Poultry innovations rewarded at Innov‘Space 2020
Even though the physical edition of international livestock show Space was the victim of the Corona virus pandemic, the digital version was a big success. One of the highlights was the at Innov‘Space award ceremony. This year, Innov’Space was even more in the spotlight as the label is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Innovations come from all sectors, but 10 of them are poultry related.
A jury of experts, independent of the SPACE organisation, examined with utmost neutrality and confidentiality the new products proposed by the exhibitors. It selected the products, equipment or services which will present a significant innovation based on the level of value for farmers or end users of the product or service. The innovations are classified in two categories, 1 star or 2 stars, and 3 stars for jury’s special mention.
3 STAR WINNER
Mule duck in-ovo sexing machine DES
25 years ago, Orvia identified a specific phenotype resulting from the natural mechanisms of species evolution. At hatching stage, Orvia has patented mule ducklings being autosexable: their gender is identified by the colour of their eyes, red for the female and black for the male.
Actively involved in the foie gras value chain, Orvia has undertaken research since 2010 on in-ovo sexing of the mule duck based on this specific sexual dimorphism. This research has led the company to the SOC machine (Sexage dans l’Œuf de Canard), allowing to distinguish males from females from the colour of the embryo eyes, through the shell at early stage. This non-invasive procedure is reliable, quick and totally preserves the integrity of the egg itself. This 100% animal welfare innovation avoids hatching female mule eggs which would not be sold. The SOC innovation uses the latest advanced optics technologies. Several years of testing were required to reach the 95% reliability rate.
2 STAR WINNERS
In-ovo sexing process for Muscovy ducks and mule ducks
Animal welfare is a priority for the actors in the duck sector and consumer expectations. Active member and at the leading edge of innovations in breeding and animal well-being, Grimaud Frères has developed a method of in-ovo sexing. The process can detect the sex of the future ducklings, still in the embryonic stage on two major strains in France: Muscovy and mule ducks. In-ovo sexing process Lunix™ is non-intrusive: it can detect the sex of future ducklings still at the embryonic stage without having to pierce the egg. This technique provides all the health guarantees and allows the ducklings to be sexed on the 9th day, the sensitivity of the embryo being considered active from the 15th day in palmiped species. A spectrometry technique combined with an artificial intelligence and automatic learning device enables the sex of the duckling in the egg to be recognised via a camera using scenarios programmed in the form of algorithms that analyse the colour of the embryo’s eyes: light for females, dark for males.
Balancius feed additive
Balancius, a unique innovation developed by the alliance of DSM and Novozymes, is the first muramidase (microbial enzyme) designed to degrade and reduce the effects of bacterial debris in the gut in poultry. The cell wall of Gram (+) and (-) bacteria is mainly composed of peptidoglycans (PGN). The death of bacteria releases PGNs in the gut, which affect gastrointestinal functionality. Balancius hydrolyzes PGNs from these debris, preventing their attachment to enterocytes, reducing local inflammation and improving the digestion and absorption of nutrients. The beneficial zootechnical effects observed are an improvement of the feed conversion, meat yield, better litter quality and less pododermatitis. In Europe, Balancius has been authorized since May 2019 in broiler and minor poultry species, and February 2020 in turkey for fattening and all poultry species for breeding.
Poultry hot water heater BHW 77
The firm Box Heater France designed a hot water air heater specially for poultry farms. With water coils mounted in vertical position to avoid the accumulation of dust. The water coil has a large spacing between the fins to avoid obstruction with dust and is treated against corrosion. Because it is oversized, it guarantees a high blowing temperature. For example, with an 80/60 water regime and a 35° air intake, the temperature of the supply air is 60.5°C. Its air diffusion is adjustable in all directions with two flaps (top and bottom) placed in the eight air outlets. While designing, use in the poultry house was kept in mind as well. A low speed fan was installed to limit noise, it has fan speed modulation for poultry comfort, noise reduction and there are no CO2 and humidity emissions in the building.
1 STAR WINNERS
Conveyor scraping
AR-TEKH has developed a horizontal alternative scraper of ground droppings for aviaries. The scraper consists of a drawer with a horizontal tipping shutter, closed when it moves forward, open when it backs up: it is operational as soon as it advances without requiring a significant distance of opening (unlike the butterfly scrapers). The link between the scrapers is composed of rigid rods clipping without tools, as opposed to traditional cable and cable ties. Nut training from the scraper used on the POLY-DRY dryer. End-of-race detection by dust-inducive sensor and driven by a frequency dimmer to allow smooth operation. Available as standard 800mm wide, other width on consultation. Simple, reliable, robust construction.
