Volume 10 Issue 4
PEER REVIEWED
The “4D” Revolution in Livestock Production The Advent of Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) through a Synthesis of Diagnostics, Devices, Digital Platforms and Data Analytics Audiometric Study Reveals Patterns of Age-Related Hearing Loss in Dogs and Cats Examining the Role of Telemedicine & Other Advancements in Modern Companion Animal Healthcare Food Allergies and Intolerances in Pets
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CONTENTS 04 FOREWORD WATCH PAGES 06 Introduction to Inter and Intra Country Live Animal Transport
MANAGING DIRECTOR Mark A. Barker EDITORIAL MANAGER Beatriz Romao beatriz@senglobalcoms.com RESEARCH AND CIRCULATION Virginia Toteva virginia@senglobalcoms.com DESIGNER Jana Sukenikova www.fanahshapeless.com BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Jerome D’Souza info@senglobalcoms.com ADMINISTRATOR Jessica Chapman jessica@senglobalcoms.com FRONT COVER © istockphoto PUBLISHED BY Senglobal Ltd. Unit 5.02, E1 Studios, 7 Whitechapel Road, E1 1DU, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 2045417569 Email: info@senglobalcoms.com www.international-animalhealth.com International Animal Health Journal – ISSN 2752-7697 is published quarterly by Senglobal Ltd.
The commercial movement of animals is one of the most regulated areas of transport. Sue Lee at Hexagon Supply Chain describes the encompassing modal specific requirements for movement of animals, taking into account the species and number of animals, current weather conditions, temperature and humidity, the length of the journey, light and noise levels etc. 08 Stem-cell Breakthrough in the EU The first veterinary stem cell products are reaching now the EU market. Stem cell therapy is intended for mitigating, treating, or preventing disease in animals or humans, and holds considerable promise for therapeutic applications in various conditions, including metabolic, degenerative and inflammatory diseases, and for the repair and regeneration of damaged or lost tissues. Anja Holm, Central Vet Pharma examines the stem cell products available for veterinary use, as well as their benefits for animal health. REGULATORY & MARKETPLACE 10 Harvest 2023: An Insight into the European and U.S. Mycotoxin Risk As the agricultural industry navigates the complexities of the ever-changing climate, the impact on crop quality and mycotoxin presence remains a subject of close examination. This was one of the most debated topics at the recent World Mycotoxin Forum in Belgium, and a comparison of the growing seasons of 2022 and 2023 in the U.S. and Europe reveals how these changing climate dynamics are creating varying challenges for the feed and livestock industries. Chloe Chisholm at Alltech shows an insight into the European and U.S. mycotoxin risk. 14 Developing Business Acumen for Animal Health Professionals Animal health sales and marketing professionals need to understand their customers’ financial and operational concerns and challenges in order to provide value and meet their needs. CEOs want leaders and employees at all levels to better demonstrate business acumen
The opinions and views expressed by the authors in this journal are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Publisher. Please note that although care is taken in the preparation of this publication, the Editor and the Publisher are not responsible for opinions, views, and inaccuracies in the articles. Great care is taken concerning artwork supplied, but the Publisher cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage incurred. This publication is protected by copyright. Volume 10 Issue 4 Winter 2023 Senglobal Ltd. www.international-animalhealth.com
International Animal Health Journal 1
CONTENTS and specifically, to appreciate how their actions and decisions contribute to the company’s financial performance. Dr. Wendy Heckelman of WLH Consulting outlines how to develop business acumen, providing guidance on specific behaviours.
rather than immune mediated responses. Jennifer Dean of Pets Choice looks at pet food intolerance symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, concluding that identifying ingredients in pet food will help prevent pet discomfort through alleviating allergy symptoms.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
TECHNOLOGY
16 Audiometric Study Reveals Patterns of Age-Related Hearing Loss in Dogs and Cats This study investigates the prevalence, progression, and characteristics of age-related hearing loss (ARHL) in domestic dogs and cats. Given the importance of auditory communication in these species, understanding ARHL's impact is crucial for enhancing animal welfare and owner-pet interactions. Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, is a prevalent issue in dogs, usually beginning to impact them when they are between 8 to 10 years old. Initially, this condition manifests as a reduced capacity to hear sounds at mid to high frequencies, which can progressively worsen to total hearing loss. ARHL in cats generally begin to show signs around 8 to 12 years old as part of their ageing process. Janet Marlow the founder and lead innovator at Pet Acoustics Inc. examines the behavioural adaptations that accompany this sensory decline, such as increased reliance on other senses and altered responsiveness, often misconstrued as an enhancement in hearing. FOOD & FEED 20 Food Allergies and Intolerances in Pets Adverse food reactions are categorised as reactions to dietary ingredients by specific individuals which are harmless to others. This term covers toxic reactions, food allergies and food intolerances. A food allergy is an immune system response to one or more proteins that have been ingested by the pet, with food intolerance being typically cell-mediated responses,
2 International Animal Health Journal
24 Examining the Role of Telemedicine & Other Advancements in Modern Companion Animal Healthcare In recent years, there has been a significant surge in pet ownership, which has catalysed transformative changes in the world of veterinary medicine and animal welfare. Approximately 66% of U.S. households, equivalent to 86.9 million homes, are pet owners, according to the American Pet Products Association. As a result, the care and wellbeing of companion animals have taken centre stage, commanding more attention and resources than ever before. Saloni Walimbe explains the role of telemedicine and other advancements in modern companion animal healthcare. 26 The “4D” Revolution in Livestock Production: The Advent of Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) through a Synthesis of Diagnostics, Devices, Digital Platforms and Data Analytics How livestock production, health and welfare are done will radically change over the next decade. Waves of innovation in the form of precision livestock technologies are coming to livestock and protein production. These technology waves will be comprised of any of four fundamental categories – diagnostics, devices, digital platforms and data analytics. Dale D. Polson, Boehringer Ingelheim, explores the benefits of these new technologies, concluding that to fulfil our shared purpose of feeding the world as contributors to livestock and protein production we must be prepared to discover and embrace those which help us achieve that purpose.
Volume 10 Issue 4
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FOREWORD Stem cells have been considered to have tremendous potential for biological and therapeutic applications, because of their self-replicating ability and differentiation into multiple types of cells. There are two broad types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells, which are isolated from the inner cell mass of blastocysts, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are widely distributed in multicellular organisms. Genome editing involves the insertion, deletion, modification, or replacement of DNA in the genome with the help of synthetic nucleases, the “molecular scissors”. Targeting genome alteration of stem cells in disease models is a prerequisite for utilizing the full potential of stem cells. Genome edited human iPSCs can be employed to study gene function, drug and chemical screens. Many genomeediting techniques have been launched to improve the efficiency and speed of the development of stem cells. The first veterinary stem cell products are reaching the EU market now. Two products for treatment of joint disease in horses have received positive opinions and will present an innovative option in the veterinary field. This should be acknowledged as a major achievement by the companies behind the products, who made it through the EU authorisation process despite limited published guidance and regulatory experience. Anja Holm, Central Vet Pharma examines the stem cell products available for veterinary use, as well as their benefits for animal health. This issue of IAHJ covers many aspects of the veterinary pharmaceutical industry. Business acumen is a phrase
that is often tossed around without a clear definition and is described as, “I’ll know it when I see it”. More importantly, CEOs want leaders and employees at all levels to better demonstrate business acumen. They specifically want them to appreciate how their actions and decisions contribute to the company’s financial performance. Dr. Wendy Heckelman of WLH Consulting outlines how to develop business acumen, providing guidance on specific behaviours. Our R&D section starts with a very important topic. “Audiometric Study Reveals Patterns of Age-Related Hearing Loss in Dogs and Cats” This study investigates the prevalence, progression, and characteristics of age-related hearing loss (ARHL) in domestic dogs and cats. Given the importance of auditory communication in these species, understanding ARHL's impact is crucial for enhancing animal welfare and owner-pet interactions. Janet Marlow the founder and lead innovator at Pet Acoustics Inc. examines the behavioural adaptations that accompany this sensory decline, such as increased reliance on other senses and altered responsiveness, often misconstrued as an enhancement in hearing. Our Food & Feed starts with “Food Allergies and Intolerances in Pets”. Jennifer Dean of Pets Choice looks at pet food intolerance symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, concluding that identifying ingredients in pet food will help prevent pet discomfort through alleviating allergy symptoms. The Technology Section starts with an Examination of the Role of Telemedicine & Other Advancements in Modern Companion Animal Healthcare. In recent years, there has been a significant surge in pet ownership, which has catalysed transformative changes in the world of veterinary medicine and animal welfare. Saloni Walimbe explains the role of telemedicine and other advancements in modern companion animal healthcare, and the next article addresses, “4D” Revolution in Livestock Production, Dale D. Polson, Boehringer Ingelheim, explores the benefits of these new technologies, concluding that to fulfil our shared purpose of feeding the world as contributors to livestock and protein production we must be prepared to discover and embrace those which help us achieve that purpose. I hope you all enjoy this issue of IAHJ, and I look forward to meeting you all at the Animal Health Innovation Conference in London, organised by Kisaco research. Have a great year ahead. Kevin Woodword, Managing Director, KNW Animal Health Consulting
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Amanda Burkardt, MSc, MBA – CEO of Nutripeutics Consulting Germán W. Graff – Principal, Graff Global Ltd
Fereshteh Barei – Health Economist & Strategy Advisor, Founder of BioNowin Santé Avenue Association Carel du Marchie Sarvaas Executive Director Health For Animals
Kimberly H. Chappell – Senior Research Scientist & Companion Animal Product Development Elanco Animal Health Dr. Sam Al-Murrani – Chief Executive Officer Babylon Bioconsulting & Managing Director at Bimini LLC Sven Buckingham – Buckingham QA Consultancy Ltd.
