per cent sheep feed; and 2.9 per cent other feed.

For the second year in succession, total Q1 cattle and calf feed production reached unparalleled highs. The current total, at 407,700 tonnes, surpassed the previous record by 19,300 tonnes or 5.0 per cent. Furthermore, the 10 year average for the first quarter was bettered by 38,300 tonnes or 10.4 per cent.

Despite the overall increase, the output of all other cattle compounds dropped 100 tonnes or 3.3 per cent to its joint lowest level for the period of 1,300 tonnes. Beef cattle compounds production also fell below its year previous counterpart by 1,400 tonnes or 3.3 per cent to 41,100 tonnes, its lowest total for the timeframe since 2017. On the other hand, all remaining cattle and calf subsectors were at record high levels for the period apart from cattle protein concentrates, which surpassed its year previous return by 200 tonnes or 20.5 per cent and rose to 1,000 tonnes. The sector’s largest category, dairy cow compounds, rose by 400 tonnes or 0.2 per cent up to 170,300 tonnes; beef coarse mixes of blends production increased by a notable 15,100 tonnes or 21.2 per cent from the corresponding period a year previous to 84,000 tonnes; and lastly, other calf compounds output rose by 600 tonnes or 2.5 per cent to 26,700 tonnes.

Total poultry feed production in the first quarter of 2024 was also at a record high for the period. The current total of 235,600 tonnes was

up 12,000 tonnes or 5.4 per cent from a year earlier. Furthermore, the total under review bettered the decade long average for the timeframe by 28,400 tonnes or 13.7 per cent.

All poultry subsectors surpassed their year previous returns for the period under review. Broiler feed output was at a record high of 126,700 tonnes, up 5,600 tonnes or 4.6 per cent from its 2023 level. Layer and breeder feed and chick rearing feed production were both also at unprecedented outputs for the quarter: the former surpassed its year previous total by 4,00 tonnes or 4.5 per cent and rose to 91,800 tonnes and the latter did so by 1,200 tonnes or 5.1 per cent up to 8,900 tonnes. Finally, Q1 turkey and other poultry feed production, at 8,200 tonnes, surpassed its corresponding year earlier return by a considerable 1,300 tonnes or 18.7 per cent.

Having fallen significantly in 2023, total first quarter pig feed production rose by 2,300 tonnes or 4.0 per cent from a year previous to 60,100 tonnes. Due to greater outputs for a number of years at the turn of the decade, the current total was a less considerable 1,000 tonnes or 1.8 per cent greater than the 10 year average for the quarter.

A decline of 1,000 tonnes or 9.5 per cent from a year earlier dropped Q1 pig growing feed production to 9,500 tonnes, its lowest return for the period in 10 years. First quarter pig finishing feed also fell below its year previous counterpart, down 300 tonnes or 1.1 per cent to 23,800 tonnes. The remaining subsectors all increased considerably from their respective year previous outputs: pig breeding feed for the period under review rose by 700 tonnes or 9.0 per cent to 8,100 tonnes; pig starter and creep feed production grew by 1,500 tonnes or 23.0 per cent to 8,300 tonnes; and lastly, Q1 pig link and early grower feed rose by 1,300 tonnes or 14.9 per cent to 10,300 tonnes, the second highest total for the timeframe on record.

At 28,400 tonnes of production, total sheep feed was the only sector in which production had declined below its year previous counterpart. The drop of 1,400 tonnes or 4.8 per cent brought the total under review 1,100 tonnes or 3.7 per cent lower than the decade long first quarter average.

In spite of this decrease, Q1 growing and finishing sheep compounds production rose for the third year in succession to 8,800 tonnes, an increase of 700 tonnes or 8.5 per cent from a year previous. However, output of coarse mixes fell by a significant 1,600 tonnes or 26.1 per cent to 4,500 tonnes, the lowest total for the period since 2001. In addition, production of breeding sheep compounds dropped for the third first quarter in a row to 1,000 tonnes, a fall of 500 tonnes or 3.5 per cent from the corresponding total in 2023.

At 22,200 tonnes, total first quarter other feed production outstripped its year previous counterpart by 3,100 tonnes or 16.2 per cent. However, this rise was not great enough to lift it above the 10 year average for the period, which it remained 500 tonnes or 2.1 per cent below.

Following record outputs in both March and February and with January production in 2024 at its third highest level, it is unsurprising that first quarter feed production is at unmatched levels. Only the sheep feed sector fell below both its year earlier output and the long term average whereas cattle and calf feed and poultry feed production were both at record highs. As such it seems likely that Northern Irish feed output could reach record levels this year.

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View From Europe

By Colin Ley

Autumn pursuits, pleasures, and pressures

This is the point in the year when anyone in the feed business who is fortunate enough to attend specialist industry events for a living, switches from their summer holidays to a new autumn round of conferences and exhibitions.

Not so much fun, I guess, if you end up spending a week on a sales stand which fails to draw the crowds you were hoping for, but generally a few days at SPACE in northwest France or EuroTier in Hannover, Germany, adds a certain appeal to the coming schedule. Other events are available, of course, and plenty of them.

As a long-time observer and commentator on the industry, I’ve always had the luxury of being able to choose what to focus on at such events and what to ignore. The free-range approach always worked best for me, rather than trying to understand or appreciate something just because it was billed as a ‘headline act’ or had been funded by a ‘look at me’ budget. Often, the genuinely good stuff is tucked away in the corner of an expo hanger, largely because it’s a piece of innovation created by a visionary developer who has already spent all his or her cash on merely being there.

Adopting a similar look and see approach to event previews also works. For example, a recent animal feed sales pitch for EuroTier (November 12-15) proved to be a particularly engaging read. Headlined a ‘Showcase for innovative animal feed solutions’ the publicity blurb addressed the challenge of reducing land for feed cultivation, the need to apply efficient feed management to livestock production, and the task of exploring alternative protein sources.

The call for action for farmers to make feed production fit their available land resources was delivered with the sharp reminder that the amount of arable land available per person worldwide is decreasing at an enormous rate. This is due, of course, largely to farmland being lost to urbanisation to accommodate the world’s burgeoning population. In 1970, for example, the then global population of four billion had 3,800 square metres each available to be used on their behalf by food and feed producers. By 2023, the equivalent people-to-land figure was down to 1,800 square metres each. It can only get worse as the century progresses.

The EuroTier blurb also pointed out that farm animals currently consume around a third of the world’s grain harvest and more than 80% of the world’s soya bean production, going on to declare that competition between humans and animals for scarce resources must be avoided or at least reduced.

Alternatives

One proposed solution was that biomass needs to be used in order of priority: first for humans, second for animals, and third for placing into a

biomass tank. There was also a call for greater attention to be applied to alternative protein sources, such as insects or algae with low agricultural land requirements. The argument was that these need to be more widely used in the production of feed for livestock such as cattle, pigs or poultry.

Many within our industry will argue that we are already well down the insect/algae development road. Insect protein, after all, has been authorised by the European Union as supplementary feed for pig and poultry since 2021.

The EuroTier point, nevertheless, was that important questions for the sector remain, one being that many insect species eat the same things as humans. This raises the challenge for product developers to use insects that feed on substances that are inedible to humans as their base for the next generation of alternative proteins. That will involve dealing with the potential lowering of feed quality from such sources if we’re to avoid an equivalent lowering of economic efficiency.

For those who are gearing up for a week on a EuroTier sales stand, hopefully fully loaded with visitors at all times, the feed-focused blurb concluded with the promise that ‘leading companies from the national and international animal feed industry, plus start-ups, will be demonstrating how innovative feed and new production processes can be used to meet the demands of responsible livestock feeding’. So, there you have it. It’s good to know what your potential customers will be expecting when they appear on your EuroTier stand.

SPACE

Lining up to attend SPACE, located next to Rennes, are no fewer than 163 animal feed exhibitors, all listed for the September 17-19 programme and chasing an estimated 12,000 visitors, drawn from 120 countries.

In addition to promising a vast array of both innovative and established feed products and processes, the event’s programme includes a two-part seminar focus dealing with the use of Agri-Food Co-Products in Animal Feed.

The first session is backed by the ‘taster comment’ that agri-food co-products represent good technical, financial and local opportunities. It is also declared that seminar one speakers will examine ‘the crucial importance of co-products to agriculture’s circular and sustainable future’.

Session two, meanwhile, will address the current regulatory framework for co-products, looking at how standards and regulations are evolving in relation to sustainable food production and the use of agri-food co-products in livestock farming.

SIAL

Another attractive stop on the autumn exhibition round is SIAL, the Paris-based international food and farm products event which will be celebrating its 60th anniversary on October 19-23.

This is an annual coming together of a massive number of exhibitors and delegates in the French capital with a tried and tested reputation for quality. The preview item which recently caught my attention, however, probably for negative feed sector reasons, carried the headline: Alternative proteins on the rise.

The piece went on to declare that one of the most exciting SIAL innovation trends this year has been a definite surge in alternative protein products.

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The cited SIAL example was a range of 3D-printed plant-based steaks which were described as having caught the attention of industry experts and consumers alike. They were also presented as being part of a new wave of plant-based products which were proving crucial in overcoming past consumer scepticism.

“This new wave of more complex products will help get consumers back on track and showcase the promise of even more cool and tasty stuff to come,” added SIAL.

As someone who has toured the Paris exhibition venue over many years (not the full 60, I hasten to add) the thought of exchanging a printed steak for the wonderful ‘real’ offerings provided by red meat trade associations representing farmers in France, Germany, The Netherlands, Britain, and so on, just doesn’t add up.

£38 million boost

Unfortunately, for our industry at least, the alternative proteins movement also got a boost in late August with the announcement that a £38m centre is to be created in the UK to focus on the development of alternatives to animal proteins made from plants, fungi, algae and meat grown in labs.

The planned National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC) will be backed by £15m from the UK’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Innovate UK. Additional funding will be provided by three English universities (Sheffield, Leeds and Imperial College, London) and the Scotland-based Hutton Institute, all of whom will be involved in the Centre’s future development.

There was a ‘real meat’ positive in the NAPIC announcement, however, namely that with the global population projected to reach nearly 10 billion over the next 25 years, meat consumption, in the broadest sense of that description, is forecast to grow by up to 50 per cent by 2050.

Cats and dogs

The Council of the European Union and the European Parliament are working together to prepare the groundwork for future legislation to improve the welfare of cats and dogs, focusing on how they’re bred, kept by breeders, and traded.

Under current proposals, for example, anyone who wants to place a cat or a dog onto the EU market will have to ensure that it is microchipped for traceability purposes, a move designed to establish minimum standards to harmonise the EU market.

The move recognises the enormous growth in pet ownership in recent years, a development which has obviously led to an equivalent growth in petfood products.

Currently, according to official Council figures, EU citizens own more than 72 million dogs and more than 83 million cats. The estimated value of cat and dog sales is €1.3 billion annually with 74% of Europeans reported to believe that the welfare of companion animals in their own countries needs to be better protected.

Existing EU legislation only applies to cats and dogs which are either intended for scientific purposes, transported for commercial purposes or to prevent the spread of rabies and other contagious diseases. Member states’ national rules vary greatly in each of these areas. The new Council proposal is designed to create a ‘level-playing field’ for all sector operators. Orffa develops, customizes, sources and offers feed additives and feed additive concepts for the global animal nutrition market

As a closing word on this, while there is no mention of feed in relation to this particular Council/European Parliament plan, history tells us that although most new pieces of EU legislation invariably start small, few stay that way for long.

Farmer-Centred EU Agricultural Policy

Remaining with the Council of the European Union, the arrival of Hungary as the latest holder of the body’s rotating presidency, appears set to herald a fresh farmer-centred approach to EU farm policy.

Stating that European agriculture may have never faced as many challenges as it does today, the new presidency has declared that it is essential to view agriculture not as a cause of climate change, but as part of the solution. This, it was suggested, will be achieved by engaging farmers in adopting more sustainable production practices.

During the Hungarian presidency, therefore, which runs until December 31, the aim is to ‘encourage’ the European Commission’s Agriculture and Fisheries Council to pursue the creation of future policies that will produce an EU agriculture industry that is competitive, crisisproof and farmer-friendly.

Giving each member state its turn at the top of the Council certainly expands the scope for fresh ideas and attitudes. They may not work, or be deliverable in a mere six months, but at least there’s a chance for something new to be given an airing. That must be a positive, surely.

EU yield cuts

Finally, back to the here and now in Europe with the region’s cereals harvest beginning to reveal the production ‘woes’ that were always going to follow this year’s largely damaging weather patterns.

According to the European Commission’s late August MARS report on crop development in EU member states and neighbouring countries, the outlook for total cereals this year remains poor with yields estimated to be 5.36 tonne per hectare, which is 0.12 t/ha below the five-year average. Although harvest is still in process across the EU, the Commission has, therefore, already reduced yield estimates for soft wheat, barley (winter and spring), and maize.

As analysed by the UK’s Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AGDB), the downward yield revision for winter crops can be largely attributed to excessively wet conditions across western and northern Europe, aligned with dry weather in eastern Europe. Unfavourable weather conditions also continued during the summer with the Baltic countries being hit by ‘considerable rainfall’ which has impacted grain quality.

“Furthermore,” added AHDB, “in the north-west of mainland Europe, rainfall has persisted and interrupted harvesting, leading to further pressure on crop conditions.”

In addition, the continuing impact of Russia’s war on Ukraine, including the recent launching of missiles into the port infrastructure in Odesa, is inevitably raising fresh concerns over grain shipments from Ukraine. Even though, according to AHDB, reports suggest that this latest attack is unlikely to be part of a more aggressive move against Ukrainian exports, the level of current market anxiety is understandable.

Scientifically Speaking …

By Matthew Wedzerai

Benefits of combined polyphenols and functional amino acids in broiler diets

Stressors are common in broiler farms during breeding, handling, and transportation; innovative solutions remain crucial to mitigate the damaging effects of stress on the health and welfare of birds. In their study published in Nature (2024), researchers indicate how a balanced diet supplemented with functional amino acids and polyphenols confers intestinal barrier integrity in broilers following stress exposure.

The gut acts as a sentinel in charge of a controlled uptake of nutrients while preventing the passage of unwanted macromolecules and bacteria across the mucosa. These functions can be achieved by a complex crosstalk between the intestinal epithelial cells, the immune system, and the microbiota. Gut microbiota plays a key role in maintaining gut health and influencing overall performance. However, stressors can affect this sensitive balance and impair the transport of nutrients, the gut barrier function, and the immune response, representing a risk factor for digestive diseases.

For several decades, nutritional strategies in broilers aimed to use feed-grade free amino acids (AA) associated with a low protein diet to reduce feed cost and environmental impact while maintaining performance. To date, findings also suggest that dietary AA could be used for their regulatory role in metabolism homeostasis, leading to the concept of functional amino acids (AA), where beneficial contributions to gastrointestinal integrity and the immune system can be achieved by increasing specific AA concentrations above the needs for production performance. The protective effect of functional AA on the digestive system during enteric challenges is related to their targeted actions on the four pillars of gut health (i.e. oxidative stress, epithelial functions, microbiota, and immunity).

On the other hand, polyphenols have been shown to exert antibacterial, antioxidant, immunostimulatory and prebiotic properties. In the current study, researchers evaluated the use of specific amino acids in combination with grape extract polyphenols with the expectation of an effective association because of (i) the polyphenols’ separate beneficial effects on the gut microbiota and epithelium and (ii) through the binding of AA to tannins, ensuring the protection of AA degradation in the upper side of the digestive tract.

Inducing stress in broilers

Because broilers experience higher needs for functional AA when facing intestinal challenges, identifying nutritional solutions to optimise AA benefits is of particular interest. In this study, researchers evaluated the effects of supplementation of arginine, threonine, and glutamine together with grape polyphenols on the gut integrity and functionality of broilers facing stress conditions. The stress was induced by administering corticosterone (CORT), the primary corticosteroid in birds produced during the stress hormonal cascade. Birds were randomly allotted to 3 experimental groups as follows:

• Control diet : a standard diet with no stress challenge or additives.

• CORT diet: a standard diet with a corticosterone challenge.

• CORT+MIX diet : a standard diet supplemented with 1 g per kg functional AA (arginine, threonine, and glutamine) together with grape extract polyphenols and challenged with corticosterone.

Enhancing growth performance

Growth performance measured during the grower phase showed a decrease in body weight of 21% following the corticosterone challenge compared to the control birds. However, adding the mixture of amino acids and polyphenols improved the weight of the challenged birds by 6%. During the finisher period, the differences were minimal.

Improving intestinal permeability and integrity

As expected, researchers observed an increase in gut paracellular permeability after the administration of exogenous corticosterone in drinking water in non-supplemented animals; this was associated with a downregulation of genes coding for tight junction proteins and the gene coding for mucin 2, the glycosylated protein that forms a physical barrier, which protects epithelial cells from stress-induced damage.

However, to fully comprehend gut permeability, researchers suggested that a transversal gene expression panel related to intestinal health (genes for barrier function, immune response, oxidation, and digestive hormones) could be used in the future to better capture this complexity. In the current study, gut permeability was assessed by measuring the amount of fluorescently labelled dextrans (FITC-d). The supplementation of AA and grape extract polyphenols suppressed the long-term adverse effects of CORT challenge on intestinal permeability as indicated by a decrease of plasma FITC-d, normalising the gut paracellular permeability.

The mucus layer is composed of highly glycosylated proteins called mucins that act as a protective layer on the epithelial cell lines,

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thus strengthening the physical and chemical gut barrier. In the current study, the addition of AA with polyphenols in the diet restored the secretion of mucin-2 as indicated by an up-regulation of MUC2 gene expression shortly after the CORT challenge. “This effect could be partly related to the threonine supplementation, as this amino acid is directly involved in mucin secretion through regulations of MUC2 transcription,” the researchers concluded.

Gut morphology and microbiota

Compared to the control birds, the challenge with corticosterone induced adverse effects on crypt structure measured at the end of the finisher phase; these negative effects were counteracted with the supplementation of the mixture of functional amino acids and polyphenols, indicating higher epithelium proliferative activity with the supplementation.

At day 35, the relative abundance of bacteria belonging to the genus Roseburia was significantly lower in the CORT group compared to the control group while its abundance was improved in the CORT+MIX group. Other genera remained unaffected by the dietary treatments. Roseburia intestinalis is an anaerobic, gram-positive, slightly curved rod-shaped flagellated bacterium that produces butyrate in the colon, thus, R. intestinalis has been shown to prevent intestinal inflammation and maintain energy homeostasis by producing metabolites.

“Since our findings did not show strong modulations of the gut microbiota with polyphenol supplementation, further experimental dysbiosis models would be appropriate to investigate the role of the gut microbiota, mediated by polyphenols and functional amino acids.”

However, they added that polyphenols and arginine can both exhibit antimicrobial activities, while glutamine contributes to oxidative defence as reported in similar polyphenol studies. Besides these independent benefits, previous evidence suggests that polyphenols could positively interact with AA intestinal functions by targeting the large intestine as polyphenols are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and therefore represent substrates available to the lower tract of the intestine, they said.

Concluding remarks

The administration of amino acids together with polyphenols was shown to protect birds from corticosterone challenge, especially the long-term adverse effects on the gut barrier function.

“The bioactive compounds tested seemed to directly act on the intestinal mucosa functions barrier, by stimulating wound healing processes such as restoration of crypt depth, enhancing mucus gel secretion and by normalising pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression levels.”

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Milk Matters

By Christine Pedersen Senior Dairy Business Consultant

The Dairy Group christine.pedersen@thedairygroup.co.uk www.thedairygroup.co.uk

UK DAIRY INDUSTRY CHANGES

The implementation of the Fair Dealings Obligations (Milk) Regulations 2024 to regulate contracts between milk producers and processors in UK came into force in July 2024. The Dairy Regulations will apply immediately for all new contracts while existing contracts have 12 months grace to make the necessary changes to become compliant; lawyers will be hard at work over the winter to ensure that compliant contracts are ready next year. The key features are a minimum 12 months’ notice processor termination period, a 21-day cooling off period without penalty, A&B pricing can no longer be coupled to exclusive supply contracts and the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator will enforce the regulations on behalf of Defra.

GB Dairy Producer Numbers have been declining for decades with ebbs and flows driven by many factors including low profitability. AHDB published their latest survey of GB Producer numbers which shows between April 23 and March 2024, the number of dairy producers declined by 440. As the table below shows, this represents a significant acceleration in exits from the industry compared to recent years:

2023/24 milk season (Apr 23 – Mar 24) was only 0.2% lower than the previous year.

The average Farm Gate milk price in June has recovered to 38.4ppl after the dip to 37.9ppl in May. Seasonally improving milk quality together with higher milk prices should mean prices continue to rise. August is set to see 40ppl and September 41ppl, but with the average cost of production over 44ppl, declines in producer numbers are not expected to slow down. Although the remaining producers will continue to absorb many of the cattle released by the retirees, the cost of reinvestment and environmental compliance/ improvement will limit herd expansion. Improved, fairer contracts will help give some confidence to producers but is no substitiute for a fair milk price that allows producers to operate profitably and to continue to reinvest.

KEEP THE SILAGE YOU HAVE PAID FOR….

Maize harvest is fast approaching and I recently read an article in Hoards Dairyman titled “Keep the silage you make”. I would actually go a step further than this, hence the title of this sub-section! Growing maize or indeed any crop requires a significant investment and having made that investment, attention needs to turn to capturing as much nutrition as possible from the crop. Key areas to consider are outlined below:

• The target whole-plant dry matter (DM) at harvest should be 30 – 32%, allowing for 2-4% DM typical clamp losses to achieve the target silage DM at feeding of 32 – 35%. Start assessing crop dry matter in August and follow up weekly until the target dry matter is reached. To accurately assess dry matter, a representative sample of plants is key; assess all fields and representative samples across the whole field taking account of soil type and field aspect.

