Poultry Digest October/November 2014

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poultrydigest www.primarymedia.com.au

Volume 30, Number 2

October/November 2014

Generational change with move to more cage free production at Libreri Eggs

Feedworks Coolum 2014 Conference: Creative destruction and market volatility

NSW Deputy Premier opens Cordina’s new Wyong facility

Animal Welfare Science Centre PhD candidiate wins Rural Finance Scholarship Print Post Approved PP243096/00007 ISSN 1444-8041


Feedworks Coolum 2014 Conference: Creative destruction and market volatility

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Volume 30, Number 2

Peta Taylor

October/November 2014

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SUBSCRIPTIONS Features Page 8: Generational change with move to more cage free production at Libreri Eggs by Peter Bedwell

Page 42: Strategy for salmonella prevention on egg layer farms (part two) by Peter Scott

Page 46: Trace minerals: Is quality control a priority? by Tara Jarman

News Page 4: Feedworks Coolum 2014 Conference: Creative destruction and market volatility. Page 16: Animal Welfare Science Centre PhD candidate wins Rural Finance Scholarship Page 20: Poultry CRC 2014 annual Ideas Exchange Page 24: NSW Deputy Premier opens Cordina’s new Wyong facility Page 28: Novus Australia Technology Transfer Forum

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ENQUIRIES OFFICE ADDRESS: 22 George Street, East Gosford NSW, 2250 Phone: (02) 4323 0005 Mob: 0419 235 288 Production: 0409 944 472 Email: primarymedia@bigpond.com Poultry Digest consists of a bi-monthly management magazine and an annual industry review, Poultry Industry Yearbook Published by CD Supplies Pty Ltd trading as Primary Media (ACN 091 560 557) All material copyright (editorial and advertisements) and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. Whilst every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of POULTRY DIGEST, the publishers do not accept any responsibility or liability for the material herein.

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NEWS

Feedworks Coolum 2014 Conference: Creative destruction and market volatility Feedworks held its 2014 Conference at the Coolum Resort on the Sunshine Coast Qld, from September 17-20. The theme for this year’s event was ‘Creative destruction and market volatility: how innovation and technology succeeds’ and it was introduced by Feedworks Managing Partner, Malcolm Mottram. Keynote motivational speaker Michael McQueen, author and commentator on social trends, kept delegates entertained and informed as he traced the histories of great companies which had either not adapted and failed, like Kodak, and others which had revamped their products, and succeeded, like Volvo. “Creative destruction – why even the greatest become obsolete – and how to avoid their fate,” was his topic for the night. Well primed to survive everchanging demands of modern livestock production, delegates settled in to hear some solutions to industry challenges on September 18. “Net energy validation in broilers’, was explained by Professor Bob Swick who has conducted much research on this topic at UNE as part of a Poultry CRC sponsored project, ‘Implementation of a net energy system for the Australian chicken meat industry’. Professor Swick set the scene for his report by pointing out that 50 to 70% of feed costs are energy related. He explained the quite sophisticated and complex methodology of obtaining accurate data at UNE but perhaps his ‘potential bottom line’ revelations grabbed the attention of the room. His research predicted a liveweight savings of $0.0256 per kilogram of meat produced. “Given a total 30,000 mt/mo of feedmill production and FCR of 1.60 to produce 225,000,000 kg of chicken meat per annum, there would be savings of around $16 per MT of feed. “That means a potential saving of around $5.76 million over a year’s feed costs,” he said. ‘Reducing gut inflammation in animals, birds and humans’ was Dr Stuart Reeve’s topic. Dr Reeves is a Director of Research & Development at Embria Life Sciences,

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a subsidiary of Diamond V Mills. He has been instrumental in spearheading research investigation into the concept of balanced immune health. Had Dr Reeves not made it as a scientist, which he obviously has, he could have enjoyed an equally illustrious career as a stand-up comedian. His talk was not only informative but funny – transmitting scientific principals well is an art in itself and one that Dr Reeves has mastered. “Inflammation is a normal response to immune activation and when localised, is appropriate. Widespread or subclinical inflammation can cause problems and have energy usage effects,” Dr Reeves said. He described gut morphology broiler trials conducted using his companies XPC products, that resulted in a 50% increase in villis volume density at the end of a 42 day growing cycle. Posing the question, ‘Why is inflammation now a problem?’ Dr Reeves pointed to changes in average broiler age and market weight in the US since 1920 when breeding for breast meat yield really got started. He summarised his paper by stating that “proper diets and additive technologies can reduce gut inflammation, and that their overall impact can lead to a better balanced immune response”. “This makes the immune system more efficient and keeps it from over reacting,” he said. “Further, it resolves inflammation more appropriately and reduces pathogen levels,” he concluded. In describing the influence of the mineral source on broiler performance, Dr Jack Garrett, Director of Technical Services and Research at QualiTech Inc, Minnesota USA, explained trace mineral function in livestock for zinc, copper and manganese. “Organic complexes like his companies’ SQM range, offer variable solubility, resistance to antagonists, high bioavailability and are vitamin sparing,” he said. “Of critical importance is that they allow for better adherence to environmental regulations,” Dr Garrett concluded. In describing the influence of the

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1. Malcolm Mottram from Feedworks introduced the 2014 conference. 2. Prof Bob Swick from UNE. 3. Author Michael MCQueen gave the keynote address.


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mineral source on broiler performance, Dr Garrett pointed to better bird weight, feed efficiency and lower morality levels when comparing organic and inorganic mineral supplement. “The use of SQM zinc in the diets for broilers provides a strategy for getting optimum performance through feeding less zinc,” he said. Revealing research conducted by SQM on egg production in colony housed hens, shows an increase in egg production over a 40 to 52 week period and a drop in feed utilised per dozen over the same period. His conclusions were that the use of organic trace materials, “assures the delivery of those minerals without interference by known or unknown antagonists, also allows for the reduction of fortification in diets while optimising performance – i.e. more from less, he said.“It will allow better adherence to environmental regulations as well,” he concluded. The latter part of this day at the Feedworks Coolum conference has traditionally been given over to leisure activities like the golf tournament or beach fishing. At the following dinner the boasts are boasted, success awarded and all are fed a magnificent dinner. Journalist and adventurer Ash Sweating who spent eight years in Afghanistan, was the dinner speaker who gave a sometimes chilling account of a country stuck in another time. At the Monogastric session on September 19, Dr Santiago Ramirez (Fractal Farming) in his introducing to his paper, ‘Creative destruction in poultry nutrition and gut health,’ he spoke about the changes in community attitudes and communication. “We are now dealing as an industry with the ‘Google’ generation where information previously only accessible by select groups can now be easily obtained through any number of smart devices. “Animal welfare, food and feed issues can spread through not only mainstream media but through social media that a new generation trust more than many traditional information sources,” Dr Ramirez said. On the subject of creativity, Dr Ramirez highlighted litter management on farm where the use of a cocktail of NSP enzyme in diets could, “reduce digesta viscosity and water intake and thus, litter moisture levels while increasing overall nutrient adsorbtion.” Specific commercially beneficial results were, “more friable litter and

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reduced ammonia levels”. Dr Ramirez spoke about antibiotic management on farm and using probiotics in feed as a potential anti biotic growth promoter – he touched on the B.subtilis strain and competitive exclusion organisms. “The science behind signalling molecules had potential,” he said, The commercial relevance behind these developments could be ME energy reduction, less dirty eggs, drier litter and a generally increased performance. “Key issues were that (feed) formulas are no longer formulated on least cost and that there were nonnutrient constraints in place. “Welfare, public perception and taste as well as nutritional content of end products, were all developing as issues for the poultry industry. On the topic of gut health, issues are “modulating inflammation, exploiting competitive exclusion and bactericidal effect”. “Litter management and dealing with public perception have become critical issues,” he concluded. Dr Gary Partridge from Danisco Animal Nutrition next explained ‘New concepts phytase use and application’. He introduced a new Buttiauxella phytase (Axtra PHY) from Danisco Animal Nutrition and described some of its features and benefits including Thermo Protection Technology for the dry product form. “The product is not yet registered in Australia but is in use in some of Danisco’s other key markets,” he said. “Supporting services with this product include, Phytate in feed analysis and a new ‘FSTKit’ assay specifically for use with Axtra Phy.” He also cautioned feed formulators about points to look out for when comparing phytase products and their (apparent) associated value in feed formulation. Just when you thought life couldn’t get more complicated for the animal nutrition sector, Professor Rob Van Barneveld in his talk ‘Application of in-feed medications on farm’, pointed out that in the future more stringent restrictions and protocols enforced by an ever expanding bureaucracy was coming down the pipe. Though Rob is usually associated with the pig industry he is a Director of Ridleys and his paper has relevance for medication use in all livestock industries including broiler and layer feed formulation.

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1. Dr Jack Garrett from QualiTech Inc. 2. Dr Santiago Ramirez. 3. Ash Sweating, after dinner speaker. 4. Ha Trong from Sydney University.


