Poultry Digest December/January 2018 by Rosemary Embery

poultrydigest www.primarymedia.com.au

December 2017/January 2018

Volume 33, Number 3

Fremantle Egg Company comes full circle Avian Influenza citizenship: Issues and implications Chicken meat: predictions for the industry for 2018

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Volume 33, Number 3

December2017/January 2018

EDITORIAL & DESIGN

Rachel Wilson from the Fremantle Egg Co. Photo by Brendon Cant.

EDITOR: JOURNALIST/PHOTOGRAPHER PRODUCTION EDITOR

Peter Bedwell Alex Bedwell Rosemary Embery

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SUBSCRIPTIONS Features Page 10: Fremantle Egg Company comes full circle by Brendon Cant

Page 18: Avian Influenza citizenship: Issues and implications by George Arzey

News Page 4: Poultry welfare standards now open for public consultation Page 8: Chicken meat: Predictions for the industry for 2018 Page 24: EW Nutrition expands into greater bio-tech capability Page 30: Early bird registrations now open for PIX/AMC 2018 Page 38: Program update for PIX 2018 Product News Page 34: 4 Up Skilling – Training for your future Page 37: EW Nutrition’s EasyA liquid additive dispenser; winner of innovation award at Eurotier

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NEWS

Poultry welfare standards now open for public consultation The community and interested parties can now have their say on the draft Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry and the associated Regulation Impact Statement (RIS), with a 90-day public consultation which began recently. The draft standards mark a significant step forward in poultry welfare in Australia, moving from the existing voluntary system to national regulation. Kathleen Plowman, Animal Health Australia (AHA) CEO, said public consultation provides an important opportunity for the community and stakeholders to comment on the draft welfare standards, and on how the associated RIS identifies the key costs and benefits for poultry producers,

governments and the wider community. “Once finalised, the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry will provide the basis for new regulation to enhance poultry welfare in all Australian states and territories, so we urge producers and the wider community to provide input on the draft document,” said Ms Plowman. The development of the draft Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry began in 2015, a project managed by AHA, with governments, peak livestock industry bodies and welfare organisations involved in the process. “As a result of this scientificallybased collaboration, the draft document

provides welfare guidance on 10 different aspects of animal husbandry specific to the poultry industry. “This public consultation is the next important step in the document’s development, which will help ensure all views on welfare standards are considered and that a robust document is delivered to Australia’s agricultural ministers for their noting or endorsement,” said Ms Plowman. The public consultation period ends at 5pm on Monday 26 February 2018, after which submissions will be reviewed by an independent consultant and revised welfare standards developed for consideration by the Stakeholder Advisory Group. Submissions should be emailed to publicconspoultry@ animalhealthaustralia.com.au or posted to Animal Welfare Standards Public Consultation, PO Box 5116, Braddon ACT 2612. Further details can be found at www.animalwelfarestandards.net.au/ poultry/poultry-public-consultation/

New entrant to livestock additive and vet supply market MedIrAlis is a new Brisbane based supplier of feed additives, feed supplements and disinfectants to the livestock industries. Dr Afsaneh Gorganzadeh recently contacted Poultry Digest to introduce her company, MedIrAlis, a new entrant to the feed additives, feed supplements and disinfectant supply chain. Her fellow director Dr Jafar Pazani and Afsaneh are both poultry veterinary specialists and look forward to supplying a range of both vet and animal nutrition products to the Australian poultry industry. The extensive product range, mostly sourced from Europe, includes Agrovet Animal Health, Theseo, Le Gouessant, Daavision, Biolink,Aveve, Kinia Pars and Alphatech. The products relate to most major commercial livestock species including poultry. Many of the products imported by MedIrAalis are typical of popular feed additives, however their 3A Protein “has the potential to offer similar or better performance in broiler and layer production than synthetic dimethio-

nine,” stated Dr Jafar Pazani in an interview conducted by Poultry Digest on January 12 in Sydney “Trials conducted in overseas markets have led us to believe that we can achieve higher body weight gain and better FCRs,” he said. “Also higher protein and energy utilisation along with more deposition of lean meat in breast and thigh muscles in commercial broilers. “We can improve protein synthesis, antibody titres and other immune function along with egg production in commercial layers and breeders. “More efficient mobilization of hepatic fat with lower concentration of fat and triglycerol in liver along with improvement in meat quality and keeping quality of meat, can also be achieved,” he said. “We are of the opinion that the phosphatidyl choline in 3A protein may be helping to convert hemo-cysteine to methionine for sustained bioavailability and bio-activity,” Dr Pazani said. Apart from their animal nutrition and veterinary products, the company

Dr Afsaneh Gorganzadeh from MedIrAlis. imports exotic traditional spices including pure Iranian saffron. Apart from their Australian operations, MedIrAlis is expanding in certain Middle East markets and according to Dr Gorganzahdah, this could lead to competitive pricing for Australian buyers, she said. “We are willing to supply some product to selected clients to conduct trials so they can be satisfied that the performance characteristics we claim are demonstrated in commercial reality,” she added. The company’s head office is in Brisbane with a branch in Melbourne. For details go to www.mediralis.com.au

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Successful sixth Arbor Acres Asia Association meeting held in Hong Kong The Arbor Acres Asia Association meeting was held late last year and embraced the theme ‘Customers Are Our Business’. The theme has prevailed for almost 85 years, as Arbor Acres has kept close collaboration with its customers as a core strategy and has continued to successfully build knowledge transfer to support customers. The association program consisted of 10 major speakers of which five were external guest presenters, and also a four-person panel at the end of the meeting to respond to questions from attendees. The agenda opened with Aviagen’s role in Asia, which encompassed a review of all regional markets, internal management changes and a brief update on the recent acquisition of Hubbard. A presentation of ‘What the future holds’ followed and was focused on the R&D genetic breeding program and demonstrated all the recent milestones and advancements. ‘Financial impact on decision-making in poultry production’ revealed the importance of knowing how and why to make the correct production decisions to optimize company performance. The initial guest speaker then addressed “a rapidly developing world” by concentrating on creativity and change. The next speaker delivered an intriguing view of broiler production and animal welfare in Thailand and was followed by a detailed analysis of the current broiler

trends in the US poultry industry. The next day commenced with a brief review of day one before a presentation on ‘Marketing Arbor Acres in Asia’ and then ‘Branding with a focus on retail’ from a recognized business and brand specialist. A reference to some of the current challenges with avian influenza (AI) and the consequent trade restrictions were addressed in ‘Strengthening supplies in challenging times’. This was followed by a consultant’s view of the impact of AI on international trade, which covered the role of the broiler industry, the challenges, how AI is restructuring domestic and international flow of poultry products, the economic losses, impact of the importers and a review of World Health Organization (OIE) guidelines. The meeting concluded with an

interactive four-person panel, who responded to a number of questions from the audience, the majority on specific aspects of managing AI and also the effect of compartmentalization on future supply. “We look forward to this event where we can host our customers and enjoy some social time with them while also discussing important aspects of the business and the brand in Asia. “In Arbor Acres we have always valued customer feedback and requests for support as a critical part of continually improving the product and helping customers to optimize their performance. “In many instances the association meeting agenda is a response to a number of these customer needs and requests,” said Marc Baribault, Vice President Asia, Arbor Acres

. Above: Arbor Acres Asia Association group photo in Hong Kong. Top: Association meeting in progress. 6