April

April

What is evident is that milk prices are a key determinant in helping producers to decide when to retire from dairying, but probably not the more fundamental question of whether to retire. Milk prices in 2023/24 fell significantly compared with the peaks of the previous year and in conjunction with continued inflationary pressure on key inputs, put dairy profitability under severe pressure. If faced with significant capital investment to meet infrastructure regulations, or succession or staffing issues, the combination of these factors is likely to have been a driver for some to leave the industry. Despite falling producer numbers, milk production in the

• Clearly communicate plans for harvest with the contractor and the whole harvest team to ensure the optimum timing of harvest. Monitor the crop as it is harvested; it is vital that all kernels are processed. If this is not achieved subsequent feed utilisation will be reduced with poor starch digestion.

• Cutting height and chop length are also key considerations to be agreed with your contractor:

• Cutting height is a balance between quality and quantity. The lower part of the plant is of low feed value and is relatively wet so increasing the cutting height will improve the nutritive value. However, if higher yields are required to fill silage clamps, crops could be cut as low as 15cm if there is no soil contamination. Low cutting not only reduces the quality of the crop but can also

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Table 1: Annual cahnge in GB Dairy Producers

introduce soil and contaminants, from rain splash, into the silage clamp therefore compromising fermentation quality.

• Chop length will affect clamp consolidation and rumen function. A shorter chop length will aid dense packing in the clamp but may be detrimental to rumen function so a balance must be met. Where maize forms 50% or less of the forage, the chop length could be as low as 10mm. If maize is the predominant forage or there are concerns over rumen function (high concentrate feed rate, acidosis or SARA and low milk butterfat), lengthening the chop to 20mm can improve fibre characteristics. Longer chop lengths should be avoided if the crop is too dry (over 35% DM) as achieving good consolidation becomes increasingly difficult.

• Availability of labour and time are typically the biggest challenges to clamping, consolidating and sheeting maize quickly to preserve nutrients which is a critical phase of the process:

• Fill the clamp in thin layers no more than 15cm deep and constantly roll to consolidate - aim for a clamp bulk density of 800 kg/m3. This will ensure oxygen is eliminated from

the clamp leading to ideal anaerobic conditions.

• As a rule of thumb, you need 25% of the harvested crop weight per hour to roll the clamp, i.e. if 100 tonnes per hour is harvested, you will need 25 tonnes weight of machine rolling the clamp.

• Sheet well with side walls overlapping with the top sheet. An oxygen barrier sheet is recommended below the top sheet. Adequate weight in the sheet is important to avoid sheet movement leading to oxygen ingress.

• The main reason for using an additive on maize silage is to help control aerobic spoilage; consider using an additive to help maintain silage in a cold and stable state if maize silage will be fed during the warmer summer months, if the rate of use is slow or the dry matter is higher than desired. An additive will not compensate for poor clamping and consolidation practices.

If there is any risk of run-off, post-harvest cover crops should be established as soon as possible. They offer environmental benefits by aiding soil and nutrient retention while building soil organic matter. In doing so the risk of soil erosion and water course pollution is significantly reduced.

Ten Ways … to broaden your horizons

By Robert Ashton

My wife and I have just booked a four night city break, but as yet we do not know where we are going. Does that sound odd? Yes, it is, but the company we’ve booked the trip through do not tell you where are going until three days before you leave for the airport. An online questionnaire collects your likes, dislikes and places you’ve been before. The travel company then choose somewhere that matches your interests and budget.

It’s a very clever business model, that gives them buying power, and customers like us, an opportunity to go somewhere we’d probably never think of on our own. We’re baby-boomers, so past retirement age, but not yet ready for a life of slippers, geraniums and bowls matches. If this trip is successful, we’ll book more because it’s all too easy to just go back to the same familiar places time and time again, to do the same familiar things. It will I think broaden our horizons and introduce us to an unfamiliar, albeit European, culture, art and food.

And having paid the deposit and committed ourselves this morning, I’ve been thinking about how you too might like to broaden your horizons and climb out of the familiar routines that nearly all of our lives become. Here then are ten ways you too might broaden your horizon:

1. Stick a pin in a map – That in a way is what we have just done, but with a computer algorithm applying a little science to what might otherwise be completely random selection. But seriously, try this for a day out and see where you end up. Even the most dismal places have something good about them, and conversations with strangers can be quite revealing.

2. Book tickets for things you don’t think you’ll like – Many of us do this all the time if our partner has different tastes to our own, but too often, we decide we don’t like something and then 30 years later, still give it a wide berth. Times change, we change and so too do sporting and arts events. Go for what you think you’ll like the least, go with an open mind and be prepared to be surprised.

3. Talk to the next rough sleeper you meet begging on the street – some are professional beggars, but many have an interesting story to tell. It will make you appreciate what you have all the more, and sometimes you will hear a story that makes you realise how little it can take to turn an orderly life upside down. And if you also buy them a coffee, you will also make their day.

4. Make time to challenge yourself in ways that don’t matter – I work with a personal trainer once a week, and at our last session dead-lifted more than I had ever managed to lift before. Does it matter? Not a jot, other than reassuring me that I can still build my strength when well past middle age. Set yourself silly challenges and see what you never knew you could do. See if others will join you and get competitive.

5. Learn something new – it could be a language, a craft skill, or just how to dance the polka. We all see ourselves differently when we step outside our normal lives and try something new. Who knows, you might just find yourself taking up a new hobby!

6. Learn to cook- It could be that like me, you live with an excellent cook, so have never really had the incentive to cook yourself. But cooking can be fun, and even when you get it wrong, you can usually eat your mistakes. Cooking also gets you closer to food and farming, particularly if you grow your own produce, or at least buy it direct from the farm.

7. Read a book by a new author – We all have favourite authors, but why not try a book by an author you’ve not encountered before? I will often buy a popular book, just to see if I can see what about it is making it a best-seller. I also make a point of buying and reading books by almost forgotten East Anglian authors, perhaps because in 100 years’ time, I’ll be one of them!

8. Do something you always thought impossible – I’ll admit that this one I find really challenging. For example, I cannot and do not sing. Could I join a choir and overcome what for me has become a phobia? Maybe I can. Perhaps if you succeed at something you thought was impossible, and tell me about it, you might just embarrass me into action!

9. Grow your hair – A while back I bumped into a friend I’d not seen in 40 years. His face had picked up lots of wrinkles, but his hair was cut the same way as it always was. I grew a beard a few years back, and now would not be without it. Why not change the way your hair is cut and see how different that makes you feel.

10. Start writing – a good way to broaden your horizon is to write creatively. This gives you an opportunity to explore new places and activities before you commit to any action. As an author, my tip is to write in the past tense, as if you have just completed and are reflecting on the new activity. I’d also suggest you exaggerate the scenario you describe, because then what you actually choose to do, won’t appear quite so daunting.

I started by saying that my wife and I have booked a four night break at an as yet unknown destination. As the date nears, we’ll be sent clues that will encourage us to try to guess where we’re going. Anticipation is important, and might be the subject of a future checklist column. Now it’s time for you to be bold and break new ground. Let me know how it goes!

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Green Pages

Feed Trade Topics from the Island of Ireland

NIGTA SUPPORTS PLANS TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

The Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association (NIGTA) has confirmed its commitment to work towards the securing of better water quality standards.

The organisation’s acting chief executive, David Garrett, said: “It will have come as a disappointment to everyone that Lough Neagh has again developed an algal bloom in recent weeks.

“Given its importance as a source of drinking water for so much of Northern Ireland, it is more important than ever to address this issue.”

To this end, agriculture minister, Andrew Muir has published a 37-point plan to address the issues around water quality in the Lough Neagh catchment area.

“Where these measures relate to agriculture, they will need to be actively supported by NIGTA members and their customers,” he said.

According to Garrett, the plan is science-led and offers a way forward to begin to reverse the high levels of phosphorous (P) ending up in waterways and lakes.

Key elements of this plan include education, incentivisation, regulation, enforcement and governance.

NIGTA members also believe that Northern Ireland’s Soil Nutrient Health Scheme (SNHS) will play a key role in delivering enhanced levels of water quality.

“This scheme aims to optimise nutrient application by establishing the nutrient profile of every field so that tailored fertiliser applications can be made and excess applications of key nutrients, especially phosphorous, can be avoided.

“It will be important that the findings from each farm and field are acted upon and fertiliser applications tailored accordingly,” Garrett continued.

There will be a consultation exercise on restricting the use of chemical fertilisers containing phosphorus on grassland, guided by science and evidence including the SNHS.

“What this could mean, is that if phosphorous fertiliser use is not reduced to more acceptable levels, then it could be controlled by legislation,” he added.

Meanwhile, a dairy demonstrator project will be undertaken to evaluate on-farm livestock diets which reduce ammonia emissions, P losses and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Led by the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), this initiative has been specifically developed to meet the needs of Northern Ireland’s milk sector.

Its stated aim will be to reduce P and nitrogen (N) inputs to more

sustainable levels without adversely impacting animal performance.

Over-supply of P and N (protein) in diets is not only wasteful and economically damaging but also harmful to the environment.

“NIGTA will have an important role in supplying much of the relevant expertise in formulating and supplying nutritionally precise diets to trial farms,” Garrett said.

In dairy cow diets, P target levels have been reduced safely over the past twenty years and due to the mineral composition of typical feed ingredients, rarely does a dairy diet need phosphorous supplementation.

“Late stage monogastric diets now seldom have any requirement for elemental phosphorous as phytase enzymes have become ever more efficient in extracting the locked up phosphorous in the feed ingredients.

“Over the years, this type of progress has mitigated the impact of food production here in Northern Ireland on the local environment.

“It is vital that we act together on the challenge to improve our water quality whilst maintaining our important food industry,” he outlined.

ACA WANTS CORE FUNDING FOR THE SERVICES IT PROVIDES

Ireland’s Agricultural Consultants Association (ACA) is calling on government to provide core funding in recognition of the services the organisation provides to Irish agriculture.

The request is the key driver within ACA’s Budget 2025 submission.

Organisation president, Michael Ryan, further explained. “ACA members are working with 55,000 farming businesses at the present time, delivering a wide range of services.

“And, yes, we do receive government funding for specific projects: the roll out of the organic farming programmes being one of them.

“But, for the most part, ACA is funded by its own members. There is a huge job of work t be done where water quality is concerned and the implementation of the schemes that government has developed to address this issue.

He continued: “Individual farmers will be expected to participate in the scheme. But the significant input of ACA consultants will be required in many cases to make all of this work.

“And on that basis alone, government must consider the issue of delivering core support to our organisation.

“ACA is fully recognised by government as an official stakeholder organisation.”

Ryan went on to confirm the growth of organic farming within Irish agriculture.

“A combination of changing consumer habits and European Union support is driving this process,” he commented.

“Ireland’s organic sector is starting from a very low baseline, in terms of land base: probably in the region of one per-cent.

“And it will probably plateau out at around seven per-cent. The various livestock sectors have seen most of the growth in organic output up to this point.

“The one exception here is dairy, which has yet to catch up. The same principle holds, where crops are concerned.”

IGGG’S BUDGET 2025 SUBMISSION NOW UNDER SCRUTINY BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS

The Irish Grain Growers Group (IGGG) has published its Budget 2025 submission.

“We have since received official confirmation to the effect that the document is now being scrutinised by staff within both the departments of fiancé and agriculture,” added IGGG chairman, Bobby Miller.

“Our plan is to call for meetings with both relevant government ministers.

“But it’s unlikely there will be any progress, where this matter is concerned, until the 2024 harvest is completed.”

Courtesy of its Budget 2025 submission, IGGG is calling for a range of measures to be agreed by government on behalf of the tillage sector.

These include the raising of the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) investment ceiling on tillage farms to €200,000 and a number of tax changes.

These should be based on eligibility linked to environmental measures (namely water quality, soil health, biodiversity, and carbon footprint); include accelerated capital allowance rates to enable faster cost recovery; and include bonus allowances based on early adoption.

Meanwhile, the 2024 harvest continues apace.

Bobby Miller again: “Winter crops have been very disappointing: winter barley, wheat and oilseed rape.

“Yields of winter barley on many farms have come in below 3 tonnes/ ac. The highest yield figure that I have heard of is 3.7 tonnes.”

He continued: “Grain prices are also very challenging at the present time. The reality is that tillage incomes in 2024 will be well down again, relative to previous years.

“Crops grown on rented ground will be significant loss making operations for tillage farms this year.

“Oats are the only winter cereal to have performed well in Ireland in 2024.”

According to the IGGG representative, a small area of spring barley that was planted in March has been harvested up to this point.

“The main push behind the spring cereal harvest will get underway in a week or so. Let;’s hope for better yields from these crops.”

Bobby Miller points to the fact that many Irish tillage farmers realise that 2024 has been a year to forget in terms of both yields and crop margins.

“It’s now a case of looking ahead, hoping that the remainder of the current harvest can be completed as efficiently as possible and then getting on with the next winter cereal planting season,” he commented.

The IGGG chairman concluded: “But it’s still very galling for Irish tillage farmers to see large quantities of imported cereals coming into their market at a time when there is so much locally produced grain of the highest quality available.”

FACTORS THAT WILL IMPACT ON IRISH TILLAGE INCOMES IN 2024?

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is projecting that Irish tillage incomes will remain, basically, unchanged in 2024.

This puts the expected figure in the region of €20,00.

A number of factors have been assessed by DAFM analysts in coming up with this projection.

Where European Union (EU) feed wheat production in 2024 is concerned, output is expected to come in at 122.3 million tonnes. This is down on 2023/24.

Meanwhile, demand for animal feeds and EU exports are expected to decrease due to lower availability.

It is also anticipated that there will be moderate recovery in human/ industrial demand for wheat in the EU this year.

Where barley is concerned, 2024 EU production levels are forecast to reach 51.3 million tonnes in 2024, compared to 47.5 million tonnes in 2023.

EU maize production is estimated to decrease slightly in 202 to 62 million tonnes, compared to 62.6 million tonnes in 2023.

Significantly, DAFM is projecting that total production of cereals in 2024 will likely be down by 139,000 tonnes, which represents a 7% decrease on the 2023 levels

Current world grain markets are subject to decreasing global harvests on the one hand, with demand continuing to be influenced by inflation on the other.

Specific wheat and barley signals at present indicate another decrease in harvest price in 2024 relative to 2023.

In addition, farm gate ‘on account’ cereal prices on offer in the third week in July 2024 are between 5% and 10% lower than prices paid at harvest 2023.

With a forecast reduction in world ending stocks to use ratios, European wheat and barley prices may increase for the current year as a whole.

However, harvest pressure will continue to be exerted and will likely prevent prices from rising sharply in the near term.

On the positive side, of the equation, DAFM is forecasting that total costs on a whole tillage farm basis for 2024 will be about 8% lower compared to 2023.

This takes account of decreases in fertiliser, seed and electricity costs. Bucking this trend is the strengthening of some fuel and plant protection costs.

The end result of these projected trends is a steady-as-she-goes scenario for tillage incomes: 2024 versus 2023.

With lower cereal prices and a decrease in production volume, Irish cereal market based output value is forecast to fall again in 2024.

Total production costs in 2024 are forecast to decrease, but not enough to compensate for the decline in market based output value.

CLARENCE CALDERWOOD APPOINTED GENERAL MANAGER OF UNITED FEEDS

IN MY OPINION … RICHARD HALLERON

Modern farming practices must be made safer

Modern farming practices are centred on the use of machinery and equipment that are both powerful and sophisticated.

They also require in-depth knowledge and experience on the part of operators in order to secure the highest levels of performance from them.

All of this was highlighted, yet again, courtesy of the recent Farm Safety Week initiative.

And hats off to everyone involved in communicating such relevant health and safety priorities to farmers, farm workers and contractors.

But is it not time to take all of this to the next level?

Take tractors as a case in point. The models available today are comparable to Formula One racing cars, relative those that were coming on to the market ten years ago.

United Feeds has appointed Clarence Calderwood as General Manager. Clarence will be responsible for leading the business, which is part of Dale Farm, the largest UK farmer-owned dairy cooperative. With production facilities in Belfast and Dungannon, United Feeds manufactures blended and compound feeds for the ruminant sector, as well as selling fertiliser, calf milk replacers, silage inoculants and oxygen barriers.

Clarence previously held the roles of Sales Representative and Sales Team Leader for east of Northern Ireland within the business, before taking up the role of Sales Manager in 2013.

Welcoming Clarence’s appointment, Keith Agnew, Managing Director, Agri Division at Dale Farm said:

“Clarence has a wealth of experience having worked in the industry since 1994 and is well known by producers across Northern Ireland. As the business continues to grow, Clarence will play a key role in developing the team and building on the strong reputation United Feeds has for high nutritional standards and excellent customer service.”

Clarence Calderwood, General Manager, United Feeds added:

“It is an exciting time for me to take up this new role within the business.

“Recent investments have enabled us to expand the business, and I look forward to continuing that growth.

“With unusual weather events, global market volatility and of course sustainability concerns, these are challenging times for producers.

“Working directly with farmers, our team has solutions that are delivering both improved production efficiency and sustainability gains.”

And all of this horsepower brings with it a very obvious health and safety risk. Moreover, gone are the days when a tractor engine could be heard from some distance away. Today’s models are super sleek, super quick and super silent.

As a consequence young children and even older adults may not be aware of a tractor coming at them from inside a building for all of the reasons referenced above.

Currently, young teenagers are allowed to drive tractors, within the confines of their own farms, provided they have completed a recognised training course.

But surely there is a need for farmers to secure ongoing – and formal education opportunities - on how to best manage and operate machinery throughout their careers.

Within other professions this is called continuing professional development (CPD). And one could also argue that a failure to undertake this commitment would have direct consequences for farmers in terms of the way their run their businesses.

Linking CPD to the attainment of insurance could be one possible direction of travel. Another option would be to link the attainment of CPD validation to the securing of farm support monies.

Meanwhile, farming continues to ‘enjoy’ the dubious accolade of being the most dangerous profession that can be followed in the UK and Ireland today.

Years of advice programmes and communications-based initiatives have failed to really move the dial, where farm safety standards are concerned.

Previously, construction was Ireland’s most dangerous industry to work within. This situation changed when previous governments decided to crack down hard on the abuses taking place within that sector.

Enhanced rates of inspection and follow-up prosecutions, when and where required, have acted to significantly improve health and safety standards on building sites.

Everyone agrees that one farm accident is one too many.

All it takes is for farmers and farm workers to take the one extra minute required to think through the health and safety implications of every job they are about to start.

Nobody can be so busy that taking such a small amount of time out of one’s working day cannot be justified.

ForFarmers Results for the First Half of 2024

ForFarmers has released its first half results for the six months ended June 30th , reporting Like-for-like growth of volume and strong increase in profitability. Commenting on the results, Pieter Wolleswinkel, CEO ForFarmers:

“The positive trends of the first quarter have continued, with a significant increase in profitability in the second quarter as well. We strengthened our market positions in this first half of the year, resulting in a satisfactory volume development. The right product and market choices underpin this result and our local approach is valued by customers. The integration of Piast in Poland, acquired early this year, is well on track and we are satisfied with the performance. We are also pleased with the announcement of the intended acquisition of Van Triest Veevoeders, which specialises in co-products. We are convinced that this will enable us to play an increasingly important role in providing sustainable feed solutions. With this acquisition, we fully focus on a market with clear growth potential. I am proud of this strong performance in the first six months and the contribution that everyone at ForFarmers has made to it. Despite macroeconomic and (geo)political uncertainty, we are confident about the future.”

The group wide highlights H1 2024 are as follows.

• Total volume, adjusted for the Belgian activities sold and the acquisition of Piast, increased by 2.0% compared to H1 2023; Compound feed volume increased by 0.7%

• Gross profit increased by 6.0% to €249.0 million, driven by strategy execution

• Higher gross profit and cost control, combined with a relatively low comparison base in H1 2023, resulted in an increase of more than

60% in underlying EBITDA and significantly higher underlying EBIT

• Net cash from operating activities increased to €25.5 million (H1 2023: €20.9 million)

• The ROACE ratio on underlying EBIT increased from 4.8% as at 30 June 2023 to 10.7% as at 30 June 2024 (7.1% as at 31 December 2023)

• Agreement reached regarding the sale of two mills in the United Kingdom, formal transfer expected in the fourth quarter

• Proposed acquisition of Van Triest Veevoeders is an important step in ForFarmers’ strategy to make the food chain more sustainable in an efficient manner by using more co-products

In the United Kingdom cluster, ForFarmers showed a growth of 1.5% in total volume in the first half of 2024. The group reported that: “Good performance in ruminants shows that specific needs in this market are well met and volumes have consequently increased. Pig volumes declined due to further structural market integration, with slaughterhouses producing their own feed. Poultry volumes increased in the first half of 2024.

“Gross profit showed an increase and, partly due to the reorganisation initiated at the beginning of this year, underlying operating expenses decreased. This reorganisation is on schedule. The agreement for the sale of two mills has been signed and the transfer is expected in the fourth quarter of 2024. The higher gross profit combined with lower operating expenses translates into a sharp increase in underlying operating profitability. Underlying EBIT improved from a loss of €1.6 million in the first half of 2023 to a profit of €2.8 million in the first half of 2024. Underlying EBITDA more than doubled to €9.8 million in the first half of 2024.”

A Highly Successful Two Day Seminar

Held by CFE Group

CFE Group held a highly successful 2 -day event at the Mercure Hotel and CFE’s pioneering facility in Haydock on 24th & 25th April 2024. 110 customers from the Feed Mill industry attended from Ireland, UK and Belgium.

On the 24th, Speakers from CPM, IVS, Geelen and CFE had presentations on Conditioning/T-Shape Paddle Technology, Steam Utilization, Cooling and New Dust Emission Legislation, offering attendees a comprehensive understanding of key challenges and opportunities in pellet milling operations.

