Poultry Digest April/May 2018 by Rosemary Embery

poultrydigest www.primarymedia.com.au

Volume 33, Number 5

April/May 2018

Living the dream: Echo Valley Free Range Eggs

Aviagen ANZ Technical Conference 2018 PIX Preview 2018

COMBiLift celebrates 20 years and opens a new plant in Monaghan, Ireland

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Volume 33, Number 5

April/May 2018

EDITORIAL & DESIGN EDITOR: JOURNALIST/PHOTOGRAPHER PRODUCTION EDITOR

Peter Bedwell Alex Bedwell Rosemary Embery

ADVERTISING Peter Bedwell Mob: 0419 235 288 Email: primarymedia@bigpond.com Juanita and Randal Breen with children Bridey and Eli at Echo Valley Free Range Egg Farm.

Features Page 10: Living the dream: Echo Valley Free Range Egg Farm by Peter Bedwell

Page 18: COMBiLift celebrates 20 years and opens new plant in Monaghan, Ireland by Peter Bedwell

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ENQUIRIES OFFICE ADDRESS: 250 Hawthorne Pde, Haberfield NSW, 2045 Ph: (02) 9797 2406 Mob: 0419 235 288 Production: 0409 944 472 Email: primarymedia@bigpond.com Website: www.primarymedia.com.au Poultry Digest consists of a bi-monthly management magazine and an annual industry review, Poultry Industry Yearbook Published by CD Supplies Pty Ltd trading as Primary Media (ACN 091 560 557). All material copyright (editorial and advertisements) and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. Whilst every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of POULTRY DIGEST, the publishers do not accept any responsibility or liability for the material herein.

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Aviagen ANZ Technical Conference 2018 Aviagen held its ANZ Technical Conference at the Sofitel Gold Coast on March 19 and 20, 2018. Michael Leahy, Aviagen Managing Director for Australia, welcomed delegates and delivered a business review of his company’s markets globally. “New Zealand,” he reported, “had an improving market coming out of oversupply and was AI free. “Our product performance is excellent, in fact it’s the best in the world. “Our key investments involve plans to treble capacity to supply Asia. Aviagen hold 95% of the market,” he said. In Australia our market is static, mainly due to parent stock production and the effect of that. “The country has been AI free for four years and our product performance is very good at both PS and broiler production. “We have made key investments in our quarantine station and a new hatchery. Aviagen holds around 70% of the overall market,” he said. On the takeover of Hubbard genetics, a deal completed on Feb 16, 2018 , Mr Leahy stated that Aviagen would carry on as normal . “Hubbard would remain independent and carry on under the direction of Aviagen CEO Jan Henriksen. The headquarters would remain in France,” he said. In summarising the global situation for Aviagen, Mr Leahy stated that, “AI is ‘the new norm’, and there are many challenges but we are becoming better able to continue and meet supply demand globally year on year. “There is very good global product performance and we have similar feedback from all regions. We are equal or ahead in breeder and ahead with broilers. “There is increasing interest and demand for ‘welfare driven’ products. “There are continued major investments in the production and supply chain, i.e. the company’s farms, hatcheries and biosecurity quality. “There is a continued investment in people – recruitment, training development and succession planning. “We have a very strong product portfolio and regional management teams along with our customers and distributors. However, we must not be

complacent,” Mr Leahy concluded. Dominic Elfick is the International Product Manager for Aviagen and he spoke on the topic of ‘Parent Stock – Ross 308 globally and company benchmarking on flocks placed in the Asia Pacific region from January 2014 onwards’. “After delivering a lot of data, the conclusions were as follows: Both breeders and broilers are showing impressive gains in performance. “Broiler performance within ANZ is generally excellent, but there is variation between operations, demonstrating room for further improvement,” Dominic said. “PS performance is solid but not exceptional and there is greater opportunity for improvement here than in the broilers, especially in terms of egg output. “Sharing information allows for more targeted technical service and problem solving. “Benchmarking will improve in accuracy as more operations partner with Aviagen,” Dominic concluded. Dominic next spoke about the financial impact on decision making. “We should be cautious of only using one strategy to determine how we want to approach our business, and often simple business models give simple answers, but our world is more complex,” Dominic warned. Dr Young-ho Hong, a regional veterinarian for Aviagen, spoke about AI, its global impact and key biosecurity management. After lunch on the first day the

1 2

!. Michael Leahy, Managing Director, Aviagen Australia. 2. Dominic Elfick, International Product Manager for Avigen. 3. Debbie Fisher, Technical Service Manager, Aviagen with some of those at the well attended conference.

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delegates split into two groups for the afternoon Breeder and Broiler sessions. In the Breeder session the first speaker was Judy Roberts, Technical Service Manager, Aviagen who spoke about ‘Female bird management, 15 weeks to point of lay’. Dr Alex Chang is well known in the poultry industry as a nutritionist. His topic was, ‘Breeder nutrition, a practical guide to optimum chick output’. Greg Hitt, Regional Technical Service Manager, Aviagen, spoke about ‘Male management and critical control points’. Dr Ampai Nangsuay, Hatchery Technical Service Manager, Aviagen advised on the care of your hatching eggs. In the Broiler session, Technical Service Manager, Debbie Fisher spoke about, ‘The Impact of brooding’ and Michael Block, also a Technical Service Manager, gave advice on ‘the growing phase’. Regional veterinarian Dr Keat Fu spoke about the importance of gut health and Dr Alex Chang was the final speaker in the session explaining ’How to achieve genetic potential through feeding and nutrition’. On March 20, the first speaker was Bernard Green, Ventilation Technical Service Manager at Aviagen. Bernard joined the Aviagen Asian team in 2016 to specialise in ventilation support. A qualified mechanical engineer, Bernard was the Group Ventilation Specialist for Rainbow Farms, South Africa prior to running his own ventilation specialist consultancy from 2007 to the end of 2015. He gave two papers on both summer and winter ventilation. His key opening statement was about house tightness. “Houses must be well sealed. The tighter the house is sealed, the more control you have over how and where the air will enter the house. “In tunnel ventilation, we want all the air to enter through the cooling pads or tunnel inlet,” Bernard stated. “Air leakage along the length of the house will result in firstly, greater than normal temperature gradient from one end of the house to the other, different air speed along the house, air speed increasing as you get closer to the fans, and lastly, bird migration,” he said. He went into some detail on fan capacity and operating pressures and fan design pressure guidelines. On the question of tunnel ventilation and young birds, he asked the question

1 “Can we use tunnel ventilation with young chicks?” The answer is yes, but with caution because windchill effect is greater with young birds,” Bernard explained. “Use maximum transitional ventilation first, and when birds are young there is a greater dfferential between, in that the temperature increases before the next fan operates. “A greater differential means that the house temperature will increase more before the next fan switches on and we don’t want too many fans running too early,” he said. In his advice on minimum ventilation, Bernard warned about poor air flow from mini vents that dropped cold air close to walls which could result 2 in chilling chicks and wet litter. In future issues of Poultry Digest we hope to bring you more from Bernard on shed condition management – he certainly knows his stuff. Dr Tim Ryan, a senior veterinarian, has enjoyed a long and illustrious career in both private practice and government agencies. His biog states that he was lured back by the glamour of the poultry industry in 2016 (which probably means that he needs to get out more often!). His address on minimising antibiotic use was probably one of the most sensible commentaries on this global problem that Poultry Digest has heard. His slide ’A perfect storm’ revealed . 1. Dr Alex Chang, Poultry that as bacterial infections grow more resistant to antibiotics, companies Nutritionist, Aviagen. 2. Dr Youngho Hong, Regional Veterinarian, are pulling out of antibiotics research Aviagen. 3. Wayne Miller, Operations and fewer new antibiotics are being Manager, Aviagen Australia. approved, encapsulating the problem. In answer to a question from the w 4. Dr Ampai Nangsuay, Hatchery Technical Service Manager.

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floor, ”What keeps you awake at night?” Dr Ryan reminded his audience of the Spanish flu pandemic that started just 100 years ago. AI can kill more than just chickens, as that event demonstrated, he said. The final speaker for the seminar was Wayne Miller, Operations Manager for Aviagen Australia who previously worked with Tegel, a company which has demonstrated a truly sensational performance with the Ross 308 bird. Wayne spoke about ‘Delivery and Supply’ tracing the growth and overall competence of Aviagen since it took over the Ross distributorship from Bartters in 2008. In the decade that followed that event it must be remembered that chicken consumption and the supply challenges generated in Australian and NZ have been addressed by constant improvement in facilities and capacity. “Aviagen’s commitment to the Australian and New Zealand poultry industries are, “to supply the latest genetics available with regular imports of fresh genetic stock (subject to global

AI) using compartmentalisation. “New Zealand recognises UK compartmentalisation whereas Australian agencies do not but are addressing the issue by the end of 2018,” Wayne said. “We carry a sufficient buffer of available stock to minimise the risk of short supply due to unforeseeable events with a 20% margin in both markets,” Wayne explained. The Aviagen ANZ conference was as enjoyable as it was informative. In short sharp delivery of key information from hatchery to broiler grow-out, Aviagen’s highly qualified team defined and refined ‘how to do poultry production’. Threats to the Australian and New Zealand poultry sector such as disease, as has struck so catastrophically elsewhere, or imports, for that matter, are always present. Careful management and every possible improvement in efficiency so industry can extract the best out of our available genetics are the best defences against such threats.

1 2

1. Judy Robberts, Technical Service Manager, Aviagen. 2. Bernard Green, Ventilation Technical Service Manager, Aviagen. 3. More of the attendees at the conference. 4. Dr Tim Ryan, Veterinarian, Aviagen Australia.

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Randal Breen’s purpose built poultry house for his Black Australorp flock.

Living the dream: Echo Valley Free Range Eggs

By PETER BEDWELL

oultry Digest and the family-owned Echo Valley Free Range layer operation share the services of Walter Kuhn’s printing operation. Walter’s company prints our magazines and produces the egg boxes for Echo Valley’s free range eggs. In conversation with Walter recently he mentioned Juanita and Randal Breen’s free range layer farm.

