Poultry Digest June/July 2013 by Primary Media

Poultry Digest June/July 2013 $6.60

Volume 28, Number 6

Labour saving Feed Caddy makes a broiler farmer’s life a lot easier

Researchers at the University of Sydney study production and welfare affecting free range poultry ‘Glimpse the Future 2020’: Alltech’s 29th Annual Symposium 2013

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Contents 10 COVER STORy Labour saving Feed Caddy makes a broiler farmer’s life a lot easier Rod and Lisa Grant, who run the Newcastle NSW based Pro Wash Poultry enterprise, are Australian agents for the Canadian designed and built Feed Caddy, a neat device that automates the arduous task of laying out paper and feed for broiler chicks prior to their placement in sheds.

26 SPECIAL FEATURE Lisa Grant from Pro Wash Poultry

Poultry Digest June/July 2013 Volume 28, Number 6 editorial enquiries: Peter Bedwell or Rosemary embery +6 1 2 4322 0799 or 0419 235 288 Journalist/Photographer: Alex Bedwell 0478 647 690 sales: Peter Bedwell Phone: +61 2 4322 0799 Mob: 0419 235 288 Or Mob: 0409 944 472 website: www.primarymedia.com.au POULTRY DIGesT consists of a bi-monthly management magazine and an annual industry review. Published by C D supplies Pty Ltd (ACN 091 560 557)

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Researchers at the University of Sydney study production and welfare affecting free range poultry. Recently, Poultry Digest visited the Camden Campus at the University of Sydney to discuss the latest research into critical aspects of free range poultry farming. Under the leadership of Dr Aaron Cowieson, the Poultry Research Foundation at the University’s Faculty of Veterinary Science has attracted a number of enthusiastic and highly effective young scientists to Camden.

News 4 ‘Glimpse the Future 2020’: Alltech’s 29th Annual symposium 2013 Alltech held its 29th Annual International Animal Health and Nutritional symposium at Lexington Kentucky Us on May 19-22, 2013. The theme for this year’s event was ‘Glimpse The Future in 2020’, and on May 20, more than 2300 attendees from 72 countries packed the main lecture hall for the opening. 16 what’s in a name and does it matter? Peter Bedwell looks at the contoversial issue of free range labelling and what it means for the broiler and layer industries in Australia. The ACCC’s recent success in prosecuting Baiada and the ACMF over labelling issues gives the industry pause for thought. 22 Grifco benefits from major investment by parent company Chamberlain Gosford Nsw based company Grifco, a subsidiary of the global Chamberlain group, has recently made significant investments in its production facilities as it continues to supply its highly durable winches to the agricultural sector and the poultry industry in particular. 42 Australasian Turkey Federation Annual Conference 2013 The annual Australasian Turkey Federation Conference was held this year between July 12 to 14 at the Hunter Valley Resort, Pokolbin Nsw.

PRODUCT NEWS 20 Palram offers alternative building materials for intensive livestock housing 44 Litter Saver and Grillo 107d help grow more batches on fewer shavings

POULTRY DIGEST, June/July 2013 3

News ‘Glimpse the Future 2020’: Alltech’s 29th Annual symposium 2013 1

By ALEX BEDWELL Alltech held its 29th Annual International Animal Health and Nutritional Symposium at Lexington Kentucky US on May 19-22, 2013. The theme for this year’s event was ‘Glimpse The Future in 2020’, and on May 20, more than 2300 attendees from 72 countries packed the main lecture hall for the opening. The focus this year was to make the symposium more interactive and include additional breakout sessions allowing Alltech’s audience to get more involved. Dr Pearse Lyons started off the Opening Plenary Session challenging current and future leaders to find their passion and use that to lead and inspire others. A common theme throughout the symposium was creating growth in both businesses and leaders and allowing people to fulfill their potential. At the opening session the Alltech Medal of Excellence was awarded to Dr Eugenia Wang from University of Louisville, for her research in microRNA which has implications for many areas including animal health, human health and human intelligence. Next Professor Damien McLoughlin from the University College Dublin spoke about indentifying the core of your business. The focus of his talk was how to successfully build and strengtthen your business and the questions you need to be asking your self in order to do so. Later that night the delegates headed to the Kentucky Horse Park, home of the Alltech Arena where the combination of Alltech Angus Beef, Kentucky Ale and a great live band made for a great night out. CONTINUeD ON PAGe 6 w

POULTRY DIGEST, June/July 2013

4 1. Peter Ferket, North Caolina State University. 2. Philip Wilkinson, 2 Sisters Food Group, UK and Karl Lawson. 3. Dr Pearse Lyons at the Opening Plenary Session. 4. Jorge Pena, Alltech and Karl Lawson, Hazeldenes Chickens, at the Kentucky Horse Park dinner.

News CONTINUeD FROM PAGe 4 On Monday May 20, the breakout session titled ‘Is truly antibiotic free poultry production possible?’ took place. Chaired by Aidan Connolly, the main question in the session that was discussed was whether the poultry industry will be antibiotic free by 2020. Some of the speakers included Peter Ferket, Steve Collett and Aziz Sacranie. The focus was on feed conversions and whether it was possible to achieve a 1:1 feed growth conversion and the benefits of achieving the correct water intake amounts. On May 21, the Poultry 2020 Discussion Dinner looked at the future of the poultry industry and what was the next frontier for adding value. This was an opportunity to see how the poultry industry was operating globally and make comparisons with Australia’s industry. On May 22, Becky Timmons started off the Closing Plenary Session by by discussing ‘The Algae Opportunity’ and how there is a need to produce more DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that is necessary in the human diet to aid in brain and eye development and heart health and immunity. Alltech’s response has been the development of SP1, a safe DHA-rich algae product that is fed directly to intensive livestock transforming the commodities of meat, eggs, and milk into value added, DHA-enriched functional foods. Next Dr Patrick Wall, Associate Professor of Public Health, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science, presented on food scares, consumer trust and the solutions to tackle the crisis that plagues the industry. Dr Wall stated “If something goes wrong in the food chain, the repercussions are huge,” and how important it is to provide safe nutritional food. The last speaker of the Closing Plenary Session was Dr Mark Lyons, who spoke about how he saw the agricultural industry in the next seven years. He discussed China’s development and the challenges it faces in food safety, sustainability and its need to increase production effiency. He explained that milk, meat and egg consumption will increase another 50% by 2030, when 70% of Chinese people will live in cities. “In China, anything is possible, but everything can be difficult,” Dr Lyons said. At the conclusion of the symposium some of the delegates and press travelled to Iowa to visit various livestock facilities. v

POULTRY DIGEST, June/July 2013

1. Speakers at the Breakout Session on Antibiotic-Free Poultry Production. LtoR: Michael Persia, Iowa State University, Andrew J Lewins, Cranbury Foods, UK, Gary Gladys, Avian Research & Consulting, Peter Ferket, North Carolina State University, Aziz Sacranie, Alltech UK and Paulo Rigolin, Alltech USA. 2. LtoR: Aidan Connolly, Alltech USA, Paolo Rigolin, Eder Barbon, Keystone Foods, Brazil, Mueez Ahmed, Dave Wicker, Fieldale Farms, USA, Russell Gilliam, Alltech USA. 3. Steve Collett, University of Georgia USA.

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Growers who attended the Feed Caddy demonstration day were (from L-R) Allison and Anthony Pace, Ray Vella, Rod Grant, Craig and Sue Wood, Malcolm Wood, Lisa Grant, Mitchell Smith, Shane Barry and Daniel Smith.

Labour saving Feed Caddy makes a broiler farmer’s life a lot easier

By PETER BEDWELL

od and Lisa Grant, who run the Newcastle NSW based Pro Wash Poultry enterprise, are Australian agents for the Canadian designed and built Feed Caddy, a neat device that automates the arduous task of laying out paper and feed for broiler chicks prior to their placement in sheds. On July 23, 2013 Rod and Lisa met a group of broiler farmers at the Bulahdelah NSW farm owned and operated by Ray and Rita Vella who are contract growers for Baiada. The family has owned and operated the three tunnel ventilated shed farm for just

POULTRY DIGEST, June/July 2013

over seven years. It is situated in beautiful countryside and apart from the broiler farm, Ray runs cattle on the 125 acre property. As a long standing client of Pro Wash Poultry, Ray was kind enough to allow his farm and sheds to be the site of a demonstration for a group of local growers keen to see how they could make the task of preparing their sheds for a new batch easier. Ray hooked up his ATV to the Feed Caddy unit while Rod demonstrated the quick and simple task of loading up the Feed Caddy with a roll of biodegradable paper (also supplied by Pro Wash). On the day, the hopper of the Feed Caddy Unit was filled from either the shed auger or by bin from the feed silo of each shed. Once a grower has acquired a Feed Caddy, Rod pointed out that constructing a simple shute from the silos to fill the unit directly would further save time in loading up the Feed Caddy. In his sheds, with around a 28,000 bird capacity, Ray uses about 800 kg of feed placed on the paper under the feed pans. Operating at a brisk walking pace behind Ray’s ATV, the Feed Caddy delivered a uniform ribbon of feed onto

the paper. Rod demonstrated the quick paper roll change and how the roll drive works through a geared chain drive. There is a release pin operating through the wheel to enable the roll to be pulled out manually to start the rollout and feed delivery process. Rod also showed how the feed delivery volume could be increased or reduced by the simple movement of a lever with graduated scale. In the feed hopper there is a line which shows the level at which the unit is full. In the case of the demonstration unit which has a 1 tonne capacity, Ray was filling to just below the line, i.e. 800 kgs. Lisa explained that there are three models in the range, the 1 tonne, 500 kg and 200 kg. “We anticipate that the 1 tonne unit will be the most popular, particularly for larger farms where saving labour cost is critical to profitable operation,” Lisa said. “The 200 kg unit is probably more suitable for smaller farms,” she added. “All the Feed Caddy models are of extremely robust construction and high quality materials are used in their manufacture,” Rod explained. “Originally the design idea came from a Canadian broiler farmer with extensive experience in the industry and that fact is w

