The American Feed Industry Association honoured two individuals in the animal science field at the American Dairy Science Association annual meeting in Knoxville, Tenn., June 25. Ian J. Lean, Ph.D., of Scibus received the AFIA-ADSA Nutrition Research Award, and Ronald L. Horst, Ph.D., of Heartland Assays received the AFIA and Federation of Animal Science Societies New Frontiers in Animal Nutrition Award.
"These awards recognise leaders who have provided significant contributions in animal science and nutrition," said Paul Davis, Ph.D., AFIA's director of quality, animal food safety and education. "Drs Lean and Horst have dedicated their careers to dairy science research, and they are both well-deserving of these awards." Ryan Ordway of Balchem presented both awards.
Ryan Ordway, Balchem, (left) presents Ian J. Lean, Ph.D., with the ADSA Nutrition Research Award Image credit: AFIA
ADSA Nutrition Research Award Lean is the founder and managing director of Scibus, an agricultural research and consulting firm in Australia. Over his career, he has worked as a large animal veterinarian in Australia and a lecturer of clinical nutrition and cattle medicine at the University of California and the University of Sydney. He also served as the senior examiner in cattle medicine and ruminant nutrition for the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists and as president of the Australian Association of Cattle Veterinarians and the cattle chapter of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists.
Lean has authored more than 200 scientific articles, many of which have been published in international peer-reviewed journals. He also wrote the textbook "Nutrition of Dairy Cattle." He has spoken at major conferences in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, Argentina and South Africa.
Ronald L. Horst, Ph.D., (centre) receives the FASS New Frontiers in Animal Nutrition Award Image credit: AFIA
FASS New Frontiers in Animal Nutrition Award Horst is the cofounder of Heartland Assays and GlycoMyr, two companies that focus on developing products and analytical techniques to identify and alleviate vitamin D and calcium deficiencies. He served as a research scientist for the US Department of Agriculture's National Animal Disease Center and as a professor in Iowa State University's Department of Animal Science from 1978 through his retirement in 2006.
Horst is most known for his work involving milk fever in dairy cows. This work has crossed from the veterinary field into human medicine, citing multiple collaborative studies detailing vitamin D metabolism abnormalities in several human diseases.
Both of these awards are sponsored by AFIA as part of its continuing awards program that dates back to 1948.
For more information visit the AFIA website, HERE.
Life on Planet Earth began in the sea, but it is only quite recently that we
have begun to understand just how important the marine environment is to life
on the land.
Centuries of industrial pollution and over-fishing have left our oceans in a
parlous state: poisoned by microplastics and unable to absorb the carbon
dioxide generated by burning fossil fuels. All this at a time when we are
intensifying aquaculture to feed an ever-increasing population. If fish farming
is to be profitable in the long term it has to be sustainable, and that means
healthy fish in a healthy environment. We are living in an aquacultural
revolution whose impact will be every bit as great as that of the agricultural
revolution in the 18th century.
The key to fish health and the minimisation of mortality is the control of
parasites and pathogenic bacteria, and farms and hatcheries are particularly
vulnerable. Fish farms are often located in close proximity, so effluent
discharges from one can pose a significant threat of contamination to another.
Chemical disinfection of wastewater prior to discharge prevents this type of
cross contamination but does not address the problem of fish health within the
fam. One solution is the use of specific medication like antibiotics and
de-lousing agents such as diflubenzuron and teflubenzuron, to treat disease
once it has been detected, but consumers increasingly demand chemical and
antibiotic free products.
In any case prevention, by eliminating the pathogens that cause disease, is
better than cure. Disinfection by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation has proved to be
an effective, chemical-free treatment for both water supply and wastewater
discharges, safeguarding brood stock, egg production and fry growth.
The process, which acts directly on cell DNA to prevent reproduction, is
effective against a wide range of microbes including viruses, bacteria and protozoans
and, unlike treatment chemicals, it is impossible for resistant strains to
develop. This is particularly important in indoor recirculating aquaculture
systems (RAS) where the only water replacement is the water lost to evaporation
and cleaning, so bacteria are retained in the system for long periods.
This means that resistant strains will multiply, with numbers doubling every
twenty minutes, and build up in biofilms in pipework which are very difficult
to remove. Ozone was widely used to control microbes in many older RAS farms,
but it is expensive in both capital and operating costs. It is also hazardous
and toxic so needs careful control both in the water and the atmosphere. Read the full article, HERE.
Ottevanger Milling Engineers is a leading European company in the design and manufacture of equipment and complete installations for the grain-processing and mixed-feed industries.
Food producers throughout the world use these installations to produce food for people and animals. In modern, well-equipped plants in Aalten and Moerkapelle (The Netherlands) Ottevanger's specialists use the latest technologies to design and manufacture a comprehensive range of products.