On Wednesday night (24th, April), CFE Group hosted a seminar dinner at Mercure Hotel, where we invited a Guest Speaker: Geordan Murphy, who is the most decorated player of all time in English Premiership Rugby. Mr. Murphy shared insights from his journey in professional sports. He played with Leicester Tigers, he played 81 times for Ireland and played for

The British & Irish Lions. We are thankful to Geordan for sharing his experiences and to all who joined us, making it an enriching evening.

On 25th, attendees had an opportunity to network with fellow professionals and industry specialists, to foster connections and collaborations. The seminar also included tours of CFE’s engineering facilities at Arrox Park and Haydock Lane. At Arrow Park, participants viewed and examined a pellet station featuring Double Conditioning and a CPM 7936-12 Pellet Mill with Lineator and RSM. The Haydock Lane visit gave customers the opportunity to tour Europe’s most upto-date Die and Roll Refurbishing facility. Both visits were structured to allow customers, speakers, and industry professionals to have Q&A sessions in an informal setting and to exchange ideas and share experiences.

Guest Speaker, Geordan Murphy

Con Lynch opening the two day seminar

Arthur vom Hofe introducing CPM conditioners

Showcasing the features of CPM pellet mills tower

Chris Webb centre with Carl Robinson, Jay Baldwin & Paul Gladwell

CFE CEO climbs over 10,000 metres in a 1,000+ mile cycle over 10 days

Con Lynch, CEO of CFE Group, recently completed a remarkable and mammoth cycling challenge to raise essential funds for charity. From Thursday, 4th July to Saturday, 13th July, Con completed the 1,189 mile, 10-day cycling marathon from Land’s End in Cornwall to John O’Groats on Scotland’s north-eastern tip. His mission: to raise crucial funds for Aras Mhuire, a community-owned nursing home in Listowel, Co. Kerry which is dedicated to providing outstanding care for local residents.

Day 1 kicked off with a 97-mile (155 km) cycle with an elevation gain of 8372 feet (2552 meters). The first a.m. brew stop was at St Aubyn Arms in Praze-an-Beeble, followed by lunch at Griggs Country Store in Sticker, St Austell. The afternoon brew was at a layby opposite a caravan park on the other side of Looe.

There were some significant milestones along the way, chief among them were his crossing of the Severn Bridge into Wales, the crossing of the border between England and Scotland, the crossing of the Firth of Forth Bridge and the final leg into John o’Groats. This journey wasn’t just physically challenging for Con and his fellow cyclists. Without a doubt, it demanded endurance and huge resilience of spirit.

As Con cycled through the Cheshire countryside, he found himself immersed in the beauty of landscapes with its green fields, rolling hills and beautiful villages. It reminded him of growing up at home in Kerry, playing and working in busy summer months across the fields of their own and neighbouring farms. This part of the journey provided a respite from the more physically demanding parts of the ride. The Cheshire countryside was like a painting come to life really allowing him to appreciate the journey as much as the destination.

The final leg was a 95 mile (153 km) stretch with an elevation gain of 1,370 meters (4,495 feet). Stops included a layby along the River Naver and The Halladale Inn in Melvich, with the last p.m. brew at the car park of The Weigh Inn in Thurso.

The cycling marathon saw Con traversing diverse terrain across the UK and each mile cycled over these different landscapes and environments, represented one step closer to achieving his fundraising goal. The unwavering support from friends, family and

colleagues in the industry validated his steadfast commitment and he is hugely appreciative of the financial contributions made.

Reflecting on the challenge, Con said that although the journey was physically and mentally tough, the €16,000 which was raised made every minute and every mile of the journey worth it. This money will contribute to the cost of replacing Aras Mhuire’s roof, essential works required in its local community. “Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference” Con emphasized, “I believe that, at the end of the day it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished it’s about what you’ve made better and what you’ve given back.”

Right: CFE Group CEO - Con Lynch and Left; Paddy Kelly

Con Lynch presenting a cheque for €16,000 to Aras Mhuire nursing home in Listowel, Co. Kerry

MYCOTOXIN RISKS CALL FOR ‘ULTIMATE’ ACTION

With Patrick Beyeler, Formulation Nutritionist, Cargill UK

Mycotoxins in raw materials are always a challenge, and the levels of individual mycotoxins varies between seasons, regions and products. Damp, humid and warm environments and stressed conditions will encourage growth of moulds and therefore levels of mycotoxins. Levels will also be affected by storage and transport conditions.

“UK growing conditions for wheat and barley in spring and summer 2024 have been ideal for mould growth.” says Cargill UK’s formulation nutritionist Patrick Beyeler. “So it’s important to analyse ingredients and have access to accurate data on the levels of key mycotoxins. And where necessary, products that can help counter the harmful effects of these mycotoxins, which impact on animal performance, can be included in diets.”

Cargill has developed a solution, Notox® Ultimate Pro, that can help mitigate the impact of the six key mycotoxins affecting poultry production. It uses technologies to counteract the impact of Aflatoxin B1, Fumonisin B1, Ochratoxin A, T2 Toxin and Zearalenone. It can also provide support for mitigating the impact of a sixth and the smallest mycotoxin Deoxinivalenol (DON).

“DON is an extremely small molecule that is easily absorbed - even in the mouth - before coming into contact with a binding product,” says Mr Beyeler. “Also, the size of the DON molecule means that it does not

have the binding capacities required by a mycotoxin binding product. However, specific technologies available through Notox Ultimate Pro can reduce its impact on livestock production.”

This action is particularly important in young animals that are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of DON, such as chicks up to 10 days old and in poultry breeding stock.

“Notox ® Ultimate Pro is a very comprehensive product,” he adds. “Its properties help to mitigate the harmful effects of all six key mycotoxins affecting poultry diets. In the case of DON, these products support liver function and provide antioxidant and immune support.”

Notox® Ultimate Pro technologies are shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: NOTOX® Ultimate Technologies

“The amount of Notox used in the diet will depend on the level and type of mycotoxin present. We advocate responsible use of these products – if there’s a low risk then low levels of product should be used, and in cases where there is no risk, then it is not required.”

Cargill UK Adds On Site Analysis

To determine mycotoxin contamination levels in raw materials, Cargill UK has introduced quick scan analysis equipment at its manufacturing plant in North Yorkshire this month (September).

This machine has been tried and tested for its levels of accuracy alongside Cargill’s more traditional analysis tools, and it is already in use in other countries.

Feed produced by Cargill meets the legal requirements for mycotoxin presence. But using Notox with any feed can further reduce the impact of mycotoxins.

“The ability to analyse raw materials for mycotoxins at our site gives us a local capability for calculating the mycotoxin levels on behalf of our customers here in the UK,” says Mr Beyeler.

“Quantitative results for six mycotoxin readings are available within a day, and it is highly cost-effective. Based on inclusion rates and the mycotoxin levels in these raw materials destined for poultry diets, we can gauge the amount of additional product required to counter the impact of mycotoxins.”

Data from the UK analyses will also be added to Cargill’s global

mycotoxin database. This is integral to the company’s mycotoxin management programme, and it is constantly testing raw materials to keep data current and relevant to markets across the world.

To find out more about Notox® Ultimate Pro and the new Cargill UK analysis service contact Cargill’s additive technical sales manager Chris Burton, C_Burton@cargill.com

Mycotoxin Threat

Moulds and fungus produce mycotoxins to protect themselves, and they need energy to grow, so high energy ingredients like cereals are typically more predisposed to contamination, as well as crops such as soya, peas and beans.

Notox® Ultimate Pro is a carefully selected blend of high efficacy mycotoxin binding materials plus additional components to support animals against the full mycotoxin spectrum

Large spectrum anti-mycotoxin agent

Cargill can analyse raw material samples using our analytical tools and defined mycotoxin risk levels. These results enable our in-house specialists to provide a risk level assessment on age and species, and provide advice on the management of raw materials and risk to feed.

Based on our risk assessment data we can advise which inclusion level of Notox® Ultimate Pro would be most effective in maintaining bird performance.

Cargill support package

More than 200,000 samples are analysed globally each year, providing a strategic view of mycotoxin contamination risks in grains and complete feed.

Unveiling Insights

Meta-Analysis on Mycosorb® and Layer Performance

By Dr. Alexandra Weaver, Global Technical Support Manager, Alltech

Introduction

Mycotoxins are naturally occurring, toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi that can be found in feedstuffs such as cereal grains and their byproducts. The consumption of mycotoxins by poultry animals can result in several effects, both direct and indirect.

A recently published meta-analysis titled “Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Yeast Cell Wall Extract Supplementation during Mycotoxin Challenges on the Performance of Laying Hens,” authored by Dr. Alexandra Weaver, Dr. Daniel Weaver, Nick Adams and Dr. Alexandros Yiannikouris, explores the impact of yeast cell wall extract (YCWE, Mycosorb®, Alltech) on laying hens facing mycotoxin challenges.

Understanding the study

A meta-analysis is a statistical technique used in research to combine and analyze results from multiple independent studies on a particular topic. The process involves literature reviews, the use of inclusion and exclusion criteria, data extraction, statistical analysis, and interpretation of the results. Meta-analyses are particularly useful when individual studies may have limitations, or when there is a need for a more robust, reliable and comprehensive understanding.

25 trials investigating the use of YCWE in hens were found following the literature search, with 8 trials being selected that met selection inclusion. These selected trials represent 12 treatments involving 1,774 laying hens. The average length of the trials was 9.5 weeks. Treatments included control (CTRL), challenge with mycotoxins (MT), and use of YCWE during a mycotoxin challenge (YCWE+MT).

A total of 8 mycotoxin types were identified:

• Aflatoxin (AF): Produced by Aspergillus flavus mould, typically during warm and dry field conditions or in the presence of high moisture levels during crop storage. AF causes a variety of effects in animals, including organ damage, poor growth or efficiency, and higher mortality.

• Ochratoxin A (OTA): Produced by Penicillium moulds. Poultry that ingest this toxin may show reduced growth and immunity, damage to kidneys or other internal organs, dehydration, or higher mortality.

• Deoxynivalenol (DON)/15-acetyl-DON (15ADON)/DON-3glucoside (DON-3-G): Members of the type B trichothecenes family, produced by Fusarium moulds. When consumed by poultry, these toxins can cause digestive disorders, lower feed intake and growth, reduced immunity, and damage to internal organs.

• T2-toxin (T2): A member of the type A trichothecenes family,

T2 is produced by Fusarium moulds. This mycotoxin can have a strong impact on the digestive system, causing oral and gut lesions as well as hemorrhagic and other digestive disorders. Affected birds may also have poor growth or feed intake, damage to internal organs, and increased mortality.

• Fumonisins (FUM): Produced by Fusarium moulds, often when dry and warm conditions during crop flowering are followed by wet and warm temperatures closer to harvest. FUM can cause digestive disorders, alter immune response, and damage internal organs.

• Zearalenone (ZEA): Produced by Fusarium species, ZEA mimics the action of hormones as an estrogen analogue. This can lead to reproductive challenges. ZEA can also hamper immunity.

To compare the mycotoxin scenarios included in the research to real-life challenges, we can look at the results of extensive Alltech 37+® laboratory analysis over the past 3 years. A total of 848 samples of finished feeds for layers/breeders, gathered from locations around the world, showed an average of 8.2 mycotoxins per sample, with 97% of samples containing 2 or more mycotoxins. This is significant because multiple mycotoxin challenges can increase the overall risk to the bird, combining to cause even greater damage than each toxin would cause on its own.

Additionally, some of the most prevalent mycotoxin groups in these feed samples were similar to those used in the studies in this metaanalysis, including the type B trichothecenes (found in 86% of samples), fumonisins (79%) and zearalenone (41%). As such, the results of the meta-analysis could be applied to the typical laying/breeding hen.

Other notable mycotoxins of high occurrence in feed samples collected globally included emerging mycotoxins (89%) and fusaric acid (85%), though, these were not included in the majority of tests conducted for research trials.

Key findings

The meta-analysis revealed that layers fed mycotoxins experienced lower body weight, decreased egg production, and reduced egg weight compared to control-fed birds. However, birds supplemented with YCWE during mycotoxin challenges showed significant improvements in performance, with increased egg production and egg weight. Through greater egg production and weight, total output per hen increases, resulting in enhanced profitability. In fact, this meta-analysis indicated that YCWE inclusion offered a 4.65:1 return on investment (ROI) when used during mycotoxin challenges.

Figure 1. Improvement in egg production and quality for hens fed yeast cell wall extract** during mycotoxin challenge versus feeding mycotoxins alone

Figure 2. Estimated total eggs per hen over 9.5 weeks production based on results from the meta-analysis

These results demonstrate that YCWE, in the form of Mycosorb, offers a direct and significant reduction of the impact of mycotoxins within the animal. This is because it is rich in complex insoluble carbohydrates, enabling it to interact with and mitigate the effects of a wide range of mycotoxins.

These results are significant not only for producers but for human health and environmental sustainability. Egg production is estimated to require less land and energy use than many other animal agriculture types, and it has a lower global warming potential. As such, eggs are a particularly sustainable way to provide multiple nutrients — including the protein increasingly needed to support a growing global population. When mycotoxins were consumed by hens, total edible protein production decreased by 43.9 grams per hen housed over 9.5 weeks, but the inclusion of YCWE during these mycotoxin challenges increased edible protein output by a full 29.7 grams.

To the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first time a meta-analysis has been conducted with laying hens to evaluate the influence not only of mycotoxins alone, but also of a mycotoxin mitigation strategy, on key performance parameters. These findings underscore the importance of addressing mycotoxin challenges in layer production and highlight the potential role of YCWE in doing so.

A proactive approach to mycotoxin management

It is clear from these findings that efforts to minimize the risk of mycotoxins are crucial to supporting poultry health and performance. As such, proactive measures should be introduced to better understand and control mycotoxin risk. A proper mycotoxin management program should include:

1. Testing, to determine the current mycotoxin risk

2. Risk assessment, to better understand the mycotoxin challenge level and the potential outcomes of mycotoxin consumption

3. Mitigation, to reduce the challenge to the animal

4. Monitoring, to continue assessing the mycotoxin challenge over time

Conclusion

This meta-analysis on the effects of yeast cell wall extract (YCWE) supplementation during mycotoxin challenges on the performance of laying hens sheds light on the intersection of mycotoxin management and layer production. The findings underscore the significant impact of mycotoxin exposure on body weight, egg production and egg weight in laying hens, while also highlighting the potential benefits of YCWE supplementation in mitigating these adverse effects.

By revealing the positive outcomes associated with YCWE supplementation, including increased egg production and egg weight, alongside a potential return on investment, this study offers actionable insights for poultry producers seeking to optimize their operations. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of proactive mycotoxin management strategies, including testing, risk assessment, mitigation and monitoring, in safeguarding the health and productivity of laying hens.

To read the full study, please scan the QR Code adjacent.

Figure 3. Estimated grams feed per egg calculated based on results from the meta-analysis

Figure 4. Estimated edible protein output (g) per hen over 9.5 weeks based on the meta-analysis

What is organic selenium?

PREVENTING OXIDATIVE STRESS

Are you underestimating the role of organic selenium?

As a primary producer of yeast and bacteria and a global leader in the science of fermentation, Lallemand Animal Nutrition’s microbial solutions promote performance and wellbeing in livestock, companion animals and aquaculture. Typically aiding growth, immunity, pro tability and sustainability, they promote microbial balance in feed, the digestive tract and the animal environment.

Lallemand is also committed to advancing antioxidant research and developing innovative solutions to prevent oxidative stress and restore oxidative balance in animals. Poor antioxidant status can lead to a loss of immune system e ciency and negative impacts on reproduction (fertility, parturition) as well as a reduction in zootechnical performance (growth, feed intake, mortality). Lallemand’s antioxidant solutions include an organic selenium source in the form of selenium enriched yeast (ALKOSEL) and a superoxide dismutase source in the form of freeze dried melon juice (MELOFEED).

Organic selenium (Se) is a generic term for selenium sources where the Se atom is chemically bound within an organic molecule as in nature (within plants and animals), as opposed to mineral Se sources. Numerous studies across all species have demonstrated the bene ts of organic Se over inorganic Se e.g. sodium selenite, in terms of bioavailability and e cacy.

What is unique about selenium enriched yeast?

The two main types of organic Se are Se-enriched yeast and synthetic organic Se. Se-enriched yeast has been authorised for use in feed in Europe since 2006 and is used in both animal and human nutrition. In nature, plants use inorganic/mineral Se from the soil and incorporate it into amino acids, where Se atoms replace sulphur atoms to form selenoamino acids, for example selenocysteine (SeCys). Se-yeast fermentation relies on this principle, as yeast cells incorporate inorganic Se into organic seleno compounds. These seleno-amino acids can then be utilised to form seleno-proteins. Feeding Se-enriched yeast to animals can therefore be considered natural, as the pro le of seleno-amino acids mimics what they nd in plants.

Why is selenium source & quality important?

We have observed over time that the quality of organic Se sources available on the market is not consistent. To guarantee good quality before releasing each batch of organic Se, the supplier should perform and provide analysis of both total Se and selenomethionine (SeMet) content.

Even though SeMet is not the only bioavailable form of organic selenium in Se-enriched yeast, its content is the accepted indicator of organic quality, with the target being 63% of Se as SeMet. The combination of di erent seleno compounds, mainly SeMet and SeCys in Se-enriched yeast, has been shown to be more bioavailable than both inorganic sources and synthetic SeMet sources.1 (Figure 1)

Selenium transfer rate % (Se in bone / Se intake)

Figure 1: Comparison of Se transfer rate into the tibia bone of broilers after supplementing 8 di erent Se sources for 14 days (a, b, c, d, e: P<0.001; Barbé et al 2017)

Se-enriched yeast’s

role in oxidative defence

The body is equipped with an antioxidant defence system to control and regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. These highly reactive by-products of oxygen metabolism are not a threat to the body under normal physiological conditions, but if generated excessively the equilibrium between ROS formation and elimination becomes unbalanced, resulting in oxidative stress. There are three antioxidant enzymes produced naturally by the body as part of the antioxidant defence system, Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT). These primary antioxidants neutralise free radicals in a 1:1 million ratio directly at the source and have an upstream, preventive e ect. Secondary antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E are provided from dietary sources. They play a scavenging role by donating an electron

References 1 Barbé F., Sacy A., Poulain S., Chevaux E., Castex M. (2017): Comparison of selenium bioavailability in laying hens fed di erent organic selenium sources. 21st European Symposium on Poultry Nutrition. 2 Zeng, H., Cao, J. J. and Combs Jr., G. F. (2013): Selenium in bone health: roles in antioxidant protection and cell proliferation. Nutrients, 5: pp. 97-110.3 Sun, H., Chen. J., Xiong, D., Long, M. (2023): Detoxi cation of Selenium Yeast on Mycotoxins and Heavy Metals: A Review. J. Biological Trace Element Research., 201: pp. 5441–5454. 4 Barbe, F., Sacy. A., Bonhommet, P., Chevaux., E. (2014): E ect of antioxidant supplementation to horses on muscle integrity and resistance to training. European Association of Animal Production.

By Hannah Elliott

Lallemand Animal Nutrition

to neutralize a free radical in a 1:1 ratio. This stops the downstream chain reaction in the cell, but they themselves require other molecules to donate electrons to regenerate their ability to neutralize free radicals. SeCys is required for all seleno-protein and GPx enzyme functionality, as GPx is selenium dependent. By supplementing animals with selenium enriched yeast over inorganic selenium, levels of GPx can be enhanced, bolstering antioxidant defences. Furthermore, the additional increased storage of selenium in body proteins as SeMet acts a reservoir to be drawn on in the event of future oxidative stress.

Antioxidant

defences & bone health

Bones represent the second largest reservoir of Se in the body after skeletal muscles and the role of Se in bone mineralisation is becoming more understood. A literature review2 indicates that the involvement of Se in bone health has been attributed to its preventive function against oxidative stress, its role in the in ammatory and immune system, as well as its involvement in cell division, proliferation and apoptosis processes. Trials in laying hens and broilers have looked at the e ect of selenium source on bone mineralisation. In both studies, Se enriched yeast supplementation (ALKOSEL) was compared to inorganic Se (sodium

selenite), at equivalent levels (0.2 ppm), on top of the basal diet that already contained 0.3 ppm Se from sodium selenite.

The laying hen study showed that ALKOSEL supplemented birds had a 4% increase in bone weight and improved tibia bone resistance, indicating more robust bones (Figure 2). The results of this study also indicated that supplementation with Se enriched yeast improves eggshell resistance, thus favouring the robustness of the skeleton of adult laying hens while improving eggshell strength.

A trial performed with broilers similarly showed that all three resistance parameters of the birds’ tibia were improved. In parallel to improved bone resistance, this study revealed an increased content of mineral substances (ash, +6%) including calcium (+7%) and phosphorus (+7%) in the tibia of broilers fed ALKOSEL (Figure 3). It also showed an increase in bone weight of 7%. These results demonstrate that supplementation with a highquality, highly bioavailable Se-enriched yeast improves bone resistance and mineralisation, driven in part by its preventive function against oxidative stress. Supplementation with Se-enriched yeast can therefore help address animal welfare issues and better meet the needs of modern poultry production. Further research is needed to con rm improvements in bone strength for other species from Se-enriched yeast supplementation.

Antioxidant defence & mycotoxin detoxi cation

Recent research3 has highlighted the role Se-enriched yeast can play when it comes to mitigating the negative e ects of mycotoxin ingestion. Cellular oxidative stress is one of the consequences of mycotoxin poisoning. Experimental trials have demonstrated that organic selenium can help alleviate oxidative damage and in ammatory signaling by improving the activity of antioxidant enzymes.

