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2020 Retrospect and Looking Ahead to 2021: What’s Next for Amlan and Our Customers?

January 11, 2021
Looking Ahead into 2021 header

It was a challenging year for everyone around the world, but for the poultry and livestock industries, the forecast for 2021 is encouraging. Let’s take a look back at production and consumer trends from last year and look at what the expectations are for this year. We will also recap some of our news stories from 2020 and share exciting new developments for 2021.

Record Chicken Meat Production

Global chicken meat production continued to increase in 2020; it’s a trend that will persist into 2021 according to the USDA, who predicts that a record 102.9 million tons to be produced. China will lead the growth but gains in Brazil, the EU, US and India are also expected. Brazil is also expected to increase exports by expanding shipments to the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa. 

Pork Production Expected to Rebound

Swine production was impacted by two viral diseases in 2020: African swine fever (ASF) and COVID-19. However, according to the USDA, global pork production is forecasted to be 4% higher in 2021, as countries affected by ASF rebuild herds. Economic improvements and recovery of the food and restaurant service sectors should also improve demand for pork products.

Regionally, the USDA forecasts that increased domestic consumption will have pork production in Brazil set to increase 4% in 2021. While China is quickly rebuilding herds, production is expected to still be 25% lower than pre-ASF levels. Similarly, Vietnam and the Philippines are showing production recovery. However ASF continues to be a challenge in the Philippines. Taiwan was officially recognized as free from foot and mouth disease without vaccinations by the OIE in June 2020, but classical swine fever is still a concern for export pork markets.

Consumers Trends and Reduced AGP Use

While global pork and poultry meat production is forecast to increase in 2021, the type of products consumers are purchasing may see a shift if trends from this year continue. Consumers are wanting healthy and safe products and are seeking claims-based meat options that have labels such as “all-natural” and “free-from.”

Along with consumer demand for “all-natural” products, the concern over multi-drug resistant and mutant bacteria has kept the reduction of antimicrobial use for growth promotion purposes a top priority for global livestock and poultry producers. Brazil banned the use of three antibiotics (tylosin, tiamulin and lincomycin) as growth promoters in 2020, aligning with OIE, FAO and WHO-supported policies.

Patented Natural Alternatives to AGPs

As demand for alternatives to AGPs increases, we are continuing to invest in next-generation technology that provides natural mineral-based feed additives for gut health and production efficiency. Last year, Amlan, which is the animal health business of Oil-Dri Corporation of America, a leading global manufacturer and marketer of sorbent minerals, announced that EU and US patents were issued in relation to formulation of the additives, Varium® for poultry and NeoPrime® for swine. A similar patent was issued in China in 2018 and additional patents are expected to be granted in the near future.

The patents provide a methodology for using a natural, mineral-based formula to mitigate the effects of exposure to pathogenic bacteria and the disease-causing toxins they produce, which damage gut health and function.

Amlan’s Leadership Team Expands

Our investment in intestinal health products strengthened last year with the appointment of Fred Kao to the newly created role of Vice President of Global Sales. Mr. Kao brings 20 years of expertise in building strong relationships with key integrators in the animal protein business around the globe, including Europe, Middle East, African and Asia Pacific regions.

Mr. Kao is working to build the sales and technical service team to offer more specialized and expert support to our customers. To support this goal, we recently welcomed the following people to our team:

  • Heath Wessels, Director of Sales, North America
  • Harold Zhou, Director of Sales, China
  • Dr. Kreangkrai “Pong” Sangthongdang, Country Manager, Thailand
  • Ricardo Ivanovski, Technical Service Specialist, Brazil
  • Julio Aguila, Regional Key Account Manager, Mexico
  • Andres Soto, Regional Key Account Manager, Mexico
  • Sissi Fang, Sr. Marketing Specialist, China
  • Summer Xiao, Logistic Assistant, China
  • Wang Huarui, Area Sales Manager, North China
  • Teng Yingyun, Area Sales Manager, South China

New Natural Health Solutions for Poultry and Livestock

Our scientists are experts in developing advanced mineral-based technology using our owned, unique mineral and proprietary thermal activation process. This year we will continue to develop natural, efficacious feed additives for protein producing animal disease management, and we are excited to announce that two new products will soon be commercially available in select countries.