Computer-controlled plants – anywhere in the world – are provided with on-line technical support from these plants. In its design of any installation Ottevanger takes into account the strictest environmental regulations and safety requirements.
There are, for example, always adequate facilities for air purification as well as sound and heat insulation. A lot of attention is also devoted to hygiene through the use of stainless steel and special coatings.
Thanks to its expert knowledge and expertise, amassed throughout its over one hundred years' experience, Ottevanger is the ideal partner for the implementation of your project.
BIOMIN
announces the publication of new survey results on the use of phytogenic feed
additives (PFAs, or botanicals) in farm animal diets worldwide.
The recently published 2018 BIOMIN Phytogenic Feed Additives Survey report,
available on the BIOMIN website, HERE, reveals insights on the
views of more than 700 nutritionists, business owners, veterinarians and
consultants located in over 80 countries who are involved in the animal protein
industry.
Michael Noonan, Global Product Line Manager Phytogenics at BIOMIN Image credit: BIOMIN
Key findings
• 51 percent of respondents use phytogenic feed additives.
• 60 percent of respondents report that their PFA use will increase over the
next 12 months
• The digestibility enhancement and antimicrobial effects of phytogenics
continue to rank as the two top reasons for the application of PFAs in animal
diets.
Strong interest
“We’ve seen an extraordinary response from this initiative,” commented Michael
Noonan, Global Product Line Manager Phytogenics at BIOMIN. “The interest in how
plant-based substances can contribute to better health and performance of farm
animals remains strong among the feed and animal protein industries in all
sectors and geographies, as evidenced by the latest findings.”
This is the second consecutive year that BIOMIN has commissioned a market
research survey of agribusiness professionals in the global protein industry.
Reaping scientific rewards
Though attention on plant-based compounds in animal nutrition has surged,
phytogenic feed additives are not new. “Since Digestarom® was first
commercialised in 1989, the scientific understanding of precisely-defined PFAs
and their effects in animals has expanded exponentially,” stated Mr Noonan.
“The ‘-omics’ technologies have revealed quite a lot in recent years. With
advanced next-generation sequencing (NGS) tools, we can now measure the changes
in gene expression that result from PFA application,” he observed.
Coping with industry trends
A large majority of respondents face stable or rising feed costs while
simultaneously looking to reduce the level of antibiotic use in their
operations, according to the survey.
“Whether your aim is to optimise feed costs, nutrient digestibility of raw
materials or to reduce antibiotic use, phytogenic feed additives have a role to
play,” explained Mr Noonan. “The key to success is to adopt a 360-degree
approach that includes biosecurity, management, nutrition, health and good gut
performance.”
About phytogenic feed additives
Plant-based phytogenic feed additives – specifically essential oils, plant
extracts, herbs and spices – are known to have a range of biologically active
properties that can be applied to modern animal production. These include
anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and digestion enhancing
effects.
Colleagues,
friends and dignitaries recently gathered in Guelph at Alltech’s Canadian
headquarters to celebrate the global animal nutrition company’s 30th
anniversary operating in Canada.
Founded in 1988 by Dr Pearse Lyons, Alltech Canada has offices and
representatives strategically located across the country. In 2016, Alltech
acquired Masterfeeds and added a strong network of farm-focused dealers to
accommodate and service farmers and ranchers nationwide.
Cam
Guthrie (left), mayor of Guelph, congratulates Dr Mark Lyons (right),
president of Alltech, on Alltech Canada’s 30th anniversary at the celebration
event held in Guelph, Ontario. Image credit: Alltech
“Canada is one of the largest agricultural producers and exporters in the
world,” said Stuart McGregor, general manager of Alltech Canada. “We are proud
to celebrate 30 years in Canada and look forward to many more supporting our
farm and ranch customers across the country.”
Coinciding with the Alltech Canada 30th anniversary celebration, the World
Trade Center Kentucky and Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles visited
the Guelph area on an agriculture and agribusiness-focused trade mission.
Canada is Kentucky’s top agriculture and agri-food export market, and in 2016,
Kentucky’s agriculture and related industries exported US$230 million to
Canada.
“Kentucky agriculture needs international trade, but more importantly, the rest
of the world needs Kentucky agriculture,” said Mr Quarles. “The goal of this
agriculture-focused trade mission is to generate export opportunities by
connecting our farm community to new international markets.”
While in Canada, the trade mission delegates visited a grain farm, toured the
University of Guelph Livestock Research and Innovation Centre, participated in
roundtable discussions and attended an Agriculture and Agribusiness Symposium,
business-to-business meetings and business networking receptions. The mission
was sponsored by Kentucky Farm Bureau, Masterfeeds/Alltech, the Kentucky
Distillers’ Association and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association. For more information visit the Alltech website, HERE.
by
Vaughn Entwistle, Features Editor, International AquaFeed
Crayfish are low on the food chain, which makes them very easy to look after
and stock in small aquaculture systems. They can be easily grown at low
densities. There is a long history of freshwater crayfish farming worldwide,
particularly in the United States and Europe with more recent industrial
development in Australia.
