May 28, 2018

Pas Reform: A fresh approach to post-hatch feeding

On June 20-22, Pas Reform will reveal a fresh approach to post-hatch feeding, and launch SmartStart™ to a global audience at VIV Europe in Utrecht, the Netherlands, said its CEO, Harm Langen.

For two years, the company has worked closely with biotech start-up In Ovo, DSM premix company Twilmij, and Philips NatureDynamics to develop SmartStart™ - a flexible, "ground-breaking" post-hatch feeding solution that gives newly hatched chicks the earliest possible access to feed, water and light.

"Throughout the project, we have taken our lead from nature. SmartStart™ uses natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) to retain water inside a semi-moist feed for a practical, simple post-hatch feeding solution," Langen explained.

The SmartStart™ system offers a perfect start for newborn chicks, enabling them to consume from the moment of hatching. It promotes the development of robust day-old chicks and helps to reduce the need for antibiotics.

The advantage of the SmartStart™ concept is its ease of use and flexibility. It comprises two key elements that can be applied individually or together: precision feeding and intelligent lighting.

"SmartStart™ enables hatchery managers to apply post-hatch feeding where it will have most benefit. You will find that it's easy to integrate SmartStart™ into existing hatcheries and apply it to some or all flocks; in one, two, or all hatchers," Langen added.

"(SmartStart™) has been extensively tested by major Dutch hatcheries and now we're launching SmartStart™ to the world's poultry producers at VIV Europe in Utrecht."

VIV Europe's central theme for its 2018 show is "Sharing Data."

"There could not be a better opportunity to showcase our capabilities as the world's only genuinely single-source supplier of fully integrated hatchery solutions," Langen remarked.