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v clearly demonstrated in the Feed Caddy’s design and ease of operation. They are built to work easily on broiler farms and last in tough conditions. They have been in operation for some time in North American markets and are a proven product,” he said. Certainly when Rod demonstrated the Feed Caddy to Poultry Digest and the group of interested growers, the first question that springs to mind is ‘why didn’t somebody think of this before?’ Now when a grower has a Feed Caddy working in a typical broiler shed like the ones on Ray’s farm it can reduce a tedious three to four hour task to an operation that is completed more effectively and efficiently in 45 minutes or less. Apart from the labour saving component, the fact that the Feed Caddy unit can distribute feed more uniformily will almost certainly result in productivity gains. Ray likes to see all the feed laid out for placement consumed within 48 hours and the birds adapted to their feed pans. The feed pans in two of Ray’s three sheds are the SKA ‘Lyra’ system supplied by Joe Vella from Protective Fabrications. “These pans give me a significant advantage in getting the birds to pick up weight in a shorter time, in fact it could be up to a couple of days. “The SKA pan seems to suit the young birds better than the more open pan design of the older feeders in our third shed,” he reckons. The Feed Caddy is just one of a range of innovative products now sold by Rod and Lisa Grant’s Pro Wash Poultry service. Other items in the range include the US built Priefert Litter Saver which pulverizes, aerates, dries and levels existing litter for re-use and will be complemented by Pro Litter, a conditioning treatment that will be available later this year. There is Biowish manure & odour treatment and Zydox, a chlorine dioxide based water treatment product which has been demonstrated to have significant success in contributing to improved bird health in New Zealand. Also the Grillo, a ‘walk behind’ tractor used for decaking litter during a batch and is a multi purpose unit that can be used for a number of basic land management tasks on farm. Their Intra Chickpaper is a Dutch manufactured product which Rod and Lisa believe to be superior to alternative papers in attracting chicks to feed and water and in its capacity to degrade faster after it has achieved its primary task. The path to a rapidly expanding business for Rod and Lisa is an interesting one. Rod had worked in the mines for a long Top: Compact 1 tonne Feed Caddy. Centre: The Feed Caddy can be moved from site to site on flat tray or ute. Above left: Lisa Grant showing some of the many aspects period and Lisa was involved with human health research when they decided, just w of Pro Wash Poultry. Above right: Rod Grant filling the Feed Caddy the hard way.

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v over 11 years ago that they had reached the stage in their lives with a young family, where self employment was their best option. Through relatives they had some knowledge of poultry farming, enough to be enthusiastic about the idea, but not enough to be aware of the pitfalls, they acquired a neat four shed broiler farm in a tranquil area just outside Newcastle. As their experience grew they became aware that shed cleaning was an arduous task and that external cleaners were sometimes less than assiduous in completing what is an essential task for broiler rearing. “Rod has a practical approach to anything around a farm and we soon developed better ways of doing things including cleaning the sheds,” Lisa explained. “As we met more people in the industry and our skills improved, Rod was asked to help other growers in achieving better shed sanitisation and before we knew it we had started a business – Pro Wash Poultry. “We soon put a manager on at our farm and moved back to Caves Beach. Demand for our wash-down and spray sanitation services continued to grow and after a few more years we decided to sell the farm. When the farm sold I started Prime Style Fashions, a mobile fashion parade and sales business catering to the over 50’s retirement market. My fashion event and clothing sales concept developed into a profitable but very time consuming business.” “So we were running both Pro Wash Poultry and travelling all over the state with the fashion shows: something had to give,” she said. “We decided that our core business was Pro Wash Poultry, so we sold the fashion show business to concentrate on expanding the range of services we could offer to our growing client base in the poultry industry. Sourcing products like the Feed Caddy and Litter Saver were logical extensions to our core business. “Now as the industry moves towards litter re-use there are more opportunities to help farmers achieve efficient litter saving which has both cost and environmental benefits but requires a careful approach to on farm management,” she concluded. Poultry Digest would like to thank Rod and Lisa Grant directors of Pro Wash Poultry for a ‘grand (and instructive) day out.’ We learned a lot more about both the constants and changes in the business we all work in. Also thanks to Ray and Rita Vella who made us welcome on their farm and gave up so much of their time to explain and demonstrate aspects to preparing a shed for ‘the next batch’ and they fed us all as well!

POULTRY DIGEST, June/July 2013

1. Ray pegs up the paper once the feed cart has done its job. Ray reckons the new SKA feeders shorten the growing period. 2. Uniform spread of feed is essential. 3. Release pin for pulling out the tissue roll. 4. Feed flow is easily adjustable with this simple graded lever and scale. 5&6: Paper roll driving detail.

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News what’s in a name and does it matter? By PETER BEDWELL No surprise that Justice Richard Tracey in the Federal Court of Australia on July 8, 2013 found in favour of the ACCC in the consumer regulaters action against Baiada/ Bartter Steggles and the ACMF in the issue over the ‘free roaming’ slogan used to describe conventional broiler shed rearing methods. Penalties are yet to be decided by the court but according to various reports in the financial media they could exceed $1 million in fines. The poultry industry has been in the ACCC’s sights for some time now. Turi Foods copped a $100,000 fine at the end of 2012 when they settled the action over a similar description of broiler rearing on packaging and delivery vehicles and both the main participants in the duck sector, Pepe’s and Luv-a-Duck, are in similar levels of strife with the consumer regulator. Pepe’s had issues over illustrations on packaging and labeling and received a $375,000 fine plus $25,000 in legal costs and Luv-A-duck is still contesting action by the ACCC over its descriptor ‘grown and grain fed in the spacious Wimmera wheatlands’, with a further hearing scheduled for October this year. The ACCC’s task is not always an easy one – nobody with any sense in a developed nation like Australia would argue that a regulator with teeth is needed to look after consumer interests. In doing this task as best they can the ACCC faces some formidable opposition with entrenched interests like the major oil companies and of course the supermarkets. When just two companies control more than 75% of the consumer retail food spend and combined are Australia’s largest industry employers and collect vast amounts of tax for both state and federal governments though their liquor, petrol and gambling interests as well as GST on a large proportion of supermarket sales, trying to regulate such a powerful entity is not going to be easy. So do we as an industry blame Coles and Woolies for the industry’s problems over labeling and product description in general? After all, a key driver for the increase in free range production of both eggs and broiler meat is that supermarket chains

POULTRY DIGEST, June/July 2013

want to offer consumers an ever increasing proportion of poultry product as being ‘free range’. The standard argument from retailers is that they are “just giving consumers want they demand’’. Certainly in simple surveys and through focus groups, consumers will almost always state that they will buy free range where they can in preference to conventionally reared product. However actual consumer behaviour is often at odds with these simply stated preferences. Timothy Devinney is a Professor of Strategy at the University of Technology, Sydney, and his book ‘The Myth of the Ethical Consumer’ is essential reading for anyone involved with the vexed debate of what are generally and possibly erroneously described as ‘welfare friendly’ animal rearing methods. The fact that ‘free range’ almost always carries a price premium over conventional production methods inevitably means that the supermarkets get a better return on their shelf space – a key driver of profit, must also be mentioned in this debate. It must also be remembered however, that it was the alliance between the growing supermarket business of Woolies and Inghams that kickstarted the modern broiler poultry industry back in the 1960s and the ability of retailers to help grow the market for chicken meat and the broiler industry to be able to supply that market has in general been mutually beneficial. The intense competition between the previously dominant Woolies and the catch up by Wesfarmers-owned Coles, whose management team come from the equally fiercely competitive UK market, may be stretching previously comfortable trading partnerships but in the end they will endure because they have to. After calling for submissions into free range labeling issues on layers, the ACCC has indicated it favours a stocking density of no more than 1500 birds per hectare on product labeled as being ‘free range’. It has already rejected the AECL request to have an industry code for free range fixed at 20,000 bph. Coles has come up with a compromise code of 10,000 bph and lower stocking density in the sheds – the code also proposes a series of initiatives to encourage birds to range during daylight hours and have

opportunities to dust bath and follow other behavioural traits seen as being in the interests of the birds. However in its interim findings the ACCC indicated it will limit free range labeling to the FREPA protocols that indicate a maximum on-range density of 1500bph. It might be assumed that this attitude may be influenced by the fact that retailers want to offer free range poultry products under their own private labels. As current action on labelling regulation affecting the poultry has demonstrated, the ACCC has taken action against individual companies, some like Turi Foods, quite small family owned businesses. The legal costs of defending an action by the ACCC can be considerable and even if the courts find against the ACCC the regulator in cases involving other issues in the retail and wholesale sector have appealed the courts decision – an incredibly expensive process funded by the taxpayer in the case of the ACCC, but not so for the defendents. Now if the ACCC decided to move against either of the big two on free range labeling issues they would be taking on considerable legal and financial might. It’s no secret that both Coles and Woolies have considerable influence in government which given their vital role in Australia’s economy, is hardly surprising. In this debate over free range the middle ground seems to have been taken over by what a number of organisations, including the ACCC, regard as welfare issues. In its interim report on free range layers, practices like beak trimming were identified and that there would be a greater likelihood for the need for trimming on larger stocking density farms, were mentioned as issues in the decision process by the ACCC. Beak trimming may be an emotive issue but it is practiced as a necessity not only on higher density farms but also permitted under certain conditions by FREPA. CONTINUeD ON PAGe 32 w

