Zootecnica International - World's Poultry Journal - English edition - 11 November 2023 by Zootecnica International

Zootecnica International – November 2023 – POSTE ITALIANE Spa – Spedizione in Abbonamento Postale 70%, Firenze

Collecting turkey hatching eggs - manual or automatic nests? The expert’s opinion The banning of conventional cages and its impacts on the Spanish egg industry Keeping poultry safe with biosecurity principles and site-specific plans

11 2023

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EDITORIAL The recent dramatic crisis in the Middle East invites us once again to reflect on our inability to read history. The very root of the word crisis, used many times, derives from the Greek κρίσις, “choice, decision”, which indicates that change is necessary in order not to be overwhelmed. Unfortunately, pessimism and terrorism prevail at many levels, including the media. Faced with certain actions that have caused massacres of innocent people, one cannot help but remain indignant. It is not easy to overcome moods like the ones we are experiencing. Ideologies have collapsed and there seems to be a lack of important decision making politicians. History teaches us that in every revolution, or critical moment, even when it seemed that there were no longer any solutions, it was possible to create new paradigms, with more optimistic attitudes, which led to the overcoming of the problems and the reconstruction of human values. Let us not be overwhelmed by pessimism, it is precisely in these situations that we must be able to use our inner energies to transform difficulties into new opportunities.

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SUMMARY WORLDWIDE NEWS.......................................................................... 4 COMPANY NEWS................................................................................ 6 REPORTAGE

Collecting turkey hatching eggs - manual or automatic nests? The expert’s opinion........................................................................................ 8

DOSSIER

Conundrums facing the poultry industry: how will we achieve sustainability in both the short and long term?.................. 12

FOCUS

Dietary fibre as feed additives........................................................................ 20

MARKETING

The banning of conventional cages and its impacts on the Spanish egg industry................................................... 24

TECHNICAL COLUMN

How to correctly load incubators with eggs from different flocks....................... 30

MANAGEMENT

Keeping poultry safe with biosecurity principles and site-specific plans............ 34

NUTRITION

Could phosphorus and calcium be the missing links in unlocking radically low protein diets for commercial broiler production?.............................................. 40

MARKET GUIDE.................................................................................44

UPCOMING EVENTS.......................................................................47 INTERNET GUIDE.............................................................................48

WORLDWIDE NEWS

The European Poultry sector is raising its voice to Europe AVEC, The Association of Poultry Processors and Poultry Trade in the EU countries, met for the 65th AVEC General Assembly in Gdansk, Poland on 8th September. Ukraine putting pressure on the rest of the European Poultry sector were amongst the key topics discussed. The participants reminded Commissioner Wojciechowski that it is not fair nor healthy for the sector to take such large share of the collective burden, whilst underlining their continued support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.

Annual report

2023

The event, this year organised by the National Poultry Council Chamber of Commerce, was attended by more than 150 people from the European poultry sector ahead of a crucial period for the sector with the upcoming legislative proposal for animal welfare and 2024 European Elections. The central theme to this year’s summit was how the poultry sector can better engage with the public and policy makers and reconnect with EU citizens on animal welfare. The need to better communicate and promote the work of the European poultry meat sector was the clear conclusion of the summit.

AVEC encouraged all members to continue communicating fact-based information on digital platforms and through events and conferences to ensure that the poultry industry voice continues to be heard. Janusz Wojciechowski, European Commissioner for Agriculture, was invited to give an update from the European Commission and most importantly listen to the concerns the European poultry sector is facing. The upcoming legislative proposal on animal welfare, the declining competitiveness of the European poultry sector due to the rising feed and energy prices and the unlimited imports of poultry meat from

- worldwide news -

“We should listen to the European poultry meat sector and the voice of AVEC. The voice of a very important sector that is crucial for our food system. We must take into account the concerns that have been expressed during the General Assembly in Gdansk in future debates”, stated Janusz Wojciechowski. Furthermore, the Annual Report 2023 was published providing insights on AVEC’s priorities. “Despite the dark clouds in the sky, the poultry sector is a high-performing, progressive and sustainable sector which contributes significantly to a balanced and healthy diet for both Europe and the rest of the world. Let’s continue being role models and promote sustainable, healthy and affordable food. We are part of the solution”, concluded Birthe Steenberg, AVEC Secretary General. AVEC’s exchanges with international organisations and decision-makers will make a difference. Source: AVEC

WORLDWIDE NEWS

Avian Influenza, EFSA recommends increased protection of farms from wild birds While the situation in poultry has eased over the summer, highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus continued to affect seabirds in Europe, mostly along coastlines. As the autumn migratory season starts, the protection of poultry and other farmed animals from wild birds should be prioritised. Biosecurity should be enhanced in fur animal farms. Between 24 June and 1 September 2023, HPAI outbreaks were reported in domestic (25) and wild (482) birds across 21 European countries, according to the latest report on Avian Influenza by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and the EU reference laboratory (EURL).

people to infected birds or mammals (wild or domestic). To further reduce the risk of infection, experts recommend avoiding exposure to dead or diseased seabirds or mammals.

Wild and domestic carnivores continued to be the most affected mammal species with Finland reporting 26 outbreaks in fur farms keeping America mink, red and Arctic foxes, and common raccoon. The most likely source of introduction was contact with wild gulls, but between-farm transmission cannot be completely excluded. Within-farm transmission occurred with some contact animals not showing any clinical signs of infection.

From today on an improved version of EFSA’s Bird Flu Radar is available to everyone. New features allow users to explore weekly predictions of the probability of HPAI introduction in wild birds. Users may subscribe to receive weekly alert emails for their areas of interest. The Bird Flu Radar is closely integrated with EFSA’s Migration Mapping Tool, which shows the movements and abundance of 50 wild bird species, mainly waterbirds, in which avian influenza has been reported.

ECDC assessed that the risk of infection with HPAI virus in Europe remains low for the general population, and low to moderate for occupationally or otherwise exposed

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- november 2023 -

Source: EFSA

COMPANY NEWS

Global poultry industry leaders meet at Petersime’s Poultry Performance Conference in Bali The global poultry sector is evolving constantly, so staying on top of the latest trends and challenges is key. That is what brought together a group of global poultry industry leaders for the fifth edition of the Petersime Poultry Performance Conference in Bali, Indonesia. Petersime’s Poultry Performance Conference is becoming increasingly renowned among leading players in the poultry industry. From September 19 to 21, the Conference’s fifth edition brought together thirty guests from all corners of the Middle East and Asia with one common interest: sharing views on current and future trends and challenges in the global poultry industry. With the Poultry Performance Conference, Petersime aims to cover a broad spectrum of topics and share valuable information on how to cope with specific challenges while navigating the road towards profitable growth. Olav Boel, Chief Commercial Officer at Petersime, explains: “Regardless in which part of the poultry value chain a company operates, it will either have a big impact on the operation of the hatchery, or the hatchery will have a big impact on theirs. Hatcheries play a key role in the value chain as they can create a lot of value for the next

part of the chain. However, a lot of value can also be lost if things go the wrong way. The objective of the Poultry Performance Conference is therefore to look at the bigger picture and discuss challenges and potential solutions to ensure the total poultry value chain can optimize its performance and meet the demands of the future.” Digitalization, data, poultry integrations – these and many other topics were covered during the event. Through knowledge-sharing, networking and lively discussions, Petersime aims to inspire, connect and energize the poultry community globally. This is exactly what happened during the fifth edition of the Poultry Performance Conference.

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COMPANY NEWS

JAS unveils new environmentally controlled holding rooms for Aviagen chicks at London Heathrow Also known as “animal lounges,” the innovative spaces are designed with bird welfare in mind. preparing them for their journey, while making sure their needs are looked after. As another significant stride toward advancing bird welfare during the crucial journey from breeder to producer, JAS recently opened two new state-of-the-art chick holding rooms within its London Heathrow Warehouse Holding Facility. These specialized spaces serve as a temporary home for chicks before their departure. Aviagen’s global veterinary team worked hand in hand with JAS to meticulously design the new rooms at Heathrow with bird well-being in mind. Each room is equipped with digital-panel controls, specially calibrated to maintain the perfect balance of temperature, humidity, and ventilation. These measures are also essential to ensure optimal biosecurity. For more than two decades, Aviagen® and JAS Worldwide have maintained a close alliance, united in their goal to ensure the consistent availability of healthy breeding birds to poultry producers worldwide, while prioritizing bird welfare. Leveraging their extensive expertise in international freight forwarding and logistics, throughout the years JAS Worldwide has facilitated the careful shipment of Aviagen day-old chicks to destinations across the globe. Aviagen has trained JAS colleagues to handle their chicks with care and compassion, palletizing and

Diane Hartjes, Aviagen’s Global Director, Export, Logistics, and Trade Compliance, said, “The inauguration of these advanced holding rooms highlights the shared dedication of Aviagen and JAS to consistently enhance bird welfare, but also secure the supply of robust breeding stock to producers across the world, enhancing their ability to feed the world with nutritious, versatile, and sustainable chicken meat. The enduring 20-year relationship between Aviagen and JAS underscores a steadfast commitment to transparency, communication and engagement with our export allies and all members of the global poultry value chain.” Carlo Rebuffi, JAS Worldwide’s Live Animal Manager and Aviagen Global Account Manager, “The creation of these two rooms is another milestone in the collaborative relationship between Aviagen and JAS Worldwide. We constantly strive to get closer to perfection at handling this very valuable and sensitive cargo. Our goal is to help Aviagen safely and securely deliver chicks to their destination, and we are proud to contribute to feeding the world.”

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REPORTAGE

Collecting turkey hatching eggs manual or automatic nests? The expert’s opinion Today more and more companies choose automatic nesting boxes for turkey breeding flocks. Carlo Norci, a long-time specialist in the management of commercial turkeys and breeders, explains the pros and cons of this type of nest compared to manual ones.

