Poultry World edition 9 of 2021 now online

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AgriVision 2021: Focus on sustainability

Will be possible to sustainably feed 10 billion people by 2050? This question was put forward to a global audience at the start of the online AgriVision event, which took place on 7 October 2021. Thoughts around making agricultural production more sustainable were discussed in detail.

Russian egg industry looking to diversify

To become less dependent on the very sluggish table egg market, egg farmers in Russia are looking to diversify by investing in egg processing, which currently account for only 12% of all eggs produced.

Russian egg production has reached self-sufficiency with virtually no room for further growth. Meanwhile, the county’s egg processing industry is underdeveloped. Photo: Vladislav Vorotnikov

Improving broiler hatchability and performance

In-ovo technology is being adopted in several areas of poultry production. A recent study explored the benefits of in-ovo injection of microalgae (Spirulina Platensis) on hatchability, antioxidant and immunity-related gene expression, as well as the hatchling performance of broiler chicks.

The in-ovo injection of the microalgae had a positive effect on hatch weight and performance, possibly due to the high levels of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Photo: Ruud Ploeg

Trends and challenges in cage-free egg production

Consumer concerns around bird welfare are driving many players in the egg sector to ban cage eggs from their supply chains. Furthermore, a legislative proposal will be presented by the end of 2023 to phase out, and finally ban, the use of cages for several farm animals.

In 2008, 68% of hens in the EU were housed in cages. By 2020, this figure dropped to 48%. Photo: Ronald Hissink

Working together for success

Initiated by Cobb, the annual ‘Flock Award’ is given to top-performing companies in the North/Central America region. Sollio Agriculture-Avantis in New Brunswick and Cox Atlantic Chick Hatchery in Nova Scotia were joint winners of the 2020 award.

The Avantis team were co-winners of the award. They achieved an average of 180 eggs per hen housed, but one barn in 2020 achieved 184.2. Photo: Doris Berube

Closing the creatine supply gap

Only two thirds of the creatine required for maximum broiler performance is supplied by the bird’s own synthesis while the remaining third needs to be supplemented via the feed. Adding a guanidinoacetic acid supplement can close the gap.

Creatine is synthesized in the animal in a process that begins in the kidneys and moves through the liver before it acts as the ‘battery cell’ of the animal in the muscles. Photo: Evonik

Effective ventilation boosts safety, productivity and sustainability

Chickens are highly sensitive to temperature and so it is crucial to equip poultry houses with reliable and efficient cooling and heating systems. Controlling ventilation fans with variable speed drives can help to improve the welfare of the birds and reduce consumption by up to 40%.

Formulating broiler feeds under economic pressure

High-performing broilers require well-balanced, precise diets. Today, high feedstuff prices and limited availability mean that formulating those diets requires some creativity.

Given the interaction between nutrition, health and bird management, all stakeholders must be involved when discussing different feed formulation options. Photo: Jan Zandee

Accelerating genetic selection in ducks

Duck breeders have been anticipating the development of a microchip to determine specific traits. INRA in France has plotted multiple genetic lines and so the chip could become a reality. Grimaud Frères has now hatched its first ducklings combining traditional genetics with genomics.

Certain criteria, such as quality of hybridization or allelic frequency and position on the genome, have been included on the chip. Photo: Penn Communicatie

Understanding the dynamics of worm infestation

Worms remain a problem in poultry production. In parent stock, the first signs of infection are lower egg production, feed intake and fertility. Worms seldom cause issues in broilers, but that could change in the near future.

Post-mortem examinations should be done on healthy flock members with normal feed intake. Photo: Hans Prinsen

Reducing environmental impact with protease

Although produced by the GIT of broilers, microbial proteases are often supplemented in feed. Protease has typically been used to reduce feed costs without compromising performance. However, proteases can also help to reduce emissions.

Bulgaria’s poultry sector optimistic despite challenges

The continuous growth of Bulgaria’s poultry sector was interrupted for the first time in 10 years in 2020, and between May 2020 and January 2021, it is estimated that production costs increased by up to 50%. However, the outlook for 2021 and 2022 remain optimistic.

Bulgaria’s export revenues come primarily from duck products, with the largest exports markets being France and Belgium. Export demand for duck has, however, seen a decrease. Photo: Koos Groenewold

Labour issues and broiler health top priorities

At the UK’s virtual Poultry Meat Conference, NFU poultry adviser, Aimee Mahony, said the UK poultry sector was facing a labour shortage crisis. St David’s Poultry team vet, Richard Jackson, discussed the increasing incidence of Transmissible Viral Proventricultitis (TVP), and spoke about avian influenza, and Jon Sargent, GM of Hay Farms, highlighted broiler management.

Oversupply and labour regional concerns in positive markets

In its latest global poultry market update, Rabobank noted that most regions are performing at breakeven levels or enjoying profitable conditions with the re-opening of economies in Europe and the Americas.

In the UK, the combination of the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit has led some ongoing issues, including a shortage of delivery drivers and a lack of staff in poultry units. Photo: Henk Riswick

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