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Ag journalists get an up-close look at organic olive oil production in southern Spain

Submitted by tile on Thu, 03/21/2024 - 23:43

Twenty-four journalists from 15 countries recently ventured to the south of Spain with the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) to explore the agricultural operations that make that region unique. The crown jewel of the press trip was a visit to the Olivarera de Los Pedroches Cooperative, or Olipe, where organic olive oil producers are collaborating with Alltech Crop Science to make their farms more environmentally and economically sustainable.

Outstanding olive oil in the spotlight

Pozoblanco, Cordoba — where the Olipe cooperative is headquartered — was uncharacteristically gloomy during the IFAJ trip, but the journalists remained eager to learn about the olives grown in this mountainous region. Spain produces approximately 50% of the world’s olive oil, and this region is particularly well-known for its long tradition of olive oil production thanks to its climate and topography, which are perfect for olive cultivation.  

Representatives of the Olipe co-op were also proud to explain to the journalists that the olive oil produced in southern Spain features the highest level of polyphenols of any olive oil in the world. Since polyphenols have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, this outstanding characteristic has brought olive oil cooperatives like Olipe to the attention of major brands — including L’Oreal, which sources olive oil from the cooperative to be used in its cosmetic products.

Making positive change through a Planet of Plenty partnership

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Francisco Gálvez, project manager for olive and almond farming for Alltech Crop Science (ACS) in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, discusses the olives grown at the Olipe co-op, which is partnering with ACS to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of ag production.

While Olipe has already achieved great success, the region’s olive farmers want to improve their operations even more while remaining environmentally sustainable — and Alltech Crop Science intends to help them do just that.

Alltech Crop Science has established a Planet of Plenty partnership with Olipe to develop an ambitious five-year plan that includes soil analysis and research studying the process of growing olives in the Los Pedroches region. The results of those studies will allow Ideagro and Alltech Crop Science to formulate custom solutions for Olipe that will help enhance sustainable olive production in Spain.

The IFAJ cohort heard from Francisco Gálvez, project manager for olive and almond farming for Alltech Crop Science in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Liana Dobler, Alltech’s Spanish and Portuguese communications manager, who shared details about several of the other initiatives that will be explored through this partnership, including:

  • the production of organic compost from mill waste
  • utilizing olive pits in the manufacture of plastic-substitute products
  • the validation of olive oil with a high oleocanthal content and a high polyphenol index

Notably, Alltech Crop Science has committed to covering all costs related to the monitoring and experimentation processes underway at Olipe through this partnership. Alltech Crop Science will also help distribute the olive oil produced through the co-op internationally. Olipe, on the other hand, will invest the profits that result from this project in training and educational activities that will help attract and keep olive farmers in the Los Pedroches region.  

Sharing the recipe for success

Throughout the IFAJ’s press trip to Olipe, the co-op’s olive farmers were excited to discuss how they’re working to make agricultural production more sustainable and more profitable — and the journalists in attendance are eager to help tell that story to the world.

“For the Olivarera Los Pedroches Cooperative, this type of visit serves as a platform to let everyone know about the incredible projects they are carrying out,” said Gálvez of Alltech Crop Science.  

“We all enjoyed the visit to cooperative,” said Lena Johansson, president of the IFAJ. “It’s always more interesting and useful for journalists to see things on-site than on PowerPoint slides.”

The journalists will continue sharing what they learned first-hand about olive oil production in southern Spain with readers across the globe — including those with no connection to agriculture, who will likely be fascinated to learn how olive farmers are contributing to economic, environmental and social sustainability. 


About the author:

Liana Dobler is Alltech’s Spanish and Portuguese Communications Manager globally. She is responsible for communications strategy, including content management and social media, for all Spanish and Portuguese stakeholders.
 
Liana has been with Alltech for 17 years, beginning as a sales assistant in Alltech Brazil. Her journey later led her to Alltech Argentina where she served in a regional capacity as Latin America Communications Manager. Liana relocated to Spain in 2022.

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Preventing cattle health issues through proactive nutrition

Submitted by tile on Thu, 03/21/2024 - 01:02

Health issues can result in significant economic losses for cattle producers. By taking a proactive approach to preventing health problems, producers can reduce monetary loss associated with treating sick animals.

Meeting cattle’s nutritional requirements is the first step. The second step is maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal tract (gut). With 70% of the immune system being located within the gut, it plays a crucial role in animal health. With this knowledge, we can develop proactive supplementation strategies to prevent animal health issues before they become a problem.

Dietary nutrients required to maximize immune health

For an animal to respond properly to an immune challenge, we must meet the nutrient requirements needed for the immune system to function optimally, including dietary protein, energy, vitamins and minerals.

Protein and energy are required in the largest quantities. Protein provides the necessary amino acids needed for production of immune proteins such as cytokines and also antibodies that mediate immune response. Energy is required for every system in the body, but an immune challenge increases energy demand. Therefore, enough dietary protein and energy must be available for the animal to both meet its maintenance requirements and respond to a health issue.

Micronutrients such as copper, zinc, selenium and vitamins E and A are also necessary for proper immune function. They are important components of the antioxidant system, and they are required for enzymes to function properly in the immune system. The forms in which copper, zinc and selenium are supplemented play a role in how well the minerals are utilized. Alltech offers two solutions in the ideal forms for mineral uptake and efficacy:

  • Bioplex® trace minerals, including copper, zinc, manganese, and cobalt, are part of the Alltech mineral management program. Bioplex minerals are trace minerals that are bound to amino acids and a range of peptides. They are easily absorbed and readily metabolized, optimizing immune health and thus improving performance.
  • Sel-Plex® is Alltech’s proprietary organic form of selenium. The selenium in Sel-Plex supports metabolic processes, acts as an antioxidant, supports against infection, and boosts overall immune health.

Benefits of a healthy gut

Much focus has been aimed at maintaining rumen health. Although the rumen of cattle is the main site for microbial fermentation and energy production, the entire digestive tract needs to be considered when discussing gut health.