Antioxidant combinations with Se-enriched yeast

Lallemand is exploring the advantages of combining several antioxidant solutions to obtain a synergistic e ect rather than promoting a high level of one antioxidant. This has been demonstrated in a study with horses4 where ALKOSEL and MELOFEED (source of SOD) were combined to reduce muscular injuries and improve cartilage and joint health.

2000ppm and 3000ppm product formats of ALKOSEL (Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCYC R397) are available in the UK and Ireland and are produced in Lallemand’s yeast plant in Felixstowe, Su olk. To arrange a site visit, please email: animaluk@lallemand.com

Tibia mineralization in broilers after 32 days in the CONTROL and ALKOSEL groups (a, b: P<0.05; Lallemand, 2018, internal data).

Figure 3:

Figure 2: Tibial resistance parameters of laying hens in the CONTROL and ALKOSEL groups (a, b: P<0.1; Lallemand, 2017, internal data)

Effective Grain Preservation Brings Economic and Sustainability Benefits

By Lauren James, Product Manager: Feed Additives Trouw Nutrition GB

With increasing external focus on the efficiency and sustainability of feed manufacture, coupled with tightening margin pressure, paying more attention to the preservation of grains could have a big impact on the economic and environmental performance of feed mills.

Fylax Grain is a new weapon in the armoury to help reduce the consequences of microbial action on grains and offers significant benefits on the current default treatment of propionic acid.

Acid preservation of grain is a proven way to reduce the consequences of the action of bacteria and other micro-organisms present on all grain crops when in store. Storage conditions can encourage the growth of moulds which reduce nutritive content of feedstuffs and increase physical wastage.

As the ambient temperature and moisture of the grains rise, so the number of days of safe storage decreases. High initial moisture content of grains coupled with a rise in temperature and/or humidity poses a big risk to rapid mould growth which leads to deteriorated grain quality.

Daytime variations in temperature lead to natural fluctuations in moisture levels. As a result, moisture from grains evaporates and condenses on the walls and ceilings of silos and storage facilities as well as on top of the feed, creating an optimal environment for mould growth.

As moulds grow, they feed on nutrients in the feedstuff leading to a significant reduction in nutritive content (see table 1). This lost

Table 1

nutritive value has to be replaced in finished feeds, increasing overall raw material costs. In addition, the amount of raw material that is wasted will increase.

Taking action to reduce the actions of moulds and microbial growth will limit the degradation of raw materials and grains. By so doing you can improve the sustainability of the supply chain.

In most cases, propionic acid has been the main material used for grain preservation, but Fylax Grain offers significant advantages over propionic acid.

Fylax Grain is a specifically formulated synergistic blend of free and buffered organic acids providing effective control against a broad spectrum of microbial agents. It is highly efficacious at low dose rates of 0.5-2kg/MT, making it a cost-effective alternative to propionic acid. In addition, it is effective in inhibiting enterobacteria such as clostridium and salmonella so providing a dual action approach.

1: Fylax Grain shows a 2.6 log reduction in mould counts over a 14-day period

*100 cfu/g is the minimum detection limit for analysis of mould counts. All the 14-day results showed <100 cfu/g.

Being less volatile it remains effective for longer after treatment providing superior long-term benefits (see figure 1).

As our climate becomes warmer and wetter, we need to be more meticulous in preserving the nutrient value of grains Only recently AHDB has warned of an increased risk of fungal contamination on grain. Using more efficient methods of grain preservation can play an important role in improving the environmental and financial sustainability of feed manufacture, and through that, livestock farming.

Figure

Attention to Detail Needed to Get The Most From Silage This Year

The most comprehensive dataset of first and second cut grass silages from Trouw Nutrition GB confirms the impact of the growing season on feed values. However, the company emphasise that with regular analysis and careful balancing, it will still be possible to devise costeffective rations.

Interpreting the results of over 1,000 first cuts and 500 second cuts analysed at the company’s analytical laboratory in Ashbourne, Ruminant Advisor, Nacia Bonnick says the data give a clear insight into what will be needed to exploit grass silages.

Second cuts are drier than first cuts reflecting better growing and harvesting conditions compared to the wet spring which affected first cuts. While second cuts will be palatable, increased lignin and reduced rapidly fermentable carbohydrates mean these silages will need careful balancing.

“Compared to the earlier samples received, the main first cuts are slightly lower dry matter with lower D values and energy content. However, lower lactic acid and volatile fatty acid contents indicate that silages are well preserved.

“The results show lower levels of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates, but total carbohydrates are increased due to increased NDF content. Combined with a high fibre index this will reduce nutrient supply in the rumen.”

“With some positive movement in milk prices combined with the easing of some commodity prices, it will be crucial to ensure silages are regularly analysed and then supplemented with purchased feeds that supply what the cow needs to fully utilise forages. This may mean more regular fine-tuning of diets throughout the winter and challenging all supplementary feeds, buying on effective nutrition rather than price.”

Looking at average first cuts, Ms Bonnick suggests that due to lower Total Fermentable Carbohydrate (TFC) and higher Total Fermentable Protein (TFP) levels, they will need careful balancing with supplemental carbohydrates to balance the higher TFP and ensure optimal microbial protein production and protein efficiency. Conversely, second cut is higher in TFC and lower in TFP, meaning they are better balanced than first. Consequently, balancing should be slightly easier.

“Acid load and Fibre Index values mean both first and second cut silages look safe to feed and should promote reasonable levels of butterfat without the need for huge amounts of additional buffer. Given the higher fibre index in both cuts, especially first, it will be vitally important to ensure rapidly fermentable carbohydrates are added into

the diet to optimise rumen function alongside rapidly fermentable protein to maximise microbial protein production.”

She advises keeping a close check on dry matter as fluctuations can significantly affect ration potential. “If the dry matter of the clamp differs from the dry matter used to calculate the diet, the nutrients supplied will differ significantly. For a cow targeted to receive 12kg silage DM, a 3% reduction in silage dry matter will reduce energy supply by the equivalent of one litre of milk meaning the ration will need rebalancing.

“The better picture you have of silages this year, the more effectively you will be able to formulate cost-effective diets to meet your objectives. Central to this will be regular analysis of all opened clamps, at least monthly, combined with detailed assessment of the most effective supplements,” Ms Bonnick concludes.

Average 2024 first and second cut grass silages (source: TNGB)

Mycotoxins General Information, Emerging Mycotoxins and Co-Occurrence

By Jolien van Soest, Central Technical Manager, Orffa Additives B.V.

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites that are produced by certain filamentous fungi. They are found to be common contaminants of food and feed sources. There are three main genera of fungi associated with the production of mycotoxins, which are Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium (CAST, 2003). In 2019, it was shown in a survey that 88% of all tested feed samples contained at least one mycotoxin (Gruber-Dorninger et al. 2019). Therefore, the economic impact of mycotoxins is severe. Economic effects can be related to animal mortality, disease and reduced production, but also crop losses and mycotoxin analysis (Zain, M.E. 2011). The mycotoxins that are most relevant for animal production are aflatoxins, fumonisins, zearalenone, trichothecenes (deoxynivalenol, T-2 toxin) and ochratoxin (Richard, J.L. 2007).

Emerging mycotoxins can be defined as mycotoxins that are not routinely determined, nor regulated by legislation. Even though little attention is given to this group of mycotoxins, their incidence is increasing (Vaclavikova et al. 2013). Based on this definition, it can be expected that many mycotoxins with (potential) toxicity are part of this group. Some of the most studied emerging mycotoxins appear to be enniatins, beauvericin, fusaproliferin, culmorin, moniliformin, fusaric acid, emodin, alternariol, butanolide, tenuazonic acid, sterigmatocystin, mycophenolic acid and alternariol monomethyl ether. For many of the members of the emerging mycotoxin group, there are knowledge gaps, highlighting the need for more research and attention towards these mycotoxins, so that a risk assessment can be done (Gruber-Dorninger, 2017). When risk assessments of these mycotoxins have been made, it will be possible to set legislation and guidance levels around these mycotoxins (Kovalsky et al. 2016).

The knowledge gaps are still present in all three main factors for risk assessment; occurrence, toxicity and toxicokinetics. For some of the emerging mycotoxins, such as enniatins, alternariol or moniliformin, toxicity data is available. However, this data mostly originates from in vitro studies, while in vivo data remains limited (Fraeyman et al. 2017).

It is possible that a feed sample is contaminated with more than one mycotoxin at a time, this is called a co-occurrence. There can be different reasons for co-occurrence; several fungi are capable of producing more than one mycotoxin at the same time, feed (ingredients) can be contaminated with more than one fungi at a time, and finished feed usually consists out of several ingredients (which can all contain different mycotoxins) (Smith et al. 2016). A recent survey

showed that about 48% of all feed samples (7,049 in total) contained two or more mycotoxins (Rodrigues and Nachrer, 2012). Most studies show synergistic or additive effects when there is co-occurrence of multiple mycotoxins, and these effects are generally regarding decreased animal performance. (Grenier and Oswald, 2011).

In general, it is considered difficult to interpret toxicity data of co-occurring mycotoxins. It is expected that mycotoxins which have similar toxicity mechanisms cause synergistic and additive effects (Speijers and Speijers, 2004). However, besides the toxicity of each mycotoxin separately, there are many factors that could influence the final toxicity of the cooccurring mycotoxins such as toxicokinetics, toxicodynamics, mechanism and chemistry in cells, and experimental design (Lee and Ryu, 2017). It was shown, based on data from literature including 127 feed samples, that the most frequently occurring combinations of mycotoxins are co-occurrence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A (21%), aflatoxins and fumonisins (20%) and DON and zearalenone (13%). Other combinations of mycotoxins were also shown to co-occur but are less frequent (Smith et al. 2016).

In-feed solutions

A wide variety of products, intended to reduce the negative effects of mycotoxins, are globally available. A common mode of action for such products is the binding of mycotoxins, also called adsorption (Kolosova and Stroka, 2011). Clay minerals are considered to be natural adsorbents of mycotoxins and are generally available at quite low prices. Montmorillonite, bentonite and zeolite are examples of clays that have the capacity to bind aflatoxins in the gastrointestinal tract, and therefore reduce the absorption of aflatoxins. Such clays are generally non-nutritive and non-toxic for the animals but allow for a protective effect against certain mycotoxins (Oguz and Kurtoglu, 2000). Aside from the inorganic adsorbents, such as zeolites, bentonites and other clays, organic binders can be used, for example, yeast cell wall constituents (Kolosova and Stroka, 2011). In general, it can be stated that mycotoxin binders can vary in efficiency, depending on the mycotoxins in the feed, as well as on the binder itself. Polarity, size, solubility, shape and charge are important characteristics of the mycotoxins, that determine the efficacy to which they can be adsorbed by the binder product. Also, the external pH, of the environment to which the mycotoxin binder is added, is important in the adsorption process (Dakovic et al. 2005). Clays can be defined as naturally occurring minerals with a particle size

smaller than 2μm (Subramaniam and Kim, 2015). Most types of clays are phyllosilicates, meaning that they consist of layers. Such phyllosilicates can be subdivided into two groups, depending on the number, type and charge of the layers.

The kaolin group (for example nacrite, kaolinite and dickite) have a 1:1 structure, with a tetrahedral Si sheet that is linked to an octahedral Al sheet via a covalent bond (Subramaniam and Kim, 2015). Another type of structure is the 2:1 group, consisting out of one octahedral sheet (generally Mg, Al or the combination of Mg and Al) fitting in the middle of two tetrahedral Si sheets. This type of structure is called the smectite group (for example montmorillonite, saponite or hectorite) (Subramaniam and Kim, 2015). Next to phyllosilicates, another type of clay can occur with a three-dimensional structure. This group is called the zeolites, and the three-dimensional structure (of SiO44 , and AlO45-) is linked via shared oxygen atoms (Subramaniam and Kim, 2015). Via the three-dimensional pores, exchange of cations and water can occur. These clays are negatively charged, making them very effective cation exchangers for positively charged toxins. Due to the small pore size of zeolites, they are considered to be very selective in adsorption, with a high affinity for toxins and other contaminants (Subramaniam and Kim, 2015).

Orffa developed Excential Toxin A as a single-spectrum solution, containing one ingredient and aiming at binding the mycotoxins in the feed. The product consists of one specific zeolite, tectosilicate (clinoptilolite), which is mined in Europe. As a zeolite, it has the typical 3-dimensional framework with small pores, as mentioned above. The focus of Excential Toxin A is to bind the mycotoxins in the gastrointestinal tract of the animal, in order to prevent the mycotoxin from being absorbed on an intestinal level and entering the bloodstream. The product has been shown to have complete binding of aflatoxins (>90%), both at pH 3 (simulating the stomach environment) as well as pH 7 (simulating the intestinal environment). Also, for the enniatins, one of the emerging mycotoxins, binding was shown to be over 90% in the full pH range of the gastrointestinal tract. For fumonisins, the product shows complete binding at pH 3, but strongly reduced binding at pH 7. When, besides aflatoxins, fumonisins or enniatins, a) other types of mycotoxins are present in the feed, b) contamination levels are high or c) there’s co-contamination, it’s advised to switch from Excential Toxin A to Excential Toxin Plus.

Excential Toxin Plus is Orffa’s broad-spectrum mycotoxin adsorbent, aimed at the full spectrum of mycotoxins. This product consists of five ingredients and focuses on five functions to reduce the negative effects of mycotoxins.

First, the product includes organic acids aimed at preventing the growth of mould and mycotoxins in stored feed. Literature shows that the inclusion of calcium propionate can reduce the growth of Aspergillus flavus and reduce the production of AFB1 by Aspergillus flavus (Alam et al. 2009).

A second function of the product is that it aims for the adsorption of mycotoxins in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, via the inclusion of two aluminosilicates and yeast in the product. The combination of these three ingredients allows for a synergistic effect, with high binding efficacy for different types of mycotoxins.

The third function is the strengthening of the intestinal barrier via the inclusion of betaine in Excential Toxin Plus. Many mycotoxins, such as DON, reduce villi length intestinal barrier function (Pinton et al. 2012), causing the animal to be more susceptible to pathogens. Betaine can accumulate in intestinal cells and is known for having a protective effect on the intestinal cells during a challenge (Kettunen et al. 2001). In research published by Kettunen et al. (2001), it was shown that betaine can reduce the harmful effect of a challenge on intestinal villi, allowing for longer villi during challenges compared to the challenged group without betaine.

The liver is an organ that is often negatively affected by mycotoxins in the diet (Domijan and Peraica, 2010). Besides accumulation in intestinal cells, betaine is also known to accumulate in liver cells (Kettunen et al. 2001). Wen et al. (2021) showed that betaine allows for improved liver health in broilers fed mycotoxin (zearalenone) contaminated feed. The fourth function of Excential Toxin Plus can therefore be stated as the hepatoprotection by betaine.

Finally, as described in the first section of this paper, mycotoxins often reduce immune function (Sobrova et al. 2010, Tao et al. 2018). Yeast has been extensively described in the literature for its immune stimulating effects (El-Boshy et al. 2010). As such, the fifth function of Excential Toxin Plus is the strengthening of the overall immune function through the inclusion of yeast. This yeast has a dual function in the product; adsorbing mycotoxins and immune support.

Some mycotoxins, such as the trichothecenes, are known to be difficult to bind. For such mycotoxins, it is important to include other strategies that contribute to reducing the negative effects of these mycotoxins. Excential Toxin Plus is a broad-spectrum solution, with functions not only aimed at adsorption but also aimed at prevention, intestinal support, hepatoprotection and strengthening of the immune system. It can therefore provide protection against the full range of mycotoxins.

Binding efficacy trial

In collaboration with the Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology and Public Health at the University of Ghent (Belgium), Orffa designed an in vitro model to analyse the binding capacity of different commercial mycotoxin adsorbents, using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/ MS). The assay mimics the conditions in the gastrointestinal tract by testing the compounds both at pH 3 (which represents the pH level in the stomach) as well as pH 3-7 (resembling the pH in the intestine). This trial compared the binding capacity of the 8 premium mycotoxin binders that are globally

available, to the binding efficacy of Excential Toxin Plus for different mycotoxins: trichothecenes (DON, HT-2, T-2), zearalenone (ZEN), aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2), ochratoxins (OTA), and fumonisins (FUM B1, FUM B2) (published at the World Mycotoxin Forum Amsterdam, 2018).

The binding efficacy for the trichothecenes (DON, HT-2, T-2) is considered to be low, which is also shown in the results of this trial (Table 1). It is shown that the adsorption capacity for the trichothecenes is low for all tested products. Aflatoxins, on the other hand, are shown to be bound to a high extent for all of the tested products, both at pH 3 as well as pH 3-7. Some of the tested products are shown to bind ochratoxins, but in general binding capacity at pH 7 is quite low for this type of mycotoxin. For fumonisins, similar results were found, also showing that some products have high binding capacity at pH 3, but low binding at pH 7. When considering Excential Toxin Plus,

Complete binding (“+++” >90%)

Partial binding (“++” >50%; < 90%)

Limited binding (“+” >10%; <50%)

No significant binding (“0” <10%)

the product shows equal or better binding efficacy compared to 8 of the commercially available premium mycotoxin binders.

Trial in laying hens

In collaboration with the CERSA and the University of Lomé in Togo, a trial in laying hens was performed to study the effects of Excential Toxin Plus in an aflatoxin-contaminated layer diet (published at World Poultry Congress, Paris 2022). The trial included 840 hens, in cages (3 per cage), in open houses, that were randomly assigned to 24 pens. There were two treatments; T1: control diet, T2: control diet + 1.5 kg of Excential Toxin Plus/tonne of feed. It was shown (Table 2) that Excential Toxin Plus significantly improved egg production, especially in old hens (+8.7%, p<0.05); +2.4% for young hens), and significantly reduced FCR for both old (-9.2%, p<0.05) and young (-4.6%, p<0.05) hens. In old hens, Excential Toxin Plus was shown

Table 1: Mycotoxin binding efficacy of Excential Toxin Plus compared to 8 premium mycotoxin binders

Table 2: Effect of Excential Toxin Plus on performance and egg parameters in hens with different ages (young hens 47-59 weeks, old hens 62-74 weeks)

to improve egg weight by +4.0 g, due to a significant improvement in albumen and shell weight (p<0.05).

Trial in swine

A recent trial (published at World Mycotoxin Forum Parma, 2022), performed on a commercial farm in the Philippines, investigated the effects of three different broad-spectrum mycotoxin binders on reducing the effects of zearalenone on growth performance and incidence of Vulva Hypertrophy (VH) in gilts. The study consisted out of two trials, T1 performed in nursery gilts and T2 in growing gilts. Both trials started when the gilts showed signs of VH. Gilts from the same batch were allocated into three groups and fed three different types of multi-component mycotoxin adsorbents A, B or Excential Toxin Plus. For both trials, weight and feed intake were recorded and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated. Vulva hypertrophy was noted per animal, initially and at the end of the trial period. Both trials lasted until the gilts were 180 days old and were selected, either as replacement gilts or sold as finishers, with selection criteria being the occurrence of oestrous during these first 180 days.

In both trials, considering the overall period, gilts from the Excential Toxin Plus group had higher final body weight and daily gain, and lower FCR compared to groups A and B (Figure 1). The Excential Toxin Plus group also resulted in the highest reduction

of VH cases (-54%) in T1. In T2, groups B and Excential Toxin Plus reduced VH cases in more than 30%, with group A increasing appearance of VH.

Conclusions

Mycotoxins are already present as a major challenge for animal production worldwide, accounting for substantial economic losses. Due to the changing climate and intensive agricultural practices, the mycotoxin challenge is expected to increase in the coming years. Not only the most commonly known mycotoxins, such as aflatoxins, fumonisins, zearalenone, ochratoxins, DON, T-2 and HT-2 present a challenge, but also the emerging mycotoxins. This highlights the need for more research into toxicity mechanisms and also into means for mycotoxin prevention and reduction.

The market for mycotoxin solutions already includes different commercially available products. Orffa developed Excential Toxin A, a single spectrum solution focussed mainly on the binding of aflatoxins and fumonisins. A second product, Excential Toxin Plus, is a broad spectrum solution with high in vitro binding efficacy to different types of mycotoxins, and on top, prevention, intestinal support, hepatoprotection and strengthening of the immune system. Both products have been demonstrated to reduce the negative effects of mycotoxins.

Figure 1: Performance results in A) body weight (BW), B) average daily gain (ADG), C) feed conversion ratio (FCR), and D) reduction percentage of VH cases, receiving three different commercial mycotoxin binders; A, B or Excential Toxin Plus.

ENERGISING COWS GOES A LONG WAY

By Dr Philip Ingram, Cargill Technical Ruminant Specialist

The transition period is the biggest hurdle a cow faces during her annual production cycle. And success here translates to both short- and long-term improvements in cow performance. But all too often the transition management is sub-optimal, and cows fail to reach their production potential and experience fertility and health setbacks.

Mitigating any shortfalls usually comes down to a combination of diet and management.

A well-balanced diet and easy access to fresh feed are equally essential for these transition cows. But she also needs a good appetite to maintain intakes of the right nutrients and in sufficient amounts. Correct body condition score is crucial to this taking place.

Risk ‘hot spots’

I often ask groups of farmers and nutritionists where they see the main risk areas in transition cow management that may affect performance, and they’ll typically cite excess body condition loss, pen-to-pen movements and feed availability.

We can add feed sorting by cows at the trough to this list. Dry cow rations will often have a higher straw content and, unless it’s well chopped and mixed, cows will sort the diet and fail to consume a consistent or balanced ration. Also, long straw takes up too much room in the rumen.

Easy access to feed is key and it should be made as available and inviting as possible. The checklist to achieve this includes sufficient trough space; fresh feed regularly pushed up, and old stale feed removed; and easy, wide access points between the lying and feeding areas.

The risks of falling short in any of these areas will impact intakes and, therefore, energy availability to cows when they need it most. This energy provision does not come from simply increasing the energy density of the diet. This won’t usually work.

