Poultry Digest February/March 2018 by Rosemary Embery

poultrydigest www.primarymedia.com.au

Volume 33, Number 4

February/March 2018

Darwalla commissions new Allora hatchery Specialised Breeders Australia hosts the Hyline Brown Genetic Roadshow

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Volume 33, Number 4

February/March 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 Albert Benfer, Managing Director of Darwalla

Features Page 10: Darwalla commissions new Allora hatchery by Peter Bedwell

Page 20: The cage debate – can we compromise? by George Arzey

News Page 4: Specialised Breeders Australia hosts the HyLine Brown Genetic Roadshow Page 26: BADGE chosen for state of the art hatchery Page 28: Alltech’s Dr Pearse Lyons dies at 73 Page 30: 2018 APSS Conference Page 34: AgriFutures Seminar held at APSS 2018 Page 36: Craig Smith takes on CEO role at Santrev Page 38: Chris Morrow wins Australian Poultry Award New Products

Page 37: LEVUCELL SB authorised in Europe for reduction in Salmonella contamination

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Specialised Breeders Australia hosts the Hyline Brown Genetic Roadshow From February 20-22, 2018, Specialised Breeders Australia (SBA), hosted The Hyline Brown Genetics Roadshow in Melbourne, Sydney and Toowoomba. SBA is the Australian distributor of the well regarded Hyline Brown layer genetics – the hen that produces Australia’s favourite egg. At the Sydney seminar conducted at the Novotel, Rooty Hill, on February 21, Jonathan Leslie, SBA’s National Sales and Marketing Manager, told attendees about SBA’s new hatchery at Rochester in Victoria that commenced production in May 2017. “The investment of more than A$20 million in the all-new facility built on a greenfield site, delivers a greater level of biosecurity, chick quality and overall efficiency than was possible at previously operated facilities,” he said. He also mentioned the new fleet of Van RavenHorst chick transport trailers equipped to deliver the Hyline Brown genetics to locations in Australia that are more than 3000 kilometres away from the new SBA hatchery. “In the future we will be opening new breeder facilities on sites selected for the best levels of biosecurity and operational effectiveness,” he revealed. He then introduced the three speakers, Dr Jesus Arango, Hy-Line’s International Statistical Geneticist, Dr Danny Lubritz, Hy-Line’s International Research & Development Director, and Dr Neil O’Sullivan, International Global Product Management Director. Key topics covered by the speakers were: Genetic improvements of the Hyline Brown; Hyline Brown testing in cage free production; Benchmarking in cage and cage free systems and Egg quality traits in the Hyline Brown. Dr Lubitz started his address to delegates by stating his company’s core mission. “The Hyline breeding program must develop layers to suit customers’ needs. “A prolific, efficient layer, which lives a long productive life is needed by today’s egg producers. “The needs of the final consumer, producer and hatchery must be met by a balanced breeding program. “That means applying genetic selection to improve bird performance by selecting animals with superior genetics for biologically and

economically important egg layer traits,” he stated. Dr Lubitz then revealed major recent investments in Hy-Line facilities including, the Dr Jim Arthur lay farm undertaking single cycle evaluation to 90 weeks with generations separated – a $4.1 million commitment. “We have built a new research facility in Iowa and spent $7.0 million on the Dr Dennis Casey lay farm, conducting 90 week cycles on all purelines and where we are better able to utilise genomics. Old tested hens are bred to young genomically selected males at this facility,” he said. “We have committed $3.4 million to the new Perry Pedigree hatchery with improved bio-security and developed hatch profile by line. “There has been a $1.75 million investment in the new Ogden grow farm where we have upgraded the facility with improved bio-security. “The impact of these investments has been targeted improved persistence in lay, egg weight profile improvement and egg shell quality improvements achieved. “Egg quality, livability and efficiency continue to improve as a result of our facilities’ developments,” Dr Lubitz stated. “In the breeding program review there are three principal sources of data used for selections which are, our research farms, the field testing program and now the molecular genetics program. “There are many benefits from field testing including a uniformity of flock to flock performance and ensuring that we select for adaption to different environments. “We can breed a hen tolerant to field stresses and select birds which do well in a group. Group selected birds do better in floor performance and we can select birds which perform without beak trimming,” he said. After explaining the critical traits under review, Dr Lubitz spoke about future genetic gains. “Genomics is accelerating our rates of gain each year through shortened intervals of males and more accurate BVs (breeder values). “Persistency selection is improved with longer evaluation cycles and we w

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1. Jonathan Leslie, National Sales & Marketing Manager, SBA. 2. Dr Danny Lubitz, Hy-Line’s International Research & Development Director. 3. Dr Jesus Arango, Hy-Line’s Iternational Statistical Geneticist.

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can improve measurement of shell strength, also egg quality of eggs from older hens. “We can achieve improvements in egg weight profiles, superior body weight profiles and healthier, highly efficient, more productive hens,” Dr Lubitz concluded. Dr Jesus Arango spoke next about egg quality evaluation and improvement. Product quality drivers were he said “genetic, health/ biosecurity, environment, facilities, equipment and management. “In the typical evaluation of egg quality traits, not all is genetics,” Dr Arango stated. “In the area of shell puncture score, breaking strength and dynamic stiffness, nutrition, management, housing, equipment, health status and age were all critical factors,” he said. On the issue of Hyline Brown current and future commercial egg weights over the period of first egg (20 weeks), at 40 weeks and 80 weeks, Dr Arango showed how between 1990 and 2015 egg weight (at 20 weeks) had gone from 40 to 51 grams, from 55g to just over 60g at 40 weeks but down from about 72 g to 64g at 80 weeks. Extensive research data on deterioration of breaking strain with age was revealed with improvements shown between 2011 and 2015. Dr Arango displayed data on shell colour, speckles in HYB, Haugh units and blood spots. New egg quality challenges were, he stated “keeping good shell quality in long single cycles of production”. “The deterioration of eggshell mechanical properties with hen age is due to micro structural changes (larger crystal size and preferred orientation) and matrix composition. “Breaking strength in young hen eggs, is typically 3.5kg whereas in old hen eggs it is 0.4 kg. “Eggshell quality can be restored by

molt,” Dr Arango said. Further on the topic of egg quality in long-single cycles of production, the main enemies of good quality he suggested were “the bird’s age and also egg age and in each case it gets worse in high density housing where stress played a negative role”. “While considering egg handling issues in real life production, a focus on both egg to egg and egg to metal was necessary to reduce damage including the need for a slowing of conveyor bands and egg graders and giving more consideration to transportation and packaging material,” he said. “Egg quality (EQ) is a complex process. Hy-Line keeps emphasis on improvement of internal and external EQ traits by means of selection and crossbreeding. Integral egg quality at the farm level also depends on adequate flock health, proper nutrition and good management programs as well as appropriate housing and equipment,” Dr Arango concluded. ‘Industry shifts in USA HYB cage free production,’ was Dr Arango’s next topic In this presentation he explained

why the industry is changing, cage free evolution in the USA, the genetic perspective and HYB in alternative systems. “There are global movements promoting animal rights and wellbeing. Public perceptions are based on opinions and not on sound research,” he said. “Based on pledges to use only cage free eggs made from 2015 onwards, it is fair to assume that around 75% of US production will be using ‘welfarefriendly’ housing systems. “There has been a change in vision and perception of birds from a source of food to pets,” Dr Arango said. “US housing options include conventional cage but without doors (however consumers view cage as cage), floor open systems with slats and with access to litter and with or without tables. “Then there is ‘cage free’ including selective access aviaries and hybrid ‘combi’ systems and outdoor access free range, the popular consumer perception of cage free. This also includes the USDA organic code,” he said. w “To produce the total US egg