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PRODUCT News Palram offers alternative building materials for intensive livestock housing Palram is a global company that has manufactured PVC and polycarbonate building materials for 50 years. It is probably best know in Australia for its Durashield and Suntuf products that offer builders of livestock housing an alternative to steel based roofing and cladding. In July 2009 Palram took over its Australian distributor Burnside Plastics and today operates from a new facility at Campbellfield in Melbourne as well as from its warehouses in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth where the business is growing rapidly across both the commercial and residential sectors. Amir Slijper, who is the new Business Development Manager at Palram Australia, has a lot of markets to tackle but feels very much at home with agricultural applications and intensive livestock in particular with a history of working with leading European livestock housing and equipment manufacturers to develop innovative rearing solutions using products and technology developed by Palram. “Used as a roofing material Durashield is light, easy to handle and install and we believe more resistant to corrosive elements in animal shelters that quickly attacks steel based products,” he said. “Also when we did temperature comparisons during hot summers in Israel in poultry shedding using Durashield roofing, we noticed a lowering of temperatures inside the shed when compared to coated steel products in similar conditions due to greatly reduced transmitted radiated heat. “These advantages are significant in Australia where climatic conditions in many parts of the country are similar to those in Israel,” Amir explained. “Inside livestock housing, Durashield offers similar properties with additional benefits including being easy to clean and resistant not only to corrosion caused by livestock occupation but also cleaning agents and disinfectants. “Palram PVC based HYG product range, of which Durashield HYG is one, have shown themselves to be suitable for medical facilities not only because the material is easy to clean but also because the HYG formulation has anti-bacterial properties itself. These features make the Durashield range an ideal material for intensive livestock shed interiors,” he said. “While Durashield is ideal for livestock shed roofing, wall cladding and interiors Palram’s polycarbonate material, SUNTUF, is a logical substitute for GRP roofing Skylight panels. “After prolonged exposure to the elements and other corrosive agents GRP can delaminate, become opaque and brittle. Polycarbonate is much more durable in service and is easy to install,” Amir stated. When Poultry Digest visited the new Palram warehouse, staff were busy handling prefabricated car port and awning kits sold through Bunnings stores and a major component of Palram’s consumer product range in Australia. “We realise that in the agricultural product sector in particular we face stiff competition from the steel based products, which both farmers and consumers are used to. “However we think that the cost competitiveness, ease of installation and durability of both our PVC and polycarbonate based products will win them over in the future,” Amir concluded.

POULTRY DIGEST, June/July 2013

Top: Amir Slijper, new Business Development Manager at Palram Australia. Above: Clear demonstration of advantages of polycarbonate over fibreglass roof light panels.

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News Grifco benefits from major investment by parent company Chamberlain Gosford NSW based company Grifco, a subsidiary of the global Chamberlain group, has recently made significant investments in its production facilities as it continues to supply its highly durable winches to the agricultural sector and the poultry industry in particular. “Though our products for farmers are only a small part of the well known Grifco brand they are significant and a valuable asset to the company,” said Adrian Nix, Grifco Sales Manager. “Though operating costs in Australia are known to be high, through investment in state of the art equipment and technology we are still able to compete with imports from lower cost economies by delivering products that are known to be incredibly durable like our range of poultry shed winches. “One of the great advantages of being part of a global enterprise like Chamberlain is that we have access to the necessary investment that eventually results in not only top quality product but value for money for our customers. “Our in house skills include a design

team that constantly works to improve existing products as well as developing new ones. “One of the key reasons Chamberlain acquired Grifco was because of its design and development expertise as well as its production capacity,” Adrian explained. “Recently we have become suppliers of automated door products to the Woolworths owned Masters Home Improvement Store Chain and this has resulted in a significant increase to our production output. “One of the things we must never do is be complacent and rest on our reputation for building durable winches – which our intensive livestock shed winches certainly are. “We are working with our design and production teams to bring improved and more efficient products to growers. “That’s the best way to stay in business regardless of where the Australian dollar is, or what’s happening in the industries we supply. We will just build the best possible product that our customers prefer,” Adrian concluded.

Top: The ‘Tower of Power” test rig for winch electric motors. Above left: New assembly line at the West Gosford Chamberlain factory. Above right: Tony Sinclair (left) and Adrian Nix are the sales drive behind Grifco winches.

POULTRY DIGEST, June/July 2013

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sPeCIAL FeATURe

Researchers at the University of Sydney study production and welfare affecting free range poultry By PETER BEDWELL

ecently, Poultry Digest visited the Camden Campus at the University of Sydney to discuss the latest research into critical aspects of free range poultry farming. Under the leadership of Dr Aaron Cowieson, the Poultry Research Foundation at the University’s Faculty of Veterinary Science has attracted a number of enthusiastic and highly effective young scientists to Camden. One such scientist is Ms Kate Hartcher; a post-graduate student who is tackling the challenge of feather pecking in free range laying hens. Kate knows that the mechanisms underlying feather pecking behaviours must be understood to allow farmers to manage feather pecking in free range layers. With each passing day, this becomes more urgent as consumer preferences drive the switch from cage to barn and free range production systems. Kate is working under the guidance of Dr Greg Cronin, Senior Lecturer in animal behaviour and welfare science, and Dr Mini Singh, post-doctoral research associate. Kate started a Master’s degree examining the environmental and social factors present during the rearing of chicks to investigate how these factors influence the feather pecking behaviour of free range hens. Kate’s work resulted in her presenting a paper at the Poultry Research Centre’s 2013 Australian Poultry Science Symposium, entitled ‘Effect of rearing conditions on the development of feather pecking behaviours in free range laying hens’. Kate was assisted in preparing the paper by both new and experienced scientists, including Ms Mary Tran, Dr Stuart Wilkinson, Dr Greg Cronin from the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney and Professor Paul Hemsworth from the Animal Welfare Science Centre at The University of Melbourne.

POULTRY DIGEST, June/July 2013

Top: Dr Mini Singh, Dr Greg Cronin and Kate Hartcher. Centre: Hens at 20 weeks soon to be given access to the range area. Above: Range area of sheds being used for free range layer trials. w

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Kate also assisted Greg Cronin and Mary Tran to prepare another symposium paper, ‘The effects of beak trimming and environmental enrichment during rearing on egg laying by free range hens during early lay’. Having demonstrated her aptitude for research, Kate has upgraded to a PhD with the approval of The University of Sydney. She will continue her work in feather pecking and investigate the vexed issue of range used by free range layers through the use of RFID (radio frequency identification) technology. As Dr Mini Singh explained, the use of the range is a vital concern for free range layer farmers because of the “standards of production and quality for free range production in Australia set by Free Range Egg & Poultry Australia Ltd (FREPA), which consists of a group of free range producers and accredited processors. “Their standards, which are based on the current edition of the appropriate State Animal Welfare Code, mandate that, when fully feathered, birds must have easy access to an area on which to range during daylight hours. The range area must provide shade as well as shelter and be capable of continued production of palatable vegetation. “However, only a fraction of the flock uses the range area every day and very few studies on the use of the range area have been conducted on larger (i.e. commercial scale) flocks, even though flock size has been shown to significantly influence the average proportion of hens going outside,” Kate added. “Larger flock sizes have been associated with lower range usage and there is also considerable variation in the use of outdoor space between birds and between social groups of birds within the flock in a free range system. “It is anticipated that free range flocks will prove to have bi-modal distributions, with a proportion of the flock that use the range routinely and a proportion rarely, if at all. In this study RFID technology will be used to monitor birds under free range conditions in order to track individual birds that utilise the range frequently compared to those that do not,” Mini continued. “The RFID technology will involve the use of sensor tags and antenna to read signals from tags so every time a bird moves in and out of the shed crossing the antennas, the movement will be recorded in the software that comes with the RFID technology. This will allow us to account for how many times each bird went out and

POULTRY DIGEST, June/July 2013

Top: Kate Hartcher and Mini Singh with a research assistant, Laura Sutton. for how long. “Production parameters like feed intake and egg numbers will be recorded weekly on a flock basis, along with behavioural and welfare assessments that include feather scoring to assess feather pecking in individual birds. The data acquired from these trials will provide us with information relating to welfare aspects such as featherpecking, production parameters, measures of digestibility and gene expression. “We hope to then use the results to establish the reasons for the lower performance in free range as opposed to conventionally reared layers and potentially develop strategies to combat this performance gap,” Mini concluded. The trials have been conducted at the Camden campus farming facilities, where experimental sheds and a range area are fully occupied with birds that will soon be old enough to have access to the range area. Kate and Mini would like to expand the study by using existing commercial free range sheds. Kate is the recipient of a Poultry CRC scholarship and funding for her research has been allocated through ongoing projects within the Australian Egg Corporation and the Poultry CRC. Broilers – free range issues The talented researchers at the Poultry Research Foundation have undertaken extensive work on free range broiler production and rearing issues. In 2012, Mr Tugrul Durali, another PhD student at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, along with Dr Peter Groves and Dr Aaron Cowieson, presented a paper at that year’s Australian Poultry Science Symposium entitled ‘Comparison of performance of commercial conventional and free

range broilers’, which revealed the tension in maintaining both commercially viable production and bird health outcomes. At the 2013 Symposium, Mini presented her own paper ‘Are we turning chickens into cows: how much grass do free range broilers eat?’ In the report on her research conducted within the Poultry CRC, Mini commented that “diets intended for consumption by free range birds are not routinely formulated to accommodate the modifying (diluting) effects of grass consumption on digestible intake”. Mini also assisted Tugrul, along with Peter Groves and Aaron Cowieson, in producing a paper presented at the 2013 Symposium, ‘Comparison of free range and conventional broiler performance and digestibility’. Indeed, both Mini and Kate have accumulated considerable experience working on other studies in both free range broiler and layer production. This cross-fertilisation has certainly benefited all of the researchers at the Poultry Research Foundation, as Mini said “while working with Tugrul on his free range broiler research, we were able to optimise the use of RFID technology for monitoring in Kate’s work”. The research at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden into free range broiler and layer production being undertaken by Mr Tugrul Durali, Ms Kate Hartcher, Dr Mini Singh, Dr Peter Groves, Dr Greg Cronin, and Dr Aaron Cowieson, is providing scientifically based proof of the production gap between the conventional and free range production systems. These researchers are working very hard to decipher the underlying reasons for the gap and find solutions for industry.