American crayfish species
In America, the most commonly farmed species are the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) and the white swamp crayfish (P. acutus). These are both
indigenous species to these areas but they have been exported (alive) to many
other continents, where they are now produced. The crayfish industry is the
largest commercial crustacean aquaculture industry in the United States with an
annual harvest exceeding 45 million kg. The predominant commercial species is
the red swamp crayfish.
In the southern USA, red swamp crawfish and the white swamp crawfish are
cultured in shallow ponds with a water depth of 300 to 600mm. Deeper ponds are
sometimes used in very hot areas.
Although total production remains quite small Redclaw aquaculture has been
established for more than 25 years. This despite many projections that it would
become a significant aquaculture species worldwide, and possibly a rival of the
giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii).
There is no hatchery production. Redclaws are reared directly in juvenile ponds
where it obtains the bulk of its food from decaying matter and associated
microbes contained in the pond bottom mud. Commercial crayfish pellets are
available and have proven to be effective. A feeding frequency of once per day
is adequate, preferably at dusk when crayfish are active.
UK crayfish farming
There are about 80 crayfish producers in the UK and supplies are available from
July to October, the crayfish "season". Several types of production
system exist, the most popular being extensive ranching or semi-intensive
systems.
Ranching is favoured if crayfish farming is only an addition to a mainline
enterprise. The ponds only need to be stocked and the crayfish breed and
multiply naturally with the surplus crayfish harvested. Semi-intensive or
intensive production systems exercise more control over the aquatic environment,
feeding, etc. and the labour requirements are higher (much higher construction
and management costs).
The enterprise is more suited to southern England than most of Scotland and has
yet to be proved to be a viable commercial enterprise on a long-term basis. Read the full article, HERE.
From small-town entrepreneur to worldwide leader. With a little ingenuity and a lot of hard work, brothers Joe and Louis Wenger founded Wenger Mixing Company in a small Kansas (USA) town in 1935. They went on to design a machine that blended molasses with dry feedstuffs and produced pellets in 1948.
Theirs was the first extrusion cooking system and the basic technology for all commercial extruders used today. The Wenger brothers' novel idea created a worldwide industry. And, seventy-five years later, Wenger Manufacturing, Inc. is still a family-owned business committed to groundbreaking innovation in the extrusion market.
by
Allan LeBlanc, Senior Director and FeedKind Product Manager, Calysta
In just a few short years, the hunt for a sustainable protein that matches the
nutritional value of fishmeal has gone from a pipe dream to reality.
Aquaculture has grown significantly over the last decade, but it has done so in
spite of limited growth in protein availability, especially animal derived
proteins. The market has effectively allocated this scarce resource, and cost
pressures have driven significant reductions in marine ingredients across many
applications.
Removing the natural resource bottleneck is essential to aquaculture’s growth.
But as consumers pay increasing attention to how their food is produced,
sustainability has become critical.
Calysta’s FeedKind protein offers the aquaculture supply chain a solution to
this challenge. FeedKind is a sustainable feed that requires no animal or plant
matter in its production, very little water use and requires no greenbelt land,
contributing to global food security. In addition, it helps keep fish healthy
and can improve growth rates, with full traceability, making it one of the most
exciting new products to come to the aquaculture market.
Originally developed in Norway for the Atlantic salmon industry, FeedKind Aqua
protein is a non-GMO single cell protein produced via natural fermentation. It
is approved for use in organic systems in the UK and listed on the EU Catalogue
of Feed Materials.
Highly traceable, FeedKind also contains a unique elemental profile that
persists in the feed and in the final product; meaning a fish fed on FeedKind
can be differentiated from a fish fed other diets with a simple test.
At Calysta’s market introduction facility operating in Teesside, UK, sample
quantities of FeedKind have been produced and are being shipped across the
world. Studies have shown FeedKind Aqua is an ideal high-protein feed
ingredient for several areas of aquaculture, including salmon, trout, shrimp
and warm water finfish. Trials have shown promising results measured by growth
rate, feed conversion, palatability, and gut health. Read the full article, HERE.
Wynveen International B.V. is a leading Dutch company,
specialising in the design, manufacture and installation of complete mills for
the animal feed industry.
With a knowledgeable, experienced and enthusiastic team, the company focuses on
the development and construction of high-quality innovative equipment and
installations for animal feed, aqua feed and pet food manufacture.