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demand (76 billion) using cage free systems the industry would require an additional 400,000 acres of installations, 580,000 acres of crops and 1.36 billion kg of corn. “Cage free may win, but at what cost? The answer is estimated to be US$35 a hen placed in facilities and by 2025 an investment of around US$10 billion. On the subject of genetics to suit free range, barn floor and aviaries, Dr Arengo defined the differing selection priorities. “Priorities for the traditional cage systems are to maximise the number of sellable eggs per hen housed, minimise feeding costs per egg or egg mass, optimise egg quality and reduce mortality with stress tolerance and adaptability. “For cage free systems, behavior traits are paramount such as docility, feather cover and nesting behaviour. “Feed intake should be suited to the production system. Waste, energy demand versus indirect response, is achieved by favoring larger body weight. “Lower mortality is achieved through robustness and tolerance to stress, environment and disease and finally adaptability to common fluctuations in feed quality. “Nesting behavior is particularly important and we have made significant progress in the reduction of floor eggs with our HYB genetics since 2011,” Dr Arango said. The global trend towards alternative systems like cage free is inevitable for the US layer industry and elsewhere. “This is causing market uncertainty as these systems have greater production costs, are less efficient and are riskier than the conventional cage systems that are still most prevalent today. “Hy-Line adapts its evaluation and genetic improvement programs to produce efficient commercial hens that adapt well to all production systems. HYB is the global leader for brown egg production,” Dr Arango concluded. The final speaker for the day, Dr Neil O’Sullivan spoke on the topic ‘Hyline Brown benchmarking – cage and cage free to 70 weeks’. It is often said, particularly in regard to intensive livestock product that, ‘you can’t manage what you can’t measure’. Dr O’Sullivan is Hy-Line’s man with the measuring stick. His talk consisted of a summary of Hyline Brown performance in conventional cages and colony cages

divided into quartiles, and a summary of Hyline Brown performance in free range and aviary systems divided into quartiles and charts of Hyline Brown in cage and cage free systems. After talking the audience through the relevant charts and figures, Dr Sullivan delivered the following conclusions “Hen housed eggs are 305 cage and 302 cage free eggs per year with a spread of 30-32 eggs from top to bottom quartiles. “Mortality was 4.5% in cages and 5.0% in cage free showing a spread of 2.8-5.5% with the lower quartile in cage free showing the only deviance from the norm. “Egg weights tend to be slightly heavier in cage free birds due to free ranging birds consuming more feed for energy. “While body weights are higher in cage birds by 50-150 g at all ages, cage birds have a lower feed intake by 5-10g “The cage birds are more feed efficient on a kg/kg basis or a kg per dozen egg basis,” he said. The whole event was truly a master class in layer genetics and the investment made by Hy-Line in both its facilities and research methodology has to deliver confidence to producers who depend on high performing layer birds for their profitability. Add to this the fact that Hy-Line’s Australian distributor, Specialised Breeders Australia, has recently commissioned a $20 million state of the art hatchery and is now in the process of a major up-grade of its breeder farms, this means that Australian producers can access world class layer genetics.

Hy-Line has obviously accepted that despite a lack of science based evidence to support the move from cage to cage free systems, it can develop a bird that performs in a market dictated by consumer sentiment. Those who attended were very appreciative of the depth and quality of the Hyline research, development and data collection, which revealed some surprises in cage vs cage free production. Geoff Clatworthy, Ingham’s Group Nutritionalist and Procurement Manager, delivered an expression of thanks to the speakers for the quality of their presentations and the fact that they had come a long way to deliver them. There a limited number of the notes available containing significant details of the topics covered which were distributed at the seminars. Contact your SBA Technical Services Manager for more information.

. Top: Dr Neil O’Sullivan, International Global Product Management Director. Above: SBA hatchery features UFTA hard flooring.

It’s not about what came first. It’s about what comes next. For over 50 years, Australia’s egg farmers have trusted SBA’s quality layers to keep their egg supply moving. We’re Australia’s largest specialist supplier for a reason: our genetically superior Hy-Line and Lohmann day-old chicks and point-of-lay pullets are bred in the world’s most advanced facilities. And we are still investing in superior biosecurity, logistics and genetics to protect the future of our food security – and support your farm at every stage, from chicken to egg. With SBA as your production partner, you can have confidence in what comes next.

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Albert and Alison Benfer of Darwalla, with Jim Whiting, BADGE Managing Director, and Ed Whiting, BADGE Contract Administrator.

Darwalla commissions new Allora hatchery

By PETER BEDWELL

ess than a year after announcing the commencement of a brand new hatchery located on a greenfield site near Warwick on Queensland’s Southern Downs, Darwalla hosted customers, employees, those involved in the construction and local dignitaries to the official opening on February 12, 2018. Poultry Digest attended the

opening of what is a truly world class facility which uses absolute cutting edge technology that will help to keep Darwalla competitive in a very challenging market for broiler chicken meat. The construction of the Allora hatchery has been more than six years in the planning and Darwalla has committed more than $22 million to the project that has resulted in one of the world’s most advanced broiler chick hatcheries. “At peak production we can produce 800,000 chicks in the Allora operation,” said David Bray, the Development Manager at Darwalla. Not only does Allora boast the latest in hatchery technology, the facility uses the latest robot technology in sensitive phases of egg handling and cleaning tasks. Darwalla is an interesting company with a rich heritage and a healthy survivor in a highly competitive food industry. The Darwalla company was started by the late Adolf Benfer in the Mount

Cotton area back in 1933. Mount Cotton was known for its hard working and innovative German migrant population. By 1948 the company was processing chicken meat at Lota but quickly expanded into a new facility on the Brisbane River in South Brisbane, now the location of the popular South Bank with tourist attractions like its own beach and trendy eateries. In 1967 a facility with far greater capacity and branded as Golden Cockerel was established as a joint venture with Woodlands Enterprises on the company’s present site at Mount Cotton. Today, the privately owned company that owns 50% of the Golden Cockerel brand, grows more than 25 million birds a year in a still expanding market. What started as a small family business now directly employs more than 130 staff with contractors and processing workers adding considerably to those whose livelihood depends on the enterprise. Golden Cockerel’s products, which include RSPCA broiler code produced

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meat and the Elgin Valley Free Range brand, sell throughout Queensland and Eastern Australia. The Darwalla business is fully integrated with its own feed mills (Feedsafe Accredited), parent and broiler farms and now a brand new advanced hatchery. The Managing Director of Darwalla, Albert Benfer, told guests about the beginnings of the company started by the son of a German migrant, one of a family of six who 85 years ago decided producing eggs was a better use of his time than clearing land. “Today the business with broiler breeder farms, feed mills and now a state of the art hatchery, represents investment worth in excess of $90 million,” Mr Benfer revealed. “As chicken meat consumption nudges 50 kg per person in Australia, we have to face the fact the prices for chicken meat in real terms are one third of what they were in the early 1970s. “Automation, better genetics and farm management allow us to produce six batches a year with FCRs of around 1.7 to keep us in business,” he said. “However with our investment in the new world class hatchery, we can expect the best results yet achieved in our long history. Yes, the cost is considerable but we regard it as money well spent,” he said. “With this hatchery we can produce a sturdier, higher quality product. “I have to thank those who worked so hard to bring this project to a successful conclusion. David Bray, our ‘Bob the Builder’ worked tirelessly to help keep the project on track. “Our incubators are a good fit for Darwalla and we are convinced that we have the right plan and products for a highly automated operation. “Our builders, BADGE, did an excellent job and worked with us to achieve an on-time and on-budget result. See story on page xxx Albert Benfer also expressed appreciation for the support the company received from the Commonwealth Bank. “Adrian Parker, despite the volatility in the industry, supported our vision of what was possible with intelligent investment and understood what we were trying to do,” he said. “Despite the inevitable distractions of bringing a complex development like the new hatchery to fruition, our management team and staff achieved record results during the completion of the build period,” Mr Benfer concluded. Darwalla CEO David Greaves spoke next, praising the efforts of the team that made the project a reality – Livestock Manager Guy Holcroft, CFO Greg Wiseman, Aleksandra Scerbatova CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 w

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1.Katrina Hobbs and Andrew Youngberry from Inglewood Organic and Country Heritage Stockfeeds with Guy Holcroft, Livestock Manager, Darwalla. 2. Darwalla CEO David Graeves introduces Tracy Dobie, Mayor of the Southern Darling Downs region. 3. Owner Albert Benfer with Steve Mathers, BADGE Project Manager. 4. Petersyme biostreamer high density setters.

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v CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 and Development Manager, David Bray. He then introduced the Mayor of the Southern Darling Downs region, Tracy Dobie. Ms Dobie has been an enthusiastic follower of the Darwalla Allora Hatchery project for some time. She praised Darwalla for its determination to first acquire the land, then build a hatchery involving plenty of local labour input and considerable overall investment in the community. “We like people here on the Southern Darling Downs who are in control of their environment and appreciate their considerable investment in the new Allora facility. “Thanks for investing with our community,” she said, before being invited to ‘cut the ribbon’ as the new hatchery was officially declared operational.

Poultry Digest then joined Alexandra Scerbatova, Darwalla’s Hatchery Manager for an informative guided tour. Alexandra, whose journey in life started in Latvia, apologised for her strong European accent but she had no cause to do so, her enthusiasm and knowledge were only matched by her clear explanations of the complexities of a modern automated poultry hatchery. Alexandra spoke about the importance of controlling temperature, humidity and CO2 levels and the Syncro-Hatch approach that generates a ‘pop corn’ effect. “A 12 hour spread of hatch followed by 12 hours to dry off,” she said. “The Petersime BioStreamer high density setters ensure precise control of embryo temperatures and this feature ensures that the correct temperatures are maintained for all age w

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1. Alexandra Scerbatova explains the complexities of the automated egg handler. 2. Sarah Haberecht, Ridley. 3. David Greaves, CEO Darwalla.

