Category: Poultry

Firefighters succeeded on Wednesday in reducing the extent of a massive wildfire that blazed for two days and destroyed 20% of a forest in the Brazilian capital, cloaking the city in clouds of gray-white smoke, Reuters reported, citing officials who suspect that it may have been started by arsonists.

The National Forest of Brasilia is a conservation area that extends over 5,600 hectares of woodland that protects the springs that are the source of 70% of the city’s freshwater.

The fire broke out at the peak of the dry season when vegetation is parched and temperatures high allowing flames to spread fast.

“We have put out three of the four blazes and we hope to have the fire under control by the end of the day,” said Fabio dos Santos Miranda, who manages the forest.

“We are sure this was an environmental crime, but we haven’t confirmed if it was intentional or not,” he said in an interview, adding that three suspected arsonists were seen in the area where the fire started.

Firefighters struggled to contain the forest fire and stop it spreading to adjacent orchards where farmers grow tomatoes and flowers.

“We are working to protect the orchards, but the wind is blowing the fire towards them and the sparks fly a long way.” said fireman Major Godoy.

Emilia Vasconcellos, who raises cattle and chickens on a farm at risk of being caught in the blaze, said she thought people had set off the fire to clear land for themselves, but she had no evidence.

The forest was cut in size by almost half in 2022 to give way to urban development by the government of far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro, who reduced environmental controls and allowed deforestation to surge in the Amazon rainforest.

A record drought in the Amazon increased fires in the rainforest for the month of August to the highest level since 2010, government data showed on Sunday.

Last year’s rains came late and were weaker than usual because a weather pattern, known as El Nino, was supercharged by climate change, leaving the rainforest especially vulnerable to this year’s fires.

Editor’s note: This article is an excerpt from the Cobb Breeder Management Guide and additional articles will follow. The Guide was designed to highlight critical factors that are most likely to influence flock performance. The management recommendations discussed were developed specifically for Cobb products. The recommendations are intended as a reference and supplement to your own flock management skills so that you can apply your knowledge and judgement to obtain consistently good results with the Cobb family of products. To read or download the complete Guide or to view Cobb’s other management guides, click here.

Keeping complete and accurate records is an essential part of managing Cobb parent stock. For example, feeding during production is based on the rate-of-lay, egg weight and flock bodyweight. These records must be accurate and up to date in order to make correct management decisions and to achieve good production.

In addition to individual records per house or per flock, it is important to accumulate the data in a summary template that integrates the basic management procedures with the technical results. Cobb has this summary template in spreadsheet forms for females and males and it is highly recommended to consolidate the data.

To read or download the complete Cobb Breeder Management Guide or to view Cobb’s other management guides, click here.

Editor’s note: This article is an excerpt from the Aviagen Group’s Decades of Breeding for Welfare & Sustainability Report and additional articles will follow. The Report is designed to demonstrate Aviagen’s commitment to genetic improvement of welfare and sustainability of broiler and turkey breeds. Plus, it covers much more like techniques to ensure robustness and new methods to improve selection and genetic progress. To read or download the complete report, click here.

Overview of Breeding

Aviagen has the responsibility of managing the world’s major broiler and turkey breeding programs. The breeding decisions are important for determining the characteristics of the breeds used by today’s farmers. Operating for over 60 years, these programs have a long history of developing and selecting for a diverse range of welfare and sustainability traits.

Aviagen operates multiple breeding programs for each species. These programs are the start of the supply chain for poultry producers worldwide. Each program consists of multiple lines of pedigree birds measured under controlled conditions to replicate the growing and reproduction life stages used in poultry production.

The breeding goal is developed by translating requirements from industry and societal stakeholders into measurable traits on individual birds. Pedigree lines are selected for a broad range of traits and offspring are multiplied and crossed over several generations. The balance of selection traits in each line differs depending on the intended use of the final cross.

From pedigree selection through to the final generation grown by farmers takes around 4 years. It is evident that breeding companies therefore need to carefully anticipate the direction of stakeholder requirements in order to satisfy future requirements.

Figure 1 shows the pedigree section of the breeding program, where the selection takes place, and the multiplication generations.

Whilst consumer preferences are evolving to an increasing awareness of welfare and sustainability of food production, arguably, long-term breeding targets for improving economic efficiency are closely aligned to these goals. For many years, Aviagen has focused on minimizing inputs of feed, water, litter and antibiotics and maximizing meat produced through a balance of welfare, weight, yield, and better livability.