In addition to turnkey projects, their core products are hammer mills, ribbon
and paddle mixers, double-shaft paddle mixers, rotary sifters and coaters for
liquids (vacuum and atmospheric).
Approximately 80 percent of their products are exported. In order to guarantee
its high quality standards, Wynveen assembles and tests all its key equipment
in-house.
Wynveen always aims to fully understand customer requirements, working in
partnership with customers and using all their accumulated knowledge and
experience to deliver the optimum, often highly innovative, technological solution.
That’s why their company motto is: ‘Versatility in feed processing’.
BioMar Group releases its 'Integrated Sustainability Report' today, three years ahead of schedule with four out of five KPI’s for raw materials have reached the 2020 target. BioMar has decided to raise the bar further and have now set new targets for 2020.
The company's 'Integrated Sustainability Report' is a comprehensive report that is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and referencing the Global Reporting Initiative guidelines. It gives complete transparency on BioMar operations not only with their sustainability KPIs but their finances and growth ambitions. The report takes an in-depth look at the role and importance of traceability and data analytics in the future of sustainable aquaculture. Traditionally, the feed comprises about 80 percent of the impacts in raising fish. The feed ingredients and operations account for most of the mass energy flows in the value chain and hence it plays a crucial role in the overall sustainable, and the environmental and social development of aquaculture. “Sustainability in the aquaculture industry begins with the feed and in BioMar we believe it is our responsibility to provide our customers with innovative, high performance feed solutions that also reduce the impact on our environment," said Carlos Diaz, CEO BioMar Group. In 2015 BioMar addressed the sustainability of their raw materials by setting ambitious targets for the use of certified products. These KPIs included 100% certification of all soy protein, krill and palm oil and 70 percent of all fishmeal and fish oil. While soy protein remains on track to achieve its 2020 objective, all other ingredients have meet or exceeded expectations. BioMar will now raise the bar on their targets for fish meal and fish oil to 80 percent certified material by 2020. “Sustainability and responsible sourcing is an ongoing challenge. To continue to be leaders in sustainability we will look to set even more demanding targets beyond 2020 that will help drive us to new heights”, stated Carlos Diaz. BioMar will continue with their commitment to driving sustainability in 2018 and by year-end will have finalised a full source-to-market sustainability rating of their entire raw material portfolio. This comprehensive assessment tool will enable them to steer their raw material purchasing toward more sustainable solutions, and enable aquaculture farmers and the wider value chain to have a more complete understanding of the sustainability of every raw material found in aquaculture feed.
The
Scottish SPCA has elected Ronnie Soutar, Head of Veterinary Services at Scottish
Sea Farms, as its new Chairperson.
The appointment makes Mr Soutar the Scottish SPCA’s first Chairperson to
specialise in fish health and welfare, as well as the first in-house company
veterinarian to take up the role.
With a degree in Veterinary Medicine & Surgery gained at The Royal (Dick)
School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh, Mr Soutar worked
at a variety of veterinary practices for several years before returning to
study for an MSc in Aquatic Veterinary Studies at the University of Stirling’s
world-renowned Institute of Aquaculture.
In the years since he has gone on to become one of the country’s most respected
fish veterinarians, working with salmon farmers at home and abroad to advance
health and welfare. This includes two terms as President of the Fish Veterinary
Society and a key advisory role on the recently announced Farmed Fish Health
Framework.
Commenting on his new appointment, Mr Soutar said, “To be elected Chairperson
of the Scottish SPCA is a huge honour. The charity provides a lifeline service
to vulnerable animals the length and breadth of Scotland – domestic, farm and
wildlife – all of which is only made possible through charitable donations. I
look forward to playing my part in ensuring those donations are put to the very
best use, helping the Society achieve its core purpose of improving animal
welfare in Scotland.”
Mr Soutar, who succeeds former Chairperson Harry Haworth, previously served as
a Scottish SPCA Board member from 2013 then Vice-Chairperson from 2015.
Scottish SPCA Chief Executive Kirsteen Campbell said, “Everyone at the Scottish
SPCA is delighted to welcome Ronnie as our new Chairperson. While serving as a
Board member for the past five years, Ronnie’s expert animal welfare knowledge,
business acumen and strategic thinking has been of real benefit to our team. We
look forward to continuing to work together to help animals and people across
Scotland.”
The unremunerated role is expected to be for four years, during which time Mr
Soutar will continue both his role as Head of Veterinary Services at Scottish
Sea Farms and in small animal practice management.
Mr Soutar said, “Small animal practice is similar to human medicine in that it
focuses on what can be done to improve the health of that one individual.
Salmon farming, in contrast, is about food production; it’s part of a drive to
feed the world in a way that is as responsible as it is sustainable in terms of
animal welfare and the environment. It’s a new and expanding sector, and there
are still lessons being learned about dealing with animals on such a scale.
