March 12, 2010

Novus and ASA IM Animal Science Forum: Bringing focus to broiler breeders and layers

Novus International in partnership with American Soybean Association - International Marketing and United Soybean Board held the "Nutrition and management strategies for broiler breeders and layers" conference on March 4, 2010 at the Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Hotel, Bangkok Thailand.

The keynote speaker for the forum was Dr. Craig Coon from the University of Arkansas. The two other speakers were Dr. Salim bootwalla of ASA-IM, Singapore and Dr. Megharaja Manangi of Novus International.

Yiannis Christodoulou, Regional Director of Novus International, officially opened the conference, noting the importance of such conferences for participants to understand the poultry business better.

The topics for the forum were: Amino acids and crude protein in broiler breeders and layers: Requirements and adjustments for heat stress condition, Market outlook and nutrient variation in soybean meal, Macro and micro mineral nutrition for optimum egg and chick production, Maximizing energy usage for optimum egg production and Making the most out of your energy and protein sources.

Coon pointed out on his study "The ideal amino acid requirement and profile for broilers, layers and broiler breeders" that the importance of balanced dietary protein and amino acids for poultry is a high priority issue for several reasons. First, he said, is the costs of protein and amino acids are some of the most expensive nutrients in feeds/unit weight. Second, the environmental concerns about nitrogen losses in animal waste are similar to the on-going problems and litigation associated with phosphorus losses. And third, Coon says, nutrients that can cause the largest problems in heat stress conditions for animals are poor quality dietary proteins and amino acids. Thus, the concept of formulating broiler, layer and broiler breeder feed on an ideal protein basis decreases the main problems associated with protein and amino acid formulations.

Taking the unique conditions in Asian countries like the humid climate, the presentations provided insights on how to achieve balanced nutrition and efficient management strategies on broiler breeders and layers.

Further, the forum also allowed for interaction among participants and a question and answer portion after all the presentations, making it an effective event for information sharing focused on the poultry sector.