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LANDMARK EMISSIONS MOMENT
Net zero and methane emission pressures are starting to ramp up for livestock farmers, placing new demands and product development requirements on our own sector.
The Danish Government’s introduction of a carbon tax on agriculture, as reported in our Europe View, is the current headline activity, but there are plenty of other signs of governments and farmers becoming increasingly edgy about what to do next in order to meet the growing array of high-profile climate change objectives.
Beyond the planned implementation of Denmark’s new tax in 2030, the suggested management of the development makes interesting reading, especially as other countries, UK included, will be watching to see how this latest bold initiative works out.
According to a detailed briefing note from the British Agriculture Bureau (BAB) in Brussels, the Danish plan has garnered buy-in support from the Danish Agriculture and Food Council, the Danish Society for Nature Conservation, the Confederation of Danish Industry, the Trade Union NNF that organises workers within the country’s slaughterhouse and meat industry, and the Danish Local Government Association. You don’t get that sort of collective backing for a new tax, however, without considerable closed-door debate and a willingness to make concessions.
In Denmark’s case, the country’s government and associated industry bodies have spent the past five months in negotiations over the policy change. One of the promises to emerge from this process, says BAB, is that revenue from the tax will be channelled back to the farming sector for reinvesting in green initiatives, climate technology, and production transformation, all the while targeting agricultural sectors which are facing the most difficult transitioning challenge.
In addition, alongside being required to pay 300 DKK (£34) per ton of CO2 in 2030, rising to 750 DKK (£85) by 2035, Danish farmers have been promised a 60% ‘tax break’. This will be applied to ‘average emissions’ from different types of livestock and is designed to provide an economic advantage for climate-efficient farmers. A classic carrot and stick ploy, creating a route for producers who get on board early to minimise their own transition pain.
Alongside such planning, it’s important to recognise that farmers will have their own opinions on how livestock should be treated, especially when it comes to testing new emission-lowering feed products. On this issue, the Danish Government is also committed to funding the development of feed additive solutions, pledging 518 million DDK (£58.8m) to the cause.
You would think farmers would love that, of course, but not all do. For example, Cumbrian milk producer Robert Craig remains somewhat cautious. Speaking in his role as chairman of The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) he responded to a
recent question on feed additives by observing that producers must be ‘really careful’ about what they’re feeding to cows. He further stated that he wouldn’t want to see emission-based additives added to cow diets before everyone was absolutely certain of the benefits of such action.
“We might end up curing one problem and have a whole host of unintended consequences,” he said. “We are, after all, talking about a complex dietary system within a cow. If we are going to inhibit an emission from happening, then we need to know there won’t be knock-on effects regarding the animal’s welfare. It’s a tricky issue.”
Such views are fully understood and appreciated across our own industry, of course, underpinning research and development efforts in relation to all areas of livestock feeding. Hopefully, the same care and attention is being applied at government level to ensure a safe balance is maintained between the protection of animal health and welfare and the pursuit of net zero targets.
Robert Craig’s word of caution came ahead of an RABDF event in Cheshire which was designed to outline ways to improve profitability while transitioning to more environmentally acceptable systems.
Event hosts, Grosvenor Farms, are seeking to become net zero in six years, having already reduced emissions from their 2,600 Holstein dairy cows and 1,800 heifers through better feed digestion, more efficient use of feed, and lower nitrous oxide emissions due to the decline in crude protein levels. The company is also running a 400-cow pilot trial with a methane inhibitor, an assessment which is being watched closely by RABDF members.
There has, of course, been plenty of talk in recent years about controlling methane emissions from livestock farming, the most potentially damaging suggestion being to merely reduce cow numbers. This is the context, however, in which the Danish move represents a new form of concrete action.
There is also a consensus (according to BAB) that the Danes should now work at an EU level to ensure the collective regulation of agricultural emissions through an emissions trading system for agriculture (ETS). If, how, or when, such a system might add some monetary value to cutting methane emissions, remains to be seen. It’s clear, though, that the ETS bandwagon is gaining momentum.
As feed providers, our sector is inevitably exposed to the stresses and strains of all these new demands. In many cases, of course, we are well ahead of the curve in terms of emerging solutions, and rightly so. However, balancing politically driven net zero ambitions with commercial practicalities will not be easy in the years ahead. Settling for fewer cow mouths to feed in the future, nevertheless, is hardly a satisfactory alternative. We mustn’t let that happen.
GREAT BRITAIN
Feed Production Update
By Ryan Mounsey
May Production Overview
Total production of compounds, blends and concentrates, including integrated poultry units, in Great Britain during May had increased by 26,000 tonnes or 2.7 per cent from the corresponding month a year previously to 1,000,600 tonnes. Despite this production growth, the total under review was 10,300 tonnes or 1.0 per cent lower than the decade long average for the month.
Total feed production during the month of May 2024 was made up of: 47.1 per cent poultry feed; 30.8 per cent cattle and calf feed; 13.7 per cent pig feed; 4.7 per cent sheep feed; 1.4 per cent horse feed; and 2.2 per cent other feed.
At 470,700 tonnes of output for May, total poultry feed production had surpassed its year earlier return by 18,200 tonnes or 4.0 per cent. However, due to the significantly higher production recorded in recent years, the current total was still 16,300 tonnes or 3.4 per cent down on the 10 year average for May.
Chick rearing compounds was the one poultry subsector where production failed to better its year previous total - even so it dropped by just 100 tonnes or 1.0 per cent to 9,800 tonnes of output. In contrast, turkey compounds output increased dramatically from a year earlier to 7,600 tonnes, up 2,400 tonnes or 46.2 per cent. For just the second time in the past 20 months, broiler feed production bettered its corresponding year previous production, doing so by 5,800 tonnes or 4.0 per cent up to 150,300 tonnes of output. Production of layer compounds and poultry breeding and rearing compounds likewise, both surpassed their 2023 returns: the former rose by 3,900 tonnes or 4.8 per cent to 84,600 tonnes, and the latter did so by 600 tonnes or 2.7 per cent, up to 22,800 tonnes. Lastly, total production of integrated poultry units increased for the second May in succession to 170,900 tonnes, a growth of 8,400 tonnes or 5.2 per cent from its year earlier total.
An increase of 11,900 tonnes or 4.0 per cent brought total cattle and calf feed production for the month under review up to 308,600 tonnes. This was the first time May production had been above 300,000 tonnes since 2019 and the highest output for the month since 2013. Furthermore, the total under review outstripped the decade long average for May by 19,900 tonnes or 6.7 per cent.
All other cattle blends and cattle protein concentrates both increased from their 2023 returns by over a quarter to reach record highs for May. All other cattle blends production increased by 5,600 tonnes or 27.3 per cent, up to 26,100 tonnes and cattle protein concentrates rose by 1,500 tonnes or 26.3 per cent to 7,200 tonnes. Production of all other cattle compounds surpassed its year earlier return for the third May in succession, growing to 34,700 tonnes, an increase of 1,000 tonnes or 3.0 from 2023 and total calf feed output was 200 tonnes or 1.6 per cent up on a year previous to 12,600 tonnes. In the dairy subsectors, blends for dairy cows rose by 3,700 tonnes or 6.9 per cent from a year earlier to 57,400 tonnes, the highest total for May since 2014 whereas, compounds for dairy cows remained at its 2023 return of 170,600 tonnes - still the third highest output for the month since the turn of the millennium.
Total pig feed production fell for the second May in succession to 137,400 tonnes, the lowest total for the month under review since 2013 and 6,200 tonnes or 4.3 per cent down on a year previously. Additionally, the current total was 10,500 tonnes or 7.4 per cent below the decade long average for May.
In contrast with the sector as a whole, pig growing compounds output increased by a considerable 4,700 tonnes or 21.5 per to 26,600 tonnes. The pig starters feed and pig breeding compounds categories were both at their lowest output on record for May, down 900 tonnes or 26.5 per cent to 2,500 tonnes and 3,400 tonnes or 10.9 per cent to 27,700 tonnes respectively. Production of pig link and early grower feed declined by over a third from a year previous, the total under review of 4,900 tonnes being 2,800 tonnes or 36.4 per cent down on a year previous and the lowest total for the month since 2008. Finally, pig finishing compounds production fell for the second May in a row to 75,500 tonnes, a decrease of 3,700 tonnes or 4.7 per cent.
At 47,400 tonnes, total May sheep feed production had outpaced its year previous return by 4,300 tonnes or 10.1 per cent. Moreover, the current total was 2,100 tonnes or 4.5 per cent in excess of the 10 year average for the month.
Production of blends for breeding sheep rose by 500 tonnes or 8.8 per cent from a year previous to 6,200 tonnes, the highest total on record for May. Compounds for growing and finishing sheep also increased sharply from its 2023 level as output grew by 3,300 tonnes or 11.3 per cent to 32,500 tonnes. Compounds for breeding sheep production also rose, up by 700 tonnes or 10.4 per cent to 7,400 tonnes. On the other hand, the output of protein concentrates for sheep remained at its year earlier level of 500 tonnes and blends for breeding sheep production decreased by 200 tonnes or 20.0 per cent to 800 tonnes.
For the second year in succession, total horse feed production
dropped below its year earlier counterpart. The total under review, at 14,400, tonnes was 600 tonnes or 4.0 per cent down on 2023. However, the current total did better the 10 year average for the month by 400 tonnes or 2.8 per cent.
Total other feed production for May had declined by 1000 tonnes or 4.3 per cent from the corresponding month a year previously to 22,100 tonnes of output. Moreover, due to the considerably higher outputs from the sector in the first half of the preceding decade, the total under review was an even more considerable 5,700 tonnes or 22.9 per cent lower than the decade long average for May.
NORTHERN IRELAND
February Production Overview
Total production of compounds, blends and concentrates in Northern Ireland during February was 239,100 tonnes, its highest level for the month on record and an increase of 15,600 tonnes or 7.0 per cent from a year previous. This was the fourth successive February where total output had risen. Consequently, the total under review outpaced the decade long average for the month by 23,600 tonnes or 11.0 per cent.
Total feed production during the month of February 2024 was made up of: 54.6 per cent cattle and calf feed; 30.5 per cent poultry feed; 8.3 per cent pig feed; 3.8 per cent sheep feed; and 2.8 per cent other feed.
At 130,500 tonnes, total production of feed for cattle and calves surpassed its year earlier return by 9,700 tonnes or 8.1 per cent and rose to its largest output for the period on record. Furthermore, the current total was 14,500 tonnes or 12.5 per cent in excess of the 10 year average for February.
All cattle and calf feed subsectors bettered their year previous returns with the output from four of these reaching record highs for the month under review. These were: dairy cow compounds, where production grew by 2,500 tonnes or 4.7 per cent to 54,600 tonnes; beef coarse mixes or blends, up 4,900 tonnes or 22.1 per cent from a year previous to 26,900 tonnes; dairy coarse mixes or blends, where production increased by 1,100 tonnes or 4.3 per cent to 25,800 tonnes; and lastly, other calf compounds, at 8,900 tonnes, up 500 tonnes or 6.0 per cent from a year earlier. The beef cattle compounds category also bettered its year previous output, rising by 700 tonnes or 5.3 per cent to 13,500 tonnes. Finally, production of protein concentrates for cattle and calves increased by 60 tonnes or 26.2 per cent to 280 tonnes.
For the second February in succession, total poultry feed production was at record levels. In the timeframe under review, output was at 73,000 tonnes, 3,700 tonnes or 5.4 per cent in advance of the corresponding return from 2023. Additionally, the current total was an even greater 9,100 tonnes or 14.3 per cent higher than the 10 year average for February.
Despite surpassing its year earlier counterpart by a substantial 1,400 tonnes or 65.5 per cent, turkey and other poultry feed, at 3,600 tonnes of output for the February under review, was the only poultry feed subsector not to be at a record high return for the month. Broiler feed production outpaced the previous record set a year earlier by 600 tonnes or 1.6 per cent and rose to 38,200 tonnes. The chick rearing feed subsector bettered its year earlier February return for the fourth year in a row and increased to an unprecedented 2,900 tonnes of output, 400 tonnes or 14.9 per cent up on 2023 levels. Finally, after a production decrease recorded a year previously, layer and breeder feed output grew by 1,400 tonnes or 5.0 per cent to a record high 28,300 tonnes.
After falling sharply a year earlier, total pig feed production for February rose by 1,900 tonnes or 10.4 per cent from its 2023 counterpart to 19,800 tonnes. Whilst this was the second lowest output for the month under review in the past five years, the current total outpaced the decade long average by 1,100 tonnes or 6.1 per cent.
While pig finishing feed output remained at its year previous level of 7,600 tonnes, all other pig feed subsectors surpassed their year earlier returns. Pig starter and creep feed production increased by 600 tonnes or 29.1 per cent to 2,800 tonnes, a record high for February. The pig breeding feed and pig link and early grower feed categories both bettered their year previous returns by 19.8 per cent with the former growing by 500 tonnes to 2,700 tonnes of output and the latter by 600 tonnes to 3,500 tonnes of production. Lastly, pig growing feed production rose by 200 tonnes or 7.5 per cent from a year earlier to 3,300 tonnes.
Total sheep feed was the only sector where February production declined below its year earlier counterpart, as output dropped by 700 tonnes or 6.7 per cent to 9,000 tonnes. Moreover, this reduction brought the total under review 600 tonnes or 6.5 per cent below the decade long average for the month.
Coarse mixes or blends for sheep was the only subsector to fall below its 2023 return but it did so by a significant 800 tonnes or 31.2 per cent to 1,700 tonnes of output, the lowest level for February since 2002. On the other hand, production of growing and finishing sheep compounds increased from year previous levels by 100 tonnes or 2.8 per cent to 2,400 tonnes and the output of breeding sheep compounds matched its year earlier return of 4,900 tonnes.
At 6,800 tonnes of output, total other feed had increased from year earlier levels by a considerable 900 tonnes or 15.2 per cent. However, due to the significant declines in production that have occurred in the sector over the past six years, this rise was not great enough to bring the total under review above the decade long average for February which it remained 500 tonnes or 7.4 per cent below.
View From Europe
By Colin Ley
No shortage of European legislation
The introduction of new legislation, even when there’s general agreement on the value of the overall objective, invariably creates a degree of turmoil while the practical implementation and operating issues are sorted out. Operating costs also tend to rise along the way.
This is certainly true of the rapidly approaching deadline for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which is set to come into force on December 30 this year. Early industry voices were quick to point to the Regulation’s tight implementation period when the initiative was passed by the European Parliament round about this time last year.
That substantial concerns remain in place with just six months of preparation time to go clearly justifies the early warnings. Being proved right at this point, however, doesn’t necessarily help solve the key issue of applying EUDR to European businesses without causing unnecessary disruption to many long-established supply chains.
The view that the planned EUDR information system is not yet ‘on track’ to meet the requirements of properly functioning supply chains was duly expressed in a letter to European Commission (EC) President, Ursula von der Leyen, in May, signed by no fewer than 13 trade associations. Included in this list were FEFAC, FEDIOL, and COCERAL, representing their commitments to various aspects of animal feed production, processing and supply.
While Ms von der Leyen has been somewhat busy during the past month or so, seeking to secure her own presidential future within the EC, the letter itself has no doubt been assessed by the usual array of officials and advisers. At least, we hope so.
A key concern for the European feed sector is how the future supply of soya may be impacted by EUDR, including trade carried out by businesses which have been careful over many years to avoid products from deforested areas. There is always a catch-all factor attached to such legislation which requires those who are already operating within the desired framework to prove the purity of their products and practices, alongside supply chain operators for whom improvements will be required.
Constructive feedback
The industry-backed letter to the EC President re-emphasised the 13 organisations’ united support for the objectives of EUDR, offering their latest comments as ‘ constructive feedback ’ relating to the development of the regulation’s information system.
It was a detailed letter, of course, and the full text is easy to find on the FEFAC website. Suffice it to say that the 13 are agreed that ‘numerous gaps’ need to be addressed in order for the planned IT process to be fully functioning in time for EUDR’s implementation.
It was also stated that the current timeline to make the Information System available for general use, namely mid-December, is ‘totally underestimating’ the reality of existing supply chains. The 13 want businesses to be provided with the new system by the beginning of November, avoiding an impossible two-week test and use process during which companies would need to familiarise themselves with the new environment, ensure connection with their own data management systems and train relevant staff.
All valid points, surely, and supported by analysts operating outside the feed sector bubble. During a recent Rabobank podcast, for example, which focused on the impact of EUDR implementation on future global beef supplies, the Bank ’s Senior Animal Protein Analyst, Eva Gocsik, was asked how she thought businesses might engage with the new process.
“You can look at it from two perspectives,” she replied. “It’s an opportunity for some but also a challenge in that it imposes a higher administrative burden, for sure, which industries will need to bear in terms of compliance.”
When asked if she thought businesses were ready for EUDR or still apprehensive about the implementation, Gocsik said that no one feels ready at present, not even the EC.
All of which raises the question of how secure the December 30, 2024, implementation date really is. Certainly, a request by Austria’s farm minister, Norbert Totschnig, to delay EUDR implementation, with claimed backing from 22 other member states, was widely reported in late March this year.
A slight implementation delay would hardly be unusual for Brussels, especially as MEPs are still recovering for being elected or re-elected and are already preparing hard for the EC’s traditional summer holiday shutdown. The fact remains that this new regulation is coming, however, and businesses must continue gearing up for its arrival and the commercial changes which seem certain to ensue.
Opportunity
While the technology side of EUDR’s introduction will require businesses to adjust traceability procedures, many feed suppliers already have their own product ‘opportunities’ in place in the form of raw material sources which have never been anywhere near a previously forested area.
One such business is Scottish animal feed manufacturer, Norvite, who point to their use of locally grown oilseed rape as a core product ingredient which will give them a head start once EUDR hits the statute books. The company is also prepared for the arrival of the UK Forest Risk Commodity Regulation (UKFRC) which is
projected for implementation in February 2025, requiring businesses to submit an annual compliance report for relevant products, once again including soya.
Although both EUDR and UKFRC will impact a range of products, soya supplies into the EU and UK will be high on the potential impact list. And, as regards the UK, that impact could be substantial. According to statistics released by the UK’s Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board, for example, some 882,000 metric tonnes of soya were used by the feed sector in Great Britain between July 2023 and March 2024.
“This impending legislation will be a concern for anyone who currently relies on soya,” said Edward Smith, Norvite’s Managing Director, via a press release issued in early June. “ We are all very aware that importing soybean and palm oil is unsustainable and potentially unethical and so we are proud to be providing a Scottishgrown alternative for livestock farmers.”
Following up on this with Edward during the Royal Highland Show in late June, he explained that the company’s alternative product is based on extracting meal and oil from locally grown oilseeds, which are cold pressed through the company’s own plant in Aberdeenshire.
The story really goes back to 2015 when the company was supplying complete feed and home mixes, plus some mobile milling, to farmers throughout Scotland.
“We were buying tanker loads of soya oil from a plant in Liverpool
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at the time, while sourcing soya meal from southern suppliers,” he said. “However, with oilseed rape enjoying the long daylight hours of northeast Scotland and the cooler climate serving to keep pests away until the crop was strong enough to defend itself, we decided to look towards making better use of this local production.
“We were actually into sustainable production some time before sustainability was a thing, certainly before it was the key focus it has now become.”
With EUDR and UKFRC on the way, and with Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, delivering a Highland Show message for farmers which mixed positive production ambitions with a reminder of the country’s net zero targets, the time for locally grown oilseeds appears to have arrived.
Anti-dumping
Life is rarely plain sailing on the international trade front, as highlighted by new accusations, issued in mid-June by China of EU pork being dumped on their market. Whatever the rights and wrongs of the case, and there does seem to be some sort of link between the pork complaint and the EU having imposed duties on Chinese electric cars, the fallout from a prolonged pork dispute would not be good for EU producers.
Even a rapid conclusion to this spat will inject a degree of nervousness into future trade planning on the part of European exporters. While a quick dissolving of this issue is always possible in a world where pork and electric cars appear to occupy the same place in China/EU politics, the more likely option is that the dumping dispute will rumble on for the best part of the next year. That, at least, is the investigation timetable mentioned by China’s Ministry of Commerce in relation to the complaint. That sounds like a lot of pain for EU exporters.
“Searching for and developing alternative markets might be beneficial for exporters,” commented one prominent market analyst, to which the obvious on-farm response would no doubt include the words ‘fat’ and ‘chance’.