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New flock of Lohmann Brown hens in their Big Dutchman Natura Aviary housing system

Generational change with move to more cage free production at Libreri Eggs

By PETER BEDWELL

P

oultry Digest first visited the layer farming business run by the Libreri family at Greta in NSW for a feature story that appeared in our April/May PIX/AMC 2012 preview edition. Tony Libreri had by that time set up a successful layer farming enterprise growing cage and free range eggs supplying the needs of the booming economic region of the Central North Coast and Hunter regions and even

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further afield. The growing fleet of refrigerated Libreri delivery vans range from the far south to the northern borders of NSW. Critical aspects contributing to the success of the business have been the ability to supply the thriving hotel/motel and catering needs of the region as well as smaller local retail businesses, with their fleet of delivery vehicles. The crew at Poultry Digest all eat Libreri eggs supplied by our friendly local butcher in East Gosford NSW – so that adds to our interest in new developments on the Libreri farm. Independence is important to Tony so he has not only built up a wide reaching and diverse customer base but has his own feed mill and attached other aspects to the business including supply of manure based fertiliser to the thriving commercial crop producers in the area. A battle with ever encroaching residential buildings was partly resolved recently when he acquired land giving him not only room to expand the layer

business, but creating a reasonable buffer from the growing town. “We like our neighbours and most of them like us – but at a reasonable distance,” he said. Certainly in the two year period since Poultry Digest last visited the farm there is now a complete housing estate that has sprung up about one kilometre away. However we weren’t back at the Libreri farm to look at real estate – well not of the residential variety anyway. We were meeting the Libreri family and Tim Smith from Lohmann Australia to see the Libreri’s first free range flock of Lohmann Brown layers in their all new cage free shed equipped with the Big Dutchman Natura Aviary nesting system. Tony Libreri also has a majority of Lohmanns in his cage facilities, which perform well with very much the egg profile that Tony requires for his market. Another major change that has taken place at the growing business is generational change as Tony shares more aspects of running the family

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enterprise with his son Michael and his daughter-in-law Heidi. Our first article was entitltled ‘Welcome to My Father’s Dream’, this one could be ‘Welcome to my Grandfather’s Dream’. The new shed is of conventional curtain sided design but features automated climate control with natural ventilation augmented by powerful stirrer fans and a modern high pressure fogging system. On the afternoon that Poultry Digest visited the busy farm, the temperature had just exceeded 42 degrees C but inside the shed the conditions were perfect and the birds happy and active. Tony can be a stern task master when it comes to selecting suppliers so when he praises a product it’s fair to accept his judgement “I can’t praise the Big Dutchman Natura Aviary system highly enough,” he said. “Not just because it works, they wouldn’t be in business if it didn’t, it’s just the attitude of the people there who were so helpful. “Originally we asked for three divisions in the set up, but when we revised that to six they modified the order without fuss or extra cost over what had been first agreed: nothing seems to be too much trouble to them,” Tony said. “Moving to a new supply of genetics had the potential to create challenges but with Lohmann Australia’s Technical Services Manager, Tim Smith’s help, the process has gone well,” Tony explained. “The Lohmann bird is well regarded in Europe where cage free is now the most popular production method both for barn laid or free range so as we made the move to cage free it was logical to try the Lohmann for our cage and cage free production. “Also Tim has a good understanding of working with the Big Dutchman Natura Aviary housing system and other aviary systems and his support, regular visits and advice has been and still is invaluable in getting our birds into lay, now at 28 weeks,” Tony said. “At 28 weeks we are achieving 94% production, little mortality and next to no floor eggs. This bird will add around eight weeks to the normal commercially viable production period due to superb end of lay shell quality of the Lohmann Brown,” Tim stated. “With a system like the Natura Aviary and other non cage systems, the Lohmann genetics and good management practices, we expect to collect less than half a percent of floor eggs. Tony backs this claim up, “we hardly fill a bucket with our daily rounds to pick up floor eggs with the Lohmann layer, where previously in our standard free range shed we would fill at least four or w

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1. Big Dutchman high pressure fogging system works well with curtains and fans to maintain optimal shed temperatures. 2. At 28 weeks, there is 94% production with minimal floor eggs. 3. The Big Dutcham system. 4. The two generations of Libreris, Michael and Tony. 5. The whole team: Heidi Libreri, Tony Libreri, Tim Smith from Lohmann Australia and Michael Libreri. 2

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five,” he said. “In a market where both consumers and regulators are more aware of animal welfare issues, the question of beak trimming often comes up “With our Lohmann chicks we use the efficient and pain free infra red beak trim and with good flock management no further trimming is required as the bird enters maturity. “Not only does this save an onerous and often unpopular task for farm managers and their staff, it is far better for the bird which is known to have a more docile nature anyway,” Tim explained. “The Lohmann has also demonstrated that egg shell quality is good throughout its long production life, provided established dietary needs are applied,” Tim added. Michael Libreri has grown up on the farm and joined as a full time staff member after leaving school – he knows that the industry will face ‘interesting times’ as consumer and regulatory requirements change. “We can’t make the rules but we can do our best to build our enterprise with flexibility so we can modify our production to meet demand. “Right now cage free seems to be where the industry will go: we know that the whole question of free range is still complex but with the land we have and the housing systems we have developed, we can basically produce what the market wants and regulators will permit in the future,” he said. “Biosecurity is also a challenge as we share an area with many other poultry farming operations. “We have done our best to make our farm biosecure through our own management practices and our land buffer, but ultimately disease prevention is only as good as the least diligent farm operation in the area,” he said. Talking to Tim before leaving the farm, Poultry Digest commented on the way the Libreri family ran their farm and adapted to ever changing challenges for growers. “Half the battle with any major change like new flocks, new systems and genetics, is understanding the birds’ needs and daily management techniques,” Tim said. “The Libreri family runs a good operation and really pay attention to all advice, guidance and detail. This makes them easier to help and advise so we get the optimum performance and profitability,” Tim added. Over the years, three generations of Libreris have invested millions of dollars and tireless effort into a well run and rewarding business. With their latest innovations, new genetics and a new cage free system, they have invested in initiatives that are not only good for hen welfare, but also

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1. Sophisticated conveyor system takes eggs to grader and packing cool room. 2. One of the growing fleet of refrigerated delivery trucks . 3. Poultry Digest eggs supplied by our local butcher in East Gosford.

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for human well being. In recent years most of the pressure from media, retail and regulators has been on animal welfare with little comment on food safety. Salmonella nearly destroyed the layer industry in the UK yet retail, regulators, and consumer action groups in Australia seem to want us to go down a path that could increase risk to consumers. Much of the money invested by families like the Libreris goes into housing systems and equipment that deliver a safe egg. Can we expect the same of all the small scale farms potentially run by well meaning but inexperienced people, who may sell through informal routes to some vocal consumers that are so obsessed with what they perceive as animal welfare friendly? Maybe not. As we are about to leave the Libreris

to a busy day, Michael is working with staff at the control box in the shed where he approaches computer based automated systems with the confidence of those born and raised in the digital age. What might puzzle Tony is obviously a breeze to Michael. Poultry Digest MkII knows all about this: he reckons Poultry Digest MkI can just walk past any digitally influenced device and render it useless! The combined Libreri family skills and dedication to the best they can be on any day, will without doubt take them through the things that farmers can’t control. Poultry Digest (both generations) will continue to consume Libreri eggs with absolute confidence – even more so now we’ve met the hens in their state of the art cage free accommodation! We put our mouths where very reasonable money is.


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NEWS

Animal Welfare Science Centre PhD candidate wins Rural Finance Scholarship Four university students at the University of Melbourne have been awarded 2014 Rural Finance scholarships to help them with their rural industries studies. The prestigious Rural Finance scholarships are awarded annually to exceptional undergraduate and postgraduate students who demonstrate career aspirations across the agriculture and farming industries. One of those students is Peta Taylor who is in the process of completing a PHD studying with the University of Melbourne’s Animal Welfare Science Centre. Peta is the third recipient of the Ian Morton Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will assist her research project ‘The Behaviour and Welfare of Broiler Chickens in FreeRange Systems’. The purpose of the project is to provide science-based evidence of the range use and the implications on welfare, behaviour and productivity to improve range use and effect and sustainability through management. “Her passion is animal welfare,” a statement from Rural Finance declared. Peta Taylor said that since childhood she has always been fascinated by where and how food is produced and in the behaviour and welfare of the animals we rear for their contribution to human nutrition. “I think that at this time, more than ever, it is important to build on the knowledge base for agricultural industries,” Peta said. “We need to ensure that our industries are sustainable as well as providing food for a growing population. “It is vital that we protect our industries while looking after the welfare of the animals involved,” she emphasised. We need to generate good science that helps us to achieve these goals with a better understanding of how we can manage our farming systems so that they are viable into the future,” Peta concluded. Poultry Digest first met Peta Taylor at the 2014 Australian Poultry Science Symposium held at Sydney University in February of that year. At that conference a fellow student from the University of Melbourne Animal

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Left: Peta Taylor receives her Rural Finance scholarship from Victorian Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh. Below: Hannah Larsen, a fellow student from Melbourne University Animal Welfare Science Centre.

Welfare Science Centre, Hannah Larsen presented her paper, ‘Go Outside and Play’ which outlined the behavioral time budget of free range laying hens in a natural scrub structure. Hannah and Peta are part of a growing number of talented and dedicated post graduate students helping to better understand the dynamics of poultry farming systems. We look forward to hearing more about Peta’s work and most importantly, report on the results of her research.

Egg stamps required in NSW Egg producers in NSW will be required to stamp each egg with a unique identifying mark that will enable them to be easily traced back to the farm from November 26, 2014. The move is designed to improve the traceability of eggs and protect public health in the event of a food poisoning outbreak. NSW Food Authority Chief Executive Polly Bennett said egg stamping is part of a national standard for eggs that will help to reduce the impact of a food poisoning event. “Eggs are one of the leading sources of Salmonella,” she said. “Between 2010 and 2014 in NSW

there were 40 food poisoning outbreaks associated with eggs, affecting more than 700 people, with many of those requiring hospitalisation. “Traceability delivers benefits to consumers and the egg industry. Any delay in being able to identify the source of an outbreak impacts the entire industry. “If the source can’t be immediately traced it could potentially result in a cost to all egg producers through the loss of consumer confidence or having to withdraw safe product from the market place as a precaution if the cause can’t be identified,” Miss Bennett said.