Apart from being of interest to Poultry Digest, the fact that the farm also raises free range pigs meant a double reward as we also publish Pork Journal. Echo Valley is situated in magnificent countryside in the Goomburra Valley, not far from Warwick in SE Queensland The 300 acre property is a multispecies integrated farming system that includes laying hens, pigs, cattle, hay/ grain and seasonal small cropping. Their farming practices are based on the philosophy of the ‘4 Good’ principle. “Good for the animal, good for the land, good for the farmer and good for you,” Juanita explained. Though having some distant family ties to farming, Randal completed a builder/joinery qualification and Juanita was a social worker, prior to acquiring their property about four years ago. Both have social science degrees and share an interest in ethical and sustainable farming. Randal’s background was useful in

constructing their mobile hen housing system, which he reckons he can build for around $12,000 a shed. The Echo Valley Eggs are a regular feature at the Davies Park Farmers Markets in Brisbane each Saturday morning. The eggs and other products, Brangus beef (a cross between Angus and Brahmin cattle) and free range pork are sold on-line and through a number of wholesalers in the SE Queensland region. One of the initiatives that drives, not only sales, but also a better understanding of how and why they farm they way they do, are regular farm tours. Participants are shown the regenerative farming practices, see their livestock in the rearing environment and enjoy a buffet lunch prepared with food produced both on farm and from other small producers in the area. Theses tours and their weekly presence at the Farmer’s market in Brisbane expands people’s awareness of their products and farming practices

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and Juanita reports that their client base for not only their eggs but beef and pork products is growing rapidly. A well-designed web site allows regular customers to order both personal and wholesale quantities of their eggs and meat. Their free range offering includes 500g pullet eggs, 600g large, 700g XL, 800g ‘Jumbo’, mixed sized tray of 30 eggs, and catering packs of 180 eggs. Restaurants and health product retailers feature on their client base. Randal and Juanita are big believers in the ‘grow local buy local’ principle of farming. ‘Know your farmer, know your food’ is one of their driving beliefs as Australians in general, particularly in our ever growing urban centres, are ever more estranged from their food sources. There were two flocks on the farm, totaling around 3000 hens. One flock is Isa Brown birds and the other is the Black Australorp. The stocking density is less than 500 birds per hectare. Originally a bird developed from the English Black Orpington, imported in the late 19th Century, the Australorp breed achieved global acclaim when six of the breed’s hens laid 1857 eggs for an average of 309.5 eggs per hen in a 365 day trial held from 1922 to 23. This is even more amazing as poultry nutrition and housing were nowhere near as advanced as they are today. The mobile sheds are easily relocatable to cycle pasture use and have a manually filled feed trough. The sheds are permanently open to the range area which raises the question of predators. Two Marremmas, Bolt and Apollo, look after the security of the flocks as eagles were a problem at one point. The birds’ diets are supplied by Country Heritage Organic Stockfeeds from Pittsworth (see story on the company in this issue). “We feed a high kilojoule pellet, with a 95g per day concumption rate. It helps combat the challenges with crop impaction in pastured/free range egg production systems. “The diets are formulated to account for the higher energy use of active outdoor birds,” Randall explained. The birds are bought in by a pullett supplier at point of lay, usually at 15-16 weeks and stay in production for 52 weeks. “When farm production is finished, the Australorb hens are popular with people wanting a home egg supply and the Breens use Gumtree to find homes for the birds who can continue to lay for up to 18 months,” Randall explained. The farm has taken four years of really hard work to build up and is now offering not only a great lifestyle for w

1. Hens share the farm with Brangus cattle. 2. Bagged organic layer feed from Country Heritage Feeds in Pittsworth. 3. Marremma Apollo carefully guards the outdoor flocks. 4. The growing pig herd also shares the space with the hens.

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Randal, Juanita and their children Eli and Bridey, but also a growing business with ever increasing demand and brand recognition. However the work load is furious. It’s not just looking after the farming duties rearing chooks, pigs and cattle, but also maintaining the paddocks and equipment. Then on weekends there’s the two hour trip to the markets and a long day selling the farm’s produce. Over a cup of coffee we discuss this problem that faces many farming families, be they involved in conventional or alternative production systems like the Breen’s Echo farm. At the recently held Poultry Hub Ideas Seminar, the idea of getting more school leavers, university or TAFE college students onto farms was raised as a possible solution. Not only could such initiatives help people like the Breens but the industry in general. Shows like SBS’ ‘Little River Cottage’ have helped to idealise the farming lifestyle and generated a big market for consumers who want to have a closer relationship with their food supply.

The Breen family living the dream. Randal and Juanita with their children Bridey and Eli. Below: The new cattle dog puppy is keen to learn the ropes.

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The Breens deserve their success but the reality of operations like theirs is really hard work, not only to grow their produce but to market it effectively. Long hours, not a lot of free time, as well as innovation and marketing nouse, are needed for folk like the Breens to survive and prosper as they well deserve to do. The market for products grown in production systems like Echo Valley may be small but it’s growing, and fast. Further, the trend towards vegetarian diets is rising at an alarming rate in Australia. A recent JP Morgan survey identified more than 10% of the population eating little or no meat and more are cutting down on red meat in particular. If sourcing protein from operations like Echo Valley allows consumer to think that they are eating ‘ethically’ well that’s good for their health as well as for farmers like the Breen family.

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COMBiLift celebrates 20 years and opens a new plant in Monaghan, Ireland

By PETER BEDWELL

oultry Digest was invited to the official opening and celebrations of the new 50 million euro global headquarters and manufacturing facility for COMBiLIFT at Monaghan, Ireland in early May. In just 20 years since COMBiLIFT built its first forklift truck, the company has grown to be a global leader in the design, manufacture and application of advanced materials handling equipment. Established by Martin McVicar, now Managing Director and Robert Moffett, Technical Director in 1998, the privately held and self capitalised company

developed the world’s first multidirectional all-wheel drive forklift in its first year of operation. That year the company produced just 18 units, 17 of which were exported. Since then the company has grown at a phenomenal pace, doubling in size in the last five years and having manufactured more than 40,000 units which were exported to more than 85 companies. These untis have been utilised in every conceivable commercial activity around the globe. In Australia, the company’s products are vital to the day to day operations like Bunnings, Harvey Norman, and in the poultry industry, Sydney-based Multiquip. The company’s product range extends from a walk-behind pallet mover to a straddle machine that moves jumbo containers with amazing agility. Poultry Digest joined a team of dealers, COMBiLIFT staff, including the Australian General Manager Chris Littlewood, dealers and customers to tour the plant on May 2, 2018. Australians are famous for their informal approach and given the number of immigrants that came here from the Emerald Isle, it’s fair to assume that attitude is somewhat attributable to Irish influence.

At all levels the Irish just seem pleased to see you. Sophie, a recent recruit at the company, met us at Dublin airport like we were returning relatives. Martin McVicar, the head of this dynamic company, is just as approachable. During a press briefing following the factory tour Martin, in answer to a journalist’s question on the company structure, replied “It’s just me and Robert Moffatt and our expanding staff. We fund growth from revenue, no banks, no boards”. COMBiLIFT currently exports 98% of its products to 85 countries through its 250 strong international dealer network. The current workforce stands at 550 and new employment opportunities will be for skilled technicians, design engineers, logistics and supply chain specialists and those with electrical mechatronic skills. Martin McVicar attributes the company’s impressive growth and its status as an acknowledged world leader in the material handling sector, to mass customisation. “COMBiLIFT has set the benchmark for the mass production of customised innovative products. “Mass customisation is the new frontier for both the customer and the manufacturer, as customers are increas-

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ingly expecting products to be tailored 1 to their requirements,” he said. “We listen to, and take feedback on board from our customers and dealers to identify solutions that best match their individual specific needs.” “Combilift invests 7% of its annual turnover in R&D to enhance its customisation capability and maximise ROI for its clients. “The flexibility in our new facility means that we can continue to accommodate any request for a customised materials handling solution. “We also see ourselves as much more than a forklift manufacturer and we are transforming the transport and logistics sector with our innovative space saving products and services,” Martin said. This is obviously a strategy that works and delivers that flexibility often 2 lacking in large publicly operated enterprises. That they are a truly viable enterprise is demonstrated by their massive investment in their new facility. The driving force behind COMBiLIFT is the pure genius in its basic design philosophy. The typical forklift has four wheels and at the rear, bulky counterweights to ensure stability in lifting a heavy load. COMBiLIFT placed that bulk and weight in the very frame of the structure – it’s a mini tank – then they replaced the dual rear wheels with a single rear wheel, so they have a small footprint but big fork load capacity. That applies to many units in the product range. For specific materials handling applications, computer aided design using customised software, scopes out possible designs for the myriad number of materials handling challenges in a world that shifts an endless variety of stuff to every corner of the planet. When the design magicians think they have a solution to a particular application, the guys and girls in the factory go to work bending, blasting and protective coating 600 tonnes of steel to their will – it’s just awesome to witness. “The product specifically for the poultry sector, the Combi RT, was developed using feedback from poultry loading contractors and specifically designed from the ground up in 3 consideration of catching, handling and transportation,” said Chris Littlewood, COMBiLIFT’S man in Australia. “Unlike our competitors who modify 1. Managing Director Martin McVicar with Sophie Herron from Marketing and a standard unit to service the Catherine McNally, Accounts. 2. Shot blasted frame before powder coat. poultry sector, the RT was built taking all aspects of the often complex loading w 3. Versatile walk behind with 90 degree control.

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process into account. “Large diameter tractor grip tyres, all wheel traction with differential lock and 300mm ground clearance, results in minimum disturbance of litter when operating inside sheds. “Very smooth control of both drive and mast functions results in a more gentle and quieter handling of both empty and full modules. Therefore less stress levels and better welfare for the birds,” Chris explained. “The three wheel design means that the Combi RT is extremely manoevrable and ideal for operating in confined spaces such as small loading yards and older shed designs with support posts and the low overall cabin height (1.9m) results in the ability to work where low overhead obstructions may be present. “Capacities of up to 1600 kg and a 1200 mm load centre means that the Combi RT easily handles full modules onto the transport vehicle. “Due to long periods of operation, the cab is designed for maximum possible driver comfort and there is generous cab space, ease of accessibility, excellent visibility, a deep suspension seat and arm rest in standard specifications. “The robust RT has no mechanical brakes to adjust or replace and the engine (a sturdy Japanese built Kubota turbo charged diesel unit) and cooling system are protected from shed dust and potential contaminants in poultry sheds.

“These design features result in low running costs and high levels of reliability when operating over long hours in tough conditions,” said Chris. The Combi RT operates in many countries and currently Multiquip is the major Australian operator of the product,” Chris concluded. As the tour commenced, Poultry Digest went from the design department to the factory floor where the whole production process from fabricating the raw steel (there are three plasma cutters) into the basic frame work takes place. The frame and other key steel components are shot blasted to provide the clean finish prior to powder coating – up to 2 mm thick to ensure maximum protection. The assembly line is a very manual process and Martin explains that this is deliberate as though automation had been considered, the comapny feels that the combination of high tech process with deliberate human skills delivers the optimum result. “We have huge faith in a highly trained and motivated workforce and the rigorous check processes in place to ensure a quality product. “Each unit takes on average 53 minutes to complete and we always seek ways to make more efficiency but it’s a balance between speed and quality and we consider that we have achieved that balance,” he said. w Quality control is an essential

1. Electric or internal combustion power units depending upon application. 2. The mass of the unit frame replaces bulky counter weights. 3. The new 50 million euro production plant in Monaghan.

COMPANY PROFILE v

element in the building of any COMBiLIFT piece of equipment. Each unit goes down the production line with its own record sheets where at every work station the assembly procedures are recorded by the operators. “This ensures that faults can be easily traced and rectified,” we were told by our hosts. Power source for COMBiLIFT products varies according to application. Rough terrain products like the RT for use in the poultry sector, are turbo diesel powered but for many indoor operations, electric/battery power is more suitable. In the press conference, Martin did state that more and more of their applications use electric power but that IC was still dominant in many applications. At the end of the assembly process COMBiLIFT units are thouroughly tested for around three hours before being prepared for delivery. After watching various COMBiLIFT products being built and demonstrated, the group returned to the offices where another key aspect of computer based technology was revealed. This is an audit system of any given storage facility, using a combination of Google maps and other parameters, the COMBiLIFT engineers can match a product to a specific space, its limitations and its advantages. The potential client receives a report detailing how the use of the equipment could improve efficiency in storage and overall warehouse capacity. Speaking later at a press conference Martin spoke about another key driver of the company’s success, which was, he stated, the increase in land values around the world and particularly in developed economies. Australia and New Zealand are both good examples of this as residential real estate to house growing populations soaks up land previously used by industry. “The increasing cost of storage space drives the need for more efficient systems. The ability to go up and have narrower isles to access pallet racking for instance, present opportunities for our products,” he said. After touring the new facility, the Australian contingent joined hundreds of guests for dinner, drinks and entertainment in a huge marquee. Irish music, a pipe band and those fabulous Irish dancers topped off a really great day that was helped by a few glasses of Guinness.

1. A storage space ‘audit’ matches a COMBiLIFT option to available space. 2. Move that jumbo container! No problem. 3. The COMBiLIFT answer to rough terrain, the RT. Martin, the Ambassadors to Ireland from Australia and the UK, as well as Ireland’s Minister for Education spoke about the value of companies like COMBiLIFT, not only to the Irish economy but to global markets. COMBiLIFT is very aware of the opportunities to improve its presence in the Australian poultry and feed milling sectors.