Instead, it requires a good appetite, a balanced diet, good cow comfort and environment and, importantly, ensuring both rumen and liver are working in top condition.

As nutritionists and advisers, we should look at all these factors.

Body condition

vs appetite

BCS as cows approach calving should be 2.5 to 3. Dry cows at this stage are often too fat.

If cows are over-conditioned, they’ll eat less. They’re already inclined to eat less as they approach calving because there’s less rumen space, so this will be compounded if the cow is on the fat side. The big picture is that the cow’s body condition score governs how much she wants to eat.

Data from a recent trial show that close-up cows with condition scores above 3.5 BCS spent 30 minutes less time feeding a day compared with their herd mates with a condition score of 2.5 to 3. This study also showed those over-conditioned cows ate 1.5kg less dry matter and, therefore, had a reduced energy supply.

Many studies have also shown that over-conditioned cows go on to eat less and lose more BCS in early lactation.

The close-up dry-cow diet warrants as much attention as the milkingcow diet, with the correct quantity and quality of fibre, protein and energy to encourage good rumen function and digestibility of nutrients.

We can check the efficiency of these functions either very quickly by assessing manure, which should be slightly stiffer than milkingcow manure, or in more depth by using a digestion analyser. The digestion analyser can be used to sieve manure on farm to assess fibre digestion.

Dry-cow diets are higher in fibre than milking-cow diets, but they pass more slowly through the rumen. This means that they should be digested at least as well, if not better, than diets fed to their milking herd mates.

So if the transition-cow diet and its presentation are right, then we should see the same reading from the digestion analyser as from a milking-cow diet.

Good digestion is essential to unlock energy from the feed. This energy is built up in the liver into glucose, which is the energy format that the cow can use. If the rumen and liver are working well, intake is stimulated, and good performance follows. This is particularly important in early lactation.

Primed for action

Transition cows will benefit from having their liver primed to build glucose to provide them with the increased requirement for energy to carry them through calving and into the milking herd. A lack of available energy is so often the root cause of issues in early lactation associated with production and fertility.

Also, the immune system runs on energy in the form of dietary glucose. If challenged with an infection, which transition cows are more prone to than those in the milking herd, then the immune system is activated and can require up to 1kg of glucose a day.

Energy boost

In most cases, transition cows will benefit from extra energy, and this can be achieved by improving diets with feed products known to prime the liver and improve its function.

Although the process of extracting energy from the cow’s diet starts in the rumen, the key to its success is the cow’s liver.

The rumen converts feed to volatile fatty acids including propionic acid, which is then converted to energy by the liver.

A plentiful supply of propionic acid, achieved by a wellfunctioning rumen, ensures the cow has enough energy for maintenance and milk and is essential to prevent excessive mobilisation of body fat.

The liver has many functions, including energy management and detoxification of the blood. Around 85% of the cow’s glucose is actually built in the liver from propionic acid produced during rumen fermentation. Additionally, fat mobilised from body reserves must be processed there before it can be used for energy.

An increased mobilisation of body fat puts a lot of pressure on the liver and can lead to the problems associated with fatty liver, such as ketosis, and sub-optimal performance in early lactation.

There are several ways where we can ‘support’ the liver, including through her diet.

Feed supplements – LiFT® and Turbopro® – can help to ‘prime’ the liver and promote energy production during transition and lactation. These products have been proven to have a positive effect on milk production.

LiFT® is designed for feeding in the dry period, for a minimum of three weeks pre calving. But the main advantages are seen in the transition period and in early lactation where they assist in priming the liver for optimal function, and in facilitating additional energy that is much needed by the cow at this stage. This is where most cost benefit is seen.

Trials have consistently shown yield improvements of 3.1kg of milk per cow per day recorded in the first 150 days in groups of cows fed LiFT® in the close-up period.

The feed supplement Turbopro® was developed for including in milking-cow rations, but it is now also incorporated into LiFT® for additional glucose building capacity. It has been shown to give an additional 1.2kg of milk per day across studies in the UK, France and

the Netherlands when used in milking cow rations.

High-quality transition cow management is akin to a good start in a marathon. If cows are well-prepared and not challenged as they calve and begin their lactation, there will be lasting benefits.

An enhanced diet with liver priming capabilities close to calving and in early lactation will smooth their journey.

Ensuring a good transition - Key Facts

• Investing in the transition period will have lasting benefits.

• Getting the transition stage right by preparing cows well and ensuring a good energy supply mitigates the risks of cows ‘melting away’ in early lactation

• Energy provision for transition cows relies on a good appetite, a balanced diet, good cow comfort and environment and, importantly, ensuring both rumen and liver are working in top condition.

• The cow’s BCS governs how much she wants to eat –2.5-3 is ideal approaching calving. Cows don’t naturally eat for two

• Cows tend to eat less as they get closer to calving so a high- quality diet needs to be fresh and easily accessible

• Boosting cows’ energy with liver priming feed products such as LiFT® and Turbopro® during the transition period and in lactation are proven to improve performance

LiFT with a turbo charge boosts energy

LiFT® is a feed ingredient with a unique combination of vitamins and essential cofactors designed to stimulate liver function and improve the organ’s efficiency. It helps the cow to utilise energy more efficiently by supporting the liver in its metabolism of free fatty acids. It will also help to reduce the production of excess ketones and transport fat from the liver, so supplying more energy to the udder.

LiFT® in action:

• Exports fat from the liver, which is prone to build up as body reserves are mobilised.

• Keeps the pathways clear and enables the liver to function efficiently.

• Drives glucose production –85% of this happens in the liver. Glucose is a key ingredient in milk production.

• Includes Turbopro®, which is a blend of rumen protected B-vitamins and palatability enhancers which provides additional glucose building capabilities in the transition period. Turbopro® can also be included in milking cow rations throughout lactation.

PLAN FOR MYCOTOXIN THREAT

Alicia Wilson, Ruminant Technical Sales Manager Feed Additives, Trouw Nutrition GB.

Livestock farmers and nutritionists are being advised to keep a close eye out for the signs of mycotoxins this year to minimise the impact on growth, yield, health and fertility.

“Mycotoxins are harmful, naturally occurring substances produced by certain moulds and fungi,” explains Alicia Wilson from Trouw Nutrition GB. “These fungi commonly grow on feedstuffs and tend to multiply during adverse weather conditions.

“The climatic conditions we have seen this summer with a high number of warm, humid days means that it will be a favourable year for fungal growth, therefore creating a higher risk from mycotoxins. Heavier than average rainfall can also result in increased impact of some mycotoxins.”

Moulds can grow and produce toxins when the crops are still in the field. High humidity and temperature during crop growth and harvesting can increase mould growth and mycotoxin risk in feed ingredients. Contamination and growth can also occur during storage.

“The moulds that produce mycotoxins are sometimes visible when crops are harvested, or when the store is opened. Only recently, AHDB reported higher levels of fungal contamination on cereal crops. The mycotoxins themselves are invisible, meaning they can only be identified in forages, or prevented from contaminating finished feeds if ingredients are being analysed.”

While there are a significant number of potential mycotoxins, six are most commonly associated with problems in livestock.

Symptoms of mycotoxin contamination can be non-specific, hidden and vary between different mycotoxins. Table 1 shows the effects of mycotoxins on dairy cows and Table 2 the impact on pigs and poultry.

Mycotoxin problems are often chronic and the impact on performance and health is often underestimated. In ruminants they commonly cause poor rumen fermentation and reduced dry matter intakes, resulting in a reduction of milk production. Immune depression can result in an increase in disease incidence and a further reduction in performance.

Lastly, they can cause hormonal imbalances leading to poor fertility. These symptoms can also be caused by many other diseases or management factors, meaning it is not always easy to link problems on farm with mycotoxin contamination. Overall, livestock will just not be performing as expected.

With

Table 1: Effects of major mycotoxins in dairy cows

Mycotoxin General effects and symptoms

Aflatoxin Immune suppression, liver damage, reduced technical performance

Deoxynivalenol Immune suppression, reduced gut integrity, reduced feed intake, vomiting in pigs

T-2

Immune suppression, mouth and intestinal lesions, reduced egg production

Ochratoxin Immune suppression, kidney damage, reduced gut integrity, eggshell problems

Zearalenone

Reproduction and fertility problems in pigs, prolapses in pigs, reduced feed intake

Fumonisin Immune suppression, reduced feed intake, liver damage

“Together the lack of distinct and unique symptoms and visible signs of contamination mean it is not easy to confirm mycotoxins are a problem on farm, so the most cost-effective strategy is to take preventative measures to reduce any potential impact, especially in years where the potential risk is greater.”

Mrs Wilson says there are a range of actions that can help reduce the consequences of mycotoxins. Reducing animal exposure to mycotoxins in feed is key, identifying sources of contamination and avoiding feeding them. It is possible to analyse feeds for mycotoxin contamination. This can be a useful starting point and something your nutritionist would be well advised to do if stock are not performing as expected.

“For example, never feed ruminants mouldy silage from the top, shoulders and sides of clamps but it is important to remember that toxins can contaminate material even where visible moulds are not present.

“For this reason, it is important to consider feeding a mycotoxin binder. As the name suggests, binders fix to certain toxins, preventing them from being absorbed through the gut and into the blood. Instead, they are safely excreted. Some binders will also help maintain gut wall integrity and reduce the risk of unbound toxins crossing into the bloodstream. Finally, some binders can help boost the immune system.

The Selko Toxo range of binders are effective against the major classes of mycotoxins affecting livestock including aflatoxins, fumonisins, zearalenone, Ochratoxins, T-2 toxins and DON.

• Selko Toxo MX consists of smectite clays, which have been shown to have a high binding capacity for aflatoxin B1. With the bioavailability of aflatoxin B1 reduced, the production of aflatoxin M1 is diminished, meaning lower levels are excreted into the milk.

• Selko Toxo contains bentonite a mycotoxin binder with at least 50% smectite, which has strong binding capacity for aflatoxins, ergot toxins and LPS, in combination with glucose biopolymers which maintain gut tight junctions to reduce the translocation of mycotoxins into the blood stream.

• Selko Toxo XL contains bentonite with at least 50% smectite, which has a strong binding capacity for aflatoxins, ergot toxins and LPS, glucose biopolymers which improve gut barrier function, reducing uptake of mycotoxins in combination with purified β-glucans that improve the immune function.

The next stage is to take steps to reduce the growth of moulds in stored feed. Ensure clamps and feed bins are properly cleaned before crops or silages are stored. Optimise storage conditions, to reduce the level of moisture and ensure humidity is controlled. Make sure silage clamps are properly sealed and opened gradually to avoid exposure to air.

“Identifying the specific mycotoxins affecting performance and then selecting the most appropriate binder will greatly reduce the risk of mycotoxins compromising performance this winter across all livestock species,” Mrs Wilson comments.

VOLAC LAUNCHES NEW FEED ADDITIVES WEBSITE

Volac has launched a new website for its Feed Additives division, which highlights the company’s expert technical support services and range of evidence-based products designed to improve the efficiency and sustainability of livestock production systems around the globe.

According to Rebecca O’Sullivan, Volac product manager for Feed Additives, the new website highlights the company’s credentials in a variety of specialist areas.

“With core competencies in microbiology, biochemistry, enzymology and immunology, we provide valuable scientific solutions for mycotoxin risk management and some exciting new phytogenic and nutraceutical products. These global market offerings support good animal health, resilience and productivity in both the ruminant and monogastric sectors, ultimately bringing improved profitability and sustainability to the international feed industry,” she said.

For further information visit: https:// www.volac.com/feed-additives.htm

ADM OFFERS FULLY VERIFIED, SEGREGATED, TRACEABLE SOYBEAN MEAL AND OIL TO EUROPEAN CUSTOMERS

ADM announced that it is offering fully verified, segregated, traceable soybean meal and oil to meet the needs of European customers as EU deforestation regulations come into effect on December 30.

“Thanks to the critical participation of our farmer network as well as our dedicated U.S. elevators and segregated transportation and logistics capabilities, we are in a position to supply all of our existing customers in Europe with soybean meal and oil once new rules go into effect at the end of this year,” said Sebastian Kuck, general manager, EMEA Soy Crush.

In March, ADM launched a fully traceable North American soybean program, re:source™, which enrolled almost 5,300 farmers encompassing more than 4.6 million acres across 15 states for the 2024 season. The program utilises cutting-edge technology – such as the FBN® Gradable digital platform – as well as ADM’s origination and transportation capabilities to verify, trace and segregate participating beans from farms to their final destination. The company will utilise the sustainability measurement platform TRACT, an industry-led joint venture, to provide enhanced traceability solutions to its customers across the supply chain.

Beyond North America, ADM continues

to work across other key regions to pilot soybean crushing and exporting of both beans and meal to the EU in fully traceable and segregated supply chains.

“Although industry continues to await final implementation guidance from the European Commission on the EU deforestation regulation’s requirements, this program will ensure we can continue to give U.S. farmers the choice and the opportunity to add value by supplying global markets, while meeting our customers’ needs through ADM’s fully segregated and dedicated supply chain,” said Jon Turney, president, EMEA Oilseeds.

European customers can now contact their local ADM office for pricing and more information on traceable soybean meal and oil.

SRUC AWARDED £700K TO MEASURE CATTLE EMISSIONS

SRUC researchers have been awarded nearly £700,000 for equipment* which will form part of an ultra-modern research facility to measure emissions from beef cattle, supporting the UK Government’s goals to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The winning project, titled ‘UltraGreenCow: Comprehensive greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions measurement capacity for large ruminant production’ has become one of 29 projects to receive a portion of the £13 million of funding available from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) for mid-range equipment for biosciences research.

The UltraGreenCow project, led by SRUC researchers Dr Gemma Miller, Professor Rainer Roehe and Prof CarolAnne Duthie, will build upon SRUC’s existing GreenCow facility. UltraGreenCow is set to be one of the few locations in the world which can measure all emissions from livestock (including methane, nitrous oxide, ammonia and carbon dioxide). The increased knowledge of trade-offs between these pollutants will provide essential data for mitigation measures, such as feed additives, at a time when farmers are under intense pressure to reduce emissions.

Project co-lead Dr Miller, Research Fellow at SRUC, said: “In the UK, agriculture is responsible for 11% of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) and 87% of ammonia emissions. Around 50% of GHGs and 75% of ammonia emissions from agriculture are associated with livestock or their wastes. Therefore, reducing emissions of these gases from agriculture is vital to meeting these ambitious commitments. However, there is a real risk that implementing a mitigation measure to reduce one gas could lead to increases in one or more of the others.

“Currently there are very few facilities with the capability to measure emissions

of all these gases simultaneously from individual animals, which is apparent in the low number of studies reporting all of them.

“Gaining comprehensive data supporting reductions in all emissions will improve cohesion between different policy objectives and help improve farmer and consumer confidence, leading to greater uptake of mitigation measures.”

BASF DECLARES FORCE MAJEURE FOR SELECTED VITAMIN A, VITAMIN E, AND CAROTENOID PRODUCTS AS WELL AS SELECTED AROMA INGREDIENTS

As a result of a fire that occurred in a BASF plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany on July 29, 2024, BASF SE has declared Force Majeure on deliveries of selected vitamin A, vitamin E, and carotenoid products as well as selected aroma ingredients, with immediate effect and until further notice. The selected aroma ingredients are Ionones, Pyranol, DL-Menthol, Rose Oxides, Ethyllinalool, Nerolidol, and Isophytol R. BASF is in close contact with customers to share updates and the developments regarding the supply capability of the affected products.

The fire occurred in a BASF plant that manufactures aroma ingredients and precursors for the vitamin A, vitamin E, and carotenoid production. All slightly injured employees could leave the Medical Center on the evening of the incident. There was no contamination of air, water, or soil. BASF’s environmental monitoring vehicles were underway inside and outside the site and did not detect any product residues. The relevant authorities have been informed.

The incident has unfortunately caused damage to the plant, which led to a shutdown and a supply disruption of the aforementioned products. Cleaning, inspection and repair work of the plant has started.

SUPPORTING DAIRY COW GUT HEALTH KEY TO PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY

Gut health is a crucial factor affecting the health and performance of dairy cows, and is therefore key to farm productivity and profitability, producers are being advised.

“During stress periods, the dairy cow’s gut wall becomes more permeable, or ‘leaky’. When this occurs, undesirable bacteria and toxic substances can pass into the blood stream, initiating an inflammatory response,” explains Anna Millar, Trident MicroNutri ruminant technical manager.

Milk yield and reproduction are very easily influenced by stress, due to the high energy and protein demands of lactation, and the complexity of the reproductive processes and organs involved.

“Inflammatory responses require

energy. As this energy will be taken from the available measure the cow would use for production, we can see negative impacts on productivity, fertility and overall health,” she adds.

Acidosis and Endotoxins

When there is an imbalance of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates in the diet, causing a decrease in ruminal pH to a level below 5.6, cows will also be at high risk of acidosis.

“When the rumen environment becomes more acidic, the balance of digestive microbes changes, with increased starch digesters and less fibre digesters. Continually increased starch digestion further decreases pH,” continues Ms Millar.

“This results in a significant imbalance in nutrient utilisation and has also been associated with reduced milk yield and butterfat, alongside health issues. The financial impact is substantial due to decreased production, and costs of treatment.”

The reduction in ruminal pH stimulates the gram-negative bacteria present in rumen fluid to die, and release endotoxins or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These gramnegative bacteria can also be present further along the digestive tract.

“It has been well proven that subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) and stress have been associated with increased permeability of the gut wall, and increased inflammation markers in the blood, likely due to the transfer of LPS from the gut,” Ms Millar explains.

“Circulating LPS and increased permeability of the gut wall results in an activated immune system, which reprioritises the channel of energy to immunity and away from production, growth, and fertility.”

Two-step approach

To reduce the risk of leaky gut and minimise the release of endotoxins in the digestive tract, Trident MicroNutri advises a two-step approach to support animals during stress periods.

“Firstly, we can support the stability of the rumen pH with AcidBuf, the unique marine sourced buffer, with highly available mineral sources,” says Ms Millar.

“By stabilising rumen pH, the risk of acidosis and leaky gut is reduced, and proliferation and lysis of gram-negative bacteria are minimised, hence reducing endotoxin load.”

Secondly, Ms Millar suggests binding the LPS in the rumen with Ultrasorb R.

“The recent reformulation of Ultrasorb R has considered both existing and newly available raw materials for both binding and detoxification,” she says.

The upgrade of the yeast extract and the addition of a new live yeast has improved fusarium mycotoxin binding, while the addition of new clays has increased the endotoxin binding capacity from 40% in the old formulation to 70% in the new Ultrasorb R.

“By providing endotoxin binding and detoxification, we support the cow through

reducing the endotoxin load and likelihood and severity of an immune response,” concludes Ms Millar.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN TRANSITION COW MANAGEMENT AND NUTRITION

Some of the country’s leading dairy nutritionists, producers and industry influencers converged on Stoke-onTrent earlier this summer to discuss new developments in transition cow nutrition.

Hosted by Balchem Animal Nutrition & Health, the UK leg of a series of events across Europe was organised in partnership with Trident MicroNutri, and brought some of the leading voices in the industry together, to not only share research findings, but also look at practical trial results in a farm setting.

The ‘New Developments in Transition Cow Nutrition’ seminar saw renowned researcher and professor, Dr Jose Santos from the University of Florida, share some of the newest research demonstrating the many benefits of feeding rumen-protected choline to transition dairy cows.

Dr Santos was joined at the UK seminar by Anna Millar, Trident MicroNutri’s ruminant technical manager, as she shared insights from the field.

Ms Millar looked at how the highly concentrated form of rumen-protected choline, ReaShure XC, affects colostrum yield and quality. This included a look at the successful field trial work with the renowned Gold Cup winning dairy operation, Metcalfe Farms. At the time of the trial, starting in April 2022, the dairy herd at Metcalfe Farms consisted of 1300 pedigree Holsteins with 1100 in milk, showing an average yield of 39kg per cow at 3.3% protein and 3.9% butterfat.

As high-yielding cows, averaging around 12,500 litres, their livers needed all the support they could get through transition.

“The overall aim was to improve the transition of the cows and to increase threeweek milk yields, so they could get the cows hitting the ground running and being more productive at the beginning of the lactation, achieving their full potential,” explained Ms Millar.

The close-up dry and fresh cow groups were fed ReaShure XC, at 21 days pre- and post-partum, via addition into TMR in a preblended pre-mix.

“The results saw colostrum quality increase, and metabolic incidences remained low,” said Ms Millar. “Cows at 21days in milk lifted their milk yield by about 2.3kg. Heifers also transitioned well with a similar improvement.”

The level of metritis and displaced abomasum (DA) also reduced, with a lot healthier cow seen through the transition period.

Return on Investment

From an economic point of view, Ms Millar

looked at approximate costs of feeding the rumen-protected choline product on farm.

“At 40p per day, based on a 42-day transition, three-weeks before and threeweeks after calving, which we think is best protocol for feeding ReaShure XC, this works out at £16.80 per cow per transition,” she explained.

“In comparison to other approaches to supporting the energy balance of cows around calving, such as a bolus or bypass fats, the costs stand up extremely favourably, before even considering the additional benefits achieved, such as health and fertility.”

Studies have proven that delivering choline during transition leads to substantial ROI, up to as much as 23:1, in terms of combined benefits to full lactation milk production, reduced metabolic disorders and improved calf health and growth.

“So, we can conclude that feeding ReaShure XC both pre- and post-calving delivers ROI, while supporting higher peak milk and lactation yield, healthier transitions, improved calf growth and health and increased colostrum production,” concluded Ms Millar.