Farm and farm cooperative leaders in Europe, represented by Copa and Cogeca, are crystal clear on the issue, namely that the EU agri-food sector is caught in the crossfire of the electric car dispute and that the European Commission needs to make sure the problem doesn’t escalate further.
Given that the EU exports important quantities of pig sector byproducts in China, many of which don’t really have a market in Europe, the word is that producers will be impacted in Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, France and Belgium. Instead of being left to pick up the ‘crossfire’ bill, once again, Copa and Cogeca are pressing the Commission to ensure affected producers are well supported throughout the investigation process and compensated for whatever the effects of the dispute outcome might be.
Welcome back President von der Leyen!
Danish action
Another development which threatens to impact future feed sales, concerns livestock farmers in Denmark who are set to become the first in Europe to be subjected to a carbon tax, effectively targeting methane emissions. They are to be charged a headline rate of 300 kroner (£34) a ton of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2030, rising to 750 kroner (£85) by 2035.
Although there are income tax adjustments also in the pipeline, potentially easing the initial burden on affected farmers, the Danish Government has clearly put down a very strong marker in line with its aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030, taking 1990 as the starting point for its calculations.
Early reports suggest that Danish farmers are on board with the move, a position which contrasts sharply with producers in New Zealand who have successfully ‘stalled’ a similar taxation plan by the country’s government which was due to hit livestock farms in 2025.
Instead of pressing on with its ‘fart tax’ plans, as the measure is widely described in New Zealand, the government has commissioned an independent panel to review reduction targets, stating that while it is committed to meeting its climate change aims, it will do so without shutting down kiwi farms.
Wayne Langford, president of the NZ industry group, Federated Farmers, had earlier described the methane reduction targets as being incredibly divisive, highly political and having no credible science to underpin them.
A similar line emerged from Joseph McFadden, professor of dairy cattle biology at Cornell University in the US, in an early reaction to the Danish Government’s move, which was unveiled on June 27.
He maintained that a tax of this kind will place an ‘unnecessary burden’ on farmers who, instead, need to be provided with better tools to mitigate and measure emissions. McFadden also argued that the current ability to accurately measure livestock emissions is questionable, adding that if farmers are regulated before providing them with safe, effective, and affordable tools to mitigate emissions, then little is being done to protect the future of farming.
Being fair to the Danish Government, their taxation move comes on the back of a 518 million kroner (£58.8m) funding commitment, made earlier this year, to help farmers assess a feed additive solution that is claimed to reduce methane emissions from cattle by up to 30%.
As is often the case, this whole process leaves farmers and feed businesses in a classic challenge/opportunity position.
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For anyone who finds the right methane reduction product, the opportunities are obviously enormous.
At the same time, Denmark’s taxation move could easily spark similar action elsewhere in Europe, especially once anti-livestock lobbyists get to work.
An issue to be watched certainly, with New Zealand’s deliberations potentially helping other EU governments decide whether or not to follow Denmark’s lead.
Scientifically Speaking …
By Matthew Wedzerai
U nderstanding analytical challenges of multimycotoxin contamination in feed
The general presence of mycotoxins and the combating methods in feed are a frequent subject of research. However, the analytical problems in detecting the type and content of modified and multimycotoxins are less frequently mentioned, yet they are common in laboratory practice and have a strong influence on mycotoxin management strategies. In this recent study1, researchers shed more light on the approach and understanding of the challenges.
Mycotoxins are a huge global feed and food safety concern, especially considering recent estimates 2 that they contaminate 60–80% of the food produced worldwide and that they consist of hundreds of identified species. Among them, aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA), fumonisins (FUMs), deoxynivalenol (DON), patulin (PAT), nivalenol (NIV), the T-2 toxin (T-2), the HT-2 toxin (HT-2), and zearalenone (ZEA) are of greatest concern. As they have damaging effects on animal and human health, many countries have set individual limits for various foods intended for human and animal consumption. To this end, various preventive measures, and control strategies, as well as treatments, are employed but absolute elimination is impossible; despite modern techniques and growing knowledge on the subject, obstacles exist. In this study published in Toxins (2023)1, researchers bring to light the two most common stumbling blocks and reasons for the inconsistency between analytical data and practical events: multi-toxin contamination and the presence of modified (or so-called masked) mycotoxins.
Multi-toxin contamination
Reports show that current legislation refers to the assessment of risks posed by individual mycotoxins and, initially, by the metabolites of mycotoxins together with the parent compound. However, they do not consider the multiple dynamics and potential interactions between co-occurring groups of mycotoxins. In the current study, researchers highlight that animal feed is vulnerable to contamination by multiple mycotoxins as it is a mixture of several raw ingredients, while the transfer of mycotoxins from animal feed to food of animal origin is often demonstrated. They stated that the co-occurrence of mycotoxins with possible synergistic or additive effects depicts a further aspect to be considered in risk assessment and requires an appropriate evaluation methodology.
They also stated that there is an increasingly topical issue so-called “emerging mycotoxins”. This group consists of currently non-regulated mycotoxins produced by Fusariumspp., which include beauvericin (BEA), enniatins (ENNs), and fusaproliferin (FUS). Reports show that permitted levels have not been set for these mycotoxins as there is not enough data regarding their toxicity, occurrence, and contamination levels, yet their co-occurrence with other Fusariummycotoxins such as DON and NIV is reported.
“Regular monitoring of different mycotoxins and the collection of data on their presence and co-occurrence, with details of the location of the crops, as well as the availability of this information, should be a priority,” they said.
They also encouraged building predictive models to estimate mycotoxin risk levels by adding knowledge about weather forecasting and plant phenology. “This would benefit different stakeholders such as farmers, the feed and food industry, processors, and food safety authorities.”
Multi-toxin detection challenges
A fundamental problem in detecting multi-toxins is the question of which toxins should be the focal point of the tests; the prime movers for routine mycotoxin testing are applicable regulatory obligations or trade specifications, that is, the unfavourable circumstance is the lack of globally harmonised regulations. On the other hand, apparent climate change is causing variations in fungal populations and, thus, in mycotoxin patterns. In addition, new toxins are emerging, and metabolites of familiar toxins (masked or modified forms) are increasingly being found. Some of the challenges of multiple mycotoxin detection, independent of the analytical technique, are the need for co-extraction of multiple analytes with very different polarities and the potential for carryover of matrix components that can affect the results.
According to the researchers, while many technologies have been developed to detect molecular interactions, each has an intrinsic technological drawback that makes it challenging to use.
“So, there is no ‘perfect’ immunoassay solution for multiplex detection of mycotoxins, but methods are improving, and there is good reason to believe that these challenges can be overcome with the development of convenient methods. In addition, greater efficiency in hazard detection and lower monitoring expenses have the potential to enable more comprehensive surveillance, further lowering the potential for mycotoxin exposure,” they said.
Detection of modified mycotoxins
The label for modified mycotoxins refers to masked and bound mycotoxins and mycotoxin metabolites. Modified mycotoxins can be described as metabolites of the parent mycotoxins made in the plant, by plant enzymes because of their defensive reaction
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to mould infestation, or they can be synthesized by the moulds themselves. They can also have an abiotic origin due to a chemical reaction between the parent toxin and the matrix that occurs during processing. According to the researchers, among the group of masked mycotoxins that occur in feed, ZEA-14-sulfate and DON3-glucoside are the most common. Consuming contaminated feed and food can result in exposure to both the parental compound and the modified form.
Depending on the analysis method, the mycotoxin content of modified mycotoxins in the samples containing these compounds usually leads to their underestimation. For example, bound mycotoxins are not directly accessible and must be released from the matrix by chemical or enzymatic treatment before chemical analysis. On the other hand, modifications of mycotoxin molecules could result in an overestimation of mycotoxin levels; this is often the case when the analytical method detects the mycotoxin derivative together with the parent molecule but does not provide information regarding the analytical signal originating from a less toxic or non-toxic form.
Future analytical prospects
According to the researchers, the future development of analytical methods should consider the following:
• Understanding the modification mechanisms of mycotoxins would help determine the maximum tolerable levels of these metabolites, which is an ultimate demand.
• Additional effort should be implemented to assess the occurrence of modified mycotoxins and their toxicity, and the potential additive or synergistic toxicity of combined mycotoxins.
• Stronger efforts should be implemented to develop predictive models that encompass contamination from a wider spectrum of mycotoxins, especially taking climate change into account.
• The regular and extensive monitoring of feed and food, the periodic revision of regulatory limits by new knowledge and practical needs, as well as continuous work on developing methods to mitigate mycotoxin contamination is a necessity.
References
1. Nešić K, Habschied K, Mastanjević K. Modified Mycotoxins and Multitoxin Contamination of Food and Feed as Major Analytical Challenges. Toxins. 2023; 15(8):511. https://doi.org/10.3390/ toxins15080511
2. Eskola M, Kos G, Elliott CT, Haj š lová J, Mayar S, Krska R. Worldwide contamination of food-crops with mycotoxins: Validity of the widely cited ‘FAO estimate’ of 25. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2020;60(16):2773-2789. doi:10.1080/10408398.2019.1658570
With products for every kind of mycotoxin, B.I.O.Tox® Mycotoxin Binders can protect your animals from clinical and subclinical intoxications and performance drops.
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By Christine Pedersen Senior Dairy Business Consultant
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MILK PRICES SET TO TURN A CORNER
“Milk prices should now have bottomed out with the strong milk solids together with the weak production delivering 37.9ppl at the farm gate,” says my colleague Nick Holt-Martyn of The Dairy Group. He goes on to say “from here butter and cream’s rise should drag prices through 40ppl by late summer, with a little help from a firming cheese price.
The weather seems to be playing its part with June the first month in the last 12 with below average rainfall and the forecast suggests the wet weather patterns have switched to a more “normal” showery outlook. Meanwhile, Europe wide inflation is down and GDP is picking up, often an indicator of rising dairy demand. Stability and normality seem to be in play, that is until perhaps the effects of the elections in the UK and France have played out.
Source: The Dairy Group, Defra, AHDB
The graph above shows the UK milk supply picture in 2024 with a general tracking of the 3 and 5 year average with the exception of the spring departure due to poor weather. This effect is diminishing with late June daily supply exceeding 2023 and June set to finish at 0%. Going forward tracking the 2 trend lines is most likely subject to weather and economic pressures.
The graph below shows the recovery in the farm gate price from autumn 2023 followed by the recent seasonal dip towards the spring flush. With MPE rising and higher wholesale prices in the EU the upward trend looks set to resume with 40ppl being surpassed by late summer.
The average Farm Gate milk price in April has been revised up to 38.4ppl and May is provisionally 37.9ppl, the lowest monthly price since November. Milk prices above 40ppl will be welcome, but more is needed if the gap to the cost of production is to be closed or even surpassed. The average cost of production continues to rise and could already be exceeding 44ppl as fixed costs rise in tandem with general inflation. Despite the headline figure achieving 2%, inflation will be under pressure again this autumn with crude oil prices up 10.8% in the last 6 months of which 6.6% was in the last month. As with domestic electricity prices autumn/winter increases are expected when these feed through to the wider economy. Milk prices around 40ppl won’t be sufficient to deliver the profitability needed for reinvestment.
The sustainability of the market rises depend on demand, but especially on global milk supply. If the weather can deliver some “normality” then tracking historic production levels seems likely. Hurricane Beryl being the earliest Category 5 Hurricane ever is a possible indicator of a stormy late summer/autumn to come which could hold back milk supply. Below par milk supply will drive the farm gate price higher through the winter. Weather as always is the key to milk supply and therefore milk price!
CARBON TAX
The “carrot and stick approach” is a motivational method that involves offering a reward or a “carrot” for good outcomes and a negative consequence or a “stick” for poor results. In the context of milk production, it is typically in the hands of the milk purchasers to structure bonuses to achieve a desired outcome. Arla launched their Climate Check and Sustainability Incentive Model (recently rebranded FarmAhead™ Technology) two years ago to reward producers for actions to reduce CO2 emissions. Arla announced that almost 1 million tonnes of on-farm CO2e has been driven out over that time period.
The Danish government recently announced that a tax on livestock carbon dioxide emissions will be introduced from 2030, making it the first country to do so and hoping to inspire other countries to follow suit. There is no reason to cover the detail of the tax here but it does send a clear message to all of us in the agricultural and supply chain industry that it is our joint responsibility to drive this forward.
My colleague Richard Lane completed a Fellowship on behalf of The Trehane Trust to deliver A Roadmap for achieving Net Zero in UK Dairy Farming Practically and Profitably back in 2022. One of the key messages from that project was that managing carbon efficiently is likely to have a positive effect on farm profitability; virtually all carbon reductions result in improved farm profitability so they should be approached positively.
With enteric methane and purchased feeds combined contributing approximately 65% of total dairy carbon emissions, herd performance, productivity and diets should be the focus for producers targeting lower carbon emissions as well as forage production, energy and carbon sequestration.
Low carbon is linked to efficient animal productivity, high input utilisation and low levels of waste. Maximising these and incorporating additional strategies that increase soil carbon should build a strong case that UK dairy farming is part of the carbon solution rather than being seen as part of the global warming problem.
Comment section is sponsored by
Ten Ways … to be happy
By Robert Ashton
A recent family funeral has made me more aware than usual of my own mortality. My father-in-law was 86 when he died, and over the past 50 years, I’ve seen him change from a strapping young farmer, to a man who had to pause for breath when walking from the sofa to the door. Old age has little to commend it, and like it or not, one day we will all get old and find ourselves unable to do the things we once enjoyed.
Of course, as we progress through life, our interests change, and we can continue to find pleasure in life, and as Gandhi neatly put it; ‘happiness is when you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.’ In other words, happiness comes from being authentic and true to your values.
There is much unhappiness in the world today, with millions fearful of their future. Wars, famine and isolation are challenges many have to live with. But even though we may not be facing major threats to ourselves, we owe it to those around us to make an effort to be happy.
On my bookshelf, I have a copy of The Neurotic Organisation written 40 years ago by Dutch psychologist Manfred Kets de Vries, whose hypothesis was that organisational behaviour is shaped by the behaviour of its leaders. His research revealed that unhappy bosses make their organisations unhappy too. To encourage you to be bright and bouncy in your workplace, here are 10 ways that I think can help all to be just a little bit happier.
1. Think about others rather than just yourself – I had a weekend job on my father-in-law’s farm through my turbulent teenage years. So too did several other local lads; we were known as ‘Saturday boys.’ Talking with one at his funeral, I realised just how significant his mentoring had been, and that I was far from the only person whose career direction had been shaped on his farm. Helping others, consciously or unconsciously can make us happy.
2. No man is an island – We define ourselves by our relationships with others. From singing in a choir or church, to playing football or golf, acting in unison with others can make us happy. Conversely, spending hours on end with only ourselves for company is miserable. Develop shared interests and make an effort to belong to the community in which you live.
3. Don’t worry about what others have – At agricultural college, I was envious of those with a farm to go home to. The farmers’ daughters on my course were mercilessly courted by the lads with no farm, and I think one or two married and then later parted. My wife’s father was a tenant farmer, but more important to me has been to have a good marriage and two great (now grown up)
children. I’ve learned over the years, as perhaps you have too, that owning things cannot alone make you happy. Happiness is about relationships.
4. Assume the best, but be prepared for the worst – Worrying about what might happen, but probably won’t, can make you ill. Insure the risks, or at least have a plan B, then enjoy the positive things that are happening at home and work. As Eric Idle sang in The Life of Brian “Always look on the bright side!”
5. Don’t juggle too many balls – There’s little more depressing than ending the day with a list of unfinished tasks. Better to prioritise, and manage your time so that you can complete what is most urgent and then relax. Taking your work home with you will not make you happy.
6. Know who your real friends are – Deep unconditional relationships are essential to happiness. It’s all too easy in this age of social media to confuse casual connections with real friends. Most of us only have a few real friends, and many acquaintances. Knowing the difference, and making time for those that matter most, will make you both happy. Life is about people, not possessions.
7. Connect with nature – In our agribusiness world we are already closer to nature than most, but when did you last stop and take a walk in the countryside? Many of society’s ills can be attributed to a loss of connection with the seasons and the natural world. That’s why hospices often have nice gardens, and why cultivating our gardens can lift our mood. Traditional farmers were very much part of their landscape. Today’s less so.
8. Small things can make big smiles – We often read about how random acts of kindness can make a big difference to someone’s life. Many live alone and taking the trouble to speak to someone can be their only contact of that day. I’ve learned much over the years from chance conversations with strangers.
9. Endorphins – Exercise can improve your mood. As a depressive, I know that going to the gym, or out on my bike, can drive away the black dog that is pulling me down. But even a brisk walk, or taking the stairs rather than the lift, will lift your spirits. Of course, making time for exercise is also good, improving your work-life balance.
10. Sleep well – I’ve never been a night owl, but late nights and early mornings can drag us down. As I get older, it can seem like a waste of time to spend a good third of every 24 hour day asleep, but there’s little more uplifting than waking refreshed after a good night’s sleep; well apart from the good breakfast you make time for when you get up!
As you may know, my latest book Where are the Fellows Who Cut the Hay was published earlier this year, and at a recent event bookshop talk and signing, I was introduced as a ‘Suffolk oral historian’ following in the footsteps of George Ewart Evans who pioneered the genre. That made me very happy, and reassured me that my new direction is the right one.
Green Pages
Feed Trade Topics from the Island of Ireland
GRAIN GROWERS GROUP IS CALLING FOR AN INDUSTRY-WIDE RESPONSE TO TILLAGE VISION REPORT NOW
Irish Grain Growers Group (IGGG) chairman, Bobby Miller is calling for an industry-wide response to the report produced by the Tillage Vision Group.
He added: “The report must not be allowed to gather dust. It is incumbent on all stakeholders to act as quickly as possible.
Miller attended the 2024 Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) cereal variety trials open day, held recently in Co Cork.
He confirmed that the members of Tillage Vision Group had met on 12 occasions up to this point. But no dairy date has been forthcoming, as yet, with regard to a follow-up meeting of the stakeholders involved.
The Vision group report was published a number of weeks ago: it contains 28 action points.
Bobby Miller again: “There is a tremendous onus for government to deliver its response to the report.”
The IGGG representative is also conscious that the 2025 Budget is only a few weeks away and the need for the needs of the tillage sector to be recognised in this context is also significant.
He said: “We are in a form of limbo situation at the present time. The Vision report was launched a couple of months ago.
“To date we have heard nothing back from government in terms of its response to the document
“I do believe that Department of Agriculture staff members are working hard on the report. But we need to know now where the agriculture minister is going on this issue.
“The last thing we want is for nothing to happen. A lot of effort was put into the work of the Vision group.
“But the response to the Vision report goes far beyond government. It is up to all the stakeholders involved to come forward with their own plans on how best to meet the growth and development needs of the tillage sector in the future.
IGGG’s chairman believes that an early General Election might well impact on the timing of a government response to the tillage industry.
“The next big issue on the horizon is the 2025 Budget,” he stressed.
“We want to see something very positive coming out from government on behalf of the tillage sector at that stage.
“July is almost with us. There is now a very short window for the entire tillage sector to come together and prepare a pre-budget submission.
PROTECTED UREA SALES CONTINUE TO GROW IN NORTHERN IRELAND
United Feeds is confirming that protected urea will account for 50% of all fertiliser nitrogen (N) sales in 2024.
“We have grown the business from a standing start in ten years,” confirmed company general manager, Clarence Calderwood.
“The first trial was kicked off in July 2014, in the middle of a heat wave.
“You could have called it a baptism of fire. I could not have conceived of a tougher test for a urea-based fertiliser.
“The new product passed with flying colours, which is why we have actively promoted the use of protected urea from the outset.
United Feeds had been actively looking for a fertiliser nitrogen source as reliable as CAN throughout the growing season which also delivered real value for money to the farmer.
Sustain was the protected urea option, which the company committed to at the outset.
Clarence Calderwood again. “We were aware of the fact that the urease inhibitor, which coats the urea granules, acts to reduce nitrous oxide volatilisation levels from the fertiliser.
“It is this technology that ensures that protected urea can be used effectively even in the hottest weather conditions.
“But back in 2014, the real driver for the product was the grass output-related benefits that it can genuinely deliver.
“It is only in recent years that the environmental benefits associated with protected urea have become a major selling point.”