The company will be attending AMC/PIX 2018 and can be found on stands 206 & 207. COMBiLIFT ’s Australian Manager Chris Littlewood will be there with his team and a Combilift RT unit. For the full report on real life operations of RT units, see our farm visit report elsewhere in this issue of Poultry Digest.

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The team from AGCO including AGCO Managing Director James Lang (second from left) and Peter Lutterschmidt (second from right) with one of the Massey Ferguson range of tractors.

AGCO: A long established enterprise with a fresh approach for modern farmers AGCO is a global enterprise dedicated to farming and farmers, originally conceived through grain growing and then developing and supplying the equipment to the ever expanding needs of farmers. AGCO has developed specific products and services for intensive livestock industries including poultry production. Apart from industry specific products, AGCO distributes truly internationally renowned products such as the Massey Ferguson range of tractors, as well the premium Fendt high tech farm machinery and for the smaller operations the Iseki range of lighter farm machinery. The description ‘One Stop Shop’ is often overused or, in some cases less than accurate, but in the case of AGCO and its Australian operation, it truly applies. The compay’s range of equipment for the poultry industry is truly comprehensive with all stages of production

needs covered including their C-Line pre-fabricated sheds, through to silos, augers, fans, Cumberland feeders and watering systems. Variable age feeder pans are recognised as a leading product in industries globally and Cumberland’s watering systems with aluminium rail joint connectors are easy to install and provide a robust fit for a grower’s specific connection needs. Though the C-Lines shed range of prefabricated bird housing is sold in 60 countries, much of the componentry is locally manufactured to suit specific country building codes. Key features include the Fondafast quick and proven footing system, the ‘3 slope ceiling design that reduces heating and ventilation costs and PVC protection walls, that are thermally efficient and a viable replacement for concrete. All stages of ventilation and sophisticated climate control are covered and when Poultry Digest visited the AGCO

Melbourne offices in April, Managing Director James Lang and his team showed us the latest in shed control technology, the EDGE control system. AGCO Sales Manager Peter Lutterschmidt explained the EDGE controller system which he firstly pointed out, “is designed with integrated diagnostics and a triple layer of protection which makes it just about the most reliable system available to intensive livestock operations”. “Through GSIEDGE.com you can monitor and manage all aspects of a farm’s production process including ventilation, feed inventory and consumption, cooling, heating, lighting and watering,” he said. “The modular design of the EDGE controller system allows it to be expanded to suit your operation from single to multiple sites and it becomes more economical as a farm’s operations expands.” One feature that will appeal to farmers and their staff is the ‘configura-

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NEWS v

tion wizard’ that guides the operator through the initial setup by prompting with relevant questions about each of he specific applications that have been installed. “Simply input the fans, inlets, temperature probes and any other relevant equipment, where it is located and the production type such as breeders and all age stages from brooding to weight related pick up. “Based on this information, EDGE will automatically run settings to operate at optimal conditions,” Peter explained. AGCO offers a comprehensive range of shed heating options including radiant tube heat using a two stage technology that is fuel saving, delivers faster heat loss recovery, improving comfort levels for the birds at all growth stages. The unit uses exterior air sources for combustion. The AV series brooder tube heater is designed to distribute lesser radiant energy resulting in a reduction of ‘hot spots’ under the units and a more uniform floor temperature across the shed. “The AP VariFlame variable rate heater offers producers more control, easier access and increased longevity compared to other alternatives available on the market,” according to Peter Lutterschmidt. “Pair the VariFlame in legacy mode with any controller and it will synchronise and adjust to pre-determined temperature curves set in the control unit to maintain optimal shed temperature. “VariFlame with EDGE Connect has been designed to work seamlessly as a stand alone heater, or in legacy mode using on/off outputs such as the Evolution, Pro Vision or a competitive controller. “When connected to the EDGE control system, advanced features such as stir fan mode, exercise mode, remote access and remote diagnostics are available to the operator. “This is all possible through a (patent pending) control system inside the VariFlame EDGE Connect model heaters,” Peter explained. Radiant brooder heaters are popular in Australian and New Zealand sheds and the ACS direct spark radiant brooders marketed by AGCO provide a consistent clean burning and fuel efficient environment for all types of poultry housing. The ‘Zone Control Panel’ allows growers to control up to 30 brooder units from a single location. It features a battery back up, four fused zone

AGCO offers a full range of agricultural machinery under several brands. Seen here is one tractor in the Valtra range. Below: The EDGE controller.

connections and one thermostat. No matter how sophisticated modern poultry shed equipment becomes, even with multiple redundant features, effective alarm systems are vital. Cumberland Agri-Alert systems are a complete system for monitoring temperature, power, feed and water supply, unauthorized shed entry and biosecurity. Other functions can be added. Key components of the Agri-Alert alarm systems are the Agri-Alert 800 EZe with graphic LCD screen which can monitor up to eight zones and acknowledge alarms by phone. Wireless modules designed to operate wit AA-800EZe have an open air unobstructed range of up to 3000 ft and are easy to install and program. The Agri-Alert 128 Touch features a seven inch colour touch screen that allows all zones to be seen at once. Internet connectivity provides remote access, eliminating the need to attend a specific location every time the system transmits an alert. The unit has an email and SMS notification feature. The modular design allows users to design a system that’s the right size for an existing location or expandable as capacity is added. The phone dialer provides dependable delivery of alarm notification even if internet access in not available or limited. A built in security feature

ensures that only authorised users can adjust the system. Apart from equipment supply AGCO Australia is in the process of developing financial packages tailored to suit producers and their particular agriculture sector including a per batch component to suit individual grower’s cash flow. AGO is attending the AMC/PIX 2018 event and you will find them on stands 23 to 28. Poultry Digest looks forward to reporting on AGCO equipped producer operations in future issues.

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PRODUCT NEWS

The Combi RT – the real test on-farm As part of Poultry Digest’s recent trip to Ireland to see the new COMBiLIFT facility and join in their 20th anniversary celebrations, we visited two farms to see how the Combi RT, the unit specifically designed to work in poultry farms, really works. On the first day, our Australian contingent arrived at Dublin airport on April 30 and the sun was out and it was a pleasant 21 degrees C. We mentioned this to the bus driver taking us to our first stop. “Oh, that’s just to fool yer into leaving yer rain coat at home,” he said. Never a truer word! By the following Friday in company with Ned Taylor, Multiquip Australia and Combi RT operator, Philip Graham, Adaptalift Aust and COMBiLIFT dealer, and Darach McCluskey, the Combi RT product specialist, we headed for two sites to see the RTs in action on pick up day. Ireland is very green for a good reason. It gets watered regularly, and the rain often travels sideways as well as vertically! At the first farm we met chicken loading contractor Jimmy O’Harte, the first ever Combi RT customer. Today he has five of them but turned up with the original unit. Jimmy actually gave the COMBiLIFT designers the necessary feedback to build a fit for purpose unit, the rough terrain RT model. This venerable unit, with more than 17200 hours of operation, was doing the pick up at Finian O’Harte’s farm, Clones County, Monaghan. In the cold and very damp weather, speed is of the essence and not just because time is money. Getting the birds loaded and on their way to the nearby processing plant without getting them wet and chilled is a welfare benefit. If there was ever a Grand Prix for forklift drivers, Jimmy and his old RT would be on the front row of the grid. The catching crew place the birds in the transport modules which are stacked, picked up by the RT and placed on the semi’s trailer. The wide wheels on the RT make minimum impact on the litter, an important benefit for those farms that re-use bedding. Compared to most Australian farms the access areas outside the sheds is cramped and the manoeverability of the RT is certainly put to the test as the bird

1. JImmy’s early RT works in tight spaces around roof supports. 2. LtoR: Ned Taylor, Multiquip Australia, Phillip Graham, Adaptalift Aust, farmer Jimmy O’Harte and Darach McCluskey, COMBiLift. 3. Newer version of RT showing easy access for removing dust and other potectially dangerous materials. transport crates are loaded on the semi. Also the Combi RT is easily able to work around support columns in sheds as Jimmy deomonstrated. Having watched Jimmy and his faithfull old Combi RT go through its paces the group moved to another farm where pick up was under way. This time, loading contractor Wesley Scott who operates two newer Combi RTs, demonstrated an example of the current model with not only greater creature comforts but a few other

improvements. Darach also took us to see the original plant where Jimmy’s unit would have been built. The contrast between this facility, now used for storage and refurbishing units, and the new facility is stark, to say the least. There are a lot of broiler farms in Ireland. The two we visited were typical older wooden structures but equipped with modern ventilation and lighting, SKOV controllable chimney fans and mini-vents. w

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As the temperatures rarely reach above 25 deggrees C, the emphasis is on heating rather that cooling and a speedy pick up aided by the Combi RT is essential on wet and cold days like the one we experienced. COMBiLIFT is very much an Irish success story. It established just five years after Ireland, along with the UK joined the Common Market. In another life this scribbler worked in Ireland back in the early 1970s, both in the North and Eire. The South, in particular, took full advantage of its membership of the European Union, in particular to grow creative and innovative industries. A company tax regime in Eire that encourages innovation, particularly in computer software and science based technology, created what became known as the Celtic Tiger economy. Whereas Eire’s main export from the mid 19th and early 20th Century was people, from the early 1970s this changed to technology and subsequently innovative products like COMBiLIFT’s material handling equipment. As with most western economies the boom was followed by a spectacular bust which the Global Financial Crisis triggered. Despite this setback to Ireland’s economy, COMBiLIFT was one of those companies that powered on through the financial chaos. Co-directors and owners, Martin McVicar and Robert Moffat’s policy of using their own revenue stream and not having to rely on external sources of capital would have been a great advantage during those difficult years following the GFC. As membership of both the EU trading group and currency helped the Irish economy power along in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, the UK’s departure from the EU will deliver substantial benefits to Ireland’s economy, as Australian Ambassador Richard Andrews pointed out when COMBiLIFT guests attended the function at his residence. Outside of Europe, markets like Australia and New Zealand are also vital to the still expanding COMBiLIFT enterprise. Like many of its growing markets the company will benefit from global growth – when people become more prosperous they acquire more stuff – and stuff needs moving and storing. Similarly, the continual expansion in poultry production globally creates opportunity for more sales of its proven Combi RT model.

1. Combi RT with fully enclosed cab and well loaded up. 2. Irish farms don’t have generous manoeuvring spaces for large transport vehicles. 3. The three wheel configuration delivers extreme manoeuvrability. 4. The in-cab guage shows the weight levels on the forks.

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NEWS

Agrotop: Proven abiltiy to meet the specific needs of every customer The poultry market is advancing fast, posing new challenges to farmers and new players who wish to enter the market. “This is exactly where Agrotop fits in, by offering state-of-the-art poultry sheds built using the latest technologies available in the global market,” said poultry and business consultant Stanley Kaye, who leads Agrotop’s activity in Australia. Agrotop originated from a small family business founded in Israel in the 1940s which made cages and equipment for small-scale poultry farmers. The skills and business acumen of the founding family and new partners quickly enabled the company to dominate the local market and expand into the world market. Sixty-five years later Agrotop operates in more than 50 countries on five continents. Agrotop views the Australian market as a prime destination for future expansion as Australian farmers value high quality, reliability and longevity of buildings at reasonable prices. Agrotop provides a wide range of solutions from supplying buildings and equipment in ‘kit’ form to full turnkey

solutions. “Coming from Israel, which prides itself as being the ‘Start-Up Nation’, Agrotop specialises in finding innovative solutions to complex situations whether it is constructing a chicken farm on the steep Himalayan slopes of Nepal or building a 60,000-layer egg house in the Canary Islands on a narrow footprint in which half of the layer house was built underground with a sophisticated ventilation system,” Mr Kaye said. Agrotop’s portfolio includes small, moveable, free-range farms, mid-sized and large farms, supporting plants such as feed mills, hatcheries and slaughter houses, as well as massive full vertical integration solutions. The company provides all or part of the services required for any poultry farm from financing, consulting and a bankable business plan all the way to design, logistics, construction, management and local team training. A model project One of the most ambitious projects that Agrotop has been involved in was the building of the largest broiler farm in Georgia, a project which has been lauded by USAid as a model.