The small and large intestines contain a single lining of cells protecting the body from infection, and this lining is susceptible to damage when the gut is unhealthy. A healthy microbial ecosystem aids in maintaining the gut lining. In addition to digestion, absorption and production of nutrients, gut microbiota contribute to regulation of energy homeostasis, prevention of mucosal infections and modulation of the immune system. A healthy gut microbial ecosystem and lining will prevent colonization by potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, Cryptosporidium, Clostridium and coccidia. Preventing damage to the gut lining will prevent pathogenic bacteria, toxins and other harmful substances from entering the bloodstream and the lymphatic system. This reduces the animal’s susceptibility to diseases such as bovine respiratory disease (BRD).

What causes gut damage, and how can it be prevented?

Many factors can compromise gut health. The main ones are associated with periods of stress. This can include illness or injury, weaning, transportation, challenged feedstuffs, weather, feed changes, poor management, and quality of feed and water. In addition, disturbances in gut microbiota can have severe effects on the digestive system, including metabolic disorders such as bloat, ruminal acidosis and scours. These can have profound effects on health.

The right feed additives, supplied in the most effective forms, can make all the difference in protecting gut health. Alltech’s leading-edge research and technology is the basis for the Alltech Gut Health Management program, which includes such solutions as:

  • Bio-Mos 2®, a unique product derived from a select strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast using Alltech’s proprietary process. Bio-Mos 2 promotes beneficial bacteria and builds natural defenses, helping to build a foundation for performance by reinforcing a healthy gut microbiome without antibiotics at all stages of production.
  • Integral A+® protects animal health, performance and reproduction during feedstuff challenges caused by molds and toxins, which are increasingly common — and increasingly dangerous — due to more extreme weather patterns and changing agricultural practices.

Summary

The best way to support animal health and productivity is to be proactive, not reactive. Preventing health problems before they occur starts with providing the nutrients necessary for immune function, in a form the animal can metabolize. This should be followed by supplementation with feed additives that aid in maintaining gut health.


About the author:

Dr. Cadra Krueger is a territory sales manager for Kansas and Colorado at Alltech. In that role, she focuses on all aspects of beef nutrition, from cow/calf production to growing/finishing feedlots, and provides guidance about sales, nutrition and management to help producers and feed mills reach their ultimate production goals.

Cadra has been involved in the cattle industry since she was 10 years old, when she first began raising and showing cattle in 4-H and helping her younger siblings with their show calves. While pursuing her graduate degrees, she managed the Beef Cattle Research Center at Kansas State University. She previously served as a beef nutritionist for Hubbard Feeds before joining the Alltech beef team.

Cadra holds a bachelor's degree in equine science from Colorado State University and master's and doctoral degrees in ruminant nutrition from Kansas State University. In her free time, she enjoys riding horses and spending time with family and friends.

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How critical production decisions affect the fate of our cow herd numbers

Submitted by tile on Wed, 03/20/2024 - 05:27

As we enter 2024, the talk among economists and producers seems to center around the decreasing beef cow herd. The 28.2 million head of beef cows posted in the USDA biannual cattle inventory report is the smallest in decades. When considering factors like feed and equipment cost, supplemental nutrition and mineral decisions, continued dry and drought conditions in many areas, regional lack of feed inventory, age of the average producer, complex considerations in herd management decisions, and elevated interest rates, we need to consider: Is that cow number only going to get smaller?

2023 saw higher prices — at record or near-record levels — for feeder cattle and calves, along with cull cows and bulls selling for over $1 per pound. Some producers are sharing that they are getting more for their cull cows than those cows originally cost. And, with the smaller cow herd leading to tighter feeder cattle numbers, some are predicting even higher prices this year and for years to come.

The key to success during this uncertain time is getting the information you need to make savvy decisions about the health and productivity of your herd.

Could there be an opportunity for the herd to expand?

Could the prediction of higher prices change the tides? With the current costs of production, the outlook for higher prices has some producers thinking that there is opportunity and it may be time to expand their herds.

The conversation with these producers tends to lead to important questions:

  • Should I keep my heifer calves back this year and develop my own?
  • Should I wait that long?
  • Should I buy bred cows or bred heifers now?
  • Should I wait and buy higher-priced pairs right before grass turnout?
  • Should I do some or all of the above?

As they start to find answers for what will work best for their financial, labor and feed situations, and what makes sense for their facilities and land base usage, I offer a few things to consider.

Is it a cost or an investment?

What is your mindset when it comes to deciding to purchase cows or heifers versus developing your own? Are you looking at that animal as a cost or as an investment? There’s a big difference. Cost is simply the amount paid to buy something, but investment is the action of paying money today in order to reap greater rewards later. Producers often look at these herd decisions as simply a cost instead of an investment, but if you invest in that cow or heifer today, she may give you back more in the long run.

A few questions to ask yourself:

  • Is the cow or heifer the better investment to maintain your cow herd and keep production high?
  • Is your supplementation program, including minerals, a cost or an investment?
  • Do you know the return on a given bag of mineral?
  • If you don’t currently supplement with minerals, would adding that to your nutritional program pay off well?
  • If you are already supplementing, would a better-quality mineral and/or a year-round program return you more?
  • What about protein supplementation when appropriate?
  • Is your vaccine program up to date? Could an updated program pay dividends later?

Good supplementation is an investment — and a worthy one

Fetal programming research shows that cow nutrition and mineral status can directly impact the longevity and productiveness of offspring. A good mineral program for the cow herd contributes to more productive and profitable heifers that stay in the cow herd longer. The data shows that a heifer whose dam received a good mineral program year-round tends to reach puberty earlier, breed earlier in the cycle, and stay in the cow herd longer.

As you look to invest up to $3,000 for a commercially bred heifer, consider this:

  • Do you know how the dam of that heifer was supplemented and what she was supplemented with?
  • Was the heifer given the best opportunity from the start to work for you?
  • Will she be ideally equipped to breed back, and to do so in a timely manner?
  • Will she raise a calf every year and stay in the cow herd long enough to pay for herself?

And what about the home-raised heifer calf you want to retain and develop? You will have invested a lot of time, effort and energy by the time she calves. How can you give her the best chance to give you a high return on that investment?