Significantly, a number of milk processors in Northern Ireland now offer milk price-related sustainability bonuses, based on the use of protected urea.
Results from a study carried out by the Agri-Food and Biosciences’ Institute (AFBI) in tandem with Teagasc have confirmed that considerable benefits can be accrued from using urea in combination with the urease inhibitor NBPT (N-(n-butyl) thiophosphorictriamide).
The work shows that urea + NBPT offers a reduction in ammonia losses of up to 84% compared with straight urea, whilst maintaining similar agronomic yields to CAN and reducing nitrous oxide emissions by up to 73%.
Total annual grass yields are comparable between CAN, urea or protected urea coated with an inhibitor.
However, protected urea can deliver a significant financial saving per unit of Nitrogen when compared to CAN.
All of this confirms that comparable levels of productivity, as well as reduced volatile N losses, are achievable.
Clarence Calderwood concluded:
“Sustain can be mixed easily with potash and sulphur. However, the addition of phosphate is not an option at the present time as the phosphorous-based chemical acts to erode the coating around the urea granules.”
IRISH TILLAGE SECTOR TO BE PUT ON A MORE SUSTAINABLE BASIS
Teagasc director has confirmed that the target to expand the footprint of the Irish tillage/arable sector remains in place.
The current cropping area in the Republic of Ireland is in the region of 300,000ha. However, the Dublin government envisages this figure rising to 400,000ha by 2030.
O’Mara spoke at the 2024 annual conference, hosted by the Northern Ireland Institute of Agricultural Science.
He confirmed that Ireland’s arable sector is now recovering after a very difficult year in 2023.
The Teagasc representative further explained:
“This was followed by a very challenging year. However, grain prices have started to pick up over recent weeks.
“The push towards an expanded tillage sector is projected to encompass an extra 60,000 to 70,000ha of land.
“But an expansion of the cropping area will bring with it the opportunity of adding value to the grains and pulses produced by Irish farmers.”
O’Mara told the conference that competition for land is at the heart of the development challenges facing Irish agriculture at the present time.
Tillage farmers will be seeking to secure additional acres to expand their cropping base. But, at the same time, milk producers will also be striving to expand their farming footprint in order to remain nitrates compliant.
Frank O’Mara again: “Traditionally, the tillage sector relies a lot on securing access to rented land.
“Those farmers growing crops will always be at the sharp end of bad weather. Grassland farmers can ride out a few weeks of bad weather.
“However, tillage farmers are totally weather dependent when it comes to getting crops drilled, harvested and all the field work required to deliver the best possible yields.
The Teagasc representative also highlighted the myriad technical challenges facing tillage farmers at the present time, citing the loss of many pesticides in this context.
He said: “The growing resistance of diseases, pests and grass weeds to the chemical-based management options currently available to farmers is another challenge that continues to develop for tillage farmers.
Moving up the value chain will be a priority for the Irish tillage sector during the period ahead, according to Frank O’Mara.
He commented: “Currently, a significant proportion of Irish whiskey is made from imported maize. The opportunity of substituting these imports with native grains is immense.
“In addition, research continues into the fractionation of crops. This approach will deliver the opportunity of extracting high-value components from crops such as beans.”
O Mara concluded:
“We already know that Irish tillage enjoys a very low carbon footprint. This is a major positive for the sector that must be built on for the future.
“There is also a significant opportunity to expand the area of protein crops grown in Ireland. Such an approach will reduce the levels of imports required by the compound feed sector.”
MAKING BEST USE OF HOMEGROWN GRAINS
North Co Dublin tillage farmer, Ollie Whyte, believes that Irish livestock farmers must be suitably rewarded for using homegrown grains.
He commented: “Recent Johnstown Teagasc research has confirmed that by switching from a standard dairy ration, comprising imported raw materials, to one containing full native grains, the carbon footprint of the milk subsequently produced was reduced by 33%.
“This is a staggering result.
“Meanwhile, Teagasc, whose brief is to advise farmers on how to reduce their carbon footprint, still does not recommend the use of native grains in feed rations.
“And this is despite the organisation’s own research showing that such an approach is a complete game changer in terms of the massive reductions in CO₂ emission levels that can be achieved.”
Whyte continued: “Our own substantial beef herd is finished
on full native ration and our recorded weight gain is a match for the very best.
“But when we sell our lower carbon beef we get the same price as guys that pump unregulated imports with massive carbon footprints into their livestock.
“So all of this begs the question: in what world is this acceptable?”
According to Whyte, the ‘conspiracy of silence; around what is fed to Irish livestock and is entering our food chain every day is no longer acceptable
He further explained: “The end result of this is Irish tillage becoming the sacrificial lamb of our agricultural industry.
“Meanwhile, our consumers are effectively deceived. And, in addition, our authorities have shown by their silence they are happy to go along with this.
The Co Dublin tillage farmer pointed to Teagasc research, which indicates that Ireland is fast achieving a carbon neutral status.
He added: “What comes off our tillage farms is actually an advertisement agency’s dream in terms of climate change, environmental protection, biodiversity enhancement, food safety and food security.”
“So why do our agriculture minister, the department of agriculture, Bord Bia and Teagasc all refuse to recognise the tillage industry’s best-in-class credentials?
“They put a label on the food emanating from every other mainstream sector. The exception is the produce off tillage farms, which is already hitting the agricultural emissions targets set for 2050.”
Ollie Whyte concluded: “We have to demand a change in thinking on the part of all our authorities and this has to include the development of proper labels for food that is produced from use of our highly regulated native grain and pulses.
“Our Grain farmers and our consumers deserve no less. At the end of the day, our consumers have the right to make an informed decision on what they feed their families.
“And our state authorities have no right to conceal the full information from them.”
IN MY OPINION … RICHARD HALLERON
Ireland’s tillage sector gears up for the 2024 harvest season The summer is with us and Ireland’s 2024 grain harvest is just around the corner.
So, let’s hope the weather holds. The first of last year’s barley fields were cut in almost perfect conditions. After that, the rain started falling and the weather did not pick up again until the middle of April this year.
It all meant that the bulk of last year’s cereal harvest became a ducking and diving exercise. However, those farmers committed to crop production might prefer to use the term: salvage operation.
Meanwhile, the rain just kept on falling. Crops of winter barley and wheat that should have been planted out in the months of September, October and November were never drilled, leaving growers with no option but to put most of their ‘faith’ in spring crops this year.
But even this option was not without its challenges. Soil conditions and the weather did not improve until the second half of April. As a result, crops that should have been in the ground around St Patrick’s Day were not sown out until the beginning of May.
And, so, the fundamental question arises: can crops with such a truncated growth cycle deliver realistic yields?
We will find out over the coming weeks.
Unlike their livestock producer colleagues, who can house cattle and sheep during periods of extreme weather, arable farmers have no option but to suffer through.
Once a crop is in the ground, it’s an all-or-nothing process from that point onwards: the weather becomes king. And there is nothing that arable farmers can do about it.
Recent years have seen crops grown in Ireland subject to periods of drought and heavy rain. But let’s not forget the floods and storms as well. Meanwhile, growers could do nothing but watch on from the sidelines.
Optimists might say, this is all character forming stuff. Others amongst us – let’s call them realists – would be strongly of the view that the investment made and the risks taken by tillage farmers should be fully recognised across society as a whole.
And the most significant stakeholder in this context is government.
The need for a vibrant tillage sector, operating at the very heart of Irish agriculture is obvious. Recent years, however, have seen the industry sidelined, in terms of the support measures made available for growers.
The work of the Tillage Vision Group was supposed to address this issue. The members’ final report was published almost two months ago.
Meanwhile, we still await a formal response from agriculture minister, Charlie McConalogue.
Talk of an early General Election only adds to the uncertainty that surrounds government’s plans for the tillage sector.
And the fast-approaching summer recess for Dáil members is another issue that must be factored into the equation.
Given this backdrop, it would be appropriate for Charlie McConalogue to, at least, give some insights into his ‘tillage priorities’ over the coming weeks.
And, of course, crop production ticks so many boxes when it comes to generating a realistic response to climate change and the need to maximise the conservation value of our countryside.
Making this happen will require Irish tillage farmers to be adequately supported by government.
EU Compound Feed Production Market Forecast 2024
The outlook for EU compound feed production in 2024 presents a mixed picture, reflecting varying trends across livestock sectors and influenced by economic, regulatory, and environmental factors.
The main market drivers for 2024 include economic uncertainty, regulatory changes, and ongoing environmental and animal welfare policies. These factors will continue to shape production dynamics across the EU, with varied impacts on different animal feed sectors. Based on data collected by FEFAC, industrial compound feed production within the EU27 is expected to decrease in 2024 by 0.3 % compared to 2023, to 147 million tonnes.
Poultry feed production is the only sector showing growth prospects in 2024, with an anticipated increase of 1.6%. This rebound follows a challenging 2023 driven by recovering poultry production in several key member states. Countries like France, Spain and Portugal, as well as Italy, already experienced some recovery from AI impacts in 2023, and are expected to continue leading this growth. However, concerns about imported poultry meat and shifts from organic production towards standard conventional production may affect overall market dynamics.
The pig feed sector will face continued challenges, with a projected decline of approximately 1-2% in 2024. Factors such
as a decrease in the number of pigs and economic and disease pressures on farmers, including African swine fever (ASF), will continue to adversely impact production. However, Ireland and Poland expect a modest recovery (+3% & 2.7%) in pig numbers, contributing to a slowdown of the decrease of the sector’s output. Other countries like Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands refer to continued political pressure to reduce farm emissions or the scale of animal husbandry, resulting in a high level of uncertainty for the sector’s outlook.
Cattle feed production is expected to remain relatively stable, with minor growth or reduction depending on regional conditions. Ireland expects modest growth in cattle feed due to a delayed grazing season. Conversely, The Netherlands anticipates further decreases in dairy and beef sectors (app. -5%), driven by ongoing regulatory and environmental challenges.
The FEFAC forecast:
15 Factors to Consider When Evaluating and Using Alternative Ingredients
With dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health
A list of considerations for feed formulators to evaluate alternative or novel feed ingredients when the availability or price of conventional ingredients prove constraining.
As feed represents approximately 70 percent of the cost of animal production, all opportunities to reduce feed cost should be examined and capitalised on. At times, over the past years, we have observed dramatic increases and volatility in the price of key feed ingredients. Ten years ago, the cost of corn and soybean meal spiked dramatically and more recently we have observed similar conditions in the vitamin and mineral markets.
It pays for feed formulators to be highly aware of the pricing and value of various feed ingredients within the marketplace. With this, we need to focus not only on the buying opportunities of the main ingredients of corn, wheat, and soybean meal but also consider any alternative ingredients available in the market.
Definition of an “alternative feed ingredient”
There is no exact definition of an alternative ingredient. What may be considered an alternative in one market or region may be considered a normal material to use in another. For the sake of this article, we will consider an alternative ingredient to be a raw material that is not used in feed formulas on a regular basis, has a somewhat variable nutrient composition, and for which the inclusion level is not clearly defined or is unknown.
Factors to consider with alternative ingredients
The following identifies various factors to consider when deciding on the purchase and use of alternative feed ingredients.
1. Composition and Quality
For most raw materials the standard nutrient values are listed in ingredient composition tables or within the scientific literature. However, in many instances, the ingredients will be produced in small quantities at a local level and it is recommended to investigate individual suppliers and confirm the nutrient profiles and quality through laboratory analysis.
A typical proximate analysis should include information regarding
the moisture, protein, fat, fibre, and ash content of the material in question. An analysis of macro minerals and amino acid content can provide a further indication of product quality.
2. Variability
A considerable barrier to utilising more alternative ingredients within feed formulations can be their nutrient variability. It is important to know the source and supplier in this instance along with having accurate nutrient profiles collected over a substantial period of time. With higher variability, lower inclusion levels should be considered as a safety measure.
3. Nutrient Digestibility/Availability
Nutrient digestibility and availability refer to the extent to which the animal can digest and absorb the nutrients within the feedstuff. Many ingredients may have a considerable amount of nutrients, but they may not be available to the animal for growth or productive purposes. An example of this can be feather meal which has a high level of protein but a low amount or imbalance of available amino acids.
Ingredients derived as by-products of processing industries that undergo a drying step need to be scrutinised. The use of digestibility studies, laboratory analysis, review of the scientific literature, and ingredient databases (such as those coordinated by amino acid suppliers) are useful sources of information. The use of feed additives such as enzymes and phytogenic compounds may also be considered as a means to improve the digestibility of certain nutrients in alternative raw materials.
4. Relative Value
The relative value of a feed ingredient may be used to compare the nutrient value of a feedstuff in comparison to the standard energy, protein, lysine, or phosphorus value in a market. In many instances, corn and soybean meal are the gold standard—or benchmark against which all other ingredients are compared. The relative value does not consider the inclusion levels. Rather, it is simply the cost per unit of nutrients at a particular point in time.
5. Suitability or Form of Material
In some cases, ingredients or feedstuffs may be available in the market, but the form of the material may limit the ability to transport, store, or process the material. This may include by-products that are in a liquid state or ingredients that are not thoroughly dried. Feeding systems may need to be re-designed or altered to allow for the effective use of such ingredients. High amounts of moisture can also dilute the nutrient values of feed and should be taken into account within the feed formulation.
6. Anti-Nutritional Factors
Certain naturally inherent components that develop within certain raw materials may interfere with the digestion, metabolism, or health of animals. Examples may include: mycotoxins, trypsin inhibitors, tannins, lectins, and glucosinolates. If possible, these anti-nutritional factors should be determined through analysis and decisions to use or the amounts to include adjusted accordingly. In some instances, certain feed additives such as mycotoxin deactivators can be considered for use to protect animals against the deleterious effects of such components.
7. Palatability
This relates to the ability of the animal to readily consume the material of consideration. Certain ingredients may have bitter components (for example, rapeseed meal) or have off-flavours or aromas thereby limiting the intake when included in diets. Phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) improve the palatability of feeds and may mask unappetising aromas.
8. Free of Hazards
Depending upon the source of the feedstuff or type of processing some alternative ingredients can contain foreign materials that may be considered dangerous to animal consumption. For example, in some cases, bakery waste may contain plastic or other packaging material that can be present in the product. Other hazards to consider may be heavy metals or chemical contamination that may occur in ingredients such as minerals.
9. Handling and Storage
The raw material of consideration needs to flow or move within the feed milling process to be a cost effective and practical ingredient for utilisation within formulations. Bin space, warehousing, and how products can be stored need to be considered prior to the purchase of a new ingredient.
10. Availability and Consistency of Supply
An adequate supply of the material under consideration must exist prior to evaluating the cost and nutritional value. It should be determined as to the type of animals to be fed, diets, inclusion levels, and feed tonnage produced in order to calculate the potential volumes required over a period of time.
11. Stability
The ability of ingredients to be stored and maintain their quality is of considerable importance. For example, products that are high in moisture (15-25%) are prone to spoilage, fermentation, mould development, and reduced nutrient quality over time.
12. Inclusion Rates
The amount of ingredient to include within a feed formula is highly open to interpretation and the conditions involved. Experience is the greatest asset in setting limits of alternative ingredients and every nutritionist or company may have a unique set of methods or philosophies in how to incorporate unusual raw materials.
Industry guidelines, publications, or scientific literature may assist in developing base levels of inclusions but these should be challenged to gain the greatest cost saving potential. Research on
alternative ingredient inclusion levels should be an important focus of any integrator or feed company’s research and development program.
13. Impact on Pellet Quality and Final Feed
Factors such as the moisture level and particle size of various ingredients can affect the feed manufacturing process. The feedstuffs under consideration should have a limited impact on pellet quality and not affect the overall performance of the feed to be an effective alternative ingredient.
14. Effect on Meat, Egg, or Milk Quality
As in the above scenario, the feedstuff should not impart any negative effects on the final food products being produced. For example, high amounts of fishmeal are known to cause off flavours to milk, egg, and meat products and thereby need to be limited in feed formulas.
15. Cost
The amount of potential feed cost savings tend to be the biggest factor in determining the use of alternative based ingredients. Through proper attention to the above details, accurate nutrient characterisation and use of feed formulation software the most cost efficient feed price and formulations can be developed. If animal performance is not compromised and a more economical formula is produced, this should lead to reduced costs of production. As outlined, other cost factors to consider outside of ingredient price may be the need for special storage, processing, or transport.
Conclusion
Alternative feed ingredients should always be considered in feed formulations. Overall, when such materials can be characterised correctly and incorporated into animal diets with no performance impairment, they can be an important method or way to reduce feed and production costs. There are multiple factors to evaluate in using alternative ingredients. When used properly, the financial benefits of alternative feed ingredients can be considerable to animal feeding operations.
Tip #1: Confirm nutrient profiles and quality of alternative feed ingredients with lab analysis.
Tip #2: Consider lower inclusion levels to guard against higher variability of alternative feed ingredients.
Tip #3: Enzymes and phytogenic feed additives can improve the digestibility of certain nutrients in alternative raw materials.
Tip #4: Use Relative Value as the initial indicator of raw material purchase.
Tip #5: Check that your feeding system or manufacturing facility is compatible with moist or liquid alternative feed ingredients.
Tip #6: Test alternative raw materials for mycotoxin contamination, and use a mycotoxin deactivator to protect your animals from mycotoxins’ negative effects.
Tip #7: Use of phytogenic feed additives can improve palatability and support feed intake.
Tip #8: Check alternative feed ingredients for physical hazards, heavy metals and chemicals.
Tip #9: Know how and where to store alternative feed materials before purchase.
Tip #10: Work with suppliers on securing an adequate amount of ingredient to make the purchasing decision timely and cost effective.
Tip #11: Ensure products are properly preserved and will not spoil over the storage period.
Tip #12: Ask questions, conduct research, and investigate the proper inclusion rates of alternative feed ingredients.
Tip #13: An effective alternative feed ingredient does not significantly alter pellet quality or overall feed performance.
Tip #14: Limit potentially problematic raw materials to low inclusion levels or only allow certain ingredients to specific production stages such to not impact final meat, egg, or milk quality.
Tip #15: An effective alternative feed ingredient ultimately delivers cost savings to your operation.
Adsorption
Biotransformation
Bioprotection
*Authorized by EU Regulation 1060/2013, 2017/913, 2017/930, 2018/1568 and 2021/363.
How to Optimise Decision-Making in Feed and Petfood Production
With BESTMIX Software
Maximising transparency for better business decisions
As a manager in the nutrition supply chain, your primary goals are profitability, competitiveness, and market success. Achieving those goals hinges on making the right business decisions at the right time. But you can only do that if you always have accurate data at your fingertips. So how can software help you ensure optimal decisionmaking through operational transparency?
You want to increase your revenue and profitability. Therefore, you need to make good investments that provide a fast ROI and work more effectively and efficiently. To achieve this, you first need to measure all these things. How can you decide where you should focus your efforts if you don’t know what revenue, profit, and growth each business area is responsible for? The same goes for your product range, production facilities, and so forth.
And you need access to that data in an understandable format at a moment’s notice. As a company operating in the nutrition industry, what information is crucial to the success of your business? Let’s investigate tools that ensure you have this information at your fingertips.
What will raw materials cost tomorrow, next week, and next year?
For a start, you need to understand and predict the raw material costs. In the nutrition industry, the margin is highly dependent on ingredient prices. And since most ingredient prices are volatile, you must constantly track them over time and for each of your production sites, since contracts and freight costs will vary.
Most of the time it’s not enough to look at historical data; you also need an easy overview of predicted future raw material prices.
That information should be based on different sources, such as your purchase contracts and market prices. Also, you should be able to compare and combine both (if you are short of an ingredient, the demand will be covered partially by a purchase contract and partially through spot buying).
How much do production and transportation cost?
Production and transportation costs (both inbound and outbound) are another key factor in your success. Production costs might vary by product group, packaging type, and urgency of the order — If you can’t control these elements, you can easily slip up and make bad decisions.
Transportation costs will vary depending on how you combine your customer orders or purchase orders, which trucks you send to which destinations, whether or not you use external carriers, and which ones you use. So there are lots of variables you need to consider when you’re evaluating your logistics team and/or production department.
Inventory availability, rotation, and costing
Perilously low inventory levels will cause operational problems and production breakdowns. Too much inventory ties up capital that could be invested in other areas of the company. So, it’s essential that you always have a clear overview of your inventory, and that the system provides you with accurate predictions and simulations of how you can carry the least amount of stock without hurting your operations.