EXPANSION OF EVONIK’S METAMINO® PRODUCTION IN SINGAPORE IS COMPLETED

The expansion of Evonik’s MetAMINO® (DLmethionine) production facilities in Singapore has been completed. The MetAMINO® production on Jurong Island is again running at full capacity, after shutdowns in Q4/2023 and Q2/2024. The production capacity has been increased by 40,000 metric tonnes, bringing the total to 340,000 metric tonnes per year. The expansion was accomplished ahead of schedule.

Through process intensification, Evonik has optimised its methionine production plants, generating a surplus of steam that is used to produce on-site electricity.

Linde, one of Evonik’s partners on Jurong Island, has designed, constructed, and is operating a nine-megawatt alkaline electrolyser plant, which is the largest of its kind ever installed in Singapore. The unit enables Evonik’s efforts to use green hydrogen required for the MetAMINO® production and reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its environmental impact.

Evonik’s DL-methionine plants in Singapore have reduced the product carbon footprint of MetAMINO® at this site (Scope 1+2+3) by six percent compared to before the expansion.

DSM-FIRMENICH

MYCOTOXIN SURVEY REVEALS ONGOING MYCOTOXIN RISKS IN KEY REGIONS

dsm-firmenich has released the results of the World Mycotoxin Survey from January to June 2024.

11,520 samples were collected and analysed from 77 countries around the world. The results concluded that Fusarium mycotoxins, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone and fumonisins are most frequently found, with the highest regions of mycotoxins found in North- and Central America, South Asia, South East Asia and China and Taiwan.

The survey also includes further details on:

• Prevalence levels for each mycotoxin in each region

• Global and local risk levels for each mycotoxin

• Risk levels posed to each species

• Comparison of prevalence levels from January-June 2023

• More information about Spectrum 380®, the most powerful mycotoxin detection method used as a research tool and performed at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU)

• Overview on the occurrence of the most frequent mycotoxins, their masked and modified forms as well as emerging mycotoxins; based on results delivered by the most comprehensive commercially available multi-mycotoxin method, Spectrum Top®50

Additionally, the global contamination of key by-products and alternative feed components is summarised in the dsmfirmenich mycotoxin survey on by-products and alternative feed components.

A range of key by-products and alternative feed components were tested, analysing metabolites found and their prevalence. Numerous mycotoxins are discovered and highlighted in charts and graphs to draw attention to areas of concern.

Ursula Hofstetter, Head of Mycotoxin Risk Management at dsm-firmenich stated “The persistent presence of mycotoxins continues to pose a threat to animal welfare, productivity, and sustainability in agriculture. These results once again underscore the critical need for effective mycotoxin management strategies. Implementing such strategies is crucial for maintaining the profitability of both the feed industry and animal protein production sectors.”

To download to the dsm-firmenich World Mycotoxin Survey from January to June 2024, follow the QR Code below.

To download the dsm-firmenich mycotoxin survey on by-products and alternative feed components, foscan the QR code below.

DSM-FIRMENICH EXPANDS ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINTING TO BEEF INDUSTRY WITH SUSTELLTM

dsm-firmenich,has expanded SustellTM, the leading life cycle assessment (LCA) platform for animal protein, to meet the environmental footprinting needs of the beef industry.

Sustell™ now empowers beef producers to measure and understand the full environmental footprint of their operations, enabling targeted reduction programs that are both cost-effective and tied to genuine sustainability improvement.

Sustell™ for beef encompasses all stages of beef production, including cow/ calf operations for breeding and growing stages for replacement and beef cattle. It covers feedlot, housed, and pasture, range, and paddock production systems.

Developed in cooperation with experts such as the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), Sustell™ for beef adheres to the most up-to-date standards, including the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2019 guidelines, ensuring robust and credible assessments.

With this new development, Sustell™ offers customized environmental footprinting for feed, aquaculture, poultry, swine, dairy and beef production, enabling companies in the value chain to take control of their sustainability data, meet reporting requirements and unlock new business opportunities.

David Morris, Global LCA Director at dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health said: “By introducing Sustell™ for beef, producers gain access to a powerful platform for conducting comprehensive lifecycle assessments at scale using their own feed and farm data. This enables them to make informed decisions, achieve a strong return on investment, and ensure credible and accurate environmental footprinting. Sustell™ opens up new value opportunities, ranging from enhancing farm productivity to pursuing ecolabeling and sustainable finance initiatives. Our commitment to innovation continues as we strive to advance sustainable farming.”

2024 SFT EDGAR PYE SCHOLARSHIP

Applications are now open for the Edgar Pye Scholarship 2024.

The Edgar Pye Research Scholarship Trust was founded following the untimely death of R. Edgar Pye in July 1989, President of the Society of Feed Technologists, to perpetuate his memory by offering research scholarships relating to the animal feed industry.

The Trust welcomes applications from anyone studying agriculture or a related subject, or who is already employed in the Animal Feed Industry in the UK or Ireland, and is resident in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland.

In 2023, an award of £2000 was given to one lucky applicant.

Applications need to be sent through to secretary@sft.uk.com by the 31st October 2024

For full details and information on how to apply, please visit the Society of Feed Technologists website.

What Makes a Good Premix

With dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health

Premix composition:

A premix constitutes a blend of micro ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, and/or enzymes, evenly dispersed within a carrier substance. Micronutrients are typically used at levels less than 200 grams per tonne of feed. Micropremixes serve as a supplementation strategy for animal feeds under various circumstances, including instances where synthesis by the animal is insufficient, there is variability in vitamin or mineral content, feed processing results in the degradation of vitamins and minerals, or to fulfill specific metabolic requirements. The primary objective of incorporating a premix is to ensure a more uniform dispersion of active particles within the feed. Occasionally, premixes may require dilution or concentration to achieve an optimal blend. High-quality premixes are characterised by favourable flowability and mixability traits, typically manifested by consistent particle size and density across all ingredients. Particle size analysis, often conducted using a standard sieve, reveals a desirable bell-curved distribution.

Carrier choice:

The selection of an appropriate carrier is pivotal in achieving optimal premix characteristics. Common carriers, such as rice hulls or wheat middlings, along with calcium carbonate, are utilised to enhance the properties of the premix. In formulations where the

carrier constitutes more than 50% of the premix, a 50:50 mixture of rice hulls/wheat middlings to calcium carbonate is recommended. Conversely, formulations with less than 50% carrier content should adopt a 60:40 or 70:30 ratio. Adjustments in the quantity and type of carrier may be necessary to attain the desired bulk density, which directly influences flowability and homogeneity. Premixes containing predominantly heavy trace minerals typically incorporate calcium carbonate exclusively to optimize bulk density. To improve handling of the premixes we include a small amount of mineral oil, between 0.5-2% to aid with dustiness.

Mineral and vitamin sources:

Careful consideration of vitamin and mineral sources is imperative during formulation to ensure optimal bioavailability and stability, particularly concerning the intended species. The choice of ingredient form significantly impacts bioavailability and should be deliberated upon during the formulation process. Good quality products, such as those in the ROVIMIX line can be used as stable and reliable vitamin sources. Commonly utilised forms of minerals include oxides, sulfates as well as chelated sources depending on customer inclusion and specifications. dsm-firmenich offers a large portfolio of products that can be mixed to create an ideal premix. Our Nutritional Services Team can be consulted at the time of formulation to assess the premix characteristics and to provide feedback on potential improvements. Overall, it is important to understand the characteristics of a good premix. For more information on available premixes or product related questions please contact a dsm-firmenich representative. For questions about your current formulations and to assess their quality please contact your assigned Nutritional Services Specialist.

An Example of a Good Standard Vitamin Premix – 20% Cal Carb, 50% Rice Hulls

Feed Ingredients … Protein Products

ALLTECH

Optigen® by Alltech

Boosting the limits of your protein stock

sustainability

Ongoing pressures around protein supply and pricing, coupled with increasing environmental demands, makes for a complex situation for all U.K. dairy and beef enterprises, both now and looking to the future.

A vital component in overcoming this challenge is supplying modern productive ruminants with optimal levels of ammonia for their rumens to function effectively. Excess ammonia leads to excreted nitrogen waste, whilst a deficit impacts fibre digestion.

Optigen® provides a slow release of non-protein nitrogen (NPN) to the rumen over time. This leads to better fibre digestion, increased microbial protein production, and greater efficiency in milk and meat production.

Recent meta-analyses on Optigen evaluated the results of 17 dairy studies carried out in 6 countries, as well as 17 beef studies carried out in 9 countries. The research found Optigen to be a viable substitute or supplementation for plant protein sources in ruminant rations.

The proven benefits of Optigen in dairy cows

• Reduces soybean meal use by 21%

• Improves feed efficiency by 3%

• Improves nitrogen use efficiency by 4%

• Increases production profitability of a 1,000-dairy herd by £13,035

• Lowers the carbon footprint of feed use for milk production by 14.5%

The proven benefits of Optigen in beef cattle

• Improves both feed efficiency and liveweight gain by 8%

• Reduces time to slaughter by 9 days

• Increases production profitability of a 1,000-beef herd by £13,700

• Reduces the carbon footprint of beef production by 2.2%

For more information, please contact:

Tel: +44 (0) 1780 764512

Email: ukenquiries@alltech.com

Web: www.Alltech.com/uk/

AZELIS

Azelis offers a range of plant-based protein products.

Highly concentrated and digestible potato, pea, wheat and corn proteins can be used as alternatives to or partly replace traditional proteins.

TUBERMINE® GP potato protein provides protein enrichment and is known for its richness in essential amino acids available in higher amounts than in traditional proteins. The outstanding digestibility is particularly well suited to the young, newly weaned animal’s high protein requirements and is well recognised as an excellent source of protein for piglet feed.

LYSAMINE® GPS concentrated protein extracted from peas, is a valued nutritional ingredient in many applications. Its excellent digestibility along with its naturally low antitrypsin activity makes it a protein of choice in the nutrition of young animals particularly piglets.

VITEN® Vital wheat gluten natural protein extracted from wheat, is a water-insoluble complex protein.

Recognized especially for its high glutamic acid content, the plant-based protein shows exceptional digestibility and can be used in the formulation of high-performance feeds by limiting the risk of non-digested protein in the large intestine. It is a useful alternative protein source which is appreciated in milk substitutes and piglet feed for its excellent digestibility, colour and palatability.

GLUTALYS ® corn gluten meal is a highly digestible protein concentrate rich in sulphur amino acids (methionine cystine). A polyvalent protein source, it offers advantages in formulas for ruminants because of the low natural degradability of the protein fraction in the rumen and its high post ruminal digestibility.

For further information please contact Leia Trotman at Azelis on: +44 (0)7792116659 or via email: leia.trotman@azelis.co.uk

BENEO

A complete portfolio of vegetable proteins for nutritious and

sustainable animal feed

With supply challenges and price volatility for some raw materials, as well as the increased scrutiny on feed sustainability, feed manufacturers

are looking for alternative ingredients like protein sources to complete and secure their ingredients portfolio.

BENEO’s versatile range of vegetal proteins features rice protein, vital wheat gluten and faba bean protein concentrate, each offering specific nutritional and technical benefits. With this portfolio of solutions that can also be combined, BENEO provides manufacturers with high-quality concentrated and non-GMO protein sources, with good to excellent digestibility and balanced amino acid profiles.

BENEO’s rice protein is the most concentrated protein of the portfolio with a guaranteed protein content of 79% as fed, 89% on dry matter. It is a well digestible and tolerated plant protein, making it suitable for the most sensitive like young animals. BENEO’s vital wheat gluten offers a high protein content of 82% on dry matter and an exceptional digestibility. It is particularly fueled with amino acid glutamine which is the preferred nutrient of gut cells and conditionally essential in period of stress like weaning. Finally, BENEO’s faba bean protein concentrate completes the portfolio and benefits from strong sustainability credentials, as well as exceptional dispersibility/solubility for liquid applications such as milk replacers. With the construction of a brand-new faba bean factory in Obrigheim being in full swing, BENEO will soon house its entire production process of the faba bean ingredients, a faba protein concentrate, starch-rich flour and hulls over there.

These quality ingredients, produced in BENEO’s state-of-the-art European facilities, offer manufacturers a secured supply of alternative protein sources for the development of nutritious and sustainable feed formulas.

Web: www.beneo.com/animal-nutrition

BIOCHEM

RumiPro® Urea – a high quality slow-release urea for optimising protein supply in ruminants. Release the full power of your cows by the use of RumiPro ® urea and produce more milk solids.

RumiPro ® Urea has a high-quality non-palm-based fat coating for a constant release of nitrogen in the rumen. It offers additional options to optimise the protein supply of the rumen microbes helping to maintain an efficient rumen fermentation.

RumiPro® Urea increases microbial protein yield and supports cellulolytic bacteria to improve fiber digestibility. The high nutrient density is crucial to create a well-balanced diet for high producing dairy cows and opens additional possibilities in case of suboptimal forage quality.

TechnoYeast® - Kluyveromyces fragilis for function and flavour

TechnoYeast® is a hydrolyzed yeast based on the strain Kluyveromyces fragilis, a specific strain of yeast suitable for feeding all species. TechnoYeast® is produced by a gentle process in which all nutrients are released and made more available for high digestibility, meeting the needs of young animals. TechnoYeast® contains both components of the yeast cell wall – mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) and β-glucans – along with the constituents of the yeast extract: highly digestible

proteins, essential and functional amino acids such as the umamitasting glutamic acid, nucleic acids as a source of nucleotides, and minerals. The combination of increased palatability, with the addition of nucleic acids, gives both improvements in feed intake and improved gut functionality, resulting in animals which consume more and can make better use of nutrients. TechnoYeast® has applications for all animal species where increased feed intake is beneficial. For more information visit: www.biochem.net

BORREGAARD

Borregaard is a leader in bypass protein technology, supplying markets worldwide for more than 30 years. Our products SoyPass, RaPass and amipro feature high levels of undegradable, yet highly digestible protein that are perfect for today’s ration balancing programs.

Soybean meal and rapeseed meal are known to be high value protein sources for animal feeds. During digestion, however, some of the vegetable protein is broken down in the rumen of the cow, far too early in the digestive system for the high yielding cow to fully use it.

Bypass products overcome this problem by protecting the protein while in the rumen, but allowing it to be fully digested within the small intestine. Consequently, better utilisation of the essential amino acids occurs resulting in improved milk production.

SoyPass, RaPass and amipro are manufactured and sold by our approved licensees. All of our bypass proteins are produced according to our strict quality requirements, and are among the most consistent bypass proteins on the market.

Borregaard UK Ltd Clayton Road, Warrington Cheshire, WA3 6QQ United Kingdom. Tel: +44 (0)1925 285400

Email: animalfeed@borregaard.com

Web: www.borregaardfeed.com

CHERWELL VALLEY SILOS LIMITED

Cherwell Valley Silos Ltd have a long well established reputation for providing specialised cooked protein and oilseed products to the animal feed industry. We are pleased to announce the appointment of Max Grafton as Sales Manager.

Products available are CV-Soy - full fat soya (Profat typically 54%), and PURA LM (Profat 42%) - a mixture of domestic pulses and whole rapeseed recently upgraded with a lower moisture content for better handling characteristics and improved nutrient density. The main soya product is conventional ‘Any origin’ Full Fat Soya (CV-Soy A/O) – supplied with SSS certification if required. All manufactured products are accredited under FEMAS..

We can also supply raw whole soyabeans Any origin and NON GM in bulk bags or bulk.

Centrally located in Oxfordshire, Cherwell Valley Silos are ideally situated to satisfy all customers nationwide. All products are available in bags and bulk ex stock and full fat soya is available in high quality pellet form for improved handling and storage characteristics.

Valley Trading our grain trading operation is managed by Russell Lake - and continues to specialise in local grain, rapeseed and pulses for both consumption in house and third party trades and offers a high quality local independent service to the arable farming community and feed compounding industry.

Max Grafton, Sales Manager, Cherwell Valley Silos, Twyford, Banbury, Oxon, OX17 3AA

Tel: 01295 816201, Fax: 01295 812531

Email: maxg@cvs-ltd.com

Website: www.cherwellvalleysilos.co.uk

KEMIN

Kemin’s amino acid program for better raw material allocation in ruminant formulation

Rising feed prices, their high volatility and low availability are the most limiting challenges presently facing dairy farm viability. However, there

is an opportunity for ruminants to produce more efficiently through increased protein utilisation and reduced nitrogen excretion, having one of the biggest impacts on farm profitability and sustainability. The cow has specific requirements for individual amino acids and both Methionine and Lysine, which are the first essential limiting amino acids. An inadequate supply affects animal health and productivity. Amino acid nutrition also provides flexibility in formulation when selecting or substituting different feed materials due to either price or availability.

Table 1 describes the ingredients and nutrient profile for three diets, Control diet, Scenario 1, without soybean meal and Scenario 2, with soybean meal, but with 65% lesser amount than the Control diet. All meet the protein requirements for 35kg of milk at 4% and 3.5% milk fat and protein respectively. But Scenarios 1 and 2 also meet amino acid requirements by using KESSENT® Me and LysiGEM™ (rumen-protected Methionine and Lysine, Kemin Industries), saving 84g of metabolisable protein.

The formulation with Kemin´s rumen-protected amino acids improved the nitrogen efficiency, by 2.1% from 28.8% (Control), to 30.9% (Scenarios 1 and 2), with a better allocation of available raw materials at less cost.

References are available upon request.

Contact

Email: robert.hamilton@kemin.com

Web: www.kemin.com

Table 1. Ingredients (kg DM/head/day) and nutrient profile (CNCPS v6.55) of three formulation scenarios. 1ME, Metabolisable Energy; MP=Metabolisable Protein; CP=Crude Protein; MP balance = % requirements

Black Soldier Fly Are companies mismanaging feed and waste priorities?

With Richard Lee, Technical Manager, SugaRich and chair of the UKFFPA

Richard Lee, Technical Manager of SugaRich, sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding the use of insect protein as animal feed, emphasising how these practices often misalign with the principles of the waste hierarchy.

Wasteful detours in the feed chain

The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) has gained attention as a solution to waste management, offering dual benefits as both waste digesters and animal feed. These larvae can consume a wide range of organic matter, from food scraps to manure. However, the idea of diverting perfectly good surplus food to feed these insects—and then using the insects as animal feed—raises concerns. Does such a practice create unnecessary “detours” in the food chain?

The optimal approach is straightforward: first, feed surplus food to humans, and if not feasible, directly to animals. Diverting edible food to insects only to later use them as feed introduces an unnecessary step, undermining the waste hierarchy’s intent. The black soldier fly can thrive on organic waste, recycling nutrients back into the food chain, without needing to compete with food that could be directly consumed by humans or animals.

Understanding the waste hierarchy

Organisations that redirect usable surplus food to insect farming may misunderstand or neglect the waste hierarchy’s principles. This hierarchy, a cornerstone of sustainable waste management, prioritises actions that minimise environmental impact:

• Prevention: avoid waste generation by reducing losses in production and designing more durable food products.

• Repurpose: sending to charity or repurposing it as an alternative food

• Recycling: convert these nutrient rich foods into high quality animal feed, conserving resources and reducing raw material demand.

• Recovery: extract energy or materials from non-recyclable waste through processes like anaerobic digestion or energy recovery

• Disposal: as a last resort, safely dispose of waste that can’t be reused, recycled, or recovered. Adhering to this hierarchy ensures responsible waste management. ignoring it undermines sustainability efforts and questions a company’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Where things go wrong

The practice of feeding surplus food directly to livestock, such as using biscuit meal, has proven sustainable and effective. These practices replace higher carbon footprint feeds on a 1:1 basis, a direct and efficient approach. In contrast, diverting food to insect farming, where conversion rates may only be 1:5 (20%), creates an unnecessary complication in the feed model. This is especially perplexing for food sector organisations committed to sustainable practices. The waste hierarchy advocates for direct routes: feed surplus food to humans first, then animals if feasible. Redirecting it to insects contradicts this priority, particularly when black soldier flies can thrive on organic waste that isn’t suitable for human or animal consumption.

The legislative gap

Current TSE (Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies) legislation mandates that insects intended for feed must be raised on food that only contains approved animal by-products (ABPs), creating competition with conventional animal feed. To fully harness the potential of insects in waste digestion, these regulations must be reassessed. Otherwise, black soldier flies and other insects could pose a risk similar to that of anaerobic digestion units, which can disrupt the most sustainable use of food.

Achieving a truly circular economy

For a circular economy to thrive, we must avoid misusing surplus food in the insect feed model. Insects like the black soldier fly are natural waste processors. Therefore, we must examine ways in which black soldier flies consume food that cannot be fed to livestock, converting food waste and by-products into high-quality protein and fats. The use of imported proteins such as soya have been targeted by integrated supply chains to increase their sustainability credentials. The upcoming deforestation regulations in the UK and Europe should help to mitigate some of the environmental and socioeconomic concerns around soya thus making feeding the black solider fly with surplus food even more perverse.

We should embrace a logical approach: while black soldier flies have an important role in animal protein production, we must minimise unnecessary deviations. Usable food should be directed to those who need it most, then the next best option is to feed it directly to livestock creating a truly circular loop that aligns with waste hierarchy principles and supports a sustainable future. Missteps in this process do not serve our collective goals.

Feed Production Machinery, Pelleting & Extruding

CFE GROUP

C FE Group Upgrades Roll Assembly Manipulators for Enhanced Safety and Efficiency

CFE Group has recently upgraded its assist mate manipulators to improve safety and efficiency in the stripping and building of roll assemblies. These advanced machines, which run along the 15-meter by 6-meter roll line, handle all aspects of roll management, from stripping to washing, building, and greasing.

The upgraded manipulators are equipped with telescopic arms that can securely grip rolls of various sizes, ranging from 140 mm to 580 mm in diameter. With the ability to rotate a full 360 degrees and tilt 90 degrees, these advanced machines provide technicians with the flexibility to work on rolls from any angle. This capability ensures precise handling and thorough maintenance, accommodating both small and large rolls currently in use.