Carlo Norci, Management specialist for breeder and commercial turkeys

More often than in the past, I am asked whether I prefer manual nests or automatic nests for collecting turkey hatching eggs. Before answering this question, I believe it is important to understand, for those who are not completely familiar with the sector, how egg collection from breeding turkeys takes place. Females tend to lay their eggs inside particular structures (sort of boxes) called nests. The eggs laid by the females inside these nests must be collected several times a day (generally

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the minimum number of daily collections is 8 with manual nests). During each collection it is essential to push the females out of the nests, regardless of whether they have laid an egg or not.

TRENDS AND CHALLENGES of poultry industry with

It is generally estimated that there needs to be one nest for every 5 females (a farm of 10,000 laying females will have around 2,000 nests) and it is therefore easy to understand the amount of work involved. It should also be noted that the females normally offer some resistance to leaving the nests and this resistance is even more accentuated during and immediately after the peak of production (third/fourth week) when the female begins to develop the tendency to become a “mother hen” - that is when the bird tends to “sit” on the egg, thus starting the incubation process which will lead, in nature, to the birth of a poult. The more time the female spends inside the nest, the more this brooding instinct develops (with an increase in the levels of prolactin, the brooding hormone, in the bloodstream) and this is why it is important to push the female out of the nest during all collections, while also encouraging turnover on the nests. If inside the nest (and also in the case of eggs laid on the shed floor) there is an egg on which the female can sit, the prolactin level - and therefore the risk of the female becoming a mother hen - increases exponentially. The “brooding” instinct is a natural instinct which, especially in summer cycles, can cause significant economic damage, because the hen no longer produces eggs. This situation must therefore be counteracted by using specific systems for identifying animals that begin to show this tendency. It is worth underlining that the first “broody hen control” is carried out by pushing the female out of the nest at each collection. Returning to the initial question, if I had been asked 10 to15 years ago whether I preferred the use of automatic nests or manual nests, made of wood or plastic, as a method of collecting eggs from breeding turkeys - the answer would certainly have been the latter. As recently as 10 years ago, the use of automatic nests had a certain impact on the number of hatchable eggs laid by each breeding female and at that time, in my opinion, the difference in the number of these eggs laid by each female between the different types per nest was between 5 and 10 eggs in favour of manual nests.

It’s been 50 years since Zootecnica International started serving the poultry industry and professionals. Today the magazine is edited in three languages (English, Italian and Russian) and delivered monthly in 120 countries, reaching around 30.000 readers all over the world. The target of Zootecnica International includes farmers, egg producers, breeding companies, hatcheries, feed mills, poultry and egg processing companies. Magazine and website offer a broad overview on the poultry industry, providing in-depth news on international markets, business management, trends and practices in poultry, genetics, incubation, nutrition, veterinary and management.

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Over time this difference has reduced, although it still exists to a minimal extent and is in any case impossible to

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REPORTAGE

eliminate, in my opinion, because of the better “acceptance” of manual nests by the breeding females. The reduction of this gap is essentially due to two factors – a) the technological improvement in the design of automatic nests, which seem to better satisfy the needs of the females and b) the reduction of the risk that the egg collection mechanisms or the shape of the ramps might in some way cause damage to the animals (cuts, scratches, swelling of the limbs, etc.) or cause the breaking of eggs. Additionally the genetic improvement of the breeds which has led to more rustic, more robust, strong and dynamic animals that fully exploit the possibilities offered to them by automatic nests. Not all aspects related to egg collection find a positive solution in the use of automatic nests. One problem that remains is that of eggs laid on the ground which, even in the case of groups perfectly “imprinted” on automatic nests, is always of a higher percentage than occurs with manual nests. It is clear that the greater the number of eggs laid on the litter, the greater the risk that these may be broken or become dirty compared to those laid inside the nests. This problem can be partially overcome with a timely collection of the eggs laid on the ground

to coincide with each automatic nest collection, thereby reducing the time the eggs remain on the litter and the consequent risk that they will be broken or become dirty. It should also be noted that, with all types of automatic nests, it is more difficult to organize and manage “broody control” – i.e. all those operations aimed at identifying and treating those hens which tend to excessively sit on laid eggs. Despite these last comments it is clear that following the significant and undeniable improvements in the results obtained, the number of companies that have equipped themselves or are equipping themselves with automatic nests has increased considerably in recent years. There is an important reason behind this fact. Nowadays more and more attention is paid to the well-being of workers within companies and it is undeniable that with automatic nests the egg collection activity is considerable less stressful and tiring. To this scenario one can add the fact that in many countries there are difficulties in finding people to carry out tiring jobs such as collecting eggs and therefore automatic nests become almost an obligatory choice.

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DOSSIER

Conundrums facing the poultry industry: how will we achieve sustainability in both the short and long term?

R. Kleyn1 and M. Ciacciariello2 1 SPESFEED Consulting (Pty) Ltd, South Africa and University of KwaZuluNatal, South Africa 2 University of KwaZulu-

Natal, South Africa

This paper will explore several of the issues faced by the industry in the light of recent global events, and consider steps that can be taken to mitigate these issues. In addition, it examines the long-term impacts of these events on sustainability. Recent global events have given rise to volatility in feed ingredient supply and pricing. These issues are likely to remain in the medium term. Coupled with this concern is an increased demand for poultry products, driven both by population growth and socio-economic factors. Consumer perceptions and expectations will impact the manner of production of many poultry products. Ensuring poultry industry growth, all the while remaining sustainable, gives rise

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to a number of conundrums. All role players in the poultry supply chain must appreciate this point.

isting conundrums and the alternative mindset required of consumers, some of which this paper covers.

Introduction

Short-term conundrums

A high degree of volatility with regard to the pricing and supply of inputs has arisen. This situation began with the COVID-19 pandemic and the negative effect it had on the global supply chain, and has been exacerbated by the Russian-Ukrainian war. This state of affairs will likely persist until at least the end of 2023. It has given rise to the intermittent non-availability of several essential feed ingredients. Coupled with these short- to medium- term stresses are several mega-trends and pressures. The global demand for eggs is expected to increase by 65% and for poultry meat by 121% by 2050. Poultry forms a critical component of food security, especially in communities that are deprived of nutrient-rich foods. As citizens become more urbanised, providing protein at a price the urban poor can afford becomes an essential component of food security.

Sustainable poultry production

The overarching consideration for agriculture should be sustainability. The definition of sustainability is straightforward: Sustainable systems should meet the needs of the current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In practice, sustainability is a concept with four facets, namely environmental, ethical, economic and enactment or enforcement (the four Es of sustainability). Any scrutiny of sustainability should consider all aspects, not only the aspect that suits a particular narrative. Consumer demands are evolving, with more people wanting to eat ‘natural’ products, a trend supported by celebrity chefs and the retail and quick-service restaurant sectors. These trends have compelled the poultry industry to change production methods, forego many effective technologies, and implement exacting food safety measures along supply chains. Regrettably, simple solutions to complex problems seldom exist. From a cynical perspective, many believe that anything ‘alternative’ is likely to address the issue of sustainability in animal production. This includes alternatives to meat, alternative production systems, alternatives to antibiotics, the use of alternative feed ingredients, and the development of alternatives to traditional retail chains as a route to market. A more realistic and pragmatic approach is required, which includes addressing many ex-

Sustainability is important in both the short and the long term. Many food production systems are unsustainable and will continue to degrade the environment and compromise our ability to produce food. Mainstream agricultural development still concentrates on productivity and places limited focus on sustainability. Under a ‘business-as-usual’ scenario, the harmful effects of agriculture on the environment will continue to increase. This will result in converting forests and savannahs into cropland, generating air and water pollution, increasing greenhouse gas (GHG), and threatening biodiversity. Attempts to improve welfare through alternative production systems, including organic and free-range, may harm the environment and sustainability. Advances in environmental and ethical aspects will be restricted by divergent views on the economic characteristics of future agricultural systems. The poultry industry is probably more sustainable than other animal sectors, which places the industry in a strong position to buy scarce resources and convert these into edible protein. GHG from agricultural activities has contributed to climate change. It is estimated that animal agriculture uses about 70–74% of all agricultural land and contributes about 15% of all GHG, but poultry is only responsible for about one-third of this amount. Changes to one aspect of sustainability often impact negatively on other areas of sustainability (EU, 2001). Food security will most likely be ensured by ‘sustainable intensification’, which entails producing more food on existing acreage. This is at odds with the current move to less intensive systems. Ingredients The demand for resources is relevant because most feed offered to poultry originates from commercial cropping, making ingredients a vital component of sustainability. Agriculture’s extensive use of land, water and other resources is harmful to the environment and negatively affects biodiversity. Perhaps the largest impact of the current global turmoil is an erratic supply of feed ingre-

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DOSSIER

dients, leading to price volatility. The use of alternative, preferably locally sourced, ingredients is often espoused as a means of enhancing the sustainability of animal production. The local supply of ingredients is characterised by so-called yield gaps. For example, the maize yield in the USA is 10 tons/Ha while, in Africa, it is one ton/ Ha. This presents a short-term problem but offers huge scope for improvement in the longer term. The use of genetically modified (GM) technology brings new prospects in addressing food security problems. GM crops facilitate no-tillage and conservation tillage practices that help to control soil erosion, conserve soil moisture, support carbon sequestration, decrease GHG emissions, reduce pesticide spraying, and increase crop yields by 16%. Despite the scientific consensus that GM crops are safe to eat, they are viewed with scepticism by many institutions and governments. It is often expounded that the use of alternative ingredients in poultry diets is a sustainable option, but this presents a number of conundrums. First, there are only twelve or so major feed ingredients. Most commercial nutritionists spend a significant amount of their lives on the lookout for viable alternatives – and fail. Second, often the nutrient content is unknown, the quality is variable, and the quantities are constrained. In addition, many alternative ingredients are over-priced or of low nutrient density. It is essential that commercial nutritionists eval-

uate the cost-effectiveness of alternative ingredients, not just in terms of formulated diets, but also bearing in mind return in the poultry production enterprise. Ingredients vary in terms of their environmental impact. Production methods and land- use change (LUC), which describes practices such as deforestation or the re-deployment of ‘set aside’ land, impact on the carbon footprint associated with an ingredient. Both the Global Feed LCA Institute (GFLI) (2022) database and the INRAE-CIRAD- AFZ (2022) feed tables carry data suitable for use in least-cost formulation systems. These data enable nutritionists to determine the environmental impact of diet formulation and animal production. However, to do this effectively, it is essential to know the source and origin of each ingredient parcel. Protein usage Modern broiler genotypes respond to protein. Coupled with rising demand, this will result in a huge increase in protein requirements. Problematically, the protein levels in our major ingredients are declining, while yields of proteinaceous crops are lower. Most protein is derived from vegetable sources, with soya beans being the most important. Smaller amounts of rape, sunflower and other lupins are also used. The current turmoil in Ukraine has reduced the supply of sunflower meal, but it has not had

Table 1 – A summary of some of the conundrums facing poultry producers and nutritionists. Statement of the issue Poultry producers are expected to meet the increased demand for poultry products.