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of donors, thus improving hatchability and liability, whilst reducing energy use and improving the cleaning and overall maintenance of the machines,” David Bray explained. “The robots are used in parts of the production process that involves repetitive heavy lifting, thus reducing both fatigue levels and any potential injuries. “Robotic technology is used in the unloading of setter trolleys prior to entry into the Zoetis Embrex system, and in the transferring of eggs from setter fillers to the hatcher baskets. “The Fanuc built robots have been used for many years in the automotive industry globally and have been adapted by Zoetis to work within hatcheries. “Fanuc is well represented in Australia and its offices are located in all capital cities,” David said. By any measure the Darwalla Allora hatchery is an impressive initiative from one of our smaller but significant players in the Australian broiler sector. Some time ago Richard Goyder, then head of Wesfarmers, in reply to criticism from supermarket suppliers, stated that producers who chose not to invest in the modernisation of their plant and equipment would get no sympathy from either him or his Coles’ executives. Mr Goyder didn’t mention the poultry industry but it is fair to assume they were in his sights when his statement ran in the Australian financial press. By investing heavily in improving efficiency in the critical area of day oldchick production, Darwalla will be able to take better advantage of the genetic potential of the Aviagen Ross 308 they grow. This will lead to not only feed cost savings but also better product for consumers and the retailers who supply them with Australia’s most popular protein source. The topic of imports is rarely out of conversation at any broiler industry gathering but despite our strong biosecurity protocols, the best defence against imports is for companies like Darwalla to produce a better product while lowering input costs. As other major players in broiler production seem to favour a short term view in managing their operations, the Darwalla and Golden Cockerel organisations has taken a long term approach. This strategy will, no doubt, have resulted in significant dividends long before the enterprise started by Albert Benfer’s family celebrates its centenary. In 2017 Darwalla was named as the Best Medium (sized) Business in Australia by the Federal Government’s Australian Training Awards program.

1. Fanuc robotic technology is used in the unloading of trolleys. 2. Kate Benfer and Michelle Watts, Darwalla. 3. Dave’s ‘Great Wall of Pumps’ . 4. The Zoetis Embrex system – in ovo incubator.

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The cage debate – can we compromise? By GEORGE ARZEY, Poultry Veterinary Consultant During my veterinary course in Queensland in the late 1970s, one student in our class refused to beak trim a chick as she reckoned that it was cruel. Most of us thought that “she was a bit strange”. Neuromas and pain following beak trimming did not appear in our course syllabus. Conventional cage housing began to be criticised in Europe and in 1976 the Council of Europe published a convention stating that farm animals should be given “space appropriate to their physiological and behavioural needs”. But our class was oblivious to the undercurrents and conventional cages were largely accepted as normal. The number of scientific publications that touched on animal welfare and animal emotions (based on Web of Science), was very low before the dawn of the 21st Century. Research into animal behaviour, including poultry, is on the rise but whether it will facilitate the recognition of the tolerable from the desirable and identify the hen’s preferred housing option remains to be seen. Necessary and justified In Australia, animal cruelty regulations – POCTA (e.g. NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 – Sec 9) states that “a person in charge of an animal (other than a stock animal) shall not confine the animal in a cage of which the height, length or breadth is insufficient to allow the animal a reasonable opportunity for adequate exercise”. In the ACT, duty of care includes providing the opportunity to display behaviour that is normal for the animal. Victorian 1986 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act section 9 states “cruelty to animals includes loading, crowding and confinement that causes, or is likely to cause, unreasonable pain or suffering to the animal”. Inferred in POCTA legislation is the recognition by the community that animals are beings that are conscious, feel pain and can suffer. The legislations address maltreatment of individual animals rather than a group average. POCTA legislations exempts farm animals from requirements deemed necessary for other animals provided that acceptable industry standards are followed. Hence, the legislation takes

the view that there are circumstances where exemptions are justified or necessary. However, it is easier to justify and accept as ‘necessary’ practices that can be objectively shown to inflict no, or minimal suffering and welfare impacts. Recently the Victorian government said “It is a moral imperative that if in doubt, we must assume an animal feels pain and can suffer and, therefore, take action to avoid, minimise or alleviate such pain and suffering”. In the context of hens’ housing preferences, deciding what constitutes more suffering and juggling the pros and cons of various welfare outcomes could be a real challenge that produces significant questions and doubts but no solution to an age old conundrum – what is preferable, early death or roaming free? Unless science can provide undisputed, quantifiable comparative measurements of the degree of suffering and mental impacts imposed by the deprivation of some behavioural repertoire and by illness and death, the community’s ability to judge the ‘necessity and justification’ for compromising critical welfare aspects will remain impaired. The housing system that can provide the highest welfare attributes will remain contentious. High and low welfare Pondering ‘necessity and justification’ is an open ended concept since history tells us that humans are capable of justifying a wide range of actions and inactions. Some scientists even question the need for justifications based on behavioural criteria. They maintain that this is an unaffordable luxury in a world struggling to provide enough food for humans, to address climate change challenges and to preserve biodiversity. Dawkins (Aust. Poult. Sci. Symp. 2015) pointed out that “healthy, high welfare animals bring a range of commercial benefits such as lowered mortality, reduced food waste, higher quality products, lower costs of medication, but these benefits have not yet been sufficiently appreciated or even documented”. However, what is deemed as high welfare by some is not necessarily accepted as such by others. Ultimately

it is up to the community to decide what ‘high welfare’ is and whether ‘lower welfare’ can be justified on the basis of higher priorities, increased productivity, or commercial benefits. Confinement not a sole issue A Director of Australian Egg stated that confinement “is something we can’t win the argument on. From the day that they’re housed, they’re in that cage for the rest of their life”. However, he argued that other welfare aspects including health, food safety and price favour the conventional cages. Indeed all are important aspects to consider. John Dunn CEO Egg Farmers of Australia, raised at the APSS in Sydney in 2018, “the dilemma of explaining the multi-faceted dimension of trading-off certain natural behaviours for a better welfare dividend in health”. The community is asked to decide whether its own safety (food safety), health and mortality of hens take precedence over a lifetime confinement. In order to do so, accurate data is necessary. Food Safety Holt et al (Poultry Science, Vol 90, Issue 1, 2011) in a review concluded that there is no general consensus on the food safety superiority of one housing system over another. More recent Australian studies indicated that fewer free range flocks than indoor flocks were found to harbour Salmonella (Safe Food Qld 2015). In the NSW Food Authority survey 2013, single tier cage farms were reported with the lowest Salmonella prevalence (10%), followed by free range farms with moveable sheds (34%), free range fixed sheds (50%), multi-tier cages and barn (100%). Jones et al. (Poult Sci. 2016 May; 95(5): 1116–1124) detected a significantly higher proportion (95%) of conventional cage hens testing positive for Campylobacter compared with furnished cages (91%) and noncage (85%) birds housed on the same research farm. Another study (Van Hoorebeke et al., 2010, Preventive Veterinary Medicine 94) sampled a total of 292 commercial laying hen farms in European countres and identified conventional cage housing as a specific risk factor for Salmonella shedding. Messens et al (2007) reported CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 w

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SPECIAL FEATURE v

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

higher penetration of cage eggs by Salmonella (16%) than free range eggs (6%) at 14 days storage time. If anything is obvious, it is that the higher food safety attributed to conventional cages is not supported by data. Hen Health Mortality in many respects is an expression of aggressive interactions and ill-health and there is no denial that mortality is higher in litter based systems than in cages. If this criterion is used exclusively, the conventional cage (CC) system would be synonymous with higher welfare but not when compared with furnished cages. For most diseases, injuries and metabolic conditions, ill health does not affect all birds in a flock. They mostly last days or weeks, rarely months and seldom affect 100% of the flock. If industry comparative mortality data that was supplied to the Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) on Poultry Welfare Standards and Guidelines is accepted i.e. CC 3.5%, Barn 7.5% and FR 10% (Australian and overseas data indicate a lower comparative mortality than the above), it is clear that even in FR flocks 90% of individual birds are not likely to die before the flock is depopulated. According to these figures, on average 6.5% more birds are likely to die in free range flocks than in cage flocks but there is a low likelihood that the majority of the birds in the flock would suffer this fate. In contrast the confinement to cages lasts a life time and affects 100% of hens in the flock. What relative weight should be placed on these impacts? In the absence of the ability to recognise animal preference to die or suffer ill-health vs confinement, objective variables like number of hens affected, the duration of the event as well as the likelihood of suffering it, are important hierarchical welfare considerations. This hierarchical examination may influence some members of the community while others, when pondering whether one negative welfare aspect is preferable to another aspect, would be influenced by their own preferences and perceptions of different impacts. A patient community could perhaps wait for a scientific messiah to quantify the comparative level of suffering imposed on the individual hen by permanent deprivation of freedom vs a better hen health outcome but meanwhile opinions are being formed