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Poultry CRC 2014 annual Ideas Exchange By ALEX BEDWELL The Poultry CRC held its annual Ideas Exchange (IE) from September 23 to 25, hosting 107 delegates. With three major sessions covering Industry Sustainability, Health and Welfare, and Nutrition and Environment, there was plenty on offer for discussion. The theme of this year’s annual conference was ‘The Changing Landscape of Poultry Production’. It allowed representatives from industry, academia and government, the chance to hear about CRC research and current challenges facing the Australian poultry industry. During the two day event, differing perspectives were discussed across the three sessions. After a welcome speech from the Honourable John Kerin, Chair of the Poultry CRC Board, the first session began with Pat Blackhall who spoke about continuing to build basecamps followed by Peter Bell who’s topic was, ‘Free Range: Challenges for producers.’ Next Dr Peter Scott from Scolexia gave a presentation called ‘The most important asset of a successful business: Educated (Capable) people’. He focussed on the real need for people who are not only educated, but who are also are ‘capable’ of applying themselves and their knowledge. After the morning break Dana Stanley spoke on the topic ‘Poultry at the centre of CQU’s agricultural focus’. She was followed by John Vassallo from EJ Cooper and Son, Baiada’s property development arm. He gave a presentation on the building of Sydney Science Park at Luddenham, adjacent to the proposed Badgerys Creek airport. Baiada will be headquartered there, along with its national food science laboratories and research facilities. Session two, chaired by Vivian Kite, began with Amir Noormohammmadi’s report which included the benefits of molecular diagnostic tests which were rapid diagnosis, strain identification and the fact that it provides a foundation for future research. Tim Walker spoke about ‘Wet litter: A multi faceted problem’. He suggested the situation was getting worse because of increasing energy costs, litter costs and less labour management. The solutions he proposed were better ventilation, mechanical tilling,

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lower stocking density and possibly permeable, welfare friendly floors. Next Isabelle Ruhnke spoke about her ‘Free range farm survey and the picture so far’. She focused on the advantages and disadvantages of free range farming in comparison to conventional broiler and layer farming. Next to speak was Andrew Bean and his topic was ‘IFN-Lambda as an adjuvant/immune enhancer’ followed by Jeff Downing on ‘Albumen degradation and egg freshness’. In the afternoon Angus Crossman, Poultry CRC, continued the session with ‘On-farm euthanasia of spent hens’. The key aspect of euthanasia was the correct measurement of CO2 and maintenance of those levels. He was followed by Kate Hartcher and her topic was ‘Welfare and production, walking the balance beam’. She believes in order to achieve welfare friendly production, producers need to consider whether the five freedoms, which include freedom from hunger, thirst, pain, stress and disease are met. These things are necessary to consider whether they are free range, barn or caged systems. The CSIRO’s Tim Doran addressed the issue of selectively hatching female chicks. “Chickens have been improved to this point by using selective breeding. We’re at a point where bio-technology is the next step,” he said. “There are always welfare issues. w

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3 1. Mingan Choct, CEo of the Poultry CRC. 2. The Honourable John Kerin, Chair of the Poultry CRC Board. 3. Angus Crossin, R&D Development Manager with AECL and Poultry CRC Project Leader. 4. David Cadogan from Feedworks.


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The big question for this industry is what happens to the male chicks? They don’t lay eggs. “Currently male chicks are killed at day one. It would be fantastic if we could change the system so you don’t get the wastage and you also get rid of the welfare issue.” The CSIRO, along with researchers at the University of Melbourne, are looking into sex determination in chickens. In particular, finding out which gene is responsible for deciding if the chicken is male or female. The University of Melbourne researchers collaborated with the CSIRO to use its RNA interference technology, which can be used to ‘switch genes on and off’. “They found, if you switch this one gene off in a developing male embryo, it develops as a female. So instead of two testes, it has two ovaries,” said Mr Doran. However, he admits solving one ethical dilemma sometimes creates new ones. The final talk of the day was by Tamsyn Crowley, also from the CSIRO, and she spoke about ‘Non invasive tools to measure welfare’. Session three, chaired by Greg Hargreave, was entitled ‘Nutrition and environment’. Tom Grimes began with the topic ‘Prophylactic use of antibiotics: An Australian perspective’. Mark Dunlop spoke twice, he delivered Eugene McGahan’s talk on ‘Odour from spent hen composting’ and later he spoke about about ‘Undertaking my PhD while working’. Professor Steve Walkden Brown

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from UNE spoke next and his topic was ‘Multi batch litter use: pros and cons’. Some of the pros were reduction of costs with bedding and disposal, and the litters higher fertiliser value and its reduced environmental impact. The cons included ammonia levels, dust and odour, caking and carryover of disease organisms. He concluded with the possible solutions for caking and pathogens in litter was by heaping in between batches. The final speaker of the morning session was Dr Bob Hughes with his talk on ‘Microbial/gut factors driving bird performance’. David Cadogen from Feedworks began the afternoon session with ‘Natural betaine supplementation’. The studies they conducted showed by putting betaine in layer feed, higher levels of betaine were found in the eggs produced which would be a benefit to humans. Poultry CRC PhD student Sarah Weaver spoke about her collaborative research at the University of Adelaide alongside HiChick. She described some interesting results during her research into maternal impact on inovo­development (in breeder flocks), whereby a small increase in feed intake (20g/bird/day) has resulted in a significant increase in egg production. The conversations between delegates during breaks were also an important part of the success of the event. In these days of instant communication the value of being there in person remains important in developing and maintaining relationships.

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1. Tim Doran from the CSIRO. 2. Tamsyn Crowley, also from the CSIRO. 3. Kate Hartcher from the University of Sydney. 4. Dr Peter Scott from Scolexia. 5. PhD student, Sarah Weaver from the University of Adelaide spoke about her research into feed intake and egg production.


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NEWS

NSW Deputy Premier opens Cordina’s new Wyong facility On October 13 2014 then NSW Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner joined three generations of the Cordina family, suppliers and friends to celebrate the opening of the new state of the art food production facility at Wyong NSW. Not only was the event a celebration of the plant’s official opening but also the 90th birthday of the senior member of the Cordina family, Joe. John Cordina, the current Managing Director of the Cordina company welcomed guests and Andrew Stoner praised the Cordina family’s enterprise in investing in the new Wyong facility. “The plant will be a significant asset to the area and the state,” he said. “From its outset it will create many valuable jobs in a region with some employment challenges and has the potential to generate more vital job opportunities as the enterprise grows,” he added. John Cordina praised not only the NSW State Government but also the local Wyong Shire council for their assistance and interest in making sure that the whole enterprise was built and ready to go. Mr Cordina also gave credit to Coles for its involvement from the outset of the creation of a new food processing facility. “Their enthusiasm and support added certainty to their investment and gave them the confidence to proceed,” Mr Cordina said. “The National Australia Bank was also a key element in getting the whole enterprise off the ground and into the reality of a modern food processing facility,” he added. “The driver day to day behind the building of the new plant was,” he stated, “Louise Cordina, whose function as project manager ensured that the plan was completed, and on time”. Poultry Digest joined Louise Cordina, Andrew Stoner, and his staff members for a tour of the state of the art facility. A modern food processing plant, to comply with necessarily stringent food safety requirements, should have an intense focus on safety, biosecurity and absolute cleanliness. The ‘belts and braces’ approach of the Cordina Wyong food production represents a serious investment to

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produce top quality products that are of world class standards. Some time ago, in response to criticism that retailers like Coles were hard on suppliers, Wesfarmers CEO, Richard Goyder (the owners of Coles) suggested that many suppliers had not ploughed enough of their profits into reinvesting in their businesses to make them more efficient and their products attractive to 21st Century consumers. It is fitting therefore to see that Cordina, possibly the first Australian company to develop large scale chicken meat rearing after WW2, should today lead the way in value adding to its chicken meat production. “The comprehensive range of new easy to prepare food products being produced at the new Wyong facility will turn a commodity into a more valuable and consumer friendly range of food products,” said Louise Cordina.

1 2

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4 1. John Cordina said the plant will generate jobs in the area. 2. The new food processing plant. 3. LtoR: Three generations: Louise, John and Joe Cordina with Andrew Stoner as they cut the ribbon. 4. Some of the food products.