Conundrum a) Consumers expect the industry to fulfil its obligations safely, sustainably, and affordably. b) This will increase demand for all resources.

The better the feed efficiency and lifetime performance, the more sustainable production will be. Many production practices are used to improve performance.

a) Consumers want ‘alternative’ products that have a larger carbon footprint. b) The industry will be denied use of such practices (layer cages, antibiotic growth promoters (AGP), thinning in broilers).

The industry is striving to reduce CP levels/usage.

a) Broilers tend to be more profitable when fed high-protein diets. b) Low-protein diets lead to reduced fat and high dietary starch.

Reduced CP diets are advantageous in terms of performance, cost and environmental impact.

Low CP diets lead to: a) increased carcass fat and decreased breast muscle yield b) an increase in dietary starch levels.

Current grain and fat prices imply that a reduction in dietary energy levels may be cost-effective.

The low-density ingredients required to do so are in limited supply.

Alternative ingredients are espoused as a means of improving sustainability.

a) There are limited alternatives in the volumes that are required. b) There are risks associated with using unfamiliar ingredients.

Precision nutrition is a goal the industry strives to achieve.

Protein, energy and mineral availability is still measured in less than perfect ways.

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any real impact on the global soybean supply, although the price of these beans remains volatile (high). It is unlikely that we will suffer a substantial shortage of soya beans in the short term. Broiler diets high in essential amino acids (AA) are more expensive, but they lead to improved performance. Modern layers are lighter and lay smaller eggs than historic breeds. While they produce more eggs in their lifetime, they still lay a single egg daily. The utilisation of protein and energy has not changed over the past three decades; thus, it is likely that the nutrient requirements of laying hens have declined. Pottgüter (2013) contends that modern genotypes perform adequately in any production system, provided that adequate feed intake is achieved. This may not always be the case in commercial production systems, which needs to be reflected in feed specifications. The justification for reducing dietary crude protein (CP) is compelling. Reduced CP levels can be fed applying enhanced ideal AA profiles and by utilising an ever-widening range of synthetic AA. Lower CP diets lead to an increase in performance, improved protein digestibility, a reduction in water intake, reduced manure nitrogen, and better bird welfare. Lowering dietary CP by 1% reduces the carbon footprint of broiler production by 102 kg/ton of broilers produced. When reducing dietary CP levels, protein sources such as soya beans and fat are replaced by feed-grade AA and cereals, giving rise to an increase in dietary starch and decreases in dietary lipid and true protein.

Three conundrums arise when considering protein usage. First, modern genotypes perform better when offered higher levels of essential AA. Second, minimum fat levels must be maintained in poultry diets. Significantly, however, it is e not appreciated that there is most likely a ceiling for the starch content of a diet. Third, despite the overwhelming evidence that low CP diets support normal production levels, many countries have set minimum CP levels in their regulations, which has a negative impact on sustainability. Dietary energy Energy is the most expensive component of the diet in both broilers and laying hens. Most energy is provided in the form of soluble carbohydrates (starch) and fat. While surplus protein can also be used as an energy source, it is utilised less efficiently in birds than in mammals. Deciding on optimal energy levels is central to commercial poultry nutrition. These levels should be determined by using the relative cost and availability of ingredients, together with the value of poultry meat or eggs produced. Broadly speaking, when fat is relatively cheap, high-energy diets tend to yield higher returns, while readily available, less expensive ingredients (cereal by-products, for example) make low-energy diets more attractive. Currently, all feed ingredients are expensive. The price of grain has increased by 60-70%, while feed oil prices have more than doubled. When cereal by-product supplies are adequate, they offer a cheaper alternative to commercial nutritionists. However, the moment supplies become constrained, prices shoot up and may even surpass those of grain. It is at this point that one of the real conundrums of commercial nutrition begins. Clearly, if the price of fat trebles, all calculations regarding optimal dietary energy levels need revising. Logic dictates that dietary energy levels (nutrient density) should be reduced. However, our current practices might predicate any of the decisions made. For example, many millers add oil into the mixer to improve pellet throughput and then add more fat as a postpelleting application to improve pellet quality. Unless millers are prepared to change this paradigm, they will be trapped using fat at $3.00/kg. Conversely, if the supply of milling by- products is constrained, the opportunities to reduce dietary energy levels may be limited. Remember, shipping low-density ingredients over distances negatively impacts sustainability. A final complication is com-

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mercial reality. On the whole, feed millers do not have the freedom to make changes to feed specifications or the selling prices of their products. Poultry producers in the main expect a certain feed efficiency (FCR) which cannot be guaranteed with reduced dietary energy. Alternatively, the likelihood exists of outpricing themselves if energy levels are increased.

(Aviagen, 2022; Cobb, 2022) for the grower and finisher phases exceed those published in the scientific literature by some margin. In all likelihood, P levels can be reduced in the later stages of the broiler production cycle. The published requirements for laying hens (Lohman, 2020; Hy-Line, 2022) are also generous. Scientific studies to determine P requirements for laying hens show that far lower levels are adequate.

Phosphorus It takes about one ton of phosphate (P) to produce 130 tons of grain. In the long term, it is estimated that the supply of phosphate will fall below requirements by 2040. A large portion of phosphate originates from Russia, and the current turmoil has disrupted its supply. Morocco, the largest supplier of phosphate, has filled the void – but at a substantially higher price. The first issue is what to do if phosphate supplies are constrained. The rapid mineralisation of the skeleton of young chickens means that starter diets should take priority when supplies are limited. Second, the values published by the primary breeders

Long-term conundrums Consumers Public opinion in developed countries is that ‘organic’ is natural, healthy and sustainable while intensive farming and antibiotic use are bad. This perception has led many consumers to assume, incorrectly, that alternative production systems are more sustainable. Unfortunately, a number of perceptions tarnish our industry: such as production occurring on factory farms; that animal welfare is

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flawed; poultry products contain hormones (erroneously so) and residual antibiotcs that may be harmful. Many of these beliefs are based on perception and misinformation, often created by the poultry industry itself which has used ‘Hormone-free’, ‘Drug-free’ and ‘Free-range’ as marketing slogans for decades. Consumer concerns, fueled by food scares and the desire to eat healthier and safer food, influence food purchasing patterns. Consumers want cheap, safe and sustainable products – at low prices. There is a lack of appreciation for what alternative production systems mean in terms of sustainability, or for how high product costs may negatively affect food security. Antibiotic use The danger of people imbibing drug residues from consuming poultry products, and the notion that these drugs contribute to an increase in drug-resistant bacteria, are more perceptions than realities. Evidence suggests that issues of anti- microbial resistance in human medicine are primarily due to the incorrect use of antibiotics by people rather than adverse effects derived from food animals. Regardless, antibiotics have been banned or voluntarily removed in many countries. Public perception is that antibiotic use must be handled effectively. Thus, the poultry industry needs to operate as responsible stewards of the limited compounds that we have at our disposal. A conundrum with regard to antibiotic use arises in the developing world where the majority of smallholder farmers reside in the tropics. Not only are these farmers deprived, but also they inhabit areas where people and livestock live at high densities, frequently in close proximity. Biosecurity is often poor, and environmental conditions favour pathogen growth and year-round survival. These poverty-stricken people will be most impacted by a blanket withdrawal of antibiotics from animal agriculture. Zoonosis is a real danger, and animal death represents a concurrent bank foreclosure and an empty pantry. Alternative production systems Poultry production systems that offer outdoor access to chickens (alternative systems) are potentially better for chicken welfare. However, these systems are associated with public health and food safety risks. They have a direct bearing on resource usage and therefore on environmental sustainability. Alternative systems have a lower

environmental burden when measured per unit of land use, but more land is required in total, increasing the burdens per bird or egg produced. Alternative systems are more ethically acceptable to consumers but, if welfare is measured in terms of flock mortality, then conventional systems are the more principled choice. Production costs for alternative systems are higher, for instance; in fact, the cost of conventional systems is about one-third of the cost of organic production. The latest global trend is the production of ‘slow-growing’ chickens. Widowski (2020) found that many indicators of welfare are directly related to growth rate, making slow-growing chickens an option on welfare grounds. Petersen (2017) estimated that if one-third of the US broiler industry switched to slow-growing systems, nearly 1.5 billion more broilers would be required annually. This would necessitate using an additional three million hectares of land for feed production and result in 12 million tons of additional manure. Conversion to cage-free egg production systems leads to an increased production cost of 14-28% due to higher feed intakes, increased mortality, more downgraded eggs, and greater space requirements. An aspect that is often overlooked is the importance of subsistence (small-scale) poultry farming, which currently contributes 8% of egg production and 2% of global poultry meat production. It must be noted that 2.5 billion people rely on small farms for food. Poverty alleviation and sustainability targets will only be met by fostering small-scale, local production using local ingredients. This will require massive inputs from governments, NGOs and commercial companies. It would be unjust to expect these producers to tackle this role as ‘organic’ farmers, as suggested by some authorities. Small-scale farmers face structural and market-related challenges. It is unlikely that they will receive the premium prices required to overcome the higher input costs associated with organic production. Precision nutrition Achieving ‘precision nutrition’ is a lofty goal that nutritionists continually strive for. Although we still use CP as our standard descriptor, it has been known since the 1930s that it is impossible to describe the actual protein content of ingredients by a single variable. Most, if not all, energy systems are based on the determination of apparent metabolisable energy (AME), yet it is still unclear how best to determine values for ingredients. While energy continues

- dossier -

DOSSIER

to be construed as a property of the diet rather than a property of the bird consuming the diet, ‘precision nutrition’ is likely to remain elusive.