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Chicken meat: Predictions for the industry for 2018 By PETER BEDWELL In 2018 here at Poultry Digest we are making some predictions about the coming year. Without doubt a big one will be reduction or replacement of antibiotics in livestock diets. Yeah, we know this is not a new topic but the increasing paranoia about antibiotic resistance in human health we believe will be the driver of the trend to either seriously reduce or remove antibiotics from livestock production systems. When a centrist but conservative newspaper like the UK Daily Telegraph runs a report ‘Antibiotics hit life expectancy’ and that was then repeated in the Australian Financial Review of January 3, you know that the issue is serious with consumer awareness growing outside livestock production and the scientific/medical fraternity. “Antibiotic resistance has caused a fall in life expectancy in Britain for the first time,” the United Kingdom’s Office for National Statistics was quoted as stating. “Life expectancy in future years has been revised down after the statistics authority said that, “less optimistic views” about the future had to be taken into account. Opinions on any improvements in medical science had declined, and “fears of the re-emergence of existing diseases and increases in antibiotic resistance, meant that people would not live as long as previously expected,” the report stated. One almost certain result of this fear amongst consumers will be further ‘credence claims’ on supermarket shelves for poultry products. In our October/November 2017 edition of Poultry Digest our main feature was about Hazeldene’s revolutionary ‘Bare Bird’ product that is based on free range broiler rearing without antibiotics and fed a vegetarian diet. This product by the way, was no knee jerk reaction to consumer panic, but the result of considered changes to industry practice in response to not only

consumer demand, but contamination issues with animal based elements in poultry diets. The Bare Bird was developed with input from a major retailer and some clever nutritional strategies. One of the advantages of this product, apart from tackling consumer concerns head-on, is that it reverses the trend for ever-cheaper poultry into creating a premium product that consumers will pay more for. On the vexed topic of prices, and more specifically, the costs associated with consumer and regulatory expectations, it was illuminating for Poultry Digest to see how the highly developed economies of Europe, and Germany in particular, are dealing with antimicrobial reduction in livestock industries. EW Nutrition has been working for some time on strategies to reduce dependency on antibiotics facing resistance problems. EsRAM, a national funding project involving industry and academic partners has been set up in Germany with funding to tackle AB resistance. In Australia some of our politicians have been quick to demand that livestock industries reduce AB use, as have ‘big retail’ and numerous consumer groups. No mention of any funding for any of this of course as they have in Europe (and Canada). Further on, our livestock industries and in particular the pig and poultry sectors, have already made meaningfull progress in achieving better stewardship when it comes to antibiotic use and reduction. If the human medicine fraternity had made as much progress as our livestock industries on this issue the problem of antibiotic resistance would not be as critical as it is today. Not only should governments at both State and Federal level be more helpful in dealing with what is a major global health threat, agencies that regulate potential alternatives to antibiotics like vaccines, probiotics prebiotics and plant extracts may have to get their heads around the complex issue. Should viable alternatives, through well conducted trials become available,

their paths to producers must be expedited ASAP. On the subject of diets, low protein formulations are very much a hot topic and we can expect to hear more from our nutritionists and researchers in the market place and at conferences in the next few months. Poultry Digest is really looking forward to working with the UNE based Poultry Hub Australia, the successor to the incredibly successful Poultry CRC. The need to be able to conduct research into problems like antibiotic resistance and the need to stay efficient in commercial production, are vital to the future of poultry production in Australia. Science and automation in the form of antibiotics and then automated climate controlled housing have been key factors in providing Australia’s most popular and affordable protein source. Now we have to go back to science and engineering ingenuity to stay on top in a challenging market. A trip by Poultry Digest to Germany in late 2017 to learn how the vast EW organisation was developing and refining product for the coming years was truly inspirational, and delivers faith that we can reduce our dependence on ABS while improving bird genetics to deliver safe and affordable protein for growing populations. Improved shedding and grow out performance is being improved by more efficient equipment such as smart fans, low energy LED lighting and in Europe delivery of fertilised eggs into sheds rather than transporting day old birds. In France, a small company has developed robotic technology that is already in use reducing labour costs and improving animal welfare. As 40% of broiler production has moved from private hands to a listed company, the need to contain or reduce cost, and improve profitability, has become a lot more of a reality. For integrators and growers alike runaway energy costs have not only become a concern to industry but the Australian population as a whole. The move away from carbon based power generation to renewables will not be smooth but again, better technology does make it possible. Beyond the raw options like windmills and solar panels the better control of energy use and distribution is already being used by major participants in the poultry industry to protect the bottom line. In conclusion, yes, challenges – but plenty of tools to deal with them!

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Rachel and Ian Wilson take great pride in the free range eggs their hens produce.

Fremantle Egg Company comes full circle Story and photos by Brendon Cant, BCA Public Relations

alk about the chicken and the egg and what comes first. While that can be a confusing argument, we can talk about free range and caged production. With free range egg farms all the rage today and caged egg laying hens a little on the nose with welfare bodies, government agencies and, arguably, a growing number of consumers, it’s no surprise that many commercial egg producers have opened up their sheds, let their hens have a green pick and then begun marketing their eggs as free range, subject to satisfying certain stocking density and other

requirements. Interestingly, fourth generation egg producers, the Wilson family at Munster, just south of Fremantle in Western Australia, have come the full circle, commencing in 1940 as free range, which continued until 1970, then setting up cages for their hens until in 2008 when they reverted to free range, which is where they are at today in 2018. Legislated larger cage sizes around 2008, which resulted in greater expense for infrastructure, had a big influence on why the move to free range came about, along with a lower price for caged hen eggs.

Talk about twists and turns, but the Wilson family, now branding their eggs as Fremantle Egg Company, know what they’re doing and believe in serving up what keeps the customer satisfied, albeit Ian, about to turn 60 in March this year, does harbour some reservations about what he would describe as undue pressure from welfare groups on the egg and chicken industries. “We’re proud of our free range production system, where our hens are securely and comfortably housed between 8.30 at night, before being let free, so to speak, when our sheds open up in the morning at 10.30 after laying has finished, but we still feel that the animal welfare lobby has sometimes spread its wings a little too far,” Ian said. “Chickens are smart and we acknowledge and know that from their natural behaviours, which include

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choosing not to exit their sheds on days of particularly nasty weather or to seek the shelter of a tree in the open grass pasture paddocks when predators are overhead. “But I’m not convinced they’re sentient beings, as some welfare lobbyists and even some academics in that space would have us believe.” Fremantle Egg Company produces about 12,000 eggs a day from their 14,000 Hyline Brown hens, which lay for about 70 weeks, before being turned over, many going to comfortable backyard homes to enjoy ‘semiretirement’. Eggs are packed on-site, after leaving the two main sheds on conveyors and then distributed, aside from farm door sales, which are substantial, to about 40 Fremantle cafes, restaurants and food service companies, including the likes of Geisha Café, Mod Cafe, Two Reubens and Chalkys. The aim is also to get established in IGA franchises and the Wilsons believe the Fremantle Egg Company branding will help push that along. Ian’s 25 year old daughter Rachel, who has worked in the family business for two years, following stints with the Fremantle Dockers and American Chamber of Commerce, after graduating from University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in communications, has been a driver behind the new branding, which includes colourful green and blue boxes and livery on their delivery truck. The new graphics and logo were designed by a New Zealand company. “The Kiwis just do marketing and branding so well,” Rachel said. Despite her very busy on-farm schedule, she also finds the time to be Executive Officer for Commercial Egg Producers Association of WA, a parttime role she said complements what she does on-farm. Father Ian is President of the Association and a Director of Egg Farmers of Australia, the national peak body formed 12 months ago. Ian describes that association as a very important and long overdue addition to the Australian egg producing sector. “Undoubtedly, we’ve long needed a national peak body to put our case on a range of issues when and where necessary,” he explained. Auditing, something that is done annually by Egg Standards of Australia at free range farms such as the Wilson’s, requires all eggs to be individually stamped (Bodalla Holdings, so BH is the stamp) and detailed records to be kept. Stocking density, a sometimes CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 w

1. Rachel Wilson looks on as her father Ian and uncle Lance discuss new layer mats and cartons as they complete the layout and fitout of the Wilson’s new 400 square metre shed. 2. Hyline Brown hens are about to head for greener pastures in a lush kikuyu and couch grass paddock. 3. While Ian Wilson looks back fondly on a lifetime in the egg industry, going forward he sees a good future for the Wilson family’s new look Fremantle Egg Company.