However, the focus is very firmly on how to keep the salmon happy and healthy
throughout their lifecycle – something I’m proud to play a role in.”
Speaking on behalf of Scottish Sea Farms, Head of Fish Health Ralph Bickerdike,
said, “Ronnie’s appointment speaks volumes about his knowledge, expertise and
long-standing commitment to animal welfare, whether he’s working with someone’s
much-loved pet or ensuring that farmed salmon are raised in the best conditions
with the best care. We’re extremely lucky to have him as part of our team and
congratulate him on this latest accolade.” Visit the Scottish Sea Farms website, HERE.
by
Eric C. Henry, PhD, Research Scientist, Reed Mariculture Inc.
Reed Mariculture has produced its Instant Algae product line of long-shelf-life
microalgae concentrates for more than 20 years, providing to hatcheries the
microalgae that are essential for their operations.
Instant Algae concentrates are used in commercial and research hatcheries in
more than 80 countries around the world for fish, shrimp, and shellfish
larviculture, as well as in public aquariums and hobbyist reef tanks.
Microalgae are essential for hatchery operations
Microalgae are required for creating greenwater for finfish larviculture, and
they are the natural and most effective food for culture of rotifers and
copepods, essential first-feeds for larval fish.
Microalgae are also first-feeds for many crustaceans and are the irreplaceable
feed throughout the life cycles of bivalves. A supply of Instant Algae at the
hatchery eliminates the need for on-site microalgae production, which can
consume up to one-third of hatchery budgets and requires specialised labour and
constant management, always with the risk of culture failures that can
jeopardise the success of the entire hatchery.
Instant Algae concentrates can also supplement on-site microalgae production to
cover seasonal or unexpected peaks in demand, or interruptions of on-site
production.
What are Instant Algae concentrates?
Instant Algae products are formulated from pure, highly concentrated,
phototrophically grown marine microalgae. The algae are mass-cultured at Reed
Mariculture’s inland facility in a recirculating synthetic seawater system. No
pathogen vectors such as finfish or shellfish are allowed at this facility, and
no pathogens have ever been detected by regular product testing.
The algal cells in Instant Algae are non-viable but intact, retaining all their
nutritional value. Instant Algae concentrates provide all the advantages of
live algae without the large investment of infrastructure, time, and skilled
labor required to grow algae.
Thanks to Instant Algae, there is now no need to worry about the threat to hatchery
phytoplankton culture crashes. Instant Algae concentrates have long shelf-lives
so they are always available when you need them—no worries about planning
schedules of phytoplankton production to coincide with your zooplankton or
larvae production schedule.
Instant Algae concentrates are very easy to use because they disperse instantly
in water. The concentrate can be pumped directly into your zooplankton culture
system, or simply add concentrate to a bucket of water, stir, then add to your
zooplankton culture system or greenwater tank manually. Read the full article, HERE.
For more information visit the Reed Mariculture website, HERE.
More than 130 years of experience in plant and machine manufacture have made Amandus Kahl a respected manufacturer and supplier of extruders, compound feed presses, wood pelleting plants or granulate coolers, for example.
The company’s motivation has always been to develop an even better product for their customers. For this reason they cooperate with research institutes and universities. You can always be sure that they will supply you an optimally customised wood pelleting plant, grain cooking plant, waste-tyre recycling plant etc.
Their scope of services also comprises maintenance and repair of the compacting machines, compound feed presses, extruders and wood pelleting plants as well as all other products they offer in their company.
Hans
Erik Bylling, CEO and owner of Aller Aqua, recently returned from the
competition EY World Entrepreneur Of the Year 2018 (WEOY). The competition took
place in Monaco where sunshine, yachts, champagne and expensive hotels added
glamour to the event.
Hans Erik Bylling was in Monaco with Aller Aqua’s co-owners Henrik T. Halken
and Carsten Jørgensen, as well as his son, Anders C. Bylling. Anders is the CEO
of Aller Aqua Qingdao, the company’s Chinese factory, as well as 4th generation
in the family owned company.
Henrik T. Halken (COO/CPO of Aller Aqua
Group), Hans Erik Bylling (CEO and owner of Aller Aqua Group), Anders Bylling
(CEO of Aller Aqua Qingdao) and Carsten Jørgensen (CFO of Aller Aqua Group). Image credit: Aller Aqua
”I know fish feed is not the most sexy product, but when you look at what we
can achieve together with our customers and the aquaculture sector as a whole,
it suddenly gets very interesting,” explains Hans Erik. The visit to Monaco has
been positive, “It is quite an experience to participate with so many skilled
business people, all with amazing stories. We have learnt a lot, and we got
many new contacts. We have returned to the office in Aller feeling inspired. We
are also pleased with the positive publicity, for us as a company, but also for
the aquaculture sector as a whole. I hope that the increased focus on
aquaculture will open the public’s eyes to the fact that aquaculture is a
sustainable way of producing meat. We use fewer resources than any other meat
production.”