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POULTRY DIGEST, June/July 2013 29

News Alltech appoints new Technical Manager for Asia Pacific Alltech has appointed Dr Tugrul Durali as Asia-Pacific Technical Manager for Alltechâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mycotoxin Management Team. Based in Sydney, Dr Durali will provide technical support to the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local and regional accounts, focusing on Alltechâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On-Farm program. Dr Durali started his professional career as an intern in 2001 at one of the biggest egg and poultry meat producers in Turkey focusing on aflatoxicosis in layer hens, then joined the Turkish Armed Force where he graduated as a veterinarian lieutenant from the Army Veterinarian College. After returning to civil life, he received training on turkey breeder health, management and artificial insemination from a leading Israeli company specialising in the poultry breeder field in the Middle East. Dr Durali later worked as a poultry veterinarian at another company, focusing on gut health and mycotoxicosis on broiler and breeder productions, and then moved to Australia to join a leading poultry producer as a technical services manager. His interests in improvement of poultry welfare with nutrition and particularly antibiotic free production led him to establish research trials, and he played a major role in the establishment of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free range broiler production. Dr Durali is married and the father of a little girl who was born on the same day he joined Alltech. Alltechâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mycotoxin management program was launched in early 2012 in order

to help producers in their control of mycotoxins through a combination of mycotoxin management programs and technologies. The unique global program not only assists in managing mycotoxins throughout the feed chain, but also in detecting and addressing the risks caused by more than 37 types of mycotoxins. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is my great pleasure to welcome Dr Durali in the mycotoxin management team,â&#x20AC;? said Nick Adams, Global Director, Mycotoxin Management Team at Alltech. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The wide-spread presence of mycotox-

Global sales Director, Alltech Mycotoxin Management Team visits Australia

Nick Adams, Jorge Pena and Tugrul Durali from Alltech.

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ins means great risk for producers, and the increased demand on animal performance and productivity puts further pressure on them to find effective solutions against those hidden killers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With Dr Duraliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience, the AsiaPacific mycotoxin management team is in a stronger position than ever to provide a practical and solutions-oriented approach to effectively managing mycotoxins.â&#x20AC;? For more information about the management program, contact the Alltech office in your area.

Nick Adams, Global Sales Director â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mycotoxin Management Team, visited Australia and on July 18, Poultry Digest met Nick, Dr Tugrul Durali now Technical Manager â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Asia Pacific Mycotoxin Management Team, and Jorge Pena, Alltechâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Key Account Manager to discuss developments in the competitive Mycotoxin additive market. There was a discussion on the pressures caused to lifestock producers by increasing feed costs, the variety and quality of base feed materials and the ever increasing prevalence of mycotoxins in feedstock, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. Possibly the most pleasurable part of a quick late evening meal taken by the group in Sydneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Darling Harbour was, for Nick, watching on the big screen his beloved English test cricket team belting Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bowlers all over the hallowed turf at Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Nick is based at Alltechâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stamford, Linconshire office in the UK.

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News CONTINUeD FROM PAGe 16 Perhaps of even more concern was the fact that in commenting on their initial findings from submissions received, the ACCC revealed that a major proportion of respondents wanted cage layers banned – an issue not part of the process to determine free range labeling. The ACCC, like any government agency, comes under pressure from the population at large, some with high profiles in the wide political spectrum and of course the animal activists groups. While these ‘influencers’ are quick to heap praise on the ACCC when it indicates in favour of their views, there is little doubt that these same groups of individuals would be equally effective in protest and they would skillfully use the media – in all its forms to do this, if they did not get the outcome they sought. Apart from the animal rights activists, bigger and even better funded and more organised consumer and ‘social issue’ organisations like Choice and Get Up have joined the fray on the issue of free range. It would seem that everybody who seeks support from the population at large for their various campaigns has become an animal activist. This development should be regarded with some circumspection. Though the poultry industry may not agree with much of what our growing band of animal rights campaigners have to say, at least their intentions are clear on where they stand on issues to do with our farming methods. All the groups who are involved in the free range debate, with the exception of the ACCC and the industry itself, survive on funds donated by the public or by subscription to services they provide. There is little doubt that emotive issues that receive a lot of publicity offer the potential for an increased revenue stream. So what are the answers to where we go with free range and the industry? On the issue of free range labeling, going back once again to the ACCC’s interim report on layers, it was suggested that allowing the 10,000 bph code as suggested by Coles would damage the businesses of small scale farmers producing on 1500 bph or less. This contention is open to debate. Many of the existing small scale farmers have been clever marketers and developed products and an identity that has made them successful in their locality with both the hospitality industry and consumers. One suggestion Poultry Digest discussed with one of the newer animal rights groups v

POULTRY DIGEST, June/July 2013

in Australia was that eggs from both small scale and larger scale production systems should be clearly labeled with the information that helps consumers make a choice. Not only stocking density levels both on the range and in the sheds but even details of diet, and maybe even if beak trimming is practiced and why. This is a sensible suggestion in that far from misleading consumers it provides them with all the information necessary to make a purchased based on their values and budget. Most of the above apart from the ‘free to roam’ issues applies to layers, and if the ACCC did eventually decided on a specific code that relates to stocking density it is a fair bet the broiler industry will be effected. One option already embraced by a number of the smaller integrators has been to join the RSPCA’s ‘Freedom Foods’ code for conventional housed broiler systems and indeed both barn laid and free range layer farms. This seems to be a successful option in that it reassures consumers that a qualified and respected third party is looking after the birds interests within the possibilities offered in modern broiler and layer sheds. But even this seemingly sensible approach is being attacked by Animal Rights Victoria on their website www.rspcawatchdog.org – at least this organisation is honest in its real motives which is to persuade consumers to adopt a vegan lifestyle. In examining the websites of the many and various organisations that advocate against the mainstream poultry industry, an imbalance of what could be considered fair practice is taking place. While the ACMF and Baiada/BartterSteggles have been found guilty of misleading the public it is worth examining the origins of the ‘free to roam’ statement in the first place. There are two enduring myths in the Australian broiler poultry industry, the first being that the industry still feed hormones to the birds and the second that we raise birds in cages. Repeated attempts have been made by the industry over many years to dispel these myths including running ACMF organised tours of broiler farms for the media. Yet still these myths persist not only in the tabloid media and on commercial television but more recently in the quality Fairfax Australian Financial Review and in a segment on antibiotic resistance on the ABC’s well regarded 7.30 Report. On July 15 the AFR published an article by Mark Textor, Managing Director

of Crosby Textor, an organisation well known as consultants to political parties both in Australia and overseas. In his article ‘Weighing up the opportunity cost’ that opened with the statement ‘Last year I found myself fat’ and examined root causes of obesity and options to deal with it. After listing lifestyle factors which contribute to obesity Mr Textor said, “like most, I also share concerns about the effects of hormones used to feed cattle and poultry”. On July 24 the ABC 7.30 Report ran an item ‘Superbugs found in food and drinking water’ reported by Louse Milligan. It was an excellent, if chilling, piece of reporting right up to that program’s high standards but at the end of the segment when broilers were mentioned, the images were of caged layers – viewers could even see the eggs in the trough in front of the cages. (www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2013/s3810324.htm). The problem with both of these instances of erroneous information is that both the AFR and the ABC are consistently a standard of reference, not only for the general public but other media as well. These instances, though at first examination seemingly insignificant, illustrate the problem the broiler industry has in getting its message across to consumers who genuinely care about such things. While the industry tries to defend itself with a simple slogan they hope consumers ‘get’, those who are against not only the various rearing options offered by the mainstream poultry industry, but the very eating of animal products at all, constantly use their slogans like ‘factory farming’ to attract attention to their cause, which, by the way, usually involves revenue raising for their activity. Further while the industry may have to pay a severe financial penalty for what many would regard as a logical defence against a major misconception, some animal rights organisations quite openly justify trespassing on farms causing alarm to livestock and possible biosecurity risks seemingly without any reaction by authorities – go figure!

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MANAGeMeNT FeATURe

Managing broiler comfort for best performance By WAyNE MILLER, Technical & Commercial Manager Aviagen ANZ

hy do the same individual growers continue to manage their broiler flocks to consistently reach the top of their growing pool and yet other growers, with the same inputs and conditions find it more challenging and may just achieve ‘pool average’ performance? These ‘top achievers’ often receive the same feed and the same chicks as other growers and may also not have the best sheds or the latest technology. We believe their success is based on the secret of maintaining bird comfort levels for longer periods and having better control over the internal environment. Broilers maintain body temperature through a process commonly called ‘thermoregulation’. This process involves the broiler’s interaction with the prevailing conditions in the shed and regulating their internal temperature by utilising a number of metabolic processes. Their metabolic and behavioural responses to temperature, humidity and wind speed can be referred to as both voluntary and involuntary as outlined in

the tables below: C - bird is cold, trying to warm H - bird is hot, trying to cool Voluntary Thermoregulatory Processes Sitting, limiting body surface area exposed to environment (C) Huddling to share body heat and limit exposure (C) Seeking warmer or cooler areas in chicken shed (H or C) Sitting apart from other birds (H) Extending wings and/or neck to increase body surface exposure (H) Drinking more water (H) Involuntary Thermoregulation Processes Contracting blood vessels to limit blood flow (C) Increasing metabolic heat output to keep warm (C) Muscle contractions (C) Dilating blood vessels to increase blood flow to the extremities (H) Limiting metabolic heat output to remain cool (H) Panting (H) In the field when birds are going

through the process of thermoregulation, whether voluntary or involuntary it is detrimental to feed conversion and in many instances it will impact daily growth as well. Nutrition which is diverted into activities associated with maintaining body temperature at the expense of gaining live weight has an impact on bird performance. To get the best performance out of the modern broiler, close attention needs to be given to limiting the amount of energy and nutrients that are directed towards the thermoregulatory processes the bird requires to maintain their comfort level. This is not just a simple matter of controlling air temperature. It also involves controlling the effects of humidity and wind chill on the birds in order to control the effective (or perceived) temperature they are feeling at that particular time. When the combination of air temperature, wind chill and humidity are optimal the thermoregulation activity that the bird requires is minimal and the maximum amount of energy and nutrition is directed to growth and performance. Birds in this environment are normally considered to be in a ‘thermal neutral’ state. To help in managing and reaching this thermo neutral state, the general rule of thumb when considering the effect of windchill on a fully feathered broiler is approximately 1oC for every 0.5m/s of wind speed the bird is exposed. Similarly, the effect of humidity is considered to be approximately 1oC for every 5% relative humidity (RH) above or w