Dan Peizer – Director Animal Health at Catalent Pharma Solutions
Dawn Howard – Chief Executive of the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) Jean Szkotnicki – President of the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI) Dr. Kevin Woodward – Managing Director KNW Animal Health Consulting
Norbert Mencke – VP Global Communications & Public Affairs Bayer Animal Health GmbH 4 International Animal Health Journal
Volume 10 Issue 4
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Introduction to Inter and Intra Country Live Animal Transport The commercial movement of animals is one of the most regulated areas of transport, encompassing modal specific requirements taking into account the species and number of animals, current weather conditions, temperature and humidity, the length of the journey, light and noise levels. All relevant legislation is founded on the tenet that: "No person shall transport animals or cause animals to be transported in a way that is likely to cause injury or undue suffering to them." The AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Accreditation Standard 1.5.11 adds “Animal transportation must be conducted in a manner that is safe, well planned and coordinated, and minimises risk to the animal(s), employees, and general public. All applicable local, state, and federal laws must be adhered to.” Animals travel around the world on a daily basis, whether accompanied by their owners or sent through specialist transport providers. People move, taking their pets with them, owners send horses to race meets, zoos undertake exchange and breeding programmes. Animals are transported for economic activity, commercial and business undertakings. Animals which are part of the family or which operate as service animals are treated very differently from those moved as part of economic activity. Pet Transport Families travelling domestically with their pets in the family car, or by public transport, have no additional requirements, except to ensure that “dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.” This quote is from the UK Highway Code; similar specific requirements apply in other countries. If you are an EU national travelling within the EU with your pet provided they are dogs, cats or ferrets, you can move freely, so long as your animal has a European pet passport. This passport is available from any authorised veterinarian and must contain details of a valid anti-rabies vaccination. Young unvaccinated animals and other species are subject to national rules. They must be microchipped or tattooed with the same code as the one documented in the passport to verify their identity at border points. Service Animals In many countries, legislation requires that service animals must be carried by airlines or on public transport free of charge and arrangements must be made to facilitate their safe carriage. Trained service animals can include guide dogs for the blind or partially sighted, hearing dogs for the deaf, and animals who recognise warning signs for diabetic episodes seizures, mobility limitations or other needs. Another designation of animals, mostly dogs, are those considered emotional support and psychiatric service animals. These are not normally supplied and trained by service animal organisations. Many airlines, including Easyjet, do not transport them as service animals, and only some will allow them to 6 International Animal Health Journal
travel with the human passenger. Delta Airlines are tightening their requirements from March and require a passenger travelling with comfort animals and psychiatric-service animals to provide a letter signed by a doctor or licensed mental-health professional stating the passenger’s need for the animal and an additional signed letter stating that the animal is trained to behave without a kennel. Airlines such as Delta restrict which animals can travel as assistance or comfort animals. Those excluded include hedgehogs, ferrets, insects, rodents, snakes, spiders, sugar gliders, reptiles and amphibians and all animals with tusks, horns or hooves. Many countries including, for example, most of South America, Morocco, Egypt, Israel, Kosovo, Turkey and Jordan restrict even recognised service animals. Passengers need to give at least 48 hours’ notice of their intention to fly with a guide or assistance dog and provide vet certificates, and other documentation. The Guide Dogs Association recommends carrying plastic bags, absorbent granules and cleaning wipes, bottled water (where possible), a resealable water container, appropriate snacks for long journeys, a portable food bowl and a fleece/vet bed for the dog to lie on in transit. Animals Moved Under Commercial Arrangements European law governs the welfare of animals during transport and applies to anyone who transports live, vertebrate animals in connection with ‘economic activity’ – i.e. a business or trade – including: • • • • • •
farmers livestock and equine hauliers commercial pet breeders markets slaughterhouses assembly centres
Farmed animals, which include cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, ponies, donkeys and mules, and poultry – i.e. domestic fowl, ducks, geese, turkeys, guinea-fowl, quails, pheasants and partridges are subject to more stringent regulations. Regulation and guidelines which apply include: • • • • •
• •
IATA's Live Animals Regulations (LAR) – (current edition 44) CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora CITES guidelines for the non-air transport of live wild animals xand plants European Union Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 DEFRA, Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) Order 2006, and parallel legislation in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Animal Welfare Act “The Blue Book” USDA United States Department of Agriculture United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Injurious Species Act Volume 10 Issue 4
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AZA Association of Zoos and Aquariums species/ genus-specific care manuals EAZA Association of Zoos and Aquariums European Position Statement on Council Regulation 1/2005: Protection of Animals during Transport
In the UK, local authorities have primary responsibility for enforcing the rules to protect animals during transportation. Companies must therefore apply to their local council for licenses. In the USA, commercial businesses that move animals from one location to another, including trucking companies and airlines, are considered transporters under the Animal Welfare Act and must be registered with the USDA. General Good Practice Much of the movement of animals could be considered as common sense. Shippers are required to plan journeys in advance, taking specific consideration of vehicle loading and unloading facilities, space requirements, including height considerations and the need for the animals to lie down. Plans are needed to deal with watering and feeding and dealing with excreta. Anyone involved in the handling of animals must be appropriately trained and must not use violence or any methods likely to cause fear, injury or suffering to the animals. The breed, gender, age and point in the reproductive cycle will affect the capacity of the animal to travel and their needs. Equipment and medication must be provided after a full risk assessment. There may be prohibitions on food being imported into countries which necessitates balancing sufficient food to keep the animals alive (which is generally more difficult the smaller the animal) with restricting the amount so that it is eaten prior to arrival. Plans must be made for inclement weather which, in the event of forecast excessive cold or heat, may necessitate rescheduling the transport. Specific Requirements Animals must be confirmed fit to travel, and restrictions apply to very young animals, pregnant females, or those who have recently given birth, sick or injured animals, and those in danger of damage under normal transport conditions such as deer with newly growing antlers. Animals must be contained in suitable transport units, following the special requirements for their species and providing for all their needs, ensuring they remain contained. Crates should be able to withstand external damage from other freight and able to withstand any internal destruction that may be caused by the animal. White crates or boxes are preferable, to prevent heat absorption. Bedding materials must be considered particularly as potential disease vectors. The units must be capable of dealing with waste materials. IATA regulations state that social species should never be separated from their social groups. This is nowhere so apparent as in the transport of zoo animals, so meerkats travel in families (double contained due to their listing on the USFWS Injurious Species List), and penguins travel in their bonded pairs. Mesh doors or side windows (as in air kennels) should be covered with a breathable, opaque material to allow for ventilation and privacy for the animal (Ott Joslin & Collins, 1999); this will help provide a sense of security for animals being shipped. Arrangements should be made for all consignments to be kept in quiet conditions, away from loud noises, people and other animals as much as is practicable, to reduce stress. Horses need anti-slip flooring, and those older than eight months are required to wear halters during the transport (there is an exception for unbroken horses), and they must www.international-animalhealth.com
be housed in individual stalls (except for mares travelling with their foals). Pigs cannot climb stairs or steep slopes and so must be provided with gently sloping access ramps. Fish must be transported in sealed containers calculated to contain sufficient oxygen to allow for the entire journey with additional contingency time to consider potential delays. Unless otherwise specified by the species, temperatures in the holding area, cargo, or terminal should be a minimum of 12.8ºC and a maximum of 26.7ºC. If ambient temperatures are higher than 23.9ºC, ancillary ventilation should be provided. Animals should not be left in direct sunlight. Transport protocols should be well defined, clearly communicated and made available to all relevant staff. Considering all necessary regulatory and species-specific requirements, with provision for expected and predictable risks, allowing some flexibility to react to events as they unfold. Ensuring that all necessary paperwork for compliance with airline, customs and government agency requirements is in place and is correct prior to any physical movement taking place is the key to successful shipping.
Sue Lee A healthcare supply chain professional with extensive experience shipping clinical and specialty commercial drug, and clinical samples, with over 25 years of GxP process development and application, utilising risk management and logistics planning with business experience to produce practical solutions. Email: sue@hexagonsupplychain.com
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Stem-cell Breakthrough in the EU
The first veterinary stem cell products are reaching the EU market now. Two products for treatment of joint disease in horses have received positive opinions and will present an innovative option in the veterinary field. This should be acknowledged as a major achievement by the companies behind the products, who made it through the EU authorisation process despite limited published guidance and regulatory experience. Stem cells are non-terminally differentiated, selfrenewing cells that harbour the ability to produce mature, differentiated daughter cells. They serve to regulate or participate in normal tissue homeostasis and embryonic and foetal development. They can be harvested from a variety of tissues, e.g. bone marrow, umbilical cord, blood, fat, or embryos, and subsequently produced in a manufacturing facility. Although stem cells share the same principal characteristics of self-renewal potential and differentiation, stem-cell-based medicinal products do not constitute a homogeneous class. Stem cell therapy is intended for mitigating, treating, or preventing disease in animals or humans. They hold considerable promise for therapeutic applications in various conditions, including metabolic, degenerative and inflammatory diseases, and for the repair and regeneration of damaged or lost tissues. The stem cells now produced as veterinary medicines are allogeneic stem cells, i.e. those in which the cells are collected from a donor animal and used in a recipient animal of the same species. Stem cell treatments may lower symptoms of the disease or condition that is being treated, which may also allow reduce the drug intake. The first human stem cell product in the EU, Holoclar, was designated as an orphan medicine and recommended for conditional approval in 2014. This allowed the EMA to provide support including free scientific advice during Holoclar’s development. Holoclar is used in the eye to replace damaged cells on the surface (epithelium) of the cornea, the transparent layer in front of the eye covering the iris, to treat moderate to severe limbal stem cell deficiency due to physical or chemical burns to the eye. In June 2018, the first veterinary stem cell product, ArtiCell Forte, received a positive opinion from the EMA, followed by an EU marketing authorisation in spring 2019. Arti-Cell Forte contains chondrogenic induced equine allogeneic peripheral blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells as the active substance and is given as a single injection into an affected joint for reduction of mild to moderate lameness linked to joint inflammation in horses. The stem cells are treated so that they develop towards cartilage cells, which can assist in repairing damaged cartilage in the joint and aims to activate chondroprotective mechanisms, such as producing extracellular matrix and influencing the inflammatory process in the joint. In February 2019, HorStem received a positive opinion, after a first negative opinion in 2018. HorStem contains equine 8 International Animal Health Journal
umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells as active substance, which has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces lameness associated with mild to moderate degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) in horses. At the time of writing, the European Commission had not yet issued the marketing authorisation, but this is expected to happen soon. Another stem cell product, Horse Allo 20, received a negative opinion from the EMA in June 2018. This product contained allogeneic equine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells with potential immunomodulatory and antiinflammatory properties for tissue regenerative properties. The task for the innovative companies is large and challenging. Not only must they develop innovative science for the product and the assays to control production, but they face a regulatory landscape with very little guidance. Stem cells fall between existing legal classifications, being a biological product without a distinct immunologic Volume 10 Issue 4
WATCH PAGES mechanism and without clear chemical/pharmaceutical characteristics. To a large extent, the novel product development takes place in a foggy environment, where guidance and advice must be patched together from different sources. It is self-evident that for new innovations, the regulators do not have the expertise and cannot issue strong guidance. In the EMA, the CVMP’s Ad Hoc Expert Group on Veterinary Novel Therapies (the ADVENT group) has developed Q&A documents with partial pieces of advice. Four problem statements related to stem cells were published for consultation in 2016, asking for input from experts, and three corresponding Q&As were published in 2017; Stem cell Sterility, Extraneous agents and Tumorigenicity. Specific questions on target animal safety in relation to stem cell products are under finalisation. To illustrate some of the challenges in stem cell production, sterility makes a good example. As allogenic stem cell-based products are veterinary medicinal products to be administered parenterally, they should be sterile. The active substances of stem cell-based products are living cells which themselves cannot be sterilised by physical or chemical methods, and the final product can neither be terminally sterilised nor sterilised by filtration. Microbiological contamination can occur at various steps during the manufacturing process but particularly at the initial sampling of the cells/tissue, which may take place in a horse stable when collecting the umbilical cord after the birth of a foal. A stable is never a sterile, or even clean, environment. The US FDA, Center for Veterinary Medicines, in 2015 issued Guidance for Industry #218, Cell-Based Products for Animal Use. Here it is clarified that cell-based products meeting the definition of a new animal drug are subject to the same statutory and regulatory requirements as other new animal drugs. For products for human use, EMA guidance from 2008 (EMEA/CHMP/410869/2006) on human cell-based medicinal products, including quality and manufacturing aspects, non-clinical and clinical development exists, but does not always apply to veterinary topics. In 2011, the Committee for Advanced Therapies issued a reflection paper (EMA/ CAT/571134/2009) comprising topics related to embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, adult stem cells, somatic stem cells, marketing authorisation application, quality, non-clinical, clinical considerations for human medicines. Innovation is often driven by small companies with a highly competent scientific background. They draw on their scientific understanding but run into conflict with the lack of experience on the specialised field in regulatory authorities. Instead, regulators draw on a broad understanding of other types of medicines and a “regulator’s mindset”, trying to foresee obstacles or uncertainties in the product manufacture and use. The skills of translating between the scientific understanding of an innovative product and the regulators’ need for firm and controllable processes may be absent in small companies, which causes miscommunication and frustrations on both sides. The fact that two stem cell products from small innovative companies now is entering the EU market for the benefit of animals and owners, deserves loud applause. It would be great to see more new medicines in the future and an increased effort to facilitate this process would be welcome. www.international-animalhealth.com
Anja Holm Anja Holm is an independent consultant with 20 years of unique experience from the EMA, national and international regulatory bodies, and consultancy business in authorisation of veterinary medicines and vaccines. She has scientific and regulatory expertise with novel therapeutics combined with leadership and understanding of start-up companies. Email: anjaholm@centralvetpharma.com
International Animal Health Journal 9
APPLICATION NOTE
Harvest 2023: An Insight into the European and U.S. Mycotoxin Risk As the agricultural industry navigates the complexities of the ever-changing climate, the impact on crop quality and mycotoxin presence remains a subject of close examination. This was one of the most debated topics at the recent World Mycotoxin Forum in Belgium, and a comparison of the growing seasons of 2022 and 2023 in the U.S. and Europe reveals how these changing climate dynamics are creating varying challenges for the feed and livestock industries. To better understand climate dynamics across different regions, Alltech relies on innovative tools and services like CropProphet, a weather-driven grain yield forecasting system designed to help global agriculture industry participants with an interest in grain quality and yield.