Sales pricing
The nutrition industry is highly competitive, and customers are very price-sensitive, so a well-controlled sales pricing system is key to revenue growth. To set your list prices you need an immediate calculation from the system: what are the materials and other costs? What is the expected margin for a certain target group? And what additional discounts and charges can or should you offer to achieve the sales you forecast?
Of course, you also need to be able to simulate the effect any pricerelated actions will have on profitability. Certainly, you need to attract customers with an automatic rebate system, but over-discounting can quickly lead to negative margins. So you need a system that provides flexibility but also highlights the effects on your profitability. Only then can you make smart pricing decisions.
An industry-specific software tool like BESTMIX offers real-time data analysis and what-if scenario modelling, with the help of which you can confidently adjust pricing strategies to maximize revenue and maintain healthy margins. In the nutrition industry, where a 1% increase in prices can translate to millions in additional revenue and vice versa. Having the right sales pricing system can be a game-changer for your business.
What about the future?
When making decisions about the future, you have to be able to make some assumptions: how much are you going to sell in a given period, in a given region, or a particular product range? Simply put, you have to be able to forecast your sales.
But of course, if you make wildly inaccurate forecasts, it will hurt your business. So any system you use should support accurate forecasting, data comparison between different forecasts (such as optimistic/pessimistic), and data comparison between plan and realization. Then you can monitor performance and adapt your strategy when you need to.
So how can BESTMIX help?
To make smart business decisions, you need a tool that provides flexibility while highlighting the parameters that affect your profitability.
So you need a partner you can rely on, one who can advise you on how to set up your business system in such a way that the data you need will never be more than a few keystrokes away. You need a system that will give you the right information at the right time in an easy and accessible way, so you can make informed decisions fast.
BESTMIX Software is such a tool. It allows nutritionists and formulators to manage and optimise the nutrition and cost attributes of feed and ration formulation. By combining state-ofthe-art technology with the input of experienced nutrition industry professionals BESTMIX Software offers industry-specific tools for least-cost feed formulation, quality data management, ration calculation, cloud services, and ERP. With the help of these tools, BESTMIX Software can boost your company’s efficiency and profitability, saving you money across multiple flows and processes and allowing you to focus on your core tasks.
Access the eBook: 7 Cost-Saving Strategies in Feed and Petfood Production via the QR code to learn more.
Removing Inorganic Phosphates from Piglets’ Diets with the Application of Newest Generation Phytase Axtra® PHY GOLD
By Saad Gilani, Deepak Velayudhan and Yueming Dersjant-Li, Danisco Animal Nutrition & Health (IFF)
Originally presented at the Bavarian Animal Nutrition Conference 2023
Introduction
Phosphorus is required for bone development as well as other biological functions in animals. Animal requirements are usually met by the organic phosphorus coming from various ingredients and in-organic phosphorus coming from mono-calcium phosphate (MCP), di-calcium phosphate (DCP) and mono-di calcium phosphate (MDCP). Phosphorus in cereals, their byproducts, proteinaceous ingredients, and their byproducts are mainly not freely available and bound as phytate phosphorus. Phytate content varies a lot between all ingredients and can be measured. If phytate is broken down efficiently and quickly in the upper gastrointestinal tract it can liberate phosphorus which can ultimately be utilised by the animal. This in turn reduces the reliance on in-organic phosphate sources1 Inorganic phosphates like MCP, DCP and MDCP are limited resources and expensive to add to animal feed, especially considering recent price hikes in raw materials for animal production 2. Phytase enzymes have been utilised in animal nutrition since the nineties. Principally, phytase breaks down phytate liberating phosphorus and reduces the risk of binding other minerals and amino acids with the phytate. Many commercial phytases have been developed and they have been compared in many in-vivo studies for pigs and poultry. Previously it has been demonstrated that a rapid and complete phytate breakdown in the early GIT improves the digestibility of amino acids, phosphorus, and energy and reduces phosphorus excretion in pigs3. Another study has also shown that inorganic phosphorus can be removed from the diets of growing pigs4. However, there is limited research in reducing or removing inorganic phosphate from the young piglets’ diets. One of the reasons is that existing phytases didn’t have the capabilities of breaking down phytate efficiently and liberating more phosphorus from phytate. Recently developed Axtra® PHY GOLD has shown its high activity even at pH 1.5 (with a range of 1.5-4.5 pH) which is often found in stomach5. In another study, Axtra® PHY GOLD has demonstrated that it can remove inorganic phosphate from pigs aged 23 kg onwards6 This study was designed to test whether inorganic phosphate can be removed from the pigs at younger ages (weighing 9 kgs till 31 kgs) together with the application of energy, dig AA matrix.
Materials and Methods
Crossbred pigs (Pietrain x (large white x landrace)) were selected for this experiment with a total of 72 pigs as three treatments, 12 replicates per treatment and two pigs per pen (mixed sex). The initial body weight of piglets was around 9 kg and the experiment continued till a body weight of 31 kg (42 days of experiment). Prior to starting the experiments, all piglets (after weaning) were fed the same pre-starter diet for 14 days as an adaptation time. Diets were in general wheat and corn mixed type of cereal with soybean meal. A positive control (PC) diet was prepared as nutrients meeting the pig’s requirement but not exceeding (without any phytase and MCP as the main source of phosphorus supply). Titanium dioxide was included in all diets as an inert marker. Calculated phytate phosphorus content in PC was 0.29%. Negative control (NC) diet was prepared with no MCP and a nutrient reduction of 33 Kcal/kg net energy (NE), 0.17% total calcium
Table 1: Major ingredients and nutrients of diets
(Ca), 0,16% digestible phosphorus (dig P, inorganic P free), 0,02% digestible lysine (dig Lys) and 0,01% digestible methionine (dig Met). The final treatment had Axtra® PHY GOLD at a dose of 1500 FTU/ kg included to NC. Major inclusion of ingredients and nutrients are shown in Table 1. Body weight and feed intake were measured on days 14, 28 and 42 for the calculation of performance parameters. On day 42, faecal samples from 8 piglets per treatment were collected to determine apparent digestibility and bone samples were collected for analysis of bone characteristics. Results were analysed using JMP statistical program and the significance level was determined as p < 0.05. Values with different superscripts showed significant differences between treatments.
Results and discussions
The details of diets for PC, NC and NC+phytase have been shown in Table 1 showing MCP was completely removed in NC. Table 2 confirms that performance for NC was significantly reduced compared to PC. This also suggests that nutrient downspecs were impacting body weight (BW), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The addition of Axtra® PHY GOLD recovered BW, FI and FCR compared to PC (p > 0.05) and significantly improved compared to NC (p < 0.05). This suggests that Axtra® PHY GOLD is capable of breaking down phytate efficiently to release the calculated digestible phosphorus of 0.16%. In this trial, the actual release of digestible phosphorus was 0.21% (calculated from the phosphorus digestibility and difference between phytase treatment and negative control). Phosphorus downspec was over-compensated by phytase addition and resulted in significantly higher digestible phosphorus
compared to PC. Similarly, digestible calcium was significantly increased compared to NC and recovered to the PC level. Bone breaking strength at day 42 was significantly improved by phytase supplementation and also higher than PC (p < 0.05). These results are in line with previous studies where the removal of inorganic phosphates in older pigs decreased performance, but the addition of Axtra ® PHY GOLD retrieved performances back to PC 6 . In another similar study pigs with body weight 12 kg onwards also showed similar results and in line with existing studies7. However, in this study piglets were even younger with a body weight of 9 kg approximately. Extra phosphoric activities of phytases are well documented. In this study, in addition to minerals (Ca and dig P) matrix application, a reduction of energy and amino acids were also applied in NC. Phytase addition retrieving performance back to PC suggesting that digestibility of energy and amino acids were also improved. This has been studied and proven in other studies where the same Axtra® PHY GOLD was applied in pigs as in this study8,9. Finally, feed cost in euro/kg live weight gain was significantly reduced in NC + phytase and improved compared to NC as well as PC (P <0.05).
Conclusions
Axtra® PHY GOLD at a dose of 1500 FTU/kg was able to remove inorganic phosphates from the diet of pigs as early as body weight of 9 kg, if enough substrate (phytate phosphorus) is available. Additionally, the addition of phytase was able to reduce net energy, digestible AA, total calcium of the diets and maintained body weight, feed intake and FCR performance compared to positive control. This has an implication towards reduced feed cost as shown in this trial as well as reducing the need of relying on limited resources of inorganic phosphates.
References
Available on request from: Saad.Gilani@iff.com
Table 2: Performance results of various treatments
Table 3: Bone characteristics (~ 31 kg, d42)
YOUR CATALYST FOR INCREASED PERFORMANCE
Trident MicroNutri supports responsible
and efficient milk and beef production
Trident MicroNutri is a leading feed additive distributor, offering innovative products and expert technical services to the animal feed industry, across GB & Ireland, for more than a decade. Previously operating under the name AB Vista GB&I, Trident MicroNutri was introduced in September 2023, as the new name for AB Agri’s rapidly expanding GB&I feed additive business. Since the new brand launch, Trident MicroNutri has continued to specialise in the supply and distribution of industry-leading ruminant feed additives, helping to
improve animal performance and maximise farm profitability. Its strength lies in a deep understanding of farmers, and the technology behind its products and services. This allows for the provision of unparalleled support, combining top-tier products and tailored feed strategies to maximise ROI on farm. Working alongside key industry partners to develop and distribute new products and services, the Trident MicroNutri team is now able to provide even more comprehensive, effective and responsible solutions for diverse operations.
Latest developments
It also helps brings the latest developments and research to leading nutritionists and producers, as most recently seen in May at the seminar, New Developments in Transition Cow Management, as detailed separately in this issue of Feed Compounder magazine.
During this seminar, Trident MicroNutri presented the latest practical trial results using the highly concentrated form of rumen protected choline, ReaShure XC, for transition cows.
Feeding ReaShure XC supports the cow’s liver to process and metabolise fat, especially during the critical transition period. The result is reduced risk of transition diseases and a more productive start to lactation.
This supports higher peak milk and lactation yield, healthier transitions and improved calf growth and health, with the benefits proven in some 30 published research studies and 40 peer reviewed papers.
Inform decision making
Drawing on relationships with its industry partners, including those across the AB
Agri ruminant and dairy business, Trident MicroNutri is perfectly positioned to help customers deliver feed additives for optimal ruminant animal nutrition. This in turn supports farming operations based around feed efficiencies and responsible production.
Key to this is providing the on-farm data to tailor strategies, with Trident MicroNutri’s NIR services crucial to understanding the baseline of rations and helping to inform future decision making.
Forage quality represents a key parameter to maximising profitability. By applying feed intelligence and understanding variations in raw materials, purchasing decisions can be supported and feeds formulated closer to specification.
As a full service NIR provider, Trident MicroNutri can help identify inefficiencies across the production process, by monitoring variability and controlling the quality of raw materials and feed.
The Handheld NIR (HHNIR), developed and powered by AB Vista, uses the same NIR technology as used in AB Vista’s laboratories.
The calibrations have been developed
over 25 years, incorporating more than 400,000 global reference samples and more than 4 million spectra plus reference values, resulting in a robust calibration database that is constantly developing.
Feed utilisation efficiency
Traditionally used to predict forage nutrient content quickly and accurately, a new HHNIR calibration has been developed that can predict the dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and organic matter (OM) content of dairy manure. By assessing the differences in manure analysis, Trident MicroNutri believes it can determine any changes in efficiency of feed utilisation, based on dietary changes, or the need for the introduction of ruminal digestion aids such as the rumen buffer Acid Buf, live yeast Vistacell and ration pre-treatment Vista Pre-T
Acid Buf is a highly efficient rumen buffer made from calcareous marine algae. By stabilising pH levels, Acid Buf fosters an environment that promotes fibre digesting microbial activity.
In tandem with Acid Buf, Vistacell plays
MEET THE KEY PEOPLE AT TRIDENT MICRONUTRI
MARIE STEPHENSON Head of Additives
Having joined the team in September 2023, with a background in ruminant sales and commercial team management, I manage the sales team in the UK and Ireland for the feed additives department. It is my role to set the strategy and ensure growth in all areas of the portfolio.
MARTIN MCCONNELL
Southern Ireland Sales Manager and Ruminant Nutritionist
Coming from a farming background, I have worked within the feed industry for 30+ years, with feed businesses and their farmer customers in the UK, Ireland and overseas. With a passion for improving farm profitability, I focus on feed efficiency, and this brings additional benefits of improved milk yields, better fertility and, for beef, improved production.
ANNA MILLAR
Ruminant Technical Manager
Joining the team in February 2024, I am an experienced Ruminant Technical Manager, with a demonstrated history of working in the animal nutrition and health industry. I have a particular interest in the link between animal health and nutrition, with a strong belief in the principle of ‘feeding for health’.
SHANNA BATTAGLIA
Southern UK Sales Manager
ALISON STEWART Sales Manager
STEPHEN LAVERY
North UK & Northern Ireland Sales Manager
a pivotal role in optimising rumen health. Once the rumen has been buffered by Acid Buf, Vistacell introduces live yeast into the rumen environment, nurturing beneficial microorganisms crucial for rumen health optimisation.
Vistacell’s yeast strain creates an ideal environment for cellulolytic bacteria–enhancing fibre digestion and overall feed efficiency. By supporting the rumen, cows can extract more from feeds, maximising nutritional value.
Acid Buf and Vistacell can be added to concentrates and blends or can be offered as a farm pack to be fed on farm.
Forage pre-treatment
Vista Pre-T forage pre-treatment is designed to improve the digestibility and energy status of forages and can either be top dressed on silage or fed as part of a TMR to get the most out of homegrown forage.
Vista Pre-T boosts the rumen’s natural ability to digest forage and allows nutritionists and producers to use forage more efficiently.
A new introduction to the Trident MicroNutri offering is the SiloSolve range including silage
I am business manager supporting customers in Northern Ireland, the north of England and Scotland. I have been with TMN for a year now, but have over 20 yearsexperience of working in the local dairy industry, specifically in ruminant genetics and nutrition. I also farm beef cattle at home.
I am business manager supporting customers in southern England, covering the Midlands, down to South-West England and incorporating Wales. I have been with TMN for just over a year, with a track-record in ruminant nutrition, originally garnered in South Africa. I am regularly liaising with nutritionists, buyers, customer technical teams and our own sales teams to deliver services and solutions.
ANGHARAD LOVELUCK
I am a Commercial Manager within the TMN team and have been with the business for nearly three years. I am responsible for existing and prospective accounts in both Northern Ireland and the south of England, while splitting my time with the Technical Team, supporting on the NIR and Mycocheck services.
Technical Services Manager
I am involved in the practical and strategic management of all NIR services for our GB & I customers, as well as the co-ordination of the Mycocheck service provided by Volac. I am also involved in account management for equine and other customers.
FC, containing a patented combination of bacterial strains that together scavenge oxygen from the clamp and preserve forage value. This results in better quality, higher protein forage, while actively inhibiting yeasts and moulds.
Through smarter use of forage, there is less pressure on the pocket and the environment, as the energy content of the ration is increased, keeping feed costs down and feed efficiency improved.
Mycotoxin threat
Alongside regular fibre and forage updates, Trident MicroNutri‘s technical team also prepares a regular mycotoxin outlook, advising on the threats to feeds and forages, while concentrating on the negative effects of mycotoxins on both performance and the herd’s immune system.
To mitigate the risk of damage to productivity and health from mycotoxin ingestion, many top producing herds routinely include UltraSorb R as both a preventative measure, and as insurance to protect cow health and production.
UltraSorb R is a second-generation mycotoxin binder to help overcome mycotoxin problems. Specially selected active ingredients bind, transform and degrade mycotoxins that ruminants are most susceptible to in the rumen. Trident MicroNutri also offers the MycoCheck service, analysing forage, feed and ration samples, to all UltraSorb R customers.
Across all parameters
Accurate and timely analysis across all of these parameters allows for improved feed management and better monitoring of feed quality, resulting in improved animal nutrition and overall herd health and performance.
■ Contact our friendly team to discover more about how we can help you:
inoculant SiloSolve
How Much Selenium Does the Cow Need and above all, in what form?
By Mark McFarland, Feed Additive Product Manager, Lallemand Animal Nutrition UK & Ireland
Classic selenite, rumen-protected selenite or selenium yeast? What influence does the source of selenium have on the selenium status of dairy cows, dry cows and the transfer to youngstock?
Selenium is an essential trace element that is now rightly included as standard in almost every mineral feed. Selenium supplementation has become necessary, not only because soils, and consequently feedstuffs, have ever lower selenium levels, but also because the challenges faced by livestock are becoming ever greater.
Selenium plays an important role in various biological processes, e.g. for antioxidant defence against oxidative stress, normal thyroid function and optimal reproductive performance. But if selenium is already used as standard, why are we even talking about it? We now know that ‘not all selenium is the same’. The choice of selenium source (inorganic selenium or organic selenium) can have a considerable influence on the selenium status of adult animals, and the possible transfer to offspring via placenta and colostrum, particularly in ruminants, due to the influence of the rumen.
The rumen - a blessing and a curse?
There is no question that the rumen, with its complex microbiota, is a marvel of nature. It enables the digestion of fibrous plant material that is inedible for other animals, and us humans.
However, the rumen poses a real challenge for selenium supply. Classic inorganic selenite, which is very cheap to use, is chemically reduced in the rumen environment by the influence of microbes to a form that can no longer be absorbed by the animal in the small
intestine. This mechanism is not found in monogastric animals and is solely due to the rumen.
As a result, a large proportion of the selenite that is administered to ruminants via mineral feed is simply excreted again. This is directly reflected in the animals’ selenium status.
An independent study from Estonia1 showed that, according to KINCAID (1999)3, the selenium status of dairy cows that received only classical sodium selenite via the ration could be classified as marginally deficient (see Table 1 for selenium reference values for cows). This status does not automatically mean that diseases will occur due to a selenium deficiency, but the full potential of selenium, particularly with regard to antioxidant defences and its role in the immune system, is not being achieved.
What does this mean for ruminants? In order to fully exploit the important positive effects of selenium, the goal should be a beneficial supply in the upper range of the scale. A classic selenite source cannot guarantee this. So, what other options are there?
Selenized yeast and the rumen
Selenized yeast contains organic selenium, mainly in the form of selenomethionine and selenocysteine. These selenium components are found (albeit in very low levels) in plant protein. This means that it is a form of selenium that animals have always consumed and metabolised. Selenite (inorganic selenium), on the other hand, is found in the soil and not in plant material, which is why it is not a natural selenium source for animals.
The selenium compounds in selenized yeast remain intact in the rumen and are not reduced. This means that they are available for absorption in the small intestine. Some of the selenomethionine is
Plasma and serum analyses are the most suitable for assessing selenium status.
Table 1: Reference values for whole blood, serum and plasma selenium concentration (µg/l)
then stored in the muscle and in the case of lactating cows, also in the milk protein. The remainder is available to the animal as a source of selenium for the production of biologically important enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase or selenoprotein P.
The before-mentioned study from Estonia not only investigated the influence of inorganic selenite on the selenium status of dairy cows but also the effect of feeding an organic selenium source in the form of a high-quality selenium yeast (ALKOSEL, Lallemand Animal Nutrition).
The trial was carried out over a period of 121 days. Blood from 10 dairy cows (mid-lactation) was regularly examined and their selenium status determined. Before the start of the trial, the animals were given a standard combination of inorganic selenite and selenium yeast (each 0.2 mg Se/kg feed) via the mineral feed. On day one of the feeding trial, the previous proportion of selenium yeast was replaced by selenite (a total of 0.4 mg Se/kg). Over a period of 64 days, the change in selenium status in the blood was observed (Figure 1).
While the blood analysis showed a beneficial supply of selenium before the start of the trial, the animals were classified as marginally deficient after approximately 7 weeks. In this case, the selenium status decreased quite slowly because the previous supplementation of selenized yeast had created additional selenium storage in the body protein. Whole blood reacts relatively slowly to changes in selenium supply due to the stored selenium in the erythrocytes.
However, the plasma fraction in whole blood reacts more quickly and is primarily responsible for the drop in values. Erythrocytes have a lifespan of four months, which is why the complete influence of the
change in selenium source after 64 days cannot be fully assessed in this study.