News Aviagen earns ‘Beter Leven’ accreditation for slow-growing bird Aviagen has announced the accreditation of the Rowan Ranger, a new slower-growing bird, by the ‘Beter Leven’ (Better Life) quality mark used in the Netherlands. The Rowan Ranger has been developed in response to market demand for slowergrowing alternatives in the Netherlands and, although slower growing than the Ross 308, the Rowan Ranger still offers excellent meat yield and low feed conversion ratios. Available beginning in July, customers will have increased flexibility with the Rowan Ranger without compromising on performance.

POULTRY DIGEST, June/July 2013

“The new product still enjoys the full support of one of the world’s largest and most experienced poultry breeding companies,” said Otto van Tuijl, Project Manager. “The introduction of the Rowan Ranger at this time, with the current demand for slower-growing products in the Netherlands and other countries, is testament to the world-leading Aviagen research and development department, which is in constant contact with customers, legislative bodies and other industry groups in order to ensure that they continue to understand the challenges and opportunities facing

the poultry industry.” “Some of the product testing took place in the state-of-the-art Spelderholt research and development facility, and visitors, representing Aviagen customers and industry bodies, have been impressed with the performance potential of the Rowan Ranger. “Customers in the Netherlands will be the first to experience the Rowan Ranger. “Our company hs been developing this new addition to our product range for many years now and it has performed very well in internal and customer trials,” added Mr Tujil.

MANAGeMeNT FeATURe below a range of 60 - 70%RH (see the graphs below). In a practical management situation, take a typical broiler shed using cool cells and operating ventilation in tunnel mode on a warm summer day. In this market we often find conditions within the shed will be an air temperature of around 24 degrees, air speed of 2.5m/s, and humidity approximately 40%. A quick calculation utilising the information above will give a better indication

of that the bird is feeling, 5oC cooler than the actual temperature due to wind chill effect plus a further 4oC cooler due to the low humidity that is present, which results in an effective temperature for the broiler of only 15oC. With the bird feeling a temperature 9Â°C lower than the ambient temperature, it is not surprising that nearly all of the birds will be sitting down on the floor. The combined impact of the of the three elements, temperature, wind chill and

humidity on the birds have to be continually assessed in order to maintain bird comfort levels and ensure the majority of the energy and nutrients being fed to the flock are directed toward performance and growth rather than temperature regulation. Over time, the birds will partially acclimatise to an environment that is consistently warmer or cooler than ideal or those conditions required for chickens to be in a thermal neutral state, however there is still a cost to productivity. w

Effect of humidity on broilers

Effect of wind chill on broilers

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POULTRY DIGEST, June/July 2013

v When birds are exposed to varying temperatures and humidity levels such as those seen across much of Australia and New Zealand with changeable weather patterns and typically warm days and cooler nights, excessive thermoregulatory activity can subsequently lead to poorer growth and feed conversion results unless the broiler shed environment is carefully managed to compensate for the variation. By following some simple guidelines, we believe we can minimise the impact of these variable weather conditions and fluctuating temperatures, thereby maximising the time birds spend in their thermal neutral zone and as growers positively influence the birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance: Guidelines for broiler comfort and best performance 1. Set up minimum ventilation to give short bursts of incoming air on a regular basis. This â&#x20AC;&#x153;small sipsâ&#x20AC;? approach will ensure that both temperature and humidity levels remain stable. 2. Stage fans to ensure a smooth and progressive increase in ventilation as environmental temperatures increase. 3. Avoid setting the early fan stages too close together and/or using too many fans. This will drop shed temperatures to a level that causes all fan stages shut down again causing frequent swings in temperature. 4. Set an appropriate gap between fan and heating set points. Ventilation that forces heating on (and vice versa) will give a wonderful, fresh shed environment, but causes greater temperature fluctuations and is more expensive to operate. 5. Ensure that incoming air speed at the vent is appropriate and does not cause a windchill effect at bird level on birds younger than three weeks, unless absolutely necessary. Typically incoming airspeed of between 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3m/s measured at the vent is appropriate for most situations. 6. Avoid full use of tunnel mode ventilation if possible until birds are fully feathered. Broilers are very sensitive to wind chill and will quickly sit to stay warm at the expense of eating and growing. 7. To avoid variable cold spots within the shed, plug all gaps and ensure that sheds are correctly insulated, are air tight and maintain negative pressure. 8. Cold outside air containing additional moisture can be over 10% heavier than warm air and will drop quickly down to floor, cooling the birds. Increase airspeed of incoming cooler air to compensate and help maintain consistent temperatures for the birds during cold weather. Growers often ask the following, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;so, tell me what is the temperature profile I should run to maintain this magical thermal neutral zone?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Unfortunately the combination of variables including air temperature, humidity, windchill, age of birds, stocking density, diet formulation etc., is so great that there is no simple answer to this frequent question. The simplest way to understand when the birds are in their thermal neutral zone is through observation. If birds are exhibiting normal feeding and drinking behaviour and you are not seeing any visible signs of thermoregulatory activity, then it is likely that the birds are in the desired thermal neutral state and are more likely to achieve their growth and feed conversion potential. The most important activity growers can adopt in order to answer the question above is to simply spend time in the chicken house observing the birds and their behaviour. It will help manage a flock and may make a significant difference to productivity and performance of birds in the future.

News Cumberland, AP and Hired Hand expand operations in Australia and New Zealand AGCO Australia Ltd has announced that the recent merger between the GSI Group, with brands including Cumberland, AP and Hired Hand, and AGCO Corporation, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest dedicated farm machinery manufacturer, is now set to benefit Australian and New Zealand growers and the protein production industry. The addition of Cumberland, AP and Hired Hand to the portfolio now means that AGCO Australia/GSI is able to offer a wider range of solutions to the grower including the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest range of farm machinery and grain storage and handling equipment. Additional products that can be integrated with shed production equipment include tractors and telehandlers which are required on nearly all farms. As farm sites continue to increase in scale, so do their feed/grain storage requirements whereby growers can also take advantage of the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most expansive grain storage and handling solutions from the GSI group to service and improve their on-site storage capacity and handling efficiencies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are pleased to be able to offer and support Cumberland AP and Hired Hand within AGCOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s portfolio of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;High Tech solutions for professional farmers feeding the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;,â&#x20AC;? said James Lang, GSI Group Sales Manager for ANZ. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cumberland, AP and Hired Hand will benefit from AGCOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s global presence and long term commitment to the agricultural sector with a track record of extensive R&D spend for sustainable business and cutting edge product advancement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Growers will also benefit as they can now purchase packaged equipment from one supplier all the way through the growing cycle. The GSI group of brands has also recently been elevated to AGCOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s global â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Core Brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; status to sit alongside industry icons such as Massey Ferguson, Challenger, Fendt and Valtra.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;AGCO Australia/GSI is able to add value on a local level to Cumberland, AP and Hired hand through its extensive â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;back of houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; services such as stocking, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;retail financeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and aftersales support. â&#x20AC;&#x153;AGCO Finance deals solely with the farming sector providing a new level of service to the industry. AGCO Finance is able to provide flexible repayment

structures that can take into account the highly seasonal nature of farming to match the growers unique cash flow requirements. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Existing growers can take advantage of this facility for shed upgrades and refits through to funding for brand new â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;greenfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; enterprises. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With warehousing facilities in Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, AGCO is also able to better serve the current dealer network and in turn the growers support requirements with a future commitment to

provide inventory in Australia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;AGCO/GSIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to support is also evident through current recruitment to find dedicated staff located in Australia providing same time zone and improved support to the established distribution network of dealers. AGCO Australia Ltd looks forward to supporting GSI to become further engaged in the animal production industry which has a bright future ahead of it. For further information on the GSI group of brands or AGCO please contact James Lang on 0408 550 431 or james.lang@agcocorp,com. Alternatively more information can be found at www.agcocorp.com or www.gsiag.com.

Location: L ocation: A Australia ustralia EEW W Nutrition Nutrition GmbH (an affilia te of the EEW W Gr oup) is a fast affiliate Group) g rowing ccompany, ompany, globally active active with a str ong sciencesciencegrowing strong based pr oduct portfolio portfolio in the field of functional, functional, innovative innovative product ffeed eed additives. additives. Headquartered Headquartered in G ermany with subsidiar ies Germany subsidiaries in the US, Br azil, Japan, China, Singapore. Singapore. Brazil, portfolio Proteins TThe he product product por tfolio includes FFunctional unctional EEgg gg P roteins marketing ((GlobigenÂŽ), GlobigenÂŽ), TToxin oxin binders (MastersorbÂŽ), (MastersorbÂŽ), mar keting leading products Brazilian market, secondary plantt pr oducts in the Br azilian mar ket, eextracts xtracts and sec ondary plan purified essential ccompounds ompounds pur ified essen tial oils ((ActivoÂŽ), ActivoÂŽ), MOS (BgMOSÂŽ). producer materials EEW W Nutrition Nutrition GmbH is a base pr oducer of all rraw aw ma terials products. Wee pr provide quality, used in our pr oducts. W ovide high qualit y, ttechnically echnically differentiated additives supportive develdiff erentiated feed feed additiv es with suppor tive rresearch, esearch, dev elopmentt and highly sk skilled employees. opmen illed emplo yees.