producers who have had to navigate significant aflatoxin levels in European corn over the past few years. Forages such as corn silage and grass silage tend to be higher risk when Alltech’s REQ metric is applied to dairy cows. Of the over 150 samples tested so far, emerging mycotoxins, type B trichothecenes and Penicillium mycotoxins are most prevalent. The heightened level of Penicillium mycotoxins continues to pose concerns for dairy and beef producers across northern and western Europe. Both the presence and levels of this group of toxins has been continually trending upward over the past 5 years.
The Alltech Harvest Analysis: Unveiling the Most up to Date Insights The Alltech Harvest Analysis, a decade-long initiative, is a comprehensive step in understanding the complexities of new crop quality and mycotoxin prevalence. The program captures trends and enables robust data comparisons across years and regions. This analysis plays a pivotal role in empowering feed and livestock producers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. With collaborators like SGS, the program boasts a diverse pool of internal and external data sources, ensuring a representative snapshot of the global grain trade. This connection extends benefits to feed and livestock producers in regions like Asia, where the quality of imported grains significantly influences overall production. Contrasting Conditions in Europe: A Closer Look In Europe, the stark contrast between the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons has been particularly evident. Last year’s growing season was dominated by widespread drought across the continent. In 2023, however, there has been a distinct split between north and south. In northern Europe, a long dry spell in May and June was followed by a summer of wet and damp conditions. This delayed harvest on many farms and led to the ideal conditions for Fusarium molds to flourish. South of the Alps, dry weather continued to prevail, but we’ve not seen the same drought impact as in recent years. With many new crop wheat and barley samples already tested at our Alltech 37+® lab, we can see a distinct pattern emerging. The damp conditions have led to a higher than normal mycotoxin risk in small grains. Many of these samples would have originated in Germany, Denmark and Ireland. Figure 1 details the risk overview. Although emerging mycotoxins remain the most prevalent mycotoxin group, the type B trichothecenes, such as deoxynivalenol, will present the most risk to animals. The maximum level of type B trichothecene, measuring 14,074 ppb, was detected in a barley sample. As the corn harvest is later than small-grain harvests, at the time of writing we do not yet have a complete picture of risk profiles in this ingredient. However, encouragingly, in what has been tested to date, the quality does seem much better compared to 2022, with much less aflatoxin risk. This will be a relief to feed and livestock 10 International Animal Health Journal
Table 1. Preliminary 2023 European Harvest Analysis data, a summary of wheat and barley for pigs, detailing mycotoxin concentrations (ppb), occurrence (%) and total risk (REQ) for selected samples.
The U.S. Crop Situation Like Europe, the U.S. has been faced with distinct regional variations in weather conditions this year. Many southern states have witnessed an extended period of above-average rainfall, which may bring a heightened risk of Fusarium mold and mycotoxin production. Conversely, farther north in the central and northern plains, there has been a deficit in precipitation. Despite the dry conditions, Fusarium toxins are still presenting the greatest level of risk. Dr. Max Hawkins of Alltech’s mycotoxin management team comments that the availability of leaf surface moisture could be a contributing factor. In a similar manner to 2022, it is possible to track distinct mycotoxin patterns from west to east. In general, samples from the western U.S. are lower risk than those further east. Although over 50% of corn silage samples are deemed lower risk, plenty of Fusarium-related challenges are still detected, with a notably high maximum level of type B trichothecenes (Figure 2). U.S. corn testing is underway, and mirroring some other feedback across the industry, we are seeing a greater level of Volume 10 Issue 4
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APPLICATION NOTE
which Alltech is participating, aims to enhance predictive models for crop quality and mycotoxin occurrence. This collaboration puts the industry on a better trajectory to anticipate and mitigate risks, further empowering producers to make proactive decisions in response to changing climate patterns and mycotoxin risk. Looking Ahead The diverse weather challenges of 2023 underscore the need for accurate insights such as those provided by the Alltech Harvest Analysis program. Although these regional assessments provide a strong representation of mycotoxin risk across key feed ingredients, the best way to understand potential contamination in the ingredients or feeds you are using in your business is to routinely carry out mycotoxin testing. Armed with the results, you can then make the most informed mycotoxin control decisions. As testing continues over the coming weeks, the complete 2023 Alltech Harvest Analysis reports will be made available. To sign up to receive your region’s report and to learn more about the program, please visit our Harvest Analysis webpage. Table 2. Preliminary 2023 Harvest Analysis data, a summary of United States corn silage for dairy cows, detailing mycotoxin concentrations (ppb), occurrence (%) and total risk (REQ) for selected samples.
fumonisins compared to previous years. Indications so far show a moderate to higher risk across all samples. Empowering Predictive Insights with Wageningen University The ability to predict mycotoxins during the growing season was another key theme that emerged at the World Mycotoxin Forum. On April 1, 2023, a four-year project started with the aim of developing an early warning system regarding the presence of mycotoxins in cereal grains in Europe. A consortium led by Wageningen University will play a significant role in improving predictive capabilities related to mycotoxin risk. Using advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning, this initiative, in 12 International Animal Health Journal
Chloe Chisholm Chloe Chisholm attended the University of Brighton where she earned a first-class honours degree in English language and literature. Following her graduation, Chloe pursued a job as a marketing professional where she grew her skills in the digital and creative space. This journey led her to relocate to Stamford, Lincolnshire after accepting the position of Digital Marketing Specialist on the Alltech Mycotoxin Management Team. In this role, Chloe supports the digital activities of the mycotoxin side of Alltech’s business.
Volume 10 Issue 4
4-6 MARCH 2024 | LONDON
Shaping the Future of the Animal Health Industry by Showcasing Innovations in Prediction, Prevention and Treatment
Find out more and register at animalhealthevent.com www.international-animalhealth.com
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International Animal Health Journal 13
REGULATORY & MARKETPLACE
Developing Business Acumen for Animal Health Professionals Business acumen is a phrase that is often tossed around without a clear definition and is described as, “I’ll know it when I see it”. More importantly, CEOs want leaders and employees at all levels to better demonstrate business acumen. They specifically want them to appreciate how their actions and decisions contribute to the company’s financial performance. Acumen comes from the verb “to sharpen”. It is the quickness, accuracy, and keenness of judgement or insight. Someone described as possessing good business acumen is seen as having good sense and smarts related to business. Strong business acumen hinges on the ability to understand how money is made – by increasing value and decreasing costs within their own organisation. Also, animal health sales and marketing professionals need to understand their customers’ financial and operational concerns and challenges in order to provide value and meet their needs. Developing business acumen starts with breaking down the definition and providing guidance on specific behaviours.
14 International Animal Health Journal
1.
Knowledge. First, they have a clear understanding of the industry and marketplace. This means maintaining an awareness of market dynamics, product and disease state information, company strategies, and competitor actions. They also can read and understand financial reports. To obtain and maintain this knowledge you need to gather and analyse key business data and ask critical questions of what the data means and why there are changes. It is important to identify key trends, issues, or root causes by looking at what is driving results. Another way of acquiring knowledge is through dialogue among individuals within your organisation and your customers. Seek to understand their perspectives and their read on the situation. Integrating quantitative and qualitative data will be what informs your decision-making and planning.
2.
Application. Second, individuals need to apply their knowledge and interpret the implications for their own organisation and customers. It starts with generating insights from reviewing marketplace trends, data analysis, and cutting through the complexities. This is often described as the ability to connect the dots and see the big picture. Individuals with high levels of acumen test their hypothesis with others, challenge
Volume 10 Issue 4
REGULATORY & MARKETPLACE assumptions, and look to find solutions. These behaviours are the same whether working with internal colleagues or customer stakeholders. As an example, a sales professional with a large cattle producer would have the ability to integrate their pulse from the economic marketplace plus data related to herd management to offer unique solutions and develop a strategic plan. 3.
Results. Third, there is the ability to execute the plan to achieve results. These individuals gain alignment for their plan of action and ultimately take ownership for results. They are constantly asking what else can be done to maximise a return on investment. As an example, an animal health sales professional or account manager would have detailed territory plans to target accounts based on opportunity. These individuals segment their accounts, develop plans that uncover needs, and apply the appropriate resources. An important differentiator is the process for regularly reviewing results and recalibrating plans to adjust to changes. They are constantly evaluating the situation, testing hypotheses, and altering the plan to drive results.