A typical poultry farm in Israel with Agrotop poultry sheds.

The Chirina plant is a full vertical integration poultry project incorporating all the production chain, from seed to fresh meat. Chirina is the largest and most advanced agricultural green field project in Georgia. The first stage included a full vertical integration project combining pullets, breeding and broiler farms capable of growing 5.65 million birds combined. The project incorporates a laboratory, modern hatchery, meat processing plant, grain elevator, feed mill, compost site and grain fields to produce 6,000 tons of fresh meat per year. The project is currently being expanded to grow 14 million broiler birds and produce 24,000 tons of fresh meat annually. Agrotop also recently completed the largest egg farm in Vietnam, which is the most advanced in Southeast Asia. The DTK project produces 175 million eggs annually and is the first factory in the country capable of controlling the bio-safety of fresh eggs. Both the Vietnamese and Georgian projects were built from greenfield to the highest world standards.

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NEWS In England and Scotland, Agrotop innovated the idea of durable mobile chicken coops which can be ready to begin operation in just three months, taking advantage of a quick-permit process available in those countries for non-permanent structures. Strong Australian presence As part of its global expansion plan, Agrotop is paying special attention to the Australian poultry market. To date, the company has completed the establishment of chook farms in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia, and is expected to soon announce upcoming projects in the broiler, egg and quail industries. Among others, the company is building one of the largest broiler farms in Australia. Located in New South Wales, the farm will consist of 70 poultry sheds on five different sites in a close geographic area. Agrotop has already completed the construction of 16 modern 2,500 sqm houses. As part of the project the company has successfully carried out a series of exhaustive tests examining the impermeability of the sheds using static pressure and smoke tests. This included a close examination of air speed achieved in the shed at multiple locations with different combinations of fans, static pressure

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Top: Tasmanian farm with Agrotop sheds. Above: Agrotop is paying special attention to the Australian market and looking foraward to expanding. The company built these free range sheds in WA. and tunnel door openings. Agrotop also checked minimum airflow in sheds using the smoke test. “Agrotop has been active in Australia in providing mobile and freerange sheds to large farms in need of dozens of sheds and farmsteads requiring individual sheds,” said Mr Kaye. He also pointed out that all these projects are individually tailored to meet the specific needs of each customer. “In each of our Aussie projects, we have been chosen based on our quality and adherence to Australian standards for materials and equipment, as well as our competitive prices,” he added. “Agrotop has proven its ability to meet the specific needs of each customer and we are looking forward to also expanding our Australian presence.”

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NEWS

Country Heritage Organic Feeds – a traditional business for modern livestock production Country Heritage Organic Feeds, based at Pittsworth in South East Queensland, is the largest and first large scale, completely organic feedmill in the southern hemisphere. It is owned and operated by various members of the Youngberry family who have grown a considerable business that includes seriously large cucumber farms and the Inglewood Organic Free Range farms and brand. Now the compnay has built up a fast growing business supplying bagged organic and vegetable based feed for pets, small and medium scale poultry farms and is still expanding into new areas of livestock production. There is growing consumer demand throughout the developed world for organic and livestock products reared in alternative systems to main stream production. The reasons for this are many and complex but the fact is, that in a well off country like Australia, consumers are prepared to pay more for food products

that they believe are either better for them or the animals that produce their meat, and particularly in the case of Country Heritage Organic Feed, their eggs. The Marketing Manager for Country Heritage, Greg Youngberry, explained their products, history and business plan to Poultry Digest when we visited during March 2018. The first impression upon arrival at the feedmill gate is that this is no small scale ‘alternative’ facility that might be associated with the organic and small scale farming activities. It’s a seriously big feed operation equipped with the latest and best machinery and with a huge storage capacity. Greg explained that the whole production chain from their cropping areas, including a 30,000 acre site at Hannaford at St George, produces wheat, sorghum and lucerne which is mostly for their companion animal bagged feeds.

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1. Managing Director Katrina Hobbs with Marketing Manager Greg Youngberry. 2. The feed is available in bulka bags. 3. Bagged feed products for layers. 4. Country Heritage Feeds – first fully organic feed mill in the Oceania region. 5. A well equipped feed mill with extensive capacity.

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Aviagen appoints Debbie Fisher as Technical Services Manager, Australia and NZ “We are delighted that Debbie has joined the Aviagen Australia and New Zealand team in a fully dedicated role as Technical Service Manager for the region,” commented Michael Leahy, Managing Director Aviagen Australia and New Zealand Her knowledge of the Ross 308 and her experience in many markets will make a positive impact on our customers and we look forward to her future contribution to our business,” Mr Leahy said. Debbie commenced her new role of Technical Service Manager for Aviagen ANZ on the first of April and brings excellent understanding of the modern broiler breeder and specific expertise in the Ross 308 which she has accumulated over 20 years in Australia, New Zealand as a customer. She has also developed a keen sense as a Technical Service Manager of performance and conditions in a number of different markets and environments in Asia. From the time Debbie commenced her career in the poultry industry, she continued growing and learning as the company she joined expanded and became a leading poultry producer in New Zealand. Debbie quickly found a home in

the industry from her initial job in egg collection and rearing before becoming a farm manager and subsequently promoted to livestock department administrator, followed by health and safety coordinator for all farms, broilers and hatcheries. Her later, more senior roles, included livestock and production planner, breeder and broiler service and finally breeder service manager. In 2013, with her knowledge of breeders and broilers, Debbie became a valued member of the Aviagen Asia team as a Technical Service Manager and worked specifically with customers in South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Philippines providing key flock management support and serving as the major support link between Aviagen and the grandparent and parent stock customer companies in her territory. “I am pleased to join the Aviagen ANZ team supporting and to be working with parent stock customers in the region,” she said. “I very much welcome the opportunity to utilise my understanding of the companies I have known during my time in the industry and look forward to living in the region, closer to the customer locations I will support,” commented Debbie.

Debbie Fisher, new Technical Service Manager, ANZ.

Study to find energy solutions for farmers Three agricultural representative groups have commissioned research into options to provide better access to, and more affordable energy for farmers across Queensland and New South Wales. The project is being conducted by NSW Irrigators’ Council (NSWIC), Cotton Australia and the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF). The research will be carried out by the Sydney-based Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney and will combine a desktop study with case studies and interviews with growers. The results of that important research will then be taken to network providers with the aim of exploring new

ways of providing affordable energy to farmers. The study has been funded by Energy Consumers Australia (ECA) as part of its grants process for consumer advocacy and research projects for the benefit of electricity and natural gas consumers. NSWIC Policy Manager Stefanie Schulte says the study will bring together previous research on energy use and pricing with new investigations on how farmers have tackled the energy challenges, including those who have implemented renewable energy solutions. “Electricity supply is a complex issue and we need everyone to work together to solve these key issues,” Ms

Schulte said. “Electricity has become a significant input factor in Australia’s food and fibre production and successive price increases have significantly impacted our ability to remain competitive while utilising modern, water-efficient irrigation equipment.” “Finding a solution to the electricity conundrum is not only important for the future of the National Electricity Market but also vital for Australian agriculture to compete internationally.” “It is very much hoped that by bringing this research and the case studies to the table our conversation with energy networks will inform their future strategic planning on regional energy supply.”

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NEWS

Multiquip looks to Combi RT forklifts for reliability and productivity Specialist live bird and feed cartage supplier to the chicken meat industry, the long-established family owned Multiquip company continues to transition its extensive forklift fleet of forklifts to the Combi RT, (Rough Terrain) Forklift range. The Irish manufactured machine is designed specifically to handle the harsh conditions experienced in Australia’s poultry Industry. The RT has been built for tough applications where feathers and dust can easily get into the vehicle’s cooling and fuel system. The Combi RT comes with fully sealed radiator and oil coolers. The rear wheel arch is enclosed which prevents litter building up in the chassis, making the RT a breeze to clean off and disinfect to a very high standard. Jason Mikosic, the General Manager of Multiquip, recognised the advantages that the Combi RT would offer when operations began on a new Queensland site. “We were using Moffet’s but the Combi performed really well. That was around four years ago and we now run around 25 Combi RTs with another four on order.” It isn’t only the reliability of the machines that Multiquip sees the benefits of COMBiLIFT in. “There has been great support all the way back to the factory. “Because the manufacturer is involved, any issues get moved along quickly. It is not just a product that is sold. “The support goes right back to the factory,” Jason explained. Multiquip sees its own business growing into the future but only as its own customers do. Jason also recognises the important relationship that Combilift play in this growth. “The industry is continually growing. As long as we do the right thing by our own customers and as long as COMBiLIFT continue to do the right thing by us, they will continue to grow with us.” Martin McVicar, the co-founder and Managing Director of COMBiLIFT recognises the importance of this responsiveness to Multiquip’s and the poultry

Top: Multiquip reconnised the advantages of using these Combi RTs when operations began on a Queensland site. Above: The Combi Rough Terrain forklifts handle the harsh conditions of Australia well. Industry’s specific requirements. “Most forklifts previously used in the industry have been modified versions of mainstream models,” he said. “Having taken the exact requirements of catching, handling and transportation into account we have developed this purpose built, no-compromise machine.” Speaking on the eve of the opening of COMBiLIFT’s new €50 million new Global Headquarters and Manufactur-

ing Facility, which Multiquip attended, Jason said that “keeping customers in touch with the COMBiLIFT factory is so important, it keeps us connected to the factory, it builds reliable relationships. “It helps us understand the company’s capabilities and it means that they understand what kind of machine and service we need. “After all, if it survives in the Australian poultry industry, so we know it is a great product”

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PIX PREVIEW

Jefo continues to support the Oceania market Jefo continues to support the Oceania market by sponsoring the industry and the 2018 PIX/AMC event to be held in Queensland. Jefo, a global leader in high-performance non-medicated nutritional solutions for animals, reiterates the importance of the Australian market in their strategy. In 2018, the company is celebrating 13 years of operations and will attendapproximately 250 events worldwide. Jean Fontaine, President and Founder of the Jefo Group, will attend the Poultry Information Exchange (PIX) and Australasian Milling Conference (AMC), held from June 3 to 5, in Queensland. Known by his visionary approach, Mr. Fontaine will be accompanied by experts Derek Detzler and Glenmer Tactacan, respectively Global Technical Manager Poultry and Technical Specialist Poultry, who will all join the Managing Director for Australia and New-Zealand, Wayne Bradshaw for the conferences. “At Jefo, sharing knowledge is essential. This is why we are and continue to be a Gold Partner of the PIX/AMC event,” Mr Bradshaw said. “The important quality information provided during this conference helps us to maintain our leadership in the animal nutrition industry,” he said. He went on to say that in 2017 the company opened a new Campus in Canada, an investment of 15 million Canadian dollars with the purpose of becoming a center of knowledge exchange. Despite his very busy schedule, Mr Fontaine managed to return to Australia to get in close contact with the local customers and the industry. “We are always listening to the market needs. This kind of show, where we have a booth to welcome customers and industry experts, is ideal to establish the first contact, but also to strengthen our existing relationships. “I am very excited to once again attend this event,” said the President and Founder of Jefo. Jefo has been experiencing an impressive expansion in the last years. Since its foundation in 1982, the familyowned company went from a small distribution office to a multinational corporation that employs more than 250 professionals all across the world, and commercialises its products in approxi-

mately 60 countries, in all continents. The aim of the company is to generate one billion Canadian dollars in revenue by 2025, all while continuing to invest in innovation and development. “Things move very quickly at Jefo. Becoming a major global player in a fast changing industry is the result of solid management, continuous investments in innovation and development, and talented professionals”, said Mr Fontaine. The company manufactures and distributes species-specific nutritional solutions for dairy, poultry, pork and aquaculture in Australia and Asia, as well as for other species in other parts of the world. The company integrates programs designed for each production phase. These are Jefo Care – for Health, Jefo Peak – for Performance & Production, and Jefo Cycle – for Reproduction. For more information you can visit the Jefo stands, numbers 160 to 163.