This paper will demonstrate the decades long commitment of Aviagen to the genetic improvement of welfare and sustainability of broiler and turkey breeds.

It will also cover the techniques used to ensure robustness and optimal welfare under a wide range of production conditions, as well as new methods to improve the accuracy of our selection and further drive genetic progress for better welfare and sustainability outcomes.

Core Principles of Breeding

Within our breeding programs, we record large amounts of data on each bird; for example, bodyweight, feed conversion efficiency (FCR), physical leg assessment and gait score. We combine these carefully recorded measures with the birds’ pedigree (a record of how each individual is related to each other individual).

By combining physical measurements with family information, we can create a very clear picture of which birds and which families within our populations have the best genetic potential. These are the families that we breed so that those genes contribute to the next generation and drive the progress of the commercial bird. In each of our breeding programs, this family information is extensive; for example, our broiler pedigree goes back to 1979. The same principle applies to all other traits. In each of our breeding programs, this family information is extensive. Aviagen takes a balanced breeding approach to selecting its birds for many different traits at the same time. Many selection traits are correlated with each other (Figure 2). Selection of some traits may impact positively or negatively on the development of other traits.

A negative relationship – antagonism between traits – is regularly observed between production or environmental impact traits and health, welfare or reproduction traits. This means an improvement in one trait needs to be considered in the context of its effect on other traits.

Such antagonisms are handled, by simultaneously considering multiple traits in the breeding goal and selecting birds which have better than average breeding values than the population average. Amongst the many pedigree candidates there are always a few which are good at both traits in a certain antagonism – these birds are then selected.

Step by step then both traits will improve. This approach of balanced breeding has been used for many years in the broiler and turkey breeding programs at Aviagen. 

Sustainable breeding requires a secure breeding program structure and a diverse range of genotypes to cater for current and future industry needs. The broiler and turkey breeding programs share similar, proven structural features for genetic security: high biosecurity facilities with replicated populations spread geographically and at different ages. As an illustration, Aviagen and Aviagen Turkeys each have pedigree operations based in the USA and UK. Within each location, there are various rearing and laying farms housing the pedigree lines. 

In the breeding programs, the source of the genetic progress comes from a wide range of pedigree lines (Figure 3) with more than 30 in broilers and over 40 in turkeys (Defra, 2010).

A high selection pressure is applied for a broad range of traits. The individual lines, each with clearly defined selection objectives, are then combined to give parents and finally commercial birds. Aviagen’s diverse breed range consists of cross-bred birds, typically made up of four different types of pedigree lines. The diversity of lines gives a large range of opportunities to create novel crosses to satisfy future market needs.

To read or download the complete report, click here.

POULTRY giant Ranjit Singh has announced the sale of the European operations of 2 Sisters Food Group to his Private office for a fee in excess of €200m.

The arms-length transaction will strengthen 2 Sisters Food Group’s balance sheet and will enable it to reduce net debt levels to the lowest point in over a decade, the company said.

See also: Sainsbury’s launches’ development group’ for egg farmers in its supply chain

The European poultry business – which trades as 2 Sisters Storteboom and employs 2,700 people – will join the ranks of Bernard Matthews, Banham Poultry and Elkes Biscuits in the Private Office, along with Mr Boparan’s portfolio of restaurant businesses.

It is currently part of 2 Sisters parent company Boparan Holdings Limited (BHL).

BHL’s current Bond funding arrangements expire within the next 12 months.

This latest cash injection will give the business options for refinancing when the time comes to address corporate funding in the coming months, a statement said.

Mr Boparan said the money raised would start a ‘Next Generation’ investment programme, heavily focused on “ambitious sustainability goals and investment in food processing technologies”.

Mr Boparan said: “This is a significant and transformational deal and unlocks many opportunities for the future, so we are very pleased to announce an agreement has been reached.

“All my companies will benefit as it creates a stronger, more agile group of businesses and provides a platform for an unprecedented level of internal investment.”

“As well strengthening BHL, it gives the European poultry business, under the BPO, a dedicated regional focus on its European markets, unlocking undoubted growth opportunities through a focus on quality, animal welfare and sustainability.”

Scientists from the University of Nottingham are one step closer to understanding how bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella enterica, share genetic material which makes them resistant to antibiotics.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the capability of organisms to be resistant to treatment with antibiotics and other antimicrobials, is now one of the most threatening issues worldwide. Livestock farms, their surrounding environments and food products generated from husbandry, have been highlighted as potential sources of resistant infections for animals and humans.