After 9 weeks of selenite-only administration, organic selenium was reintroduced into the ration (0.2 mg Se/kg from selenized yeast in addition to 0.2 mg Se from selenite), and a renewed increase in blood selenium levels was measured. After just one week, the blood selenium levels of the dairy cows moved beyond the marginally deficient threshold, and then increased even more significantly over time. Here too, the increase largely corresponds to the increase coming from blood plasma.
And what about rumen-protected selenite?
For some years now, rumen-protected inorganic selenite has also been available for feeding. Here, the sodium selenite is protected by a coating so the reduction in the rumen no longer takes place to the same extent as with unprotected selenite.
In an independent study from Poland4, a research group looked at the influence of different selenium sources on the selenium status in the last trimester of pregnancy of Simmental cows, as well as on the transfer of selenium to their offspring. There was also a control group that did not receive additional selenium supplementation. The selenium sources tested were:
At the start of supplementation, the cows were already marginally
Figure 1: Selenium concentration (µg/l) in the whole blood of dairy cows over the trial period1
Table 2: Selenium concentration in blood serum of cows2
No added Se supplement Unprotected selenite Rumen-protected selenite Selenized yeast
Selenium concentration start of trial period
Selenium concentration immediately after calving
a, b, c = p ≤ 0.05
µg/lc
deficient, with a selenium concentration of 47 µg/l in the serum. The selenium status in the blood was determined again after three months of supplementation immediately after calving (Table 2).
It was found that the selenium deficiency increased by a further 9% in the animals fed no additional selenium supplementation. The cows that received unprotected selenite or rumen-protected selenite were still marginally deficient or just at the threshold of an adequate supply and no significant difference was found between the two groups, even though the selenium status in both groups was slightly higher than at the start of the trial. The literature5,6 describes an increased risk of placenta retention, metritis and ovarian cysts at serum concentrations below 50-60 µg/l. The cows that received selenized yeast managed to overcome the marginal deficiency threshold and were able to improve their selenium status by 57%, so that they could be classified as adequately supplied with a lower risk of corresponding post-calving reproductive diseases.
What effects did the different selenium sources have on the calves?
The selenium status of the calves was identical between the animals whose dams received no additional selenium supplementation or a classic, unprotected selenite supplementation (26 µg/l). Calves from cows that received rumen-protected selenite or selenium yeast had significantly higher blood selenium levels (36 µg/l and 40 µg/l).
The selenium status of the newborn calf is particularly important for muscular function in the few days after birth.
It was also shown that the selenium content in the colostrum was clearly dependent on the supplemented selenium source. Again, no difference could be seen between no supplementation and unprotected selenite administration (0.70 and 0.74 mg/day). The colostrum of cows receiving rumen-protected selenite was significantly higher compared to unprotected selenite (0.99 mg/day) but significantly lower than cows supplemented with selenized yeast (1.28 mg/day).
In summary, this study shows that unprotected, classic selenite is not beneficial for the selenium status of ruminants and that at least a protected form should be used. At the same time, it could be shown that in this critical phase around calving, only the addition of a high-quality selenized yeast could provide a benefit to the suckler cows, as it significantly improved the selenium status of the animals and consequently created a better starting point for early lactation.
µg/l
Conclusion
Selenium is an indispensable part of today’s rations. However, the rumen presents a challenge, and classic selenite in particular is proven to be ineffective at improving selenium status. It is therefore important to ensure that not just ‘any’ selenium source is included in the mineral feed, but that a highly bioavailable selenium source is used. An organic selenium source, such as a high quality selenized yeast, ensures a good supply for animals, particularly during critical phases (e.g. the transition phase), where it may even be advisable to use a combination of rumen-protected selenite and selenized yeast to ensure the best possible supply of selenium. It should also be borne in mind that only an organic selenium source, such as selenized yeast, significantly increases the selenium content of milk. Consequently, organic selenium helps to support the supply of selenium to humans so that we too are not just ‘barely sufficient’ but are ‘optimally’ supplied.
References
1 Ling et al., (2017): Selenium supplementation of diets of dairy cows to produce Se-enriched cheese. J. Dairy Sci. 71:76–81
2 Niwinska & Andrzejewski, (2017): Effects of selenium supplement forms on the diet-cow-calf transfer of selenium in Simmental cattle, Czech J. Animal Sci, 62, (5):201-210
3 Kincaid, (1999): Assessment of trace mineral status of ruminants. A review. Journal of Animal Science. 77
4 Guyot & Rollin, (2007): Contribution to diagnosis and correction of iodine and selenium deficiencies in cattle
5 Moeini, M. M.; Karami, H.; Mikaeili, E. (2009): Effect of selenium and vitamin E supplementation during the late pregnancy on reproductive indices and milk production in heifers. Anim. Reprod. Sci., 114, (1-3), S. 109–114
6 Harrison, J. H.; Hancock, D. D.; Conrad, H. R. (1984): Vitamin-E and selenium for reproduction of the dairy cow. J. Dairy Sci., 67, (1), S. 123–132
7 Yaeger, M. J.; Neiger, R. D.; Holler, L.; Fraser, T. L.; Hurley, D. J.; Palmer, I. S. (1998): The effect of subclinical selenium toxicosis on pregnant beef cattle. J. Vet. Diagn. Invest., 10, (3), S. 268–273
8 Raven, J. (2013): Studies on the diagnosis of selenium supply in dairy cows. Clinic for Cloven-hoofed Animals, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Free University of Berlin.
Transforming Feed Mill Operations with COREmill
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Driving Efficiency with Real-Time Data
In the fast-paced environment of feed milling, making informed decisions quickly can be the difference between success and failure. COREmill empowers operations managers with real-time data, allowing them to respond swiftly to changes and challenges. By using your own data models, COREmill transforms raw data into actionable insights, enabling precise business decisions that drive efficiency and profitability.
Unparalleled Transparency and Traceability
One of the key strengths of COREmill is its ability to provide unparalleled transparency and traceability across all operations. In an industry where precision and accountability are paramount, COREmill ensures that every process, from planning to production to delivery, is meticulously monitored and recorded. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also builds trust with your customers by ensuring that every batch of feed is produced to the highest standards.
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COREmill stands out with its seamless integration capabilities. It interfaces comprehensively with all process control and least-cost formulation providers, ensuring a smooth flow of data without manual intervention. This integration not only reduces the risk of errors but also improves visibility and accuracy, giving you a complete picture of your operations at any given moment.
Adapting to Growth and Complexity
As your business grows, so do the complexities of managing it. COREmill is designed to adapt to this growth, providing scalable solutions that can handle increased production demands and more intricate operational structures. Whether you’re scaling up or diversifying your operations, COREmill’s flexible software adjusts to meet your evolving needs, ensuring that your business remains efficient and profitable.
Built by Industry Experts
COREmill is more than just software; it’s a solution built by people who understand and have a passion for the feed milling industry. Our team of
experts is dedicated to supporting your business, ensuring that you get the most out of our technology. With COREmill, you’re not just investing in software; you’re partnering with a team committed to your success.
Leading Towards a Sustainable Future
In today’s world, sustainability is not just a buzzword but a necessity. COREmill’s innovative technology helps you optimize resource use, reduce waste, and enhance overall sustainability. By driving efficiency and promoting responsible production practices, COREmill helps you meet the demands of an environmentally conscious market.
COREmill offers feed mill operations an edge in efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability. For operations managers looking to streamline processes, make data-driven decisions, and lead their businesses into the future, COREmill is the comprehensive solution you need. Transform your feed milling operations with COREmill and position your business for lasting success in a competitive industry.
Empower your business with COREmill – where technology meets passion for the feed milling industry.
For more information on how COREmill can transform your feed milling operations, visit our website or contact us directly.
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Practical Focus Essential to Improve Sustainability
Successful emission reduction will be based on keeping measures to improve sustainability practically. This was the key message from the recent Trouw Nutrition: Time to Take Control sustainability leadership event.
Dr Liz Homer, Sustainability Manager: Ruminants with Trouw Nutrition emphasised that the focus on sustainability is not going to go away. Other industries are decarbonising, and agriculture has to do the same.
“Agriculture is being targeted. If we don’t reduce our emissions while industries like aviation and construction are, then our emissions will continue to rise as a proportion of the total, making us a bigger target.”
She emphasised that all dairying systems can be more sustainable, but the challenge is identifying the most appropriate measure to take that benefit the business, the people in the business and the planet. This requires a balanced approach.
Dairying – an important part of the solution
Sustainability is an issue affecting the whole food chain. Retailers will not have a business if they don’t have low carbon suppliers. With 90% of the emissions in any dairy product on a supermarket shelf directly attributable to the milk from the farm gate, it is clear where the focus will be, according to Brian Lindsay from the Dairy Sustainability Framework.
“But what they have to understand is that dairying is a biological process and that it can’t change overnight. It will take time to reduce emissions through continuous, incremental improvements.
“The wider industry also needs to appreciate that agriculture and dairying are an important part of the solution. What other industry can sequester such significant amounts of carbon?”
He emphasised that sustainability of milk production must be seen as pre-competitive by the dairy companies. He explains that competition is in the products – the milk, the yogurt, the cheese – not in the raw material.
“The dairy farming industry is already making significant progress in reducing emissions and we have the data to show the progress, unlike many other industries who claim emissions reductions but without tangible evidence.
“The important thing is to identify all the factors within a system that can contribute to reducing emissions and to develop the best pathway for a business. Some of the factors may be less apparent, for example, cow health. Healthy animals are associated with lower farm emissions, giving another great reason to focus on this.”
He urged the farming industry not to sit back and wait for government
action. “The industry needs to get ahead and drive government, challenging them to support you rather than sit back.”
Collaborative approach
The high percentage of total dairy product emissions that are due to milk production was behind a collaborative approach reported at the conference which highlighted the progress that can be made.
When you think pizza, you think cheese and especially mozzarella. Leprino is the biggest producer of mozzarella in the UK and Europe while Heart with Smart Group are the biggest operator of Pizza Hut franchises in the UK with 146 outlets across England, Scotland and Wales.
“With a commitment to achieve net zero across our value-chain by 2040, we are working across all areas to reduce emissions,” explained Cerys Jenkins-Lowe from Heart with Smart Group. “While transport, distribution and energy are major sources of emissions in the business, over a quarter of our total emissions come from our dairy raw materials so this is clearly an area we needed to focus on.
“We decided the best way to approach this was to work with our supplier Leprino to help their farmer suppliers develop successful sustainability plans so that all parts of the supply chain could benefit.”
A trial was established with 10 Leprino suppliers with the aim of introducing lean management approaches. As Ben Williams from Leprino explains, the starting point was helping farmers start on the journey.
“To do this we had to identify the barriers to change in each business. These could be economic, with businesses saying they can’t afford to change, or they could be information based where businesses do not know what and where to change. Finally, it could be a skills barrier where the farmer does not believe they know how to change. Until the barriers are identified and removed it is going to be impossible to make progress.”
Each of the participating businesses had one to one sessions on the farm followed by consultancy visits. The outcome was the identification of the areas to pay attention to first based on data collected on the farm. Then a detailed plan was produced.
“The focus was on understanding where value is added or not added,“ Ben continues. “A farmer is paid for the milk from the cow. Anything the cow does to make milk and get it into the tank is value added.
“Anything the cow and farmer must do that isn’t making milk but would prevent milk from being made such as AI or foot trimming is Essential Non-Value Add. However, anything the cow does that stops them making milk or reduces milk efficiency is Non-value Add. This could include waiting in collecting yards too long, waiting for food to be put out or pushed up.”
He suggests that carrying excessive heifers is often hiding the core issues in the herd such as reproductive issues, foot and udder health. By understanding and tackling these issues it is possible to reduce waste and emissions.
“Across the 10 farms, we saw a 10:1 return on the investment in the programme, with big savings seen from reducing the number of excess heifers and improvements in production due to better cow flow.
“We saw reductions in carbon of 3-10% across the farms, principally from producing more milk from the same inputs and from decreased heifer numbers. There were also benefits in both air and water quality.
“Increasing efficiency can be a rather glib comment. It is often easier said than done but is the starting point on a sustainability journey. What the study shows is that a focused, tailored approach can help milk producers tackle emissions to improve sustainability but also show a significant financial return on the investment made.”
Dr Homer told delegates the biggest challenge facing dairy farmers is knowing where to start. The processing sector in particular is keen to require farmers to calculate their carbon footprint but in most cases, this is where the discussion stops. There is too little emphasis on using the carbon footprint data to plan where improvements can be made; and all on-farm advisors should be challenged in this area.
“An individual farm carbon footprint is only of value to the farmer if it initiates action to reduce emissions per litre, identifying the major contributors and how they can be reduced. At Trouw Nutrition we have developed MyMilkPrint specifically to fill this void and help farmers reduce emissions without compromising financial performance.”
MyMilkPrint is a tool designed to be used by advisors such as the nutritionist and vet, alongside the farmer, to develop and implement an emissions reduction programme for more sustainable and profitable production.
It provides a clear description of the current situation, quantifies the principal contributors to the overall position and identifies specific areas for improvement, addressing the major sources of emissions. It allows the formulation of what-if scenarios leading to the implementation of clear action plans for improvement where simple, understandable management measures can be used to underpin emission reduction.
Farmer experiences
Addressing the conference, Nottinghamshire dairy producer David Bacon described how being able to use the carbon footprint calculation as the basis for an action plan made the figure far more meaningful and has allowed him to make significant reductions in emissions.
Farming at the 480-acre Gleadthorpe Farm, the former MAFF Experimental Husbandry Farm, David runs a herd of 550 cows housed all year round and youngstock. The cows average 12,000 litres with milk sold to Sainsbury’s through Muller.
“As a member of the Sainsbury’s Dairy Development Group, the farm is regularly benchmarked and we scored well for greenhouse gas emissions and soil health with a carbon footprint of 0.93kgCO2e/ kgFPCM, placing it at the lower end of the sample,” David commented
“However, there was nothing to indicate how to improve and I knew we could not get complacent just because we were doing quite well already. In the scheme we were achieving 56/100 points so there was still room for improvement, but we needed to identify where.
“The Trouw Nutrition MyMilkPrint helped take us to the next level. While it calculated a carbon footprint of 0.97kgCO2e/kgFPCM which was similar to Sainsbury’s and gave us confidence, it’s not the figure
that matters, it’s what you do with it. MyMilkPrint allowed us to look much closer at the sources of emissions and develop plans to improve.”
MyMilkPrint
Farmer Name:
Farm Name: Period: GR Bacon & Sons Dave Bacon
01/01/2023 31/12/2023
The report highlighted the big areas to focus on were the diet and youngstock rearing. Not only were these big carbon contributors, but they are also the two biggest cost centres on dairy farms, giving an opportunity to address the cost base too.
Addressing the diet David has increased the use of byproducts to replace some of the high emission ingredients. He has removed soya from the base diet, replacing soya hulls in the PMR with pressed pulp. The net effect has been to reduce the carbon footprint impact of the diet, which has been quite considerable considering it is fed to 500 cows (see Figure 2: diet quick wins, below).
2
Top 3 Mitigation Strategies
Figure 1: MyMilk Print report
Figure
“We reduced the carbon footprint of the ration from 18.9 to 14.6 kgCO2e per day and yields have marginally increased so we have not lost performance in the process. Overall we have reduced emissions from the diet alone by approximately 23%.”
The next steps are to reduce the crude protein content of the overall diet and review the compound feed with the potential to utilise amino acid nutrition. This will improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency and cost of production.
For youngstock, the opportunity was to reduce the spread in age at first calving. David admits that while they may average 24 months, this average hid quite a range. Calves are reared at the home farm until moving to a rearing unit. Some calves move at three months and others at five months due to space. The starting point was to review calf management as they needed to get calves off to the best start. They are the most efficient animals on the farm and any ground lost is hard, and expensive financially and environmentally, to make up.
“We are planning to extend the calf accommodation to minimise the number of times calves are moved and avoid moving them off site
to rearing facilities at a critical age, we hope to keep all calves until six months before moving.
“We have recently increased milk feeding to 10 litres/day to increase the energy to calves to support better growth and development. This supports them when they make the move off farm to be reared.
“As well as growing replacements more efficiently we are also tackling the size of the enterprise by focusing on cow health to reduce replacement rates.
“By adding value to the carbon footprint benchmark and drilling down into the major emissions contributors, we now have a clear plan which is online to reduce emissions by approximately 18% and we are already looking for the next opportunities to improve.”
Summarising the event, Liz Homer says that collaborative approaches involving the supply trade and processors working with dairy farmers offer the best approach to take control of the sustainability issue. Showing a structured approach with demonstrable results will be important for the industry as the demands to reduce emissions increase.
New Northern Trade Powerhouse Announced
Businesses across the grain and feed trades operating in the north of England are being invited to join a new umbrella organisation, the Northern Feed Alliance.
The alliance has been created to reinvigorate and rejuvenate three existing trade associations – The Manchester Corn and Allied Trades Guild, The Liverpool Corn and Feed Trade Association and The Lancashire and Cheshire Corn and Agricultural Merchants. Dr Phil Holder from ED&F Man has been elected the inaugural President of the Alliance.
“Drawing the three wellrespected and long-established associations into a single alliance will help all those involved in the feed industry to collectively address the broadening issues facing the industry,” Dr Holder explains.
“The Northern Feed Alliance will be a proactive association working across the grain and feed supply trade building a foundation for a more integrated industry. We will be striving to increase inclusivity and diversity across the entire supply chain, and we encourage all businesses involved in the production and supply of animal feed to become members, however big or small. There will also be a strong emphasis in encouraging
younger members of the trade to take an active role.
“We hope to offer a broad approach and are looking to encourage membership not just from the traditional “traders” but from all functions within the industry including technical, finance, HSEQ, logistics and operations.”
The principal objectives of the Alliance are to share knowledge and trade awareness, to develop a robust networking structure to facilitate businesses working more closely together whilst also building on the long standing and proud traditions of the industry.
Several events have already been arranged. On 20th June, they are hosting the 2nd Manchester Bourse which is an opportunity to hear speakers from the AIC and a leading player in Global Freight market and hear about the history and backstory of the Northern Feed Alliance, while networking with fellow members of the trade. In October they are running Trade Awareness Days in conjunction with The Bristol Corn and Feed Trade Association.
“We hope that feed and grain trade businesses will see the benefits from closer collaboration and look forward to building a strong alliance,” Dr Holder concludes. For more information contact secretary@northernfeedalliance.co.uk
Wet Winter Results in Challenging First Cuts
T he impact of the wet winter and spring are likely to be felt into the coming winter feeding season according to Trouw Nutrition who have announced the results of the first 500 samples analysed this year.
“The combination of the mild winter and extremely wet conditions has had an impact on the harvesting season and the quality of silages produced,” comments Nacia Bonnick, Ruminant Technical Support Coordinator at Trouw Nutrition. “In many parts of the country, first cuts were significantly delayed.”
The mild winter extended the growing season resulting in higher covers of older, over-wintered grass in the spring. Then the prolonged wet conditions impacted the application of slurry and fertiliser and delayed the timing of first cuts with implications for quality.
“Results from our pre-cut tracker indicated the optimal cutting date would have been mid-April through to the first week of May, but field conditions prevented many farmers from taking cuts to help preserve season long conditions and reduce soil contamination.
“The delayed harvest has resulted in a higher proportion of older and overwintered material in clamps which tends to be more fibrous and less digestible.”
The average early first cut this year is 33.7% dry matter which is higher than last year’s crops which were 30.9%. Average ‘D’ value is lower at 68.6% reflecting the age of ensiled material. Consequently, metabolisable energy has decreased marginally to 11.0MJ/kgDM.
NDF is higher than usual for a good first cut, combined with very high lignin levels, at 38g/kg DM, means forages will ferment more slowly which will have implications for supplementation and intakes. Crude protein levels are slightly depressed at 14.4%, which in part will be due to the inability to get on fields with fertiliser.
“Overall forages will need careful supplementation to get the most milk from forage, control purchased feed costs and reduce the carbon footprint per litre,” Ms Bonnick continues.
To compensate for the lower digestibility, she says rations may need to include ground cereals and rumen energy sources to promote digestibility and intakes. Overall rumen health would be considered safe given the low acid load and high fibre index from silages.