Above: Jean Fontaine, President of Jefo. Below, the Jefo Head Office and Australian Managing Director Wayne Bradshaw. Bottom: The Jefo headquarters, St Hyacinthe in Canada.

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PIX PREVIEW

Energus solar panels to help you save Have you ever noticed while running your business that it’s much easier to think of ways to spend money than it is to think of ways to save? Ways to save money always seems more elusive. That’s where solar panels come in according to Energus. The company beleives solar is one easy way to help you give back to your bottom line. When buying solar, you’re buying a machine that creates free electricity for you, for 25 years. There is a cost to buying this solar machine, so, like all assets, you must consider the upfront cost, the payback period and the depreciation schedule. So what can you expect from solar in Australia today? More than 30,000 businesses in Australia now have solar. Because all of these businesses vary in how they use electricity, savings vary from 30% to 50% and most of them pay back the upfront cost of the solar panels in around three to five years. And that’s not including depreciation. The ATO allows you to depreciate a solar system over 20 years so you can apportion 5% of the cost to your business each year, which often makes the payback shorter. So what do you need to know when buying solar? Firstly, you should approach an experienced solar engineering business. A word of mouth recommendation is always better. Energus, based in Sydney, comes highly recommended from chicken farmers in NSW and they also have national reach. The comapny also has a lightweight solar panel option that suits the structure of most chicken sheds which often can’t always hold the weight of heavy solar panels. A good solar company will look at your bills and assess the right size system for you. They will ask if your electricity usage differs from one season to the next and use this information to give you a system that is the right size for you. A site inspection is not always necessary as most solar installation discussions are now done over the phone. Energus will be at PIX 2018 on stand number 16 and can be reached on 1300 265 170. “Energus gave me a solar quote and followed up with a painless installation. I recommend them to friends and I would recommend them to my fellow chicken farmers,” said Ron Collins from Kulnara, NSW.

PIX PREVIEW

BEC’s official launch of Gel-Pac at PIX BEC Feed Solutions has announced it will be presenting the official launch of Gel-Pac into the Australasian market at PIX/ AMC in 2018. In partnership with Animal Science Products (ASP), the creators of Gel-Pac, the company will host a luncheon seminar during the Monday lunch break at the conference. This luncheon will feature a discussion on early chick development and the future for gel delivery technology into the poultry industry. Lead by ASP’s Ryan Izard, Chief Scientist/Technology Officer, the topics will include early nutrition, immunisations and hydration during transport. “Gel-Pac is a novel product delivery solution for newly hatched chicks and poults. It can be used to deliver vaccines, probiotics and nutritional ingredients. The gel is stable enough to carry fragile oral vaccines and probiotics,” said Mr Izard. The gel can be sprayed on the chicks within hours of hatching and the coloured gel-droplets ride high on the feathers. That means the gel is ingested through preening without wetting or chilling the birds. It also has an added advantage of helping to hydrate the chicks which is important when preparing the birds for transportation. BEC’s booth display at PIX will feature a working Gel-Pac machine and BEC will be running demonstrations throughout the Monday and Tuesday. “This will give visitors an opportunity to see first-hand how easy and effective the application is,” said David Isaac, BEC’s Animal Research Manager who will be available on the stand to provide additional information. Also on the stands, numbers 179 and 180, will be the technical/nutrition teams from both the Australian and New Zealand offices, representatives from ASP and from some other partners including Adisseo. They include Ryan Izzard, ASP, Mark Fitzgerald, General Manager, Premix and Feed Additives Australia and New Zealand, Trina Parker, Country Manager for New Zealand, Cameron Wright Premix Supervisor and Nutritionist and Craig McCann, Sales Manager BEC.

Aviagen Management Essentials Debbie Fisher Technical Service Manager, ANZ Debbie has 5 years serving customers for the Aviagen Asia team. She has a wealth of management experience in several production roles with a major integrator in the New Zealand and Australian poultry industry. “Achieving a good brood is essential for a good chick start. A good chick start includes correct floor and environment temperature, good litter and easy access to feed and water. Relative Humidity (RH) also plays an important role in a chick’s early development, but is often overlooked or not monitored correctly,” commented Debbie.

The Importance of Relative Humidity Monitoring During Brooding Objective Monitoring humidity levels during brooding is an important tool to ensure chick comfort. Birds lose heat to the environment by evaporation of moisture from their respiratory tract and by heat passing through the skin. At high Relative Humidity, less evaporative loss occurs increasing the chicks body temperature, the opposite occurs when RH is low. Procedure Ideally a hygrometer or digital thermometer that will read RH% should be placed inside the brooding area. • • • • •

RH and temperature should be monitored at least twice a day for the first 5 days and then daily thereafter. Measurements should be taken at chick level in the brooding area. Do not rely on ventilation control sensors only, to give correct readings. Cross check with a conventional thermometer that also reads humidity (Figure 1). If the RH is outside the desired range (60 - 70%) then the set point should be adjusted to achieve the correct effective temperature for the chicks (the temperature that the chick feels). The table below shows the principles of how dry bulb temperatures required to achieve equivalent temperatures may change at varying RH. Dry bulb temperatures at the ideal RH at an age are colored red.

For example: The table shows that if RH is 60%, then the set point at day 3 is 28.9°C. But if a high RH of 80% is present, then at day 3 the temperature set point should be adjusted to 26°C.

Ultimately a poultry house is full of thermometers – the chicks. They will indicate with their behavior if they are too hot or too cold. If chicks are beginning to pant, head and wings droop, and they are moving to the outside of the brooding area, then it’s an indication they are too hot. If they are cold, chicks will be crowded together in groups, maybe making lots of noise. It is always important to monitor chick behavior as it can be a quick indicator that house conditions are changing. Figure 1. Analogue thermometer and hygrometer

PIX PREVIEW

AAS proud to be a Platinum Sponsor for PIX AAS Pty Ltd is proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of PIX 2018 along with our premium cage free equipment supplier, Potters Poultry and hatchery equipment supplier, EmTech,” said Peter Matthews. “Both suppliers share our values of working with our customers as partners, and we are a family business with values that you can depend on and equipment to help your operation thrive,” he said. Founded by Peter Mathews in 2001, Australasian Agricultural Services, known as AAS, supplies poultry farming and hatchery equipment to operations within Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea & the Pacific Islands. Based in Brisbane, the AAS team has more than 40 years of experience in setting up new operations, upgrades and expansions. “Our network of suppliers guarantees we can supply the best fit for your requirements and environment, Peter said. “We have equipped farms with capacities from 50 birds to 500,000 birds. Recently completed projects include a free-range egg farm set up in northern New South Wales, a hatchery expansion in New Zealand and several broiler upgrades and a new farm facility in South Australia.” Jerry Bailey-Watts will be at PIX representing Potters Poultry, a premium cage free equipment supplier, with more than 50 years experience in pullet rearing and egg production.

Potters Poultry equipment range includes Avinest automatic nests systems for breeding and laying, mobile hoop houses and aviary systems. The design of Potters Poultry aviary systems for the rearing and production of birds for cage free eggs is based on over 21 year’s experience in making aviary systems. Tim Hodgetts will also be at PIX representing EmTech. Since its launch in 2015, EmTech Hatchery Systems Ltd has cemented itself as a leading supplier in incubation systems and hatchery ventilation. “With a wealth of knowledge and a collective experience of more than 25 years, EmTech recognises the importance of getting the best results, not only from your new equipment but from your existing systems too,” said Tim. “With clients such as Hy-Line, Aviagen and Bromley Park in its portfolio, EmTech’s rapid rise to success is a testament to the excellent quality and performance of its equipment.” “We will have working equipment on our stand including the Cumberland Edge controller, Evolution 4000 and Evolution 1200 controllers, the Rotem Platinum controller, feeders, drinkers, Reclaimer Fan, Potters Poultry Nests, Plasson equipment and much more,” said Peter. Visit the AAS stand at PIX, booth numbers 184-189.

1. Peter Mathews, Australasian Agricultural Services. 2. Jerry Bailey-Watts, Potters Poultry. 3. Tim Hodgetts from EmTech Hatchery Systems Ltd. 4. The head office of AAS Pty Ltd.

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PIX PREVIEW

DACS MagFan helps to slash power bills “Since 2012 pig and poultry growers around the world have been able to slash their power bills and enjoy the quietness of the most advanced and energy efficient tunnel ventilation, the DACS MagFan,” according to Jon Cox, from Pace Systems, the Australian distributor for the product. “MagFan is being used by discerning growers across the globe,” he said. “In 2014 when Laurie Brosnan from Bettapork in Queensland saw the fan at the Eurotier Exhibition in Hanover, Germany he knew this fan was what he needed to compliment his brand new bio-digester system so he ordered Magfan to be retro-fitted into some of his old sheds. “With MagFan being used successfully in Australia for more than three years now, the momentum has increased with pig and poultry growers to sav huge dollars, with up to 75-80% in electricity savings,” Jon said. Pace Systems, which exclusively represents the DACS range of products here in Australia, currently has a range of projects fitting Magfan to Broiler Sheds. The MagFan offers a 1.2kw and a 2.2kw unit, with the unique capacity to deliver more than 71,500 m3/hr of air at -25pa. “The 2.2kw MagFan is being fitted at a brand new broiler complex where the investor is also proving the benefits not only from saving massive dollars in running costs but in construction costs.

Due to the MagFan using a single phase power supply to its Invertor & Variable Speed Drive Unit so little amount of electricity is used; this also equates to savings during the build process of electrical wiring and associated components,” said Jon. “With Tunnel Ventilation fans equating to approximately 80% of the electricity used on a typical broiler fam it is important that the growers and investors make the right selection. “By choosing MagFan investors have found that the build costs in the electrical part of the project have been reduced as total power usage is less and this has a positive effect then on the size of electrical supply lines & generators etc. “Given that the tunnel ventilation fans are such an important factor of this

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process of intensive animal husbandry, thorough consideration should be given to the capital cost versus fan efficiency. “DACS from Denmark, being a leader in climate control and ventilation design and engineering, has also invested heavily to have its own test facilities certified to meet and exceed international standards. “Bureau Veritas, a global leader in testing, inspection and certification was engaged in 2017 by DACS to independently asses and certify its wind tunnel which now has the world’s most up to date and stringent certifications.” “Jens Dybdahl stated that In March 2017, Bureau Veritas sent a certified industry inspector to inspect and verify our test facilities, equipment and procedures, and to monitor the testing of the MagFan,” Jon said. “Following the inspection of our testing procedures Bureau Veritas issued an ISO 5801 Verification Certificate, stating that we are in full compliance in all aspects of testing, measuring accuracy, data acquisition and presentation. “The certificate verifies that when we give you performance data on our fans you can rest assured that the data is accurate and obtained in full accordance with the strictest testing procedures,” Jon concluded.