Individuals often fail at demonstrating business acumen because they tend to fixate on the past for their successes, keep an eye on the shorter-term results, or only focus on the marketplace of today. Individuals who take a longerterm view can deepen relationships, produce better results, and can demonstrate their acumen over time. You can take proactive measures to develop your business acumen as follows: • • • • • • •
•
Regularly staying abreast of emerging trends and marketplace dynamics related to the animal health industry Asking others to characterise the top three changes in the marketplace and the impact to your own organisation, the industry, or to a specific account Exploring the potential longer-term implications of an emerging trend and engaging in scenario planning Learning to read and understand financial or other analytics to generate insights and make value-added recommendations Identifying the financial and operational drivers, as well as the challenges your customers face Testing assumptions from data and reports with trusted peers to identify opportunities Soliciting perspectives from internal colleagues to obtain alternative points of view and broaden your understanding of a problem, trend, or business challenge Dedicating time to review results and dig deeper into what worked, what didn’t, and why
Best-in-class companies realise that the dedication of time and resources to develop and implement an integrated strategy for superior business acumen is critical to overall success. Commitment by senior leaders and the organisation helps create the competitive advantage needed to excel in the changing marketplace. Leaders recognise that the greater the number of people within the organisation who have an appreciation for how their own business works, the greater the accountability for driving profitability and success will be. Finally, a better understanding of how a customer’s business operates, further supports the commitment to being a customerfocused organisation. www.international-animalhealth.com
Dr Wendy Heckelman Dr Wendy Heckelman is CEO of WLH Consulting, Inc. and WLH Learning Solutions and an authority in the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry on strategic execution and change management, commercial excellence and account management, and human capital optimisation. Wendy is a trusted advisor to commercial leaders and HR, OD, and L&D professionals responsible for business transformation and largescale change. Email: wendy@wlhconsulting.com
International Animal Health Journal 15
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Audiometric Study Reveals Patterns of Age-Related Hearing Loss in Dogs and Cats This study investigates the prevalence, progression, and characteristics of age-related hearing loss (ARHL) in domestic dogs and cats. Given the importance of auditory communication in these species, understanding ARHL's impact is crucial for enhancing animal welfare and owner-pet interactions. Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, is a prevalent issue in dogs, usually beginning to impact them when they are between 8 to 10 years old. Initially, this condition manifests as a reduced capacity to hear sounds at mid to high frequencies, which can progressively worsen to total hearing loss. ARHL in cats generally begin to show signs around 8 to 12 years old as part of their aging process. Our study examines the behavioural adaptations that accompany this sensory decline, such as increased reliance on other senses and altered responsiveness, often misconstrued as an enhancement in hearing. Through comprehensive testing, this research aims to delineate the patterns of ARHL in these animals, highlighting the importance of early detection and management. The findings are intended to enhance the understanding of ARHL in pets, thereby aiding in the improvement of care strategies for senior dogs and cats experiencing this natural age-related change.
shorter lifespan, allowing for quicker observation of the progression of hearing loss. This can contribute valuable data to the broader field of auditory health research. •
Preventive Health Strategies: Understanding the causes and risk factors of age-related hearing loss in pets can lead to the development of preventive strategies. This may include dietary recommendations, environmental modifications, or early detection techniques to help maintain hearing ability for as long as possible.
•
Breed-Specific Research: Certain breeds of dogs and cats may be more prone to hearing loss as they age. Research in this area can inform breeders and potential pet owners about the risks and help in making informed decisions regarding pet selection and breeding practices.
•
Consideration for study variables: Certain breeds of dogs and cats are more prone to hearing loss due to genetic predispositions, congenital issues, or breed-specific characteristics. It's important to note that while these breeds may have a higher risk, hearing loss can occur in any dog or cat, especially as they age. Here are some examples: •
Pet Acoustics Free Home Pet Hearing Test with this link: https://www.petacoustics.com/home-pet-hearing-test. Purpose of Study: Age-related hearing loss in dogs and cats is an important area of study for several reasons: •
Animal Welfare: As pets age, hearing loss can significantly impact their quality of life. It can lead to confusion, anxiety, and changes in behaviour, as these animals rely heavily on their auditory senses for communication and environmental awareness. Understanding and addressing hearing loss can help in providing better care for ageing pets.
•
Owner-Pet Relationship: Hearing loss in pets can affect their interaction with their owners. Pets with diminished hearing may not respond to verbal commands or react to their owners' presence, which can be distressing for both the pet and the owner. By understanding the progression and impact of hearing loss, owners can adapt their communication methods to maintain a strong bond with their pets.
•
Veterinary Care and Management: Knowledge about agerelated hearing loss aids veterinarians in diagnosing and managing this condition more effectively. This can include providing guidance to pet owners on how to care for a pet with hearing loss and exploring potential treatments or interventions to slow down the progression of hearing loss.
•
Insight into Human Hearing Loss: Studying age-related hearing loss in animals can offer insights into similar conditions in humans. Dogs and cats have a relatively
16 International Animal Health Journal
•
Dogs: Dalmatian (congenital deafness), Australian Shepherd (linked to merle coat), Cocker Spaniel (ear infections leading to hearing loss), Jack Russell Terrier (associated with white coat), West Highland White Terrier (related to white coat), English Setter (piebald and speckled coat patterns) Cats: White Cats with Blue Eyes (genetic predisposition to deafness), Asian Breeds (e.g., Siamese, Burmese)
Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 2,977 dogs and 639 cats of various breeds and ages by veterinarians and pet owners. Audiometric testing was used to assess hearing thresholds, and owners completed questionnaires about their pets' auditory behaviours. Data regarding the species (dog or cat) and age of the subjects are gathered to further understand the commonality of age-related hearing loss from global testing results. The audiometric testing was innovated by Janet Marlow, a renowned Animal Sound Behaviourist and the Founder of Pet Acoustics, Inc., as a free digital home hearing test for evaluating pets. Accessible via PetAcoustics.com, the test begins with a simple online questionnaire, requiring basic details such as the pet's species, name and date of birth. The core of the test involves exposing the pet to three levels of sound wave frequencies, including high-frequency, midfrequency and low-frequency tones, primarily audible to animals. Various digital devices were used from smartphones to laptops. To assist human testers in the process, sounds as a secondary layer of each test, consist of a bat and a cricket (high sounds), monkey and crow (mid sounds), pig and frog, (low sounds) at frequencies discernible to humans. Participants are instructed to carefully observe their pet's reactions to these sounds, noting behaviours such as ear and head movements, changes in body posture, signs of surprise or confusion, or a lack of response. Volume 10 Issue 4
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 1
Dog
Ollie
2020-01-01T00:00:00:000Z
2
Cat
Em
2008-06-12T00:00:00:000Z
3
Cat
Em
2008-06-09T00:00:00:000Z
4 5
Dog Dog
Kiwi Brauque
I noticed a reaction to the Bat
I noticed a reaction to the Cricket
I noticed a reaction to the Monkey
My pet did not react
2013-07-01T00:00:00:000Z
I noticed a reaction to the Monkey
I noticed a reaction to the Crow
I noticed a reaction to the Pig
2023-11-05T00:00:00:000Z
I noticed a reaction to the Bat
I noticed a reaction to the Cricket
I noticed a reaction to the Monkey
I noticed a reaction to the Crow
I noticed a reaction to the Pig
I noticed a reaction to the Bat
I noticed a reaction to the Cricket
I noticed a reaction to the Monkey
I noticed a reaction to the Crow
I noticed a reaction to the Pig
Ollie
2018-06-11T00:00:00:000Z
7
Dog
Chilli
2020-04-26T00:00:00:000Z
My pet did not react
2024-08-12T00:00:00:000Z
My pet did not react My pet did not react
Dexter
9
Dog
Sasha
2023-09-02T00:00:00:000Z
10
Dog
Gunner
2021-11-10T00:00:00:000Z
11
Dog
Bernard
2018-11-10T00:00:00:000Z
12
Dog
Sparky
2010-02-11T00:00:00:000Z
13
Dog
Sasha
2023-09-02T00:00:00:000Z
I noticed a reaction to the Bat
My pet did not react My pet did not react
I noticed a reaction to the Cricket
I noticed a reaction to the Crow
Dog
Chomper
2012-05-05T00:00:00:000Z
Dog
Ellie
2011-08-19T00:00:00:000Z
My pet did not react
16
Dog
Chilli
2020-04-26T00:00:00:000Z
Dog
Nibbler Berkeley
19
Dog
Milo
I noticed a reaction to the Bat
2013-11-03T00:00:00:000Z
I noticed a reaction to the Bat
20
Cat
Luna
2010-10-10T00:00:00:000Z
21
Dog
Harley
2023-05-01T00:00:00:000Z
22
Dog
Missy
2012-05-29T00:00:00:000Z
23
Dog
Shortie
2023-11-09T00:00:00:000Z
24
Dog
Chauncey
2013-09-10T00:00:00:000Z
25
Cat
dcccc
My pet did not react
2023-08-08T00:00:00:000Z
26
Cat
Akira
2023-11-09T00:00:00:000Z
27
Dog
Leo
2020-04-09T00:00:00:000Z
I noticed a reaction to the Bat
Odie
2023-08-28T00:00:00:000Z
Maizey
2021-03-08T00:00:00:000Z
I noticed a reaction to the Bat I noticed a reaction to the Bat
Shortie
2014-03-01T00:00:00:000Z
Pixie
2023-09-03T00:00:00:000Z
32
Dog
Capone
2021-08-16T00:00:00:000Z
33
Dog
Handsome
2011-03-08T00:00:00:000Z
I noticed a reaction to the Pig
I noticed a reaction to the Crow
I noticed a reaction to the Pig My pet did not react
I noticed a reaction to the Crow
I noticed a reaction to the Cricket
I noticed a reaction to the Cricket
I noticed a reaction to the Pig
I noticed a reaction to the Monkey I noticed a reaction to the Monkey
I noticed a reaction to the Pig I noticed a reaction to the Crow
I noticed a reaction to the Pig My pet did not react
I noticed a reaction to the Monkey
I noticed a reaction to the Crow
I noticed a reaction to the Pig My pet did not react
I noticed a reaction to the Monkey
I noticed a reaction to the Pig I noticed a reaction to the Crow
I noticed a reaction to the Cricket My pet did not react I noticed a reaction to the Bat
My pet did not react
My pet did not react
My pet did not react
Cat Dog
I noticed a reaction to the Crow
My pet did not react
Dog
Dog
I noticed a reaction to the Crow
I noticed a reaction to the Monkey
I noticed a reaction to the Cricket
My pet did not react
29
31
I noticed a reaction to the Monkey
I noticed a reaction to the Bat
28
30
I noticed a reaction to the Cricket
My pet did not react
I noticed a reaction to the Bat
I noticed a reaction to the Pig My pet did not react
I noticed a reaction to the Crow
My pet did not react I noticed a reaction to the Bat
I noticed a reaction to the Pig
My pet did not react
I noticed a reaction to the Bat 2023-06-14T00:00:00:000Z
I noticed a reaction to the Pig
My pet did not react
I noticed a reaction to the Cricket
15
Dog
My pet did not react I noticed a reaction to the Crow
I noticed a reaction to the Cricket
14
18
My pet did not react
My pet did not react I noticed a reaction to the Bat
My pet did not react
17
My pet did not react
I noticed a reaction to the Cricket
Dog
Dog
I noticed a reaction to the Pig My pet did not react
I noticed a reaction to the Bat
6
8
I noticed a reaction to the Crow
My pet did not react
I noticed a reaction to the Cricket
I noticed a reaction to the Monkey
I noticed a reaction to the Crow
I noticed a reaction to the Monkey
I noticed a reaction to the Crow
I noticed a reaction to the Pig
I noticed a reaction to the Monkey
These observed reactions can include but are not limited to ear twitching, head tilting, alert posturing, one ear folding back, both ears pointing forward, startled jumping, apparent confusion, leaving the area, or showing no visible reaction at all. This comprehensive approach aims to provide pet owners with a user-friendly yet insightful tool for assessing their pets' auditory health from the comfort of their home or clinic. The hearing test progresses with a refined questionnaire designed to capture specific reactions to the sounds played. Pet owners are prompted to answer the following questions, providing clearer insights into their pet's auditory responses: • • •
"Did you observe a reaction from your pet to the bat sound?" "Did you observe a reaction from your pet to the cricket sound?" "Did your pet show no reaction to the sounds?