Hans Erik concludes that he did not need to win the competition to feel proud
of the result. He is already proud of the Southern Danish and the Danish
national Entrepreneur Of the Year award, as well as of the price for Globalisation.
Hans Erik explains that it has been both interesting and challenging being part
of the large-scale event in Monaco. The glamour is far from everyday life in
Aller.
WEOY took place for the 17th time, and 46 countries took part in the event,
which is described as the Oscars for business people. Hans Erik Bylling won the
Danish competition based on the company’s fast growth over the last few years,
the positive work with UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the
entrepreneurial spirit in the company.
Winner of World Entrepreneur Of the Year 2018 was Rubens Menin from Brazil,
owner of MRV Engenharia, a real estate company with 24,000 employees.
For more information visit the Aller Aqua website, HERE.
by
Vaughn Entwistle, Features Editor, International Aquafeed
Cargill Animal Nutrition was established in 1893. In October 2015, Cargill
acquired EWOS, one of the world's largest suppliers of feed and nutrition. This
gave Cargill access to the expertise and knowledge base in salmon feed that
EWOS was renowned for, and gave EWOS access to a global footprint, wider
nutrition expertise, new ingredients, global supply chains, and greater market
insight.
EWOS is the primary go-to-market brand for Cargill’s aquafeed for fish and
shrimp; however, some feed is also distributed under the Purina and Provimi
brands in certain markets.
Sustainability is a word on the lips of many major companies these days,
although some are only paying lip service to the idea. Contrast that with
agri-giant Cargill, which in April 2018, issued a report detailing the
company’s bold and ambitious commitment to sustainability across its entire
supply chain.
The report came about as the result of a sustainability summit attended by 40
representatives of Cargill and their customers, as well as representatives of
other important stakeholders in the food and feed supply chain.
International Aquafeed Magazine sat down with a representative from Cargill to
find out more about this forward-thinking initiative:
So which came first? Did consumer demand drive Cargill’s decision to focus on
sustainability? Or did Cargill’s commitment to sustainability drive consumer
demand for its products?
It’s hard to say which came first, but Cargill recognised that smart companies
invest in ensuring the sustainability of their operations to remain relevant to
an increasingly informed consumer base. We believe in supply chain transparency
as a means to build trust amongst all stakeholders that are involved in or
benefit from global food systems.
One of the good side-effects of this is that sustainability is a key driver of
innovation and we see many opportunities to continue to innovate in different
and interesting ways. For example to remain compliant in a world where the
regulatory landscape can change fast. To look beyond the direct impact of your
own operations and become more involved in the upstream and downstream supply
chains. And through designing and developing products and services that appeal
to consumer preference for eco-friendly offerings.
Feeds based on the ‘1990’s diet formulations could not be made in such high
tonnages and at such prices – there simply is not enough fishmeal and oil to
satisfy the needs of today. Back then, it was not unusual to find salmon feed
that comprised two-thirds of marine ingredients from fishmeal and fish oil, but
these days the formula contains two-thirds of plant proteins (mainly soya)
& plant oils (such as rapeseed or soya oils) in addition to micronutrients.
A significant proportion of these plant materials are by-products themselves,
upgrading waste streams into valuable nutrients. Read the full article, HERE.
Now with more than 140 employees, with each one a specialist in his or her domain, Leiber has a well-proven team in a company following a clear strategy for more than 50 years: working with values. “What makes us unique? We focus on what we know best. Yeast. Production on the
highest level of quality. Latest technology. New findings from science and research.
The performance of a team of specialists. This is what defines Leiber´s
strategic orientation. This is what makes us truly entrepreneurial”, as
explained on the Leiber website.
“The markets´ requirements are changing - we are able to follow. This is how we
became one of the leading manufacturers of specialised yeast products”.
The VIV Europe grand opening conference on day two was a great success and inspiration. Gordon Butland, Director G&C Agri Consultant and Chairman of the Conference, introduced three speakers with valuable presentations about the future of our industry.
Disruptive technologies in Agrifood Aidan Connolly, Chief Innovation Officer & Vice President Corporate Accounts at Alltech, spoke about the big evolution in technologies, the feed landscape is changing with regards to safety, transparency, sustainability, government regulation and prosumers. He showed the audience how new technologies can and will be used in the feed landscape. The crop side is 10 years ahead of livestock farming, Aidan Connolly points out. Nine technologies have the power to transform Agriculture: Robots, drones, sensors, 3D printing, blockchain, augmented reality, virtual reality, artificial intelligence and, in thecentre of all this, the Internet of Things. But how do you choose what technologies to use? Aidan Connolly's advice: Compare costs vs benefits, understand the ancillary costs and understand if the technology will be long lasting. He concludes that the nature of innovation has changed and that technology may come from smaller new-tech companies, not just the big ones. These smaller tech companies, however have to be guided with knowledge of agriculture.