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v CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 controversial measurement of welfare when it comes to poultry for meat or egg production, is something the Wilsons take very seriously, proudly and boldly proclaiming on their 12 packs that “our hens are free to roam, at 10,000 birds per hectare”. The flash new cartons are made by Hartmann, a 100 year old Danish company and one of the world’s leading manufacturers of moulded egg packaging. According to Rachel, Hartmann offered the best packaging at the best price and when it came to making that decision it was that simple, despite the fact that there are Australian made alternatives. Wilsons Poultry, now Fremantle Egg Company, was, effectively started almost 80 years ago on 40 hectares by

Ian’s grand-parents, Irish immigrants Andrew and Ethel Wilson. Then his parents Victor, now deceased, and Alma took over. Alma still lives on the farm and helps occasionally with door sales. Now occupying only five hectares, with the original potatoes and cows long gone, the property and business employs Ian, his daughter Rachel and his two brothers Brian and Lance full time, plus Lance’s two daughters Brianna and Hayley and Brian’s wife Sophie part time, along with two other part time employees. “With a modern feeding, watering, laying and egg moving system in place, labour requirements are not what they once were and we handle our production, marketing and sales quite well with this number of staff,” Ian said. A recent substantial investment in

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Top: Fremantle Egg Company egg carton with new logo. Above: Free range hens out in the paddock.

a new 400 square metre shed, which includes a 50 square metre refrigerated room for egg storage and handling and a similar space as a retail shopfront, Fremantle Egg Company, which has a very substantial farm-gate clientele, is investing in a new look with a tried and proven product. As Rachel explained, “our much loved chickens keep doing their thing, laying lovely nutritious free range eggs, which we believe are an important dietary source for today’s Australian families, so our family wants to do the right thing by them by presenting what’s really their product in the best possible way.” “We just love the business of producing quality, safe, nutritious, free range eggs from well cared for, happy chickens. It’s as simple as that and we’re proud of the fact that our family has played its role over many decades in keeping egg production very much alive and well here in WA,” she said.

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Avian influenza citizenship: Issues and implications By GEORGE ARZEY, Poultry Veterinary Consultant It is not only politicians that get caught in citizenship issues and while the High Court has recently provided a clear interpretation of section 44 (1) of the Australian constitution helping to guide us in this murky subject, very little light has been cast on non-citizen avian influenza (AI) viruses that circulate in Australia. Stakeholders have been told repeatedly that AI viruses in Australia are ‘Australian citizens’ that belong to a distinct Australian genetic line (lineage). Apparently when one starts digging, the ancestry of some AI viruses in Australia becomes an issue that falls short of a judicial review but nevertheless, is worth further exploration. Background Two major AI virus genetic pools are recognised in the world, the North American and the Eurasian. Then there is Australia with its AI virus genetic pool as a result of its unique fauna, isolation by distance from the hub of avian influenza transmission in high latitudes regions of the world like Alaska and Siberia and its Australian ducks (the maintenance host of avian influenza viruses) being almost exclusively nomadic, largely restricted to Australia and its immediate surrounding islands. All avian influenza outbreaks in poultry in Australia have been a result of Australian low pathogenic AI viruses in wild or domestic ducks mutating to

highly pathogenic AI viruses. Surveys found that the AI viruses detected in wild birds in Australia were all ‘Australian citizens’. We learned to believe, even to expect, that all AI viruses circulating in Australia are ‘Australian citizens’ and represent a separate genetic branch to both the North American and Eurasian lineages. It has been stated by researchers like Hansbro (Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2010) and Bulach (J Virology, 2010) that shorebirds and shearwater that migrate to Australia along the Central Pacific and Eurasian-Australasian flyways do not maintain avian influenza virus infection during their migration and are unlikely to carry the viruses into Australia. The fact that H5N1 (the bird flu) has not arrived in Australia, although it has been present in SE Asia and other parts of the world since 2004, provides further support to the notion that Australia is protected against the ingress of AI viruses from other regions of the world. Is this really the case? Like many other issues, complexity settles in once the scientific data is assessed comprehensively and avian influenza surveys of wild birds are expanded beyond NSW and Victoria. The presence of avian influenza viruses of intercontinental origin was reported on several occasions in

H6 and H9 viruses isolated from Pacific Black ducks in North Queensland were found to be ‘non Australian citizens’.

Australian aquatic birds. • In 1980 an AI virus isolated from a gull suggested that at least part of the genetic components of the virus were of North American and Eurasian origin and in 2008 the presence of North American H2N5 AI virus in Terns on Heron Island was reported. • I and co-researchers (Arzey et al, EID, 2012) reported that a major component (HA-H10) of a virus (H10N7) that was isolated from poultry and humans in NSW was of North American origin. • In 2013 Vijaykrishna et al (J of Virology) expanded our knowledge showing that the other major component of the H10N7 virus (the N7 component) was of Eurasian lineage and the H10N7 virus was a product of a reassortment (exchange of viral genetic segments) between a Eurasian virus related to a virus isolated in wild ducks in Japan and a North American virus that was related to viruses found in Northern Shoveler and Northern Pintail ducks in California and Alaska. Furthermore, the paper also concluded that since the early 1980s there has been a significant extinction of our ‘citizen avian influenza viruses’ and the once vigorous Australian lineage viruses have become sparse. • In 2014 research in North Queensland (Burgess et al, Prev. Vet Med 2014) reported that some H6 and H9 viruses isolated from Plumed Whistling ducks and Pacific Black ducks were ‘nonAustralian citizens’. It is apparent that the ecology of avian influenza in Australia has been gradually undergoing some changes; ever more reports of finding viruses with foreign genetic material and waning of the Australian lineage. The weakening of the Australian lineage may enable more frequent establishment of foreign AI viruses in Australia due to a lack of strong competition from circulating Australian viruses. The conundrum Considering that our ducks are ‘happy Australian wanderers’ and shorebirds are not regarded as capable of maintaining AI infection during their long flights to Australia, the finding of AIV of North American lineage in Australia raises a conundrum as to mode of entry of these viruses. Perhaps our understanding of the negligible importance of the intercontinental capacity of shorebirds to carry AI viruses to Australia is not so accurate. Millions of these birds reach Australia CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 w

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SPECIAL FEATURE H5N2 AI virus in 2014 was the first one with intercontinental Eurasian lineage when 5 components of HPAI H5N8 virus reassorted with 3 segments of North American waterfowl lineage creating a virus with highly pathogenic characteristics before it even entered poultry flocks. The change in the global AI virusesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ecology and the manifestations of the risk to poultry becomes clearer when the outbreaks in poultry before and after 2004 are compared. Between 1959 and 2003 100% of highly pathogenic AI outbreaks in poultry originated through mutation from low pathogenic (LP) AI viruses circulating in aquatic birds. However, between 2004 and 2017 almost 70% of HP AI outbreaks in poultry originated directly, with no need for mutation, from highly pathogenic AI viruses that were circulating in wild aquatic birds.

v CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 every year through the Central Pacific and Eurasia-Australasia flyways. Whether the exchange of viral genetic components occurs along their migration route or in Australia is practically unimportant as the end result is the same â&#x20AC;&#x201C; increased risk of presence of foreign AI viruses in Australia. The risk is due to either the ability of AI viruses to combine with other viruses with more virulent qualities or to arrive in Australia, already as highly pathogenic AI viruses carried by wild birds. The risks that the global environment is imposing has indeed become more palpable. A lesson to learn from the recent outbreaks in Canada and USA? Unlike other parts of the globe, the Australian wild bird population remains free of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses. This may provide some comfort but until 2014, over a period of 43 years of AI surveillance in wild birds, the USA wild aquatic birds were also considered to be free of HPAI viruses. However, in 2014 1.3% of wild aquatic birds in the USA were found to have HPAI viruses. The outbreaks in the USA in 20142017 were a result of these HPAI viruses entering poultry flocks. There was no need for a period of adaptation and mutation from LP to HP AI viruses before the poultry outbreaks commenced. Similarly to the USA, although Canada experienced previously on-going severe HPAI outbreaks, the outbreak of

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How does this new trend affect the risk of AI in poultry in Australia? The very short time that was experienced between the detection of highly pathogenic (HP) avian influenza viruses in wild birds in Europe and USA and the appearance of the viruses in poultry flocks suggest that the AI surveillance of wild birds may not be as productive as a warning system as we would like it to be. AI Surveillance in wild birds remains an important scientific endeavour that is capable of shedding light on many ecological and epidemiological aspects but perhaps in many circumstances of limited value as a warning systems for

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poultry enterprises. Mutations from LP to HP AI viruses require a period of adaptation of the virus, time and sufficient size flock to enable these mutations. All primary outbreaks of HP AI in Australian poultry have been in flocks ranging in size from 17,000 to 400,000 birds. Larger flocks are more susceptible to a successful mutation from LP to HP AI viruses. Acquiring a highly pathogenic virus directly from wild aquatic birds with no need for mutations means that HPAI, not as a result of secondary spread from another poultry flock, can occur as easily in small poultry flocks as in large flocks. Therefore, the number of flocks susceptible to primary HPAI outbreaks is likely to be much larger and include small backyard flocks as well as small commercial flocks. On the positive side, the lack of a requirement for the circulation of LP AIV in poultry for days and weeks before they mutate and turn into highly pathogenic viruses with high mortality and distinct clinical signs means early recognition of the infection. The result is a greater potential for bio-containment since the chance for spread to other flocks is reduced significantly when severe clinical signs become evident soon after the virus enters the flock. The outbreaks in eight breeder flocks in the USA in 2017 and previously reported outbreaks in 2015 in turkey and layer flocks that in many instances were a result of HPAI viruses being acquired directly from the immediate shed environment serves to illustrate, among other points, the important role that the immediate shed surroundings can play in the ingress of AI viruses into poultry flocks. The ever present HPAI viruses in SE Asia, the recent appearance of HPAI viruses in wild birds in North America and the emerging evidence of intercontinental spread of some AI viruses like H10, H9 and H6 to Australia spells a higher risk of arrival of HPAI viruses in Australia. This does not alter the biosecurity principles but perhaps a fine tuning is required. Above all it is prudent to recognise that foreign AI viruses are already present in Australia, more virulent viruses or viral components can arrive and enter poultry flocks of all sizes with no warning signs and a very short circulation period in Australian wild aquatic birds before entering a poultry flock.

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NEWS

EW Nutrition expands into greater bio-tech capability By PETER BEDWELL The German based EW Group, a family owned company established 80 years ago and in its third generation of management, consists of more than 65 subsidiaries and has more than 6000 employees. Though based in Germany, the company operates globally and is a major supplier of poultry genetics, livestock vaccines, food products and an increasing range of animal nutrition solutions. More recently it has invested significantly in the aqua industry and in January this year EW took over a major biotech research company, now known as EW Biotech located at Leuna near Leipzig. That organisation is now part of the growing EW Nutrition GmbH company based in Visbek, Germany. In late September Poultry Digest was invited to visit the advanced biotech facility to learn more about a project that holds great promise for generating new products to cater for the complex needs of commercial livestock production in the 21st Century. Dr Joachim Schulze, the current Managing Director under EW ownership, explained the history of his company, which began under the control of the gigantic Thyssen/Krupp enterprise, a merged entity established in 1999. After the reunification of the former GDR (East Germany) with West Germany, significant investment and diversification followed and Thyssen/ Krupp developed a biotech facility to meet new imperatives. “There was a need for bio degradable plastics and chemical polymers but in 2013/14 a drop in the oil price made some investments and research less viable,” Dr Schulze explained. “We have seen little investment in developing industries and there is a tendency to shy away from the large sums involved for state of the art hardware necessary to develop highly specific products like those linked to genomic advances,” he added. This point was re-enforced as we toured the EW Biotech plant with

laboratories, a range of fermenters, centrifuges and all the necessary infrastructure to conduct research into the next generation of advanced livestock feed additives. The equipment alone at the facility is worth more than 25 million Euros. The whole philosophy behind the EW Biotech research capacity is that research in the laboratory can translate into the production of a new product idea and very quickly, enough material can be created for use in field trials to demonstrate viability in commercial production. “If the trials are successful and there is the demand, we can very quickly scale up to produce commercial products,” Dr Shultze said. While we were there, work was being conducted on single cell proteins and other fermentation based production. “There is a new feed additive working through the system right now. “We can, with a clear target, produce new products within a 6 to 12 month time frame. We have plenty of room to expand and apart from working on EW’s needs, we can conduct compatible research for outside requirements. “Time and again on our tour Dr Shulze emphasised the need for incredibly high levels of cleanliness in all aspects of the plant. “The smallest level of microbial contamination can ruin any given project: from a regulatory point of view we are considered as a ‘food’ industry so are subject to the highest levels of outside scrutiny regardless of the need to maintain our own standards,” he said. Recently drones had been used in an inspection process and this had given rise to even more stringency in inspection procedures at the plant. In an environment where numerous critical issues in animal production, like anti microbial reduction, and improved feed efficiency are critical, the need for answers to questions like, ‘how do we achieve more production with less resources?’ are likely to come from

Top: Dr Heinrich Kleine Klausing. Above: Dr Thilo Borchardt.

facilities like the EW Biotech plant. EW Nutrition has tested a number of advanced feed additive products in Australia like Activo (available in solid and liquid form) a blend of microencapsulated secondary plant compounds with a slow release aspect that has a focus on GIT health and has demonstrated FCR improvements and higher average daily weight gain. On September 26, Dr Heinrich Kleine Klausing, the Managing Director of EW Nutrition, during a meeting at EW’s head office located at Visbek, explained the mode of action of Activo. “The mode of action consists of stimulation of the gastrointestinal cells, delivers a negative impact on bacterial growth, has antioxidant benefits and a positive effect on meat quality,” Dr