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Technical T echnical Sales Sales M Manager anager (s) (m/f (m/f)) Required ccompetence/experience: Required ompetence/experience: t 5FDIOJDBM TBMFT FYQFSJFODF JO SFMFWBOU BHSJDVMUVSBM BOJNBM 5FDIOJDBM TBMFT FYQFSJFODF JO SFMFWBOU BHSJDVMUVSBM BOJNBM health or animal feed feed sectors sectors t &OUSFQSFOFVSJBM RVBMJUJFT BOE B QJPOFFSJOH TQJSJU &OUSFQSFOFVSJBM RVBMJUJFT BOE B QJPOFFSJOH TQJSJU t (PPE FEVDBUJPO BOE SFMFWBOU LOPX IPX (PPE FEVDBUJPO BOE SFMFWBOU LOPX IPX t 6OEFSTUBOEJOH PG DVTUPNFS BOE NBSLFU OFFET 6OEFSTUBOEJOH PG DVTUPNFS BOE NBSLFU OFFET t &YDFMMFOU QFSTPOOFM NBOBHFNFOU NPUJWBUJPO TLJMMT &YDFMMFOU QFSTPOOFM NBOBHFNFOU NPUJWBUJPO TLJMMT To T o apply apply,, please contact: contact: Dr M Mark ark D Deimel: eimel: HR D Department, epartment, EEW W Nutr Nutrition ition GmbH, mark.deimel@ew-nutrition.com mar k.deimel@ew-nutrition.com R obert N ichol: G Robert Nichol: General eneral Manager Manager EW EW Nutr Nutrition ition SSouth outh East A Asia sia / P acific P te Ltd, Ltd, Singapor Pacific Pte Singaporee +65 9838 4543, rrobert.nichol@ew-nutrition.com obert.nichol@ew-nutrition.com C ompany: EEW W Nutr ition GmbH, Trichterbecherweg Trichterbecherweg 3, Company: Nutrition 49429 V isbek, G ermany, www.ew-nutrition.com www.ew-nutrition.com Visbek, Germany,

POULTRY DIGEST, June/July 2013

News Alltech analyses 1,000th feed sample gain valuable insights into mycotoxin levels and trends globally with unrivalled specificity, sensitivity and breadth. Alltech’s 37+ Program provides a tailored, species-specific risk assessment of the expected impact on animal performance based on the mycotoxins that are found during analysis. It then recommends a mitigation strategy through balanced nutrition, feed management and the addition of functional carbohydrates. “The most significant aspect of this milestone is the quality of data we have accumulated. Virtually 100% of the feed samples analysed worldwide contain multiple

If you can’t see them, they must not be there. That was the old school of thought on mold and mycotoxins being present in our livestock’s feed supply. Today, after three decades of research and recent advances in the field of mycotoxin testing, we can now detect more than 37 different types of mycotoxins, and many producers around the globe are taking heed and getting their feed tested. Established in September 2012, the Analytical Services Laboratory powered by Alltech recently processed its 1,000th feed sample. The lab, which utilizes LC-MS/MS analytical technology, has allowed Alltech to

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mycotoxins. Individual mycotoxin levels detected by methods with less specificity and sensitivity than the technologies we use may not always identify the source of poor animal health,” said Steve Mobley, Manager of the Analytical Services Laboratory, powered by Alltech. “However, the cumulative, additive and/or synergistic affects of multiple mycotoxins in the diet, regardless of guideline or regulatory levels, can result in mycotoxicosis symptoms and detrimental erosion of animal productivity,” said Dr Nattawadee Jantasila, Alltech Mycotoxin Management Team. “The need to detect and quantify multiple mycotoxins at low levels should be the industry’s key concern and, from the tremendous response to Alltech’s 37+ Program, I believe the industry is taking heed.”

sA Government moves towards new code for free range eggs The South Australian Government is moving to establish a new industry code for free range eggs. SA Minister for Business Services and Consumers, John Rau, has released a discussion paper with proposals to cap the amount of layer hens at 1,500 per hectare, and ban induced moulting. Darren Letton runs the Glen View Poultry Farm in South Australia’s Riverland, which produces both free-range and caged eggs. He agrees there needs to be a standard, but any guidelines introduced need to be in line with other states. “I mean, the eastern states are running huge amounts of chickens in their free range, and calling it free range, and then those eggs are coming across and being sold in South Australian supermarkets. “So there is no real level playing field for South Australian free range egg farmers, but I think 1,500 is not enough, we’re not going to be able to compete.” Other proposals in the discussion paper include ensuring hens have unrestricted access to outdoor areas during daylight hours, and for those outdoor areas to have adequate shelter.

News PPB Advisory appointed receivers and managers of Inglewood Farms Mr Stephen Parbery and Mr Greg Quinn of PPB Advisory have been appointed Receivers and Managers of Inglewood Farms Pty Ltd and Inglewood Properties Pty Ltd (together “Inglewood Farms”). Inglewood Farms is a wholly-owned subsidiary of R. Williams Agricultural Holdings Pty Ltd (R.M. Williams Agricultural Holdings) to which Mr Parbery and Mark Robinson were appointed Receivers and Managers on June 26, 2013. Inglewood Farms employs approximately 100 people and is the largest organic poultry producer in Australia and the third largest in the southern hemisphere. The business has an 80% share of the Australian organic poultry market. Inglewood Farms has successfully passed the necessary audits from domestic and export accreditors for Singapore, China, Hong Kong and the Middle East, and the business has commenced supplying some major supermarket chains in Hong Kong. The business operates from 1,710 hectares (4,224 acres) of certified organic land in south-east Queensland near Inglewood. The state-of-the-art facility accommodates approximately 300,000 birds and processes 27,000 birds per week. The site also includes prime irrigation farming and licenses, and extensive dry land cultivation. The business has significant expansion capacity. PPB Advisory’s appointment follows notification by the company’s directors that they were intending to resign. This occurred after Inglewood Farms’ shareholders indicated that they would not provide additional funding to support the company’s ongoing operations. This forced the company’s secured creditor to appoint Receivers and Managers to facilitate and maintain the ongoing operations. In addition to the lack of funding support, the Receivers have been notified that the shareholders have sought to withdraw use of the R.M. Williams brand by Inglewood Farms. PPB Advisory is undertaking an urgent review of Inglewood Farms and is working closely with the secured creditor and the team at Inglewood Farms to ensure the operations continue with minimal disruption, and to prepare the business for

this review. “We are working with a number of stakeholders to try to secure the future of the business.” RSM Bird Cameron has been appointed as Voluntary Administrators to ensure all creditors’ interests are protected.

a possible sale. During this time the business will trade on a business as usual basis. Mr Stephen Parbery said: “Our immediate priority is to support the experienced team at Inglewood Farms so the business can continue operating while we undertake

SALES EXECUTIVE ANZ Cumberland, AP and Hired-Hand • Agricultural protein production systems • Join a true global company • Use your entrepreneurial talents AGCO Australia forms part of one of the world’s leading agricultural machinery companies and has recently merged with the GSI Group – a world-class manufacturer of grain storage, as well as swine and poultry production equipment. This presents an exciting opportunity for an ambitious candidate to become involved at the ground level of a growing business with internationally recognised premium brands. The successful candidate will have the chance to manage the pipeline of new business developments and projects with the opportunity to influence all facets of the supply chain to ensure their success. Responsibilities: • Sales promotion of the company’s range of Cumberland, AP and Hired-Hand products by maintaining existing customers and developing new accounts. • Providing quotations, liaising with customers on pre-production requirements and supplying all necessary information to ensure goods are produced according to customers’ specifications and delivered on time. • Build relationships and provide value added service and support to dealers and customers. • Provide market feedback on customers’ developments, competitors’ activities, pricing and market information to management on a regular basis. • Carry out product presentations to new customers. • Develop sales plan to achieve sales target set by the company. Requirements: • Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Engineering, Science or Business related discipline. • Experience in Poultry, Swine, Dairy or related industries is essential. • Excellent communication skills • Position will be preferably based in Melbourne with willingness to travel extensively. All applications are treated in the strictest confidence and should be directed to anzcareers@agcocorp.com

POULTRY DIGEST, June/July 2013

News Aviagen announces appointment of Marc scott as Operations Manager, New Zealand Aviagen has announced the arrival and appointment of Marc Scott as the new Operations Manager, responsible for the management of the team and production in New Zealand. Marc Scott has successfully grown his early interest in poultry into a career in production with Aviagen. Prior to his involvement in production, Marc graduated with a Higher National Certificate in Poultry Production from the Scottish Agricultural College in Ayr, Scotland. His initial start after college involved farm management in the rearing and production of game birds in the UK for two years before he accepted a role as Farm Manager for an Aviagen contract grandparent production company in the UK. Marc stayed with this company for eight years, building his production experience and knowledge of the Ross 308. Upon joining Aviagen, Marc quickly transitioned to the responsibility of Farm Manager for a number of grandparent and great grandparent farms in the UK. He spent the next two years in this role becoming fully acquainted with internal production and management within the organization. Marc subsequently accepted a position with Aviagen India, the company’s fully owned operation supplying breeding stock

into the domestic market. He moved to India in January 2011 and assumed the responsibilities of Great Grandparent Production Manager for the company. The move to a relatively new, expanding organization along with the change in climate and culture presented a unique challenge to Marc which he

appreciated. “In the UK production facilities, you have a long and established awareness of production, everything about the bird and the production cycle is familiar to you. A move to a location like India provides a new situation and it encourages you to adapt and respond quite differently. “I’m appreciative of my time with the team in India and the chance to become involved and look forward to using this and my early experience in my role in New Zealand,” said Marc.