Personality awards At the grand opening conference on Thursday June 21, 2018, Positive Action Publications announced the winners of the personality awards 2018. The International Hatchery Practice - VIV Europe Breeder Personality Award goes to HatchTech's founder Tjitze Meta. He received this award for his pioneering work on breeding, chick transportation and brooding since he started his company 20 years ago. He helped many PhD students with industrial placement in his company and is never happier than the moment he can talk about incubation with customers, student or the media. The International Poultry Production - VIV Europe Poultry Personality Award 2018 goes to Theo Hoen. He received this award for his work as CEO of Stork and later Marel, leading the launch and further development of the Nuova System and the Revoproportioner. In 2013 he became CEO of Vencomatic where for formed foundations for the next generation of the family owning the company. He was also a strong initiator of the Big Challenge, a charity initiative for cancer research.
The International Pig Topics - VIV Europe Pig Personality Award 2018 goes to Alex Eggen. He received this award for his almost 30- year career at Intervet. Whether it was in the Dutch pig industry or up country in Thailand or China, he was always happy to share his knowledge with veterinarians and pig farmers. After his retirement he continued his willingness to share his wisdom and expertise when he accepted a leading role in the European Symposium for Porcine Health Management. The VIV worldwide Lifetime Award 2018 has gone to Dr Pearse Lyons. He passed away in March 2018. Dr Lyons was well-known as the founder and President of Kentucky-based Alltech. He was widely regarded in the Agribusiness sector as an innovator and industry leader. Alltech Vice President Aidan Connolly received the award on behalf of Dr Lyons, "with regret and pride"
Sputtering Components Inc. is now a member of the Bühler Group. Sputtering Components Inc. (SCI), a US manufacturer of precision vacuum components, will become a member of the Bühler Group. Bühler is purchasing all shares from the previous owners.
Sputtering Components Inc. (SCI) will become a new member of the Bühler Group. SCI is a US provider of components and subassemblies for large-area vacuum coating systems. Post acquisition, Sputtering Components Inc as a Member of the Bühler Group, will operate as an autonomous unit of the vacuum coating business of Bühler Leybold Optics.
Antonio Requena, CEO of Bühler Leybold Optics, is pleased about the successful acquisition, "We have intensively worked with SCI for many years. Together, we have gained a leading market position, especially with systems for coating of architectural glass. Therefore, we are proud to know that the team of SCI will in the future be part of Bühler, with all its capabilities, its reputation in the marketplace, and its enthusiasm for high-quality products."
The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. The current management team will continue to run the business with its over 40 employees. The current CEO, Barry Nudelman, will resign from his position and will continue to support the SCI organisation in the transition phase.
Andy Britt, currently operating as Vice President of Sales for Bühler Aeroglide, will take over as General Manager effective with the closing date. Sputtering Components Inc will retain its existing location in Owatonna (Minnesota), thus supplementing Bühler"s current North American activities.
Sputtering Components Inc. extends Bühler's vacuum coating business In conjunction with the coating solutions offered by Bühler Leybold Optics in Alzenau, Germany, Sputtering Components Inc. will in particular strengthen the company"s global sales and service network and its product portfolio, on one hand with process solutions, on the other with new cost-efficient product families. Sputtering Components Inc will continue to cater to both end customers and original equipment manufacturers, offering them top-notch products and services. In this, the company will utilise the existing sales channels as well as the global sales and service network of Bühler.
Leading provider, outstanding quality Sputtering Components Inc. is a leading supplier of components for large-area vacuum coating systems such as for manufacturing of architectural glass, displays, or flexible packaging materials. The company is based in Owatonna (Minnesota) in the heart of the Glass Coating Valley of the Midwest. As a leading provider of endblocks and magnet bars, it supplies many major manufacturers in the glass and display industries as well as global producers of coating systems. The products of Sputtering Components Inc. are distinguished by their outstanding quality and their ease of maintenance.
For more information visit the Sputtering Components website, HERE.
M&S
has named Scottish Sea Farms’ team at Wyre, Orkney as its Outstanding Producer
of the year in the Farming for the Future Awards 2018.
The 1,909-tonne capacity farm, which was established by Scottish Sea Farms in
2015 to help meet the growing demand for responsibly farmed salmon including
M&S Lochmuir salmon, differs from most other farms in that it performs a
special dual role.