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PIX PREVIEW

Santrev takes prominent position at PIX/AMC Poultry Digest dropped into Santrevâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ipswich base on April 18 to meet recently installed CEO Craig Smith, Business Development Manager Graham Cowling and Ruby Gough who keeps things going well in the busy office. Santrev has taken booths 1, 2 and 3 right at the entrance to the trade exhibition so the company will be easy to find. Santrev is also a Platinum Sponsor for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event. Director, Luke Trevanion, Graham Cowling, Sales Manager Erich Illeman and Adam Berry, Construction Manager will all be the stand to provide information and answer your questions. Also on the stand will be ONCE Innovations, which is an international supplier for agricultural lighting systems. While your on the Santrev stand you can have a go with the golf simulator. It

Ruby Gough, Graham Cowling and new CEO Craig Smith from Santrev. means visitors can sharpen their skills for the Golf Poultry Day which the company is also supporting. Golf aside, Poultry Digest also discussed the changes taking place in the industry and some new product

development at Santrev that takes into account the broad variety of operations in the Australian commercial poultry sector. Be sure to drop in for a putt at the Santrev stand!

Ryan Ryte completes new broiler farm with Enmachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Poly silos In our June/July issue of Poutry Digest our feature story will be on a new Ryan Ryte farm in Victoria featuring advanced minimum ventilation and fan control. The farm also uses Enmachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Poly Silo products developed specifically for the poultry industry with input from the

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Ryan Ryte company. Jon Bowder from Enmach will be attending AMC/PIX 2018 so you can visit him on the stand, go to polysilos.com or call Jon on 0437 027 661 for more information. Ryan Ryte will be on stands 61-62.

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AGCO’s brands win RED Dot Design Awards AGCO, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and solutions, has been awarded two Red Dot Design Awards for its IDEAL Combine and the Valtra A4 Series Tractors. The Red Dot Design competition is one of the largest and most respected design competitions in the world. More than 6,300 submissions from 59 countries entered this year’s contest and were evaluated by a jury consisting of 40 independent design experts from around the globe. We are very honored to receive the Red Dot Design Award,” said Martin Richenhagen, Chairman, President & CEO, AGCO Corporation. “This recognition underlines our commitment to design, innovation and quality.” The IDEAL combine and the Valtra A4 Series were both recognized in the category ‘Commercial Vehicles’. IDEAL is a newly developed combine that unites brand-new designs and cutting-edge technologies to empower farmers across the world to be more productive and to feed a growing world population. The jury recognised this new generation of combine harvesters with a ‘Red Dot: Best of the Best’ Award for top design quality and ground-breaking design acknowledging IDEAL’s innovative features and its unique, elegant graphite livery. IDEAL’s benefits include ease of use and optimisation of complex harvesting operations. It provides the efficiency, visibility and the comfort farmers need on the field. It is also the first high capacity combine with a narrow body. What is more, IDEAL offers full connectivity, a complete and automated adjustment, and real-time crop flow visualization. Valtra’s fourth generation A Series is a completely newly designed tractor featuring a new technical design, a brand-new cab design and multiple chassis options. The new A Series also offers farmers further customization options to tailor to their specific needs and wishes. The Red Dot Design Award recognizes the high-design quality of the A4 Series tractor. Valtra has been inspired by the basic principles of Scandinavian design which is reflected in the clear lines of the exterior of its tractors. In addition, Valtra’s design work puts a strong emphasis on usability, ergonomics, safety, durability, serviceability and productivity of the tractor. This is not the first time for Valtra to be recognized at the Red Dot Design Awards: the successful AGCO brand was already recognized for its designs in 2016 and in 2017. Martin Richenhagen continued, “AGCO’s strong research and development backbone enables our global brands to create new designs, functions and concepts that appeal to our global customer base”.

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NEWS

Animal Production 2018 Conference The Australian Society of Animal Production’s (ASAP) President, Professor Phil Hynd says that one of the great challenges of modern agriculture is finding ways to capture developments in science and technology into practical and effective on-farm systems. “Part of the problem in applying new scientific advances to production enterprises is based in the very nature of science and agricultural business. “Science works on a reductionist philosophy of dividing large and complex things into smaller, more manageable (able to be studied) components,” he said. “Indeed as science has unravelled the very basis of life, this reductionism has accelerated to a point where we are now dissecting components we didn’t even know existed 20 years ago! “The integration of new technologies and scientific advances into realworld animal production systems was at the forefront of the minds of those folks who started the Australian Society of Animal Production in the 1950s. “Later, a conference was estab-

lished as they recognised that bringing together scientists, producers, educators, students, extension specialists and those involved in product development, was the best way to deliver realistic, cost-effective, new technologies to help producers stay profitable. This is still the case! “Indeed I would argue the Society is even more relevant now than ever before and I encourage all those involved in the animal production industry to attend Animal Production 2018 which will be held from July 2 to 4.” Professor Hynd listed the reasons why people should attend the Animal Production 2018 conference. 1. ASAP has always been an opportunity to network with people across all sectors of animal production. If you are involved in animal agriculture you should be here! This is especially true for young people wishing to form networks which are vital to their future. 2. A chance to catch up on technologies coming down the track that might assist you in increasing profitability in the future.

Above: Professor Phil Hynd. 3. A chance to rub shoulders with colleagues across disciplines, develop new ideas, mentor students, and talk to producers and consultants. “This year we are combining the conference with the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation’s producer workshops and the Australian Association of Ruminant Nutritionists July Seminar as well as networking with the Intercollegiate Meat Judging Association,” Professor Hynd said.

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PRODUCT NEWS

Poulvac ST now available from Zoetis Australia Zoetis has announced the availability of Poulvac ST, a live bacterial vaccine for the mass administration of chickens, as an aid in the reduction of Salmonella typhimurium colonisation of the internal organs, including the intestines and caeca. “Poulvac ST vaccine is safe and efficacious in helping to build immunity in chickens,” said John Reeves, Commercial Manager for Pigs, Poultry and Nutrition at Zoetis. The vaccine can be administered by spray or drinking water vaccination methods. Poulvac ST vaccine may be applied to chickens from one day of age in the hatchery or on farms by spray vaccination, with a second vaccination given two weeks later via the drinking

water method. Poulvac ST has been developed from an attenuated Australian Salmonella typhimurium strain and has been available in various countries around the world for many years. Using a unique production process Zoetis announced that Poulvac ST is now available to the Australian market. “Poulvac ST has an aro A gene deletion that disables the ability of the bacterium to synthesize aromatic amino acids, essential for bacterial growth and multiplication. “However the aro A deletion does not affect the ability of the vaccine strain to grow and colonize the gut because aromatic amino acids are

available in the gut lumen. “Thus following vaccination sufficient time is provided to stimulate an effective immunological response against future Salmonella infections. “Poulvac ST adds to the Zoetis portfolio of poultry vaccines that includes Poulvac E. coli, both of which support efforts to achieve better food safety and further improve poultry health,” John expalined. “The vaccine is supplied in 10 x 5,000 dose vials only and can be purchased through your veterinarian or poultry vaccines health reseller. For more information on Poulvac ST, contact your veterinarian or a Zoetis representative. Visit www.zoetis.com.au

Jefo wins award again Jefo, a global leader in high-performance non-medicated nutritional solutions for animals, has received the Canada’s Best Managed Companies award, one of the country’s most reliable parameters of corporate health. Now in its 25th year, Canada’s Best Managed Companies is one of the country’s leading business award programs recognising Canadian-owned and managed companies for innovative, world-class business practices. Every year, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies compete for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates the calibre of their management abilities and practices. Jefo, which has been experiencing an impressive expansion over the past few years, is known by the visionary approach of its President and founder, Jean Fontaine. In 35 years, the familyowned company went from a small distribution office, to a multinational corporation that employs more than 250 professionals all across the world and commercialises its products in approximately 60 countries in all continents. In just five years, Jefo doubled its revenues and now expects to reach 1 billion Canadian dollars by 2025, all while continuing to massively invest in innovation and development.

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PRODUCT NEWS

AGCO C-Lines poultry shed for small scale farms When Poultry Digest visited AGCOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Melbourne offices recently we discussed the rising phenomenon of the lifestyle farmer, well portrayed on the SBS Little River Cottage show. In this issue of Poultry Digest we are running a story on Echo Valley Free Range Layers and their other activities.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pigments are our businessâ&#x20AC;?

In that story Randal Breen used his engineering skills to build his own custom designed sheds to suit their particular operation. Now while many would like to set up their alternative small scale â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;lifestyleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; farm operation, few would have the skills of a farmer like Randal who can build his own specialised hen housing. AGCO is a global operation which caters for a wide spectrum of farming equipment needs and the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s C-Line prefabricated sheds have many applications including small scale poultry farming. The C- Lines Mobile shed which is 6 m in width x 15 m long x 2 m height, features an insulated sandwich panel roof (roof overhang of 1.9m each side) and pop holes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; two on each side wall (0.5 m high x 2.7 m long). There is a crank and winch system to control the curtains and pop hole openings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all in all a neat solution for both small scale free range broiler or layer operations, or those with larger farms that might want to expand into an alternative production system on available land. Email Peter.Lutterschmidt@agcorp.com for more details

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NEWS

IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders award winners The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) has announced the recipients of the 2018 IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism Award. This year’s program, sponsored by Alltech, honors 10 young agricultural journalists and communicators who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in reporting as well as excellent potential as leaders of the industry in the years to come. The honorees were chosen by an international jury among applicants from many of IFAJ’s 43 member countries. This year’s IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders come from all over the world and includes Lydia Burton, from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “My father, Dr Pearse Lyons, loved talking to journalists and admired their ability to tell stories, particularly the stories within agriculture,” said Mark Lyons, President of Alltech. “He also understood the great importance of mentorship and education in his own life, which is why he was always a strong supporter of the IFAJ/ Alltech Young Leaders. “This program is a perfect example of how bringing education and journalism together can cultivate passionate communicators within agriculture. “As we remember Dr Lyons’ life and legacy, we look forward to supporting the work of these young journalists for years to come and wish them the best of luck at Boot Camp in The Netherlands this year,” Mark said. The 10 honorees will attend the 2018 IFAJ Congress in Wageningen, The Netherlands, in July. The Young Leaders will also participate in a Boot Camp in the days prior to Congress, which includes professional development and networking workshops and farm visits. “Over the past 12 years, we have seen IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders excel in their careers and help strengthen our industry,” says Steve Werblow, IFAJ secretary general. “They go home and bring their energy and skills to help their guilds, and many alumni of this program have taken leadership roles within IFAJ. “We are grateful to Alltech for its long commitment to the future of agricultural journalism.” The IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders Award was established in 2006 by the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists and Alltech to recognise

emerging leaders in agricultural journalism and communications from around the world. In addition to global recognition, Young Leaders participate in profes-

sional development and networking programs held in conjunction with IFAJ’s annual Congress. For more information about the awards you can visit ifaj.org.

NUTRITION FEATURE

Why do we need low protein meat chicken diets? By M. HILLIAR1 and R. SWICK1 The current level of protein used in meat chicken diets is linked to various issues observed in the industry including feed cost and feed efficiency, health and welfare concerns, and negative environmental impacts. This review covers the benefits of low protein diets and how they can be extended into industry with use of feed additives and management. The implementation of low protein diets will contribute to the sustainability and efficiency of the poultry industry. Introduction The meat chicken industry is growing rapidly as a result of an increasing population, relatively low production costs and excellent marketability with regards to affordability, sustainability and minimal religious restrictions. Poultry diets with lower crude protein (CP) have generated global interest from the meat chicken industry due to the benefits concluded by published literature. Low protein (LP) diets have been identified to lower feed costs, improve feed utilisation, reduce environmental impacts, and minimise health and welfare concerns. This review will give a comprehensive overview of the benefits of LP diets and methods for their adoption by the poultry industry.