Discussion In the medium term, high prices and ingredient shortages will probably be overcome, but long- term issues will only be solved using a holistic view. Many concerns of poultry producers and consumers are interwoven. A realistic approach will be required by all parties if the increased demands for animal products are to be met in a sustainable manner. In a perfect world, sustainability would be enhanced by the practice of precision nutrition. While improvements in our methods and procedures inch us towards this goal, there are still major gaps in its knowledge. Table 1 summarises some of the conundrums faced by the poultry industry. There are often more questions than answers. Focusing on a single aspect, such as bird welfare, may not be sufficient to ensure sustainable

poultry production. If there is an honest desire to become more sustainable, all role players in the poultry supply chain, and our consumers, need to be involved. Feed ingredients will need to be produced efficiently, as close to production sites as possible. Producers must continue to improve feed efficiencies and lifetime performance. More poultry products will need to be produced locally by small-scale farmers. Since organic or alternative production systems use more land (which may not exist) and have larger carbon footprints than conventional systems, consumers will have to make informed decisions about which products they purchase. The paradigm needs to shift from ‘natural’ to ‘sustainable’ products. As an industry, poultry producers need to market sustainable product ranges. The industry must ensure that consumers understand why this is being done, in order or them to make the correct choices themselves. References are available on request From the Proceedings of the Australian Poultry Science Symposium 2023

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Dietary fibre as feed additives

Aitor Arrazola, Research biologist, Ph.D. in Animal Behaviour & Welfare

Conventional poultry diets often dismiss dietary fibre content in exchange for high caloric and nutrient content while maximising digestibility. Nonetheless, dietary fibre also stimulates proper gastrointestinal tract functioning and development, support healthy microbiota, and enhance productive outcomes.

- focus -

FOCUS

Benefits for poultry Poultry need a minimum of dietary fibre content for proper functioning and development of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) that impacts positively performance and health outcomes. For example, dietary fibre can increase the growth rate of broilers and layers at a healthy conformation due to improvements in nutrient digestibility and utilization. Enriching diets with fibrous ingredients can also reduce the development of metabolic disorders (such as high severity and incidence of fatty liver in laying hens), health concerns (such as intestinal ulcers), and behavioural problems (like feather pecking). Within the GIT, fibre-enriched diets increase feed retention either by promoting gizzard activity, slowing down feed passage rate, or both. These traits improve meal digestibility and enhance nutrient utilization due to slow, but steady, nutrient release into the body. Yet, the effect of dietary fibre on GIT functioning depends upon its physiochemical properties. For example, ingredients with high content of insoluble fibres stimulate upper gastrointestinal activity, especially gizzard activity, and increase transit time in the small intestine. On the other hand, ingredients with high content of soluble fibres have high water-holding capacity that contribute to intestinal content viscosity. In this case, although it may seem undesirable, greater viscosity in the intestinal content can result in improved digestibility, steady release of nutrients, and overall higher satiety sensation. These are indeed looked-for features to regulate growth rate in finisher broilers or improve nutrient utilization in laying hens. Moreover, poultry cannot chew feed as most mammals do, and the gizzard is responsible for doing this task. In here, crumbles or pellets are broken down into smaller size particles that are simultaneously mixed with water before chemical digestion in the stomach and intestines. Due to greater grinding activity in the upper GIT, fibre-enriched diets can therefore augment meal digestibility and nutrient availability in the small intestine by prompting gizzard activity. The inclusion of fibrous ingredients in poultry diets also improve the development of the GIT. Certainly, poultry fed with fibre-enriched diets show enlarged gizzard and long intestinal tract due to gizzard activation and intestinal distention, respectively. Proper concentration of dietary fibre (content and source of fibre) can indeed build up intestinal resilience, integrity, and protection in poultry flocks. Still,

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need proper transition periods and gradual introduction to dietary fibre. Then, over time, the abrasive effect of dietary fibre can support intestinal integrity and protection as their GIT develops resilience to damage. Also, due to increased elongation, gizzard size, and GIT content in chickens fed with fibre-enriched diets, carcass weight differences may appear despite of equal live weight, even before feeding. Consequently, this diet-induced difference between live to carcass weight should be considered when estimating market body weight in broilers or mature body weight in layer pullets.

the inclusion rate of fibre content into poultry diets should start gradually with age, allowing birds’ GIT to habituate to rising concentrations of fibre. If chickens are not accustomed to bulky ingredients, fibre may have an abrasive and disruptive effect on the intestinal walls that can lead to possible breakage if fibre intake is too high. To avoid these problems, using a 2-stages feeding program (with intermediate diets at low dietary fibre content) is consequently advantageous to reach the desirable fibre content later on. Alternatively, a transition phase is also advised in which the fibrous diet is mixed with the previously-fed diet (firstly at 25% new diet/75% old diet) and, then, gradually rising fibre content over a four-week period to ease habitation. Having these strategies in mind is particularly important when con-

sidering introducing fibre-enriched diets to naïve chickens, like young chicks or poultry kept in cage production systems. In addition to these benefits, dietary fibre acts as prebiotics to microbiota, particularly, in the large intestine. Although fibre passes undigested throughout the small intestine, GIT microbiota can indeed ferment it in the ceca. For this reason, fibre-enriched diets can help healthy microbiota establish and proliferate within the GIT behaving as a prebiotic for host’s microbiota as well as probiotics.

Remarks to keep in mind As previously mentioned, to achieve these beneficial outcomes in poultry performance and health, naïve birds

- focus -

Dietary fibre often results in greater intestinal water content and viscosity because of its water-holding capacity. Yet, the degree to which fibrous ingredients can rise water content within the GIT depends on the fibre content, type, and source. The higher is the fraction of soluble fibre in bulky ingredients, the higher is its water-holding capacity. For example, feed additives such as sugar beet pulp can retain water to a greater extend than oat hulls and soybean hulls do. High water content in the GIT is beneficial but can, however, result in wet manure and increased litter moisture in flocks fed high-fibre diets. For this reason, inclusion rate and type of dietary fibre should be considered to prevent poor litter quality and its consequences on low foot health. Finally, adding dietary fibre into poultry diets as feed additive are cost effective due to its benefits for poultry health and performance, but fibre choice, source, and inclusion rate should be balanced carefully to avoid concerns in poultry flocks.

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The banning of conventional cages and its impacts on the Spanish egg industry Until 2010, 95% of the Spanish laying hens were still kept in cage batteries. The banning of this housing system from 2012 on had considerable impacts on the laying hen inventory, egg production and egg trade. In this paper, the slow recovery from this drastic intervention in the Spanish egg industry will be analysed. Hans-Wilhelm Windhorst

The impact of the cage banning on the laying hen inventory

The author is Prof. Emeritus of the University of Vechta, Germany

Even though laying hen husbandry and egg production only contributed less than 5% to the value of animal production and added only 1.8% to the value created by agriculture in 2021,

- marketing -

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60,000

26.7 23.2

54,500

22.4

growing fast. In contrast to several EU member countries, the share of organic housing systems in Spain is still very low with only 1.6%.

49,000

43,500

38,000

5.1

7.1

4.7

12.2

11.2 8.3

6.8

7.1

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Laying hens

[%]

[1,000]

17.7

Alternative housing systems

Figure 1 – The development of the Spanish laying hen inventory between 2010 and 2021; data in 1,000 tons (design: A.S. Kauer based on MAPA 2022).

they played an important role in the nutrition of the Spanish population and in foreign trade with agricultural products. When the EU directive 1999/74/EC became effective in 2012, the banning of conventional cages had far-reaching impacts on the Spanish egg industry. Figure 1 shows that the laying hen inventory decreased by 8.2 million birds between 2010 and 2012 or by 17.7%. In the following years, the inventory recovered and reached over 47 million in 2021. Between 2017 and 2021, the housing systems changed considerably. While enriched cages decreased by 16.0%, alternative systems increased considerably, in particular the barn system (Table 1).

The share of alternative housing systems in laying hen husbandry increased from 12.2% in 2017 to 26.7% in 2021. The main driving forces behind this dynamical development were discounters and, to a lesser degree, supermarket chains. Lidl stopped selling eggs produced in enriched cages in 2018, other food retailers followed, some hesitantly, however. It is worth noting that despite the fast increase, the share of alternative housing systems is still much lower than the EU (27) average, which reached 55.1% in 2021. The sharp increase of the barn system is not only due to the increasing domestic demand but also to the fast growing exports to EU member countries where the consumption of alternative eggs is

Table 1 – The development of the Spanish laying hen inventories between 2017 and 2021 by housing systems; data in 1,000 hens (source: MAPA 2022). Enriched cage

Barn

2017

41,047

2018

35,886

2019

35,154

2020

36,559

2021

34,481

Change (%)

-14.4

+168.0

Year

Free-range

Organic

Share (%) alternative systems

2,823

2,532

332

12.2

4,102

3,203

392

17.7

5,834

4,187

625

23.2

6,128

3,765

678

22.4

7,565

4,282

741

26.7

+69.1

+123.2

- november 2023 -

The banning of conventional cages also resulted in a sharp decrease of egg farms from 1,446 to only 1,175 between 2010 and 2012. In the following years, the number of farms grew remarkably and with 1,446 reached a new maximum in 2021. This growth is a consequence of the changes in the housing systems. New farms with free-range and organic systems with smaller flock sizes began production, mainly for the domestic market. The drastic decrease of the laying hen inventory between 2010 and 2012 and the changes in the housing systems resulted in a modified spatial pattern of laying hen husbandry and egg production. Castilla La Mancha, Aragón and Comunidad Valenciana gained in importance while all other provinces lost shares. Figure 2 shows the contribution of the provinces to the laying hen inventories in 2010 and 2021.