In short, when it comes to the decision of breeding versus buying, are you consistently investing so as to maximize your return?

Data and insights vs. “what we’ve always done”

Consider what criteria you are using to make your decisions. Do you have the records to justify your decisions, or is it, Well, this is what we’ve always done?

Recently, I was talking with a banker who works with a father/son operation. The father and son were considering expanding their herd and were debating on buying young bred cows or bred heifers. The father was leaning toward buying heifers because he felt that they were the better value.

The banker reviewed their purchase and sale records and then advised them, “Don’t spend more than $2,600 for a bred heifer, because that heifer will never pay for herself.” He explained that in their operation, heifers tended to “fall out” in 3–4 years due to management constraints; namely, the operation didn’t have the facilities or labor to keep the heifers separate from the cows. In this particular operation, cows returned more money because they stayed in the cow herd longer.

What data do you have, and what data do you need, to make the best decisions?

Tough decisions will determine the direction of the cow herd

With current prices and the price outlook, producers have some tough decisions to make about whether to get out now or try to expand. If they decide to expand, they need to know how to make the most informed decisions along the way. Those who see the opportunity to expand, if they use their data wisely and invest where they are most likely to get the biggest returns, stand the highest chance of success.


About the author: 

Bryan Sanderson grew up in Lake Preston, South Dakota, and spent most of his childhood working on pig, crop and cattle farms. After receiving a degree in animal science from South Dakota State University, with minors in ag marketing and ag business, Bryan began his impressive career in animal agriculture. With experience in livestock production, feedlot supervision, sales and finance, Bryan is currently the U.S. beef business manager for Alltech.


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Championing sustainability: Alltech-supported team wins cattle-rearing competition

Submitted by tile on Wed, 03/20/2024 - 03:20

In the heart of County Meath, Ireland, four ambitious students from Dunshaughlin Community College embarked on a journey that would not only showcase their dedication to agriculture but also highlight the power of sustainable farming practices. Meet Liam Byrne, Eric Allen, Eoin O’Sullivan and David Malone, the dynamic quartet whose passion for farming propelled them to victory in the 10th annual Certified Irish Angus School’s Competition.

Under the guidance of Alltech nutritionist Dr. Mj Doran, these students adopted a data-driven approach to their project, which was called “A Holistic Approach to Improving Animal Performance.” Armed with a mission to merge production efficiency with environmental sustainability, they set out to rear four Aberdeen Angus steers and minimize their carbon footprint throughout the process.

Alltech E-CO2 was an essential tool used in this approach. Utilizing the Alltech E-CO2 audit, the students meticulously analyzed every aspect of their cattle-rearing process, from nutrition to on-farm trials and soil analysis.

Particularly, they predicted how much CO2 would be produced as a result of rearing their Angus cattle to slaughter. Then they ran multiple scenarios through the E-CO2 audit, fine-tuning their approach in order to ensure maximal efficiency and minimal environmental impact. This involved nutritional advice from Dr. Doran, who formulated the cattle’s diets and collected the data required for the E-CO2 report. Yea-Sacc® was used in the animals’ diet.

The culmination of the students’ efforts came with the final CO2 emission figure: a remarkable 8.5 kg CO2 per kg of liveweight, significantly below the Irish national average. This achievement not only secured the students’ victory in the competition but also served as a testament to the transformative power of science-based sustainable farming practices.

“Liam, Eric, Eoin and David demonstrated just how useful the E-CO2 sustainability report can be in planning for farming with a lower environmental impact,” Dr. Doran said. “This, along with precision nutrition advice from InTouch, was key to the students achieving beef production with a lower environmental impact. Comhghairdeas to the lads, they are great ambassadors for their school, their local area and Irish agriculture.”

As a global leader in animal nutrition and sustainability solutions, Alltech is proud to support initiatives that empower the next generation of farmers to embrace sustainable practices and drive positive change in the world.


About the author: 

Tien Le received her bachelor’s degree in advertising and marketing communications from the University of Greenwich, London, with the University Merit Award for Outstanding Achievement. She started her career at Alltech in 2016 as part of the Corporate Career Development Program, spending time in both the U.S. and Ireland before taking a role in Vietnam, her home country. Tien presently serves as the editorial content manager for Alltech, a role that allows her to fulfill her passions for writing, innovation and sustainable agriculture.


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From left to right: Mj Doran, Alltech nutritionist; David Malone, Eric Allen, Eoin O'Sullivan and Liam Byrne, students at Dunshaughlin Community College; Cathal McCormack, Alltech Ireland country manager.

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2024 Alltech Asia Import Risk Analysis: Mycotoxin insights

Submitted by tile on Tue, 03/19/2024 - 23:59

Mycotoxin contamination poses a growing concern for animal feed producers worldwide. Asian feed production, for example, has been steadily increasing, with a significant reliance on imported grains. As this trend is projected to continue, understanding the mycotoxin risks associated with these imported grains is paramount. The Alltech Asia Import Risk Analysis provides insights into the prevalence and types of mycotoxins present in grains sourced from various regions globally.

Accurate mycotoxin analysis is essential for identifying and mitigating contamination risks in animal feed. Various analytical methods, such as Alltech 37+®, Alltech® RAPIREAD™, and collaborations with organizations such as SGS, Masterfeeds and Stratford Labs, form the basis of the Alltech Asia Import Risk Analysis report.

The analysis assessed the mycotoxin risks in grains — such as corn, wheat, barley and byproducts — sourced from Europe, North America, Canada and Latin America for feed and livestock producers in the Asia-Pacific region.

Europe

In 2023, Europe faced significant mycotoxin challenges, especially in small grains like barley. Adverse weather conditions, including prolonged rainfall, exacerbated contamination levels in Northern and Western European countries. Fusarium toxins, such as deoxynivalenol, rapidly multiplied in barley and wheat due to these severe conditions and posed challenges for crop growers.