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The benefits of low protein diets a) Feed cost and ingredient concerns The current CP levels used in the poultry industry contribute to higher feed costs. Poultry feed is not only the most expensive component of chicken production but, with 287 mmt of poultry feed produced globally in 2016 (Alltech, 2017), any Matthew Hilliar, UNE unnecessary costs incurred are significant. To satisfy the nutritional requirements of meat chickens and meet production goals, minimum levels of digestible amino acids (AA) must be presented in the feed. In poultry diet formulations, grains can make up half the CP content; the remaining digestible AA requirements are achieved with protein meals and crystalline AA. Protein meals supply a broad range of AA while crystalline AA are used to meet specific AA requirements. Compared to other unprocessed feed ingredients, these products require manufacturing from raw materials, adding to their overall cost. Crystalline AA supplements are becoming more affordable, enabling the practical extension of LP diets in industry. Protein meals present inconsistent nutrient profiles, are known to contribute to health issues and are linked to negative environmental impacts. Both fish and meat and bone meals vary in amino acid digestibility between batches due to inconsistencies in source and manufacturing (Smith and Scott, 1965; Batterham et al., 1986). Batterham et al. (1986) observed a decrease in lysine availability in meat and bone meal from 93% to 86% and 31% with application of heat (125°C and 150°C, respectively) over four hours. In 2000, use of meat and bone meal in animal feed was banned in the European Union, following transmissible spongiform encephalopathy outbreaks (Ducrot et al., 2013), restricting meat and bone meal use in poultry feed. Animal derived protein meals have also been identified as a predisposing factor for necrotic enteritis and are subject to oxidative rancidity, impairing chicken health and efficiency (Drew et al., 2004). Soybean meal (SBM) is the most widely used protein meal in the poultry industry due to its ideal nutrient characteristics. In 2015/2016 Australia imported 775,000 tonnes of SBM compared to local soybean production of only 27,000 tonnes (USDA, 2017). Importing SBM from the US, Argentina and Brazil includes transportation and importation costs and biosecurity and customs regulations not incurred for domestically produced ingredients. SBM produced in Brazil can be associated with tropical deforestation, a result of grazing cattle being pushed into forested areas to enable soybean production in grassland areas; this is of consumer concern and reflects on industries that use this product (Morton et al., 2006). Australian canola meal, a plant based protein meal, is lower in energy compared to SBM and contains anti-nutritive components including glucosinolates, tannins

NUTRITION FEATURE and phytate, which restrains its use in poultry diets (Khajali and Solminski, 2015). Digestible AA are known as expensive nutrient requirements in meat chicken diets. A review into existing requirements and reducing industry dependence on current protein levels will help reduce environmental impacts and improve bird health, feed cost and feed utilisation. b) Feed utilisation, health, welfare, and environmental impacts Excess CP can overload the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) with excessive AA, peptides and undigested protein (Apajalahti and Vienola, 2016). This overload impedes feed efficiency, contributes to health and welfare issues and adds to negative environmental impacts. Excess AA presented in the diet are absorbed and catabolised, producing higher levels of N excretion in the form of uric acid (Wu, 2013). Improved feed utilisation can be achieved by improving N retention. Belloir et al. (2017) investigated the effect of dietary CP on N retention. Birds fed diets containing 150 g/ kg CP achieved 70% N retention in comparison to birds on the 190 g/kg CP diet achieving only 60% N retention (r = 0.86). Reducing dietary CP can improve N utilisation. Dietary protein content is correlated with water consumption and excretion (Alleman and Leclercq, 1997; Wheeler and James, 1949), which leads to wet litter at higher dietary CP levels. Higher water consumption may result from the sodium dependent AA transporters drawing water across the lumen with greater AA absorption. Wet litter occurs as a result of increased water excretion and water spillage from more frequent visits to the water lines. Wet litter is known to cause dermatological diseases such as foot pad dermatitis and cellulitis (Harms et al., 1977). Skin infections are the main causes of carcass and chicken paw downgrade, reducing the yield of the meat chicken industry (US Poultry & Egg Export Council, 2009). Undigested protein that exits the small intestine acts as a substrate for the bacterium Clostridium perfringens in the hindgut, a pathogenic bacterium responsible for necrotic enteritis (Drew et al., 2004). The combination of the higher N waste levels (Ferguson et al., 1998), odorants (Sharma, et al., 2017) and wet litter (Wheeler and James, 1949)

that are associated with higher CP diets, creates an optimal environment for disease and infection. These have all been reduced with LP diets (Belloir et al., 2017; Sharma et al., 2017; Wheeler and James, 1949), lowering the rise of disease and improving animal welfare. With the removal of antibiotic growth promoters from poultry diets, the risk of necrotic enteritis and other diseases will increase. Any disease preventative measures, including reduction of dietary CP, become increasingly important. N wastes have become a focus of environmental sustainability due to their impact on waterway pollution and ecosystems (Sims and Wolf, 1994). Reducing dietary CP further promotes the sustainability and marketability of the poultry industry. Improving industry sustainability with LP diets comes from reduced water intake and N excretion (Wheeler and James, 1949; Belloir et al., 2017). Decreasing industry dependence on dietary CP improves the health and welfare of meat chickens by improving living conditions as well as feed

utilisation. The health benefits of LP diets must also be considered with future regulations on antibiotic growth promoter use. To remain an efficient and sustainable production system, the industry must consider concepts such as LP diets. Achieving low protein diets In order to achieve the widespread use of LP diets in the meat chicken industry, several methods must be investigated. Supplementation of crystalline essential AA such as D,Lmethionine, L-lysine HCl and L-threonine to balance the digestible AA in intact protein, reduces dietary CP to the current levels observed in poultry diets. One method of maintaining performance with LP diets involves using an ideal amino acid ratio to ensure minimum amounts of AA are offered in the required quantities and ratios without overloading the gut with excess protein. A study conducted by Belloir et al. (2017) found that the use of an ideal amino acid ratio described by Mack et al. (1999), with modifications to arginine and threonine, did not negatively affect performance in diets at 190 and

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NUTRITION FEATURE v

170 g/kg CP. In conjunction with ideal amino acid ratios, other crystalline amino acid supplements such as nonessential AA have also been investigated. Maintaining performance with diets containing 160 g/kg CP (Dean et al., 2006; Ospina-Rojas et al., 2014) has been achieved with the use of crystalline essential AA and glycine. Many studies consider both glycine and serine (Gly + Ser) levels in LP diets due to their interconversion in vivo (Wu et al., 2013). Glycine has been thought to become limiting in LP diets because of its involvement in uric acid synthesis and the prominence of glycine in collagen and other important proteins such as heme (Wu et al., 2013; Shoulders & Raines, 2009). Optimum levels of Gly + Ser are yet to be agreed upon, with Schutte et al., (1997) suggesting 18 g/kg, while Dean et al. (2006) concluded that total levels need to be 23 g/kg and that lower levels of CP require higher levels of Gly + Ser. The requirement level of Gly+Ser must be confirmed for the successful adoption of LP diets in the poultry industry. Methods of improving nutrient digestibility must also be considered. Protease is an enzyme which increases the digestibility of CP so this additive must be considered in LP diets. Angel et al., (2011) maintained bird performance at 205 g/kg CP with addition of monocomponent protease at a minimum of 200 mg/kg.

Use of insoluble fibre (Hetland et al., 2003) and intermittent lighting (Rodrigues et al., 2017) have improved gut health and function by increasing GIT content retention time. These materials and practices may also contribute to maintaining performance under low CP diets, although more work is required to investigate their effects on N digestibility. The use of ideal amino acid ratios, crystalline amino acid supplements, proteases and gut enhancing materials and practices will contribute to the employment of LP diets in the industry. This adoption of LP diets will have benefits in production and costs while addressing health, welfare and environmental issues. Conclusion The extension of LP diets in the poultry industry promotes a decrease in feed costs, environmental, health and welfare issues and an increase in N utilisation with proper dietary formul tion. These benefits will result in an improvement in environmental sustainability and marketability of the meat chicken industry. LP diets have the potential to contribute to the successful adoption of antibiotic free animal production, reducing predisposing factors to disease. LP diets can be achieved with crystalline AA, proteases and GIT enhancing practices. However, LP diets require further research to make their extension practical, profitable and worthwhile for

PROJECT MANAGEMENT: EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

the Australian meat chicken industry. References

Alltech (2017) Global Feed Survey 2017. Angel CR, Saylor W, Vierira SL & Ward N (2011) Poultry Science 90: 2281-2286. Apajalahti J & Vienola K (2016) Animal Feed Science and Technology 221: 323-330. Belloir P, Meda B, Lambert W, Corrent E, Juin H, Lessire M & Tesseraud S (2017) Animal 11: 1881-1889. Batterham ES, Darnell RE, Herbert LS & Major EJ (1986) British Journal of Nutrition 55: 441-453. Dean D, Bidner TD & Southern LL (2006) Poultry Science 85: 288-296. Drew MD, Syed NA, Goldade BG, Laarveld B & van Kessel AG (2004) Poultry Science 83: 414-420. Ducrot C, Paul M & Calavas D (2013) Natures Sciences Sociétés 21: 3-12. Ferguson NS, Gates RS, Taraba JL, Cantor AH, Prescatore AJ, Ford MJ & Burnham DJ (1998) Poultry Science 77: 1481-1487. Harms RH, Damron BL & Simpson CF (1977) Poultry Science 56: 291-296. Hetland H, Svihus B & Krogdahl Å (2003) British Poultry Science 44: 275-282. Khajali F & Slominski BA (2015) Poultry Science 91: 2564-2575. Mack S, Bercovici D, de Groote G, Leclercq B, Lippens M, Pack M, Schutte JB & van Cauwenberghe S (1999) British Poultry Science 40: 257-265. Morton DC, DeFried RS, Shimabukuro YE, Anderson LO, Arai E, del Bon EspiritoSanto F, Freitas R & Moresette J (2006) Proceedings of the National Academy of Science of the United States of America 103: 14637-14641. Ospina-Rojas IC, Murakami AE, Duarte CR, Eyng C, Oliveira CA & Janeiro V (2014) British Poultry Science 55: 766-773. United States Department of Agriculture (2017) Production, Supply and Distribution. Retrieved from: https://apps.fas.usda.gov/ psdonline/app/index.html#/app/advQuery US Poultry & Egg Export Council (2009) US Chicken Feet Kicked Out of China. http://www.thepoultrysite.com/poultrynews/18142/us-chicken-feet-kicked-outof-china Rodrigues I, Toghyani M, Svihus B, Bedford M, Gous R & Choct M (2017) Proceedings of Australian Poultry Science Sympo-

sium 28: 266.

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Schutte JB, Smink, W & Pack M (1997) Archiv für Geflügelkunde 61: 43-47. Sharma N, Choct M, Dunlop MW, Wu S, Castada HZ & Swick RA (2017) Poultry Science 96: 851-860. Shoulders M & Raines R (2009) Annual Review of Biochemistry 78: 929-958. Sims JT & Wolf DC (1994) Advances in Agronomy 52: 1-83. Smith RE & Scott HM (1965) Poultry Sci-

ence 44: 394-400.

Wheeler RS & James EC (1949) Poultry Science 28: 465-467. Wu G (2013) Amino Acids: Biochemistry and Nutrition: CRC Press, 2013.