NEWS v

Klausing explained. He then explained the interactions of the key ingredients and the optimal route to supply. “The process technology we use is vital to ensure an effective and quality product and includes an assurance of the raw material origins and the quality of those materials. “Extraction is by technologies developed and proven over a prolonged program: blending these materials correctly is also a vital component of quality control. “Finally we generate an assurance of stability by using specific methods for micro-encapsulation. “Three key ingredients of Activo are Carvacol, an agent that aids digestion, has antimicrobial properties and acts as an anti inflammatory. “Cinnamaldehyde, an appetising agent that has microbiocidal effects and offers protection against ulcers and Capsaicin, an appetising, digestive and anti inflammatory agent,” he said. There is a further blend of secondary plant compounds in the Activo combination formula, including Cineol (eucalyptus) which delivers an additive effect that is bacteriostatic against both Gram + and Gram – bacteria as well acting as an antioxidant,” he added. In explaining the specifics of the Activo product line he said, “Activo is microencapsulated in a fat matrix delivering slow release and is designed to focus on GIT health thus delivering measurable FCR improvement. “Activo Liquid is emulsified with organic acids and ideal for drinker application delivering rapid effect and with an antimicrobial mode of action.” Next Dr Klausing mentioned developments to EW Nutrition’s Mastersorb mycotoxin binding products range. Master Risk, a tool developed to assist with mycotoxin management in both pigs and poultry, was modified in December 2017. MasterRisk 2.0 covers a broader species range with easier handling despite the increased complexity of the tool. “We have made the shift from a single sample approach to taking into account the whole diet,” Dr Klausing concluded. Dr Thilo Borchardt, EW Nutrition’s Senior Manager for Science and Technology, next spoke about ‘secondary plant compounds, antimicrobials and beyond’. He also explained concepts around anti virulence, quorum quenching, antibiotic resistance and the importance of gut health.

LtoR: Dr Thilo Borchardt, Twan van Gerwe and Christian Blocker with EasyA awards. Major health related challenges in poultry production he identified as being, “antibiotic resistance and its spread, Protozoal diseases, bacterial challenges and their virulence to the host (E.coli, Salmonella, Clostridiales, Campylobacter, Stretococci etc). He identified pathogenic biofilms and drinking water hygiene, fungal and viral challenges. He introduced the science around Quorum Sensing – Quorum Quenching in bacterial virulence. “Antimicrobial resistance in the poultry industry, what are the solutions beyond antibiotics in the future?” was the question he raised. Acknowledging that AM resistance is of worldwide concern he pointed out that in September 2016 the United Nations discussed the topic of AB resistance in its General Assembly. Only four times times in the history of the UN has such a health topic arisen. “There is an urgent demand for alternative strategies that could compensate for the loss of effective antibiotic treatment,” Dr Borchardt said. EsRam, the acronym for the German National Funding Project to tackle AB resistance involves 10 academic partners and five industry participants (EW Nutrition is the only industry participant with active funding). On the potential consequences of

AB overuse, Dr Borchardt introduced ‘dysbiosis (ie the change to the composition of resident commensal microbiota relative to the community found in healthy individuals - Eubiosis). “Dysbiosis can result in an altered immune response and metabolism and lead to disease,” he pointed out. “Targeting bacterial virulence is an alternative approach to conventional antimicrobial therapies. Antivirulence focuses on strategies that inhibit bacterial virulence rather than bacterial viability. In a discussion on the pros and cons of the antivirulence strategy, Dr Borchardt suggested that, “inhibition of virulence without threatening survival of bacteria may offer a reduced selection pressure for drug resistance, and that anti virulence can supplement antibiotic to increase their efficiency,” he said. “Amongst the ‘cons’ that antivirulence strategies may still have reduced therapeutic effects when compared with antibiotics,” he admitted. On the subject of bacterial antivirulence targets, Dr Borchardt introduced the topic of “Quorum Sensing (QS) Inhibitors which offer controls over many central processes including biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance and virulence gene expression. “Quorum quenching is any approach that interferes with QS w

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NEWS v

signaling. “Quorum sensing involves small diffusible signaling molecules which activate the expression of genes that control diverse processes. “Approved Quorum quenching compounds include Savirin and secondary plant compounds such as Carvacrol (reduction of biofilm) and Cinnamaldehyde,” Dr Borchardt stated. He then went on to describe antibiotics and SPCs as synergistic drug combinations with the potential advantages of an increase in antimicrobial efficacy, a decrease in probability of resistance development with the combination of antimicrobial and antivirulence mechanisms. In outlining future directions for research, Dr Borchardt considered that, “more combinations of antibiotics and natural compounds on more bacterial strains need to be evaluated. Resistance to insensitivity development of bacteria against Eos has to be considered in these evaluations. “More research is needed to verify the efficacy of combinatorial approaches in vivo beyond improvements in production parameters, and this includes the mode of administration allowing them to reach their target sites, as well as other factors that can influence the efficacy of drug combinations in vivo,” he said. “Most antivirulence drugs either of synthetic or natural origin are still at the stage of confirming their in vivo efficacy. “The approved drugs are currently limited to those that block exotoxins, indicating that toxins may be promising targets in some of the most refractory and deadly pathogens, such as S. aureus, for which no antivirulence drugs exist. “Other investigational antivirulence agents that have worked in animal models, such as those directed at quorum sensing or adhesins, now need to pass safety and efficacy evaluations in both humans and animals. “With more knowledge of the mechanism underlying the synergism of antibiotics and secondary plant compounds it may be possible to develop safe drug combinations and reduce the health impact of multi- drug resistance,” Dr Borchardt concluded. Improving gut health and performance parameters in commercial layers with Activo and Activo Liquid was the topic for Dr Twan van Gerwe, EW Nutrition’s Head of Global Technical Management for poultry. After describing the key differences between essential oils (EO) and second-

ary plant compounds (SPC) and their modes of operation in digestion, he expanded on the bacteriostatic effect of SPC. “In field trials on a standard laying farm with Lohmann Brown Classic genetics (5000+ control , 5000+ trial Activo) commencing at 22 weeks (feeding period 176 days) using a corn wheat soy bean meal diet plus 100g per tonne Activo, resulted in 5g less feed per egg from birds on the Activo supplemented diet,” Dr van Gerwe revealed. “A further trial conducted in the Philipines, 133 days same diet, birds Dekalb Hendrix at 17 weeks and in ‘challenging’ conditions a five point improvement was observed in Activo supplemented birds,” he said. “Other projects underway at the time Poultry Digest visited, included the effect of Activo and Activo Liquid on Red Mite. “We have had promising early results and field trials have proceeded well on our EsRam Project which involves the reduction of the incidence of antibiotic resistant bacteria strains in poultry production. “Further research on the synergistic effects of secondary plant compounds (SPC) working with antimicrobials and selectivity of SPC plus effects when combined with probiotics,” Dr van Gerwe concluded. Ten years ago when antimicrobial resistance became a concern, not only to livestock industries but also the general public, it soon became obvious that a quick an easy fix was not likely, in fact lowering our dependence on antimicrobial compounds may be as big a challenge as dealing with what bacterial infection used to like be prior to the development of penicillin.

EW Nutrition is obviously deeply involved in developing solutions to a production environment for intensive poultry that does not rely so heavily on antimicrobials. The company has the considerable resources necessary to succeed in this challenge as they are a multi-billion Euro organisation with a complete focus on poultry production from genetics for both layer and broiler genetics, vaccines and nutrition. The company is truly across all elements needed to solve problems in the reduction of antimicrobial dependence. Using a range of plant compounds grown and processed to produce stable and consistent quality and having the ability to conduct commercial environment trials both within its own breeder/ genetic facilities and on customers’ farms is also a great advantage. With a range of plant compounds and combinations with antimicrobials, the permutations of blended strategies are endless, so the ability to persist with seeking the best performance for critical criteria are important and EW Nutrition has the expertise to do this. Antimicrobials not only reduce disease in production but also enhanced performance and along with better genetics and automated housing were the third critical factor in modern poultry production. The fact that EW Nutrition’s products like Activo and Activo Liquid are already demonstrating measurable performance improvements in both FCRs (in broiler production) and reduced feed per egg produced in layers it is encouraging for the future of phytogenics in reducing dependence on antimicrobiala while improving gut health in poultry production.