Although the mycotoxin challenge in corn is lower compared to recent years, there are still pockets of higher risk in Central and Southern Europe. Aflatoxins, fumonisins and ochratoxins are the most prevalent mycotoxins in corn from these regions. Barley has the highest risk among small grains, with an average of six mycotoxins per sample and with 97% of samples containing two or more mycotoxins. Wheat samples, on the other hand, have an average of 3.5 mycotoxins per sample, with 90% of samples containing two or more mycotoxins. In Northwestern Europe, the average risk equivalent quantity (REQ) for wheat and barley is moderate to high, partly due to a delayed harvest and an increased presence of Fusarium toxins.

United States

Weather conditions in the U.S. had a significant impact on the mycotoxin profile of the corn samples analyzed. In the Southwest, a prolonged dry period resulted in a higher-than-usual fumonisin challenge. Whereas, in the East, lengthy periods of rainfall resulted in higher levels of deoxynivalenol (DON). This variation highlights the intricate interplay between climatic conditions and crop quality.

U.S. corn samples had an average of 4.4 mycotoxins per sample, with 87% containing two or more mycotoxins. In general, the mycotoxin challenge in corn grain is lower this year than in recent years. However, there are still pockets of higher risk in the Midwest and the South.

Canada

In Canada, dry conditions across the prairies led to a reduced overall crop output compared to the previous year. Fusarium toxins present the greatest challenge, with average DON levels of 1,882 ppb detected in wheat and barley samples, leading to a generally higher risk for this ingredient in pig diets. Additionally, high levels of zearalenone, predominantly observed in corn grain, are indicating potentially significant impacts, raising concerns for the pig industry.

Latin America

In Brazil, a favorable growing season led to an increase in overall corn yield. As with Canada, higher-than-average levels of DON and zearalenone could create challenges when corn from Brazil is included in pig diets. Zearalenone was present in 91% of samples tested, while the prevalence of DON was much lower. Although fumonisins were widely detected, with almost 70% of samples containing this type of mycotoxin, the levels are lower than for other mycotoxin groups.

Corn byproducts

Rising costs of raw materials commonly used for animal feed have led to an increased usage of byproducts. This poses challenges for mycotoxin contamination, particularly with corn byproducts having higher contamination levels compared to parent grains.

Using Alltech 37+ mycotoxin analysis, Alltech tested samples of corn gluten meal and dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) from North America, Asia and Europe. All had a minimum of two mycotoxins, with an average of 13.4. The most common and significant mycotoxins detected were emerging mycotoxins, type B trichothecenes, and Fusarium mycotoxins.

Monogastric vs. ruminant animals

While mycotoxin contamination poses a threat to both monogastric and ruminant animals, the animals’ digestive systems react differently to the threat. Understanding the nuances of mycotoxin risks for monogastric animals, such as pigs and poultry, compared to ruminants like cows and sheep, is crucial for effective feed management.

The Alltech Asia Import Risk Analysis report provides detailed insights into the impacts of specific findings on each species of animal, distinguishing between monogastric and ruminant species.

Conclusion

Mycotoxin contamination is a significant issue for animal feed producers globally, with impacts on various grains and byproducts from different regions. The 2024 Alltech Asia Import Risk Analysis report demonstrates the need for rigorous testing and quality-control measures and offers vital information to help producers make better decisions when purchasing ingredients and formulating animal diets. 

With widespread and rising contamination in raw materials being imported into the Asia-Pacific region, it is crucial to implement effective mycotoxin management strategies. Doing so will optimize both the safety and well-being of animals and the profitability of operations. A holistic approach is essential to managing mycotoxins correctly, so establishing a routine mycotoxin testing program when purchasing feed ingredients and developing nutrition plans is crucial.

To access valuable insights on managing mycotoxin risks, download your copy of the 2024 Alltech Asia Import Risk Analysis here. We also invite you to visit knowmycotoxins.com for further resources. Don't miss this opportunity to safeguard your animals and your production.

Discover more content:

Reducing the challenge of storage mycotoxins | Alltech

The heightened risk of Penicillium mycotoxins in European forage (alltech.com)

Protecting grain and forage quality this winter | Alltech

2023 harvest: Early insights into Europe’s mycotoxin landscape (alltech.com)


About the author: 

Dr. Ghazanfar Naseer is the regional ruminant and mycotoxin technical manager for Asia Pacific at Alltech. He is currently based in Australia.

Dr. Naseer was one of three people selected to participate in the Alltech Dairy Career Development Program in 2015. His current role in the company has taken him to countries around the world. Dr. Naseer has vast international experience and expertise in ruminant nutrition and management. He has worked with various dairy and beef producers across the globe, from small farms to large operations.

Born in Pakistan, Dr. Naseer earned his doctoral degree in veterinary medicine from PMAS-Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, with a gold medal distinction. He is also certified as a CowSignals® Master Trainer in Thailand.

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AAFCO’s new guidelines for pet food labeling

Submitted by tile on Fri, 03/15/2024 - 02:49

On January 1, 2024, AAFCO officially implemented its new Pet Food Model Regulations, marking a significant milestone in the industry. These regulations, in development since 2015, had undergone rigorous scrutiny from various stakeholders and involved input from the AAFCO Pet Food Committee, consumer surveys and focus groups, as well as discussions with regulatory agencies, professional associations, and industry trade organizations.

The overarching goal was to bring about a modernization of pet food and specialty pet food labels, emphasizing clearer communication with consumers.

Four major label changes:

1. Pet Nutrition Facts Box

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of the Pet Nutrition Facts Box, which closely resembles the nutrition facts panel found on labels of human food. By conveying essential and easily understandable nutritional information in a standardized format, this box helps consumers make informed choices about their pets’ nutrition. It includes details such as serving size, calorie content, nutrient guarantees, total carbohydrate values, and an AAFCO nutrition adequacy statement.

The Specialty Pet Nutrition Facts Box is specifically tailored for specialty pet food products. While it includes much of the same information as the standard box, it does not require a calorie statement. However, it does have to include a nutritional adequacy statement, giving consumers clarity regarding the suitability of the product for their pets’ specific needs.

A new Pet Nutrition Facts Box will more closely resemble those seen on human food packages.