The impacts on egg production The sharp decrease of the laying hen flocks between 2010 and 2012 caused a decline of egg production from 13.3 billion to 11.4 billion pieces or by 14.5%. It was not before 2017 that the former production volume was reached again (Figure 3). Since then, egg production has been hovering between 13.1 and 13.9 billion pieces. The self-sufficiency rate fluctuated considerably as can be seen from Figure 4. A remarkable decrease in the per capita consump-

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2.8% 2.7%

2010

3.5%

7.2%

Castilla La Mancha Castilla y Léon Aragón Comunidad Val. Cataluña Galicia Andalucia Canarias País Vasco Extremadura Others

24.6%

6.7% 6.0%

18.5%

10.3% 8.6%

2021

2.4% 2.5%

Total: 46.6 mill. hens

Total: 47.1 mill. hens

2.8%

8.5% 25.3%

4.5% 5.4% 8.2%

16.7%

9.3%

14.4%

9.1%

Figure 2 – The share of the Spanish Provinces in the laying hen inventory in 2010 and 2021; data in % (design: A.S. Kauer based on MAPA 2022).

[mill. pieces]

10,500

7,000

3,500

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Figure 3 – The development of Spanish egg production between 2010 and 2021; data in million pieces (design: A.S. Kauer based on MAPA 2022).

140

18 16.0 15.8

15.5

[%]

14.8 70

14.8 13.6 13.6

14.4

16 14.9 13.8 13.7 13.0

[kg]

105

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Self-sufficiency (%)

Per capita consumption (kg)

Figure 4 – The development of the self-sufficiency rate and the per capita consumption of eggs in Spain between 2010 and 2021 (design: A.S. Kauer based on MAPA 2022).

The impacts on foreign egg trade The necessary transformation of the housing systems for laying hens not only caused a decline in egg production but had also impacts on the foreign trade with eggs and egg products (Figure 5). Between 2010 and 2012, the export volume fell from 144,287 t to 116,784 t or by almost 20%. EU member countries shared 95% in the overall exports in those years.

14,000

tion from 16.0 kg in 2016 to only 13.0 kg in 2021 resulted in a considerable increase of the self-sufficiency rate to 134.9% and, as will be shown in the next chapter, in growing egg exports. The Covid-19 epidemic led to a decreasing domestic demand because of hotel and restaurant lockdowns and a considerable decline of tourists.

- marketing -

A closer analysis of Figure 5 shows that exports to EU member countries fluctuated considerably between 2012 and 2017 while non-EU countries gained in importance and reached a volume of almost 50,000 t in 2015. The share of the EU in the total export volume decreased to 79.7% in 2016 and remained in the lower and mid-80s in the following years. Exports began to grow considerably from 2018 on and with 283,663 t in 2021 reached a preliminary maximum; non-EU countries shared 18.9% in the total export volume. The fast increase of the exports to EU member countries is closely related to the Covid-19 pandemic. The domestic demand fell considerably because of lockdowns and the slump in the tourism industry. As egg production remained sta-

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300,000

[t]

225,000

150,000

75,000

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 EU

non-EU

Figure 5 – The development of Spain’s egg export to EU member countries and non-EU countries between 2010 and 2021 (design: A.S. Kauer based on MAPA 2022).

ble despite the lower demand, the growing surplus had to be exported, either to other EU member countries or to so-called third countries. Table 2 documents the changing shares of the six leading EU member countries of destination in egg exports in 2018 and 2021. Their share in the

overall export volume decreased from 61.7% to only 52.5% despite a growth of 46,413 t. This indicates that Spanish egg producers tried to find new markets for their surplus. A similar trend can also be observed in the development of the exports to non-EU countries (Table 3). While the leading six countries of destination imported over 21,000 t more in 2021 than in 2018, their share fell from 72.9% to only 55.7%. The composition of the countries did not change in the years under consideration. France, Italy and Portugal, remained in top positions, followed by the Netherlands and Germany. Egg imports from EU countries fluctuated considerably between 31,000 t in 2010 and 77,000 t in 2018, but

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of 95% dominated, enriched cages, barn and free-range as well as organic housing systems had to be established. Enriched cages, which were initially still favoured, lost in importance while new barn and freerange system gained higher shares, not at least forced by the decision of the leading food retailers not to sell eggs produced in cage systems any longer.

remained on a high level from 2018 on. Egg products, liquid and dried, gained in importance. Imports from non-EU countries were negligible.

Summary and perspectives Directive 1999/74/EC forced the Spanish egg industry to change the housing system for laying hens in 2012. While until then cage batteries with a share Table 2 – The six leading EU member countries of destination for Spain’s egg exports in 2018 and 2021; data in t (source: MAPA 2022). 2018

2021

Country

Exports

Share (%)

Country

Exports

Share (%)

France

52,541

28.6

Italy

21,228

11.6

France

61,258

26.6

Portugal

18,208

Portugal

18,053

7.9

9.8

Italy

17,993

7.8

Netherlands Germany

13,693

7.5

Netherlands

16,694

7.3

4,102

2.2

Germany

5,675

2.5

Un. Kingd.

3,699

2.0

Un. Kingd.

955

0.4

6 countries

113,316

61.7

6 countries

120,783

52.5

183,693

100.0

230,106

100.0

Table 3 – The six leading non-EU countries of destination for Spain’s egg exports in 2018 and 2021; data in t (source: MAPA 2022). 2018 Country

2021

Exports

Share (%)

Country

Exports

Share (%)

Israel

12,109

37.6

Mauritania

12,052

22.5

Mauritania

5,339

16.6

Un. Kingdom

5,687

10.6

Philippines

1,957

6.1

Israel

4,826

9.0

Russia

1,465

4.6

Russia

3,168

5.9

Hong Kong

1,369

4.3

Eq. Guinea

2,921

5.5

Eq. Guinea

1,204

3.7

Philippines

1,201

2.2

6 countries

23,443

72.9

6 countries

29,855

55.7

Non-EU total

32,175

100.0

Non-EU total

53,557

100.0

- marketing -

The transformation of the housing systems for a few years resulted in a sharp reduction of the laying hen inventory and a declining egg production. The industry recovered from the blow faster than expected and even surpassed former production volumes. The Covid-19 pandemic had far-reaching impacts on the per capita consumption of eggs and the self-sufficiency. The lower domestic demand forced the industry to increase its exports, as egg production remained stable. New markets were developed within and outside the EU.

Data source and references Agroberichten Buitenland (Ed.): Spain: The Spanish egg industry to invest €200 million in animal welfare. https://www.agroberichtenbuitenland.nl/actueel/nieuws/2019/08/06/ spanish-egg-industry. Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación (MAPA), Dirección General de Producciones y Mercados Agrarios (Ed.): El sector de la avicultura de puesta en cifras. Madrid, Julio 2022. Windhorst, H.-W.: An insight into the Spanish poultry industry. Part 2 – Hen eggs. In: Zootecnica International 44 (2022), n. 6, p. 26-29.

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TECHNICAL COLUMN

How to correctly load incubators with eggs from different flocks Incubators are ideally loaded with eggs from one single flock that have all been stored for the same period of time. In modern, large-scale hatcheries, however, egg batch mixing is often inevitable. This article explains how to load incubators with eggs from different flocks and, at the same time, minimize losses in hatchability and chick uniformity. Temperature and embryo development Fien Vanlerberghe R&D Project Engineer, Petersime

Temperature differences in the incubator contribute to a wider hatch window and, consequently, negatively affect hatch results.

- technical column -

When the eggshell temperature is maintained at approximately 100 °F (37.8 °C), the embryos will develop at the ideal rate, resulting in the chicks hatching at around 21 days. If the temperature deviates from that ideal situation, it will impact the rate of

TECHNICAL COLUMN

embryonic development and hatching time. Therefore, by keeping the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures inside the incubator as small as possible, the highest percentage of healthy, uniform day-old chicks can be reached.

Each incubator is different Each incubator manufacturer has their own way of monitoring and regulating the micro-environment around the eggs in setters and hatchers. Everything depends on the machine layout and design in relation to heating and cooling patterns and airflow dynamics. In Petersime incubators, an optimal spiral airflow distribution is guaranteed (see Figure 1).

“Balanced loading is all about setting a mix of eggs with different backgrounds while taking into account their level of heat production and the point in time at which that heat is produced, along with the airflow distribution and location of the cooling elements inside the setter”

This means the cooling, heating and ventilation conditions are perfectly mirrored in each incubator.

Loading eggs from different flocks Hatchery staff should ideally load the setters with eggs from one single flock that have all been stored for the same period of time. Those eggs will have about the same size and produce about the same amount of heat at about the same moment in time. However, if not enough eggs from the same source are available to fill a setter, egg batch mixing will be unavoidable.

Figure 1 – Petersime single-stage incubator with central mixing fan and spiral airflow distribution.

The setter’s and hatcher’s central mixing fan ensures that the airflow is the same on the left and right side of the fan.

To prevent that egg batch mixing leads to uneven temperatures inside the machine and, consequently, results in a wide hatch window and poor chick uniformity, us-

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TECHNICAL COLUMN

ing the technique of balanced loading to achieve optimal thermal uniformity is important.

Thermally balanced loading Balanced loading is all about setting a mix of eggs with different backgrounds while taking into account their level of heat production and the point in time at which that heat is produced, along with the airflow distribution and location of the cooling elements inside the setter. There are three factors to consider: flock fertility, flock age and storage time. Based on those factors, three general rules of thumb are: 1. An egg mass from a ‘prime’ flock with high fertility (between 30 and 44 weeks of age) will produce more heat than an egg mass from a low fertility flock.

Figure 2 – Correct setter loading pattern according to differences in heat production.

2. Large eggs (from older flocks) contain yolk that has a higher energy value, causing the embryos to grow more, which produces more heat.