In livestock farming, the misuse and overuse of broad-spectrum antimicrobials administered to reduce production losses, is a major known contribution to the large increase and spread of AMR.

In this latest study, scientists provide a significant contribution to demonstrating that different bacteria species, co-existing within the same microbial community (for example, within the chicken gut), are able to share AMR-associated genetic material and end-up implementing similar resistance mechanisms. The discovery has important implications as it affects our understanding of AMR and poses further challenges to the implementation of solutions for surveillance and treatment/control.

This study, published in Nature Communications, looks at two important bacteria found in food animals – Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica, which both show high levels of drug resistance, are common in farming settings, have high levels of transmissibility to humans and cause food poisoning.

The research is a collaboration between experts from the University’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, the China National Centre for Food Safety Risk Assessment, New Hope Liuhe Group Ltd in China and Nimrod Veterinary Products Limited.

Dr Tania Dottorini, from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Nottingham, is the lead researcher on the study. She said: “These species of bacteria can share genetic material both within, and potentially between species, a way in which AMR is spread. That is why understanding the extent to which these bacteria within the same environment, and importantly, the same host, can co-evolve and share their genome could help the development and more efficient treatments to fight AMR.”

The team collected 661 E. coli and Salmonella bacteria isolates from chickens and their environments in 10 Chinese chicken farms and four abattoirs over a two-and-a-half-year period. They carried out a large-scale analysis using conventional microbiology DNA sequencing and data-mining methods powered by machine learning.

This is the first study of its kind where the genomic content of two bacteria species is characterised over such a large scale, using samples collected from the same animals, at the same time and from real-world settings (farms and abattoirs). The main findings indicate that E. coli and Salmonella enterica co-existing in the chicken gut, compared to those existing in isolation, feature a higher share of AMR-related genetic material, implement more similar resistance and metabolic mechanisms, and are likely the result of a stronger co-evolution pathway.

Dr Dottorini says: “The insurgence and spread of AMR in livestock farming is a complex phenomenon arising from an entangled network of interactions happening at multiple spatial and temporal scales and involving interchanges between bacteria, animals and humans over a multitude of connected microbial environments. microbial community.

“Investing in data mining and machine learning technologies capable to cope with large scale, heterogenoeus data is crucial to investigate AMR , in particular when considering the interplay between cohabiting bacteria, especially in ecological settings where community-driven resistance selection occurs.

“Overall, this work has also demonstrated that the investigation of individual bacterial species taken in isolation may not provide a sufficiently comprehensive picture or the mechanisms underlying insurgence and spread of AMR in livestock farming, potentially leading to an underestimation of the threat to human health,” said Dr Dottorini.

Hy-Line International introduced the Hy-Line W-80 Plus to the Saudi market and the surrounding Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC) in January 2019 through an exclusive arrangement with Gulf Layer Breeder Company (GLBCO). This marked the beginning of a successful partnership and contributed to the evolution of the poultry business in Saudi. GLBCO has demonstrated a great commitment to provide the best quality chicks to the customers in Saudi, Oman, UAE, and Kuwait, gaining the trust of the biggest local egg producers. 

In 5 years, GLBCO increased Hy-Line market share from zero to 27% with a trajectory for continued growth in the upcoming years. This year, they expect to supply over 9 million day-old chicks to the market. GLBCO attributes its rapid growth to offering high-quality chicks with excellent genetic potential supported by technical assistance.

Located in the Tashkent territory of Uzbekistan, Toshkentparranda LLC has been recognized for 15 years’ service as a distributor of Hy-Line chicks. The company’s main focus is commercial egg production, but the company is also vertically integrated into the breeding of day-old chicks. Founded in 1986, the business has recently seen major investment in the shape of a new farm in the Tashkent region. In 2021, despite the short time for dismantling and demolishing buildings and clearing the construction site, the company managed to build and put into operation in record time a new high-tech poultry farm which meets the latest international standards.

While the new site does house commercial layers, the focus is the maintenance of the Hy-Line parent stock and the production of day-old chicks through the modern hatchery, which has the capacity to produce five million chicks a year. To provide the poultry on the farms with high quality feed, a feed mill was also constructed and a fully equipped laboratory on site allows daily checks to be carried out to determine the quality of the feed.

The $8.2M investment is evidence of Toshkentparranda’s commitment to egg producers in the region, and they have further plans to expand parent stock numbers, allowing the company to supply highly productive Hy-Line varieties not only to farms across Uzbekistan, but also to neighboring countries. The hatchery currently produces W-36 and Sonia, and the choice will be expanded next year with the addition of W-80 to provide a full portfolio of white and tint layer options for Uzbeki egg farmers.