Cold remedy of urban myth? Research released recently by the Australian Chicken Meat Federation (ACMF) revealed that the virtues of chicken soup to help relieve the symptoms of the dreaded cold is one urban legend that rings true for many. The majority of Australians (58%) enjoy chicken soup when they have cold and flu symptoms with an overwhelming 87% of those opting for it because it makes them feel better, and 31% say they are convinced that it can help relieve their actual cold and flu symptoms. But the health benefits of chicken this winter go further than just enjoying chicken soup – as a high protein, lean meat, chicken can also help us battle winter weight gain. Dr Joanna McMillan, nutritionist and accredited practicing dietitian, commenting on the survey results and the health bene-

fits of chicken this winter says, “Hot chicken soup can indeed make us feel better when fighting off the winter colds. Scientists have found that the blend of nutrients and vitamins in a traditional chicken soup can have an anti-inflammatory effect and help with cold and flu symptoms and can also clear the sinuses helping in turn to relieve congestion. “Over the colder months we often find ourselves feeling hungrier, seeking comfort foods and eating more generally. Adding a protein rich food to each meal helps you to feel satisfied and control your appetite,” said Dr McMillan. “Soups are perfect winter comfort food, and by adding a protein rich food such as chicken you tick all the boxes – comfort food that is nutritious, filling and low in kilojoules.

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News Novus set to present fifth annual sustainability report The main tool for assimilating sustainbelieve there are five significant issues that Novus International has released its fifth ability reporting is the GRI reporting reflect a combination of stakeholder interannual sustainability report that provides framework that contains detailed guidelines and our own business growth. ests detailed information and examples of how for reporting on sustainability impacts and These include supporting the the company works hand-in-hand with its provides a consistent structure that profitability of our customers, delivering stakeholders and network of business thousands of companies around the world innovative and effective solutions for partners to improve and advance their now use to disclose their approach and complex feed problems, maintaining an sustainability efforts. performance related to sustainability. empowering workplace, developing the Nurturing its business as a network of In an effort to make this information talent pipeline in the agri-sector and partnerships is central to the company’s easy to access and review, Novus has created maintaining partnerships for sustainable commitment to help feed the world afforda digital version of the sustainability report, productivity. Everything we do is focused able, wholesome food and achieve a higher at http://sustainability.novusint.com/. on succeeding in these five critical areas.” quality of life. The website will feature interactive The 2012 Novus Sustainability report “We know that one company alone videos and content to highlight key points applied The Global Reporting Initiative may not affect the large-scale change needed of interest within the report. Print copies (GRI) Framework at Application Level B. to secure our sustainable future, however are available by request by e-mailing GRI is a non-profit, multi-stakeholder we strive to set a standard for sustainability,” info@novusint.com. organization which acts to increase the level noted Thad Simons, President and CEO at For more information on Novus of business transparency by promoting Novus International. International, please visit the corporate sustainability reporting among companies “By working together to advance website at www.novusint.com. throughout the world. shared objectives, we can succeed in making a better life for ourselves and for future generations. This report serves to Please note that Primary Media, publisher of Poultry Digest, has reinforce the value we place on these partmoved. The new address is 22 George Street, East Gosford NSW nerships.” 2250 and the new telephone number is (02) 4322 0799. To advertise Numerous examples of the successful in Poultry Digest contact Peter Bedwell on 0419 235 288. partnerships Novus has in place to further For rates go to www.primarymedia.com its corporate mission are highlighted in this year’s report. One of the most exciting projects in 2012 was the partnership the company launched with the Government of Chad and a longThe most affordable litter management standing customer in Brazil to create device on the market! the first state-of-the-art industrial poultry production facility in Africa. The $50 million investment into PULVERIZES this forward-thinking initiative will allow for the building of a processing AERATES plant with the capability to handle up to 40,000 birds, a feedmill, a hatchDRIES ery and fifteen farms that will produce chickens. LEVELS The collaborative venture is a critical building block to create a selfGOOD LITTER MANAGEMENT IS TO KEY TO PERFORMANCE AND PROFITABILITY. sustaining basis for economic stability, new employment possibilities and Perfect for 5 Pulverizes hard caked litter and allows improved food security at affordable UÊ >Ì }Ê> ÞÊV> i`ÊEÊÜiÌÊ ÌÌiÀ moisture to evaporate UÊ Õ Ì >ÌV Ê ÌÌiÀÊÕÃiÊÊ costs. 5 Will ride under litter without digging into UÊ7iÌÊ- >Û }ÃÊ> `Ê i`` }Ê >ÌiÀ > ÃÊ the pad “We work with our stakeholders UÊ,-* Ê ««À Ûi`Ê >À }Ê-V i iÊÊ 5 Leaves a smooth, soft, well aerated surface to meet their goals and find we share 7iÊÃÌ V ÊÌ iÊvÕ ÊÀ> }iÊ vÊ*À iviÀÌÊ* Õ ÌÀÞÊ 5 Low Maintenance, compact and easy to use similar objectives in most cases,” µÕ « i ÌÊ V Õ` }ÊÌ iÊ*À iviÀÌÊ ÌÌiÀÊ >`iÊv ÀÊ Ü `À Ü }° commented Alex Pierroutsakos, 5 Available in two sizes with PTO driver or Bobcat options Director, Internal Audit, Quality Assurance and Control and EHS&S CALL US TO ARRANGE AN ON FARM DEMONSTRATION OR REQUEST A BROCHURE BROCHURE AND AND PRICING PRICING at Novus. PRO P RO WASH WASH POULTRY POULTRY “While there are many sustainPPOULTRY OULTRY S SPECIALIST PECIALIST D DEALER EALER FFOR OR PPRIEFERT RIEFERT A AUSTRALIA USTRALIA ability aspects that are relevant to our 02 0 24 4971 971 2 2347 347 | 0 0427 427 886866 886866 w www.prowashpoultry.com.au ww.prowashpoultry.com.au journey and to our stakeholders, we

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News Australasian Turkey Federation Annual Conference 2013 By CHRISTINE CLARK The annual Australasian Turkey Federation Conference was held this year between July 12 to 14 at the Hunter Valley Resort, Pokolbin NSW. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conference was sponsored by Steggles and other federation sponsors included AusPac, Alletch, Jefo, Pro Wash and Ridley AgriProducts. The Australasian Turkey Federation has more than 20 members. Within the ATF there are two main turkey producers in the turkey market and other processors of various size. These suppliers cover commercial grow out, free range and organic. The Organizing Committee worked out an impressive program to share information on the latest developments in the industry, including turkey welfare, housing and processing, conventional and functional turkey nutrition, turkey biosecurity, health and the environment and the technology of turkey products and marketing. ParticipantsÂ were given the chance to meet and exchange valuable information on the recent challenges in turkey production, research and technology. The industry generates more than $200 million per year from almost five million

Wayne Bradshaw from Jefo Australia, one of the spnosors of the event. birds processed. There are two main producers who have contract growers. In addition, there are several small producers, all of whom grow their own birds. There are five dedicated processing plants and about six that process turkeys and chickens. White, Hybrid Turkeys are used almost exclusively and artificial insemination is practised rather than natural mating. A hen may lay over 100 eggs per year but fewer than 90 poults will probably survive to

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processing weight from these eggs. Birds are held on separate breeder farms, each farm holding up to 7,000 hens. These layers are in flocks of up to 3,000. Broiler sheds, typically four to five on large farms, each hold 8,000 to 14.000 growing birds. The guest speakers at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conference included Dennis Baumann, Sales & Service, Hendrix Genetics who, accompanied by Dr Ben Wood, Geneticist (Research and Development) for Hendrix spoke about â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hybrid Turkeys Breedingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Hybrid Turkeys were reintroduced into Australia in 2011. Since then they have been providing Great Grand Parent Stock to the Australian turkey industry. Parent stocks are allowed to be imported into Australia every three years. Hybrid Turkeys is the turkey breeding division of Hendrix Genetics, which is located in Boxmeer in The Netherlands. These speakers suggested that Hybrid delivers the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best combination of feed conversion, durabilty and overall profitability. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The reputation and continuing success of Hybrid clearly rests on the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to provide its customers with high performance products and sound technical advice necessary to achieve significant long term profits. This is a concept Hybrid understands intimately and work to accomplish each and every day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hybrid customers all over the world continue to profit from our on-going research and development programs. Improvement in Hybridâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well-established,

News wide-ranging gene pool ensures that various strains of turkeys are available to specifically address every market need.” Mark Simonis from Coles also spoke at the conference. His subject was ‘Consumer demands for turkey products and turkey retailing from a Coles’ perspective’. Overall Coles’ research shows that consumer confidence is low and consumption has not recovered since the GFC. Consumers polled show that about one third of customers believe Australia is in a recession. When talking about where the market is at the moment, Mr Simonis said that the lions’ share of customers spend is going to the deli and while turkey is growing in spend, it is growing behind chicken. “Christmas is a critical time with 25% of the year’s fresh turkey sales occurring during December,” said Mr Simonis, “although opportunity exists outside of this market. “While 20% of turkey buyers only buy in December, turkey in the Meat Case has managed some growth outside of Christmas. This is a market we plan to grow. The biggest challenge is to get consumers to buy more and more frequently.” By 2014 all Coles’ poultry will be RSPCA approved as a Coles initiative. “This is with a focus to develop consumer awareness and trust,” said Mr Simonis. Dr Peter Scott, Scolexia Pty Ltd, presented two topics, ‘Cholera in turkeys’ and ‘Synbiotic use in turkeys’. Dr Scott provided an overview on the historical perspective on cholera and current options on vaccinations. There was some discussion on the emergence of ‘old’ diseases into the industry and the relationship to production practices moving to outdoor production. “This will increase the cost of production and limit options for treatment, prevention and control,” Dr Scott said. The second topic presented was on synbiotic combinations. This is a combination of products that focus on gut health – probiotics, prebiotics, phytogenics, nutribiotics and phycophytic products. This range of nutritional feed additives offer the producer options when faced with gut health challenges. Kayleen Ternes is the RD&A Manager, Meat Systems & Flavours with Kerry Ingredients. Kerry Ingredients supplies science in meat flavours and packaging to more than 140 countries. Ms Ternes presented a variety of slides on the Australian and worldwide meat

market trends. She covered turkey value added product examples from around the world and there was an interesting discussion on ‘turkey bacon’. Just last year 440 new turkey products were launched globally. The presentation finished with a discussion on the turkey value added product examples from Australia and New Zealand. Dr Mike Bond is the CEO, Animal