Not only does it rear its own salmon from smolt to adulthood, but it also acts
as a nursery for young salmon headed to neighbouring Eday where conditions are
more tidal. Only once the salmon are large enough to thrive in the strong tidal
flow are they transferred out to Eday.
This efficiency was one of four Awards criteria that set Wyre apart in its
category. Judges were equally impressed at how much the team, ably led by Phil
Boardman who until recently was also Farm Manager of Eday, had achieved with
regards to:
• Ethics – developing a predator resistant containment system which has reduced
the number of seal attacks and helping to test a new low frequency ADD thought
to operate outside the normal hearing range of cetaceans such as whales and
porpoises
• Environment – deploying innovative new easy-clean nets which, unlike standard
nets or the hulls of ships and boats, don’t require copper-based anti-fouling,
helping preserve the sea’s own balance of this naturally occurring heavy metal
• Education – investing in the training and development of each individual
member to create a team with complementary skills and expertise.
The combined result over the last crop was no escapes, no seals shot, no
medicinal bath treatments and low mortalities.
Phil Boardman said, “Both farm teams – Wyre and Eday – are proud of the results
achieved and rightly so as both have worked hand in hand to create the best
environments in which to rear our salmon. We have a really great mix of people,
some of whom are locals while others have moved into the area bringing new
skills and knowledge.”
One such new face is 27-year old Matthew Jackson from Milton Keynes who joined
Scottish Sea Farms as a graduate trainee and worked under Phil’s tutelage while
gaining a Modern Apprenticeship in Aquaculture to Level 3, and will now take
over as Farm Manager of Wyre enabling Phil to focus on Eday.
The Awards presentation took place on the first day of the Royal Highland Show
at Ingliston in Edinburgh. Accepting the Outstanding Producer Award on behalf
of the Wyre team was Scottish Sea Farms’ Orkney Regional Manager, Richard
Darbyshire, who said, “Scottish Sea Farms sets itself exacting standards and
the results show in the quality of our product. M&S have actively
encouraged these high standards since day one, however to have them recognised
with a Farming for the Future Award provides added motivation to keep seeking
new and better ways of doing things.”
The Outstanding Producer Award is the latest in a series of M&S Farming for
the Future Award wins for Scottish Sea Farms, with previous successes including
Innovation, Young Producer, Rural Communities, Global Champion of Champions and
Plan A in Action. For more information visit the Scottish Sea Farms website, HERE.
by
Hugo Magne Kjelseth, Europharma Sales & Marketing Director, Norway
Poor smolt quality used to account for about 40 percent of the mortality in
Norwegian salmon production. That is changing, as SuperSmolt FeedOnly is fast
becoming the preferred method of smoltification.
74 million smolt where produced in Norway using SuperSmolt FeedOnly in 2017. In
fact, use of the method has increased steeply every year since 2013, when the
technology was used on less than 10 million smolt in Norway.
According to Europharma, supplier and owner of the global patent rights to the
revolutionary technology, the big break came as a result of the successful
launch of SuperSmolt FeedOnly. New discoveries through extensive R&D
efforts made it possible to smoltify the fish using SuperSmolt feed alone, and
not in combination with mixed-in additives in the production water, as was the
case in previous years.
Since we acquired the SuperSmolt rights back in 2008 we have been convinced in
the exceptional value of this technology. It has great benefits both in terms
of fish health, growth, production flexibility and profitability.
SuperSmolt FeedOnly makes it significantly easier to achieve these benefits,
and allows the technology to be utilised in all types of freshwater salmon
production, including loch production. We are now seeing companies saying ´this
is how we smoltify our fish now´, and designing their production facilities and
production plans accordingly, says Jim-Roger Nordly, owner and Head of
Europharma AS, as well as their sister companies in Chile, Canada and Scotland.
The SuperSmolt technology is based on the find that smoltification can be
induced and controlled by stimulating the calcium receptors in the fish through
feed and/or natural additives in the production water. The method effectively
eliminates the negative issues related to traditional smoltification through
light control.
SuperSmolt allows the fish to smoltify under constant light, which means that
it grows faster and may be transferred earlier or significantly larger than
traditional smolt. Another huge benefit is the fact that SuperSmolt fish do not
desmoltify. That makes it easy to produce totally homogenous fish groups where
every fish has solid saltwater tolerance at the time of transfer.
This is of course hugely significant in terms of fish health and welfare. It is
no surprise that the increase in Norwegian smolt produced by SuperSmolt
FeedOnly correlates with a significant national drop in mortality during the
first three months at sea. Moreover, the health of the fish that survive is
even more important. Solid smolt status makes the fish eat well and grow fast.
If parts of the fish group struggle, then feed factor suffers, growth suffers
and the risk of disease increases, says Mr Nordly. Read the full article, HERE.