not necessarily on the basis judicious scientific data. Trade-offs Europe, Canada and NZ have reached a compromise offering a housing system with no health or production trade-offs and some compromise on behavioural repertoires compared with free range or barn hens. The furnished cage in Europe and Canada offers 750 cm2 /hen (including the space occupied by nest and litter trays). It offers a behavioural scope but also more than 750 cm2/h since properly designed, enriched cages enable a vertical dimension (perches) and intermittently a reduction in the number of hens that occupy the same floor area. On the health and production side there are no trade-offs and the conundrum of “trading-off certain natural behaviours for a better welfare dividend in health” does not exist. The 2011 NZ studies provide a useful insight on furnished cages (FC). • Overall rate of mortality was lower than conventional cages (CC) systems, especially when they were beak trimmed using modern Infra-Red beak equipment. The study reported lower mortality in CC initially, but rising to exceed that in FC after 42 weeks of age. Faecal corticosterone levels (stress indicator) were marginally higher in CC compared to furnished cages, • On economic assessments such as feed conversion the FC birds performed as well, or better than CC birds. There were no significant differences in egg shell or internal quality between the 2 systems. However, Haugh Unit scores were significantly lower in CC than in the FC groups. • FC birds had a statistically significant increased risk of suffering broken claws than CC birds in the early weeks of lay, but CC birds had caught up later in lay. On the negative side: • Greater potential for coccidiosis in FC. • A statistically significant increase in the chances of suffering breaks to the wishbone (furculum) than birds in CCs. • Overall production costs are likely to be higher. • Welfare improvement may be deemed by some members of the community to be still unacceptable. Comprehensive scientific reviews concluded that FC generally maintain health and hygiene benefits of conventional cages while supporting the expression of some of the hens’ motivated behaviour patterns. The recent Farmed Bird Science Welfare Review (Oct 2017) concluded that the conven-

tional cage prevents or constrains the performance of most comfort movements. “Compared with conventional cages, hens in furnished cages show lower levels of aggression and more comfort behaviour. They are also able to dissipate heat during hot weather by adopting appropriate postures, an effect that can halve mortality”. Based on the field data of layer farms, an EU Egg Sector Report (2015) concluded that there were no major differences between the conventional and the enriched cage regarding egg production, mortality and daily feed intake. The higher likelihood of disease and mortality does not apply to furnished cages where mortality was reported in many studies to be similar or lower than in conventional cages. The choice is between confinement in an environment with very limited behavioural repertoire, confinement in an environment that provides a scope for a wider behavioural repertoire, or non-confinement (FR, barn) but with trade-offs. Production costs and infrastructure costs It was reported that compared to the situation in Europe before 2012 (the banning of conventional cages), the production costs of eggs are 6% higher, although, on average, hens in the enriched housing system produced about 1.5% more eggs per pound of feed consumed than hens in the conventional housing system. USA studies reported the operating costs to be 4% higher in FC compared to CC and average total costs (facilities and operational costs) were 13% higher than the conventional cages (Matthews et al. 2014 Poultry Science 94:552). This is also consistent with the NZ predicted rise of 10% -15% in retail egg prices. Australian industry data supplied to the RIS indicate the cost of production per dozen eggs to be 3% higher in FC vs CC (166 vs 161 cents). Societal expectations of higher poultry welfare standards (as currently in the proposed Standards and Guidelines) with no conversion from conventional cages to furnished cages, or other housing systems would still result in approximately $709 M of additional costings compared to the current welfare requirements in the Model Code of Practice (MCOP). According to the RIS, the estimated costs of phasing out conventional cages CONTINUED ON PAGE 38 w

NEWS

BADGE chosen for state of the art hatchery BADGE was engaged to work with Darwalla to design and construct a state of the art hatchery. The company has won awards for its constructions and is one of Australia’s largest privately owned builders. It employs more than 240 staff across Australia and has offices in Adelaide, Brisbane Perth and the Sunshine Coast. The design had to meet Darwalla’s current business needs, as well as the plans for growth into the future. The facility has been master planned to enable this expansion when required, such that it can be extended and construction without interruption to current operations. BADGE worked with Darwalla to produce an efficient hatchery layout. Hygiene was of paramount importance, with the building being detailed for efficient cleaning as well as robustness, being able to withstand the daily rigours of operations. Constant movement of heavily loaded trolleys create substantial wear, and high quality floors were critical. A hatchery can’t run out of essential services, even for a moment. With this in mind, the company designed the appropriate water supply, storage, gas and compressed air supplies. Power blackouts are covered by back-up generators that can run the entire facility. With no sewer main to connect to, the waste stream had to be irrigated. Through previous hatchery design and

BADGE was able to work with the complexities of the very specialised requirements of an efficient hatchery. construction experience, the company was able to recommend and implement a filter screen, which is highly water efficient and effective at removing the solids from the waste stream. This is a good outcome for irrigated water quality and managing EPA requirements. Once Darwalla had selected its preferred incubation and automation providers, Petersime and KL Automation, BADGE worked with the specialist contractors to finalise an integrated design solution. This meant designing a hatchery facility to cope with truck movements, deliveries and despatch, with staff safety of critical importance. It also designed to suit the requirements of Darwalla’s insurers for best practice in asset loss-prevention, and the statutory

requirements of the Building Code. The hatchery’s staff amenities were designed to provide comfortable facilities while meeting hygiene requirements. Dual facilities were incorporated, because staff can’t access every part of the hatchery, due to biosecurity risk management protocols. “BADGE has designed and constructed hatcheries in many parts of Australia and New Zealand, and has more than 30 years’ experience with the poultry industry,” said Clint Aird, Badge Manager – Food and Beverage. “We know that the Allora hatchery has the benefit of this experience. It is a state of the art facility that will enable Darwalla’s business to operate with low operational risks well into the future,” he said.

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badge.net.au/food-beverage Pictured: Darwalla Hatchery, Qld.

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NEWS

Alltech’s Dr Pearse Lyons dies at 73 With the passing of Dr Pearse Lyons we at Primary Media have lost a friend in both business and life. With little experience in intensive livestock industries we took over our magazines, Pork Journal and Poultry Digest in mid 2000. Rex Holyoake, Managing Director and owner of Agri-Biz, who started our publications, as part of the hand-over procedures gave us an invite to the 2000 Alltech Asia Pacific Lecture Tour. Sitting in a conference at a Sydney Airport hotel, a youthfull Adam Naylor introduced Dr Lyons. Whatever we expected was challenged by an incredibly enthusiastic Irishman extolling the virtues of yeast cell wall microbiology. Dr Lyons rapid fire delivery of trial material, benefits, and possibly most importantly, commercial rewards was truly amazing. Within minutes the brain was assaulted with the complexities of mannan olligoscharrides. Only grasping a fraction of the science behind this technology, it was still obvious that the enthusiasm of its creator was worth consideration. He and his company, Alltech, had found a new path to generate better productivity for farmers with a world facing population explosion – one of Dr Lyons consistent themes. Some years later Primary Media travelled to the Alltech conference in Kentucky. As quite literally thousands gathered in the Lexington Conference facility, Dr Lyons leapt onto the stage brandishing what looked like a computer chip. He then launched into Genomics which he, with complete confidence stated, would change the way of animal nutrition. “Feeding not just the animal but it’s genes”, was his conviction. ‘Nutrigenomcs’ was a description he used. There was some skepticism expressed in scientific circles at the time but at a recent seminar conducted by Specialised Breeders Australia (see this issue) some of the best geneticists on the planet from Hy-Line spoke about how genomics were being utilised to improve the Hyline Brown layers. When Dr Lyons became interested in a new scientific path he didn’t cautiously creep down it but ran, cheque book in hand, towards any start up enterprise that could advance his goals of better animal nutrition.