Transfer from setter to hatcher

3. Eggs that have been stored for a longer period of time will produce heat at a later point than eggs that have been stored only a short time. When taking these rules of thumb into account, the following general setter loading scheme can be drawn: •

Positions A: highest fertility, oldest (large egg) flock, shortest storage time

•

Positions B: lowest fertility, youngest (small egg) flock, longest storage time

•

Positions C: middle fertility, middle-aged flock, middle storage time

•

Important note: Setter trolleys equipped with Petersime’s OvoScan™ technology are always loaded with eggs with medium heat production and are positioned near the left wall of the setter (see Figure 2: 3 OvoScan™ sensors, position C on the left)

Correctly loading the hatcher starts where it ends for the setter: at transfer. During the hatching process, the embryos undergo the most critical biological transitions (internal pipping, external pipping and shell emergence), which demands very specific environmental conditions.

Some further points of attention are: •

Generally, it is advised not to exceed more than 10 weeks of difference in flock age, 7 days of difference in storage time and 10% difference in fertility.

•

Never start an incubation cycle when the machine is not fully loaded. If you do, any measures taken regarding balanced loading will be ineffective.

Following the above guidelines will result in an optimal heat balance distribution of the eggs in the setter.

Figure 3 – Example of transfer pattern for one setter of 12 trolleys to three hatchers of 4 trolleys each.

- technical column -

TECHNICAL COLUMN

By loading the hatchers with eggs that are as uniform as possible, each hatcher can use a specific incubation profile according to the heat production of the eggs inside and the embryos’ needs.

The topic is covered in our advanced training programmes. We also offer the Eagle Trax™ intelligent hatchery software for daily assistance in applying the correct loading and

transfer procedures for each individual flock and different machine sizes and configurations. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.

As one single hatcher should ideally be loaded with uniform eggs, they should all come from the same specific positions in the balanced loaded setter. The example below (see Figure 3) shows how to put that theory into practice, taking the example of transferring one setter of 12 trolleys to three hatchers of 4 trolleys each: •

Hatcher 1: all eggs with medium heat production (positioned near the wall - 1a 1b 1c 1d)

•

Hatcher 2: all eggs with low heat production (positioned in the centre - 2a 2b 2c 2d)

•

Hatcher 3: all eggs with high heat production (positioned near the central mixing fan - 3a 3b 3c 3d)

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The same principle applies for configurations of setters and hatchers with other capacities.

Optimal heat balance for optimal hatch results Successful incubation depends on an optimal heat balance and, as such, the trolleys’ position inside the incubator. By keeping the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures inside the machine as small as possible, the highest percentage of healthy day-old chicks with high uniformity can be obtained. Petersime is happy to help you in learning more about optimal incubator loading and transfer patterns.

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Tom Tabler, Department of Animal Science Shawn Hawkins, Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science University of Tennessee Dale Barnett, Tennessee Poultry Association Yi Liang, Departments of Biological and Agricultural Engineering/Poultry Science, University of Arkansas Victoria Ayres, School of Agriculture, Tennessee Tech University Jessica Wells, Department of Poultry Science, Mississippi State University Jonathan Moon, Department of Poultry Science, Mississippi State University Pramir Maharjan, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Tennessee State University

Keeping poultry safe with biosecurity principles and site-specific plans With the loss of approximately 58 million head of poultry to Avian Influenza and disease-related control efforts in 2022, Avian Influenza continues to be a serious threat to backyard and commercial poultry flocks across the U.S. As a best management practice and to aid in qualifying for USDA Avian Influenza indemnity payments for commercial premises, it is critical to create, maintain and follow a site-specific, operational biosecurity plan. This is true no matter what the size of your poultry operation. This biosecurity plan should be based upon and organized around the 14 National Poultry Improvement Plan biosecurity principles:

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MANAGEMENT

Does the facility have a formally designated biosecurity coordinator? That person should be listed by name in the biosecurity plan.

1. Biosecurity Responsibility 2. Training 3. Line of Separation 4. Perimeter Buffer Area

Does a site-specific biosecurity plan exist? Site-specific biosecurity plans can be either farm-specific or serve as complex-wide plans. Complex-wide plans can address general biosecurity principles. However, farm-specific plans and practices better address mass mortality disposal, including specifically burial or composting plans that account for farm specific variations in soil type and depth to water table. In Tennessee, the state veterinarian is asking for all commercial and large backyard premises (any location involved in the commerce or movement of poultry) to have individual site-specific plans in place.

5. Personnel 6. Wild Birds, Rodents, Insects 7. Equipment and Vehicles 8. Mortality Disposal 9. Manure and Litter Management 10. Replacement Poultry 11. Water Supply 12. Feed and Replacement Litter 13. Reporting Elevated Morbidity and Mortality 14. Auditing A well-designed biosecurity plan will 1) describe the biosecurity culture (action items considered important to protecting flock health and how they are implemented) on your farm and 2) document the steps you take to protect the health of your flock. Your biosecurity plan describes the standard operating procedures (SOPs) you use to keep your flock safe. Commercial poultry operations formally participating in NPIP must have their biosecurity plan audited every other year to be eligible for indemnity, so it is important to make firm, realistic commitments when developing your day-to-day biosecurity practices because someone will check your work.

1. Biosecurity responsibility Every operation (large or small) should have an employee that is formally designated as responsible for premise biosecurity. In most cases, this person serves as the biosecurity coordinator. The biosecurity coordinator is responsible for the development, implementation, maintenance and ongoing effectiveness of the biosecurity program. Depending on the type and size of the poultry operation, the biosecurity coordinator’s responsibility could be at the farm, production site, production complex or company level. The biosecurity coordinator should be knowledgeable of all biosecurity principles in use. The biosecurity coordinator, along with personnel and caretakers on the farms and production sites, are collectively responsible for implementing the biosecurity program. The biosecurity coordinator should review the biosecurity program at least once per calendar year and make revisions as necessary, asking the following questions:

Is the biosecurity coordinator knowledgeable of biosecurity principles? The biosecurity coordinator must be able to describe and interpret their company’s biosecurity program and how it meets NPIP requirements. Does the biosecurity coordinator review the biosecurity plan at least once during each calendar year and make revisions as necessary? The biosecurity coordinator must be able to provide recorded dates in which annual reviews were made and evidence that necessary revisions were completed. Does the biosecurity plan indicate there will be an additional review by the biosecurity coordinator in periods of heightened risk of disease transmission? Documentation of NPIP compliance must include evidence that planning for increased biosecurity rigor occurred during periods of heightened risk (e.g., emails, memos, letters, text messages, phone logs, etc.). It is the responsibility of the biosecurity coordinator to clearly define and communicate the period of heightened risk in the biosecurity plan.

2. Training The biosecurity program should describe required training that covers farm site-specific procedures as well as premises-wide and/or company-wide biosecurity procedures. All poultry owners and caretakers that regularly enter the perimeter buffer area (PBA; explained in detail below) must complete this documented training at least once per calendar year. New poultry caretakers should be trained at hire. Training records should be retained and kept for a minimum of three years. Review of SOPs

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MANAGEMENT

for biosecurity should be included in initial and annual employee trainings. These SOPs must include company and site-specific requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE), pest control, cleaning and disinfecting procedures, equipment sharing, etc. Training should include a review of all SOPs and the biosecurity plan.

3. Line of separation The line of separation (LOS) is a functional line separating the poultry house(s) from exposure to potential disease sources. It is generally defined by the walls of the poultry building with practical deviations to account for entry points and outside access areas. The site- specific biosecurity plan should describe or illustrate the boundaries of the LOS and clearly outline the procedures to be followed when caretakers, visitors or suppliers/repair personnel cross it. For poultry enclosed in outdoor pens, similar principles for the LOS can be applied that define and control entry to each pen. In this circumstance, the walls of the outdoor pens would provide the template for defining the LOS when entering or exiting the pens. For poultry with non- enclosed outdoor access, a LOS is highly recommended but not required. When an emergency disease risk is heightened, all poultry should be enclosed within a protective LOS.

are unrelated to poultry production (Figure 1). The PBA is comprised of the poultry houses and the poultry rearing areas as well as nearby structures and high traffic areas involved in the daily function of the poultry farm. This would usually include but not limited to the feed bins, composting areas, litter sheds, egg rooms, generator sheds and control rooms. The site-specific biosecurity plan should describe or illustrate the PBA boundaries as well as the procedures that caretakers, visitors or suppliers/repair personnel must follow when entering and leaving the PBA.

5. Personnel The biosecurity program and/or the site-specific biosecurity plan should include provisions specifically addressing procedures and biosecurity PPE for site-dedicated personnel. The plan should likewise address the procedures and biosecurity PPE for non-farm personnel. The plan should also specify procedures which all personnel having had recent contact with other poultry or avian species should follow before entering the PBA. PPE should be described in the biosecurity plan for each type of production facility for site-dedicated and non- farm personnel. Visitor logs, including dates and location of last contact with other poultry, should be kept and documented with no exceptions.

Provide a diagram, map and/or a detailed description of the LOS (Figure 1) and requirements for crossing the LOS for each premises. Biosecurity signs at the LOS entry to each house are recommended. Foot baths should be at the LOS entry point to each house and the biosecurity plan should address that they be kept clean and disinfectant replaced at least as often as recommended by the manufacturer. Hand sanitizer and/or a hand washing station should be available at each house and everyone should be required to use these. Visitor logs should be required for non-farm personnel and all employees and visitors should be aware of the requirements for crossing the LOS by signage or other methods.

4. Perimeter buffer area The perimeter buffer area (PBA) is a functional zone that separates and protects the poultry houses or poultry rearing areas within the LOS from adjacent sites that

Figure 1 – Perimeter buffer area in blue-green with line of separation in red and barns in green (source: Center for Food Security and Public Health, Iowa State University).

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6. Wild birds, rodents, insects

8. Mortality disposal

Poultry operations should have control measures continuously in place to prevent contact between poultry and wild birds, wild bird feces, and wild bird feathers that are production system specific. These procedures should be reviewed for enhancements during periods of heightened disease transmission risk. Control programs for rodents, insects and other animals should be in place with log sheets that document when bait stations are monitored and restocked.

Mortality should be collected at least daily and stored and disposed in a manner that does not attract wild birds (including vultures), rodents, insects and other animals and minimizes the potential for cross-contamination to and from other nearby poultry facilities or premises. It is recommended that dead bird disposal be on-site, if possible.