Designed with future growth in mind, these manipulators are equipped to handle even larger rolls, preparing CFE Group for the next generation of roll designs. This upgrade underscores CFE Group’s commitment to maintaining safety and operational standards.

Email: info@cfegroup.com Website: www.cfegroup.com

CONDEX (UK) LTD

La Meccanica Pellet Mills since 1986

La Meccanica pellet mills come with a 5 year, no major service guarantee. This means that as long as the machines are maintained and greased in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines, there will be no major servicing costs for the first five years; no seals, no bearings and most importantly no down-time.

With the large diameter, two roller design providing the optimum angle of nip and the main rotor having a high inertia, the La Meccanica pellet mills are one of the most efficient machines on the market, outperforming larger machines as a result of the design and main motor being utilised to its full potential.

No gearbox so no oil leaks around the pellet mill or more significantly into the feed; a major consideration now that UFAS directive states that food safe lubricants need to be used.

Condex also supply an extensive range of mixing, grinding, conditioning and ancillary equipment, including being an official agent for Geelen Counterflow coolers. Ensuring our clients are able to meet the high demands of the industry with equipment designed and manufactured to the same high standards as our pellet mills.

Our in-house design and installation services enable us to tailor equipment and process lines bespoke to a client’s requirements. This gives our clients the confidence of knowing all aspects of the process are taken into consideration, whether this is upgrading a single machine or a complete production line. With a single point of contact the end user can be reassured there are no surprises, no hidden costs and no delays as a result of miscommunication between contractors.

Customer satisfaction is our number one priority; we achieve this with UK based stock and service engineers, around-the-clock aftersales support and a die and roll refurbishment service second to none. Peace of mind at competitive prices.

Condex (UK) Ltd, White Cross, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 4XQ Tel: 01524 61601, Fax: 01524 381515, Email: info@condex.co.uk, Web: www.condex.co.uk / www.pelletmills.com

John Byrom CFE Group Machine Operator

Imperium4Feed is the new mill control system offered by DSL Systems and Datastor Systems combining their wealth of knowledge and experience to provide leading-edge process control, planning (MES) and information software for mills of all sizes.

• Extruder

• Cooler control

• Fats spray at the die

• Downstream Fats Coater (PPLA)

• In-line pellet tester

All configurations of pellet mills, extruders and expanders are catered for, including: -

• Single pellet mill, Double side by side, Double in line, 3 pellet mills per line

• Up to 8 pre-pellet press bins per production line

• Hot start conditioner, long term conditioner, expander, HFC and BOA

• Kettle or Ripener

Imperium4Feed’s pellet press and extruder control modules are designed to optimise quality, improve throughput and eliminate blockages. Imperium4Feed has a number of features to optimise pellet press control including automatic start-ups, flying bin-swaps, cooler fan speed optimisation, cold start-ups, anti-blockage detection, layered change overs and automatic flushing Tel: +44 (0)1159813700 Email: sales@dsl-systems.com

“Changing control of our pellet presses to Imperium4Feed has increased throughput by 15%”

For further information or to arrange a demonstration, please contact:

Matthew Swallow

T: + 44 (0)1159 813700

E: matthewswallow@dsl-systems.com

Web: dsl-systems.com

Bill Wright – T: +44 (0) 1260 277025, E: billwright@datastorsystems.com

Web datastorsystems.com

Web: www.imperium4.com

• Software for life

• Optimise processes

• Reduce labour

• User friendly

• 24/7 support

• Performance monitoring

• Flexible

dsl-systems.com

EuroTier 2024 Trade Fair’s Topics Attract Great Visitor Interest

1,250 international farming visitors react to EuroTier 2024 in online survey: Housing and feeding technology as well as feed and operating resources rated highly - Focus topics: Animal welfare, sustainability, automation, robotics, digitalisation - EuroTier from 12 to 15 November 2024 in Hanover, Germany - Guiding theme “We innovate animal farming”

Five months before kick-off, interest in the EuroTier / EnergyDecentral 2024 trade fairs is already high among visitors. In a survey of potential professional farming visitors to the world’s leading trade fair for professional animal husbandry and livestock management, 60 percent of respondents stated that they have already made firm plans to visit EuroTier in Hanover, Germany. Some 30 percent responded that they will be making a decision in the coming weeks. The exhibition areas of housing and feeding technology as well as feed input and operating resources were particularly highly rated. When it comes to current industry topics, visitors from both Germany and abroad ranked as most interesting animal welfare, sustainability, automation, robotics and digitalization. 1,250 respondents from both Germany and abroad took part in the online survey. EuroTier, the world’s leading trade fair for professional animal husbandry and livestock management, will take place alongside EnergyDecentral, the leading international trade fair for decentralised energy supply, from 12 to 15 November 2024 in Hanover, Germany.

“We innovate animal farming - the guiding theme of this year’s EuroTier hits the nerve of the industry. The theme addresses the

challenges facing the international livestock sector by placing the current topics of animal welfare, sustainability, automation, robotics and digitalisation at the heart of the exhibition and technical program at the world’s leading trade fair for livestock management. The high level of visitor interest five months before the start of the trade fair shows that the industry is focusing on innovation and development,” says Ines Rathke, EuroTier Project Manager, who is very satisfied with the survey results.

“The high level of interest in new trends and innovations also shows the importance of EuroTier as a leading trade fair for investments,” she added.

Visitors intend to spend several days at the trade fair

Asked about the duration of their visit to the trade fair, around 60 percent said they intended to spend at least two or more days at the world’s leading exhibition for livestock management. The survey included livestock farmers with 58 percent engaged in cattle and dairy farming and 25 percent in pig production. Some 21 percent of respondents are poultry producers, 14 percent horse owners and 11 percent manage sheep or goats. Insects are also mentioned as an on-farm production activity, a sector that appears to be increasing among livestock farmers. “The investment intentions over the next two years are encouraging. Currently, 50 percent of those surveyed are already planning to invest in new technology and equipment within the next 24 months,” emphasizes Ines Rathke.

EnergyDecentral: High demand for solar energy, agrivoltaics and biogas

The current debate on sustainable energy concepts are reflected in the results of the online survey: “In addition to the topics of wind energy, biogas and biomethane, there is growing interest in solar energy and, in particular, in agrivoltaics. As many as 32 percent of those surveyed are explicitly interested in the potential of this relatively new and emerging energy alternative,” says Marcus Vagt, project manager of EnergyDecentral, which takes in parallel with EuroTier. The survey also shows that professional visitors continue to need updates on conventional solutions such as biogas, still a growing sector, as well as solutions for energy distribution and storage.

Farmers‘ Voices – Voices of the visitors

“I farm in North Yorkshire, managing 2,000 sows. I have already visited EuroTier twice and plan to come again this autumn. It is a chance to see different technical solutions from mainland Europe that we do not see in the UK.”

Matthew Wilkin, North Yorks, UK.

“I have been visiting EuroTier for more than a decade, accompanying livestock producers and technicians. EuroTier stands out for its global reach, comprehensive coverage and focus on innovation.“

António Ferreira, Zootechnical Engineer and Secretary General, ABLN , Portugal.

“This year, I am planning to visit EuroTier for the first time. I am looking to have a good time with other dairy farmers

just to exchange views. As EuroTier also covers biogas plants I will be looking for mixers, pumps and any upgrades.“

Mark Kelly, Dungannon Co. Tyrone, Nortern Ireland, UK.

“Each visit to EuroTier has been a source of inspiration, introducing us to new innovations and technologies. This is very valuable in our role as Dutch research and demonstration dairy farm Erve Mentink. EuroTier’s international character provides a valuable perspective on Dutch developments and innovations within a global context, and helps us recognize the strength and potential of our own company on the international stage.“

Els & Gerard Uijterlinde, Deurningen, Region Twente, Niederlande

“I want to see new technologies for the barn and solutions that can reduce manual labour. Three years ago, we built a barn with new equipment for our pigs. I want to use EuroTier to see what Big Dutchman has to offer in terms of new concepts and updates.”

Henrik Mortensen, a Danish pig producer with 1,000 sows and on-farm 30,000 slaughter pigs annually

“As the operator of a biogas plant, I visit EuroTier 2024 primarily because of EnergyDecentral, which takes place at the same time. Otherwise, I like to stroll through the halls with an open mind and stop by small, inconspicuous stands in particular. In my experience, young and innovative companies exhibit there that can give me food for thought on topics that I wasn’t previously aware of.“

Felix Hollmann, pig farmer and biogas plant operator, Ense-Bittingen, Germany

THE WORLD‘S LEADING TRADE FAIR FOR ANIMAL FARMING

www.eurotier.com

A selection of companies preview the products and services they will be exhibiting at

EUROTIER 2024

12 - 15 November, Hanover, Germany

AB NEO

AB Neo is thrilled to announce our presence at EuroTier in Hanover this November!

Focused on leading neonate nutrition through science and customercentric solutions, we are revolutionising the lifetime performance of young farmed animals, with production hubs in four European countries and exports worldwide. Visit us at booth H11, Hall 15, for the launch of our innovative new product for the piglet industry. Our experts are eager to show you how this breakthrough can benefit your business. Don’t miss the opportunity to be among the first to experience our latest advancement. We look forward to welcoming you!

Learn more: ab-neo.com

AB VISTA

countries, supported by five bioscience centers and more than 80 manufacturing facilities. Guided by a commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship, Alltech’s 5,000 employees work together to create a sustainable future under the purpose of “Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™.”

Stand: Hall 19-20, Stand D51

Website: Alltech.com

ALMEX

AB Vista is a global animal nutrition technology company offering pioneering products and technical services to the global animal feed industry. Its mission is to advance nutrition through scientific research and ‘feed intelligence’. Since its establishment in 2004, the company has grown to be a top-three player in feed enzymes, specialising in innovative feed additives, solutions and services for all species. Showcasing its expertise at EuroTier 2024, the AB Vista team will be present at Halle 21, Stand J10, with Technical and Sales Manager for Northwest Europe, Marieke van Hout, available for questions and insights regarding AB Vista’s extensive portfolio. WEbsite: www.abvista.com/

ALLTECH

Almex BV specializes in manufacturing extruders and expanders, providing solutions for industries like fish feed, oil extraction, pet food, and animal feed. Since the 1970s, Almex has designed and produced single screw extruders in the Netherlands, known for their reliability and efficiency. Their Contivar Expanders are globally recognized for improving feed quality through robust designs and precise control systems. Almex equipment ensures consistent product quality and durability. As part of the Triott Group, Almex contributes to innovative process technology solutions across the feed and food industries, supporting customers with expertise and excellent service.

Stand number: 12A10

Website: www.almex.nl

BENEO-ANIMAL NUTRITION

Alltech is a global leader in sustainable agriculture. With a focus on enhancing plant and animal health, Alltech offers a wide range of science-backed solutions, including specialty ingredients, feed supplements, and biologicals. The company operates in over 120

BENEO-Animal Nutrition offers a broad range of natural ingredients with nutritional benefits. The product range is comprised of vegetable proteins, digestible carbohydrates, prebiotic chicory root fibres and specialty rice ingredients. BENEO-Animal Nutrition extends BENEO´s unique expertise in human food to the world of pet food, livestock feed and aqua feed.

BENEO’s colleagues will be present at Eurotier to happily answer all your questions and give in-depth information on the full Animal Nutrition range. Visit us at booth number 21G08!

Website: www.beneo.com/animal-nutrition

BESTMIX SOFTWARE

Welcome to the Future - Today with BESTMIX software!

Step boldly into the future. From optimizing raw material buys to ensuring consistency on the back end, BESTMIX Software has you covered. Embrace the potential of BESTMIX Software and streamline your feed production operations. Discover what's possible, elevate your performance, and lead the charge in this exciting era of feed production.

BESTMIX Software guarantees Cost-efficient and Precise feed production with high quality end products, correctly labeled. Join us at our booth E19 in Hall 19/20 to revolutionize the way you manage feed production and connect with industry experts.

Hall 19/20 - Booth E19

Website: www.bestmix.com

CJ BIO

As a global leader in feed grade amino acids and biotechnology, sole producer of 8 feed grade L-amino acids by fermentation, CJ Bio welcomes you to discover the novelties in its monogastric amino acid portfolio on Eurotier 2024. L-Isoleucine, L-Histidine and L-Arginine are serving global customers to obtain the highest performance in a more efficient, economic and sustainable way. At Eurotier, CJ Bio proudly presents a newly developed fermentative L-methionine, which continues to fortify sustainable animal husbandry and further completes our amino acid portfolio Bestamino™.

Booth n° Hall 21 C26

DSM-FIRMENICH

As innovators in nutrition and health, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients for the world’s growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, natural and renewable ingredients, and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for the planet.

At Animal Nutrition & Health, we offer our customers a true endto-end portfolio. This includes essential products that are fundamental for the production of healthy, sustainable animal protein. Performance solutions, that create additional value and desire beyond the essentials.

And data-driven precision services that make the invisible visible by providing targeted insights to improve sustainability and animal health.

To know more about dsm-firmenich’s solutions and latest innovations, such as HiPhorius™, the dsm-firmenich’s new generation feed phytase, visit our stand A21 in Hall 22 Hall 22 Stand A21

Website: www.dsm-firmenich.com/anh

EVONIK ANIMAL NUTRITION

Evonik Animal Nutrition kindly invites you to meet us at EuroTier 2024 in Hannover, Germany. At our booth E20 / Hall 21 you can learn about our latest developments on the efficient use of natural resources and food safety as well as animal welfare.

Our pioneering technologies such as precision feeding and low protein diets help the global livestock industry to increase efficiency, save money, improve animal health, and lower emissions. Additionally, our Gut Health Solutions enable the reduction of the use of antibiotics in animal farming.

For more information, please visit animal-nutrition.evonik.com

IVS

With 40 years of experience, IVS Dosing Technology BV develops sustainable and innovative custom solutions for dosing liquids and steam in the compound feed industry. We focus on tailoring solutions through close collaboration with your technical staff and specialist partners to maximize your factory’s profitability. IVS stands for Innovation, Versatility, and Service, ensuring that every solution meets your specific needs. As part of the Triott Group, we leverage extensive industry expertise to deliver advanced process technology solutions across the feed and food industries.

Stand number: 12A10

Website: www.ivsdosingtechnology.com

INTEQNION BV

Inteqnion specializes in designing, manufacturing, and implementing automation systems for the feed, flour, and bulk solids industries. Focusing on innovation and efficiency, Inteqnion delivers advanced control systems that optimize production processes and ensure reliable operation. Our solutions, including SCADA and PLC systems, enhance performance, reduce downtime, and provide comprehensive data insights. Serving a global market, Inteqnion offers customized automation solutions tailored to each customer’s needs. By combining industry expertise with cuttingedge technology, Inteqnion helps customers achieve smarter and more efficient production.

Stand number: 12A08

Website: www.inteqnion.com

KEMIN

Discover the power of curiosity with Kemin at EuroTier 2024!

For over 63 years, we have been a trusted market leader in the animal feed, beef, dairy, poultry, and pig industries.Our EMENA-based team delivers cutting-edge products and services that help producers raise healthy livestock and poultry. Our research and innovations help grow our customers' bottom line while meeting the ever-changing landscape of consumer expectations. Together, Kemin’s industry-leading solutions improve and strengthen safety throughout various stages of the global food chain.

Visit our booth F019 in hall 21 to discover how Kemin's trusted expertise can optimize your operations and ensure a sustainable future for your business. Website: www.kemin.com/emena

KSE GROUP

At KSE Group, we are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for dosing and weighing, and automation software tailored specifically for the solids handling industries. With our cutting-edge technology and commitment to excellence, we strive to empower our clients to optimize their processes, enhance efficiency, and achieve their goals. We are committed to maximizing the efficient utilization of skilled personnel, time, and raw materials. Our mission is to handle these valuable elements with care, ensuring that we extract their full potential.

We look forward to discuss any challenge you might face in your solids handling process. Drop by our stand A23 in Hall 12.

ORFFA

Don’t miss out on our new strategy at EuroTier 2024! We’re excited to showcase our innovative solutions for Gut Health & Immunity, Feed Efficiency, and Mineral Nutrition. Come visit us at Hall 22, Stand C18 to discuss your specific needs. Webiste: orffa.com/solutions/#feedsolution-areas

OTTEVANGER MILLING ENGINEERS

As industry experts, we understand the unique challenges you face in the animal feed industry. That’s why we are committed to assist you throughout the entire journey, from concept to complete installation. Our dedicated team of skilled professionals is ready to collaborate with you, leveraging our expertise in engineering, project management and manufacturing

to create fully integrated feed mills, individual processing lines, and stand-alone machinery that will modernize your operations. With Ottevanger Milling Engineers, you’re not just investing in machinery; you’re investing in the health, performance, and success of your business and the animals it serves.

Stand number: 12A15

Website: www.ottevanger.com

OTTEVANGER SERVICES

Ottevanger Services provides comprehensive maintenance and support for your production equipment, including preventive maintenance, on-site repairs, and equipment upgrades. We also offer a convenient webshop for the supply of original spare parts, ensuring quick access to high-quality components that keep your operations running smoothly. With our global expertise, we help optimize performance, reduce downtime, and improve processes, making us a reliable partner in maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your equipment.

Stand number: 12A15

Website: www.ottevangerservices.com

PTN

Pelleting Technology Netherlands (PTN) specializes in the design, manufacture, and service of pellet mills and related equipment for animal feed production. Since 1974, PTN has led the industry with innovative solutions that improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Our MonoRoll, an advanced pellet mill design, significantly reduces energy use while enhancing performance and lowering maintenance needs. Serving industries such as compound feed, recycling, and biomass, PTN provides machinery to meet a wide range of needs. As part of the Triott Group, PTN leverages industry expertise to deliver cutting-edge pelleting solutions.

Stand number: 12A10

Website: www.ptn.nl

TSC SILOS

We have been building square silos for more than two decades. All over the world, for every industry. We set the standard. Our professional team designs, calculates, manufactures, assembles, installs, and sells square silos. Our silo system can be a fully integrated and static part of the building. In this way, the available space is optimally used for maximum capacity, saving a lot of material. One hand reaches the other. More storage at the lowest possible cost. In addition, we can

seamlessly integrate related constructions. By involving TSC at an early stage, we can guarantee optimal integration and save costs.

Stand number: 12A08

Website: www.tsc-silos.com

TIMAB MAGNESIUM

CAPMAG ® Zn: The latest-generation zinc supplementation

CAPMAG® Zn is an innovative solution for maximizing the bioavailability of zinc. Numerous trials in piglets resulted in improved growth performances. Indeed CAPMAG® Zn demonstrated up to + 2kg final weight after post-weaning compared to ZnO, and + 1kg against a potentiated ZnO. A positive effect was also observed in gut health with a modulation of piglets’ microbiota in favor of good bacteria compared to ZnSO4 and Zn-Proteinate. An improvement in intestinal integrity and a better nutrient digestibility were assessed. These results were also associated with a lower Zn excretion in manure (-32%). www.timabmagnesium.com timab.magnesium@roullier.com

EuroTier : Hall 20 Booth D52

VOLAC WILMAR

Volac Wilmar will be launching their Mega-Fat 70 rumen-protected fat supplement at the Eurotier event. With 70% of the milk fat-boosting C16:0 fatty acids, and 20% of the C18:1 fatty acids targeting improved body condition, fertility and fat digestibility, MegaFat 70 is perfectly placed as a multi-purpose fat supplement with specific emphasis on increasing milk fat over traditional calcium salt formulations. As a calcium salt, Mega-Fat 70 offers feed mills the potential to increase C16 concentration in pellets without sacrificing

ATOMIC PROTECTION BY MAGNESIUM

Innovative technology INTESTINAL ABSORPTION IMPROVEMENT

pellet quality as happens with traditional ‘high-C16’ fat supplements. An ideal feed fat supplement for farmer and feed mill alike.

Mole Valley Farmers Announces New Chairman

M ole Valley Farmers has announced the appointment of a new Chairman. Stephen Bone will take over from Graeme Cock , who decided to step down at the end of July after 13 years chairing the farmer-owned business. Mr Cock will continue to serve as a Non-Executive Director on the Mole Valley Farmers Board.

Mr Bone brings extensive experience to the role, having served as a Non-Executive Director of the company since 2014, as well as holding a number of other senior positions in national and regional organisations within the agricultural sector.

He said: “I am honoured to be given the opportunity to lead Mole Valley Farmers and look forward to working with the Board, Executive Team and our Farmer Shareholders at an exciting and challenging time for the industry.

“Our role as a farmer-owned business is to support our farming customers in producing the best possible milk, dairy products and meat in the most profitable, productive and sustainable way. We must also champion British farming, ensuring food security and profitable, sustainable farming is at the centre of government policy.

“Our unique, cooperative business model delivers industry leading advice with competitive pricing through buying at scale to drive down supply chain costs. To continue doing this we need the support of our Farmer Shareholders, Members and customers. I am excited about what we can achieve as an industry if we come together, work in partnership and support our shared aims and ambitions.”

Graeme Cock said: “It has been an absolute privilege to lead Mole Valley Farmers and help shape its development, working alongside great colleagues and with the ongoing support of our Farmer Shareholders and Members. There are undoubtedly challenges affecting the sector, but we are well placed with Stephen and CEO Jack Cordery to drive the business forward in the coming years. I will continue as a Non-Executive Director and do all I can supporting the Board and our three new NonExecutive Directors - Liz Haines, Rob Hues and Harry Pinsent - who have all joined in the last year, not to mention our commercial colleagues and our customers.”

Jack Cordery, CEO of Mole Valley Farmers added: “Graeme has made a significant contribution to Mole Valley Farmers and it has been a pleasure to work alongside him. His guidance and support have been invaluable as the business has navigated its way through many challenges

including the Covid pandemic and significant volatility in the market.