The facilities that backed up Alltech’s research and production would often seem like a set from a James Bond movie. Embarking on one of Alltech’s famous tours that took place after the Lexington conferences was like being IN a James Bond movie. The next time Primary Media visited Kentucky Dr Lyons had moved on to the next technology to advance animal nutrition, algae. Once again visitors toured the latest acquisition, a state of the art facility at nearby Springfield in Kentucky ,that was already exploiting the technology for commercial benefit, including in the field of animal nutrition. One of Dr Lyons’ constant themes was ‘getting more out of the genetics’ of commercial livestock. Matching nutrition to potential performance was a constant obsession. He was also an expert in getting the very best out of those who worked with him in his helter skelter goal to produce more food with finite resources. The teams of young scientists and animal nutritionalists recruited by Alltech, many fresh out of some of the world’s best centres for animal science, were the very best – bright and dedicated. They became, and still are, a formidable bunch, the SAS of global animal nutrition. Pacing yourself at Alltech might mean getting up at 5.30 a.m. rather than five, and making sure bedtime was 5 minutes before 1.00 am. Journalists were not spared if they wilted in dealing with the frantic pace of progress at an Alltech seminar. Long before the world’s intensive livestock industries realized that they would have to deal with antimicrobial resistance, Dr Lyons was deeply immersed in finding solutions to the problem. He regarded Australia as an important part of the growing Alltech global market and ever quick to spot an opportunity, acquired the Lienert business in September 2014. That coincided with his one of his last great intiatives in animal nutrition, and that was taking his technology and its benefits directly to the farmer. In recent times Poultry Digest has, with Attech Lienert staff, visited layer farms as part of the Alltech Blueprint program to improve layer productivity

Dr Pearse Lyons, founder and CEO of Alltech.

and egg quality. In the June 2017 we caught up with long time Alltech researcher Tara Tiller to visit Kean’s Poultry in Huntly Victoria. We have known Tara since 2005 and her work on Alltech’s Bioplex Mineral’s Management Program. Apart from his work in animal nutrition Dr Lyons, whose PhD in yeast technolgy was brewing related, arguably helped to save some truly awful British beers early in his career. After establishing Alltech and his animal nutrition business in Kentucky USA, he moved into local brewing and produced some truly spectacular products – Kentucky Ales. He launched into all his initiatives with massive enthusiasm and some of that enthusiasm certainly rubbed off on Poultry Digest. He made animal nutrition exciting as well as a meaningful mission to feed the world’s growing population. That enthusiasm, first experienced in the early days of Primary Media, is still with us today 18 years after learning about mannon oligosacharrides, and for that we are truly grateful. Poultry Digest wishes Dr Mark Lyons, the Lyons family and Alltech management team and associates all the best and we share with them our sadness at the loss of Dr Peace Lyons – a truly great scientist, entrepreneur and showman.

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NEWS

2018 APSS Conference The Australian Poultry Science Symposium (APSS) was held from February 4 to 7 at the Sydney Hyde Park Sheraton, which is now in all probability its home for the forseeable future. Actually the event really started on the Sunday, February 3 with seminars and the Grate Debate followed by an opportunity to register early and enjoy the pre-APSS cocktails and canapés at the end of day. The 29th Australian Poultry Science Symposium was officially opened by Judy O’Keeffe, President of the Poultry Research Foundation (PRF) and Dr Peter Groves, Director of the PRF. Session One was Low Protein Broiler Rations with Dr Kylie Hewson (AgriFutures Chicken Meat) in the chair. Patrick Garland from Premier Nutrition UK was the first speaker and the first invited keynote presenter. ‘The challenges confronting chicken meat producers in Great Britain in relation to low protein diets’ was his topic. He was followed by Matthew Hilliar, a rising post grad star from The University of New England who’s topic was ‘Why do we need low protein meat chicken diets’. Mathew later spoke in session Two on ‘Investigatingthe effects of glycine and glycine equivalents on meat chicken performance under low protein’. ‘Amino Acid nutrition update to ensure successful low protein diets in broiler chickens’, was his topic. Next was Low protein broiler rations Session 2 with Georgie Townsend (AgriFutures) introducing speakers. William Lambert from Ajinomoto Eurolsine, France was the second invited speaker with ‘Amino acid nutrition update to ensure successful low protein diets in broiler chickens’. Amy Moss from Sydney University who’s work on whole grain feeding is becoming a regular feature of poultry seminars spoke about, ‘The selection element in whole grain feeding regimes’. Adult Hen Feeding and Breeding was the next session of the February 5, with Dave Cadogan in the chair. Invited speaker Martin Zuidhof from the University of Alberta, Canada spoke about precision feeding of broiler breeders. “Increasing genetic potential is great for the broiler industry, but represents a challenge for broiler breeder nutritional-

ists and managers,” he said during a detailed presentation. In the same session Andrea Talbot from Agricure Scientific Organics P/L Australia delivered some interesting ideas on Vitamin K enriched eggs that delivered benefits for the consumer, farmer and the hen. Ha Hong Truong, now based at the CSIRO Bribie Island Research Centre, presented a paper about the ‘Effect of choice feeding of diets varying in dietary Ca and available P concentrations and ratios on intake and egg quality of layers. The poster sessions have become of increasing significance at APSS and for 2018, Rick Carter from Kemin introduced particpants before delegates joined the post graduates and industry indentities whose research was on display. Key topics were broiler health and welfare, broiler nutrition, layer health and well being, and eggs and egg quality. Neil Gannon from Biomin whose post grad studies are well behind him, is still active in research. His poster ‘Potential effects of a phytogenic feed additive on carcass and meat traits compared to an antibiotic growth promoter’ reported on trials that demonstrated the hope that phytogenics can help to recover some of the lost productivity gains as industry learns to live without AGPs. Biomin has been a pioneer in this field and its good to see the promise held out for this category of feed additives seems to be justified. UNE researchers and post grad students are always well represented in APSS poster sessions. Nisha Sharma’s (UNE) poster ‘Immune response following acquired Ascardia galli infection in free laying hens’ reveals yet more challenges to a production system apparently demanded by consumers but challenging for the producer. A second paper, Performance and caecal metabolite composition of broilers fed low and high protein diets supplemented with feed additives’ was the result of work with ACE Livestock Consulting Pty Ltd. Speakers in the main sessions at APSS come from all parts of the world but it was good to see a young researcher Dorene Aneme from Nottingham University in the UK had come a long way to present her work,

1. Dr Kylie Hewson, AgriFutures, Chicken Meat. 2. Matthew Hilliar, UNE. 3. Martin Zuidhof, University of Alberta, Canada. 4. Andrea Talbot from Agricure Scientific Organics P/L.

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NEWS ‘Investigation into the relationship between production traits in individually caged early-lay ISA Brown hens’. On February 6, the day started with the Egg Industry Standards and Guidelines, session 5 with Gemma Wyburn (Australian Eggs) in the chair. Invited speaker John Dunn, who heads up Egg Farmers Australia, in his address, ‘Animal welfare standards and guidelines- the role of science and ethics in public debates’, revealed the immense challenges facing producers as a result of pressures like cage free production The dangers to viable egg production facing producers resulting from often unrealistic consumer expectations are well known and trying to counter these expectations with well proven scientific facts will in many cases not change the minds of consumers, regulators and other interested parties,” John explained. Session 6, Layer Hen Wellbeing was moderated by Australian Egg’s Jojo Jackson. It commenced with invited speaker Alan Tilbrook (Uni Qld) delivering, ‘Insights into assessment of the welfare of laying hens in Australia’. The following paper, ‘Naturally inspired intermittent lighting schedules to improve behavioural synchronization in layer chicks’ was the interesting topic delivered by Joanne Edgar from the University of Bristol in the UK. Raymond Chia from Australian Eggs introduced the invited speaker, Richard Gast from USDA who spoke about ‘Control and monitoring of Salmonenna in Egg-Laying chickens’. Given the problems experienced with Salmonella in the US recently, his paper was based on real hard experience. “The cost to the US as a result of human Salmonella illness was a staggering $11 billion annually comprising the combination of medial treatment, lost earnings, lost productivity, regulatory actions, lawsuits and the loss or diminished markets for products. ”The USA federal regulatory program for S. Enteritidis in commercial egg production is estimated to cost the egg industry $US 81 million annually but it reduces human health costs by $US 1.4 billion annually,” he added. Poultry Digest was unable to attend the Symposium Dinner Harbour Cruise where Dr Chris Morrow of Bioproperties was the worthy recipient of the 2017 Australian Poultry Award. Vaccines researched and produced during the existence of the two Poultry

CRC’s are a global as well as a national achievement. The first invited paper in session 9, Hot Topics ‘Consumer views and big data’ on the morning of the February 7 with Professor Julie Roberts in the chair was ‘Happier chickens lay tastier eggs – motivations for buying free range eggs in Australia’ by Heather Bray, University of Adelaide. Heather and her team have gone out into their local shopping malls and specifically quizzed shoppers as to their views, aims and motives. In the process they have unravelled a confused and often confusing approach to shoppers’ buying motivations. Illustrating the data derived from the multiple trials and results of hundreds, or thousands of items of research conducted in intensive animal research, presents challenges in both creation and interpretation. ‘Enhancing research communication through information design and visual storytelling; reflections on 10 years of APSS proceedings figures’ was a fascinating paper delivered by Martin Krzywinski from the Genome Sciences Centre in Canada. After hearing Martin’s truly fascinating paper, no simple pie chart or bar graph will ever seem the same. Session 10 was ‘Big data for poultry – what is possible?’ After a brief struggle with the often temperamental technology that holds and distributes our data, Christine Clarke (Auspac) introduced Stuart Wilkinson from Feedworks who answered that very question – a lot it would seem. In the final session 11 which was introduced by David Sherwood from EW Nutrition, tha last speaker was JeanChristophe Bodin from Jefo Nutrition in Canada. ‘Performance and intestinal health of broiler chickens supplemented with a protease and fed a standard diet, or a low density diet’ was his topic. Associate Professor Tamsyn Crowley the Director of Poultry Hub Australia presented the Minghan Choct Award for the most outstanding postgraduate presentation. Amy Moss from the University of Sydney won the award against stiff competition. Associate Professor Peter Groves, the Director of the Poultry Research Foundation, presented the award for the best post graduate presentation (sponsored by Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing) to Doreen Anene from the University of Nottingham, UK.