2. Product Purpose Statement:

Nutritional Adequacy Claims, which attest to the nutritional completeness of a pet food product, must now appear prominently in the lower third of the label’s principal display panel. This placement makes it easier for consumers to identify the intended life stage and purpose of a product, further enabling them to confidently choose the right products for their pets’ needs.

Veterinary diets must designate the species for which they are intended, such as “Veterinary Diet for Cats” or “Veterinary Diet for Dogs.” Treats will also need to be identified by species, as in “Dog Treat” or “Hamster Treat.”

Pet food supplements, which are not complete diets and are only intended to supply specific nutrients, must identify their purpose and species name, as in “Species Food Supplement: Dog.”

3. Ingredient Statement:

The new AAFCO regulations include updates to ingredient statement, to enhance consumer understanding and ensure transparency and consistency across products.

Of particular note is the clarification of naming conventions for meat, poultry and fish ingredients. Additionally, there are new requirements for listing sugar sources and vitamin/mineral premixes using common or usual names, as listed in the AAFCO Official Publication.

4. Handling and Storage Instructions:

While handling and storage instructions are optional, they are encouraged under the new regulations. If included, these instructions must be clearly readable and presented under a bold header. The regulations also specify guidelines for the use of graphics to support handling and storage instructions, so that consumers can easily understand how to properly handle and store their pet food products.

A group of blue and purple circular signs

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Adoption and enforcement

The implementation of these new regulations will be overseen by state regulatory agencies, with AAFCO encouraging uniform and timely adoption to ensure consistency across jurisdictions. To facilitate this process, AAFCO has recommended that state feed regulatory programs exercise enforcement discretion for six years following the availability of the printed version of the 2024 AAFCO Official Publication.

Furthermore, AAFCO will hold workshops to educate stakeholders on the new regulations. The next workshop will be at Petfood Forum on April 29, 2024.


About the author: 

Dr. Randall Johnson has more than 40 years of experience as a consultant to the pet food, livestock feed and aquaculture industries. A registered professional animal scientist, Dr. Johnson regularly offers advisory services for the Pet Food Institute’s Nutrition Task Force, as well as its International Trade and Regulatory Affairs committees.

Dr. Johnson is a diplomate of the American College of Animal Nutrition. He has previously served on the staff of the University of Missouri, where he also completed a post-doctoral fellowship, and as an adjunct associate professor in the Arizona State University School of Agribusiness and Environmental Resources.

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Could your feed be contaminated with toxic heavy metals?

Submitted by tile on Tue, 03/12/2024 - 00:35

Understanding contamination risk in feed and ingredients

There is growing awareness of the presence of trace heavy metals in the feed industry and their potential impacts on animal and human health.

Trace metals are naturally occurring elements, used in many industries and needed for regular body function in animals and humans. Zinc, iron and copper, for example, are essential in trace amounts. However, they can be toxic even at moderately elevated levels, and heavy metal poisoning occurs when too much of a particular metal is absorbed by the body. Mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic are the most common metals to cause exposure at toxic levels.

The general population can be exposed to heavy metal contaminants through drinking water, dust, and fumes and from a variety of food sources (Atafar et al., 2010). Toxic heavy metals can be transferred into edible animal products such as meat, milk and eggs, and thus be passed into the human food chain. High levels of exposure to these compounds in humans can be toxic, with many having carcinogenic properties.

The buildup of heavy metals within animal protein sources can be attributed to the contamination of certain feed ingredients (Vremane et al., 1986; Spragg, 2008), with the potential for contamination originating from:

  • Exposure to groundwater and soil with high levels of heavy metals during crop production (transfer into plant material)
  • Bioaccumulation higher along the food chain (e.g., mercury in carnivores)
  • Raw material processing (e.g., for inorganic mineral extraction and recycling)
  • Cross-contamination during processing or transport, or in the feed mill

Understanding the risks within the feed industry

The past decade has seen growing scrutiny regarding the potential for heavy metal contamination in animal feeds. This is due to a number of high-profile food safety alerts. For example, in both 2020 and 2021, batches of dog foods from Europe were found to contain excessive levels of cadmium, and inorganic mineral sources destined for the feed industry are often reported by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in the RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed) Portal.

Other parts of the world, however, do not have such advanced monitoring or alert systems, and much of the risk may be missed or underestimated.

The Alltech 2023 Asia-Pacific Toxic Heavy Metal Survey

An ongoing effort to quantify the risk of toxic heavy metals to the feed industry has been carried out by Alltech in the Asia-Pacific region. Alltech initiated the survey in 2010 and has issued nine comprehensive reports so far, which have become essential benchmarks for assessing contamination risks in animal feed and trace minerals.

The survey analyzed 735 samples collected from 12 countries across the Asia-Pacific region, bringing the total number of samples analyzed to over 7,000 since the survey was launched in 2010.

Consistent with previous years, the survey evaluated lead, arsenic and cadmium levels, applying the European Union’s maximum allowable thresholds to determine contamination risks. The analysis encompassed complete feed, premix, and inorganic and organic trace mineral samples, spanning various agricultural categories including pig, poultry, ruminant, aquaculture and pet.

When completed, the survey revealed a contamination level of 14% across all these Asia-Pacific samples, with analysis showing that significant contamination was found in both organic trace mineral and inorganic mineral sources.

The survey highlighted that poultry premix exhibited the highest contamination levels at 13%, followed by aquaculture (9%) and ruminant premix samples (8%). In complete feed, swine diets demonstrated the highest contamination at 14%, followed by ruminant (9%) and poultry (5%). Certain samples displayed heavy metal levels surpassing EU regulations.

The collective results of all Alltech Asia-Pacific Toxic Heavy Metal Surveys since 2010 have revealed a persistent risk of elevated contamination in Asia-Pacific samples, with an average rate of 19%. This indicates serious and ongoing risks to both animal health and the safety of the entire food chain.

Managing feed contamination risk with reputable suppliers

To reduce the risk, it is imperative that feed and animal companies source their trace minerals from reputable sources. This involves working with companies that have robust quality systems, such as the Alltech Q+™ program, that focus on product safety, consistency and traceability for high-risk materials such as mineral sources. If we can reduce the risk of heavy metal contaminants entering the food chain, that will have flow-on effects to the human food chain.