SAINSBURY’S has announced a development group that it says will support the producers in its supply chain.

It will be in collaboration with the three main egg packers that Sainsbury’s uses, and will involve taking a “leadership position on pay for egg farmers by making a commitment to always pay the cost of production or above for eggs”.

See also: Govt confirms favourable change to egg marketing regulations

In all, 100 farmers will be part of the new group.

The retailer added it would seek to support farming enterprises with ways to improve welfare and productivity.

One example of this is could be the sharing of data and insights between farms, helping to facilitate learnings, it explained.

Sainsbury’s pointed to its Dairy Development Group, which has improved cow health and milk yields over the 15 years it has been in place.

Those signing up for the new egg group must also commit to carbon reduction in their production and an annual carbon footprint assessment.

Gavin Hodgson, director of agriculture, aquaculture and horticulture at Sainsbury’s, said: “We know how important eggs are for our customers but we’re also aware of the challenges facing egg farmers, such as increased production costs and sustainability targets.

“We’re proud of our history in innovating and supporting the egg industry and our strong relationships with suppliers is the key to making change.

“Last year, we moved from one-year to five-year partnerships with our egg supply base to give them confidence in their businesses.

“The new Sainsbury’s Egg Group aims to further support farmers, helping shift to more sustainable and resilient production.”

Gillian Potter, Egg Farmer from North Yorkshire, added: “Sainsbury’s new aligned producer group gives us the peace of mind that we can expect to receive a fair return for our eggs.

“It also allows us to consider and plan for future investment.”

Southeast Asia is the largest region in the world for egg production, occupying more than 50% of the world’s egg production when including China. Due to the importance of this region, it is top of mind at Hy-Line International, including the executive level. This was evident during the recent tour by Hy-Line President Jonathan Cade. Mr. Cade conducted a “listening tour,” visiting Hy-Line distributors and market leaders to better evaluate Hy-Line’s service to the area.

The tour included China, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Thailand to demonstrate Hy-Line’s commitment to the customers of this region. 

Indonesia and Thailand are brown egg markets, while Taiwan consumers prefer white eggs. China has a significant, growing tint egg market, but the majority of eggs consumed are brown-shelled. White eggs are still a small minority of the eggs consumed in China at only single-digit share.

Hy-Line continues to prioritize the Asia region with technical assistance and ongoing genetic improvement in the brown, tint, and white lines in the markets. Asia is poised to continue its growth and be the dominant egg production region in the world.

Egg producers and packers will no longer need to change how eggs are labelled during an outbreak of avian influenza under measures announced by the Government.

Currently, when mandatory housing measures are introduced to protect birds from the spread of disease, eggs from free-range birds can only continue to be labelled as ‘free-range’ for 16 weeks after the housing order has come into effect – the existing ‘derogation’ period under the Egg Marketing Standards Regulations.

See also: 10 reasons to attend Poultry Network Live 2024 on 5 September

After that period, these eggs must then be labelled as barn eggs.

In both 2021-22 and 2022-3, the 16-week derogation period was exceeded by six and seven weeks, respectively, which led to significant costs for the poultry sector as egg packaging had to be changed to comply with legislation.

The amends to existing legislation, introduced through a Statutory Instrument later this year, will mean that free-range eggs can continue to be labelled as such throughout mandatory housing measures.

Defra said that the move would “cut unnecessary red tape and costs for British producers while strengthening the supply chain and maintaining consumer confidence”.

Daniel Zeichner, minister for food security and rural affairs said:
We understand the pressures facing the egg-producing sector and the crippling impact that avian influenza outbreaks can have on their businesses.

“Removing the need to change labels on eggs and packaging will help them keep costs down and remain competitive.

“This Government will restore stability and confidence in the sector introducing a new deal for farmers to boost rural economic growth and strengthen food security alongside nature’s recovery.”

The UK has self-declared freedom from HPAI for Great Britain with effect from 29 March 2024.

There are currently no outbreaks of HPAI in poultry or other captive birds in the UK. However, HN51 continues to be found in wild birds in Great Britain and across Europe, but keepers should remain vigilant and practice stringent biosecurity to protect the health and welfare of their birds.

Most respondents supported the proposal to remove this derogation period for England and Scotland in an eight-week consultation undertaken earlier this year.