1. John Dunn, Egg Farmers Australia. 2. Jean-Christophe Bodin from Jefo Nutrition, Canada. 3. Patrick Garland, Premier Nutrition UK. 4.Stuart Wilkinson from Feedworks.

NEWS 1

Aviagen Management Essentials Judy Robberts Technical Service Manager, ANZ Judy graduated in animal and poultry science and has 12 years of experience with breeder and broiler production. Prior to joining Aviagen, she has an extensive history as an advisor servicing Ross parent stock customers.

Judy comments, “Daily egg weight is a good indicator of nutrient intake. Monitoring egg and body weights allows you to manage nutrient allocation during production. Low nutrient intake will decrease egg weight, high intake will increase egg weight.”

Daily Egg Weights Objective To monitor daily egg weight in conjunction with body-weight to predict daily feed allocation, ensuring that the bird is receiving the correct total daily nutrient intake. Key Points • •

• •

Egg weight should be recorded daily from 10% hen day production. A sample of 120 - 150 eggs should be bulk weighed each day. Eggs to be weighed should be collected at the second collection to avoid weighing eggs from the previous day. All small, double-yolk, cracked and abnormal eggs should be removed before weighing. Calculate the average egg weight and record on an egg weight chart. The scale of the graph on the chart should be large enough (0.5 gm) to clearly show daily variations in egg weight.

Example Calculation: Average daily egg weight (g/lb)

Average daily egg weight

Total weight for all eggs weighed - total weight of egg tray(s) Number of eggs weighed (7800 g [17.2 lb] - 300 g [0.66 lb]

= 50 g (0.11 lb)

150

Example of daily egg weight recording chart:

Result: •

1. Associate Professor Peter Groves presents best post graduate award to Dorene Aneme, University of Nottingham, UK. 2. Nisha Sharma with her poster. 3. Neil Gannon from Biomin. 4. Richard Gast from the USDA. 5. Martin Krzywinski, Genome Sciences Centre, Canada. 6. Heather Bray, University of Adelaide.

Normal pattern of daily egg weight in a flock receiving the correct quantity of feed, egg weight will normally follow the target profile. Some variation around the target should be expected due to sampling variation and environmental influences.

NEWS

AgriFutures Seminar held at APSS 2018 The Agrifutures Seminar was held just before APSS on the Sunday and Georgie Townsend, Chicken meat program development officer was in the chair. Georgie explained the transition of the RIRDC chicken meat programs to the AgriFutures network. The opening session was to highlight the current fields of research including sorghum, whole grain feeding and net energy. Georgie introduced the first speaker, Dr Peter Selle, who once again delved into his favourite subject, sorghum. Dr Selle identified key disadvantages of sorghum as a feed grain for chicken meat production such as “poor pellet quality, modest response to feed enzymes, protein quality lacking kafirin and starch digestion incomplete and energy utilization compromised,” he said “Leucine is the dominant essential amino acid in kafirin but its profile in sorghum protein has increased over 18 years in Australian sorghum crops which indicates that kafirin as a proportion of sorghum protein is escalating as an inadvertent consequence of selection programs. “This trend needs to be reversed,” he warned. Dr Selle concluded by reporting on research being conducted by Ian Godwin, a professor in plant molecular genetics at the University of Queensland into a low kafirin, low phenolic sorghum without the real or perceived agronomic disadvantages of white sorghum. Next Amy Moss from University of Sydney spoke about ‘whole grain feeding’ which has, as Amy pointed out, “met remarkable acceptance from industry despite the limited amount of research into the subject,” she said. After describing pre and post pellet whole grain feeding, Amy revealed that ”in Australia post pellet WGF is approximately 15-20% whereas in New Zealand, pre pellet is 5-10% and that WGF is generally used wherever wheat is the dominant feed grain. “In Europe WGF rate is as high as 60% post pellet. “The first challenge of WGF is that the gizzard responses to whole grain are variable and reported on over 11

studies conducted by Dr Sonia Liu (WGF inclusion rates from 7.5 to 50% and though these inclusions resulted in increased gizzard weights, response rates were between 0.7% to 100%,” she said. “Factors that may influence the success of WGF regimes were “the amount of whole grain, the mode of addition (i.e. pre-pellet, post-pellet), the type of whole grain (wheat or barley), the type and particle size of ground grain in the diet, enzyme inclusion and select feeding. “Our studies aimed to determine the effect of these factors on WGF,” she said, Her conclusion as to what features are most important in the gizzard were size isn’t everything, it’s what’s inside that counts, as well.” Her overall conclusions were that “whole grain feeding generated greater nutrient utilisation and starch digestion, particularly when performance of the control was poor. “Phytase generated amplified responses under whole grain feeding regimes: Why?” Amy asked. ‘Implications of digestive dynamics of protein and starch for chicken meat production in the future’ was the topic for Dr Sonia Liu (University of Sydney). The definition of digestive dynamics of protein and starch may be defined as a three phase progression comprising digestion, adsorbtion and transition of protein/amino acids and starch/glucose from the gut lumen to the portal circulation,” Dr Liu stated. After further explanation of those three key elements, Dr Liu went on to talk about the current AgriFutures Chicken Meat project 2016-2020 into ‘Formulating broiler diets based on protein and starch digestive dynamics’. In concluding her paper, Dr Liu stated that “Feed conversion efficiency may be improved by rapidly digestible protein and slowly digestible starch. “More importantly, protein digestion rates had more pronounced impacts on feed conversion efficiency,” she said. “Examining digestive dynamics in diets containing a high level of synthetic amino acids, was the next step,” she said. Dr Bob Swick from UNE, then reported on ‘Implementation of a net energy system for poultry feed formulation’ research supported by AgriFutures.

1. Georgie Townsend, AgriFutures. 2. Amy Moss, Uni of Sydney, winner of the Mingan Choct Award. 3. Dr Sonia Liu, Uni of Sydney. 4. Dr Bob Swick, UNE.

NEWS “From 50 to 70% of feed costs are energy related and co-integrated with petroleum and feed energy since 2005,” he said. “Metabolisable energy is a variable measurement (TME, TMEn,AME, AMEn) and variation arises from ingredients, the bird and the methodology.” He described the methodology of trials and the conclusions on the results. “Prediction equations developed for net energy of ingredients for meat chickens included: NE equation: AMEn, crude protein and ether extract. “The equation is easily entered into the LC program and the economics depend on ingredient prices and nutrient cost. “NE formulation gives more value to fat with protein negative; formulation change with smaller price swings, “Dr Swick concluded. Next Jurek Grapetin from EW Nutrition introduced the protagonists in the Grate Debate where the Whippersnappers took on the Dinosaurs. In the context of Poultry Nutrition, the energy of youth is better than the experience of the aged.

Dinosaurs: Bob Hughes, John McLeish and Peter Selle with Jurek Grapetin. The adjudicator was Baiada’s Peter Chrystal and the teams were:Sonia Liu, Fabian Barcelo, Santiago Ramirez (The Whippersnappers) vs Peter Selle, John McLeish and Bob Hughes (The Dinosaurs). Much fun was poked by each side at the other. Peter Selle drew the analogy for age and experience of Juan Manuel Fangio,

the greatest racing driver of the day and almost invincible in his Maserati F250. In those epic motor races in the 1950s the Whippersnapper would have been Stirling Moss. Whereas Moss won many races he never made it to a Formula 1 world championship whereas Fangio, in a similar era, achieved no less than five of them – point made I think.

NEWS

Craig Smith takes on CEO role at Santrev Craig Smith joined the Santrev team in February, taking on the role of CEO. Craig has had a 21 year career in Building Products and Solutions, with extensive experience in Australia, China and South East Asia. “I am very excited about joining the Santrev outfit,” Mr Smith said. “In Santrev I see a perfect balance of having the fundamental value set of a family owned business, with experience and knowledge built up over decades, combined with a strong drive and desire to provide a true quality solution to the market. “The people at Santrev have a strong belief in the value of developing long lasting relationships, that stand the test of time.