For more information about the survey, please contact your local Alltech representative or email knowyourminerals@alltech.com.


About the author: 

Tara Tiller is the global project manager of corporate accounts and companion animals for Alltech. In this role, she oversees the growth of Alltech's pet and equine business as a member of the company's larger companion animal team.

Tara first joined Alltech as its quality assurance manager for the Asia-Pacific region. In that role, which was based in Thailand, she led the establishment of production facilities in Thailand, China, India and Vietnam and traveled extensively across Asia. She subsequently joined Alltech’s Mineral Management division, where she provided technical support and offered consultations, both internally and externally, across Asia-Pacific on trace mineral nutrition, with a focus on Alltech’s organic trace mineral range.

In 2018, Tara was named Alltech's global project manager. That role, which was based in Bangkok, combined her previous technical support responsibilities with the management of Alltech’s mineral projects and programs globally. In her current position on the company's companion animal team, she continues to develop and promote solutions and services related to mineral management.

Tara received a degree in animal science and aquaculture from the University of Tasmania in Australia.

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Winter hay to spring grass: Tips for a smooth transition

Submitted by tile on Thu, 03/07/2024 - 05:35

As winter winds down and soil temperatures start to rise, spring grass pops up all over. Our equine partners eagerly start seeking out this lush, soft, green grass. However, many owners worry about this sudden transition from a rather bland winter hay ration to green spring pasture. On the other hand, when hay resources are running low, it may be tempting to just let them be — especially given the scarcity of hay this year!

In this post, we’ll explore the challenges of managing grazing horses in this season and provide practical tips for a smooth and safe transition to spring grass.

Understanding the issue: Winter hay vs. spring grass

As grass matures throughout the growing season, the protein content decreases, while the fiber fraction and dry matter content increase, resulting in an overall decrease in digestibility and digestible energy.

It therefore makes sense for early spring grass to be higher in protein, and higher in easily fermentable carbohydrate content, than the grass used to make hay, which was allowed to grow later into the season before being cut. Of course, hay will be much lower in moisture compared to fresh grass as well.

The combination of these factors sets the stage for potential digestive upset when there is an abrupt switch from hay to spring pasture. That’s a big problem, given the overall importance of gut health for horses.

Why, you ask? Well, let’s do a quick calculation.

Depending on the variety of the grass, early spring grass can be as high as 20% or more in protein. That same grass, cut later for hay, may test around 10% to 14%. We know that the majority of the average horse’s nutrients will be supplied by their forage. So, as an example, let’s say there is a 6% protein difference between our hay and our spring grass. An increase in forage protein content of 6% equates to just over a pound of additional protein consumed by the horse each day. That seemingly small change in protein content alone can almost cover the protein requirements of the average horse. Consider that the horse is now consuming that in addition to what they were getting from the hay alone.

The same goes for other nutrients passing through the digestive tract. When combined with the higher digestibility of spring grass due to its rapidly fermentable fibers, it all represents a large and potentially abrupt change in the influx of nutrients into the hindgut. This change in nutrient influx can disrupt the delicate balance of gut microbial organisms. The highly specialized and sensitive hindgut microbial population requires time to adapt to feeding changes to avoid metabolic issues. And so, as with all nutritional changes in a horse’s diet, a gradual change is ideal when moving from hay to fresh grass.

Strategies for a successful transition

Spring grass often sprouts and grows rapidly, making it difficult to accurately determine how much horses are really consuming when they have full access to pasture — but with good management, you can help to keep the transition gradual. Here are some different approaches to gradual transitions that may suit your management situation and personal preferences:

  1. Keep some hay in the pasture: Start by making hay available in the pasture for the first couple of weeks, regardless of access to fresh grass. The fresh grass is lower in fiber, so horses can manage their fiber needs by going back and forth between the two forage sources.
  2. Manage turn-out time: If your horse is stalled, consider reducing the amount of time they are turned out on grass and then gradually increasing it as spring progresses. This is an easier option for those who have dry lots or other areas, to make sure horses spend enough time turned out while also restricting access to grass.
  3. Consider a grazing muzzle: Horses that are exclusively kept out on pasture can also be managed with a grazing muzzle. Another option, for horses kept out on large pastures, is the use of temporary fencing to restrict access, but be aware that the fencing will need to be moved frequently.

Some horses require careful oversight

Horses diagnosed with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) conditions, a history of pasture-associated laminitis, foundering, and so forth, present a different set of challenges. They require particularly careful management during this time, should some access to a dry lot, or careful restriction practices such as muzzles or time-of-day turnout, not be possible. Depending on the individual horse’s condition, turnout on spring pasture may not be desirable regardless of the restrictions implemented.

Some horses may lose a little weight in the early days of spring, specifically the picky ones that prefer soft new grass over hay. That weight should be gained back rapidly as pasture growth rate accelerates and you can give them free access. Keep in mind, though, that mares in late pregnancy or lactation need to be monitored more closely. They have higher nutrient requirements and benefit from the more nutritious grass.

The magic number is two … or perhaps three?

For the best support of horse health throughout, the hay-to-grass transition is implemented over a two-week period. This allows those hindgut microbial communities to adjust without deleterious effects. If your horse has been fed only hay over the winter, with absolutely no access to pasture, start out more conservatively, extending the adaptation period to three weeks if needed.

Keep in mind that the area you live in will dictate when and how quickly your spring grass arrives, and this will influence your transition plans. Some areas have sparse pastures as compared to more lush areas such as Central Kentucky. Regular evaluation of your horse’s condition and your forage quality and quantity during this period are crucial to making informed adjustments to the transition plan.

Keeping these principles of equine nutrition in mind will empower you to plan for and oversee a healthy transition from winter hay to spring grass. By embracing a gradual approach and tailoring strategies to your horse’s needs, you can ensure a smooth and healthy transition, allowing them to fully enjoy spring pasture.