Following this, the test introduces mid-frequency sound waves, overlying the distinctive calls of a monkey and a crow. Participants are again asked to meticulously answer the questions of their pet’s reactions, focusing on the same set of physical responses observed earlier. The final phase of the test evaluates responses to lowfrequency sound waves, overlying sounds at a similar level to those of a pig and a frog. This comprehensive approach allows for a thorough assessment across a range of auditory frequencies. Upon completion of the test, the results are promptly sent to the pet owner's email. These results provide valuable information that can be shared with a veterinarian or veterinary client, particularly if there are concerns about potential hearing loss. This efficient and user-friendly method offers a convenient way for pet owners to proactively monitor their pets' auditory health.
www.international-animalhealth.com
International Animal Health Journal 17
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Results:
The canine testing result shows a decline in hearing from 1 year up to the age of 17. However, in this chart, it becomes clear that there is an apparent spike in hearing abilities in elderly dogs but it is not what it seems. The chart reflects a typical decline in hearing as dogs age, but with a contradicting view of auditory enhancement piquing at approximately age 13. However, there are reasons why older dogs at this age might appear to hear better during the testing. •
Compensatory Behaviour: In senior dogs, certain sensory abilities, like vision, diminish and there's an increased reliance on other senses, notably hearing. This shift, often mistaken for improved hearing, is actually an optimised use
18 International Animal Health Journal
of the hearing ability that remains. This is indicated during the time of testing among almost 3,000 dogs. •
Selective Hearing: The data shows a trend where elderly dogs might demonstrate selective hearing, responding more to specific sounds in the test or voice commands by the owner. While this could be interpreted as improved hearing, it's likely indicative of a preference for certain familiar sounds like the sound response to a crow or a cricket.
•
Behavioural Changes with Age: The chart may highlight behavioural changes in aging dogs exhibiting greater
Volume 10 Issue 4
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT alertness or reactivity to sounds, which could be misconstrued as better hearing. These behavioural shifts might show increased behavioural anxiety during the test. •
Inconsistent Hearing Loss: A closer look at the chart reveals that hearing loss in elderly dogs is not uniform across all frequencies. They might retain sensitivity to some frequencies while losing it in others, showing a varied response to different sounds during the test.
Overall, this chart aids in understanding why elderly dogs might seem to exhibit improved hearing, while in actuality, they are adjusting to the sensory changes that accompany aging. The chart illustrates a steady decrease in the ability of cats to hear high, mid, and low frequencies up to around 9 to 10 years of age. Interestingly, the data from cats aged 14 to 16 suggests an apparent improvement in hearing abilities overall. However, this observed increase during the test is likely not due to a literal enhancement in auditory function but rather a result of various adaptive behaviours and physiological changes captured at the time of the test. As cats grow older and possibly experience a reduction in other senses, such as vision, they often become more reliant on their hearing. This doesn't mean their hearing improves; rather, they are maximising the use of their existing hearing capabilities. Age-related changes in behaviour or health could also cause cats to react more to the test animal sounds and frequency waves, which might be misconstrued as improved hearing. Selective hearing is another aspect observed in elderly cats, where they respond more to certain sounds or voices. Additionally, the progression of hearing loss in elderly cats is not always uniform, as seen in this chart, impacting various frequency ranges differently. This inconsistency can lead to the perception of fluctuating hearing abilities. These elements, when considered together, help explain the perceived increase in hearing abilities in older cats, as indicated by the chart. It's important to recognise these factors as adaptation to the moment of testing rather than a true improvement in hearing. Conclusion: Participating in a home pet hearing test offers several benefits for both pet professionals and pet owners: •
Early Detection of Hearing Loss: Conducting regular hearing tests at home can help in the early detection of hearing loss in pets. Early detection is crucial for managing the condition effectively and ensuring the pet maintains a good quality of life.
•
Non-Invasive: Home tests are non-invasive and can be performed in a familiar and comfortable environment for the pet. This reduces stress and anxiety that pets might experience in a clinical setting.
•
Convenience and Cost-Effective: Home tests offer convenience as they can be done without the need to travel to a veterinary clinic or can be used by a smartphone at a veterinary exam. Improved Communication and Care: Understanding a pet's hearing capabilities allows pet owners and professionals to better communicate with and care for them. It can help in modifying training techniques, environment adjustments, and daily interactions to accommodate the pet's needs.
•
www.international-animalhealth.com
•
Safety and Prevention: Identifying hearing issues can lead to preventive measures to ensure the safety of the pet. For example, a pet with hearing loss might need to be kept on a leash during walks to prevent accidents.
•
Enhanced Monitoring for Breed-Specific Risks: Some breeds are predisposed to hearing problems. Regular hearing tests can help in monitoring these breeds closely for any signs of hearing loss.
•
Data Collection for Research: Participation in such tests can contribute valuable data for veterinary research on pet hearing loss, which can lead to better diagnostic tools and treatments in the future.
•
Strengthening the Human-Pet Bond: Engaging in such care activities can strengthen the bond between pets and their owners. It shows commitment to the pet's well-being and can enhance the mutual trust and understanding between the pet and the owner.
•
Professional Development for Pet Professionals: For professionals, conducting these tests can enhance their skills in diagnosing and managing hearing issues in pets. It can also provide valuable insights for advising pet owners on best practices for caring for a pet with hearing loss.
Janet Marlow Janet Marlow, the founder and lead innovator at Pet Acoustics Inc., is renowned for her pioneering work in the field of pet-centric acoustic technology. With a deep passion for animal welfare and an extensive background in music and sound engineering, Marlow has dedicated her career to understanding and improving the auditory experiences of animals. Her company, Pet Acoustics Inc., specialises in creating specialised audio products and environmental solutions tailored to the sensitive hearing ranges of different pet species, aiming to reduce anxiety and promote wellbeing. Marlow's expertise and innovative approach have made her a respected figure in both the pet care and acoustic communities, continually pushing the boundaries of how sound can be used to enhance the lives of pets and their owners. Her contributions to this niche yet vital field reflect a unique blend of scientific inquiry, creative problemsolving, and compassionate advocacy for animals' comfort and happiness. Email: janetmarlow@petacoustics.com
International Animal Health Journal 19
FOOD & FEED
Food Allergies and Intolerances in Pets
Adverse food reactions are categorised as reactions to dietary ingredients by specific individuals which are harmless to others. This term covers toxic reactions, food allergies and food intolerances. A food allergy is an immune system response to one or more proteins that have been ingested by the pet. These proteins are referred to as antigens because they cause antibody production, and an allergen is an antigen that causes an immune reaction and is therefore allergy-inducing (Cave 2006). In an allergy response, the immune system incorrectly recognises the food protein as an antigen and causes a chain reaction in the body, commonly an immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated response which leads to allergy symptoms. A food allergy develops in two stages: when the allergen is first consumed, it triggers the production of IgE antibodies which are specific to the protein ingested. This is known as the sensitisation period, and these antibodies bind to basophils and mast cells. If the allergen is consumed again, it binds to its specific IgE antibodies and cross-linking of these antibodies causes release of histamines and leukotrienes, chemical mediators, from basophils and mast cells activated during the cascade of reactions caused by the immune response. Cross-linking of receptors and allergens is needed to activate mast cells and basophils, meaning that two or more IgE antibodies need to bind to one allergen to cause a reaction (Matsuo et al. 2015; Waserman and Watson 2011). When a pet develops a food allergy, it is most commonly as a result of longterm exposure to a protein (Raditic et al. 2011). Food intolerance is not an immune-mediated response, but typically a cell-mediated response. Food intolerance is a reaction to the pharmacological effects of food components, or enzyme defects within the body. All foods contain chemicals with the potential to cause pharmacological activity, which may or may not cause a gastrointestinal reaction and related symptoms. The mechanism of action that causes a food intolerance in this manner is not fully known (Lomer 2015). Enzyme defects are characterised, for example, by the pet not having sufficient enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract to digest a particular ingredient that has been consumed. Lactose intolerance is a good example. When cats and dogs are first born, the milk from their mother contains lactose, and they are able to digest it efficiently. However, once weaned they will not typically be exposed to lactose again unless fed dairy-containing products by owners, so the lactase enzyme that ingests lactose is surplus to requirement. Therefore, the body reduces production of this enzyme. In some cases, production of lactase can cease altogether, or reduce to extremely low levels. Therefore, when lactose is consumed the body cannot sufficiently digest it, leading to lactose passing through the gastrointestinal tract into the intestine. This causes an increase in the water content of the intestine, and the microflora present in the intestine can ferment the lactose and produce gas. This leads to the symptoms of flatulence and diarrhoea often seen in pets with lactose intolerance (Deng et al. 2015). However, lactose intolerance can be reversible, as the presence of lactose in the diet can cause increased production of the lactase 20 International Animal Health Journal
enzyme once the initial symptoms and inflammation have subsided (Lomer 2015). Allergy symptoms develop much more rapidly than those of food intolerance. Symptoms of food intolerance are gastrointestinal reactions involving abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting and diarrhoea. This is largely due to food intolerances more commonly affecting the gastrointestinal tract organs such as the bowel, causing symptoms deriving from this area (Guilford et al. 2001). Whereas allergy symptoms can manifest in a number of ways because the immune system is affected, including gastrointestinal, respiratory, nervous and skin reactions, which are all caused by the release of histamine. Gastrointestinal reactions are often unpleasant for the owner as they have to clean up what can sometimes be large amounts of vomiting and diarrhoea. Respiratory reactions can involve coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing, and discharge from the nose and eyes. Allergy symptoms can also manifest in the central nervous system and affect balance and movement or cause nerve pain. Skin reactions, known as pruritis, which is a general term for itching, are only seen in the case of food allergy and not intolerance, typically shown through inflammation which causes the skin to become hot, red, dry and flaky (Gaschen and Merchant 2011). Skin reactions cause the pet to become itchy and they can make symptoms worse by repeatedly scratching or licking the affected area. Skin reactions are the most common symptoms of food allergies, occurring in up to 90% of cases. In cats, it has been suggested that food allergies are the second highest cause of allergy-related dermatitis, seen in up to 11% of cases (Guilford et al. 2001). The symptoms shown as a result of allergic reactions are varied and can also be similar to symptoms of other ailments, so are not always the first thought of a vet during examination. A vet will treat the symptoms first, for example using steroids to help improve breathing. With pruritis, the first course of action will be to rule out parasite infestation such as fleas or ticks, and any infections. Treatment will involve soothing the skin to prevent the animal causing further damage through licking and scratching. Once treatment options have been explored for the initial symptoms, if they have not worked then vets would look into the possibility of a food allergy. Diagnosing a food allergy in a pet can be a difficult process, as there is no one test that can be carried out. Skin and blood tests can be used to ascertain that there is an allergy present due to detecting immune markers, but these tests cannot identify the source of the allergy, and are generally unreliable and not recommended in practice (Hill, 1999). The most common and effective method used by veterinarians to diagnose food allergies is the use of elimination diets, which is a longer process but helps to pinpoint the ingredient(s) that the pet is sensitive to (Wills and Harvey 1994). An elimination diet is feeding alternative sources of proteins and carbohydrates that the pet has not been fed in the past. These diets are often very simple and use one protein and carbohydrate source. Ingredients that can be used in elimination diets include rabbit, venison, pork and fish, with carbohydrates such as sweet potato, white potato, and pea. The elimination diet is fed for a period of up to 12 weeks to allow clinical symptoms of the allergy to dissipate. If the symptoms of the allergy are alleviated, it Volume 10 Issue 4