Granulation PLC with information statements
GRANUL‘AR-TEKH is an automatic system designed to control an organic pellet production line, including poultry droppings. The system allows to set up and control the various stages of pellet manufacturing. The GRANUL‘AR-TEKH records a manufacturing log: batch numbers, temperature history, process monitoring and editions of possible alerts. The manufacturing log is presented in Excel format, so very easy to operate via a PC, for all purposes, especially for the purpose of obtaining certification of hygienic NF U44-051. The system is of course interactively available remotely via the internet network and dedicated application. These reports are transferable to the computer in Excel format, allowing for flawless data control and transmission. This system is adaptable to any type of installation.
Evisceration modular base
Bayle innovates and launches the first evisceration modular base for poultry with adaptable tools. Especially designed for small slaughterhouses, FLEXEVI is a modular base designed on a cross-table principle that allows perfect evisceration results regardless of the tool chosen. FLEXEVI-DJB is the first version of this innovative concept of evisceration. It allows a cropping thanks to the gimlet that cross the poultry and effectively remove the crop. The tools are cleaned by a brush system to ensure optimal hygiene when they are lifted up. Thanks to an electrical system, the settings are precise and quick between the different batches. With a tool stroke of up to 730 mm, the FLEXEVI-DJB allows to adapt to all types of poultry. FLEXEVI is recommended for slaughterhouses of up to 800 poultry/h. This innovative concept will allow the use in the medium term of all evisceration tools on the same basis with a rapid change in the tools.
The first Xenosensor on the market
Mycotoxins and feed contaminants are a growing problem in the current context of changing husbandry and climate (feed is contaminated by several types of mycotoxins). INEDIA from Biodevas Laboratoires enables a new approach to the management of mycotoxins, not by capturing them, but by raising the tolerance thresholds of animals to them by stimulating the metabolism of xenobiotics.
INEDIA maintains zootechnical performance in the presence of mycotoxins by managing the oxidative stress that induces the stimulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes necessary to maintain digestive and hepatic structural integrity. It stimulates endogenous xenosensors involved in the management of mycotoxins and stimulates enzymes involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics. INEDIA is neither specific to a contaminant nor a mycotoxin and responds to a reality on the ground: the poly-contamination of feed. It is a phytogenic additive which is fully assimilated by the organism while meeting animal welfare criteria.
Agility hydraulic power pack
Suitable for Vulcano trailed disc straw spreader, “Agility” hydraulic power pack is positioned on the 3rd rear point of the tractor. Its positioning enables a very large steering angle and the possibility of safely spreading straw during manoeuvring. Indeed, as the hydraulic power pack is always aligned with the tractor, the universal joint remains in optimum position during manoeuvres. This brand new design prevents any risk of interference between the universal joint on the one hand and the wheels and the lifting arms on the other hand. Mechanical breakdowns and accidents are therefore avoided. Even when turning at 82°, the universal joint remains aligned with the tractor. It therefore works under optimum safety and performance conditions. Significant reduction in effort associated with stopping and starting the power take-off. Easier hitching/unhitching of the straw spreader without disconnecting the tractor’s “Agility”. The Agility hydraulic power pack is separate from the straw spreader to increase the possibilities of using it with other tractor machinery.
Disinfectant with formic acid as sole active ingredient
TH-Gold from Theseo France is the first livestock disinfectant in France based on formic acid as its only active ingredient. Formic acid is found naturally in nature, secreted by nettles or ants to defend against their attackers. This low-classified biocide with a favorable toxic and eco-toxicological profile will allow TH-Gold to be used in organic farming. Disinfectants based on organic acids often have the defect of being low foaming. TH-Gold benefits from a patent on its exclusive foam technology: all the breeders and service providers who have been able to test it recognize that TH-Gold foam is particularly “dense and smooth”. This foam adheres to vertical surfaces resulting in a longer activity time of the disinfectant on microorganisms, for better efficiency. TH-Gold will be sold by Theseo and available in France from November/December 2020.