LtoR: Vito Bernardi, Dr Joachim Schulze and Robert Nicol at EW Biotech, Leuna in Germany.

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NEWS

Early bird registrations open for PIX/AMC 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Early bird registrations are now open, so get in before March 29th to save!,â&#x20AC;? Sarah Haberecht from the PIX 2018 committee suggests to those planning to attend the PIX/ AMC 2018 event at the Gold Coast Convention Centre between June 3 to 5 this year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Breeder and hatchery workshops are on again so make sure you bring your burning questions for Aviagen incubation specialist Eddy Van Lierde or for breeders, Dr Olando Fernandez from Cobb,â&#x20AC;? she said The PIX conference is packed full of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hot topicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; presentations from a collection of impressive speakers including Mr Paul Higgins, CEO of Emergent Futures, Professor Malcolm Mitchell, Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rural College, Dr Shabbir Simjee, Elanco, Dr Sergio L Vieira, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul and Rowan McMonnies, Managing Director, Australian Eggs. Paul Higgins combines his long experience in business,

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politics, and representative organisations with his training as a futurist to provide strategic advice to organisations and individuals. Paul has served on a number of boards, both commercial and not-for-profit, and is currently a member of the advisory board of the Future Business Council. He is also a partner at Social Venture Partners Melbourne, a chapter of a global venture philanthropy group that invests in innovative social startups. A former veterinarian, agribusiness consultant and Country Labor President, Higgins possesses a combination of experience and foresight training that gives him a unique perspective on strategy. Paul was the founding chairman of Australian Pork Limited (APL) and led that oraganisation and the pig industry through epic battles with the Howard government when Australia was negotiating a trade agreement with which resulted in frozen pork for further processing being imported despite the fact that the US industry had two critical diseases not prevalent in Australia. Rowan McMonnies has a legal and compliance background and has been a key adviser to the agriculture sector and the egg industry in recent years. Prior to commencing with Australian Eggs, Rowan was a commercial disputes partner at global law firm, Baker & McKenzie, and held senior positions at the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Through a focus on the agriculture sector in legal practice, Rowan has advised peak state and national farming associations and key stakeholders in the egg, chicken meat, cattle, dairy, bulk grain and agricultural chemical industries. Rowanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement in the egg industry includes assisting the industry in its response to the free range egg labelling standard consultation process and working with egg industry representative bodies on the formalisation of Egg Farmers of Australia. Through this work, Rowan has been recognised for his strategic capability and his ability to effectively engage with key

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Sarah Haberecht and Dr Avril Grieve at PIX/AMC 2016 selling wigs for the Gala Dinner that year.

NEWS

Aviagen Management Essentials Judy Robberts Technical Service Manager, ANZ Judy graduated in animal and poultry science and has 11 years of experience with breeder and broiler production. Her most recent responsibility has been as a technical advisor for a poultry distributor company servicing Ross parents stock customers.

Two of the speakers for this year are Paul Higgins (above) and Rowan McMonnies (right). industry stakeholders. Rowan holds a Bachelor of Law from the University of Technology, Sydney and a Masters of Commerce from the University of Sydney. Dr Simjee graduated from the University of Birmingham Medical School in England in 1992, he then specialised in infectious diseases completing a MSc in 1994 and a PhD in 1998 also from the University of Birmingham Medical School. After a brief time in research he went to work at the US FDA between 2000-2003 at the Centre for Veterinary Medicine specifically looking at gene transfer between animal and human pathogens and also heading the enterococcus part of the US National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring Systems (NARMS) program. He returned to the UK in 2004 to take up a position at Elanco Animal Health where he is a microbiologist with global responsibilities related to R&D and Regulatory Affairs. Dr Simjee is past-chair of the VetPath program a Pan European AMR monitoring program and is currently the cochair of the CLSI veterinary antimicrobial susceptibility testing sub-committee. He is also advisor to the FAO on setting up national AMR monitoring programs across SE Asia. Dr Simjee has served nine years as editor for Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 10 years as editor for Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy and continues to serve as editor on International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents. Dr Shabbir Simjee is already well known to Australia and New Zealand’s poultry veterinary community, In 2015 at the APVA conference held at Queenstown in New Zealand, Dr Simjee spoke about strategies to preserve antimicrobial effectiveness in the face of resistance and the lack of new AM products. These experts offer a unique combination of scientific knowledge and industry experience. Poultry Digest will again be producing its PIX/AMC preview for the 2018 event in the April/ May 2018 issue. Those companies and organisations with new products, developments and important guests at the event need to let us know for inclusion in the preview by April 20, 2018. Apart from the trade exhibition, main conference sessions and industry specific seminars, there is an excellent social program including the gala dinner which at past events has featured some interesting themes. This year’s theme is ‘Black and Bling’. The close proximity of the Gold Coast Conference Centre to Jupiters Casino will provide further entertainment options. If you don’t have a great time you ain’t trying! Go to page 38 for a list of events for PIX 2018.

“It is important to have access to water at all times for the best growth results. Mismanaged nipple drinkers can cause growth and performance problems.” said Judy.

How To Measure Nipple Drinker Flow Rate Objective The water supply must meet maximum demands for daily water intake. Low water intake can cause dehydration and reduce feed intake, body weight gain and egg production. If unchecked it will reduce livability. Excess water can cause problems with litter. Key Points • • • • •

Nipple drinker flow rates should be measured on a weekly basis. The first measurement should be taken before chick arrival and every week thereafter. Equipment required to measure flow rate: a measuring cylinder that records milliliters, a watch or clock, a recording sheet and pen. Walk to the opposite end of the nipple line to the regulator. Place the measuring cylinder under the nipple. Activate the nipple by pressing with your finger and begin timing. Ensure the water is flowing from the nipple at full capacity. Once you reach 30 seconds on the timer, deactivate the nipple and stop the water from flowing. Measure the number of milliliters (ml) of water captured in the cylinder. Multiply the figure by 2 to get the actual ml / minute flow rate.

Interpreting results Flow rates need in increase as the birds age. You should target the following rates for different ages: Recommended flow rates through nipples Bird age

Flow rate (ml / min)

0 - 7 days

7 - 21 days

60 -70

> 21 days

70 - 100

Remedial Action If correct flow rates are not being achieved, you should check the following: • Is the water turned on? • Increase the pressure at the regulator. • Check there are no air locks or blockages in the line. • Check rubber seals are in place and working correctly. • Check that the nipples are not clogged - clean with a recommended product or replace if necessary. If flow rate is higher than recommended, check the following: • Reduce the pressure at the regulator. • Ensure drinker lines are level. • Check rubber seals are in place and working correctly. • Ensure the purge button on the regulator is not activated.