FOOD & FEED
indicates that an ingredient in the previous diet is the cause of the allergy symptoms. This theory can then be tested by re-introducing the diet, and if clinical signs return within two weeks then it confirms the diagnosis of food allergy to a particular ingredient (Wills and Harvey 1994). The elimination diet diagnoses the presence of a food allergy, but does not necessarily indicate the ingredient that the pet is sensitive to. This can be done by introducing new protein sources one at a time. Once the base elimination diet has been established and fed without causing any symptoms, a new protein can be introduced to the diet. For example, if the base diet is salmon, then some chicken can be introduced. If no symptoms reappear during the first four days of including chicken in the diet, then it indicates that the pet is not allergic to chicken, but if they do then it points to a chicken allergy. This can be tried one protein source at a time including meats, fish and vegetables, and will allow owners to create a database of ingredients that their pet can and cannot consume. This is a long process to carry out, but will identify what products the pet is sensitive to, allowing the owner to www.international-animalhealth.com
have a more informed choice and potentially opening up a greater choice when looking for varieties of products to feed their pet. Feeding an elimination diet to outdoor cats may prove more difficult compared to indoor cats and dogs, as cats have the freedom to pick up and eat alternative food sources when outside. With outdoor cats, it could also be the case that it is not an ingredient in the commercial diet fed by the owner that is causing the allergic reaction, but something they are eating when they are roaming, either that they are catching or picking up from food that other people are leaving within their reach. The diagnosis of food intolerance also follows the dietary exclusion method, but in some cases a reduction in the consumption of an ingredient can be enough to improve symptoms. This is because there can be a threshold for reactions to intolerances such as lactose that can be dependent on the amount consumed at any one time and the amount of lactase that is produced by the body (Lomer 2015). For example, if small amounts of lactose are consumed at several periods throughout the day, this may not cause an intolerance reaction in a pet that International Animal Health Journal 21
FOOD & FEED has low-level lactase production, but consuming a larger amount of lactose-containing foods in one sitting may cause an intolerance reaction, as it may be more than the body can digest at one time. Treatment options will focus on alleviating or calming the symptoms; for example, with skin lesions this can lead to secondary infections if bacteria invade any open wounds. The only treatment for the food allergies themselves is to avoid feeding the allergen in any format. This can be challenging for owners when looking into the ingredient label of a product. Some brands prefer to label their products in a category format, meaning that each ingredient in the food is not specified on the packaging. This is not illegal in any way and there are clear descriptions of what type of ingredient goes into which category, but it is not helpful to those owners who have pets with allergies, as they cannot tell by looking at the packaging whether their pet can consume the treat or complete food. Therefore, in order to find the information, the customer needs to contact the company to ask if the ingredient is included, which can put some customers off from buying the product as the information is not readily available. An increase in the occurrence of food allergies and intolerances to common pet food ingredients has led to the introduction of novel ingredients, and hypoallergenic or hydrolysed protein dog and cat foods. Novel ingredients include those animal protein sources that are typically more expensive and have not been used as commonly in pet foods, such as pork, venison, duck and fish in pet diets. There are no guidelines set out by FEDIAF that control the use of the term ‘hypoallergenic’ and what types of foods it can be associated with. The Oxford Dictionary term for hypoallergenic is “relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction”. Therefore, as there is nothing restricting the use of the term, it can be used to describe foods that do not contain the ingredients that have been determined as common allergens for that species. However, the literature is unclear as to what the common allergens for pets are, with sources identifying a range of proteins as ‘common’ allergens, but there are some overlaps between what have been identified. It is thought that common allergens in dogs are beef, chicken, dairy products, soybean, egg and wheat (Raditic et al. 2011; Mueller et al. 2016). In cats, common allergens have been identified as beef, fish, wheat, maize and dairy products (Mueller et al. 2016; Wills and Harvey, 1994). All of the ingredients listed are very common ingredients in pet food diets and have been for a long time period. This is because historically, diets have been made up of lower-cost materials such as chicken meal, meat and bone meal (containing beef) and cereals including wheat, which could have caused over-exposure to these proteins and led to allergies. It is only the emergence of different price points with development of premium and super-premium foods that has introduced new and varied protein sources into the market, mostly driven by the petowning population wanting to introduce variety to their pets’ diet, as well as continuous nutritional research. Diets that claim to be hypoallergenic should not include any of the ingredients that are described as common allergens, and should be able to reduce the allergy symptoms. Some hypoallergenic diets, mostly those that are a veterinarybased diet, use hydrolysed proteins. Hydrolysed proteins are proteins which have undergone a process to disturb the structure of the protein. This changes its shape, preventing the body from being able to recognise it. This means that pets that are allergic to, for example, chicken, should be able to consume foods that contain hydrolysed chicken protein without suffering allergy symptoms. These types of foods can also be fed as part of an elimination diet to identify the protein that is causing the allergy symptoms. They can also be fed as a full-time diet by owners who want to 22 International Animal Health Journal
alleviate their pets’ symptoms and potentially do not want to reintroduce proteins that may cause an issue to find out the true cause of the allergic reaction, or if a pet has a number of allergies and the owner cannot find a suitable food that does not contain any of the allergens. Food allergies in pets can cause discomfort, both physically for the pet, and emotionally for the owner. Symptoms are generalised, so an allergy is not always the first thought of a veterinary professional upon initial examination, and the only way to identify presence of a food allergy and the exact ingredient is through dietary elimination trials. These can be time-consuming and potentially costly to the owner through buying several foods containing different ingredients. However, once the ingredients have been identified, it will give the owner more freedom to provide variety in their pet’s diet if they wish, and prevents the continued discomfort of the pet through alleviation of allergy symptoms. REFERENCES 1. 2. 3. 4.
5. 6.
7. 8. 9.
10. 11.
Cave NJ. Hydrolyzed Protein Diets for Dogs and Cats. Veterinary Clinics Small Animal Practice (2006) 36:1251-1268 Deng Y, Misselwitz B, Dai N and Fox M. Lactose Intolerance in Adult: Biological Mechanism and Dietary Management. Nutrients (2015) 7:8020-8035 Graschen FP, Merchant SR. Adverse Food Reactions in Dogs and Cats. Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice (2011) 41:361-379 Guilford WR, Jones BR, Markwell PJ, Arthur DG, Collett MG, and Harte JG. Food Sensitivity in Cats with Chronic Idiopathic Gastrointestinal Problems. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (2001) 15:7-13 Hill P. Diagnosing Cutaneous Food Allergies in Dogs and Cats – Some Practical Considerations. (1999) 21: 287-294 In Practice Lomer MCE. Review Article: The Aetiology, Diagnosis, Mechanisms and Clinical Evidence for Food Intolerance. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (2015) 41:262275 Matsuo H, Yokooji T, and Taogoshi T. Common Food Allergens and Their IgE-Binding Epitopes. Allergology International (2015) 64:332-343 Meuller RS, Olivry T and Prelaud P. Critically Appraised Topic on Adverse Food Reactions of Companion Animals (2): Common Food Allergen Sources in Dogs and Cats (2016) Raditic DM, Remillard RL, Tater KC. ELISA Testing for Common Food Antigens in Four Dry Dog Foods Used in Dietary Elimination Trials*. Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition (2011) 95:90-97 Waserman S and Watson W. Food Allergy. Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology (2011) 7:S7 Wills J, and Harvey R. Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy and Intolerance in Dogs and Cats. Australian Veterinary Journal (1994) 71:322-326
Jennifer Dean Jennifer Dean graduated from the University of Nottingham with a Bachelor of science with Honours Degree in Animal Science and a Master’s Degree in Animal Nutrition. She joined Pets Choice in 2016 in the role of NPD Technologist. Jennifer is involved in all areas of new product development including complete foods and treats for cats and dogs, as well as improving current products and answering customer’s nutritional enquiries.
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Examining the Role of Telemedicine & Other Advancements in Modern Companion Animal Healthcare academic institutions, and veterinary research organisations are fostering breakthroughs in drugs, vaccines, and treatment protocols for companion animals. By pooling expertise and resources, these partnerships expedite the development of novel therapies and diagnostics. In February 2022, PetMedix and Zoetis joined forces to create innovative species-specific monoclonal antibody therapeutics for companion animals. As part of the collaboration, PetMedix would lead the discovery efforts on various essential targets using its transgenic platforms, while Zoetis would hold the exclusive option to develop and introduce these therapies to address unmet clinical needs in the pet healthcare sector.
In recent years, there has been a significant surge in pet ownership, which has catalysed transformative changes in the world of veterinary medicine and animal welfare. Approximately 66% of U.S. households, equivalent to 86.9 million homes, are pet owners, according to the American Pet Products Association. As a result, the care and well-being of companion animals have taken center stage, commanding more attention and resources than ever before. Regulatory initiatives have played a pivotal role in fostering the growth of the companion animal healthcare market, which will surpass USD 203 billion by 2032, as per a report from Global Market Insights Inc. In recent years, various institutions have made significant strides in reforming the legal use of medically important antibiotics in food-producing animals' feed or water. In January 2023, the FDA revised new animal drug regulations to enact the veterinary feed directive (VFD) drugs section of the Animal Drug Availability Act of 1996 (ADAA). This was intended to regulate the use of antibiotics in animal feed, curbing the rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens that affect both animals and humans. Emergence of Telemedicine as a Key Trend Telemedicine is revolutionising companion animal healthcare, offering a lifeline to pet owners and veterinarians alike. In 2020, doctors' telehealth usage reached 85%, as reported by the American Medical Association. This innovative approach to veterinary care has transformed how pets are monitored, diagnosed, and treated. The impact of telemedicine is farreaching, providing several key benefits in the realm of companion animal health.
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Digital Health Initiatives Telemedicine platforms, often created through collaborations between technology companies and veterinary organisations, are expanding access to veterinary care. These digital solutions enable remote consultations, medical record sharing, and monitoring of pet health. As a result, more pet owners can seek timely advice and medical care, driving the growth of this burgeoning sector. On July 30, 2022, several prominent professional and industry organisations unveiled the Coalition for
For instance, the adoption of telemedicine for pets and regulatory changes surrounding it have made veterinary consultations more accessible and convenient. Pet owners can now consult with veterinarians from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for stressful and time-consuming trips to the clinic. This convenience is particularly beneficial for those residing in remote areas or individuals with limited mobility, ensuring that no pet's health is compromised due to geographical constraints. To that end, In June 2023, Cargill, a commodity giant, introduced its foray into India's pet care industry with the digital venture, Zoonivet, a telehealth app designed to remotely connect pet owners with qualified veterinarians through video calls, offering convenient primary healthcare for pets across India. 3 Major Collaborative Initiatives Fueling Progress in Pet Healthcare Collaborations and partnerships are playing a pivotal role in propelling growth within the companion animal healthcare market. They serve as catalysts for innovation, expansion, and the overall advancement of this industry. Enlisted below are 3 key collaborative efforts driving growth in the companion animal healthcare industry: •
Research and Development Advancements Collaborations between pharmaceutical companies,
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Connected Veterinary Care, with the goal of improving and broadening patient care in veterinary medicine through increased telehealth adoption. This coalition was meant to work in collaboration within the veterinary and animal health sectors to advance veterinary care using technology to ensure the well-being of both animals and their caregivers. •
Wellness & Nutrition Partnerships between pet food companies and veterinary professionals are driving innovations in pet nutrition. Collaborative research and the development of specialised diets promote pet health and contribute to the prevention of common health issues.