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NEWS

Novus Australia Technology Transfer Forum 2014 By ALEX BEDWELL Novus Nutrition held its Australia Technology Transfer Forum at the University of Sydney, Camden Campus on October 15 along with sessions in Brisbane and Melbourne. After a general introduction from Nick Nettle, Sales Director, Novus Australia, NZ & Pacific Islands, Dr Steve Leeson from the Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Canada, in the first session of the day ‘Health and productivity’, spoke about emerging challenges and trends in global production. These included antibiotic use: perception vs reality; the development of designer foods such as organic and societal and environmental issues. He then spoke about setting up hens for a productive life. The main points of this talk were the focus on not over or under feeding, the earlier you mature the bird, the smaller the egg and the fact that shell quality decreases the larger the egg. Stuart Court, Regional Technical Manager SEAP for Novus International Pty Ltd, spoke on a variety of topics including ‘Mineral nutrition for egg, progeny and meat quality’ and then ‘Extending the productive life of the hen’. He focused on how Mintrex has shown through trials that in the layer industry, it can reduce cracked eggs and improve bird quality and in the breeder industry improve shell and chick quality. In the trials they conducted, egg shell strength increased by 3.6%, mortality was lower, the total number of eggs increased and hatchable eggs increased by 6%. After morning tea Dr Steve Leeson continued with ‘Nutritional strategies for broiler health without antibiotics’ and asked the question what does this actually mean? The major issues he highlighted were bacterial overgrowth at 15-19 days of age which leads to gut health issues. He proposed that probiotics in the embryo stage could be a possible solution. He said “fermentable protein can have a major negative effect and can be physically harmful in the large gut.” He suggested that butyric acid can improve gut health but a butyric product that has an odour is not likely to work. Because of this odour, butyric glysonol is an alternative

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and has had terrific results in practical applications. Stuart Court’s next topic was ‘Bone, skin and gut integrity for bird welfare, health (BCO/FHN focus)’. He said the main challenges were lameness, leg fibrosis, white striping and femoral head necrosis. Bacteria enters through the lungs and gets into the blood and then through a nutrient artery into the bones which primarily effects weight and causes back twists. The possible solution is to improve gut health. Dr Nick Rodgers, Regional Sales Manager in Australia and New Zealand

for Novus Nutrition Pty Ltd, spoke about ‘Feeding for performance beyond the shed: processing outcomes’. He stated that there was a large investment in getting birds to the processing stage. The largest financial losses occur at the end of the grow-out or at the processing plant. It is essential to reduce processing losses. Damage to the birds occurs under pre-processing and processing conditions causing financial loss. Dr Rodgers said “tissue integrity is the key to reducing processing losses and nutritional decisions could influence bone and epithelium strength and intensity. But good nutritional strategy can be undone by any number of stressors from hatched to processing. Trace mineral nutrition plays an important role in reducing losses and improving the value of outputs. “HMTBa chelates can reduce

CONTINUED ON PAGE 48 w 1

2 1. LtoR: Moreen Ali, Inghams, Dr Steve Leeson, Dr Bob Swick and Matt Bekker 2. LtoR: Rogue Isemonger, Pace Farms and the Novus team Jasmin Floyd, Heyley Deng, Nick Nettle and Nick Rodgers.


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NEWS Be aware of industry management practices that could infringe ‘cartel’ laws By PETER BEDWELL In May of this year the ACCC announced that it was taking action against the Australian Egg Corporation Limited, its managing director and two of its other directors. The action arose because AECL conducted discussions about ways to avoid seasonal oversupply and, in recent years, destruction of eggs that could not be sold through normal retail channels. In 2012 at the AECL Forum held in Manly raised the possibility of donating any future supply glut to food banks as an initiative to avoid a total waste of the product: the culling of flocks was also raised as part of the overall discussion. However the ACCC saw the situation differently and instituted proceedings in the Federal Court against: • the Australian Egg Corporation Limited (AECL); • Mr James Kellaway, the Managing Director of AECL; • two egg producing companies, Ironside Management Services Pty Ltd (trading as Twelve Oaks Poultry) (Twelve Oaks Poultry) and Farm Pride Foods Limited (Farm Pride); • Mr Jeffrey Ironside, a director of AECL and Twelve Oaks Poultry; and

• Mr Zelko Lendich, a director of AECL and a former director of Farm Pride. The ACCC alleges that AECL and the other corporate and individual respondents attempted to induce egg producers who were members of AECL to enter into an arrangement to cull hens or otherwise dispose of eggs, for the purpose of reducing the amount of eggs available for supply to consumers and businesses in Australia. It is not alleged that this attempt to make a cartel arrangement involving Australian egg producers was successful. AECL is an industry corporation that collects levies for promotional activities and research and development activities from member egg producers. At the relevant time, AECL had between 100 and 150 egg producer members. The ACCC alleges that from November 2010, in AECL member publications, the AECL board (which included Mr Kellaway, Mr Ironside and Mr Lendich) encouraged its members to reduce egg production, in order to avoid oversupply which would affect egg prices. It is also alleged that, in February 2012, AECL held an ‘Egg Oversupply Crisis Meeting’ attended by egg producers in Sydney, where it allegedly sought a coordinated approach by

Japan’s broiler production forecast to go higher Japan’s broiler production could reach 1.35 million metric tons in 2015. The industry is forecast to end this year with production of 1.34 MMT, up from the 1.33 MMT recorded in 2013. The sector has faced several difficulties in recent years, ranging from man-made and natural disasters to 2013’s particularly hot summer. However, the poultry industry now appears to be solidly back on track. According to the USDA, the Japanese market for broiler meat has recorded solid demand and relatively high prices this year, although total consumption has fallen slightly, and this

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is expected to continue into 2015. The strong market has also resulted in an upturn in imports this year, following a contraction in 2013, and this is expected to continue. Imports of broiler meat from the US and particulalry from Thailand have risen, while those from Brazil have remained flat. Japan lifted its ban on Thai imports – imposed in response to highly pathogenic avian influenza – in December 2013, and Thai imports restarted in February this year. Thai broiler meat has been absent from the Japanese market for around 10 years.

egg producers to reducing the supply of eggs, in response to a perceived oversupply of eggs. It is alleged that Mr Kellaway and Mr Lendich both attended and spoke at this meeting, which was chaired by Mr Ironside. “Retail egg sales, one of many sales channels, were valued at over $566 million in 2012* and eggs are a staple food product for Australian consumers. Indeed, egg consumption per capita has increased in the past 10 years leading to an increase in the demand for producers’ eggs. The ACCC is concerned that the alleged attempt sought to obtain agreement by egg producers to reduce supply, which if successful could have impacted on egg prices paid by consumers,” ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said. “Detecting, stopping and deterring cartels operating in Australian markets remain an enduring priority for the ACCC, because of the ultimate impact of such anti-competitive conduct on Australian consumers who will pay more than they should for goods.” “Industry associations need to be conscious of competition compliance issues when they bring competing firms together. “Today’s action sends a clear message that attempts by industry associations to coordinate anticompetitive behaviour by competitors will not be tolerated,” Mr Sims said. The ACCC is seeking declarations, injunctions, pecuniary penalties, orders that AECL, Farm Pride and Twelve Oaks establish and maintain a compliance program and that Mr Kellaway, Mr Ironside and Mr Lendich attend compliance training, an adverse publicity order and a community service order against AECL, disqualification orders against Mr Kellaway, Mr Ironside and Mr Lendich, and costs. The matter is scheduled to go to court in April 2015. In an article written by Michael Levy of the Melbourne based law firm Madgwicks,for the Victorian Farmers Federation Magazine, Mr Levy warns of the dangers of infringing the current laws against what could be interpreted as ‘cartel activity’ That article appears in full on the page 34 of this issue.


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NEWS

Getting closer to Australian farmers – Alltech acquires Lienerts Australia The recent announcement by US based Alltech of the acquisition of the Lienert’s family shares in their well established livestock feed, additives and supplements business has generated global interest from leading agricultural publications around the world. Poultry Digest spoke to Alltech’s Vice President Steve Bourne on September 26, when he was at the Lienerts Roseworthy facility shortly after the acquisition was announced. “Alltech has a long association with the Lienert family operation which goes back at least 20 years. “We have made a number of acquisitions recently that are all part of Alltech’s strategy of delivering our products and research benefits direct to farmers,” Mr Bourne said. “Lienerts, which grew its feed business from a base in pig farming, has developed the strong relationships with farmers in both monogastric and ruminant sectors that we value. “In recent times the company has expanded its business into the poultry sector and has established great expertise with layer feeds in particular. “Australia is ideally placed with its proximity to lucrative markets in Asia, agricultural expertise, and plentiful resources to benefit from a growing middle class who seek safe and nutritious protein sources,” he stated. “Recent trade treaties with Korea and Japan may offer the Australian poultry sector niche markets in these countries and the opportunity to develop meat grown under reduced anti biotic regimes or enhanced to deliver human health benefits. “When Alltech developed Selenium enriched foods, Korea was one of the first markets to take advantage of ‘functional foods’ with Selenium enriched milk. “Now with our developing algae based nutrition programs, in the future, DHA will become an important element in human as well as animal diets. “The potential to expand beef and dairy production is enormous and deeply significant to Alltech’s future growth along with our well established monogastric research and product range. “Australia will always be a relatively high cost of production market but with

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the technological advantages we have developed for markets like that, around the world, we can make your protein production competitive and sought after in expanding Asian markets. “These markets are influenced by considerations like food safety, health benefits and eating quality rather than just cost. “Our products and the research upon which they are based, have delivered reliability, longer shelf life (and appearance) as well as better eating quality: all vital components of selling meat in competitive high value markets like Korea and Japan,” he said. “Apart from protein production and quality, Alltech still concentrates on overall feed safety and our Mycotoxin team will be in Australia shortly to assist the feed industry in the production of safe feed,” Mr Bourne added. Alltech’s growth and expansion into new markets and new technologies has been well documented but Lienert’s recent history may not be as well known. Its feed business grew out of its pig production base and expanded in line with the industry. In June 2008 Lienerts, in a bold move, took over the Provimi business and combined it with its own growing capabilities. It is far easier to grow businesses in favourable conditions than it would have been to expand in 2008 as Lienerts did

Alltech’s Vice President Steve Bourne

during a period of prolonged drought To its credit Lienerts invested in expansion; more products, more capacity and a growing team helped the company expand into other livestock sectors including the layer, dairy and beef markets. So, like Alltech, the company has grown and prospered in the bad times as well as the good. Poultry Digest has known both companies for many years and wishes all those involved in the new enterprise the best for what looks like being a prosperous future. Alltech founder and President Dr Pearse Lyons shakes hands with Nick Lienert, Managing Director of Lienert Australia after finalising the agreement to purchase 100% of the shares in Lienert Australia.