NEWS

Well attended Ross Asia Association meeting in Hong Kong introduced innovation and technology The forward-looking Ross Asia Association meeting attracted over 75 customer attendees from the region, as it continues to introduce innovation and technology to the breeding program and offer customers the support and information they require to succeed in the current market. Held during October, the meeting consisted of a selection of inside and outside speakers and was designed to challenge management thinking and offer in-depth analysis on several industry trends and issues. The first day opened with an Aviagen global update which covered a report from major market regions, management changes and a brief commentary on the recent

Early bird registrations are now open, get in before March 29th to save! Breeder and hatchery workshops are on again so make sure you bring your burning questions for Aviagen incubation specialist Eddy Van Lierde or for breeders, Dr Olando Fernandez from Cobb. The PIX conference is packed full of ‘hot topic’ presentations from a collection of impressive speakers including: o Mr Paul Higgins, Emergent Futures o Professor Malcolm Mitchell, Scotland’s Rural College o Dr Shabbir Simjee, Elanco o Dr Sergio L Vieira, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul

Go to: www.pixamc.com.au for details nd registration

Hubbard acquisition. A presentation on breeding for profitability and sustainability appraised the breeding program progress and revealed a number of new initiatives designed to assist performance improvements. An interesting review of ‘a rapidly changing world, followed, addressing creativity, change and whether we as individuals can see future progress in the poultry industry and beyond. After the lunch break an analysis of the Thai poultry industry and the lessons learned from an enhanced welfare initiative were laid out in detail as several leading companies try to satisfy the evolving needs of the consumer. The final presenter offered nine uncommon practices for executing strategy and utilised excellent interaction with the audience to drive his messages home. The next day commenced with an update on Avian Influenza and compartmentalization addressing variations of the virus, the live bird market impact, trade disruption, regionalization and compartmentalization and future key industry issues. A report on the progress with the Ross 400 Club in Asia noted the value of recognizing growers for well-managed flocks and the value from collecting the field data. A revealing look at the broiler industry in China was presented by the China Broiler Alliance which reviewed the different market segments, the latest changes, challenges and development trends in the domestic market. A global update of the broiler industry highlighted the disrupters in the market, changing consumer demographics, differences between the major supply countries, the four giant companies in poultry and the future outlook for the industry. The financial impact of decision-making in poultry production was portrayed and presented a number of scenarios and outcomes to improve company performance. The meeting closed with a short review of the key take-home messages from the presentations in the two day program. “We adopted an agenda to inform and challenge us all to be better managers of the business and our employees,” said Ms. Orapan Chansawat, Vice President, Asia, Ross. “We also inserted a number of industry-focused topics to update attendees on the R&D breeding program advancements, China, the impact of welfare, avian influenza and compartmentalization, the global broiler industry and a financial review of decision making. “The meeting is a major activity for the Ross team and we welcome the chance to host our customers and hope we have provided a valuable opportunity to share experiences and gain new information during the event.”

If you wish to advertise in Poultry Digest please contact Peter Bedwell on 0419 235 288 or 02 9797 2406 or email: primarymedia@bigpond.com To see a copy go to: www.primarymedia.com.au and then to latest issues.

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PRODUCT NEWS

4 Up Skilling – Training for your future Poultry Digest met Robyn Richards and members of the 4 Up Skilling team at the Australian Eggs (previously AECL) Forum held in Sydney in May 2017. Robyn spoke about ‘Poultry Training – securing the future of the egg industry’ and then demonstrated a training exercise that someone training with 4Up Skilling would experience. The activity was a team building activity that attendees at the forum participated in “The agricultural industry has been labeled one of five world super-sectors that will outpace other sectors in growth potential (the Deloitte Report, 2014),” she said. “This is a direct result of global food production demands expected to increase significantly in Asia by 2030 and globally by 2050. “The demand is believed to be in high protein foods such as meat and dairy (Parliament of Victoria Report, 2012). “The agriculture sector also currently underpins many of our rural communities, providing a means of growth, employment and investment that secures future prosperity. “Agriculture is considered the biggest employer in rural and regional communities. “If related sectors are also considered i.e. food manufacturing and processing, distribution and retail sectors, then it is estimated that agriculture provides employment for more than 1.6 million Australians (Batt, P.J. 2015). “The egg production sector and the chicken meat sector in

Australia are both based on intensive production systems requiring high standards of biosecurity and hygiene, nutrition, health and husbandry practices, data analysis and leadership and management skills,” Robyn pointed out. “Passionate about both the poultry industry and people development, the 4 Up Skilling team of trainers and staff have been supporting the industry in the training area to meet the continued pressures and challenges of working and farming in an intensive production system. “4 Up Skilling - Toid 32141 is a privately-owned training organisation whose acronym is 4US, meaning “for us, for the people”. “Training programs have been carefully designed with the support of industry feedback to develop effective employability skills for people either working or intending to work in the poultry sector. “What sets 4 Up Skilling apart from its competitors is its ability to respond quickly and remain flexible in meeting the poultry industry needs, but even more importantly is listening to the poultry industry and the current and future needs of training required to improve business efficiency and develop people in careers not just jobs. “In conjunction with Australian Eggs, 4 Up Skilling is supporting the roll out of the induction program EggStart, the AHC30516 Certificate III in Poultry Production and AHC50110 Diploma of Agriculture nationally. “Other programs run by the 4US are AHC20116 Certificate II in Agriculture, AHC30516 Certificate III in Poultry Production to the chicken meat sector, AHC32216 Certificate III in Commercial Composting, AHC40116 Certificate IV in Agriculture and BSB42015 Certificate IV in Leadership and Management,” Robyn explained. Poultry Digest recognises how important it is for our poultry industries to not only recruit the best people but to train and retain them in a highly competitive labour market. A clearly identifiable career path and recognised industry specific qualifications are vital to the future of a growing industry. 4 Up Skilling offers a valuable resource to an industry facing ever more stringent demands for efficiency and a reliable and safe product produced with consideration for the highest welfare standards. “Past and current students speak highly of the programs and we value these testimonials from those who have participated in our specifically structured courses,” Robyn said “Thank you very much for the feedback on my first assignment. Great to see that Mary was happy with most of it too. I am really encouraged by the level of professionalism in which this course is presented. Thanks for your dedication to ensure that we finish our assignments on time. It keeps us focused on what needs to be done to finish this.” Hendrick Ferreira, DH Hall and Co “The 4 Up Skilling openness and friendly way of facilitation became my venue for healthy discussions and sharing of new things. It has encouraged me to share my own experiences and consider comments from my co-student. I have met new people and friends and was also able to learn from them different insights and best practices on poultry management.” Girmay Llaguno Kinross Farm “4 Up Skilling has done a fantastic job, the classes are both interesting and deliver great information.” Josh Baxter Tall Tree Poultry.

Commi�ed to the Poultry Sector WHO WE ARE

4 Up Skilling is a registered training provider dedicated to suppor�ng the Poultry Industry through the delivery of ﬂexible, specialized industry training. We are strongly commi�ed to the personal & professional growth of our students, building the capacity of the sector’s workforce, and mee�ng industry’s current & future needs..

WHY TRAIN WITH US

OUR COURSES

• Eggstart – Induc�on program This non-accredited study is an Australian Eggs initiative.

• Broilerbites – Induc�on program • AHC20116 Cer�ﬁcate II in Agriculture

Our services are based on quality, and the provision of highly contextualised poultry training & assessment driven by informed Industry consulta�on.

• AHC30116 Cer�ﬁcate III in Agriculture

Our training is designed to develop effec�ve employability skills & improve business efficiency for people either working or intending to work in the sector. We engage industry experts & qualified trainers to create a meaningful hands-on learning experience, while Increasing staff capacity, reten�on rates, & job sa�sfac�on.