In September 2021, the Ontario-based University of Guelph received a five-year grant from Champion Petfoods, with an objective to advance the research in pet food nutrition and educate the next generation of scientific leaders in the pet food industry. The funding was meant to facilitate collaborative studies with international research experts to broaden the fundamental understanding of pet nutrition, ultimately enhancing the well-being of pets. In conclusion, the companion animal healthcare industry is experiencing a transformative era, driven by the power of collaboration and partnership. As research www.international-animalhealth.com
and technology continue to advance, strategic alliances between pharmaceutical companies, veterinarians, tech innovators, and other stakeholders will continue to foster remarkable breakthroughs in healthcare, telemedicine, insurance, and nutrition. As the global pet population expands and owners demand higher standards of care, these collaborative efforts are not only enhancing the wellbeing of animal companions but also fostering a flourishing industry that is poised for great growth and innovation in the years to come.
Saloni Walimbe An avid reader since childhood, Saloni Walimbe is currently following her passion for content creation by penning down insightful articles relating to global industry trends, business news and market research. With an MBA-Marketing qualification under her belt, she has spent two years as a content writer in the advertising field, before making a switch to the market research domain. Aside from her professional work, she is an ardent animal lover and enjoys movies, music, and books in her spare time.
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The “4D” Revolution in Livestock Production:
The Advent of Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) through a Synthesis of Diagnostics, Devices, Digital Platforms and Data Analytics •
“The most profound technologies are those that disappear. They weave themselves into the fabric of everyday life until they are indistinguishable from it.”
Mark Weiser1
The “4D” Revolution in Livestock Production: A Context How livestock production, health and welfare are done will radically change over the next decade. To be clear – the timeless goals of producers, veterinarians and others engaging the value chain of livestock and protein production will remain virtually the same – business profitability, accountability to consumers and a shared responsibility for the care and welfare of the animals will continue to be our collective aim. What will radically change, however, will be both the means by which these goals are pursued/achieved, and the mindset of us all towards adopting and adapting new ways to pursue and achieve them. The same basic conditions and drivers that are now changing how all people on earth live and work will profoundly change how all of us in livestock and protein production conduct our businesses and pursue our shared purpose – to sustainably and responsibly provide the world with a safe, nutritious, continuously available and affordable supply of animal-based protein. These conditions and drivers will inseparably be technology, customer experience and value-driven, and will fundamentally change how we do business with each other and our mutually served markets. A 2014 report from Frost and Sullivan2 looking out to 2025 identified 12 megatrends and 10 transformational shifts that are profoundly impacting how businesses will serve changing global societies and cultures. It is several of these same megatrends and transformational shifts that will impact (and are now already impacting) all livestock and protein production industries – in particular: Megatrends and Transformational Shifts •
Connectivity and Convergence – There are two main aspects to connectivity – that which is technological and that which is strategic (and leads to convergence). •
Technological connectivity: Humanity is rapidly approaching a time where everyone and everything will be connected everywhere all the time. The increasing speed and expanding bandwidth afforded by fibre-optic networks and 5G wireless networks will enable an entirely new level of within- and between-business connectivity, communication and data-handling capacity – particularly as the costs of these new technologies reduce over time. With the broad penetration of IoT-targeted low-cost LPWAN (low-power wide area network) technologies like NB-IoT, LTE-M, LoRa, SigFox and Weightless; sensor networks will become ubiquitous.
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Strategic connectivity: Aided in part by advancements in technological connectivity, companies in unrelated industries are converging on new opportunity space to identify, explore, develop and synthesise multiple technologies and platforms. To capitalise on new opportunity space, companies from unrelated industries are forming strategic partnerships to leverage their respective core technologies by integrating them into something entirely new – interdependent business ecosystems.
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New Business Models – Increasing connectivity, mobility and digital platforms are resulting in entirely new business models. B2C (business to consumer), B2B (business to business) and C2C (consumer to consumer) online services have revolutionised our lives – we can work, travel, buy, sell, borrow, invest, bank, be entertained and communicate in ways never before possible. Subscription-based and transaction fee-based “asa-service" business models will become the norm. New and secure electronic ways to instantly transfer money at minimal cost to anyone in the world and inexpensively and securely store money anywhere in the world will continue to replace more traditional payment methods and banking institutions.
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Smart is the New Green – Smart “sensorised” cities/ buildings/homes are emerging, where inter-connecting existing systems with each other and connecting those systems to cloud-based platforms – in effect creating a system of systems – is enabling substantial improvements in efficiency, cost reduction and risk mitigation.
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Health, Wellness and Wellbeing – Advancements in information technology, digitalisation and miniaturisation are revolutionising healthcare. The speed and precision of diagnostics and monitoring is improving rapidly, and with it is improving the speed, precision, accuracy and confidence of decision-making. As the machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities of these technologies advance, the information they generate will move from descriptive to predictive to prescriptive.
The above megatrends translate into several transformational shifts: connected living, wearable computing, sensorisation of things, smart cities and big data clouds. We are all becoming interconnected through what we carry, what we wear, where we sit, where we walk and what we ride in. The resulting data is continuously pouring into massive and growing data clouds where machine learning methods are continuously applied and generate algorithms that advise us, as well as predict and prescribe. Coming to a Farm Near You When it comes to agriculture, in many ways we really don’t need to predict the future, we merely need to observe what is happening with humanity and businesses in more population-dense areas and regions around the world. The same megatrends and transformational shifts that Volume 10 Issue 4
TECHNOLOGY have been profoundly changing how much of the world does business and how most people on earth live is now also profoundly changing how we live and do business in livestock and protein production. The same “everyone and everything connected everywhere all the time” dynamic that we are approaching globally for humanity in general will also become the norm in sparsely populated rural regions where virtually all crop and livestock production are located.3 Just as is the case with smart cities; advancements in rural connectivity will lead rapidly to livestock businesses, farm sites, buildings, people and animals all becoming connected to each other and to cloud-based digital and analytic platforms. This, in turn, will enable smart barns, farms, production systems and production networks – with increasing adoption of available sensor, controller and communications technologies. Traditional models based on marketing and selling of products, brands and bundles will disappear; transitioning to subscription-based and outcome-based revenue-sharing models built around “as-a-service” business ecosystems. Current product portfolios will be absorbed into these business ecosystems, becoming inextricably integrated with sensors and other hardware technologies – all interconnected by firmware and software throughout. The global livestock industries are moving further and faster to a much more communicative, coordinated, collaborative, connected and integrated structure. These changes will come much faster than we think possible, the magnitude of these changes will be much bigger than we now imagine, and many if not most of the major drivers of these changes will come from outside of livestock and protein production. To effectively manage and support well-informed operational decision-making across the entire spectrum of intra-business (site, pod, flow, pyramid, division, system) and inter-business (area, region, network) levels necessitates an ecosystem of well-designed, standardised, integrated, widely adopted and broadly functional technologies and platforms for continuously generating, managing, synthesising, analysing and distilling enormous volumes of data into decision-ready information at both a local and global decision-making level. Adequate incentives for collaborating on the design & development, implementation & operation and ongoing support & participation in such an ecosystem must exist for it to be sustainable. Overall, the livestock and protein production industries we all participate in will see emerge a vastly more functional way to manage data and information that operationally provides: [1] micro-level “decision-ready” information that producers, veterinarians and allied industry can utilise to quickly make better informed operational decisions about the site/flow plans they are executing (e.g., rate of progress, reaching milestones, flagging site/flow-level problems that require execution of further investigation and any necessary corrective contingent actions) [2] macro-level monitoring information that indicates if progress is being made at the business, regional and network levels and if larger, broader milestones are being met; as well as to identify areas within regions and/or branches within networks where the coordinated www.international-animalhealth.com
execution of corrective contingent actions across multiple sites/flows/systems may be warranted [3] global-level monitoring and surveillance to detect and track global disease behaviour, livestock health threats and benchmark global health, welfare and performance Further, our livestock and protein production industries will see emerge far better ways to leverage data and information beyond their core business uses – in both the research arena as well as for official programme and/or emergency uses. In effect, we will see a new animal health, welfare and productivity terrain embodied as interconnected ecosystems – a system of systems. The Conceptual Framework “Fools ignore complexity. Pragmatists suffer it. Some can avoid it. Geniuses remove it. You can’t communicate complexity, only an awareness of it. Simplicity does not precede complexity, but follows it.” Alan Perlis4 A Dynamic Environment The ‘tectonic plates’ that make up our food animal agricultural topography are shifting – a new ‘terrain’ is developing under our feet. In fact, in a foundational sense this shift has largely already happened. Most of the fundamentally important technologies and systems that will drive (and are driving) this transformation already exist – what we’re lacking at this point in time is sufficient interconnection and deployment of those technologies and systems throughout our agricultural infrastructure. But that will change and is changing... and it will change faster than we believe possible. In this new terrain, everything that can be connected will be connected. Everything that can be automated will be automated. Everything that can happen faster will happen faster. This will be driven by the broad adoption of already existing (and a continual pipeline of emerging) technologies that are produced and supported at an increasingly cost-effective level as adoption scales. The LPWAN wireless communication technologies scaling in the US (that are already becoming well established across Europe) specifically designed for IoT applications will provide more reliable and substantially lower cost connections for networks of devices and sensors. This will further (and faster) drive the adoption of cloud-based databases and, in turn, further (and faster) drive the real-time convergence and aggregation of data streams from more sources. This, in turn, will drive the leverage of these aggregate data through the application and leverage of the machine learning and artificial intelligence. In this new terrain, everything that can be measured will be measured. Everything that can be analysed will be analysed. Every bit of information that can be leveraged will be leveraged. We will not only learn faster, we will learn things that were simply not possible to learn with our traditional analytic and learning methods – institutionalbased research using classic time-bounded experimental methodologies, with the results inferred to apply to a continuous operational context. Instead, more (possibly even most) learning and knowledge of greatest operational value to livestock and protein producers will be generated directly International Animal Health Journal 27
TECHNOLOGY and relatively real-time from industry-scale commercial operations – commercial operations will become both research knowledge generator and consumer. In this new terrain, anything that can be software will be software. Software algorithms will not only take raw data and in real-time generate decision-ready output values (that people then assimilate, synthesise, interpret and act on); the algorithms themselves will also be built to interpret, diagnose, recommend solutions with the highest probability of success and monitor the continuous response to solution implementation. As a result, the speed of decision-making will accelerate, and the role of people – farm personnel, production system management, veterinarians, suppliers, allied businesses – will change in some very profound ways. Cyber-physical Systems In 2006, Helen Gill, Program Director for Embedded and Hybrid Systems at the National Science Foundation in the United States, coined the term “cyber-physical systems” (CPS).5 A cyber-physical system has been defined as: “… engineered systems that are built from and depend upon, the seamless integration of computation and physical components.”6 “… an orchestration of computers and physical systems. Embedded computers monitor and control physical processes, usually with feedback loops, where physical processes affect computations and vice versa.”7 In effect, a cyber-physical system’s purpose is to provide a broad digitalisation and comprehensive analysis of our physical reality on a continuous basis to support leveraging that analysis via better informed decision-making. The familiar (and overused) term “Internet of Things” is merely descriptive of the interconnected infrastructure necessary for that digitalisation to occur and be leveraged. The evidence of CPS can now be found touching virtually every aspect of our daily lives – CPS are becoming ubiquitous. We use smartphones from the moment we wake up to the moment we fall asleep. There is not just an app for everything we can imagine, there are multiple apps for each of everything we can imagine… and apps for many things we had never before imagined. We have smart appliances and smart entertainment systems in our smart homes living in smart cities. We tell our interactive artificial intelligence devices what we want delivered to our homes, what music we want to hear, who we want to talk to and see, and what we want on our schedule – and they do our bidding. We ask these smart devices virtually anything we can think of and get the answers effectively immediately. We drive our smart (and getting smarter) cars, ride on smart (and getting smarter) trains and travel in smart (and getting smarter) planes to vacation at smart resorts while staying in smart hotels. And many, if not most (and eventually all) of these CPS are now or will soon become interconnected. The same saturation of CPS has not (yet) permeated our world of agriculture. However, the unseen development and formation of the technological infrastructure has been building for some years now, with the more visible aspects of our new “Smart Farming” and “Precision Agriculture” terrain – the as-yet unfamiliar mountains and valleys, waterways and shorelines – is what more of us are now beginning to see take shape before our eyes. 28 International Animal Health Journal
Precision Agriculture / Precision Livestock “A good tool is an invisible tool. By invisible, I mean that the tool does not intrude on your consciousness; you focus on the task, not the tool.” Mark Weiser1 The advent of Precision Agriculture/Precision Farming effectively began with the development of geographical information systems (GIS) in the 1960s/1970s and has advanced, organised and commercialised dramatically (and globally) since.8,9,10,11,12,13,14 Focused primarily on crop production, Precision Agriculture has moved from being a leading-edge approach to crop farming to now rapidly becoming standard practice, effectively a cost-of-doingbusiness. Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) will follow the very same trajectory. PLF and everything it incorporates (CPS, IoT, sensor networks, cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning) has been building for more than two decades.15,16,17,18,19 And along with PLF are coming dramatic changes in diagnostics (characterising the microbiome, metagenomics, nano-diagnostics, point-of-care diagnostics), devices (PLF-based detection & monitoring sensor systems, smart dosing systems…), digital platforms (integrated apps, web platforms, cloud databases) and data analytics (mining of massive datasets, machine learning, artificial intelligence…). These four aspects – diagnostics, devices, digital platforms and data analytics – we will refer to collectively as the “4Ds”. Diagnostics Three major transformational shifts continue in the area of diagnostics: 1. 2. 3.