“It will be essential to supplement and balance both Total
Fermentable Protein and Carbohydrates, both of which are lower than last year. This will ensure good rumen function and efficiency and microbial protein yield.
Alongside supplementation of rumen fermentable carbohydrates and protein we would expect bypass protein supplementation will be required to support milk production. The obvious choice may be soya, but this should be considered in terms of carbon footprint and cost. Other good sources of protein could include rapeseed meal, protected rape and distillers.
Ms Bonnick stresses that averages are only a guide. What is important is the silage actually being fed and she urges farmers to analyse clamps regularly to understand the forage being fed and allow accurate and cost-effective supplementation.
First Cut Averages 2023- 2024 (source: TNGB)
Early
a valuable reports.
CASE STUDY
STUDY
The
MAXIMISE CAPACITY & STREAMLINE EFFICIENCY WITH PROMTEK
MAXIMISE CAPACITY & STREAMLINE EFFICIENCY WITH PROMTEK
MAXIMISE CAPACITY & STREAMLINE EFFICIENCY WITH PROMTEK
MAXIMISE CAPACITY & STREAMLINE EFFICIENCY WITH PROMTEK
system operates with m in i m a l to l e r a n c e , ensuring precision in the production process.
MAXIMISE CAPACITY & STREAMLINE EFFICIENCY WITH PROMTEK
MAXIMISE CAPACITY & STREAMLINE EFFICIENCY WITH PROMTEK
Improving capacity, modernising an older production line design, speeding up materials handling, and reducing energy consumption were some of the enhancements Promtek engineered for a global leader in premix manufacturing. Incorporating Promtek's system into the premix factory was highly beneficial, contributing to improved mixing, reduced downtime, and enhanced accuracy of mixtures. The system generates better reports and ensures robust quality control. Overall, it significantly boosts productivity and efficiency.
Improving capacity, modernising an older production line design, speeding up materials handling, and reducing energy consumption were some of the enhancements Promtek engineered for a global leader in premix manufacturing. Incorporating Promtek's system into the premix factory was highly beneficial, contributing to improved mixing, reduced downtime, and enhanced accuracy of mixtures. The system generates better reports and ensures robust quality control. Overall, it significantly boosts productivity and efficiency.
Improving capacity, modernising an older production line design, speeding up materials handling, and reducing energy consumption were some of the enhancements Promtek engineered for a global leader in premix manufacturing. Incorporating Promtek's system into premix factory was highly beneficial, contributing to improved mixing, reduced downtime, and enhanced accuracy of mixtures. The system generates better reports and ensures robust quality control. Overall, it significantly boosts productivity and efficiency.
Improving capacity, modernising an older production line design, speeding up materials handling, and reducing energy consumption were some of the enhancements Promtek engineered for a global leader in premix manufacturing. Incorporating Promtek's system into the premix factory was highly beneficial, contributing to improved mixing, reduced downtime, and enhanced accuracy of mixtures. The system generates better reports and ensures robust quality control. Overall, it significantly boosts productivity and efficiency.
instills s . Promtek, there has been a substantial inc r e a s e moving from 400M to an impressive 2000MT.
Improving capacity, modernising an older production line design, speeding up materials handling, and reducing energy consumption were some of the enhancements Promtek engineered for a global leader in premix manufacturing. Incorporating Promtek's system into the premix factory was highly beneficial, contributing to improved mixing, reduced downtime, and enhanced accuracy of mixtures. The system generates better reports and ensures robust quality control. Overall, it significantly boosts productivity and efficiency.
Improving capacity, modernising an older production line design, speeding up materials handling, and reducing energy consumption were some of the enhancements Promtek engineered for a global leader in premix manufacturing. Incorporating Promtek's system into the premix factory was highly beneficial, contributing to improved mixing, reduced downtime, and enhanced accuracy of mixtures. The system generates better reports and ensures robust quality control. Overall, it significantly boosts productivity and efficiency.
HOW PROMTEK BENEFITS PREMIX FACTORIES
HOW PROMTEK BENEFITS PREMIX FACTORIES
HOW PROMTEK BENEFITS PREMIX FACTORIES
HOW PROMTEK BENEFITS PREMIX FACTORIES
HOW PROMTEK BENEFITS PREMIX FACTORIES
HOW PROMTEK BENEFITS PREMIX FACTORIES
Utilizing Promtek provides Premix Factory with a re lia b le sy st e m , delivering accurate and valuable reports.
Utilizing Promtek provides Premix Factory with a l e s y st e m , delivering accurate and valuable reports.
Utilizing Promtek provides Premix Factory with a r e lia b l e s y st e m , delivering accurate and valuable reports.
Utilizing Promtek provides Premix Factory with a r e lia b l e s y st e m , delivering accurate and valuable reports.
Utilizing Promtek provides Premix Factory with a r e lia b l e s y st e m , delivering accurate and valuable reports.
Utilizing Promtek provides Premix Factory with a r e lia b l e s y st e m , delivering accurate and valuable reports.
The system operates with m ini m al tol e ra nc e , ensuring precision in the production process.
The system operates with m ini
The system operates with m ini
The system operates with
The system operates with m ini m a l tol e r a nc e , ensuring precision in the production process.
The system operates with m ini m a l tol e r a nc e , ensuring precision in the production process.
, ensuring precision in the production process.
Enhanced security in the end result product instills confidence in sending out hi g h - q ua lit y g oo d s .
Enhanced security in the end result product instills confidence in sending out hi g h- q ualit y g oo d s.
, ensuring precision in the production process.
, ensuring precision in the production process.
Enhanced security in the end result product instills
confidence in sending out hi h li d
Enhanced security in the end result product instills confidence in sending out hi h lit d
Enhanced security in the end result product instills
confidence in sending out hi h lit d
Enhanced security in the end result product instills confidence in sending out hi h lit d
Since implementing Promtek, there has been a substantial incr e ase in p ro d uctio n , moving from 400M to an impressive 2000MT.
Since implementing Promtek, there has been a substantial incr e a s e in p ro d uctio n , moving from 400M to an impressive 2000MT
Product Handling Manages Diverse Products
Improving Premix Factories' PROMTEK
Target versus actual
Expert Support
24/7 Support and Assistance
Precision Highly Efficient
Precision Highly Efficient
Efficient
Precision Highly Efficient
PROMTEK
Promtek sends the actual mixing values to the ERP system. The stock values are updated live showing the real availability. No production losses have to be written off after a stocktake.
Positive User Experience
Positive User Experience
Positive User Experience Reliable, User-friendly
Positive User Experience Reliable, User-friendly Reliability
Reliable, User-friendly
Positive User Experience
Reliable, User-friendly
Reliable, User-friendly Reliability
Pictures speak a thousand words
Consistent Performance
Reliability
Reliability
Consistent Performance
Consistent Performance
Consistent Performance
Reliability
Improving Premix Factories' Production Processes
Consistent Performance
PROMTEK
PROMTEK
PROMTEK
PROMTEK
Processes
Improving Premix Factories' Production Processes
Improving Premix Factories' Production Processes
Improving Premix Factories' Production Processes
No production losses have to be written off after a stocktake.
No production losses have to be written off after a stocktake.
Processes
Product categorisation Pictures
Pictures speak a thousand words
Pictures speak a thousand words
Pictures speak a thousand words
Pictures speak a thousand words
Pictures speak a thousand words
Pictures a thousand words
Pictures speak a thousand words
Pictures speak a thousand words
Barcode
Pictures speak a thousand words
Pictures speak a thousand words
designed to imitate the real
Customised contral screen visuals made initial acceptance and training easier for operators.
Customised contral screen visuals made initial acceptance and training easier for operators. The screen graphics were designed to imitate the real equipment in the factory.
Barcode creation
Promtek automatically creates P attached to a raw material pallet. Barcode recognition makes it possible to track and trace lot codes and bin
Promtek stores all safety information for ingredients. When adding a specific ingredient a warning may be shown. The system produces a record of safety warnings for the user. Expert Support
Product categorisation
Product categorisation
Product categorisation
Product categorisation
Customised contral screen visuals made initial acceptance and training easier for operators. The screen graphics were designed to imitate the real equipment in the factory.
Product categorisation
Product categorisation
Categorisation improves finished product safety. Promtek allows products to be categorised according to mixing sequence and will schedule production to prevent cross contamination.
Categorisation improves finished product safety. Promtek allows products to be categorised according to mixing sequence and will schedule production to prevent cross contamination.
Categorisation improves finished product safety. Promtek allows products to be categorised according to mixing sequence and will schedule production to prevent cross contamination.
Promtek automatically creates P attached to a raw material pallet. Barcode recognition makes it possible to track and trace lot codes and bin
Promtek stores all safety information for ingredients. When adding a specific ingredient a warning may be shown. The system produces a record of safety warnings for the user. Expert
Categorisation improves finished product safety. Promtek allows products to be categorised according to mixing sequence and will schedule production to prevent cross contamination.
Categorisation improves finished product safety. Promtek allows products to be categorised according to mixing sequence and will schedule production to prevent cross contamination.
Categorisation improves finished product safety. Promtek allows products to be categorised according to mixing sequence and will schedule production to prevent cross contamination.
Categorisation improves finished product safety. Promtek allows products to be categorised according to mixing sequence and will schedule production to prevent cross contamination.
product safety. Promtek allows products to be categorised according to mixing sequence and will schedule production to prevent cross contamination.
Categorisation improves finished product safety. Promtek allows products to be categorised according to mixing sequence and will schedule production to prevent cross contamination.
according to mixing sequence and will schedule production to prevent cross contamination.
will schedule production to prevent cross contamination.
will schedule production to prevent cross contamination.
creation
Bag additions converted to
Bag additions converted to bulk auto dosing by the control system saves time. Operators can now run two mixers instead of one. Employees can spend more time on higher value tasks. Additional time saving benefits
Promtek automatically creates barcodes from the ERP attached to a raw material pallet. Barcode recognition makes it possible to track and trace lot codes and bin numbers throughout.
Bag additions converted to bulk auto dosing by the control system saves time. Operators can now run two mixers instead of one. Employees can spend more time on higher value tasks. Additional time saving
Additional time saving benefits
Additional time saving benefits
Bag additions converted to bulk auto dosing by the control system saves time. Operators can now run two mixers instead of one. Employees can spend more time on higher value tasks. Additional time saving
Additional time saving benefits
Bag additions converted to bulk auto dosing by the control system saves time. Operators can now run two mixers instead of one. Employees can spend more time on higher value tasks.
dosing by the control system saves time. Operators can now run two mixers instead of one. Employees can spend more time on higher value tasks.
Bag additions converted to bulk auto dosing by the control system saves time. Operators can now run two mixers instead of one. Employees can spend more time on higher value tasks. Additional time saving benefits
Additional time saving benefits
Bag additions converted to bulk auto dosing by the control system saves time. Operators can now run two mixers instead of one. Employees can spend more time on higher value tasks.
Bag additions converted to bulk auto dosing by the control system saves time. Operators can now run two mixers instead of one. Employees can spend more time on higher value tasks. Additional time saving benefits
Bag additions converted to bulk auto dosing by the control system saves time. Operators can now run two mixers instead of one. Employees can spend more time on higher value tasks.
Additional time saving benefits
Bag additions converted to bulk auto dosing by the control system saves time. Operators can now run two mixers instead of one. Employees can spend more time on higher value tasks.
Bag additions converted to bulk auto dosing by the control system saves time. Operators can now run two mixers instead of one. Employees can spend more time on higher value tasks. Additional time saving benefits
Bag additions converted to bulk auto dosing by the control system saves time. Operators can now run two mixers instead of one. Employees can spend more time on higher value tasks.
Health and Safety
Health and Safety
Health and Safety
Health and Safety
Health and Safety
Health and Safety
Health and Safety
Health and Safety
Promtek stores
Health and Safety
Health and Safety
Health and Safety
Health and Safety
Promtek stores all safety information for ingredients.
Promtek stores all safety information for ingredients. When adding a specific ingredient a warning may be shown. The system produces a record of safety warnings for the user.
Promtek stores all safety information for ingredients. When adding a specific ingredient a warning may be shown. The system produces a record of safety warnings for the user.
Promtek stores all safety information for ingredients. When adding a specific ingredient a warning may be shown. The system produces a record of safety warnings for the user.
When adding a specific ingredient a warning may be shown. The system produces a record of safety warnings for the user.
Promtek stores all safety information for ingredients. When adding a specific ingredient a warning may be shown. The system produces a record of safety warnings for the user.
Promtek stores all safety information for ingredients. When adding a specific ingredient a warning may be shown. The system produces a record of safety warnings for the user.
Promtek stores all safety information for ingredients. When adding a specific ingredient a warning may be shown. The system produces a record of safety warnings for the user.
Promtek stores all safety information for ingredients. When adding a specific ingredient a warning may be shown. The system produces a record of safety warnings for the user.
Promtek stores all safety information for ingredients. When adding a specific ingredient a warning may be shown. The system produces a record of safety warnings for the user.
Products Influencing Feed Characteristics
ALLTECH
Leaders in our field. Proven results in yours. Ever-present in grain and forage ingredients, and a potential threat to the productivity of even the best-run livestock production operations, mycotoxin contamination should be on every feed and livestock producer’s radar.
Using a combination of modern management tools, the Alltech® Mycotoxin Management program provides a holistic solution to help producers take control of the mycotoxin challenge.
Identifying and quantifying the mycotoxin risk
Alltech RAPIREAD®, our field-based tool, enables real-time mycotoxin detection within minutes. Complementing this, the lab-based Alltech 37+® analysis serves as the cornerstone of our mycotoxin control program. Testing for 54 individual mycotoxins, Alltech 37+ is independently accredited, ensuring trust and reliability. It provides a realistic picture of mycotoxin contamination, giving you the crucial information needed to implement effective remediation.
Once mycotoxin levels are detected, Alltech’s online analysis portal allows users to quantify the physical and financial cost of that risk depending on the animal groups that are being fed. These insights then inform the most effective decisions when it comes to implementing a mycotoxin mitigation plan and choosing an appropriate in-feed nutritional solution.
Mycosorb A+®: A broad-spectrum mycotoxin binding solution
Containing both yeast and algae, Mycosorb A+® is designed to reduce the damaging effects of mycotoxins on animal health and performance, providing rapid support by interacting with mycotoxins within 10 minutes. In addition, Mycosorb A+ helps to support immune function and gut health within the animal, with proven efficacy at extrusion temperatures of up to 125°C, stability over a wide pH range and avoids interactions with other minerals and nutrients.
Tel: +44 (0) 1780 764512
Web: knowmycotoxins.com | Alltech.com/uk
ADISSEO
A disseo Mycotoxin Management
Nutritionists are good at creating the best possible diet, using only the best raw materials. However, what they can’t control is what happened before receiving the raw materials. What were the conditions out in the field or during storage? Mycotoxins
can be present and have a huge impact on the health and development of animals. This is especially critical for breeding animals, which are affected more severely by mycotoxins in feed, compared to finishing animals.
Adisseo is a leading expert in controlling moulds and mycotoxins in animal feed and raw materials. Adisseo offers a complete range of EU-approved and hands-on solutions for a diversity of animal species and situations. These include UNIKE® PLUS, the best solution against broad-spectrum mycotoxin contamination in feed. It assures to maintain good health and maximum performance, even of the most sensitive animals. Adisseo solutions have been tested extensively and have proven their reliability. Additionally, Adisseo supports its customers with mycotoxin analytical services, providing accurate information on field status which - in combination with the MYCOMAN® app - means that you can make the right choice of product and product dosage quickly and effectively, supporting customers in protecting their animals and achieving higher performance.
Furthermore, Adisseo has just published MYCOPEDIA, the technical reference book of mycotoxins. With contributions from over 30 experts and based on over 1,000 scientific publications, MYCOPEDIA offers unparalleled knowledge in an easy-to-navigate format. It’s the must-have guidebook for industry professionals seeking comprehensive and up-to-date information on mycotoxins in animal nutrition.
Contact: John Dunne or Sarah Davies
Email: info.nauk@adisseo.com
Web: www.adisseo.com
AZELIS
Azelis Organic Acids Range
The control of detrimental moulds and bacteria in the feed and agricultural industry is critical as they threaten not only livestock health, performance and productivity but can also lead to contamination in the food chain threatening human health.
The use of organic acids is well established and can play an important role in contributing to environmental hygiene by helping to protect feed and raw materials from microbial and fungal deterioration.
Azelis now offers a range of organic acid formulations for the GB feed market on behalf of Swedish organic acid producer Perstorp, whose expertise in this area has led to their innovative and highly effective range of organic acid based products. Research and field trials have shown their products to have a standout position across the areas of
feed preservation, feed acidification and feed hygiene.
The Perstorp range offered by Azelis includes:
• ProPhorce™ SA Range dedicated to pathogen mitigation in feedstuffs, ingredients and finished feeds.
• ProPhorce™ PH & AC Ranges designed to improve animal welfare and performance.
• ProPhorce™ Water Solutions Range; using organic acids in water is an easy and well-established method to help preserve water quality and safeguard animal performance.
• ProSid™ MI 700 maximum grain protection.
• ProMyr™ TMR protecting nutritional value of TMR on farm.
Azelis Natural Minerals Range
Azelis offers a range of natural minerals for the UK and Irish feed sector on behalf of Imerys.
The range includes:
• SmectAgri®, a bentonite solution authorised for use as both pellet binder and mycotoxin(Aflatoxin) binder.
• Diamol®, a unique diatomaceous earth type known as moler, used as a natural carrier and anticaking agent. It helps feed and premix producers improve flowability and homogeneity of ingredient inputs and formulations. Diatomaceous earth is a natural mineral and its physical characteristics offer high effective free flow as an anticaking agent and high absorption as a carrier for liquids, oils and fats. For further information please contact Leia Trotman at Azelis on: +44 (0)7792116659 or via email: leia.trotman@azelis.co.uk
BIOCHEM
DSM-FIRMENICH ANIMAL NUTRITION & HEALTH
Mycofix®
The Mycofix® portfolio of feed additives represents the most state-ofthe-art solution for protecting animal health by deactivating mycotoxins that contaminate farm animal feed. Its safety and efficacy are proven by 7 EU authorizations for substances that deactivate mycotoxins, this makes it completely unique in the market place.
Mycofix® Plus 5.E unites three strategies to combat mycotoxins using patented proprietary technology, making it the most scientifically advanced mycotoxin protection available:
• Adsorption – a blend of minerals selectively binds aflatoxins and other absorbable toxins
• Biotransformation - A unique combination of patented specific enzymes and biological components converts mycotoxins into non-toxic, environmentally-safe metabolites in the digestive tract of animals, before they are absorbed in the GIT, therefore preventing their deleterious effects on animal health and performance*
• Bioprotection - the Biomin® Bioprotection Mix in Mycofix® Plus 5.E supports proper liver and immune system function. It also prevents gut leakage, supporting the intestinal barrier function of the animal
B.I.O.Tox Activ8® – it’s time to detox Successfully binding the mycotoxin DON is a challenge due to the special molecular properties of the mycotoxin. This is particularly difficult in high pH environments, such as that of the small intestine, where mycotoxin damage can result in cytotoxic effects on cells and result in reductions in growth performance or fertility issues.
B.I.O.Tox® Activ8 is the result of a careful selection of different raw materials, their further processing, extensive testing and the perfect ratio of the single ingredients. The well-balanced composition of mineral binding agents is able to bind all currently relevant mycotoxins, including DON.
Like all the other members of the B.I.O.Tox® family B.I.O.Tox® Activ8 starts to work immediately after uptake; important for DON as first serum levels are seen 20 minutes after ingestion. B.I.O.Tox® Activ8 contains additional phytogenic components to support metabolism and oxidative stress caused by mycotoxin damage. Altogether B.I.O.Tox® Activ8 is a valuable building block in a smart mycotoxin management, which is one essential point in stabilizing gut integrity and animal health.
Contact: Oliver Caiger-Smith Technical Sales Manager
*Mycofix ® Plus 5.E contains the only EU authorized feed additives proven to adsorb or to biotransform mycotoxins into nontoxic metabolites. (Regulation No 1016/2013, No 1060/2013, No 1115/2014, No 2017/913 and No 2017/930)
Furthermore, Mycofix® Plus 5.E protects against a weakened immune system and lower performance caused by endotoxins, even in the presence of adsorbable mycotoxins such as aflatoxins. Mycofix® can be incorporated into feed or premix and is available in a range of formulations to best support customers’ needs.