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NEWS

Cartels: Walking on egg shells Recent legal action against Australian Egg Corporation Limited (AECL) over an alledged attempt to run a cartel should act as a timely reminder to all VFF members to be careful what agreements or understandings are entered into with competitors in their industry. Cartels and farmers? The Australian cartel regime applies a ‘strict liabliity’ test. Basically, if you engage in cartel conduct you are deemed to have broken the law irrespective of whether the conduct actually affects anyone. These laws are intentionally easy to fall foul of. Under the old laws it was difficult for the ACCC to successfullt take action for cartel conduct due to a complicated ‘competition test’ that applied. Businesses and directors breaching the cartel laws are exposed to heavy fines and potentially to criminal sanctions including jail time. What conduct to avoid Under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (CCA) a business and its directors must not make or give effects to a contract, arrangement or understanding that relates to: Price fixing – competitors agree to control the price of a good or service. Output restriction – competitors agree to prevent, restrict or limit the supply of a good or service. Market sharing – competitors agree not to compete over certain customers

or in certain territories. Bid rigging – competitors who are involved in a tender collude with each other to manipulate the bidding process.

avoid over supply which would effect egg prices. AECL held an ‘Egg Oversupply Crisis Meeting’ attended by egg producers where it allegedly sought a coordinated approach by egg producers to reducing the supply of eggs.

A wink or a nod? It is important to appreciate that the phrase ‘contract arrangement or understanding’ covers almost any conceivable arrangements between two or more businesses. Even a mere informal arrangement between two or more businesses or their directors will constitute an ‘understanding’ under the CCA.

ACCC warning to associations In light of the ACCC’S action against the AECL, the ACCC took the opportunity to issue a stern warning to member associations: “Industry associations need to be conscious of competition compliance issues when they bring competing firms together – attempts by industry associations to coordinate anticompetitive behaviour by competitors will not be tolerated.”

The egg case A recent example of alleged cartel conduct in the agricultural sector involved the supply of eggs. In May 2014 the ACCC instituted proceedings against the member organization AECL, the AECL’s managing director, two egg producing companies and a number of their directors . The ACCC claimed that the AECL and egg producing companies attempted to reduce egg producers to cull hens and dispose of eggs to reduce egg supply to consumers and businesses in Australia in order to increase prices. The ACCC’s case centres around two events: In AECL member publications the AECL board encouraged its members to reduce egg production in order to

Be cautious While the ACCC’s action against the AECL is still yet to be decided by the courts, the case is a timely reminder for VFF members to insure that formal and informal discussions with competitors do not fall foul of Australia’s strict cartel laws. VFF members should be particularly cautious about what the discuss with competitors at commodity group meetings or in other forums. It is important to remember that the cartel laws apply no matter how informal the discussions or ‘whether the contract, arrangement or understanding’ actually results in the intended anti-competitive effect. This article appears in Poultry Digest by permission of the VFF and its author Michael Levy, Madgwicks Lawyers (Michael.levy@madgwicks.com.au)

Danisco discusses the role of probiotics Dr Ajay Awati, Senior Scientist at Danisco Animal Nutrition, a subsidiary of DuPont Industrial Biosciences, recently presented a lecture on the topic ‘The role of probiotics in animal production profitability and sustainability’ at Animal Nutrition 2014. The topics that Dr Awati, a qualified vet and doctor of Animal Sciences with over ten years of experience in the feed industry and an extensive catalogue of peer reviewed publications, covered in his talk included: • The sustainability and profitability challenges that animal production is facing now and could face in the future • The symbiotic relationship between nutrition, the gut microbiota and

34

immunity, and how probiotics can help address physiological challenges and improve healthy bird performance • The role that probiotics can play in resolving external sustainability and profitability challenges, such as pollution and food safety. Dr Awati argued that profitability and sustainability challenges can mainly be met by supporting the development of healthy gastrointestinal micro-biota. He also revealed newly published research that points to the vital role that probiotics have played in resolving poultry production challenges such as foot pad dermatitis and necrotic enteritis (NE). Dr Awati commented, “Numerous

scientists have made the connection between healthy nutrition, a balanced gut micro-flora and animal immunity and performance. In my talk, I looked at how probiotics can help solve sustainability and profitability challenges posed by animal physiology and ‘gut Dr Awati’s presentation is available to download from the website at animalnutrition. dupont.com. Alternatively email info. animalnutrition@dupont.com Danisco Animal Nutrition aims to help animal producers maximise the return on their feed investment, improve liveability and tackle environmental and sustainability challenges through the delivery of optimized enzyme, betaine and probiotic feed solutions.


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PRODUCT NEWS

Plasson celebrates its 50th anniversary and releases new nipple drinkers in Australia Martin Simmons, CEO of Technical Systems Australia (TSA) has been selling the Israeli manufactured Plasson drinker systems for more than 30 years. Recently he travelled to Plasson’s facilities in Israel and joined 120 distributors from around the globe to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary. “Plasson is a world leader in the production of pipe fittings and poultry equipment and just recently has launched its new ‘Orange’ drinker nipple,” Martin said. “The new Orange drinker nipple design features two sealing points which significantly lowers the likelihood of drips from drinker lines. “It is also effective in preventing leaks from birds pushing at the nipple from the side which can cause leaks in some nipple designs. “Also the Orange design includes a specific gap between the nipple pin and its weight is maintained to ensure easy operation during the first days of use. “Preventing leaking from drinker lines in broiler sheds has always been an important aspect of broiler rearing as wet litter creates significant welfare issues and potentially meat quality problems,” Martin said. “The increasing popularity of both the RSPCA broiler codes and re-use of litter has made ‘wet litter’ an even more critical issue in recent times. “Now not only the integrators farm managers are on the growers case to prevent wet litter, but also a major animal welfare agency whose endorsement has become a vital aspect of chicken meat marketing. “The new Plasson Orange nipple will, we are confident, help to maintain litter quality at a time when growers are having to transition to new shed management challenges. “Replacing faulty drinker nipples with a design that lowers the risk of leaking is a cost effective way of maintaining acceptable broiler production standards,” Martin said. He is so confident that growers will benefit from replacing leaking (or potentially leaking) drinker nipples with the new Plasson Orange item he is prepared to send a free sample. Call Martin at TSA on 07 5429 2028 or mobile 0411 601 814.

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Top: The celebration in Israel of the 50th anniversary of Plasson. Above: the new design of the Orange drinker nipple.

POULTRY INDUSTRY YEARBOOK 2015

We are just about to start putting together the Poultry Industry Yearbook for 2015. If you would like to be included, either in the free personnel section or wanting to place an advertisement, please contact us on 02 4323 0005 or send and email to primarymedia@bigpond.com


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PRODUCT NEWS A 40 year customer relationship and world class results Tegel Foods and Aviagen celebrated a 40 year business relationship on October 30 at the Plymouth International Hotel in New Plymouth, New Zealand to mark the anniversary of a very special relationship that started out with a modest decision ‘to run a trial flock of a line that they’d heard great things about’. Eventually, due to the consistent success of the bird, a decision to move the entire Tegel New Zealand operation was made and 100% use of Ross has remained constant over the period and has grown to produce world class performance results. “I do not need to tell you how important this milestone is for us,” exclaimed Bob Dobbie, President Aviagen International. “Exactly forty years ago in October 1974, a decision was made by Tegel to trial the Ross bird in the New Zealand operation, and progressively over the years as production gains were achieved the trial was expanded. “It is the sort of relationship Ross breeders dreamed of back in 1974. Watching it take the shape it has since its inception has been a treat. There were many special people who were involved in these endeavors and made it possible to create the levels of success and develop the relationship that we now have today. “To all those people and those who joined us in our journey, a big thank you from us all. Without you we would never have achieved this milestone.” The evening was hosted by Marc Scott, Operations Manager Production, Aviagen New Zealand and the opening presentation was made by Peter Hanna, General Manager Aviagen ANZ who underlined the importance of the 40 year relationship and also spoke about his experiences being involved with both companies. The dinner provided the opportunity for a catch-up with past colleagues and also to hear from a number of managers who have been involved with this special relationship throughout the years. A past Tegel CEO Keith Jackson talked extensively about his time from the very beginning of the relationship and was followed by David Drummond a former Ross Poultry and Aviagen New Zealand hatchery manager who spoke about Ross Poultry and the transition

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in the mid 2000s to Aviagen when they acquired the business. Current Tegel Foods GM, Bill Williams recalled a number of stories during his involvement and kept the audience highly amused. Bob Dobbie added to the entertainment by reliving some of his experiences regarding the Aviagen acquisition of Ross Poultry NZ and of certain negotiations with the

preceding speaker. The formal portion of a very successful evening was brought to a close with Bob Dobbie presenting a commemorative plaque marking the 40 year relationship. “We are pleased that so many who were deeply involved, took out time from their busy schedules to celebrate a great event like the 40th anniversary of Tegel’s use of the Ross bird and its relationship with Aviagen, who now produce this world leading poultry breeder and continue to supply directly to Tegel,” commented the host Marc Scott.

40 years of the relationship between Tegel and Aviagen on display at the recent anniversary celebrations in New Plymouth in New Zealand.