“Stephen brings a breadth of experience and strongly believes in the power of cooperation and collaboration. These are key to success for both farmers and our business. The appointment of Stephen, who is a strong leader and truly passionate about British farming, demonstrates the ambition of the Board to ensure Mole Valley Farmers continues to serve the best interests of our farming customers, ultimately helping them improve productivity, profitability and sustainability.”

NWF Group plc: Board Changes

NWF Group has announced the following changes to its Board.

Appointment of Chair elect

Amanda Burton has been appointed to the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director effective 18 July 2024, and as Chair with effect from the conclusion of the Group’s annual general meeting to be held on 26 September 2024 (“AGM”). Amanda will succeed Philip Acton, who as previously announced, will retire from the Board at the conclusion of the AGM. Amanda will also assume the responsibility of Chair of the Nomination Committee.

Amanda brings considerable experience to the Board gained from senior positions across the public, private and charity sectors spanning multiple industries. Amanda holds non-executive directorships at HSS Hire Group PLC, Elevate Services Inc, Post Office Limited and is chair of Green Light Trust.

Amanda qualified as a lawyer with Slaughter and May before working in a variety of legal and operational roles spanning nearly 30 years, including the position of global Chief Operating Officer of Clifford Chance LLP and Group Legal adviser to Meyer International, overseeing its takeover by Saint Gobain in 2000.

Appointment of non-executive director

The Group is also pleased to announce that Tim Cooper has been appointed to the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director effective 18 July 2024 and as Chair of its Remuneration Committee with effect from the conclusion of the AGM. Richard Armitage, who had been acting Chair of the Remuneration Committee, will stand down from that role but will continue as the Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Audit Committee.

In his executive career, Tim held a variety of management positions over a period of nearly 20 years, most recently as an executive director and a member of the executive leadership team at Victrex plc. Tim is currently a non-executive director of Pressure Technologies plc and Renold plc.

NOVUS Celebrates New Thinking in Dairy Production During EAAP

NOVUS will honor an outstanding researcher during the 75th European Association for Animal Production (EAAP) Annual Meeting in September.

The EAAP Young Scientists Award is presented to researchers born after September 1, 1986 “who have demonstrated outstanding research performance with the European dimension and perspective.” NOVUS representatives will present the award to Markos Managos, DVM, a doctoral student in the Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare at the Swedish University of Agricultural Science (SLU). NOVUS dairy experts were especially impressed by his research titled “Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Dairy Cows Fed Best Practice Diets,” which Managos presented at EAAP in 2023.

Managos’ field of study provides valuable insights into reducing the environmental impact of dairy production. He says dairy ration formulation is crucial for animal productivity and farm economics, but the environmental footprint of feed ingredients must also be considered.

“By selecting feed ingredients with a lower environmental impact that complement human food production, we can reduce the overall environmental footprint at the farm level. This approach offers the agricultural industry a significant opportunity to mitigate its environmental impact with the available resources,” he says.

Edwin Westreicher, Dr. sc. agr., technical services manager with NOVUS says Managos is a great example of the passion, knowledge, and inquisitiveness needed to help animals meet their growth potential while maintaining a mindfulness for the system’s impact on natural resources.

“We’re honored to present this award to Markos who, in many ways, exemplifies NOVUS’ vision and mission – using scientific research to help animals reach their full potential,” Westreicher says. “It’s imperative that we as an industry support and encourage new perspectives in those who are already making an impact in their young careers. They are, after all, who aid in the sustainability of animal agriculture.”

ForFarmers UK Welcome New Trader to CirQlar Division Christine Holman has joined the ForFarmers team as Trader within its CirQlar division.

Based at ForFarmers Shepshed site in Leicestershire, Christine will be helping customers secure cost effective and sustainable feed solutions such as Brewers Grains.

Peter Lyon, Managing Director for ForFarmers CirQlar, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Christine to a team that recognises the importance of providing UK farmers with nutritional co-products for the ruminant diet.

“Christine’s previous experience in sales and marketing will stand her in good stead, and her energetic and positive attitude make her a great addition to the team.”

Transforming the stock inventory process for Animal Feed Mills

• “Real-time” data regarding levels in silos can be viewed by all in the business, anytime, anywhere!

• Avoid costly downtime caused by run outs due to errors in reconciled methods of stock control

• Improve production scheduling in your mill

• Enhance health & safety by eliminating need to climb silos to inspect levels

• Data can be directly integrated into ERP & CRM systems via API

• Low level alerts can be set at agreed thresholds for added peace of mind

“We use SiloSpi on all our bins. It’s an excellent, reliable system” Mark Kiernan, Chairman, Kiernan Milling T:+ 353 89 2426825 E: info@lvlogics.com www.lvlogics.com

Trouw Nutrition GB, Blenheim House, Blenheim Road, Ashbourne DE6 1HA

Tel: 01335 341100 Fax: 01335 341171

E-mail: customerservices.gb@nutreco.com

Web: www.trouwnutrition.co.uk

(See Acidifiers, Analytical Services, Animal Health Products, Antibacterials, Chelated Minerals, Enzymes, Feed Additives, Feed Supplements, Milk Replacers, Mould Inhibitors, Mycotoxin Binders, Salmonella Control, Silage Additives)

Promtek Ltd

Fisher Street, Brindley Ford, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST8 7QJ

Tel: 01782 375600 Fax: 01782 375605

E-mail: info@promtek.com Web: www.promtek.com

(See Calibration and Weighing Services, Process Control Systems)

ACIDIFIERS

Lallemand Animal Nutrition Limited

10 – 13 Spring Lane North, Malvern Link WR14 1BU

Email: animaluk@lallemand.com

Tel: 07827 228161

Trouw Nutrition GB, Blenheim House, Blenheim Road, Ashbourne DE6 1HA

Tel: 01335 341100 Fax: 01335 341171

E-mail: customerservices.gb@nutreco.com Web: www.trouwnutrition.co.uk

ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE ENHANCERS

Adisseo

Tel: +353 87 766 8848

E-mail: info.nauk@adisseo.com

Web: www.adisseo.com

ANIMAL

HEALTH PRODUCTS

Kernfarm B.V.

De Corridor 14D

3621 ZB Breukelen, The Netherlands

Tel: +31 (0) 346 785 139

Email: info@kernfarm.com Web: www.kernfarm.com

Mervue Laboratories Ireland

Unit 9 Watergrasshill Business Park, Watergrasshill, Co. Cork, T56 HH98, Ireland

Tel: +353 21 21 4391080

E-mail: info@mervuelab.com Web: www.mervuelab.com

Trouw Nutrition GB, Blenheim House, Blenheim Road, Ashbourne DE6 1HA

Tel: 01335 341100 Fax: 01335 341171

E-mail: customerservices.gb@nutreco.com

Web: www.trouwnutrition.co.uk

ANALYTICAL SERVICES

DM Scientific Ltd, Main Site, Dalton, Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 3JA

Tel: 01845 577757

Email: dmacmillan@dmscientific.co.uk Web: www.dmscientific.co.uk

Trouw Nutrition GB, Blenheim House, Blenheim Road, Ashbourne DE6 1HA

Tel: 01335 341100 Fax: 01335 341171

E-mail: customerservices.gb@nutreco.com

Web: www.trouwnutrition.co.uk

ANTIBACTERIALS

Adesco Nutricines, 23 Strandside South, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford X35 W778, Ireland

Jack: +353 87 2208816

Seán: +353 85 1667512

Email: info@adesco.ie Web: www.adesco.ie

Trouw Nutrition GB, Blenheim House, Blenheim Road, Ashbourne DE6 1HA

Tel: 01335 341100 Fax: 01335 341171

E-mail: customerservices.gb@nutreco.com

Web: www.trouwnutrition.co.uk

ANTIOXIDANTS

Adisseo

Tel: +353 87 766 8848

E-mail: info.nauk@adisseo.com Web: www.adisseo.com

Lallemand Animal Nutrition Limited 10 – 13 Spring Lane North, Malvern Link WR14 1BU

Email: animaluk@lallemand.com

Tel: 07827 228161

AUTOMATED BAGGING & PALLETIZING EQUIPMENT

BAGGING

Concetti S.p.A

salesuk@fischbein.com

Tel. +44 208 344 6600 www.fischbein.com

EQUIPMENT

S.S. 75 Centrale Umbra, km 4, 190 Ospedalicchio

06083 Bastia Umbra, PG - Italy

Tel: +39 075 801561 Fax: +39 075 8000894

E-mail: sales@concetti.com Web: www.concetti.com

BULK STORAGE AND HANDLING

Croston Engineering Ltd, Tarvin Mill, Barrow Lane, Tarvin, Chester CH3 8JF

Tel: 01829 741119 Fax: 01829 741169

E-mail: admin@croston-engineering.co.uk Web: www.croston-engineering.co.uk

CALIBRATION AND WEIGHING SERVICES

Promtek Ltd

Fisher Street, Brindley Ford, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST8 7QJ

Tel: 01782 375600 Fax: 01782 375605

E-mail: info@promtek.com Web: www.promtek.com

CHELATED MINERALS

Trouw Nutrition GB, Blenheim House, Blenheim Road, Ashbourne DE6 1HA

Tel: 01335 341100 Fax: 01335 341171

E-mail: customerservices.gb@nutreco.com

Web: www.trouwnutrition.co.uk

COMMODITY CLAIMS MANAGEMENT

RMC Commodity Claims Management

3 Clement Road, Fulwood, Preston PR2 9LG

Tel: 07841 198733

E-mail: enquiries@rawmaterialclaims.co.uk Web: www.rawmaterialclaims.co.uk

ENZYMES

AB Vista

Edificio Twin Golf A, C/Perú, 6, 2º Floor, Office 4, 28290 Las Rozas, Madrid, Spain

Tel: +34 91 859 1787 Email: info@abvista.com Web: www.abvista.com

Adisseo

Tel: +353 87 766 8848

E-mail: info.nauk@adisseo.com Web: www.adisseo.com

Danisco Animal Nutrition & Health, IFF PO Box 218

2300 AE Leiden, THE NETHERLANDS

Tel: +31 6 1539 6689

Web: www.animalnutrition.iff.com

Trouw Nutrition GB, Blenheim House, Blenheim Road, Ashbourne DE6 1HA

Tel: 01335 341100 Fax: 01335 341171

FEED ADDITIVES

Borregaard UK Ltd

Clayton Road, Risley Employment Area, Warrington, Cheshire WA3 6QQ

Tel: 01925 285423 Fax: 01925 285433

E-mail: glenn.dearsley@borregaard.com Web: www.lignotechfeed.com

Cargill Animal Nutrition

Provimi Ltd., Dalton Airfield Industrial Estate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 3HE

Tel: 01845 578125 www.cargill.com/feed

Inform Nutrition Ireland Ltd Whitescross, Cork, T23 KD50, Ireland

Tel: +353 21 4394770

E-mail: info@informnutrition.com Web: www.informnutrition.com

www.kemin.com

Pancosma SA

E-mail: customerservices.gb@nutreco.com Web: www.trouwnutrition.co.uk

FEED MILL SILO MONITORING

Lvlogics Limited, Ballyhist, Carnaross,

Tel: +353 89 2426825

Email: info@lvlogics.com Web: www.lvlogics.com

Silo Monitoring Kells, Co. Meath, Ireland

Kemin UK Ltd.

Castlethorpe Court,Castlethorpe,BRIGG North Lincolnshire DN20 9LG,England

Kemin UK Ltd 34 Botanic Road, Southport, Merseyside PR9 7NG

tel:+44.1652.65.10.10 fax:+44.1652.65.54.13

Tel: +44 (0)1704 537702

Vierlinghstraat 51 4251 LC Werkendam The Netherlands

Minervum 7032 4817 LZ Breda The Netherlands

T +31 183 44 77 66

E info@orffa.com

Find your Orffa specialist at www.orffa.com

Voie des Traz 6, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex, Geneva, Switzerland

Tel : +41 22 929 84 84 Fax : +41 9259 84 95

E-mail: info@pancosma.ch Web: www.pancosma.com

Trouw Nutrition GB, Blenheim House, Blenheim Road, Ashbourne DE6 1HA

Tel: 01335 341100 Fax: 01335 341171

E-mail: customerservices.gb@nutreco.com Web: www.trouwnutrition.co.uk

FEED MILL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Croston Engineering Ltd, Tarvin Mill, Barrow Lane, Tarvin, Chester CH3 8JF

Tel: 01829 741119 Fax: 01829 741169

E-mail: admin@croston-engineering.co.uk Web: www.croston-engineering.co.uk

Turner Process Equipment Ltd

5 De Grey Square, De Grey Road, Colchester, Essex CO4 5YQ

Tel: 01206 752017 Fax: 01206 854484

E-mail: sales@turnerprocessequipment.co.uk Web: turnerprocessequipment.co.uk

Van Mourik Group

Boylestraat 34, 6718 XM Ede, The Netherlands

Tel: + 31 (0) 318 64 11 44

E-mail: info@vanmourik-group.com Web: vanmourik-group.com

Orffa

The sole UK supplier for Feedtech and supplier of all new and used milling equipment

Go Green Pelleting Solutions Ltd, Unit 8A Brindley Road, St Helens WA9 4HY

Mick Swift – 07500887637 David Kelly- 07500335621 Office Number – 01744808600 www.gogreenpelletingsolutions.co.uk www.feedtech.com.tr

FEED PATHOGEN CONTROL

Adesco Nutricines, 23 Strandside South, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford X35 W778, Ireland

Jack: +353 87 2208816 Seán: +353 85 1667512 Email: info@adesco.ie Web: www.adesco.ie

Anitox Ltd

7 Regent Park, Booth Drive, Park Farm, Wellingborough NN8 6GR

Tel: +44 1604 811228 Fax: +44 1604 811013

E-mail: anitoxEMEA@anitox.com Web: www.anitox.com

FEED INGREDIENTS

Azelis UK Ltd

Axis House, Tudor Road, Manor Park, Runcorn WA7 1BD

Tel: 01928 793090

Fax: 01928 716997

Email: nutrition@azelis.co.uk www.azelis.com

Gemcom Ltd

66-68 Margaret Street, London W1W 8SR Tel: +44(0) 20 3928 6235 Fax: +44 (0)20 7580 8002

E-mail: info@gemcom.co.uk Web: www.gemcom.co.uk

WestendAgri The Heath Business & Technical Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 4QX

Tel: + 44 (0)1477 544400

Mobile: +44 (0)7961 977623

E-mail: sales@westendagri.com Web: www.westendagri.com

FLAVOURS & PALATANTS

Adisseo

Tel: +353 87 766 8848

E-mail: info.nauk@adisseo.com Web: www.adisseo.com

Inroads International Ltd

Unit 4, Wem Engineering Centre

Church Lane, Wem, Shropshire SY4 5HS

FEED SUPPLEMENTS

Inform Nutrition Ireland Ltd Whitescross, Cork, T23 KD50, Ireland

Tel: +353 21 4394770

E-mail: info@informnutrition.com Web: www.informnutrition.com

Premier Nutrition

The Levels, Rugeley, Staffordshire WS15 1RD

Tel: 01889 572500 Fax: 01889 577074

E-mail: info@premiernutrition.co.uk Web: www.premiernutrition.co.uk

Trouw Nutrition GB, Blenheim House, Blenheim Road, Ashbourne DE6 1HA Tel: 01335 341100 Fax: 01335 341171

E-mail: customerservices.gb@nutreco.com Web: www.trouwnutrition.co.uk

MANUFCTURING OPTIMISATION SOFTWARE

Promtek Ltd

Fisher Street, Brindley Ford, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST8 7QJ

Tel: 01782 375600 Fax: 01782 375605

E-mail: info@promtek.com Web: www.promtek.com

METHIONINE

Adisseo

Tel: +353 87 766 8848

E-mail: info.nauk@adisseo.com Web: www.adisseo.com

MILK REPLACERS

Trouw Nutrition GB, Blenheim House, Blenheim Road, Ashbourne DE6 1HA

Tel: 01335 341100 Fax: 01335 341171

E-mail: customerservices.gb@nutreco.com Web: www.trouwnutrition.co.uk

MINERALS/PHOSPHATES

WestendAgri The Heath Business & Technical Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 4QX

Tel: + 44 (0)1477 544400

Mobile: +44 (0)7961 977623

E-mail: sales@westendagri.com Web: www.westendagri.com

MOISTURE MEASUREMENT & CONTROL

Adesco Nutricines, 23 Strandside South, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford X35 W778, Ireland

Jack: +353 87 2208816 Seán: +353 85 1667512

Email: info@adesco.ie Web: www.adesco.ie

Tel: +44 (0)1939 236 555 Fax: +44 (0)1939 236 450

Email: info@inroadsintl.co.uk Web: inroadsintl.com

PELLETING EQUIPMENT

Compound Feed Engineering Ltd 5 Haydock Lane, Haydock, St Helens, Merseyside, WA11 9UY

Tel: +44 (0) 1942 728188 Fax: +44 (0) 1942 408430

E-mail: info@cfegroup.com Web: www.cfegroup.com

MOLASSES PRODUCTS

E D & F Man Liquid Products UK Ltd

Alexandra House, Regent Road, Bootle L20 1ES

Tel: 0151 944 5100 Fax: 0151 944 3919

E-mail: info.mlpuk@edfman.com Web: www.edfmanliquidproductsuk.com

United Molasses GB Ltd

48 Gracechurch Street, London EC3V 0EJ

Tel: 0151 955 4850

Fax: 0151 955 4860

E-mail: molassesgb@umgroup.com Web: www.unitedmolasses.com

MOULD INHIBITORS

Adesco Nutricines, 23 Strandside South, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford X35 W778, Ireland

Jack: +353 87 2208816 Seán: +353 85 1667512 Email: info@adesco.ie Web: www.adesco.ie

Trouw Nutrition GB, Blenheim House, Blenheim Road, Ashbourne DE6 1HA

Tel: 01335 341100 Fax: 01335 341171

E-mail: customerservices.gb@nutreco.com Web: www.trouwnutrition.co.uk

MYCOTOXIN BINDERS

AB Vista

Edificio Twin Golf A, C/Perú, 6, 2º Floor, Office 4 28290 Las Rozas, Madrid, Spain

Tel: +34 91 859 1787 Email: info@abvista.com Web: www.abvista.com

Adisseo

Tel: +353 87 766 8848

E-mail: info.nauk@adisseo.com Web: www.adisseo.com

Trouw Nutrition GB, Blenheim House, Blenheim Road, Ashbourne DE6 1HA Tel: 01335 341100 Fax: 01335 341171

E-mail: customerservices.gb@nutreco.com Web: www.trouwnutrition.co.uk

PACKAGING SOLUTIONS

Fischbein

Tel: +44 (0)20 8344 6600

E-mail: salesuk@fischbein.com Web: www.fischbein.com

PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS

DSL Systems Ltd

Adbolton Hall, Adbolton Lane, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 5AS

Tel: 0115 981 3700 Fax: 0115 981 3702

E-mail: sales@dsl-systems.com Web: www.dsl-systems.com

Promtek Ltd

Fisher Street, Brindley Ford, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST8 7QJ

Tel: 01782 375600 Fax: 01782 375605

NUTRITION TOLL MANUFACTURE

B2B Nutrition, Fordton Industrial Estate, Crediton, Devon EX17 3BZ

(A division of the Denis Brinicombe Group)

Tel. 01363 775115

Tom Butler (Technical) 07803 736194

Email: tbutler@brinicombe.co.uk Web: www.b2bnutrition.co.uk

SALMONELLA CONTROL

Adesco Nutricines, 23 Strandside South, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford X35 W778, Ireland

Jack: +353 87 2208816 Seán: +353 85 1667512

Email: info@adesco.ie Web: www.adesco.ie

Lallemand Animal Nutrition Limited 10 – 13 Spring Lane North, Malvern Link WR14 1BU

Email: animaluk@lallemand.com Tel: 07815 483755

Trouw Nutrition GB, Blenheim House, Blenheim Road, Ashbourne DE6 1HA Tel: 01335 341100 Fax: 01335 341171

E-mail: customerservices.gb@nutreco.com Web: www.trouwnutrition.co.uk

SELENIUM

Adisseo Tel: +353 87 766 8848

E-mail: info.nauk@adisseo.com Web: www.adisseo.com

Lallemand Animal Nutrition Limited 10 – 13 Spring Lane North, Malvern Link WR14 1BU

Email: animaluk@lallemand.com Tel: 07827 228161

SIEVING & PRECLEANING

Turner Process Equipment Ltd 5 De Grey Square, De Grey Road, Colchester, Essex CO4 5YQ Tel: 01206 752017 Fax: 01206 854484

E-mail: sales@turnerprocessequipment.co.uk Web: turnerprocessequipment.co.uk

E-mail: info@promtek.com Web: www.promtek.com

SILAGE ADDITIVES

Lallemand Animal Nutrition Limited 10 – 13 Spring Lane North, Malvern Link WR14 1BU

Email: animaluk@lallemand.com Tel: 07884 312382

Trouw Nutrition GB, Blenheim House, Blenheim Road, Ashbourne DE6 1HA

Tel: 01335 341100 Fax: 01335 341171

E-mail: customerservices.gb@nutreco.com Web: www.trouwnutrition.co.uk

Peace of mind:

No bearings, seals or service down time

… Guaranteed for 5 YEARS for UK

Single V-Belt drive;

High inertia, smooth and efficient

No oil leaks into feed or on press floor

Designed, fabricated and built in Italy

Support:

Design and installation services

UK based stock and engineers

2-3 day die and roll refurbishment

Dies held in stock on request

24 hours, 365 days a year

…If the phone works, we do

Experience:

Sales technicians who understand the dayto-day requirements of a busy mill >50 years manufacturing at La Meccanica Condex Ltd - established in 1980

Working together since 1986

www.lameccanica.it …… Contact us to discuss your requirements