About the author: 

Originally from South Africa, Dr. Mieke Holder is a senior research scientist at Alltech. Her research focuses on equine nutrition and the use of Alltech technologies to improve feed and nutrient utilization, horse health and environmental sustainability. Prior to joining Alltech, Dr. Holder was a faculty member at the University of Kentucky, focusing on the environmental impact of grazing livestock. She earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in animal sciences from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, followed by a Ph.D. in equine nutrition from the University of Kentucky.

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Key Trends Shaping the US Pork Industry in 2024

Submitted by amarler on Thu, 02/29/2024 - 14:53

The following blog is a summary of the Ag Future podcast episode with Mark Hulsebus hosted by Tom Martin. Click below to hear the full audio or listen to the episode on Apple PodcastsSpotify or Google Podcasts.

The US pork industry is undergoing dynamic shifts in response to various challenges and opportunities. In a recent podcast episode of Ag Future, Mark Hulsebus, sales and portfolio director of Alltech’s US Pork team, shared valuable insights into the current trends shaping the industry in 2024. Let's dive into the key takeaways from the discussion:

 

1. Production Outlook:

  • Anticipated total commercial pork production in 2024 is approximately 28 billion pounds, reflecting a 2.4% increase from 2023.
  • Despite challenges such as losses and economic instability, industry players are exploring opportunities for change and sustainable growth.

 

2. Domestic and Export Demand:

  • Domestic consumption accounts for over 70% of pork production in the US, underscoring the importance of the domestic market.
  • With inflationary pressures affecting consumers, there's potential for increased domestic demand, especially with high beef prices driving consumers towards alternative protein sources like pork.
  • Additionally, declining pork production in Europe presents export opportunities for US producers to fill the gap in global demand.

 

3. Trade Dynamics and Policy Changes:

  • Efforts to reduce trade barriers and tariffs remain crucial for expanding export markets and ensuring the competitiveness of US pork on the global stage.
  • Continuous advocacy and collaboration among trade organizations, governments, and non-governmental entities are essential for navigating evolving trade dynamics.

 

4. Profitability and Efficiency:

  • Prioritizing profitability over maximum production efficiency is key for sustainable success in the pork industry.
  • Producers should focus on understanding their cost structures, locking in profits when opportunities arise, and embracing continuous improvement initiatives to drive long-term profitability.

 

5. Technological Innovations:

  • Innovations such as Alltech's Triad™ technology offer promising solutions to enhance performance and productivity in the farrowing house.
  • Feedback from users indicates positive outcomes in improving pigs weaned per sow, with careful planning and deployment.

 

6. Collaboration and Partnership Opportunities:

  • Forging partnerships with industry players like Alltech can contribute to profitability through access to innovative technologies, expertise, and resources.
  • Opportunities to connect with Alltech representatives are available through trade shows and industry events like World Pork Expo, and the Alltech website.

 

In conclusion, the US pork industry is navigating a complex landscape characterized by production challenges, shifting demand dynamics, and technological advancements. By embracing change, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing profitability, stakeholders can position themselves for success in 2024 and beyond.


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According to the USDA, the anticipated total commercial pork production in 2024 is approximately 28 billion pounds. That reflects a 2.4% increase from the production levels of 2023.

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Minerals: The Backbone of Fish Nutrition

Submitted by tile on Tue, 02/20/2024 - 00:59

Fish, just like terrestrial animals, have specific requirements for individual minerals that must be supplied through the diet. Minerals are essential nutrients that have a plethora of biological functions within different species of cultured fish, governing their development, growth, and physiological status. For example, certain minerals quite literally form the backbone of skeletal development as fish progress through their various life-stages during the farming cycle, and these minerals also exert a profound influence on the activity of endogenous enzymes, the maintenance of ionic balance and the regulation of the endocrine system. All of these functions are critical in supporting the growth of healthy, robust fish before they reach the retailer and final consumer.

Although large advancements have been made over the past decade regarding our understanding of individual mineral requirements in fish, significant gaps in this knowledge remain and must be addressed to bridge the knowledge gap between fish and their terrestrial animal counterparts. This is further complicated by the often-underestimated fact that the field of fish nutrition is vastly different from that of terrestrial animal nutrition, because the former is comprised of hundreds of species, each with distinct farming conditions, temperature optima and gastrointestinal morphologies, compared to single species within the latter. Moreover, marine fish species are also unique in that they can also absorb minerals from their environment, through drinking water to maintain osmotic balance.

Cross-species correlations: in vitro

Despite both the existence of the knowledge gap and the physiological differences between fish and terrestrial animals, startling similarities are beginning to emerge in terms of the benefit of chelated trace minerals (CTM) in vitro and the biological responses of both animal groups to this mineral source in vivo. Recent in vitro research conducted at the Alltech Coppens Aqua Centre in the Netherlands demonstrated a 20% increase in the survival of astaxanthin within high-energy trout feeds that contained chelated minerals, compared to the same diets containing inorganic trace minerals, over the entire shelf life of the feeds tested (Figure 1). Strikingly, on the terrestrial animal side, Concarr et al. (2021) demonstrated that feed premixes for poultry that contained chelated trace minerals exhibited increased retention rates of both vitamin A and vitamin D3 (Figure 1). Such studies demonstrate the emergence of parallels in the in vitro stability of both antioxidants and vitamins in feeds for both trout and poultry, which may be directly attributed to the mineral source included in the diets of aquatic and terrestrial animals.

Figure 1. Left: Comparison of astaxanthin survival during shelf life of trout feed containing either an inorganic or chelated mineral premix. Right: Retinol acetate loss in poultry feed premix containing either chelated (CTM) or inorganic trace minerals (ITM) (adapted from Concarr et al., 2021).

 

Cross-species correlations: in vivo

Similar marked parallels have recently been noted both between different fish species and between fish and terrestrial animals in terms of their biological responses to different sources of the same mineral in vivo. Selenium, for example, is a pivotal mineral whose principal role is the protection of lipid membranes against auto-oxidation, as it is a key constituent of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase.