For more information on Mycofix® in the UK and Ireland, place take contact to your feed supplier or your usual contact within dsmfirmenich.
Web: www.dsm-firmenich.com/anh
Download the Mycotoxin Survey 1-3 2024 here:
ED&F MAN LIQUID PRODUCTS
ED&F Man produces a range of specialist molasses based liquids for feed compound, blend and coarse mix production.
Designed to suit a wide range of feed production systems and tailored for either bulk or bagged feed sales. We can offer bespoke and costeffective solutions to match individual customer needs. Our liquid products are expertly formulated to ensure easy handling, stability and flowability through all temperatures and can be used for livestock, horse and pet feed production.
All blends are based on cane molasses due to its excellent palatability, high nutrient density and its ability to bind dust. The Millspec range reduces dust levels in both the production and finished feed can help lead to less handling and production issues as well as reducing customer complaints. Pellet quality is improved significantly with less broken pellets and fines helping to prevent build up on machinery ensuring a faster throughput of production and less cleaning down time.
The addition of an enhanced oil option such as Molglo is ideal for high value bagged feed as the molasses: oil complex helps to keep a long lasting glaze on the pellet improving the colour, texture and overall quality, as well as increased the shelf life continuing visual appeal to the end user. Using SCOPE as an alternative to conventional high-cost vegetable oil spray applications can achieve great product quality while also saving cost.
As part of ED&F Man’s ongoing commitment to reducing our environmental impact, all blends containing oil use sustainable soya bean oil under the Triple S Scheme helping you towards your sustainability commitments.
A ccelerating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions worldwide have created elevated concerns about the effects of climate change and
the impact of GHGs on the planet. In 2015, the United Nations (UN) adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals aimed at restoring and promoting social, economic and environmental sustainability. Goal 13 – “Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.” – emphasizes that actions need to be integrated into national policies, strategies and planning. Identifying measures to reduce on-farm emissions contributes to this goal.
Kemin, Dow and Adesco jointly conducted a gate-to-gate life cycle assessment study to investigate the GHG emissions in CO2-eq of barley and wheat using three different methods of grain storage: aeration, drying and preservative addition. The results from this study demonstrate that drying and aerating grain create a bigger carbon footprint than treating grains with Myco CURB ES Liquid. Offering the industry an immediate, significant and practical means to reduce the carbon footprint of grain processing and feed production.
Web: www.kemin.com/sustainablepartnerships
LALLEMAND ANIMAL NUTRITION ALKOSEL
Among feed-derived antioxidants, selenium has a special place as an essential part of 25 selenoproteins. It plays an important role in various biological processes, such as defence against oxidative stress, normal thyroid function and optimal reproductive performance.
The selenized yeast ALKOSEL, from Lallemand Animal Nutrition, is a source of organic selenium, which is significantly more bioavailable than mineral forms such as sodium selenite. The main advantage of organic selenium is the non-specific incorporation of selenium into general body proteins. This forms an endogenous selenium reserve that can be utilised during periods of stress.
How to select a good quality selenized yeast?
Visual inspection is one indicator of quality. A light beige colour is Alkosel Other selenized yeast
a sign of a product dried slowly with care, whereas a darker, brown colour can be a sign of lower digestibility (see above). ALKOSEL is carefully produced to be a minimum 98% organic selenium. Each batch comes with a certificate of analysis, which includes a measure of organic selenium, and not just total selenium content. Certifying both total and organic selenium is the gold standard for selenized yeast.
Specific livestock benefits
In poultry, ALKOSEL has demonstrated improvements in eggshell and bone strength, increased hatchability and lower risk of muscular selenium deficiencies. In ruminants and pigs, ALKOSEL enhances selenium transfer to the newborn via the placenta, colostrum and milk. Improved fertility parameters, fewer issues with retained placentas and reduced somatic cell counts are also commonly observed.
For more information, call Mark on 07827 228161 or email animalUK@lallemand.com.
ORFFA
Excential Toxin Plus
Mycotoxin contamination in feed is an increasing challenge in animal production since it negatively affects animal health and performance. Mycotoxins are the secondary metabolites of fungi and are often found as contaminants in feed. Therefore, the inclusion of a broad spectrum mycotoxin adsorbent in the feed to alleviate this harmful contamination is a recommended solution. One of the most common mode of actions of mycotoxin adsorbents, as already indicated by the name, is binding of mycotoxins which prevents the mycotoxins from being absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract of animals and exerting their negative effects. Commercial mycotoxin binders vary in their capacity to adsorb mycotoxins but Excential Toxin Plus has been shown to be one of the best binding mixtures in the market. However, some mycotoxins, such as the trichothecenes, remain difficult to bind. Therefore, it is important to include products that not only binds the mycotoxins, but also uses other strategies to protect the animal against the harmful effects of mycotoxins. Excential Toxin Plus improves mycotoxin defenses via a combined approach, by using five synergistically working ingredients. Besides
the aluminosilicates and yeast aimed at adsorption of mycotoxins, Excential Toxin Plus also contains ingredients that are included to reduce the growth of fungi in stored feed and to support intestinal integrity and liver health. This unique combination of ingredients makes Excential Toxin Plus a broad spectrum toxin binder, that matches the mycotoxin binding capacities of premium commercial available products, and more!
Contact
Web: www.orffa.com
TROUW NUTRITION
Our Selko feed safety and milling efficiency team can offer their specialist expertise to review and optimise each step of the production chain for safety, profitability, and sustainability.
Your dedicated feed additives engineer can advise on, and install, bespoke automated dosing equipment for all liquid applications.
All product users have access to our laboratories for shelf life testing, microbial and mycotoxin analysis, and moisture profiles.
Selko offer a range of product solutions depending on your needs:
Fylax® - An organic acid blend specifically developed to reduce microbial risk both in mill and raw material preservation with added benefit to reduce energy usage and increase moisture profiles during both mill and rolling processes.
Fysal® - An organic acid blend specifically developed to reduce Salmonella (re) contamination risk in vegetable and protein meals.
TOXO® - A broad-spectrum smectite clay mycotoxin binder that binds mycotoxins and mitigates animal performance impairment caused by exposure to mycotoxins.
Revalet ® - A broad spectrum organic acid blend which supports the control of micro-organisms (yeasts, moulds and Enterobacteriaceae) in co-products. Resulting in shelf life extension while maintaining the nutritional value of the by-products. Helping to reduce food waste and repurpose back into feed and support sustainable choices.
For more information contact our feed additives team:
Email: technical.gb@trouwnutrition.com
Web: www.trouwnutrition.co.uk
Tel: +44 1335 341100
Lallemand Invests in UK Organic Selenium Production
L allemand Animal Nutrition is pleased to announce significant investments to its production infrastructure in Felixstowe, one of the company’s main production sites for its organic selenium source, the selenium enriched yeast, ALKOSEL.
Mark McFarland, feed additive product manager for Lallemand Animal Nutrition UK & Ireland, explains that these investments are strategically designed to address sustainability goals while strengthening the company’s resilience and adaptability to external pressures and dynamic market conditions, thus remaining a reliable partner for customers.
Lallemand’s selenium enriched yeast ALKOSEL (Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCYC R397), has a specific production process which is constantly optimised to ensure consistent quality of the final product.
Mr McFarland explains ALKOSEL is produced by fed-batch culture: nutrients, including selenium, are supplied incrementally to the growing cells.
“The crucial part is to add the right amount of selenium at the right time,” he says.
“Adding too little results in a low concentration of organic selenium in the final product, whereas adding too much will inhibit the growth of the yeast.”
Once the yeast has reached its optimal growth, it is washed and harvested by centrifugation and the selenium enriched yeast cream is further processed to inactivate the yeast cells before careful drying in a drum dryer.
Each batch of ALKOSEL comes with a certificate of analysis, which includes a total selenium content, and crucially also a measure of organic selenium content.
Andre Zigani, Lallemand Felixstowe operations and plant director, explains: “Drying of the yeast cream is one of the highest energy consuming phases of the whole yeast production process.
“In recent years, we have
made significant investments to reduce this cost and streamline our overall operation.
“In 2023, we invested in a new, more energy efficient drying technology, allowing us to reduce electricity usage by nearly 40%. New blowers have also allowed us to reduce energy consumption in air supplied for fermentation by 30%.”
In addition, the site is producing its own energy.
Mr Zigani explains: “Combined heat and power deliver 100% of plant electricity, 25% of steam and 10% of hot water requirements.
“Concerning water management, the use of reverse osmosis (RO) has reduced the plant potable water consumption by 35%.”
He adds: “I’m also excited to announce we’re planning to reduce our gas consumption. The installation of an anaerobic digestor next year, which will run on plant waste streams, is projected to cut gas consumption by up to 50%.”
Mark McFarland adds: “By investing in these improvements, the company confirms its dedication to delivering high-quality selenized yeast, optimising operational efficiency and reducing its environmental footprint”.
Why Selenium is Important
Selenium contributes to several important functions in the body, such as prevention of oxidative stress, proper thyroid function, immunity, and reproduction, explains Mr McFarland.
“Its usage is therefore beneficial for all animal species, from livestock and aquatic species to companion animals,” he says.
“Inorganic selenium is not a natural selenium supplement for animals and is therefore significantly less bioavailable than organic sources.
“Organic selenium, on the other hand, in the form of selenoamino acids such as selenocysteine and selenomethionine, is naturally found (albeit in very low levels) in plant protein and is therefore a form of selenium that animals have always consumed and metabolised.
“ALKOSEL delivers a full profile of selenoamino acids and is the gold standard for selenium enriched yeast. To have it produced locally, in an increasingly more sustainable manner, should be great news for our customers.”
Mr McFarland concludes: “The Lallemand Animal Nutrition team is extremely proud of our production colleagues in Felixstowe, not only because of the positive environmental improvements they have achieved but also because of their continued dedication to producing the highest quality product possible.”
Spotlight on … FEED MILL PROCESS ENGINEERING
Condex (UK) Ltd
Knowledge and experience as part of the package, since 1980 Our supply and engineering package has been developed over many years to compliment the needs of our customers.
This starts with the basic service of identifying issues such as pellet quality, cooling efficiency and working with the customer to help improve process quality and productivity.
If replacement equipment or upgrades are needed, we offer high quality, robust, low maintenance equipment and our own UK based commissioning and service engineers.
With system design and installation, we can work with a customers preferred contractors. Alternatively offer a complete turnkey design and installation package, with a single point of contact for the customer.
Projects are managed in-house from concept through to commissioning. After sales service and support ensures our clients
At Condex you’re
Peace of
mind:
No bearings, seals or service down time …
Guaranteed for 5 YEARS for UK
continue to receive the best service, even long after any project has been completed.
As a well-established supplier of equipment and services to the industry, we have a fundamental understanding of how to optimise equipment performance while still considering access and maintenance requirements in all areas of our design.
Working closely with our clients to expose any existing issues or bottle necks, optimising and modernising systems for expansion and increased throughput. At all times keeping ahead of legislation and industry requirements.
We offer this service to all clients as part of our equipment supply package, so whether you are just looking for equipment or looking for a company that can offer the complete package, in-house, we look forward to hearing from you.
Condex (UK) Ltd, White Cross, Lancaster, LA1 4XQ
Tel. 01524 61601
Email: info@condex.co.uk
Web: www.pelletmills.com
not just
buying a pellet mill:
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, installation and project management services
UK based stock and engineers
2-3 day Die and roll refurbishment
Dies held in stock on request
Experience:
Sales technicians who understand the day-to-day requirements of a busy mill
>50 years manufacturing experience at La Meccanica Condex Ltd - established in 1980 www.lameccanica.it
Croston Engineering
Croston Engineering, formed in 1976, specialises in the design, building and servicing of bulk storage, mechanical/ pneumatic conveying, and weighing systems for the animal feed and many other associated industries throughout the U.K. These include pet food, grain, human food and drinks industries from intake of raw materials to out loading of finished products.
As an adjunct to new developments, the Company carries out improvements or extensions to existing production plants in compliance with the requirements of DSEAR/ATEX Explosion Regulations when applicable.
Croston Engineering is an Approved SafeContractor which is a recognised standard of competence throughout industry in complying with the requirements of safety legislation and procedures.
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
Ottevanger Milling Engineers B.V.
you are. Whatever your milling challenge, there’s a good chance we can solve it. So, whether you are striving for quick wins or a long- term strategic overhaul of your operation, we would love to hear from you. Web: www.ottevanger.com Email: info@ottevanger.com
Sevale Engineering
Founded in 1909, Ottevanger Milling Engineers specializes in the design and manufacture of equipment and complete installations for the grain-processing and compound feed industry. This includes the design, manufacture and management of complete (turnkey) production facilities or individual lines for processes. Our engineers plan and create entire plants – across multiple continents and in diverse markets ranging from mixed feed, premixes, additives, aqua feed, pet food and soybean processing. Our project and site management teams can implement the most complex projects; while our craftsmen build a wide range of highperformance production machinery that’s built to last.
Our product range includes mixers, hammer mills, pellet mills, conditioners, extruders, driers/coolers, crumblers, crushers, conveying equipment, weighing, liquid dosing systems, storage silos for grain and feed, spare parts, electric control and fully process automation and after sales service worldwide. We also offer our unique containerised mills which can be supplied in the range of 1 to 45 tonnes per hour. The equipment is installed in 20-foot containers which can be handled as separate modules.
We are part of the Triott Group, a family-run (privately held) production technology business that helps society produce a greater quality and quantity of animal feed and food – wherever in the world
A Legacy and a Bright Future Sevale Engineering was acquired by CFE Group in 2021 and CFE is committed to growing this business. Sevale have been based in Gloucester for almost 50 years. They supply pelleting consumables to compound feed, biomass, and sugar industries. Sevale’s markets are primarily in England and Scotland.
Sevale is now moving into its 2nd expansion phase which will include its relocation to a new and bigger premises in 14 Lower Tuffley Lane, Gloucester. We have invested in technology to automate roll refurbishment and we are now centrally positioned in an industrial site adjacent to our industry subcontractors. This expansion allows us to focus even further on providing quality & efficient service to the southern half of the country.
Sevale is now in the excellent hands of our CFE General Manager, Carl Robinson and on site by Glyn Cooke, Sevale’s long experienced & long serving technical manager.
Sevale Engineering continues to uphold its tradition of quality and innovation. With support from the CFE Group, Sevale is well-positioned for future growth and improved service to its customers, maintaining its leadership in the engineering and manufacturing sector. This next chapter in Sevale’s journey promises to bring even greater service and innovation to its future.
Sevale Engineering Limited 14 Lower Tuffley Lane Gloucester Gloucestershire
GL2 5DT
Tel: 01452 303180
Mobile: 07787 435150
Fax: 01452 306250
Email: sales@sevaleengineering.co.uk
Irish Government Minister Visits McAree Engineering to Review Lvlogics’ Innovative Farm Safety “SiloSpi” Technology
Based in Co. Meath, Ireland, Lvlogics has developed “SiloSpi”, a cutting-edge digital silo monitoring system. This system automatically informs farmers and feed mills about the quantity of animal feed remaining in silos, eliminating the need for farmers to climb to the top of silos to check levels—a hazardous practice responsible for numerous accidents over the years. With this real-time data, feed mills can optimise their delivery schedules, reducing travel miles and the associated carbon footprint. Additionally, farmers benefit from the assurance that they will not run out of feed, enhancing animal husbandry practices.
Minister Heather Humphreys, Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural & Community Development, recently visited McAree Engineering, Manufacturer of V-Mac Silos, in Ballinode, Co. Monaghan, to review the latest advancements in farm safety technology.
Lvlogics’ innovative SiloSpi is now offered as standard as a factory fit on all V-Mac Silos.
During the Ministers visit, Barry Finnegan, Managing Director of Lvlogics, explained, “We use a patented laser monitoring system that constantly records the feed level within a silo with an accuracy of +/5%. This information is sent to a smartphone app, allowing farmers and feed mills to know the silo’s contents at any time, anywhere. We have a significant number of systems installed across Europe,
and our feed mill customers, including Kiernan Milling, Roches Mills, Dairygold Co-op, ForFarmers, NWF and many others, have seen significant cost savings through the improved logistics planning based on the information we provide.”
Fergal Sherry, V-Mac Silo Sales Manager, added, “We have been collaborating with Lvlogics for several years, and SiloSpi is the best solution for silo monitoring we’ve encountered. It is a cost-efficient and accurate system for monitoring silo contents. Its self-cleaning mechanism ensures the laser probe remains clean, maintaining accuracy.”
Minister Humphreys stated, “I’m delighted to see two local Irish businesses come together to introduce technology that not only makes farms and feed mills more sustainable but also significantly enhances farm safety. Farming can be dangerous on many levels, and innovations like this that improve safety are very welcome. Barry and Vincent are to be commended for making this happen.”
Vincent McAree, Operations Director at McAree Engineering, added, “We have been manufacturing our V-Mac Silos for nearly 60 years, and they are a vital part of farm equipment in terms of biosecurity. Now, with the addition of SiloSpi, we are making our V-Mac Silos smart.”
About Lvlogics
Lvlogics is a pioneering company based in Co. Meath, specializing in digital silo monitoring solutions. Their flagship product, SiloSpi, uses advanced laser technology to provide real-time data on silo contents, significantly improving farm safety and operational efficiency.
Multiple awards include among others, the National Dairy Innovation Awards - Tech Award, Best Start-up and Overall Winner 2021, Enterprise Ireland’s Agri-Technology Award 2022 and most recently, 2024 RDS Spring Awards – Sustainable Rural Start-Up Award Winner.
For more information, please contact: Barry Finnegan, Lvlogics
Tel: 089 2426825
Email: barry@lvlogics.com
Peter Richardson McAree Engineering
Tel: 087 2584584
Email: peter@mcaree-eng.com
Silo Monitoring
Peter Richardson & Claire McAree (McAree Engineering), Minister Heather Humphreys, Barry Finnegan (Lvlogics)
Latest Developments in Transition Cow Management and Nutrition
UK seminar reveals latest research and developments from industry leading experts
S ome of the country’s leading dairy nutritionists, producers and industry influencers converged on Stoke-on-Trent in May for an exclusive event hosted 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 transition period, 21 days prior to calving and 21 days postcalving, is critical for the success of a cow’s lactation and now, new research is showing the impact will last well beyond that lactation and even impact the unborn calf.
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.
“It is unquestionable that choline fits the criteria of a required nutrient for dairy cattle, and we need to get rid of the dogma that it is just for problem cows,” noted Dr Santos.
“In our studies, there was a carry-over effect of supplemental choline. Cows continued to produce approximately 2kg more milk per cow per day even after choline supplementation stopped,” he added.
Dr Santos was joined at the UK seminar by Dr Chris Reynolds from the University of Reading, discussing “Fresh Ideas for Fresh Cows”, and 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 rumenprotected choline, ReaShure XC, affects colostrum yield and quality. She also considered when to feed for the greatest benefits, looked at potential return on investment (ROI), while sharing some real-life case studies.
UK commercial scale farm trials
To illustrate this, she looked at successful field trial work in both the UK and USA, including with the renowned Gold Cup winning dairy operation in North Yorkshire, Metcalfe Farms.
At the time of the UK 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 three-week 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.
“They were also keen to increase colostrum feed rate and quality.”
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 pre-blended pre-mix. The recommended 30g/head/day was fed to pre-and postcalvers, with extremely positive results.
“The results saw colostrum quality increased, and metabolic incidences remained low,” explained Ms Millar. “Cows at 21-days 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) reduced, with the operation seeing a lot healthier cow through that transition period. Metabolic disorders are one of the key parameters the unit measures when it comes to transition, and with the reduced metritis, fertility also improved.
Ms Millar explained, “All in all, we can see ReaShure XC has been a real success on this farm setting, reflected in the fact that the product is still being utilised in both the dry and fresh cow pen.
Return on Investment
From an economics 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 three-weeks after calving, which we think is best protocol for feeding ReaShure XC, this works out at £16.80 per cow per transition,” she explained.
“That could be viewed as quite an investment, but it is important that we consider the additional benefits that can be achieved through lactation, that are often overlooked at this time, such as health and fertility.
“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 with ReaShure XC,” she added.
Ms Millar explained that 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.