7. Equipment and vehicles The biosecurity plan should include provisions for procedures for cleaning, disinfecting and restricting access or sharing of mobile equipment. Vehicle access and traffic patterns should be defined in the site-specific biosecurity plan.

Mortality disposal should be described in the site-specific biosecurity plan. Is a mass mortality disposal plan in place in event of a catastrophic loss? Is a plan in place in the event of a disease outbreak that describes depopulation and disposal procedures? A guide for using the USDA NRCS Web Soil Survey Tool to plan for burial of mass poultry mortalities is provided in University of Tennessee Extension Publication W792 which includes appropriate buffers from sensitives areas such as nearby wells.

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9. Manure and litter management

11. Water supply

Manure and spent litter should be removed, stored and disposed of in a manner to prevent exposure of susceptible poultry to disease agents. Onsite litter and manure storage should limit attraction of wild birds, rodents, insects and other animals. Is a mass mortality disposal plan in place that addresses litter stored in stacking sheds, compost material, feed left in feed bins, eggs awaiting transfer, etc. in event of a serious disease break? For farms that plan to bury these materials, University of Tennessee Extension Publication W792 provides worksheets to compute the disposal volume and plan construction of adequately sized burial trenches.

Drinking water or water used for evaporative cooling should be sourced from a contained supply such as a well or municipal system. If drinking water comes from an open surface water source, water treatment must be used to reduce or preferably eliminate disease agents. If surfaces within the LOS are cleaned or flushed with surface water, these surfaces must be disinfected to prevent disease transmission. If water treatment is not possible, a risk analysis should be performed (e.g., regular water testing) to determine when action is required to mitigate risk.

12. Feed and replacement litter

10. Replacement poultry Replacement poultry should be sourced from health-monitored flocks in compliance with the NPIP Program. They should be transported in equipment and vehicles that are regularly cleaned and disinfected and that should be inspected before entering the premises. Does the biosecurity plan clearly define regular cleaning and disinfecting? Biosecurity protocols must be in place for equipment and personnel involved in the transport of replacement poultry.

Feed, feed ingredients, bedding and litter should be delivered, stored and maintained in a manner that limits access and contamination by wild birds, rodents, insects and other animals and their feces. Feed spilled within the PBA (outside the LOS) should be promptly disposed of to prevent attracting wild birds, rodents and insects. Feed spilled outside the LOS should not be taken inside the house and fed because of the risk of disease transmission.

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13. Reporting elevated morbidity and mortality Elevation in morbidity and/or mortality above normal expected levels, as defined by the biosecurity plan, should be reported immediately so that tests can be conducted to rule out reportable disease agents. The biosecurity coordinator must define what constitutes elevated morbidity and/or mortality in the biosecurity plan. Written procedures on how and where to report elevated mobility or mortality must be included in the biosecurity plan. These procedures should include instructions for elevated morbidity or mortality that occurs during weekends and holidays.

14. Auditing Auditing is vital to the success of any commercial operation’s biosecurity program and NPIP compliance, so let’s consider it more carefully. NPIP audits shall be conducted at least once every two years or a sufficient number of times during that period by each state’s official state agency (in Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture) to ensure the participant is complying. Each audit requires the biosecurity plan’s training materials, documentation of implementation of the NPIP biosecurity principles, corrective actions taken and the biosecurity coordinator’s annual review. The result of the agency’s audit will be a summary report documenting either satisfactory or unsatisfactory compliance that is provided to the NPIP national office. Participants who failed an initial audit conducted by an NPIP official state agency may elect to have a field audit performed by a team appointed by the national NPIP office, including: an APHIS poultry subject matter expert from USDA, the official state agency, and a licensed, accredited poultry veterinarian familiar with the type of operation. In order to be reinstated in compliance with the NPIP biosecurity principles, the participant must demonstrate that corrective actions were taken following the audit by the team appointed by NPIP.

Document everything Putting together a biosecurity plan for your farming operation will take time and effort on your part. Following that plan day after day will take more time and effort but is crit-

ical to keeping your flock free of disease. When it comes to biosecurity, document everything you do. If you don’t write it down, it never happened! It’s that simple, and indemnity payment considerations in the future will likely be tied to whether biosecurity practices were in place and well-documented at the time of the disease outbreak. Iowa State University has a template for a site-specific poultry biosecurity plan that can help you create a plan for your operation and readily document your biosecurity efforts. Integrators and commercial growers should be as self-reliant as possible and not depend on an official state agency or USDA to locate resources to respond to a disease outbreak. This means taking responsibility for planning and pre-locating necessary resources; crews for depopulation, disposal, cleaning, and disinfection; CO2 (if available and being used); carbon material; heavy equipment; and equipment operators to efficiently respond to and contain a disease outbreak. Your biosecurity plan should document where these resources are located, who the contact person is, and how to get access to these resources on short notice. State and federal officials will provide oversight and supply subject matter experts to assist during a disease outbreak but much of the response is in the hands of the poultry industry and its producers.

Summary Avian Influenza continues to be a serious threat to U.S. poultry flocks. Commercial and backyard flocks are at risk and with the spring migration season ramping up, the threat will likely increase over the next few months. Biosecurity is the best protection we can provide for our flocks. It is important that all flock caretakers, large and small, understand the 14 biosecurity principles developed by NPIP and follow these principles daily. We cannot medicate or vaccinate our way out of the risk posed by Avian Influenza. Biosecurity is the most powerful weapon we have in keeping our flocks safe. Knowing and following the NPIP biosecurity principles will minimize the risks and lessen the chances that Avian Influenza enters our poultry houses or backyard chicken coops. By courtesy of The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and UT Extension

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Could phosphorus and calcium be the missing links in unlocking radically low protein diets for commercial broiler production? Reducing the crude protein (CP) concentration of broiler diets without compromising live production end points is an aspirational goal for most poultry producers. Economic and environmental benefits can be considerable and improvements in animal welfare have also been reported. However, feeding radically low CP diets to broilers results in unpredictable animal performance outcomes despite best efforts to balance digestible amino acids, metabolisable energy and electrolytes. requirement for P and Ca may increase and decrease respectively when dietary CP is reduced. Conclusions are tentative and a lot more research is required to fully explore the mechanisms and optimize nutritional ratios. It is the purpose of this short review article to describe some of the recent research in this space and where opportunities may exist for future exploration.

Introduction

A.J. Cowieson, DSM Nutritional Products, Kaiseraugst, Switzerland

Historically, research intended to optimise digestible amino acid supply has been disconnected from work on digestible macro-minerals such as calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P). This separation is logical as nutrient requirement studies that simultaneously explore amino acids, energy, Ca, and P would be cumbersome and statistically vulnerable. It is also somewhat counterintuitive that digestible amino acid, Ca and P requirements may interact. However, recent evidence from rodents and broiler chickens suggests that

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Stephen Jay Gould famously introduced the term ‘non-overlapping magisteria’ in a Natural History article in March 1997, to describe the separation between scientific and religious lines of enquiry. From a broiler nutrition perspective, it would be accurate to represent digestible amino acid and metabolisable energy research, and digestible P and Ca research, using the same vocabulary. Despite these distinct research domains, considerable value has been created in both spheres. For example, before the advent of synthetic amino acids, broiler diets were formulated to contain up to 700 g/kg soybean meal and 350 g/kg CP in order to meet the birds’ requirement for methionine. This contrasts with contemporary broiler diets that include several ‘unbound’ or ‘free’ amino acids and can satisfy the animals

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amino acid requirement with diet CP concentrations as low as 160-210 g/kg, depending on the age of the chick. Similarly, the commercial introduction of exogenous phytase in 1991 and more recent work on phytase dose optimisation and digestible Ca formulation systems has led to substantial decreases in the use of inorganic phosphate to the point where many broiler grower and finisher diets are entirely denuded of inorganic P sources. Despite these ‘localised’ successes, there are very few published papers that explore the potential interaction between dietary CP and diet Ca and P concentrations and these magisteria remain largely non-overlapping. It is the purpose of this short review article to describe some of the relevant literature in this space, offer mechanistic insights that may be of importance and suggest opportunities for further research that may increase the precision of nutrient delivery to the bird without compromising live production metrics.

Rodents As far as the author is aware, the first studies that were designed to explore the potential for an interaction between diet CP and P (and by association, Ca) were conducted using rodent models. Hammoud et al. (2017) fed rats a low CP diet (100g/kg CP relative to a standard diet of 200g/kg CP) and titrated P from 0.15g/kg to 3.0g/kg. The authors observed significant increases in weight gain, feed intake, energy efficiency and plasma glucose concentration. In addition, plasma urea nitrogen (N) was reduced from around 6.5 mM/l to 4 mM/l as diet P was increased. Rats that received the low CP diet with the highest concentration of P returned growth performance that was equivalent to those fed the standard CP diet. These observations were confirmed more recently in a rodent model when the addition of digestible lysine and/or P to a low protein diet (100g/kg) resulted in synergistic effects on growth rate and energy efficiency and P alone had a positive effect on protein metabolism and significantly reduced plasma urea N.