McDonald’s Australia moving to cage free eggs McDonald’s is moving towards using cage-free eggs at its Australian restaurants. The company announced its move on its Facebook page and stated that “we’re working towards a move to cage-free eggs with our suppliers by the end of 2017. “This is part of a broader animal welfare initiative, which we will share more details on in the coming weeks.” The company said that the decision to switch to cage-free eggs is in response to campaigns from animal rights groups and consumers who have been calling for what they view as a more humane approach and higher welfare standards. McDonald’s Australia spokeswoman

announced that the company will ensure that Australian farmers will be able to continue to supply eggs to McDonald’s for the long-term, and that customers have a clear understanding of where McDonald’s eggs come from. The announcement made on Facebook as of mid-morning on September 15 had already gathered 990 comments, with the majority of those commenting on the topic showing support for the McDonald’s decision. That post also gathered 4,677 ‘likes’ and was shared by 197 people. This will not be the first time McDonald’s phased out eggs from caged hens. In 2010, McDonald’s stopped using them at its European locations in 2010.


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NEWS

RSPCA issues draft consultative document for revised standards – layer farms The RSPCA recently issued a consultative draft document outlining standards and possible changes to existing standards for its ‘Approved Farming Scheme Standards - Layer Hens’. “This document is a consultation draft only and should not be relied upon to constitute the final version of the standards,” the RSPCA emphasised. “The current RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme standards for layers are available on the RSPCA website at www.rspca.org.au/approvedfarming “The consultation period has been open from 31/10/2014 and will extend to 28/11/2014. “Comments are sought on all aspects of the draft standards,” the communication states. Of possible interest to many in the layer sector could be the proposed changes to free range layer requirements under any future RSPCA endorsed scheme. There is an increased concern over

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feather pecking and strategies to avoid its incidence and in the design of sheds to improve access to outdoor areas. “Access to a veranda can encourage birds to be more active and may help reduce injurious pecking particularly if it provides areas of interest such as logs, pecking objects and other forms of environmental enrichment. “A veranda reduces the risk of predation and disease from wild birds while still providing birds with the opportunity to experience natural daylight, fresh air and additional foraging,” the document explained. Strategies to avoid floor eggs are discussed in some detail as is the need for improved access to range areas. The minimum width of openings has increased from 2.3m to 3.3m per 1000 birds. Birds should be provided with easy access to the outdoor area through wide openings that are clearly visible from within the shed. Openings comprising the entire length of the shed provide the greatest

opportunity for birds to access the outdoor area. Birds are reluctant to move past unfamiliar birds within the shed and around openings. Some birds may also perch at the openings, thereby blocking access to the outdoor area. Research has found a positive correlation between the width of the opening and number of birds in the outdoor area. By increasing the number and size of the openings, more birds will be able to access the outdoor area. As flock size increases, good access to the outdoor area remains important, particularly if birds are reluctant to move around because of the large number of unfamiliar hens. Good shed design with plenty of openings can be expected to minimise the impact of this social influence on the ability of hens to access the outdoor area. Stocking densities for both indoor (barn laid) and free range systems are likely to be a focal point of interest for growers: Indoor systems 6.03 Stocking density in the shed must be no more than a) 7 birds/m2 of the usable area for floor-based systems b) 9 birds/m2 of the usable area for single-tier systems c) 9 birds/m2 of the usable area for multi-tier systems with no more than 15 birds/m2 calculated at floor level. Outdoor systems RSPCA Standards do not require that birds have access to an outdoor area. However, where an outdoor area is provided, the following additional Standards must be met. 6.05 Where used, the area inside a veranda leading onto the outdoor area may be included in the calculation of outdoor area available to the birds. 6.06 A maximum of 1500 birds per ha of outdoor area to be available to birds in outdoor systems with no rotational range management strategies in place (i.e. a fixed outdoor area). 6.07 A maximum of 2500 birds per ha of outdoor area to be available to birds in outdoor systems with rotational range access. The draft standards for both Free Range and Barn laid systems are comprehensive and address many of the concerns raised by groups concerned with animal welfare.


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HEALTH FEATURE

Strategy for salmonella prevention on egg layer farms PART TWO By PETER SCOTT, Scolexia Pty Ltd Environmental swabs Other areas such as egg belts, nest boxes, packing table and other contact areas should be tested from time to time to ensure the hygiene program is adequate and there are no contaminating points. 3M swabs are useful for this procedure. Feed For those receiving commercial feed most mills will from time to time under their own quality programs test pelleted feed for salmonella. They will make those results available for the particular producer. The testing of mash feed will on occasions have expected positive results, particularly for those salmonella found in vegetable protein meals. These are not usually related to food safety pathogens. For in-house feed mills similar testing of finished feed should apply but also include environmental swabs of elevators and heavy contact areas. The technique of putting a very small hole in the main delivery augers and catching a continuum of finished fed throughout the day is a sensitive sampling procedure. In contrast to the perception in the poultry industry most Australian meat meals from accredited suppliers are negative for salmonella because of the export market requirement compliance requirements. Feed additives The most common feed additives used for salmonella control are organic acids or in particular short chain fatty acids (SCFA). These are considered to have an impact on salmonella at two points, in the feed and within the bird. Firstly through lowering the pH of the feed they inhibit the growth and even kill any potential salmonella. If the salmonella take up these products they also can kill the salmonella by chemically dissociating within the organism. Organic acids are dose responsive and generally in Australia they are used at lower levels than optimal, this being in part for cost consideration. In layer feed the dose becomes more important because of the high level of potentially neutralising limestone.

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Within the birds organic acids are believed to work by the salmonella taking up the associated form of the molecule which then dissociates inside the bacteria releasing hydrogen ions and other molecules that result in the death of the salmonellae. The need for the organic acid to be associated is important for it to be effective and this depends on the particular SCFA pKa (that is the pH above which the molecule dissociates). As the intestinal pH is above this range some companies attempt to overcome this by producing protected organic acids. While there is some debate about the effectiveness of organic acids in the intestine studies demonstrate that they do have an effect on the microflora balance in vivo. As there is always equilibrium in any chemical reaction there invariably will always be some level of associated form of these molecules present in the intestine. Other additives used include the phosphorylated mannosaccharides which have the property of being able to agglutinate salmonella and passively remove them from the intestine. They also have other intestinal health attributes. There is also a general family of phytobiotic products (plant extracts) and these appear to work indirectly by improving intestinal health and integrity and enhancing the opportunity to clear the salmonella colonisation. The above family of feed additives are referred to as prebiotics in that they enhance the health of the intestinal microbiota. Probiotics are referred to as the healthy microbiota and their use is believed to improve the gut environment and make this environment incompatible for the colonisation of salmonella or lead to their displacement. Their use is particularly favoured in assisting young birds to establish microbiota that resist colonisation with salmonella and also in older birds where dietary changes or antibiotic use has compromised the microflora balance. The collective name for prebiotics and probiotics where they are used in combination is synbiotics. The use of antibiotics in day olds

prophylactically is contraindicated in regards to salmonella as their use compromises the establishment of a balanced microflora and thus present a window of opportunity for salmonella to colonise. Where antibiotics are required therapeutically they should always be used currently or post treatment with synbiotics to maintain intestinal health. Vaccination The ability of salmonella to persistently colonise the intestinal tract of poultry indicates that they have mechanisms where they can avoid or modulate the host’s immune response. By default this means that controlling salmonella by vaccination will have limitations. Thus use of live vaccines that colonise before exposure to the wild type provide some degree of protection and the use of killed vaccines can control the degree of replication of salmonella, especially systemically, and thus aid in reducing shedding. The other difficulty of making effective universal salmonella vaccine is the number of serovars that need to be potentially covered. For this reason the major commercially available vaccines are either aimed at SE or ST, the serovars that are the significant food causing pathogens. Efficacy with SE based vaccines tends to be better than those with ST because of the partly systemic characteristics of the organism in the host. In Australia we have currently one registered live salmonella vaccine, Vaxsafe ST which is an attenuated vaccine based on ST 44. This vaccine is registered for administration by drinking water or coarse aerosol spray. Current work is investigating the efficacy of this vaccine after the initial live priming, when mixed and administered in conjunction with other routinely used inactivated poultry vaccines. The other alternative salmonella vaccines available in Australia are autogenous inactivated adjuvanted vaccines. These vaccines are made from salmonella recovered from the farm and can only be used in poultry that have relatedness to the farm in question under permit conditions

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Hygiene, biosecurity and disinfection The ultimate control for salmonella is ensuring that the organism is excluded from the environment in which the poultry are reared and produced. This can be achieved but is difficult and becoming even more difficult with the increasing use of alternative systems. The simple policy of putting day olds in cleaned and salmonella free sheds, commencing feeding with heat treated crumble and then placing the birds as a single age in a cleaned and disinfected shed for the production cycle provides a good start in salmonella control. Unfortunately the reality is less straightforward than this best practice approach with the extreme being the reuse of litter to rear the birds on and the placement of birds in a multi-age shed that has never been totally depopulated and thus never effectively cleaned. In such sheds after intensive colony selection up to 8 or more different serovars of salmonella can be identified. Cleaning of sheds after depopulation requires the use of a quality detergent to remove the organic loads prior to disinfection. Most disinfectants are effective against salmonella but their efficacy varies with the organic load and biofilm present. Dirt floors provide another challenge and detergent washing and the use of disinfectants on such a surface has limited efficacy. One effective remedy and it technically exceeds all others in trial work on earth floors is hydrated lime. The control of vermin such as rats and mice is important as is the control litter beetles and flies. Domestic pets can also be asymptomatic carriers and dogs have been validated as the contaminating source. The use of ruminants on free range farm should always involve checking these animals for salmonella before entry. Salmonella control program The Australian egg industry currently does not approach salmonella control from a holistic perspective. The approach is more ad hoc in form being influenced by the culture of whose actual responsibility is it, demonstrating some due diligence, recognising the costs involved, retailer requirements and in some cases pressure from technical services. Where a holistic approach does occur is when a producer is associated through traceability with salmonella food posing outbreaks and thus comes under the jurisdiction or control of the state health department or food authority. It is unfortunate the industry is not the lead authority showing initiative in this area. Where such salmonella control programs are enforced and implemented with regulators auditing a reduction in salmonella is evident and very satisfactory outcomes are achieved. Thus it can be done and the implementation of such programs should become routinely incorporated in the Australian egg layer industry as standard preventative programs. The Program 1. Purchase day olds from an accredited supplier that has a salmonella control program in place. 2. Have the day olds vaccinated with the registered live salmonella vaccine by coarse aerosol at the hatchery or immediately on presentation at the farm. 3. The Starter 1 ration should be a heat treated crumble containing organic acids and other synbiotic combinations. 4. Place day olds into a clean and disinfected shed on new