“ReaShure XC’s benefits have been proven in some 30 published research studies and 40 peer-reviewed papers, as well as having been demonstrated in the field for many years,” she said.
“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.”
New Thinking Needed to Improve Foot Health
The findings of the UK’s largest survey of dairy cow mobility and foot health highlights there is still a significant opportunity to reduce the economic, welfare, social and environmental consequences of compromised mobility. But to make the most of the opportunity will require a clearer focus and new thinking.
The survey was commissioned by Stride, a not-for-profit industry initiative headed up by industry partners Ceva, HerdVision, IVC Farm Vets, Neogen and Zinpro. Over 350 dairy farmers completed the survey this spring, allowing the most detailed picture of foot health to be produced.
Announcing the results dairy vet Matt Dobbs, chair of the Stride Technical Board, comments that mobility issues have remained stubbornly high for many years. “While we have seen sustained reductions in cell counts, the same is not true for improvements in foot health. In part this is due to the milk price incentives on offer for achieving low cell counts, but it also reflects the complex and multifactorial nature of compromised mobility”.
The survey shows that compromised foot health is an issue for all farm sizes and management systems and that there is a variable uptake in the preventative measures available. All the major causes of poor foot health – digital dermatitis, sole ulcers, foul, and overgrown claws remain issues on farm.
“While businesses know the key components of a preventative programme such as mobility scoring, foot trimming and foot bathing, the uptake across respondents was variable suggesting it should be possible to improve management. The survey highlighted that a key contributor to this could be inadequate delegation of responsibility, especially where a range of farm staff and external specialists are
involved. Clear communication and a lack of protocols can also be an issue.”
The report also highlights that there may be a degree of underestimating the consequential cost of a case or poor foot health. “Respondents generally feel foot health has a small impact on profitability, possibly because incurred direct costs are only a small part of the total, with the majority being lost production, which is rarely measured.
“Better reporting of the real costs could provide a motivation to manage the condition more aggressively. However, it is important to understand that for many people involved with foot health on farm, cost is not actually the prime concern. For someone milking cows, the problems caused by poor foot health are more practical, such as extended time getting cows in for milking, or the time spent treating problem animals. Alternatively it could be something as simple as having pride in the herd.
“To begin the drive to reduced levels of foot issues, the industry needs to work more closely to help dairy farmers and their teams and advisors develop more comprehensive preventative strategies. Key to this will be clearer allocation of responsibilities, improved skills development, better appreciation of the consequences and benefits and embracing the new technologies that can make a difference on farm,” Mr Dobbs concludes.
A full copy of the report can be downloaded at www.stridemobility. co.uk/surveyresults
Producers can hear the results from the Stride survey themselves and engage in a series of practical workshops focussing on improving mobility, at one of the Stride farm events this summer. Details of the events can be found here: www.stridemobility.co.uk/news
DSM-FIRMENICH AND BESTMIX SOFTWARE PARTNER TO UNLOCK THE VALUE OF SUSTAINABLE FEED PRODUCTION WITH SUSTELLTM
dsm-firmenich and BESTMIX Software have announced their strategic partnership to measure and manage the environmental footprint of animal feed.
Roughly one-third of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions come from food production. Companies along the feed and food value chain are increasingly called upon to measure, report and reduce their environmental footprints because of their own sustainability commitments, regulatory requirements and consumer preferences— requiring considerable amounts of data.
The partnership links BESTMIX® Software’s feed formulation with the SustellTM full life cycle assessment (LCA) platform, allowing customers to generate and share their feed footprints easily. With this solution, feed producers, who play a major role in enabling sustainable animal protein, can report the environmental impact of their feed with the click of a button, leveraging existing data in their trusted BESTMIX software suite. This integration assists feed producers in addressing future demands of feed labelling, while simultaneously helping farmers accurately quantify the environmental impact of products such as eggs, meat, milk, and farmed seafood.
This is an important step for full value chain transparency and helps the whole food industry, including feed producers, farmers, processors, food companies and retailers to accurately report their emissions and improve their sustainability practices.
This ability to accurately measure and improve the footprint through systems connectivity helps unlock multiple value opportunities such as sustainable finance, eco-labelling, voluntary carbon trading and identification of best farming practices across all species industries.
David Nickell, Vice President of Sustainability & Business Solutions at dsmfirmenich, Animal Nutrition & Health said: “Feed is a critical part of the food value chain. By connecting SustellTM with a wellknown software player such as BESTMIX, we further realise our ambition to connect the entire farm-to-fork ecosystem. Reliable, easy-to-use LCA footprinting is the key to enabling cooperation throughout the value chain to meet the challenge and seize the opportunities related to sustainability.”
Gerard Marneth, CEO at BESTMIX Software, said: “We are delighted to partner with dsm-firmenich, using SustellTM to offer our customers a cutting-edge solution for
measuring and managing the environmental impact of their feed production. We believe that this partnership will create value for our customers and contribute to a more sustainable future for the feed and food industry.”
NWF GROUP PLC: TRADING UPDATE
NWF Group plc has provided a trading update for the financial year ended 31 May 2024 (“FY24”).
The Board reports that the Group’s FY24 results are anticipated to be in line with market expectations, reflecting the previously expected normalisation in the Fuels and Feeds markets alongside a strong contribution from Food.
Discussing their performance in the feed sector, the update reported that: “Volumes in FY24 were behind the prior year as ideal grass growing conditions across the summer and autumn provided farmers with significant forage for the winter. This was partially mitigated by the wet winter and spring which extended the usual winter season demand into April.
As reported in the half-year results, weaker milk prices and reduced volatility in raw material prices over the prior year have resulted in the expected normalisation of margins. Against this backdrop, the business has delivered effective management of both margin and operational costs.”
NWF expects to announce its results for the year ended 31 May 2024 in late July.
NFU PRESIDENT MEETS NEW DEFRA SECRETARY OF STATE
NFU President Tom Bradshaw has met with Defra Secretary of State Steve Reed MP on his first full day in office, where they discussed key and immediate actions that are needed to enable the British food and farming sector to thrive.
Topics high on the agenda included the critical role of food security in delivering national security, the investment required for the future of farming and restrictions around planning policy.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “It was great to meet with the Secretary of State today and put the importance of investing in the future of British agriculture directly to him. With this big change in government, it’s crucial that the voices of our 46,000 farmer and grower members are heard loud and clear within the new Defra team.
“Steve Reed has just outlined his plan for change and it’s good to hear that food security, the environment and flood management are all focus areas. These now need to be underpinned by a budget that will enable the necessary investment.
“Alongside these key areas, we’ll continue to work closely with Defra to provide policy solutions on issues such as bovine
TB, the transition to ELMs, core standards for agri-food imports, the agricultural workforce, supply chain fairness, investment in infrastructure and flexibility in planning.”
As well as meeting with the Defra Secretary of State, the NFU has also written to MPs and Cabinet ministers outlining the importance of British farming to the nation; an industry which forms the backbone of the UK’s largest manufacturing sector – food and drink – contributing more than £146 billion to the economy and employing more than four million people.
The letters, one sent to all English and Welsh MPs and others to all Cabinet ministers in the context of their portfolios, set out the priority policies to support the nation’s shared ambition for food security and growth and will put British farming front and centre as MPs take their seats across Parliament.
Mr Bradshaw added: “In an increasingly volatile world, the production of safe, sustainable and affordable homegrown food has to be high on the political agenda. It’s something that matters to everyone and every MP.
“I urge all MPs, representing both urban and rural constituencies, to take us up on our offer of a local farm visit so they can hear first-hand about how investment in agriculture can benefit British families, British business and the great British countryside.”
FORFARMERS STRENGTHENS ITS POSITION IN CO-PRODUCTS THROUGH ACQUISITION OF VAN TRIEST VEEVOEDERS
ForFarmers announces that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Van Triest Veevoeders (Van Triest), which specialises in trading residual flows and co-products. The acquisition concerns the buying and selling activities, including the associated storage and transshipment facilities and means of transport. ForFarmers, under the name CirQlar, is already active in supplying co-products and residual flows. This acquisition fits into ForFarmers’ mission For the Future of Farming: by using more and more co-products, we contribute to a sustainable future with affordable and sustainable food by producing dairy, meat and eggs.
Van Triest has been active in trading residual flows and co-products since 1959. The company has purchasing agreements with breweries, the dairy, sugar, bioethanol and potato processing industries and, as regards roughage, with many farmers. They sell the products, including brewer’s grains, potato pulp, silage maize and wet beet pulp to some 3,500 farmers mainly in the Netherlands but also in Belgium and Germany. Van Triest has a very good infrastructure in terms of logistics, storage and transshipment and possibilities for
mixing residual flows in Hoogeveen and Coevorden. Van Triest trades over 1 million tonnes of residual flows annually and has 90 employees.
ForFarmers, under the name CirQlar, has been active in the Netherlands in supplying and valorising co-products. and has storage and transshipment sites in Lochem and Heijen. Van Triest’s locations and customer base fit seamlessly with ForFarmers’ activities and offer good growth opportunities. This transaction strengthens the cooperation with suppliers of residual flows and co-products to make the food chain more sustainable in an efficient way. These products which are not suitable for human consumption can often be used to produce nutritious feed for cows, pigs and chickens.
Pieter Wolleswinkel, CEO ForFarmers: “We are looking forward to working together with our new colleagues at Van Triest. Combining our activities means that we can serve our suppliers co-products even better and provide our customers with an even better and broader range of these products. In addition, we are taking a further step in making our food chain more sustainable.”
Hein van Triest, director and owner of Van Triest: “We have known ForFarmers for years and recognised a similar focus on customers and employee satisfaction. These were important factors in the decision to
transfer our family business to ForFarmers.”
Subject to the approval of the Consumer and Market Authority, ForFarmers will acquire the shares of Van Triest, the company which includes the trading operations and associated transport equipment and storage and transshipment activities. Completion of the transaction is expected in the second half of 2024. The purchase price will be paid entirely in cash, further financial details will not be disclosed. The management of Van Triest will remain actively involved after completion of the transaction.
This press release contains information that qualifies as inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.
ABN AND LEIBER JOIN FORCES ON EUROPEAN BREWERS´ YEAST MARKET
The Spanish Aplicaciones Biologicas a la Nutricion S.L., ABN, and the German Leiber GmbH are joining forces on the European Market for food and feed products derived from brewers´ yeast. ABN, which was founded in 2000, employs some 50 specialists, Leiber has built up a team of some 250 staff since its founding in 1954. Both family-owned companies specialise in products and ingredients for the food and animal nutrition industries,
both run production and R&D facilities, and emphasize the sustainable approach of their products and processes.
‘We’re delighted to have found a partner who will enable us to further innovate and broaden our offer of high quality products for the European Market,’ says Cesar Perez Abejon, Managing Director of ABN. ‘We’ll continue to distribute our products under the well established brand name of ABN and keep all our colleagues on board. We are looking forward to a closer cooperation with our long standing partners of Leiber.’
‘The close cooperation of Leiber with ABN will open up many synergies, more than just the sum of its parts. By joining forces, we´ll be able to broaden our service level and portfolio towards the brewing industry as well as our customers on the European market. With our joint capacities it will be easier for us to offer innovative products not only for feed and food but also for biotechnology and neutraceuticals,’ says Bernd Schmidt Ankum, CEO of Leiber GmbH. ‘We’ll both gain with regard to efficiency, innovation and logistical management.’
MORRISONS ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH SEA FOREST TO FAST TRACK LOWER METHANE BEEF
Morrisons has partnered with Sea Forest, an Earthshot finalist and science-based environmental technology company, to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from beef cattle.
Sea Forest will work with Myton Food Group, Morrisons’ manufacturing arm, exclusively to supply SeaFeedTM - its methane abating livestock feed - to help fast track the introduction of lower carbon beef products such as mince, burgers, steaks and joints in Morrisons. Approval for the process is being worked through, but if successful customers should see products on the shelf in Morrisons by 2026. The partnership supports Morrisons ambition to achieve net zero agriculture emissions from its directly supplied farms by 2030.
Finalists for The Earthshot Prize, a prestigious award launched by Prince William in 2020, Sea Forest have already collaborated with Australian burger chain Grill’d to introduce a beef burger made from grass-fed black Angus cattle that produces 67% less methane emissions. When the SeaFeedTM product is included as a small fraction of the animals’ diet (approximately 0.5%), it is scientifically proven to reduce methane production without impacting the taste or quality of beef.
Sophie Throup, Technical and Sustainability Director at Myton Food Group for Morrisons, said: “As British farming’s biggest direct customer, we are well placed to support the farmers we work with and help them farm more sustainably. This partnership supports our ambition to have net zero agriculture emissions by 2030.
“Having our own livestock experts with direct relationships with farmers enables us to make changes quickly, meaning that once our trial is complete and we have approvals in place, we can develop our lower carbon beef products and help support the drive to lower emissions from cattle.”
Sam Elsom, CEO of Sea Forest, said, “Distributing our methane-busting solution to one of the most respected retailers and food producers in the UK to reduce livestock methane emissions is a tremendous milestone for Sea Forest. SeaFeedTM has the potential to sustainably feed the planet while tackling one of the most challenging pieces of the climate puzzle. Our trials with beef, dairy and wool producers across Australia and New Zealand have demonstrated excellent results and we are delighted to partner with Morrisons to make a meaningful impact on climate change at an international scale.”
The partnership is the latest step in an innovative research programme by Morrisons and Queen’s University Belfast that is looking at the use of seaweed to help reduce methane production in cattle.
Professor Sharon Huws, Director of Research, Queen’s University Belfast, School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Global Food Security (IGF), said: “We are delighted to be working closely with Morrisons and Sea Forest to provide the scientific evidence underpinning the journey towards net zero in the Morrisons beef chain. Innovation is at the centre of the IGFS ethos, and this collaboration is an important example of how our research translates into impact for the sector, and indeed for the health of our planet”.
FORFARMERS FOCUS ON FARM SAFETY
With increasing awareness in the sector for the need to uphold farm safety and the mental health of those who work within it, ForFarmers recently offered training to colleagues in these areas at three workshops across the country, in conjunction with Yellow Wellies.
Only 1 per cent of the national work force works in agriculture yet the industry equates for 17 per cent of workplace fatalities, with significant risk presented by machinery, livestock, working at height and workplace transport. When looking at mental health, 92% of farmers under 40 say that mental health is one of the biggest hidden problems in the industry.
Dr Mark Cole, Managing Director at ForFarmers, said: “Health and safety is extremely important to us at ForFarmers. We want to keep colleagues safe and well during their working day. We and our customers work in an industry full of risk. A lot of our customers work alone and can be very isolated, so we also take mental health very seriously for both customers and employees.”
Each year 12,000 accidents are reported on-farm and many more go unreported alongside an estimated 11,000 associated health issues. Time pressures at certain times of the year, like calving, harvest and silaging, can mean farmers rush to complete tasks safely.
Conducted by Stephanie Berkeley of Farm Safety Foundation, also known as Yellow Wellies, attendees at the training courses were armed with practical guidance on how to approach safety issues seen while calling on-farm. With half of the session dedicated to mental health, Stephanie explained how there is a clear link with the mental health of the farmer and the safety of their farm.
Richard Porter, UK Health and Safety Manager at ForFarmers said: “By undertaking the training, it is hoped account managers visiting customers and prospects are armed with the tools to pick up on any farm safety or mental health concerns. Much of the
guidance given was also relevant to many of the staff who run their own farming enterprises alongside their ForFarmers role. Later in the year, we plan to complete similar training with our drivers. This will be done using the film recorded at the events, making it more accessible and flexible to support our drivers.”
Stephanie said: “Farm safety is everyone’s responsibility. In some cases, the account manager or driver going down the farm drive may be the only person a farmer sees that day.
ALLTECH BEGINS TWO-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH MEAT BUSINESS WOMEN
Alltech has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting gender diversity, equality and inclusion across the global meat and food supply chain by signing a two-year strategic partnership with Meat Business Women.
Meat Business Women and Alltech will work together to develop and empower team members through access to masterclasses and mentoring development resources. They will also collaborate to attract new talent into the agri-food sector. As a strategic partner, Alltech will provide expertise and input into the group’s strategic direction and support its wider mission of raising the profile of women in the meat industry.
The organisations will also collaborate on two regional “Community Connect” events which will facilitate networking opportunities for professionals working across the entire agri-food supply chain. These networking events will both take place at Alltech offices: one in Stamford, UK, on Thursday, July 11, 2024, and one in Dunboyne, Ireland, on Thursday, September 5, 2024.
Orla McAleer, Alltech’s chief culture officer, will speak at both events, and will be joined in Stamford by Dr. Jules TaylorPickard, global technical director at Alltech, and in Dunboyne by Tara McCarthy, Alltech’s global vice president of ESG. They will speak about pivotal moments from their career journeys and share more about why the two organisations are working together.
“We are thrilled to partner with Meat Business Women to champion gender diversity and inclusion within the agri-food sector. By empowering women through access to invaluable resources and networking opportunities, we are not only fostering individual growth but also driving positive change across the industry,” said McAleer. “Alltech believes that inclusion cultivates creativity, drives innovation and is essential to the company’s purpose of Working Together for a Planet of PlentyTM. In 2019 Alltech selected Gender Equality as one of the nine United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to which the company is committed to advancing.”
To book your place at a Community Connect event in Stamford or Dunboyne, visit the Alltech website.
Daniel Zeichner appointed new DEFRA Minister of State
Daniel Zeichner has been appointed as Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) .
The MP for Cambridge was previously Shadow Minister for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs since January 2020 and has been described by the Labour Party as “a life-long environmentalist, with an enduring interest in agriculture and food issues”.
Zeichner joins Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, the MP for Streatham and Croydon North, as the two ministers now at DEFRA.
Jonathan Job Appointed CEO Duynie
Jonathan Job has been appointed as the new CEO of Duynie Group. Jonathan will succeed Anton van Dam and will handover responsibilities as of the 1st of July.
Jonathan has many years of leadership experience, his career started at Duynie in 2012 where he held various senior leadership positions. Jonathan holds a Psychology degree from Northumbria University.
ForFarmers Welcomes Ruminant Account Manager
Kirsty Leigh
Kir sty Leigh has joined the ForFarmers team as Ruminant Account Manager operating within Shropshire, South Cheshire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire. She will play a crucial role in providing farmers with compounds, blends, straights, moist and liquid feeds to meet the needs of their livestock.
Sales Manager, Joe Edge, commented: “Kirsty will be working alongside our established team and brings a wealth of experience as a straights feed trader and area manager for another feed company, and as a livestock buyer. As a farmer herself, she also has invaluable insights of the needs and demands of farmers for high-quality feed.”
Kirsty said: “Having previously worked with ForFarmers, I have
always admired their ethos and held them in high regard. I was therefore delighted when this opportunity came up.
“I am looking forward to getting out on farms, catching up with farmers I am familiar with, but also meeting some new faces and finding solutions that deliver for ForFarmers customers.”
Wyn Morris Returns to ForFarmers as Nutritional Solutions Director
F orFarmers UK has welcomed Wyn Morris back to the company and to the new role of Nutritional Solutions Director. Wyn will be supporting all species sectors of the business including ruminants, pig and poultry, as well as its smallholder and leisure ranges. Previously he held several commercial and technical roles within ForFarmers concluding with Head of Ruminant Research.
Since 2018 Wyn has been Managing Director of Carr’s Agriculture Limited trading under the names of Caltech and Scotmin Nutrition. There he led and developed the multi-species businesses in the UK and abroad.
ForFarmers UK Managing Director Mark Cole said he was delighted Wyn had decided to return and take on this senior role. “With his technical and commercial background and experience across livestock species Wyn is ideally placed to lead the nutritional solutions team in this new era for ForFarmers. It is great to have him back on board.
Wyn added: “I am excited to be back on the ForFarmers team as we evolve to meet the needs of our customers at such a pivotal time for agriculture. I’m very much looking forward to building on the company’s many achievements.”
Marloes Roetgerink Appointed as Member of the Executive Board of ForFarmers N.V.
ForFarmers’ shareholders have resolved to appoint Mrs Marloes Roetgerink as Executive Board member as per 1 June 2024.This resolution was taken during the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of ForFarmers N.V., which was held May 28th. Marloes Roetgerink will fulfil the position of Chief Financial Officer. The term of her appointment will start as per 1 June 2024 and will end at the annual general meeting in 2028, when she is eligible for reappointment for a term of 4 years.
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