Health Australia (AHA) and spoke about the organisation. “AHA is a not for profit public company established by government and livestock industries in 1996. It represents 32 members in five categories,” he said. “This innovative partnership involves the Australian government and major livestock industries and other stakeholders. CONTINUeD ON PAGe 46 w

assistant farm manager Full-Time Permanent Position Opportunity To Grow And Progress In Large Dynamic Agribusiness Rewarding Salary Package Our client is one of the largest Free-Range and Organic egg producers in Australia. They currently seek an Assistant Farm Manager to support the existing Manager in the overall operations of the farm. The position will require an individual who has an understanding of and empathy for the ongoing care and attention of animals and production along with an organic and free-range ethos. The successful applicant will be highly motivated, results-orientated, and possess and demonstrate: - Relevant experience and success in poultry production; - Understanding of relevant legislation, regulations and industry standards for poultry production; - Planning, organisational and problem solving skills; - Leadership of a multicultural team of 20+; - Communication and reporting skills; - Team and stakeholder management skills; and - Budget planning and management skills. Opportunity for future advancement in the business is available via training and mentoring with a best practice organisation. Demonstrated experience in management is essential, as well as a sound knowledge of and passion for the poultry industry. Please send your resume to JP Smith Recruitment and HR by emailing to apply@jpsmith.com.au quoting reference number 1389071 by the 26th of August 2013. All enquiries to Jamie Smith on 07 4659 7400.

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POULTRY DIGEST, June/July 2013

PRODUCT News treatment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Biowish quickly removes ammonia and odourous emissions in sheds and breaks down organic waste,â&#x20AC;? Lisa said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The other mechanical aid we offer to broiler farmers to break up caked litter is the Italian built Grillo â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;walk behindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; G107d cultivator. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We offer either petrol or diesel powered units, the petrol being the less expensive option but the diesel unit has more power and is a little more versatile in the on farm tasks it can tackle. Either power unit is perfectly adequate for the primary task of breaking up heavily caked shed litter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The G107d has three forward and reverse gears and can be used throughout the term of a batch. Because the unit is so compact and maneuverable they can be safely used while the birds are in the sheds and it is not necessary to lift the feed and drinker lines,â&#x20AC;? Lisa explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are far more effective than motorised rotary hoes and make light work

Litter saver and Grillo 107d help grow more batches on fewer shavings Pro Wash Poultry is the Australian agent for the US designed and built Priefert Litter Saver. In the US broiler industry, litter management and raising multiple batches between clearouts are standard practice so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s logical that the Priefert Litter Saver was developed there many years ago. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now increased costs of both new litter and disposal of used bedding material in Australia is encouraging broiler farmers to treat existing litter using both mechanical and chemical litter sanitising solutions,â&#x20AC;? Lisa Grant from Pro-Wash Poultry Services explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Litter Saver machine pulverizes hard caked litter and allows moisture to evaporate also releasing ammonia. It also dries and levels the bedding. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When it does become time for a shed

cleanout the treated litter will have value as a valuable fertiliser and effective soil builder. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Two models are available, either 5 (1.52m) or 7(2.13m foot wide: the LS 5 requires a tractor minimum 30 HP rating (gearbox rating 75 HP) and the LS7 60 HP and 75 HP gearbox rating. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The design features a conventional 3point hitch and drive is via a shielded PTO shaft. The caked litter is broken up by the hammer action of free swinging hammers operating at around 700 rpm,â&#x20AC;? Lisa explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To complement the mechanical action of the Litter Saver we are about to introduce our pro-litter conditioning treatment, which will further improve the litter maintenance process, and we also distribute Biowish Technologies manure and odour

FOR SALE RURAL PROPERTY SUITABLE FOR POULTRY PRODUCTION Preliminary investigations by my surveyor shows that all requirements to gain approval for six free range naturally ventilated chicken sheds can be met. Baiada Poultry will supply chickens for an established poultry farm on my property. The property is situated approximately 6 kilometres south of Bulahdelah on the Pacific Highway adjacent to u turn access for vehicles heading north or south and has a northerly aspect. NSW transport has indicated in the first instance that they would have no objection or requirements to allow semi trailer access and exit to and from the property. The 42 hectare property is 70% cleared has power and a comfortable home, large machinery shed, and lends itself to easy construction of large dams or bore water use. There are also large deposits of suitable road base gravel on the property for internal road construction or building foundations.

Price $549,000.00 Phone: Steve Houston 0448867920 Email: stevewaynehouston@gmail.com

POULTRY DIGEST, June/July 2013

NSW POULTRY FIELD DAY NSW POULTRY FIELD DAY 8FEOFTEBZ th "VHVTU QN QN 5IVSTEBZ th "VHVTU BN QN Howie Pavillion Sydney Showground, Homebush

FREE ENTRY Onsite catering available for lunch PARKING AT P6 AUSTRALIA AVE For all commercial poultry farmers, processors, associated industry, and for anyone looking at entering the industry r 5SBEF EJTQMBZT JODMVEJOH TIFE DPOTUSVDUJPO FRVJQNFOU machinery and other related suppliers r 8PSLTIPQT QSFTFOUBUJPOT PO WFOUJMBUJPO FOFSHZ VTF FUD r (PWFSONFOU BHFODJFT DPOTVMUBOUT JOEVTUSZ PSHBOJTBUJPOT 5P SFHJTUFS BUUFOEBODF VQ UP .POEBZ nd +VMZ QMFBTF DPOUBDU 3BZ -FF PO PS WJB FNBJM leer@nswfarmers.org.au

An initiative of the NSW Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Poultry Meat Committee

Part of your Community

PRODUCT News The Priefert Litter Saver pulverises caked litter allowing moisture to evaporate and releasing amonia.

of managing litter, as they are self-propelled. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Grillo is perfect for single use or re-used litter. Many farms, including single use litter tunnel shed farms experience wet and/or caked litter areas in the shed during a batch and this is by far the best and most affordable way to manage this,â&#x20AC;? Lisa explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Apart from the primary task of litter management the Grillo 107d is capable of

performing endless tasks on farms including ploughing, cutting, sweeping and harrowing (diesel only) if the correct accessories are supplied with the base unit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is even a braked 1.5 x 1.1m tipper trailer with operatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat available,â&#x20AC;? Lisa said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have had a lot of interest from owners of RSPCA approved broiler sheds who are required to provide a deeper litter base than in conventional sheds,â&#x20AC;? Lisa said.

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News Rural property for sale at Bulahdelah Steve Houston has completed preliminary investigations into the requirements to gain approval for a six shed free range poultry farm on his 42 hectare property located six kilometres south of Bulahdelah on the Pacific Highway. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s priced for sale at $549,000. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My surveyor has assured me that all the requirements have been met and Baiada Poultry will supply the chickens for an established poultry farm on the property,â&#x20AC;? Steve said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;NSW transport has said in the first instance it would have no objection to semi trailer access and exit from the property.â&#x20AC;? The property is 70% cleared and has power, a comfortable home, large machinery shed and lends itself to easy construction of large dams or bore water use. For more information call Steve on 0448 867 920 or email him at stevewaynehouston@gmail.com

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POULTRY DIGEST, June/July 2013 45

News v CONTINUeD FROM PAGe 43 AHA works to protect and improve animal health, biosecurity and welfare within Australia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;AHA works to keep Australia disease free, build the sustainability of our livestock industries and promote the humane use of animals for food. â&#x20AC;&#x153;AHA also works to strengthen emergency animal disease preparedness and response arrangements, which is a very integral part of production in Australia.â&#x20AC;? Mark Mackie, Acting Manager Audit & Compliance for the NSW Food Authority then spoke about â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Australian Food Regulatory Systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which is a bi-national Government agency. It is responsible for developing and administering the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. This code lists requirements for foods such as additives, food safety labelling and GM foods. Enforcement and interpretation of the code is the responsibility of the state ad territory departments and food agencies. Mark presented statistics on egg associated salmonellosis outbreaks.

Michael Block, Tegel Foods Ltd and Jess Diamoy, Baiada. â&#x20AC;˘ Eggs and egg products were the most commonly attributed food vehicles â&#x20AC;˘ In the period 2010-11, there 60 outbreaks, 1000 cases and180 people hospitalised â&#x20AC;˘ In NSW in 2012, eggs were associated with 37 of 74 outbreaks investigated â&#x20AC;˘ Salmonella Typhimurium was the most common type (no S. Enteritidis in Australia) These outbreaks were attributed to

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problems on farm and came down to biosecurity and cleaning/sanitising equipment. On the retail side they were attributed to poor handling of raw egg foods and cleaning/sanitising. The aim of the national poultry standard is to reduce foodborne illness from Campylobacter and Salmonella by lowering the incidence of these two pathogens in raw poultry and also to aim to strengthen food safety from paddock to plate.

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