HEALTH FEATURE litter or used litter that has been tested and shown to be free of salmonella. 5. Avoid the use of any prophylactic day old antibiotic medication. 6. Ensure all biosecurity measures are in place at the shed level with a change of protective footwear and designated rearer managers. 7. Collect chick box or brooding papers and have them cultured for salmonella. 8. Live vaccinate the birds with salmonella via the drinking water at 2- 4 (and 4- 6 weeks of age). Note seek technical help where organic acids are in feed as this will impact on the effectiveness of the vaccination. 9. Depending on previous history organic acids may or may not be continued through the remaining rearing period after the Starter 1 has finished. It is preferable to continue their inclusion throughout rear. 10. Where there is a property history and an autogenous vaccine has been prepared vaccinate the birds at around 8 and then 12 weeks of age. The use of a specific autogenous vaccine using the subject salmonella recovered from the farm will provide the more specific immunological response. 11. Where no autogenous vaccine is available continue with live salmonella vaccination or consider the veterinary off label application of the registered live vaccine mixed in with another adjuvanted vaccine. 12. Drag swab sheds (or cage manure) at around 14 weeks of age. 13. Transfer birds into a single age cleaned and disinfected shed free of wild type salmonella. 14. Maintain an aggressive rodent control program. Control of rats can prove very difficult and the use of shed cats (tested prior for salmonella freedom) has been found to be an effective supplementary activity. 15. Continue or place the layers on synbiotics throughout the early lay period. 16. Undertake drag or manure belt swabs post peak and repeat at least 3 monthly. Scenarios 1. i. Negative results – optional to continue synbiotics. Leave in feed for their secondary benefits and as insurance in salmonella control. ii. Positive results but low risk salmonella in regard to food safety. 1. Continue synbiotics in feed. iii. Positive results but high risk salmonella in regard to food safety. 1. Increase level of SCFA in feed. 2. Ensure and reinforce that all cracked and dirty eggs go for pulping. 3. Culture the pulp of cracked and dirty eggs for salmonella. 4. Upgrade all hygiene procedures. Conclusion The technical knowhow, the laboratory testing, the feed additives and the vaccines are all available in Australia to achieve a successful outcome for a salmonella control program. The impediments that exist to do this are in part historical, cultural and cost sensitivities. It is important though for the industry to take charge of its own salmonella control program and not allow ongoing food poisoning outbreaks to enforce regulatory control outside the industry. The egg industry through its governing bodies should facilitate the implementation of industry minimum standards for control of salmonella. This should be undertaken in conjunction with the food authorities in regard to the education of consumers and food handlers in safe food procedures.

Aviagen Management Essentials Nortje De Wet Technical Service Manager, Aviagen Australia, New Zealand and Asia De Wet has 23 years experience in the poultry industry with a large integrated company in South Africa, before joining Aviagen ANZ in 2012. “Achieving the daily water intake requirement is critical to ensure good bird health and growth development,” commented De Wet

Managing and Maintaining Drinker Lines Objective Manage drinker lines and maintain the correct height daily to ensure birds can access water. Key Points 1. In brooding, nipple lines should be at a height that the bird while drinking. An older bird forms a 75-85º angle with the are too high restrict water consumption. Water lines that are too low can result in wet litter.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Birds should be reared on the same drinker system as used when in production. Check drinker lines daily and make adjustments for correct height. Uniform bird distribution at the drinkers occurs with good drinker space and height. Measurement of water consumption is useful to monitor system failures (feed and water), monitoring health and tracking bird performance.

the ratio of water in liters to feed weight in kgs is: 1.8 liters: 1 kilogram for bell drinkers; 1.7 liters: 1 kilogram for nipple drinkers with cups; 1.6 liters: 1 kilogram for nipple drinkers without cups 7. Birds drink more water at higher temperatures. Requirement increases by 6.5% per 1°C over 21ºC/69.8ºF. High temperatures can double daily water consumption. 8. In open sourced drinkers, bacterial contamination can increase rapidly. Regular cleaning is needed, especially with young chicks during brooding. 9. Use of chlorine (3-5 ppm) is good practice to reduce bacteria. 10. Test the water regularly for bacteria and minerals and take corrective action. 11. Hard water and high iron or calcium may cause valves and with a sieve (40-50 microns).

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PRODUCT NEWS

Trace minerals: Is quality control a priority? By TARA JARMAN, AP Mineral Manager Alltech. Now more than ever it is essential to know the source of your minerals to ensure feed safety. Quality control has to be at the top of each producers list when selecting trace minerals. In recent years, contamination of trace mineral supplements has been causing more frequent problems across borders. Recently, trace elements shipped from China, including sources of zinc, copper and manganese, have been included in a list of products that are subject to enhanced checks before being allowed to enter the European Union. Cadmium and lead contamination have been identified as the potential hazards in these shipments. Trace minerals contaminates Millions of tonnes of metals are produced annually for a wide variety of applications, primarily in manufacturing: automotive, electronics, aircraft, etc. Few of these applications require a high level of purity. Metals used as minerals in animal feed supplements must be very pure as not only are these products going to affect the health of our livestock, but they are also entering the food chain. Raw minerals are typically mined or recycled. Mineral ore deposits are often a mixture of several different inorganic forms and may include several other minerals as well. Recycled minerals are

Project1:PoltexAd2 21/03/14 3:47 PM Page 1

often reclaimed from electronics and other manufactured goods. Dioxin is a general term for a large group of fat soluble organo-chlorine compounds, the polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans, about 30 of which are significantly toxic. Dioxins can potentially be formed whenever organic compounds, chlorine and high temperatures are involved. Common sources include volcanic eruptions, forest fires, exhaust emissions, incinerators and in the manufacturing of chemicals, pesticides and paints. Dioxins can also be formed during the processing of inorganic minerals. Metals, especially copper, can act as catalysts in dioxin formation. Dioxins are termed ‘persistent organic pollutants’ because they are very stable, resisting physical and biological breakdown to remain in the environment for long periods of time. Dioxins are known teratogens, mutagens and carcinogens in humans and animals. PCBs, dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls, differ from dioxins in that they are intentionally produced for the manufacture of transformers, inks, plasticisers, lubricants and building materials. PCBs are present in inorganic trace mineral sources due to the recycling of metal sources, such as copper wiring. At least 70 percent of copper sulfate is produced from

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renewable sources. PCBs are also a known carcinogen in humans and animals. Heavy metals are a concern because they can enter the soil resulting in the contamination of inorganic trace mineral sources and can enter groundwater as a pollutant. Mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic can cause neurological signs in livestock such as blindness, anemia, soft-shelled eggs, kidney and renal damage, and sudden death. A global Issue The use of mined versus recycled minerals has also been debated, however both have had negative implications. Mined minerals tend to be higher in heavy metal contamination, and the mining process can cause contamination with dioxins and PCBs. Dioxins can also be formed during recycling and often materials such as PVC coating are not removed during the process of recycling which introduces PCB risks. Dioxins, PCBs and heavy metals are a global issue. In December 2008, pork in Ireland was found to be tainted with dioxin contamination, resulting in the product being pulled from 24 countries. In July 2011, Belgian food safety officials found a 138 ton consignment of feed grade copper sulfate imported from Romania with higher than permitted presence of dioxin. Lead contaminated zinc oxide imported from China found its way into the pig industry in Australia in recent years. The levels of lead detected in the livers of pigs, exceeded allowable limits and they were destroyed. In January last year, China’s State Council publicized a circular on soil pollution that sets out a plan to contain the increasingly severe problem by 2015. For heavy metals alone, experts estimate the country’s pollution results in the loss of 10 million metric tonnes of grain and the contamination of another 12 million metric tonnes annually. What is the risk? A clear take-home message from these events is that industry quality assurance programs are essential. And for any quality assurance program, continuous quality improvement must occur for risk management strategies to remain effective. Building off their Quality Plus (Q+TM) mineral quality program, Alltech conducted a survey of mineral sources