Nguyen et al. (2019) illustrated superior levels of selenium deposition in Nile tilapia fillets when fish were fed a diet containing Sel-Plex®, a yeast-based selenium source, compared to those fed a diet containing an inorganic selenium source (sodium selenite). A more recent study, conducted with the same species by Furuya et al. (2023), demonstrated the same trend of higher selenium deposition in the whole body of tilapia fed Sel-Plex compared to sodium selenite. The study even showed that the same level of selenium deposition could be attained when Sel-Plex was supplemented in the diet at half of the supplementation level of sodium selenite.

The results of these two studies bear a marked resemblance to those of further recent research published in Atlantic salmon (Kokkali et al., 2023), a fish species with an entirely different physiology, where the pattern of selenium deposition in the whole body of salmon was significantly influenced by the source of dietary selenium. Such observations in fish become even more noteworthy when we consider historical research conducted in poultry and dairy cows (Paton et al., 2002; Pan et al., 2007; Petrera et al., 2008) which showed strikingly similar patterns of elevated selenium deposition in both poultry eggs and milk from dairy cows when Sel-Plex was included in the diet compared to sodium selenite. Such findings serve as a stark reminder of the knowledge gaps that exist in the mineral nutrition of fish and terrestrial animals, while illustrating that the effects of dietary mineral source may transcend the species barrier (Figure 2).

A diagram of a fish and a pig

Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Figure 2. Relationship between dietary selenium level and source with selenium deposition in different fish and terrestrial animal species, showing marked similarities in the pattern of deposition.

 

Mineral retention and bone density

The parallels between different fish species become even more interesting when the differences in bone density between Nile tilapia and Atlantic salmon are accounted for, given the crucial role that minerals play in the skeletal development of fish. The skeleton of the Nile tilapia is comprised of acellular bones which are far more compact compared to the cellular bone structure of the Atlantic salmon skeleton (Cohen et al., 2012). Therefore, aside from their differences in gastrointestinal morphology, these two species also exhibit differences in their skeletal structure – yet the available evidence suggests that the effect of chelated minerals on mineral deposition remains the same.

The work of Kokkali et al. (2023) in Atlantic salmon further showed that the higher retention of total minerals in fish fed chelated trace minerals also coincided with a higher amount of available dietary phosphorus compared to fish fed diets containing inorganic trace minerals, with resulting numerical increases in overall bone strength. Such results mirror those of past research (Kousoulaki et al., 2016, Figure 3) in which a 33% reduction in fillet gaping of Atlantic salmon was observed when fish were fed low-fish-meal diets supplemented with chelated minerals.

Taken together, these findings represent clear trends and further examples for today’s fish nutritionist of the importance of choosing the correct mineral source.

 

Figure 3. Data from Kousoulaki et al. (2016) showing mean (± SD) fillet gaping occurrence in Atlantic salmon fed diets with medium (MFM) or low (LFM) levels of fish meal and microalgae alongside supplementation of either inorganic (ITM) or chelated (CTM) trace minerals. Note the 33% reduction in fillet gaping in fish fed LFM + CTM.

 

Back to basics: Retention and excretion

Going back to the basics of mineral nutrition of farmed fish, the most important elements for both the nutritionist and the farmer are that the requirements of the animal are met, and that the excretion rate of the minerals fed is minimized. There is a scarcity of data within the fish nutrition literature on mineral excretion rates of different fish species, and this will undoubtedly be an important research area in the future, particularly from the point of view of preserving the health of both the fish and the farming environment. The use of chelated minerals can aid in this area due to their higher bioavailability when compared to inorganic mineral sources.

The work of Furuya et al. (2023) and Kokkali et al. (2023) suggests that reduced levels of yeast-based selenium and chelated minerals can be supplemented in the diets of both Nile tilapia and Atlantic salmon when compared to inorganic mineral sources, owing to the higher bioavailability and enhanced retention rate of the former. Subsequently, the excretion rate of minerals to the environment may be vastly decreased when the dietary mineral source is altered.

For example, in the Furuya study, the excretion rate of dietary selenium was decreased by 40%, copper by 20% and total minerals by 20% through the inclusion of yeast-derived selenium and chelated minerals at the same level as inorganic minerals. When the dietary supplementation level of yeast-derived selenium and chelated minerals was reduced to half of the level of inorganic minerals, the excretion rate of the total dietary minerals to the environment was decreased by 31%, while the same amount of dietary minerals was retained in the whole body of the fish (Figure 4). This is a powerful demonstration of how the animal’s requirements of these essential nutrients can be met while simultaneously preserving water quality and safeguarding the farming environment.

A graph of different sizes and colors

Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Figure 4. Data from Furuya et al. (2023, in review) showing mean (± SD) dietary selenium, copper and total dietary minerals retained and excreted from Nile tilapia fed diets supplemented with either inorganic trace minerals (ITM) or chelated trace minerals (CTM). For Se, fish were fed either yeast-derived Se or sodium selenite.

 

Conclusion

The chelation of minerals may enhance their bioavailability within the diet of farmed fish species, with the results of in vitro experiments translating to tangible in vivo biological responses that traverse the species barrier between fish and terrestrial animal nutrition. The emergence of consistent, cross-species patterns of response underscores the importance of including the correct mineral form in the diets of farmed fish, in terms of protecting the health of the animal, the final consumer and the environment.

 


About the author: 

From a young age, Dr. Philip Lyons had a passion for all things aquatic. This led to him studying for his undergraduate degree in applied freshwater and marine biology at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology in Ireland before obtaining master’s and doctoral degrees in fish nutrition from the University of Stirling Institute of Aquaculture in Scotland. His doctoral dissertation focused on the molecular profiling of the gut microbiome of farmed salmonids, and he has published widely on this topic in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

After completing his studies in 2016, Dr. Lyons immediately joined the Alltech Coppens R&D team as a research scientist. His principal responsibilities involved the organization and implementation of the company’s nutritional R&D programs, in which he focused on the advancement of innovative applied aquafeed solutions that improve fish health and performance. He is also passionate about education and supervises a number of undergraduate and postgraduate aquaculture students as part of industry-led academic research partnerships.

In his current position as global manager of aquaculture research, Dr. Lyons is now responsible for the aquaculture research efforts of Alltech worldwide.


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