• AHC32216 Cer�ﬁcate III in Commercial Compos�ng

• AHC30516 cer�ﬁcate III in Poultry Produc�on

• AHC40116 Cer�ﬁcate IV in Agriculture • BSB42015 Cer�ﬁcate IV in Leadership and Management • AHC50116 Diploma of Agriculture

www.4upskilling.com.au

0407 358 191 (03) 5795 3276

Because of increasing interest in the Vencomatic Group products in the Pacific and a strong belief in a healthy future, we are looking for a fulltime:

Area Sales Manager Assignment · Developing and expanding the distributor and sales network in the area Australia and New Zealand. · Performing active sales activities, conducting negotiations and closing contracts. · Participate in local and international tradeshows. Qualifications · Argo-industry and /or sales education. · Technical basic education. · Knowledge of the poultry sector (especially in Australia and New Zealand). · High level of energy dedicated to your work. · 5 -10 years’ experience in sales activities, conducting negotiations and closing contracts. · Living in Australia or New Zealand is requested. We offer Working for Vencomatic means working at an innovative multinational with many chances to develop yourself, take responsibility and show initiative. You get the opportunity to work internationally. Within the job, we offer an extensive and professional training program within an open and result driven company culture. Next to a competitive salary, Vencomatic Group offers attractive secondary benefits. Contact information If you want to know more about our organization click on www.vencomaticgroup.com. For Information about the role, please contact Mr. Peter Schreurs, Director Operations (China/Asia and Pacific) e-mail peter.schreurs@vencomaticgroup.com. If you are interested in this position and you want to apply, please send your application to Mrs. Wilma Lukassen, Director HR, by e-mail to Wilma.Lukassen@vencomaticgroup.com.

NEWS

Innovative broiler grower looking for staff In our August/September issue of Poultry Digest (https://issuu.com/rosemaryembery/docs/pdaugsep17web) we ran a story on Eddie Wehbe’s broiler farm near Goulbourn in NSW – ‘An innovative approach to low energy, high efficiency broiler sheds ‘ The farm is one of the best that Poultry Digest has seen in recent times

and Eddie’s concept from the outset was to make the most of a plentiful element on his site: fresh air. Using a combination of thermally efficient curtains, modern Vencomatic Clima Unit 200 heat exchangers, combined with superb natural ventilation, Eddie reckons that not only do the birds benefit from a good atmosphere,

esistance against esistance against

NEXT GENERATION OF HIGH PERFORMANCE FANS FROM BIG DUTCHMAN AirMaster Blue 170C. - Profitability in Climate control!! • Very High air performance, motorised shutter closes the fan airtight, allowing connection of emergency opening system

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so do he and his staff. “Reduction of both ammonia levels and dust, ease of cleaning and better litter control has resulted from our shed design and investment in modern European equipment.” Bird quality and production efficiencies are particularly important to Eddie as he has no fixed contract with just one integrator but supplies the industry on a batch to batch basis. “We want to get the best results for our integrators because we have to,” Eddie told Poultry Digest. Eddie contacted us earlier in January because his operation is looking for staff. The company wants to employ a Poultry Farm Manager and a Poultry Farm Assistant, both to be based 10 minutes from Goulburn. They will have access to the most automated poultry house systems and technologies currently availble. The manager and assistant will be responsible for the day to day running of the six sheds with a key focus on animal welfare and bird quality. The farm has strict policies and procedures on biosecurity, safety and sanitation. For anyone with the right previous poultry farm experience, working on Eddie’s farm would deliver a good experience of working in a great environment. A competitive salary and on-site accomodation are offered. Contact Eddie on 0411 601 555 or email EdouardWehbe@hotmail.com

• Resistance against corrosion • Extremely low noise level • Direct drive and very stable connection between hub and blades for easy maintenance • Resistance against pressure, perfect choice for long house with tunnel ventilation 54 King St Clifton QLD 4361 Phone: (07) 4697 3344 Email: sales@stockyardindustries.com www.stockyardindustries.com

Eddie Wehbe on his Goulburn based farm in NSW.

PRODUCT NEWS

EW Nutrition’s EasyA liquid additive dispenser; winner of innovation award at Eurotier EW Nutrition’s EasyA liquid additive dispensers won a Silver Innovation Award at Eurotier in 2016. “The EasyA system allows products to be directly dispensed into feeds with high precision,” the Eurotier Awards citation stated. “Additives are offered as aqueous solutions, combined with a spraying system. “This system, which is attached to the feed line as a unit, sprays the supplement solution on to bird feed at a rate that is controlled by the feed line speed. “It is very easy to operate and the accuracy it delivers is within the analytical tolerance range defined by DIN 10529-1. “The EasyA system allows bird feeds to be supplemented with active agents quickly, easily and securely. It therefore supports approaches towards improved animal welfare,” it said. In October Poultry Digest visited the headquarters of EW Nutrition at Visbek Germany and Managing Director Dr Heinrich Kleine Klausing showed the EasyA device to Poultry Digest and explained its function and mode of operation. David Sherwood, EW Nutrition’s Manager for Australia told Poultry Digest in January that the EasyA product will be available in Australia along with two new additives for the layer industry Stimuvital Shell Improver and Stimuvital Hepatonic.

KEMZYME MAKES EVERYTHING FIT. ™

For years, animal nutritionists have trusted Kemzyme to maximize the digestion of a wide variety of substrates. That’s even more critical today when high and volatile feed costs make flexibility critical to maintaining a costeffective feed formulation. When you use Kemzyme, you know you have chosen a complete solution for complex substrates that ensures cost and performance fit together.

To learn more about our complete solutions for complex substrates, contact your local sales representative or visit www.kemin.com.

Dr Heinrich Kleine Klausing explains the award winning EasyA dispenser.

© Kemin Industries, Inc. and its group of companies 2016 Certain statements may not be applicable in all geographic regions. Product labelling and associated claims may differ based upon regulatory requirements.

NEWS

Program update for PIX/AMC 2018 Sunday June 3, 2018 Make your way in to register and check out the exhibition before the crowds. Registration and the trade display will open from 12pm with lunch provided. Catch up with friends and celebrate “50 years of PIX” at the PIX Welcome Dinner with canapes and drinks from 6:30pm. Monday June 4, 2018 The PIX/AMC combined plenary session will introduce our conference theme ‘Supply Chain Opportunities – Farmers to Consumers’ and will set the scene for our PIX sessions. Be prepared to open your mind while we begin the PIX plenary session with Futurist, Paul Higgins. Rowan McMonnies, Managing Director of Australian Eggs and Dr Shabbir Simjee from Elanco will then

Don’t

have us focussed back on our poultry opportunities. Our Monday sessions include trends in layer nutrition, energy and resources for farming in the egg and meat sessions. After filling your mind with a busy day it’s then time to get fancy and fill your belly with the PIX/AMC gala dinner. This year we are looking to dazzle in a ‘Black and Bling’ themed dinner, with pre-dinner drinks starting at 6:30pm. Tuesday June 5, 2018 Come and refuel yourself ready for another big day at the PIX Industry Breakfast. The day’s sessions cover production opportunities for laying hens and meat birds including expert views from special guests Professor Malcolm Mitchell and Dr Sergio Vieira. There will be some new ideas for energy and resources on farms and

some nutrition advice. In 2018 we are going to have a planetary panel session which includes a current hot topic so look out for details on this. And we will again have our interests held be a keynote presentation from Safe Food Production Queensland to close our conference before one last quick browse through the tradeshow with afternoon tea. Wednesday June 6, 2018 Spend the day involved in an interactive workshop where the goal is to share knowledge and develop practical ways to improve shed environments, including litter. With a combination of research, practical applications and lessons from experience the goal of this workshop is for participants to leave with some useful tools they can apply in their own sheds. Watch out for the workshop program updates.

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CUTTING-EDGE DRY GOODS STORAGE FOR FEED MASH & PELLETS

LEADERS IN TODAY’S POULTRY GROWING INDUSTRY NEED EVERY BENEFIT AVAILABLE TO THEM TO GAIN AND RETAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE. From design of the farm and building of the sheds, silos and feed systems to feeding and processing the stock, intensive farming practices have the need for quality engineered products that are purpose built to deliver superior serviceability and fit the requirements of modern farm’s that are planning for now and the future.

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Contact AGCO Australia team TODAY for your next project