PIX Young Industry Delegate Sponosorship The PIX Committee would like to offer industry travel grants aimed at encouraging young delegates from both Australia and New Zealand to experience all that PIX has to offer including the presentation program, trade show, social functions and workshops. This sponsorship is intended to open doors for those who are not usually able to attend PIX. Application criteria for this program: • Hold a current position in broiler or layer production, poultry research or poultry technical services. • Be 35 years or under. • Can demonstrate the support of a manager. • Provide a brief resume and explanation of how attendance at PIX will benefit applicant through personal development or directly to current role. • Submit short summary of the overall experience within four weeks of the event (no more than 400 words). Applications close Friday, 20 April 2018. Submit applications to pixapplications@pixamc. com.au. All applications will be considered by the PIX committee with applicants notified of final decisions by Friday, 4 May 2018.

“We can only do this if we have a deep-seated belief in the quality and value of the solutions we provide. “We also understand the importance of continually developing and introducing new and improved technology and equipment and we are constantly researching and trialling new products. “I have just returned from visiting our fabrication facilities in Dongguan, China, and it was great to spend some time with the people. “The commitment to supplying world class fabricated steel for our buildings is evident, with the Australian and Chinese team based at the factory being justifiably proud of their contributions. “It is a privilege to be part of the Santrev family,” Mr Smith concluded. Owner and co-founder of Santrev, Luke Trevanion commented, “Craig really helps complete the team here at Santrev and with his experience and world class skillset I think we are even better placed to provide high performance value solutions for our client.”

Top: Luke Trevanion (centre) and new CEO Craig Smith (right) inspect the new world class fabricated steel at the new factory in Dongguan in China. Above: With staff at the facility.

PRODUCT NEWS

LEVUCELL SB authorised in Europe for reduction in Salmonella contamination Lallemand Animal Nutrition has announced that the live yeast probiotic strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii CNCM I-1079 (LEVUCELL SB) is the first and only feed additive authorised in the EU for the reduction of carcass contamination by Salmonella spp. in broiler chickens. This regulatory breakthrough is based on an extensive knowledge about the strain, its mode of action and its positive effects in the digestive tract, in particular its unique properties supporting a balanced intestinal microbiota and reinforcing natural defenses. Lallemand Animal Nutrition has assembled an extensive research dossier that shows how LEVUCELL SB can help reduce the Salmonella spp. contamination on carcasses of broiler chicken, and thus improve the quality and safety of poultry food products. “It offers a new and efficient tool to the poultry industry that have to implement strict prevention procedure from farm to slaughterhouse and food processing steps,” said Ludovic Arnaud, Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Manager, Europe. “In the EU, all probiotics are authorised under the category of ‘zootechnical additives’ and most of them in the ‘gut flora stabilizers’ or ‘digestibility enhancers’ functional groups. “Those functions are mainly demonstrated with zootechnical performance data. When other efficacy end-points

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are documented, probiotics can then be authorized as ‘other zootechnical additives’ with a specific ‘claim’ associated to it,” said Mr Arnaud. “Thanks to an extensive research dossier submitted by Lallemand Animal Nutrition, scientific experts from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have acknowledged the potential of the probiotic S. c. boulardii CNCM I-1079 to aid in the reduction of carcass contamination by Salmonella spp. “This has led to the authorization of the additive under ‘other zootechnical additives’ with the mention of reduction of Salmonella contamination on carcasses through its decrease in the faeces. “In the global context of fighting

antimicrobial resistance in the EU, the reduction of antimicrobial usage in livestock production is a key target while increased pressure is put on food safety and food quality.” “Salmonellosis is one of the major food-borne diseases facing the poultry industry worldwide,” said Matthieu Baulez, Global Category Manager Monogastric Feed Additives. “Salmonella control is a multifactorial issue that concerns the entire production chain, from farm to fork. Having a microbial feed additive, with substantial technical and scientific support, that is also recognized to help reduce the risk of Salmonella carcass contamination is an opportunity for the whole food chain,” he said.

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Dr Chris Morrow wins Australian Poultry Award At the Australian Poultry Science Symposium Dinner Harbour Cruise, Dr Chris Morrow of Bioproperties was the worthy recipient of the 2017 Australian Poultry Award. The award was presented by Dr Juliet Roberts, President of the WPSA Australian Branch. Chris Morrow graduated from Melbourne University with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 1980, and was initially employed as a Government Veterinarian (Poultry) in Tamworth, NSW, where he developed a rapport with the poultry industry and colleagues in the NSW Poultry Branch. In 1985, he returned to Melbourne University to undertake PhD studies on Mycoplasmas of Poultry, under the supervision of Professor Kevin Whithear. Chris developed the MS-H Mycoplasma synoviae vaccine, and he became a recognised international authority on avian mycoplasmas. In 1990 Chris was recruited by then Victorian Depart-

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ment of Agriculture as an Avian Pathologist where he continued his research on mycoplasma typing and diagnosis. He also worked on Newcastle disease virus virulence and avian influenza typing and diagnosis, and played an important role in resolving the issues of the Marekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease control following the importation of international seedlots in 1992. In 1996, Chris became a company veterinarian for Aviagen Ltd, Scotland. In 2006, Chris was offered a position of Global Technical and Marketing Manager of Bioproperties Pty Ltd and this new role capitalised on his scientific strengths and his international reputation and knowledge. He was able to utilise his in-depth knowledge of avian mycoplasmas to develop markets for the Bioproperties vaccines, and at the same time re-engaged with his colleagues at the University of Melbourne to stimulate new technical developments on the vaccine front and in the diagnostic area. Chris has been a vital component in the effective commercialisation of vaccines for both Bioproperties and the University of Melbourne (where he is an honorary Associate Professor), with royalties from international sales of the mycoplasma vaccines also flowing to AECL and RIRDC to support poultry research. Some of Chrisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most significant achievements include: research on lentogenic Newcastle disease virus in broiler chickens prior to Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major Newcastle disease outbreak in 1998-1999; development of PCR technology for diagnosis of Mycoplasma synoviae; development of the MS-H live Mycoplasma synoviae vaccine; detection and differentiation of M. meleagridis and M. iowae in turkeys by PCR; characterisation of influenza A viruses isolated from Victorian ducks between 19901996; leader of the Avian Mycoplasma team of the International Research Program for Collaborative Mycoplasmology; specialist lectures on veterinary input into modern poultry industries for the University of Melbourne Veterinary School; continuous contributions to the Australian Veterinary Poultry Association and World Veterinary Poultry Association and regional Poultry Health forums in Australia; reviewer for Avian Pathology, Avian Diseases, Virus Research, the Veterinary Record, the Australian Veterinary Journal and Tropical Veterinary Medicine; and development of international markets for the mycoplasma vaccines produced in Australia. He has published 37 papers in scientific journals and four major chapters in books on avian medicine. He has also contributed to our understanding of fowl cholera, coryza and avian hepatitis E viruses, and has been a potent force in driving collaboration between international and Australian researchers on poultry diseases. Chris is well known for his quick wit, lateral thinking, problem-solving ability, outgoing and humorous personality and his willingness to share his knowledge with others. He is a most deserving recipient of the WPSA Australian Poultry Award.

NEWS

Online nutrition database to reduce feed costs A new online nutrition database promises to deliver increased accuracy and flexibility in formulating least-cost feed and increased precision when using supplemental feed enzymes. The interactive database contains the non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) content of all feed ingredients fed to poultry in Australia and has been developed at the University of New England, in partnership with PoultryHub Australia and Australian Pork Ltd. This database contains approximately 1300 individual feed ingredient samples from across Australia, including both conventional and unconventional ingredients. Dr Natalie Morgan, Post Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of New England has been developing the

database for the past two years. ‘“This is the first database of its kind in the world and has huge potential to be developed further,” she said. The database enables members from PHA and Australian Pork Ltd to access the NSP values online and include them in their diet formulations. Fibre is a highly variable and complex component of plant-based feed ingredients and is perhaps the most poorly understood constituent of poultry diets. ‘Crude fibre’ measurements are currently used to indicate dietary fibre content and develop feed formulations, but the analytical methods used to characterise crude fibre are unable to adequately represent fibre utilisation in the animal.

It is imperative for future efficiency gain, and hence viability of productive farms, that a more accurate system of estimating true fibre levels is used. This is possible by determining the soluble and insoluble NSP content of feed ingredients. The database includes the soluble and insoluble NSP and free oligosaccharides content of all the ingredients, including the sugar composition, allowing nutritionists to gain in-depth understanding of the types of NSPs arising from the use of different ingredients and the best strategies to deal with them. Dr Natalie Morgan explains that the database “will enable the industry to make accurate predictions about the true fibre values in diets and allow new technologies to be developed and evaluated. “Currently the database features Australian feed ingredients, but we have plans to expand it to include grains from across the globe,” Dr Morgan said. To request access to the database please go to https://my.une.edu.au/ nspdb.

