February Business Update: What’s new in the world of poultry?

Cobb research initiative unites science, animal health and technology

The Cobb Research Initiative aims to propel poultry genetics further by creating opportunities that bring together diverse scientific research disciplines to create advancements in protein production. A new grant opportunity therefore seeks research partners. Dr William Herring, VP of R&D for Cobb: “We’ll partner with researchers from a variety of fields beyond poultry to gain fresh insights and develop new tools to be used across the industry, including genetic development.”

The initiative encourages proposals that incorporate any of the following to help improve genetic products: artificial intelligence, data systems collection and management, robotics and automation, and the application of biotechnology. Research partners can submit pre-proposals electronically by 3 April.

Evonik multiplies production capacity for probiotics

Evonik has modernised and expanded probiotics production at its site in León, Spain. The capacity for producing Ecobiol, Fecinor and GutCare has been more than doubled, and the site can now produce the equivalent of 6,000 mt of blended final probiotic product per year. Evonik Animal Nutrition’s probiotics line – from the fermentation of active microorganisms to the finished feed additive and pre-blends – has been manufactured in León since 2016. In 2022, the company invested in fermentation capacities, a new cooling circuit system and a new warehouse at the site. The new facilities also bring sustainability improvements with energy, fresh water and raw material use per product significantly reduced. Since last month, the site has been using electricity exclusively from renewable energy sources.

Cargill releases world 2022 mycotoxins report

Cargill’s 2022 World Mycotoxin Report is a comprehensive data set on the regional prevalence of mycotoxin contaminants in common ingredients used in animal feed, and their risks to swine, poultry and cattle. The report contains more than 300,000 mycotoxin analyses taken from 150 feed plants, on-farm samplings and storage locations, provides info on the most problematic mycotoxins with their level of contamination and performance risk rates, and species sensitivity when exposed to a given mycotoxin.

For poultry, Cargill notes that FUM and ZEN are the 2 big culprits in most regions. Other culprits are DON (China, America, Europe), T2 (MEA, Europe, NA, Russia) and AFL (mainly Asia). It’s important to consider ZEN as impacting all subspecies (and not only breeders or layers) and DON, which can impair growth performance even with a few hundred ppb.

AB Vista extends gut health portfolio with Progres

AB Vista has acquired the patented natural resin acids product, Progres, from Finnish biosciences company, Hankkija, which it says improves gut integrity of poultry by reducing inflammation and stimulates tissue recovery. It also beneficially modulates intestinal microbiota, favouring butyrate producers and lactobacilli, reducing the growth of Gram-positive pathogens.

Beneo extends animal nutrition portfolio with faba bean ingredients

Beneo, a manufacturer of functional ingredients, announces the expansion of its product portfolio for aqua and livestock feed with the addition of the new non-GMO faba bean ingredient range, including faba bean protein concentrate, starch-rich flour, and hulls, and represent sustainable sources of protein, starch, and fibre.

CP Foods’ Smart-IA helps raise food safety standards

Charoen Pokphand Foods launched the Smart IA-Internal Audit project in accordance with international standard ISO 19011:2018 to enhance auditors’ abilities, competence, and comprehensive knowledge of auditing techniques. The project will be adopted by the chicken and duck value chains to meet global compliance or obligations.

Evonik launches first plant-based feed additive

Evonik aims to help keep dairy cows, sows and laying hens healthy with the introduction of a new plant-based product, PhytriCare IM, to its probiotics-based gut health solutions portfolio. The feed additive consists of selected plant extracts with a high flavonoid content. Flavonoids are known for their anti-inflammatory effects. The product is available immediately throughout the EU. Approvals in other countries have been initiated.

Arm & Hammer welcomes new manager for Mexico, Latin America and South America

Dr Guilherme Minozzo has joined the Arm & Hammer team as business development manager for Mexico, Latin America and South America. Minozzo received his veterinarian degree, a degree in strategic field marketing, as well as a degree in business management. The company’s Americas’ sales director says that this appointment will help the team to bring new solutions across the poultry, dairy and swine sectors.