Knowing there will never be "the last time" animal diseases have struck prioritises eternal vigilance against such threats. In that sense, better biosecurity of poultry flocks is a perennial demand against the current threat of avian influenza. But diseases are not the sole factor in the compounding of adverse effects on poultry production. Whereas avian influenza is not a problem in some regions, other challenges can potentially inhibit bird performances and curtail profitability.

 

Some of these obstacles are external, like rising feed prices. How can broiler producers tackle this issue and enjoy more cost savings at no loss of production performance in a sustainable manner? BASF's Leon Hall and Dr. Nitin Ghadage explain why the company's commercial phytase, xylanase and glucanasebased feed additive, Natuphos® E 5000 Combi G, can be the answer (pages 8-9).

 

With the rise of avian influenza, we should be concerned about increased antibiotic use, but the employment of antibiotics to support animal growth also merits adequate attention. Offering its suite of services and products, including probiotic bacteria-prebiotic solution PoultryStar® and onsite testing tool VeraxTM, dsm-firminich shows how it can close the gap between production goals and reduced reliance on antibiotic growth promotors (pages 10-11).

 

Aviagen deals with the heart of the poultry matter by exploring the selection and production of far more resilient birds (pages 12-13). Resilience can help producers "navigate changing climate, health and welfare challenges, as well as shifting market needs," the company says.

 

Lastly, arguing for a more serious view of mycotoxins in feed ingredients, Adisseo shares that "The ingestion of mycotoxins can impair vaccine-induced immunity, leading to vaccination failure and reduced antibody levels" - the cause of vaccination failure against avian influenza could be due to mycotoxicosis (pages 14-15). The company's mycotoxin deactivator, Unike Plus, steps in to resolve this issue.

 

In terms of consequences, challenges in livestock production often overlap each other. It is no surprise how one affected factor can impact another, or collectively contribute to a common problem.

 

The cognisance of these challenges, both internal and external, will direct poultry producers to appropriate solutions. Before an even bigger problem like bird flu strikes, at least half of the battle can be won by tackling the current issues.

 

The full article is published on the July 2023 issue of LIVESTOCK & FEED Business. To read the full report, please email to inquiry@efeedlink.com to request for a complimentary copy of the magazine, indicating your name, mailing address and title of the report.