School of Environmental & Rural Sciences, UNE, Armidale. 1

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Enterprise Ireland and trade opportunities As part of the trip to visit the new Combilift facility in Ireland the Australian group were invited to a reception on May 1, 2018 at the Ambassadors Residence to mark Combilift’s new factory opening in Monaghan. Ambassador Richard Andrews confessed that he had always wanted to operate a forklift. “Trade, he stated was a mutually beneficial activity and that there were many opportunities for trade activity between Australia and the vibrant economy of Ireland. “He acknowledged that there were reservations about the increase in globalisation of trade activity however because Ireland and Australia had similar sized populations and economies, there was real potential for equality in any trading relationship. “A good relationship with Ireland had the potential to assist Australia sell more of its products and services into the EU particularly in the light of the BREXIT situation. “When BREXIT runs its course Ireland will be the only English speaking member of the EU and the country has the added advantage of being in the EURO currency,” he said. At the reception, Poultry Digest met Catherine HughesHeadd, a Senior Market Advisor with Enterprise Ireland, the Irish governments equivalent of Austrade. Subsequently Poultry Digest visited the Enterprise Ireland’s offices in Sydney to learn more about what this organisation does in Australia and other overseas markets. Catherine was joined by Hannah Fraser, another Enterprise Ireland’s Senior Market Advisor with special interest in agriculture and engineering. One in six jobs in Ireland is connected to agriculture so our farming sectors in both Australia and NZ are of significance to Irelands export initiatives. “Enterprise Ireland is the Irish government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets,” Catherine explained. “”The mission is to accelerate the development of world class Irish companies to achieve strong positions in global markets, increasing exports and promoting job creation. “”We generate a range of funding supports for start-ups,

expansion plans of existing enterprises, and R&D business plans. Export assistance includes the provision of in-market services, local market information and the facilities of our international office network. “We support to develop competitiveness by helping companies to become leaner and thus compete effectively in international markets. Incentives to stimulate in-company R&D for new products and service and process development ensuring sustainability and further growth. “Another aspect is providing assistance with R&D collaboration with research institutions to develop and bring to market new technologies. Of great importance is the help with generating connections and introductions to customers overseas: we provide a global network of contacts ranging from heads of government to end users of Irish products and services.” David Eccles, the Director for Australia/NZ – Enterprise Ireland commented specifically on COMBiLIFT. “World class Irish companies like COMBiLIFT are hugely important for the Irish economy, employing hundreds of people in their impressive new headquarters in Monaghan. “Innovation, competitiveness and a great management team are at the centre of their international success. “It is these hallmarks that Enterprise Ireland prioritises to support our client companies in winning business abroad and grow an international footprint.

Catherine Hughes-Headd (right) and Hannah Fraser.

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Vitamin K enriched eggs: Benefits for the consumer, the farmer and the hen. By AM TALBOT1,2, JR BIFFIN1, HL REGTOP1, T TARENTO2, J KAVANAGH2AND F DEHGHANI2 Vitamin K (VK) is essential to the health and well-being of both humans and animals. It has been demonstrated that VK deficiency is involved in human diseases, especially bone and joint disorders. The ‘modern’ or processed diet of both humans and animals is low in VK. In two separate studies, the effect of Vitamin K1 (VK1) supplementation on bone density of laying hens and the effect on VK1 content of eggs was evaluated. Hens fed 250 µg VK1/day showed a 3.8% increase in bone density compared to a 5.4% decline in bone density of unsupplemented hens. Eggs from VK1 supplemented hens contained on average 9.9 µg VK1/100 g yolk, representing 5-25% of the daily requirement for children. Hens on the VK1 supplemented diet laid 15.7% more eggs than unsupplemented hens. The number of hens used in these studies was small and the results should be confirmed using larger numbers of hens. These findings do, however, suggest

that re-instatement of VK1 into the ration of laying hens could improve hen health, increased human VK1 intake and increase egg production. Introduction The significance of vitamin K (VK) to human health, well-being and ageing is currently receiving worldwide attention. Beyond its role in coagulation, the importance of VK in bone health is well established. Other roles in cardiovascular disease, inflammatory response, neural and cognitive health are currently under investigation (Card et al., 2014). Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone, VK1), occurs naturally in Fresh, Leafy, Green, (FLG) plant material and in the tissues (including eggs and milk) of animals consuming the same plant materials. The ‘modern’, processed, human diet is low in VK for several reasons: 1. Consumption of VK1 rich foods, especially FLG vegetables, has declined in many populations (ABS, 2015); 2. Loss of VK1 occurs due to light

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Andrea Talbot, Agricure Scientific Organics Pty Ltd. exposure in post-harvest storage of vegetables (Biffin et al., 2008); 3. Low fat diets are recommended by some health professionals/organisations. Absorption of dietary VK1 requires co-consumption of fat, and; 4. FLG material, and hence VK1, has been removed from the diet of many food production animals. Many of the VK dependent proteins are conserved through the animal kingdom, and animal models have been widely used to inform the VK requirements of humans; yet the role of VK in animal health has received little attention. For example, osteocalcin is a wellknown VK dependent protein. It is the most abundant, non-collagenous protein found in the bone of all vertebrates (Lanham-New, 2008). Its synthesis is dependent upon vitamin D but its ability to bind calcium is dependent upon VK. In the absence or severe dietary shortage of VK, bone mineralisation and bone strength are compromised (Binkley et al., 2002). The VK requirements of domesticated and farmed animals are, however, rarely considered beyond what

NEWS is required to maintain normal blood coagulation. Several large studies of human populations have shown a direct correlation between increased VK intake and decreased risk of hip fracture (Shea and Booth, 2016). We propose that some of the diseases of VK deficiency, especially those involving bone mineralisation, may have parallels in the animals we feed. Two separate studies were conducted to determine if addition of VK1 to a standard layer ration could: 1. Improve bone mineralisation in the laying hens, and; 2. Increase vitamin K1 content of eggs for the benefit of the consumers. Materials and methods In the first study, a colony of 42 ISA Brown hens at point of lay was housed in six separate cages with seven birds per cage. All hens were fed a standard commercial layer ration providing 250 µg/hen/day of Menadione Nicotinamide Bisulphite (MNB) as the dietary source of VK.

After a period of five weeks, consistent laying was achieved. At 27 weeks of age the hens were divided into two groups. Group A was fed the same commercial layer ration. Group B was fed a diet that contained VK1 (as QAQ®3) instead of MNB, also at 250µg/ hen/day. At this time, the metatarsal bones of all hens were assessed using Radiographic Bone Aluminium Equivalence (RBAE) (Meakim et al., 1981). This assessment was repeated at 36 weeks and changes in bone density were calculated. In the second study, two groups of 11 Australorp hens were fed diets containing either MNB or VK1 (as QAQ®, a water-soluble, UV protected Vitamin K1 supplement, which is a registered product of Agricure Pty Ltd) in equimolar concentrations. The number of eggs from each feed group was recorded daily. Every four weeks, all eggs were assessed for: egg weight, yolk weight, shell thickness and VK1 content. VK1 was measured by HPLC using reverse-phase C18 column and post-column reduction according to the

method of Jakob and Elmadfa (2000). Results In the first study, add ition of VK1 to the ration of laying hens resulted in a significant increase (P < 0.001) in bone density over a 9 week period. Hens consuming a commercial diet, with no added VK1, showed a significant decrease (P < 0.001) in bone density over the same period of time. In the second study, hens fed a diet supplemented with VK1 laid eggs containing significantly more (p < 0.01) VK1 than the unsupplemented hens. The presence of VK1 in the unsupplemented eggs is due to small amounts of VK1 present in the ingredients of the commercial diet, especially soy meal and canola oil. No significant differences were found in egg mass, yolk mass or shell thickness (Table 1). An unexpected finding was that hens fed the supplemented ration laid more eggs over the duration of the study (48 weeks). The supplemented hens continued to lay at >80% compared to 65% for unsupplemented hens at 90 weeks of age (Data not shown).

Table 1: Mean concentration of VK1, egg mass, yolk mass & shell thickness for VK1 supplemented and unsupplemented hens. Diet

Supplemented 650 µg/hen/day Unsupplemented ab

VK1 Concentration µg/100g yolk)

Egg mass (g)

Yolk mass (g)

Shell thickness (mm)

Total eggs laid over 48 weeks (dozen)

9.90 ± 2.1a

68.1 ± 6.1

20.2 ± 2.5

0.44 ± 0.04

22.61

2.57 ± 1.8b

62.9 ± 5.5

17.3 ± 1.2

0.36 ± 0.03

19.54

Means bearing different superscripts within a column are significantly different (P < 0.01) according to Welch’s t-test for unequal

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Discussion The aim of Study 1 was to determine if addition of VK1 to the ration of laying hens could improve the bone density of these hens (as assessed by RBAE). At 36 weeks of age, hens fed a VK1 supplemented diet, showed a 3.8% improvement in bone density compared to the unsupplemented group, which showed a 5.4% decline in bone density from the 27 week baseline. Bone disorders have been a perennial problem in the poultry industry (Knowles et al., 2008) and, despite efforts to identify underlying dietary causes, the condition remains largely unresolved. Given that VK is an essential cofactor in the activation of osteocalcin, it is likely that VK deficiency plays a significant role in bone weakness. Further research is required to confirm these findings and to determine if the bone density of broilers could also be improved with VK1 supplementation. The aim of Study 2 was to determine if increased VK1 in the hen diet resulted in increased VK1 in the eggs.

The eggs from supplemented hens contained up to 14.7 Âľg/100g yolk (mean 9.9Âľg/100g yolk). Research suggests that much of the population is VK deficient (Hayes et al., 2016, Shea et al 2008, Thane et al., 2006) yet the addition of VK1 to human food is not permitted in Australia, with the exception of Infant formula (NHMRC, 2006). Hen eggs enriched with VK1 represent an ideal delivery system â&#x20AC;&#x201C; providing both UV protection and a fat-rich medium for this vitamin. Enrichment of eggs can contribute to the daily intake of VK1 for consumers, especially those reluctant to eat or unable to access FLG vegetables. An unexpected finding in Study 2 was the laying of more eggs by the supplemented hens compared to the unsupplemented hens. In a study by Lavelle et al (1993), hens in a VK1 deplete diet laid more eggs than those given a standard diet containing MNB. The effect of MNB on laying efficiency warrants further investigation. Whilst these results were generated from a relative small number of layers, they do suggest that supplementation of the layer diet with VK1 may improve bone density in the hen, can enrich eggs for human consumption and may improve or extend layer efficiency. Further study with more replicates is required to consolidate the findings. References

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ABS-Australian Bureau of Statisitics (2015) Consumption of food groups from Australian Dietary Guidelines. Australian Health Survey 4364.0.55.012, ABS. Biffin JR, Regtop HL & Talbot AM (2008) Proceedings of the Australian Equine Science Symposium 2: 54. Binkley NC, Krueger DC, Kawahara TN, Engelke JA, Chappell RJ & Suttie JW (2002) American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 76: 1055-1060. Card DJ, Gorska R, Cutler J & Harrington DJ (2014) Molecular Nutrition and Food Research 58: 1590-1600. Hayes A, Hennessy A, Walton J, McNulty BA, Lucey AJ, Kiely M, Flynn A & Cashman KD (2016) Journal of Nutrition 146: 2274-2280. Jakob E & Elmadfa I (2000) Food Chemistry 68: 219-221. Knowles TG, Kestin SC, Haslam SM, Brown SN, Green LE, Butterworth A, Pope SJ, Pfeiffer D & Nicol CJ (2008) PLoS ONE 3: e1545. Lanham-New SA (2008) Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 67: 163-176. Lavelle PA, Lloyd QP, Gay CV & Leach Jr. RM (1994) Journal of Nutrition 124: 371-377. Meakim DW, Ott EA, Asquith RL & Feaster JP (1981) Journal of Animal Science 53: 1019- 1026. National Health and Medical Research Council (2006) Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand Including Recommended Dietary Intakes NHMRC publications. Shea MK & Booth SL (2016) Nutrients 8: 8. Shea MK, Booth SL, Massaro JM, Jacques PF, Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Agostino RB Sr, Dawson-Hughes B, Ordovas JM, Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell CJ, Kathiresan S, Keaney JF Jr, Vasan RS & Benjamin EJ (2008) American Journal of Epidemiology 167: 313-320. Thane CW, Bolton-Smith C & Coward WA (2006) British Journal of Nutrition 96: 1105-1115. Agricure Scientific Organics Pty Ltd, Braemer, NSW 2575. . Faculty of Engineering and IT, School of Medical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. This paper was presented at the Australian Poultry Science Symposium, 2018. 1 2

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