Putative mechanisms

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The role of P in determining digestible amino acid requirements and animal response to dietary CP is not fully established. However, there are three potentially valuable lines of enquiry. First, protein intake has a calciuretic effect whereby N and Ca compete for resorption at the renal level. A high protein intake results in excess urinary Ca

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losses and vice versa. Thus, as broiler diet CP is reduced it is possible that Ca retention is increased, a disequilibrium that may be partially mitigated via supplementation of diets with additional P. This possibility was recently supported by Dao et al. (2022) where a reduced crude protein diet fed to Ross 308 broiler chickens generated an increase in serum Ca but had no effect on serum P. Importantly, this was associated with a numerical decrease in d28 tibia ash in the chicks that received the low protein diet. Second, low CP broiler diets are compositionally distinct from diets formulated at standard CP concentrations. For example, low CP broiler diets typically have a higher concentration of cereals and lower concentrations of protein meals such as soybean meal or canola. It may be relevant that the concentration of phytate-bound P in cereals is lower than in protein meals and the per se availability of phytate-bound P in protein meals may be higher than for cereals. The influence of diet CP per se on P digestibility is likely to be dependent on a number of additional factors such as dietary cation concentration, strategies used in feed formulation to achieve the reduction in crude protein and phytase dosing. Indeed, Dao et al. (2022) observed an increase in ileal P digestibility in broilers fed a low protein diet, which contradicts earlier observations, so further work to explore the role of low protein diets on mineral digestibility is warranted. Finally, protein synthesis requires appreciable quantities of P for manufacture of ATP and it is possible that additional dietary P may reduce protein catabolism and promote protein accretion via provision of P for ATP synthesis. In short, a low CP diet may simultaneously provide lower concentrations of available phytate-P, promote Ca retention and increase the demand for ATP to drive protein synthesis. Increasing digestible P supply in low CP diets may be an effective strategy to mitigate these influences. This could be done by elevating phytase dosing, addition of inorganic P or reductions in total dietary Ca. Optimal strategies require further research.

Validation in broilers In attempt to extend the principals described above to commercial broiler production a study was conducted to specifically explore the interaction between diet CP and P. Ross 308 male broiler chickens were offered diets with low, medium or standard CP concentrations and either low, standard or high available P (for context the grower diets were formulated at 215, 195 or 175g/kg CP and of-

fered at either 4.8, 4.3 or 3.8 g/kg available P). All amino acids were balanced using non-protein bound amino acids and energy, macro- and micro-minerals and dietary electrolyte balanced were equivalent across all dietary treatments. Response of broiler chicks to supplemental available P in terms of body weight corrected feed conversion ratio (FCRc) was more pronounced in the low CP diet than in the standard CP diet, resulting in a significant interaction. Specifically, increasing available P from 3.8 to 4.8g/kg in the diet with standard CP concentration had no effect on FCRc over the full experimental duration (d835) whereas the same increase in available P in the diet with the lowest CP concentration resulted in a decrease in FCRc of 7 points. Interestingly, increasing available P concentration resulted in a decrease in plasma uric acid concentration and this was particularly marked at the moderate level of dietary CP resulting in an interaction between diet CP and available P. This confirmed previous research in rodents that dietary P may influence post-absorptive N metabolism and may influence deamination and ammonia detoxification processes. The potential for available P to influence N retention and ammonia management is an area of interest for future study.

Conclusions The role of P (or more accurately digestible or available P) in amino acid metabolism, nitrogen cycling, ammonia detoxification and nitrogen emissions is not clear. The possibly exists, however, that reducing dietary CP may influence the requirement of the bird for both P and Ca. This may occur via direct mechanisms such as the importance of P in ATP synthesis and protein accretion and the competition between Ca and nitrogen in renal tubules and also indirectly via subtle changes in the soluble phytate concentration of low CP diets. As the global poultry industry moves toward increasingly low CP diets, and in concert with important ongoing work to optimize the deployment of non-protein bound amino acids, some attention to the dietary supply of Ca and P is warranted. Given the complexity of these interactions and the constraints in multi-factor experimental designs a mechanistic modelling approach may be justified. References are available on request From the Proceedings of the Australian Poultry Science Symposium 2023

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May, 13 to 15 Middle East Poultry Expo Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center Riyadh, Saudi Arabia For information contact: Website: www.mep-expo.com/en/contact-us Email: info@mep-expo.com Venue Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center King Abdullah Rd, King Abdullah Dt., Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia

June, 24 to 28 XVI European Poultry Conference Valencia Conference Center Valencia, Spain For information contact: Technical Secretary: Turevents & Go Tel.: +34 963 528 181 Email: info@epc2024.com Venue Valencia Conference Center Avenida Cortes Valencianas, 60 46015 Valencia

INTERNET GUIDE Agritech

commerce@agritech.it

www.agritech.it

Arion Fasoli

info@arionfasoli.com

www.arionfasoli.com

Aviagen

info@aviagen.com

www.aviagen.com

Aviagen Turkeys Ltd

turkeysltd@aviagen.com

www.aviagenturkeys.com

Aza International

info@azainternational.it

www.azainternational.it

Barbieri Belts

info@barbieri-belts.com

www.barbieribelts.com

Big Dutchman

big@bigdutchman.com

www.bigdutchman.de

Biochem

info@biochem.net

www.biochem.net

Carfed International Ltd

carfed@carfed.co.uk

Carfed Italian Branch

carfed@carfed.it

www.carfed.it

Cobb Europe

info@cobb-europe.com

www.cobb-vantress.com

Codaf

info@codaf.net

www.codaf.net

Corti Zootecnici S.r.l.

info@cortizootecnici.com

www.cortizootecnici.it

DACS

mail@dacs.dk

www.dacs.dk

EuroTier

eurotier@dlg.org

www.eurotier.com

Facco Poultry Equipment

facco@facco.net

www.facco.net

FIEM

fiem@fiem.it

www.fiem.it

FierAgricola Verona

fieragricola@veronafiere.it

www.fieragricola.it

FierAvicola

info@fieravicola.com

www.fieravicola.com

Gasolec

sales@gasolec.com

www.gasolec.com

Giordano Poultry Plast

info@poultryplast.com

www.poultryplast.com

GI-OVO B.V.

sales@gi-ovo.com

www.gi-ovo.com

ISSN 0392-0593

Hendrix Genetics

info@hendrix-genetics.com

www.hendrix-genetics.com

Hubbard

contact.emea@hubbardbreeders.com

www.hubbardbreeders.com

Hy-Line International

info@hyline.com

www.hyline.com

Subscription Rates (1 year / 11 issues): Europe Euro 100 Rest of the World Euro 120

Impex Barneveld BV

info@impex.nl

www.impex.nl

Intracare

info@intracare.nl

www.intracare.nl

IPPE

info@ippexpo.org

www.ippexpo.org

Jamesway

sales@jamesway.com

www.jamesway.com

Lubing System

info@lubing.it

www.lubingsystem.com

Marel

info.poultry@marel.com

www.marel.com/en/poultry

Mbe Breeding Equipment

info@mbefabriano.it

www.mbefabriano.it

Menci

commerciale@menci.it

www.menci.it

Meyn

sales@meyn.com

www.meyn.com

MOBA

sales@moba.net

www.moba.net

Officine Meccaniche Vettorello

luciano@officinevettorello.it

www.officinevettorello.com

Petersime N.V.

info@petersime.com

www.petersime.com

Reventa

info.reventa@munters.de

www.reventa.de

Riva Selegg

info@rivaselegg.com

www.rivaselegg.com

River Systems

info@riversystems.it

www.riversystems.it

Royal Pas Reform

info@pasreform.com

www.pasreform.com

Roxell

info@roxell.com

www.roxell.com

Ska

ska@ska.it

www.skapoultryequipment.com

Socorex

socorex@socorex.com

www.socorex.com

Space

info@space.fr

www.space.fr

Specht Ten Elsen GmbH & Co. KG info@specht-tenelsen.de

www.specht-tenelsen.de

Sperotto S.p.A.

info@sperotto-spa.com

www.sperotto-spa.com

TPI-Polytechniek

info@tpi-polytechniek.com

www.tpi-polytechniek.com

Val-co

intl.sales@val-co.com

www.val-co.com

Valli

info@valli-italy.com

www.valli-italy.com

VDL Agrotech

info@vdlagrotech.nl

www.vdlagrotech.com

VDL Jansen

info@vdljansen.com

www.vdljansen.com

Vencomatic Group B.V.

info@vencomaticgroup.com

www.vencomaticgroup.com

Victoria

victoria@victoria-srl.com

www.incubatricivictoria.com

VIV Europe

viv.europe@vnuexhibitions.com

www.viveurope.nl

Editorial Director Lucio Vernillo Editorial Staff Daria Domenici (zootecnica@zootecnica.it) Account Executive Marianna Caterino (amministrazione@zootecnica.it) Editorial Office Zootecnica International Vicolo Libri, 4 50063 Figline Incisa Valdarno (FI) Italy Tel.: +39 055 2571891 Website: zootecnicainternational.com Licence Registrazione Tribunale di Firenze n.3162 Spedizione in A.P. Art.2 comma 20/B legge 662/96 - Filiale di Firenze

Subscribe online by Credit Card or Paypal: zootecnicainternational.com/subscription Subscribe by money transfer: 1. effect a money transfer to: Zootecnica International, Vicolo Libri, 4 50063 Figline Incisa Valdarno (FI) Italy; bank: UNICREDIT, BIC: UNICRITM1OU9 Iban: IT 81 H 02008 38083 000020067507 2. send us your complete shipping address by email: amministrazione@zootecnica.it. Art Direction & Layout Laura Cardilicchia – elleciwebstudio.com Cover Image: © Denise Vernillo Printed Nova Arti Grafiche, Florence

English Edition Year XLV November 2023

Giordano Poultry Plast's wide range of products also includes containers and pallets designed for different uses and product handling sectors. The elements that make Giordano's line of containers effective and safe are the special design, maximum ventilation, high level of hygiene given by the ease of cleaning in addition to the perfect interlocking that reduces the danger of load shifting. The pallets are made of impact-resistant raw materials, optionally approved for food use (HDPE), highly disinfectable as well as durable and customizable with name/number. Available in 100% recyclable virgin material or 100% black recycled material.

Meet us at 30 Jan - 1 Feb 2024 at booth B13043

www.poultryplast.com

SPECHT is everywhere where hens are! • Rearing in aviary system

• Layers in Varia-System

• Rearing in cages

• Group cage system (enriched cage)

ORIGINA

estock eco and liv friendly

ORIGINAL

• Feeding system

• Layer battery

• Egg belt

• Cage floor

POULTRY EQUIPMENT

GmbH & Co. KG

• Manure drying system

Dassendaler Weg 13 • D-47665 Sonsbeck (Germany) Telefon +49 (0) 28 38 912-0 • Telefax +49 (0) 28 38 27 91 info@specht-tenelsen.de • www.specht-tenelsen.de

• Egg collecting system