Comprehensive granularity (whole genome sequencing, microbiome and metagenomics) Holistic synthesis (diagnostic results integrated with contextual metadata) Right here, right now (real-time point-of-care testing)
The complete genomic composition of infectious agents and individual animals can now be determined in granular detail, with the single biggest constraint to routine use of whole genome sequencing (WGS) being cost. However, as is the case with all new technologies with operational value potential, the cost of WGS will decrease over time and adoption will become mainstream. As whole-genome sequencing becomes commonplace and as the analytic methods of bioinformatics improve, we will increasingly be able to connect genomic composition to its phenomic expression and, as a result, learn how to more rapidly drive genetic improvement as well as better manage and mitigate the impacts of disease that constrain the realisation of genetic potential. Beyond complete sequencing of individual organisms, the comprehensive sequencing of the microbiome that exists in, on and around individual animals and the populations that they comprise will, with the use of improving bioinformatic methods and experience with their application and interpretation, provide a broader and deeper set of information and knowledge never before possible. The integration of contextual metadata that characterise individual animal and population nutrition, environment, management and health will provide a much more holistic Volume 10 Issue 4
TECHNOLOGY (and realistic) understanding of the factors and cofactors influencing health, welfare and productivity. Access to real-time data originating from relevant measurements of nutrient composition, diet formulation, internal environment, external environment, management and health protocols (as well as compliance to those protocols) synthesised with diagnostic and monitoring results will provide decisionmakers throughout all operational levels with decisionready information. This will enable more timely and optimally effective intervention solutions to be crafted and applied with greater confidence of favourable outcomes.
the-dots’ hubs to which specific diagnostic and device technologies will connect to and integrate with – in effect, they will become central “go to” digital environments acting as a home-base, serving also as a “go through” conduit that enables users to seamlessly drill down to the specific connected technologies and return to the home-base just as seamlessly. These platforms will make us more informed, efficient and effective in the execution of our professional roles. They will better connect us and enable levels of communication and understanding far beyond what was possible a few short years ago.
Large, high-volume and sophisticated central diagnostic testing laboratories, supported by very well developed and rapid delivery infrastructure, will continue to be a key contributor to the health, welfare and productivity of livestock as well as the profitability of livestock businesses. Complementing these central laboratories, we are on the verge of the emergence and rapid growth of real-time onfarm/near-farm ‘point-of-care’ (PoC) diagnostic testing technologies. PoC devices and assays will be capable of providing real-time/near-real-time diagnostic results from samples tested at or near the site of collection (reducing the transport of infectious and high-risk samples) that can be acted on immediately with a high degree of confidence. These cloud-connected PoC technologies will be integrated in real time with relevant sensor-origin data, providing decision-makers with far better context for understanding their diagnostic results and taking action.
Data Analytics With the adoption and scaling of these new diagnostic, device and digital platform technologies comes their natural by-product – data, massive volumes of data continuously creating mountains and lakes and oceans and huge billowing cloud banks of data. Along with all of these immense masses of seemingly incoherent data comes tremendous opportunity – to process and arrange data, to synthesise and distill information, to create knowledge, to predict and prescribe.
Devices Much of the above-mentioned contextual metadata will originate from a range of implemented sensors continuously recording and processing data. Sensors inside of, attached to and surrounding animals will record a host of individual animal and cohort data, environmental data and operational process data to maximise performance and minimise cost. Sensors worn by, carried by and surrounding personnel will record a variety of activity and movement data useful for improving processes, process compliance and efficiency. Sensors attached to and integrated into operational equipment and assets will continuously transmit asset and equipment usage and performance data to maximise asset leverage and monitor critical control points to predict failure probabilities and enable preventive maintenance. The aggregate of these sensors and their related algorithms will be continuously transmitting, processing, synthesising, interpreting, predicting, prescribing in realtime. A global explosion in the number of sensor technologies has been occurring across many industries for some years now, and we are seeing a rapidly increasing array of such technologies targeting use in livestock and protein production. Digital Platforms We interact with any number of digital platforms throughout every day. The platforms that engage us relate to our work, health, food, entertainment, education, shopping, communication, banking – virtually every aspect of our lives. These platforms inform us, educate us, improve our health and wellbeing, entertain us, connect us, supply us, save us time and money – make our lives better. In livestock and protein production there is a growing surge of digital platforms (App-Cloud-Web Interface) accompanying the surge in diagnostic and device technology. These platforms will serve as digital ‘connectwww.international-animalhealth.com
Traditional descriptive and statistical methods of analysis can be useful to a degree, but require significant human resources with high analytic competencies to mine the data and find the leverageable knowledge nuggets. In many respects, our classic analytic methods and infrastructure are simply not sufficient to continuously mine and maximise the leverage of the aggregate data being continuously generated. To meet the continuous needs of business and operational decision-makers, reliable information and actionable knowledge must be continuously real-time/near realtime – enter the analytic categories of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). Physicists, engineers and data scientists have effectively used ML/AI methods to mine massive datasets for many years – and these analytic methods will be just as useful adapted to mining the mountains and oceans of data continuously generated by the aggregate diagnostic, device and digital platform PLF technologies. To Conclude... Waves of innovation in the form of precision livestock technologies are coming to livestock and protein production. These technology waves will be comprised of any of four fundamental categories – diagnostics, devices, digital platforms and data analytics. As is typical for all new things, the evaluation and adoption of each PLF technology that is offered to the livestock market will no doubt follow the dynamics of the classic model for diffusion of innovations first described by Everett Rogers in 1962.20 The livestock producers who are innovators and early adopters that are the first to test and adopt valuable PLF technologies will benefit from their adoption as a competitive advantage. For the late adopters, adoption of successful PLF technologies will become a cost of doing business. Not all PLF technologies will be successful – some of these PLF technologies that are developed will ultimately prove to be broadly valuable and become widely adopted, some will be proven to have value under limited conditions and will find a sustainable niche, and others will prove to be nonviable and will be abandoned. Ultimately, the determinant International Animal Health Journal 29
TECHNOLOGY
of success for any PLF technology will be whether or not it serves an unmet need or better meets an existing need. One thing is certain – the waves of precision livestock farming technologies are coming, and to fulfill our shared purpose of feeding the world as contributors to livestock and protein production we must be prepared to discover and embrace those which help us achieve that purpose. “An innovation will get traction only if it helps people get something that they’re already doing in their lives done better.” Clayton M. Christensen21 REFERENCES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Weiser, Mark; The Computer for the 21st Century; Scientific American; September 1991; pp 94-104 https://www.thegeniusworks.com/wp-content/uploads/ 2016/01/Megatrends-2025-Frost-and-Sullivan.pdf (accessed 8 March 2019) https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2018/ 12/13/usda-launches-new-program-create-high-speedinternet-e-connectivity (accessed 8 March 2019) http://www.cs.yale.edu/homes/perlis-alan/quotes.html (accessed 7 March 2019) https://cps-vo.org/node/3966 (accessed 7 March 2019) https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_ id=503286 (accessed 7 March 2019) Lee, Edward A.; The Past, Present and Future of Cyber-Physical Systems: A Focus on Models; Sensors (Basel); March 2015; 15(3); pp4837-4869 http://www.delmarlearning.com/companions/content/ 140188105X/trends/history_pre_agr.asp (accessed 8 March 2019) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precision_agriculture (accessed 8 March 2019) http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/note/join/
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2014/529049/IPOL-AGRI_NT%282014%29529049_EN.pdf (accessed 8 March 2019) 11. http://www.precisionag.com/ (accessed 8 March 2019) 12. https://www.ispag.org/ (accessed 8 March 2019) 13. https://www.deere.com/en/technology-products/precisionag-technology/ (accessed 8 March 2019) 14. https://www.granular.ag/ (accessed 8 March 2019) 15. Berckmans, Daniel; General introduction to precision livestock farming; Animal Frontiers; January 2017; v7n1; pp6-11 16. Berckmans, Daniel; Automatic On-Line Monitoring of Animals by Precision Livestock; International Society for Animal Hygiene; Saint-Malo; 2004; pp27-30 17. Guarino, Marcella et al.; A blueprint for developing and applying precision livestock farming tools: A key output of the EU-PLF project; Animal Frontiers; January 2017; v7n1; pp 13-17 18. Vranken, Erik and Berckmans, Dries; Precision livestock farming for pigs; Animal Frontiers; January 2017; v7n1; pp32-37 19. http://www.eu-plf.eu/ (accessed 8 March 2019) 20. Rogers, Everett M.; Diffusion of Innovations, 5th Edition; Simon and Schuster; 2003; 576pp 21. https://www.inc.com/magazine/20020201/23854.html (accessed 25 March 2019)
Dale D. Polson Dale D. Polson, DVM MS PhD, Global Technical Manager, Integrated Health, Diagnostics and Monitoring Strategic Business Unit, obtained his degrees at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Illinois (Integrated Food Animal Management System) and the University of Minnesota (Veterinary Medicine). He has been working for the Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Business Unit since 1994 and is based in the US. Throughout his career Dale has been recognized by e.g. from Phi Zeta Honor Society and American Association of Swine Veterinarians.
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