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NEWS

Alltech Conference assembles thought leaders for epic ideas exhange The Alltech Ideas Conference (ONE18) will provide attendees with a unique opportunity to participate in a global conversation about industry innovations, challenges and solutions. The transformative power of ideas is the underlying focus of over 50 topics slated for discussion. ONE18, held from May 20–22 in Lexington, Kentucky, will include general sessions with world-class speakers providing insights and inspiration that transcend culture, profession and time. Subject- and species-specific breakout sessions with industry experts will give attendees from all realms of agriculture an opportunity to engage in an exchange of ideas relevant to their particular fields.

Gary Sansom Broiler Workshop In 2018, the Gary Sansom Broiler Workshop will be held on Wednesday, 6 June 2018 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. The PIX committee is recognising Gary Sansom for his contribution to the poultry industry and more broadly to agriculture in Australia by naming our broiler workshop in his memory. Gary was a champion in many areas including environmental management systems, biosecurity, farm safety and research. For many people Gary will be remembered for generously giving his time and council but more importantly Gary was a mentor to many people in our industry. This year’s workshop will be focusing on the thermal neutral zone of the Broiler—or the “sweet spot” for the bird that optimises their welfare and performance—and how this basic requirement for life dictates how we manage every stage of broiler management. We are pleased to let you know we have two international presenters confirmed, Professor Malcolm Mitchell and Mr Bernard Green.

Now in its 34th year, Alltech’s conference is attended annually by nearly 4,000 people from more than 70 countries. David Hunt, co-founder of Cainthus, said of the event, “This conference is effectively a nexus of Eastern, Western, African, Middle Eastern agriculture.” Whether attendees are navigating a fundamental change within the agribusiness industry or just need a little inspiration, they’ll learn about real-world opportunities during sessions designed to impart knowledge while provoking the imagination. Sessions and sample discussions are listed below. Topics are subject to change. Poultry: • Flocking to Digital: 8 Disruptive Digital Technologies How can emerging technologies help poultry producers respond to industry demands and meet the needs of an increasing global population? • Hatching a Plan for Superior Eggs The consumer is becoming more critical of egg quality as they consider eggshell strength, uniformity and color. What can you do to ensure superior external and internal egg quality? Business: • All Eyes on Ag: Leading the Future of Agribusiness Why are so many mega brands interested in agribusiness? Join us for a look at why brands such as Microsoft are betting the farm on agriculture. • Does Social Responsibility Sell? As consumers become more interested in what companies stand for, does your public relations strategy convey the right message? The conference experience extends beyond superior presentation content, with attendees invited to embark on area tours throughout the Bluegrass and network with peers from across the globe. They’ll enjoy first-class cuisine in the city that Zagat named one of the “30 Most Exciting Food Cities in America in 2017” and dance the night away at the annual Kentucky Night celebration, held in the Alltech Arena at the world-famous Kentucky Horse Park. In previous years, the ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference stage has been graced by world renowned speakers indlucing Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, and General Colin Powell, former US Secretary of State. At this year’s event Jack Welch, one of the world’s most respected CEOs, will share his groundbreaking management practices with the attendees. The celebrated former CEO of General Electric is highly regarded for his track record of success and his commitment to building leaders and teams. Also featured on ONE18’s mainstage will be Professor Robert Wolcott and Dr Rodolphe Barrangou. Professor Wolcott is clinical professor of innovation and entrepreneurship at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Dr Rudolphe Barrangou is the TR Klaenhammer Distinguished Scholar in Probiotics Research in the Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences at North Carolina State University, where his work focuses on the evolution and function of CRISPR-Cas systems and their applications in food manufacturing.

NEWS

New Key Account Manager for Auspac Nathan Dwyer has recently taken on the position of Key Account Manager and says he will focus on specialty applications in the feed and feed hygiene sectors covered by Auspac Ingredients. Prior to joining Auspac Ingredients he was based in South East Asia for 16 years working as a Technical Sales Manager for enzyme and remediation applications in multiple industries throughout North, South and South East Asia. According to Nathan, he says he

has built experience delivering these new and existing environmentally friendly technologies to markets such as animal feed and aquaculture, protein processing, brewing and viticulture, starch modification, flour and baking, textiles, pulp and paper and waste water treatment. I look forward very much to working in this new challenging position in order to help enable my business partners to realise the benefits that the Auspac Ingredients range of products can provide,â&#x20AC;? Nathan said.

Record response to poultry welfare standards during public consultation A record number of submissions have been received on the draft Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry (S&Gs) during the 90 day public consultation period.Â With more than165,000 submissions, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the largest response to a public consultation that Animal Health Australia (AHA) has managed, said Kathleen Plowman, AHA CEO. Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s currently five times the amount of submissions received during the development of welfare standards and guidelines for other industries, mindful that final numbers wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be known for a few more weeks as collation continues,â&#x20AC;? said Ms Plowman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;AHA recognises and appreciates the efforts of all stakeholders who helped spread the word about public consultation, ensuring the message went far and wide. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Such extensive public consultation is what we set out to achieve, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fantastic result. Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also thank everyone who shared their views on the draft document. These submissions will help guide the development of the next version of the S&Gs and ensure that a robust document is delivered to Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agriculture ministers,â&#x20AC;? said Ms Plowman. Â The draft standards mark an important step forward in poultry welfare in Australia, moving from the existing voluntary system to national regulation. The document was open for public consultation from Monday 27 November

2017 and closed for comment at 5pm Monday 26 February 2018. Â Next steps following public consultation include: â&#x20AC;˘ Submissions will be reviewed by an independent consultant, who will deliver a report with key findings to the Animal Welfare Task Group (AWTG). The AWTG includes representatives from all government jurisdictions. â&#x20AC;˘ Based on these findings, a revised welfare standards document will be developed under the direction of the AWTG. â&#x20AC;˘ The revised welfare standards will

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then be provided for consideration to the Stakeholder Advisory Group, which is comprised of representatives from industry bodies, welfare organisations and all government jurisdictions. â&#x20AC;˘ The S&Gs document will be finalised by the AWTG and progress to Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agricultural ministers. Â The independent consultantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s report and the major submissions will be available in June 2018 on the Animal Welfare Standards â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Poultry website. Â Further details can be found at http://www.animalwelfarestandards.net. au/poultry/poultry-public-consultation/.

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NEWS v CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 over a period of 20 years was approximately $415 million above the estimated $709 million. Based on 2016/2017 egg production in Australia (459.2 million dozen eggs/annum), 10 cents extra for every dozen eggs produced over the next 10 years would result in $459 million intake and pay for the extra costs. A person that consumes 240 eggs per annum would pay an extra $2 per year or $20 over 10 years to cover the costings of furnished cages. Across the Tasman, NZ egg producers have been warning Australian producers not to repeat the NZ mistake, explaining that the NZ supermarkets stepped in last year to announce that from 2025 they would no longer stock eggs from any caged system. The European experience has not seen a smooth transition but the lesson is that even giant supermarkets must meet demands for eggs. Six years after banning CCs in Europe, 56% of eggs produced in the EU are from Fcs. Canadian producers are predicting

Don’t

that by 2031 85% of the hens will be in furnished cages. It is difficult to argue that the consumers that currently buy conventional cage eggs would elect not to buy furnished cage eggs once conventional cage eggs become unavailable, unless their price was well above the prices of free range or barn eggs. Public goods and financial burden “Animal welfare is a classic public good” (Lusk et al, Animal Welfare Economics 2011). Higher welfare does not necessarily lead to higher productivity and there can be insufficient economic incentive for a poultry farm to reduce risks to animal welfare. Therefore, it is largely animals and the community that stand to benefit. Furthermore, the long term viability of the investment in FCs is at the mercy of evolving community attitude. This is no different from any other business producing goods except that the investment in poultry welfare is mandated. It is not clear that the market will allow producers to pass-on their full increased costs although operational

costs are likely to be paid by consumers as they purchase the product. In the event that FCs (or any other infrastructure) become mandated in Australia, shouldn’t elements of the non-operational financial burden reflect the public good’s aspect? In Germany, for example, the extra expense incurred by livestock producers for the implementation of additional animal welfare criteria is compensated at a flat rate via financial incentives independent of the market price. In Canada a four-cent levy rebate on marketable dozen eggs has been introduced to help producers cover transition costs (Canadian eggs among other agricultural products are subject to the supply management system and egg quotas). Typically, the cost of new housing systems can be reimbursed in 15 to 20 years which may explain the reluctance of governments to subsidise infrastructure costs but there should be other ‘public purse’ mechanisms to address the significant ‘public good’ element associated with animal welfare. References available on request.

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