PRODUCT NEWS intended for animal feed in the AsiaPacific region. The survey revealed a high prevalence of heavy metal contamination in feedstuffs. In 2014, a survey of more than 480 samples of various inorganic minerals, premixes, organic minerals and complete feeds from different countries in Asia was carried out. Lead, arsenic and cadmium was analysed using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) at the Alltech China facility. Results showed contamination from 3 to 65 percent of samples. Overall, 19 percent of all samples were contaminated with at least one heavy metal (lead, arsenic and cadmium). This is consistent with previous results from Alltech’s Asia-Pacific heavy metal surveys. The risk of contamination associated with inorganic minerals is a concern for manufacturers of all mineral supplement forms because inorganic mineral sources are used to manufacture organic mineral products. Guaranteeing quality and safety Alltech is the world’s largest

manufacturer of organic trace minerals (Bioplex and Sel-Plex) for the livestock industry, with five state-of-the-art production facilities around the world. As the industry leader, Alltech has implemented a quality assurance program to ensure the quality, safety, traceability, and consistency of all Alltech products. This Q+ mineral quality control program is unique to Bioplex trace minerals and sets the standard, enabling Alltech to offer a global quality guarantee to customers using this feed additive in over 128 countries. Q+ is a positive release program that combines a number of quality control measures, whereby all batches of trace mineral sources and final Bioplex batches are tested for heavy metals, dioxin, and PCBs before sale. The Q+ program represents but one facet of the overall rigorous Alltech Quality SystemTM (AQS). Industry-driven safeguards, like these enforced by Alltech, are necessary to safeguard our increasingly global, interdependent food chain. Besides contamination issues, many producers are turning to organic

minerals to limit their impact on the environment. Growing awareness of the environmental pollution caused by unused trace minerals has led to concern and even new legislation in parts of the world controlling trace minerals in feed and manure levels. Quality control has to be at the top of each producers list when choosing trace minerals. As a result of past and current food crises, animal feed is an important area that affects the integrity and safety of the food chain. In addition, legislation concerning the production of feed is getting tougher. Routine analysis of feed and food ingredients and the assurance of equally high standards of quality and transparency from suppliers will continue to be critical in a global ingredient market to protect the food chain from contaminants such as dioxins, heavy metals and PCBs. The Q+ program, unique to Alltech and the Bioplex trace mineral range, is a positive release program that combines a number of quality control measures, including testing every batch of minerals for heavy metals, dioxins, and PCBs before sale.

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NEWS v

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

processing losses under normal conditions,” Dr Rogers concluded. Dr Steve Leeson finished the first session with ‘Broiler on farm feed intake: The driver of productivity’. He said on-farm feed modifiers to feed intake included: stocking density, feed texture, temperature, light programs, health status, water availability, the severity of feed changes as in starter to grower etc, antibiotics and anticoccidials and finally mould and mycotoxins. In the second session Feed Safety, Matt Bekker, Regional Manager, Novus Nutrition spoke on the subject ‘The role of antioxidants on product quality; eggs, fertile eggs, meat.’ In the third session, Raw Materials and Emerging Technologies, Dr Bob Swick from the University of New England in Armidale gave a talk entitled ‘Global competition for feedstuffs and alternative views on raw material use’. He said the demand for grains and oil seeds will increase in the future due to population growth and increase in wealth. A greater use of local ingredients will benefit Australia and reduce our environmental footprint.

“Net energy formulation is looking promising,” he said Dr Nick Rodgers delivered the final topic ‘Use of alternative protein meals to reduce feed cost and nutrient excretion’. Dr Rogers said the demand for grain and protein meals to meet livestock production needs leads to upward pressure on protein prices. Protein utilisation from feed becomes more economically important. “So we must get the most out of feed before it leaves the small intestine,” he said. This topic created great discussion with one significant comment made by Dr Leeson. “I would not even consider doing a breeder diet without including a protease enzyme. It’s a given now in all breeder formulations.” Though a lot of interesting scientific material was delivered there was plenty of opportunity for lively debate in a room full of people with vast experience of modern poultry nutrition. One prominent industry nutritionist who attended said that “this was one of the best seminars I have ever attended”. Not only was the information delivered by all speakers highly relevant, participants in both the Sydney and

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Melbourne sessions have reported to Poultry Digest that they felt attending the seminars was very well worth while. The quality of the speakers and the depth of their experience and knowledge made the day worthwhile for attendees who are facing both nutritional and businesses challenges in an ever more competitive market where consumer expectations become ever more demanding. Though obviously Novus is a commercial enterprise the seminar delivered advice and stategies that went way beyond simple delivery of product information.

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NEWS v

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“From a compliance perspective, addition of medications in feed prepared at a mill adds an additional layer of complexity. “Increasing scrutiny over the use of antibiotics in animal feed will necessitate a more responsive system, more targeted application and systems that reduce overall usage,” he said. Rob summed up by saying: “Increasing compliance requirements and consumer awareness will place additional pressure on in-feed medications. Medications added at a feed mill and/or water medication are less than optimal. “Accurate on-farm micro-ingredient addition offers many strategic benefits to the use of in feed medications. “On farm micro ingredient addition is better suited to powder addition in mash feed than micro-pellets to pelleted feed,” he said. The Sydney University Poultry Research Foundation (Camden Campus) has produced some talented young scientists, including Dr Stuart Wilkinson who now works for Feedworks. The latest of these talented

researchers, Ha Truong, in her paper ‘Phytase supplementation of maize based diets primes the sodium pump,’ explained that, “the likelihood is that phytate can impede the digestion of protein and probably, starch. “Further phytate could impede adsorbtion of amino acids and glucose, and that phytase has reciprocal positive effects on digestion as well as adsorbtion,” she suggested. “Phytase may prime the pump in two ways, firstly Phytate reduces secretion of NaHCO3 into the duodenum and the depletion of Na levels in gut mucosal cells is attenuated. Then Phytase increases P availability for the rephosphorylation (ADP (ARROW) ATP) of the sodium pump. “Phytase is capable of priming the sodium pump by decreasing secretion of Na as NaNCO3 into the duodenum thereby countering the depletion of Na in enterocytes. “Increasing P bioavailability thereby facilitates the rephosphorylation of the sodium pump,” she concluded. Next Sonia Liu, another talented researcher from the Poultry Research Foundation at Camden spoke on the

topic of ‘Geometric chickens: the interactions of macronutriets on growth performance in broiler chickens’. “Objectives of the study,” Sonia explained were, “to determine the interactions of macronutrients (starch, protein and fat) on growth performance in broiler chickens. “Is feed intake regulated by dietary energy? Are the diets we are feeding to chickens good enough? “What are the optimal concentrations of starch, protein and fat for feed conversion? A couple of Sonia’s slides on the influence of dietary starch and protein energy on feed conversion ratios indicated some fairly astounding potential after trials using Ross 308 genetics predicted improvements of the order of +23% in FCR gain! In concluding the report on her research Sonia stated tha “feed intake is not only regulated by total dietary values, it is influenced by the relative ratio of energy derived from starch, protein and fat. “Compared to conventional broiler grower diets, feed conversion efficiency may be improved from 1.512 to 1.160 by reducing starch (rapid) energy share w

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We buy whole soya beans, not gradings, to supply you with a quality meal 49


NEWS v and increasing protein and fat (slow)

energy share. “It questions the true starch value in broiler diets,” she said. “Further implications are, the ingredient mix problem, i.e. whole grain feeding and multi-grain blend. “Other considerations were the applications of synthetic amino acids, and enzymes response in diets based on various mixed ingredients,” Sonia concluded. No Coolum Feedworks conference is complete without the presence and contribution of veteran Sydney University Poultry Research Foundation member Dr Peter Selle. No stranger to the microphone – even if he doesn’t need it – Dr Selle’s paper was ‘The reason why whole grain feeding in broilers works’. “Less than 15 worthwhile whole grain feeding scientific (WGF) papers have been published and the practical adoption of WGF is far in advance of R&D, especially in Australia,” he said. “The provision of 20.2% whole grain generated an average increase in

relative gizzard weight in 11 studies. “But whole grain addition ranged from 7.5 to 50% and gizzard increase ranged from 0.7 to 100%. “The gizzard is the pace maker of gut motility, reverse peristalsis and enhanced gut integrity,” Dr Selle stated. In conclusion he said “WGF improves FCR and energy utilisation, contributes to bigger and better gizzards and enhances the provision of gradually digestable starch”. The role of spray dried plasma in young broiler diets is a topic dear to Dr David Cadogan from Feedworks His paper was ‘The role of spray dried plasma in young broiler (and pig) diets’. “Porcine plasma is superior to other source material. Further it is safe and Australian made,” he said. “Four international studies have shown significant increases in weight gain and FCR when bovine/mixed plasma was offered to birds between 0 and 21 days. “Trials were conducted using porcine plasma to determine benefits on

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35 day broiler performance, where birds were fed on a wheat diet for the first 10 days only at inclusion levels of 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% (control 0.0%) “The results were that birds not fed the SDPP achieved an FCR of 1.64, at 0.5% 1.6, 1.0% 1.56, and at 2.0% 1.46. “Current cost of spray dried plasma would increase the cost of broiler starter diets by $30 to $40 a tonne, but 10 points in FCR for whole of life is worth $40 a tonne across all diets,” Dr Cadogan said. “Is pre-starter an option only offered for 3 to 5 days?” Dr Cadogan asked. Dr Gary Partridge was the final speaker for the Monogastric session, and his topic was ‘Creative destruction in the USA:how diets with the use of betaine and enzymes have changed’. The Feedworks Coolum Conference has become a significant event for our region’s livestock industries. It combines the delivery of leading edge science that is absolutely relevant to the current and future trends in livestock production, with an enjoyable social experience for delegates and their families. The following morning Gary Partridge reflected with Poultry Digest how the Feedworks Conference had grown from the original event held 14 years ago with just 25 delegates present in a Darling Harbour Sydney hotel room!

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