While 2020 was certainly a difficult year in many ways, everyone at Amlan is dedicated to helping poultry and livestock producers reduce their production challenges. By investing in state-of-the-art technology and developing next-generation mineral-based products and services, we are providing producers with innovative solutions to improve the health and production efficiency of their flock or herd. To learn more, visit https://amlan.com/products/

ABF Poultry Production Best Practice Series: Water Quality

December 28, 2020
Chicken poultry antibiotic free steps Amlan International

In poultry production, water is considered the most important nutrient by far, yet water quality is often overlooked. Broilers typically consume at least 1.5 pounds more water than they eat in feed, so it’s important to have water that is low in microbial contamination with acceptable mineral levels. Monitoring water quality is particularly important in antibiotic-free (ABF) production systems to keep birds as healthy and profitable as possible. Here, we take a closer look at what our industry experts consider water quality best practices for ABF poultry producers, as part of our series on strategies for producing antibiotic-free poultry.

Testing Water Quality

Samples should be collected regularly to assess water quality, as the status can often change. Our industry experts recommend testing water at least annually to determine if is safe for birds to drink and if there are any issues that need correcting. Water quality should be assessed regardless of the source (i.e., municipal, well, pond), as even city water could have issues that can affect bird performance. Both the microbial contamination (e.g., E. coli) and mineral content (e.g., iron and sodium) of the water sample should be tested.

Microbial Contamination

Water can be a vector for bacteria and other pathogens, leading to significant health issues and production losses. A poultry house water line provides ideal growing conditions for pathogens as the water is often nutrient rich and in a warm environment. The risk of microbial contamination can also increase if flood water enters ponds or wells. Wild geese and ducks could also be a source of pathogens, if the water supply is from surface water (a pond).

Microbial contamination can lead to the formation of biofilm (slime) on the surface. Biofilm is an aggregate of microorganisms connected by an extracellular matrix that is attached to a surface (e.g., pipes and storage containers). As well as a health issue, biofilm can also block nipples and reduce water flow.

Mineral Composition

Excessive mineral content, particularly sodium and iron, can be an issue with some water sources. Too much sodium can cause flushing in the birds and iron can form deposits and clog the water lines. Hardness of the water (calcium and magnesium concentration) can also cause scale to build up in the lines and cause issues such as leaking nipples. Water leaking onto the litter can create further problems such as increased ammonia production.

If minerals levels are high, nutritionists may be able to formulate for mineral imbalances. However, this is usually more expensive than treating the water, particularly for large production companies where producing a specialty diet for a single location is not economically feasible. Sand filters could be used to remove some of the iron, however reverse osmosis or a larger filtration system may be needed for removing other minerals.

Cleaning Water Lines

Water lines should be flushed regularly, particularly after using water-based supplements. The lines should also be thoroughly cleaned between flocks to remove biofilm and scale buildup. Typically, hydrogen peroxide or chlorine-based products are used. The selected products should be appropriate for the application and the manufacturer’s directions followed to ensure adequate cleaning and to prevent damage to the water lines. After cleaning, the lines should be flushed well. Water storage tanks should also be cleaned regularly to prevent mold and other pathogens growing in them.

Water Consumption

Water consumption should be monitored carefully as the amount of water consumed directly affects weight gain and feed conversion. If water intake decreases, feed intake also decreases, and productivity declines.  A decrease in water consumption may indicate an issue with water quality.

Other Water Usage

Availability of good quality water is also important for non-drinking purposes, such as cool cells used for evaporative cooling. The water lines supplying the cooling cells need to be clear and flow fully to allow the cells to work correctly. Evaporative cooling is addressed further in our next post on best practices for ventilation in ABF poultry houses.

Protect Birds From Pathogens and Biotoxins

To defend against waterborne pathogens, birds need a healthy intestinal environment that can mount an effective immune response and prevent pathogens and their biotoxins entering the circulatory system, causing disease. As well as health issues, pathogens can also cause morphological changes to the intestinal lining, decreasing the surface area available for nutrient absorption. Fortunately, natural alternatives to AGP are available to support a competent immune system, maintain intestinal integrity and promote performance.

Using high-quality water in poultry production systems is essential to keep equipment running smoothly and maintain bird health and performance. Amlan is dedicated to developing next-generation technology to help poultry producers keep birds healthy and maintain productivity for life. Download a helpful, printable guide that summarizes the above best practices here and keep checking our Education Center for other posts on our ABF production best practices series.

Richard M. Jaffee Center for Applied Microbiology: Next-Gen Technology Driving Progress in Livestock Production

November 2, 2020
Laboratório central de Richard M. Jaffee.

Products that prevent pathogenic bacteria from communicating with each other? This is just one of the next‑generation technologies that scientists are developing at Amlan International’s innovative new and improved Richard M. Jaffee Center for Applied Microbiology. 

Amlan’s commitment to microbiology research began when their original laboratory opened in 2017 and further strengthened with the expansion of the Richard M. Jaffee Center for Applied Microbiology in October 2019. The new center provides the company with a cutting‑edge facility to accelerate novel animal health and life sciences research. With state-of-the-art equipment, the R&D team can isolate and cultivate both beneficial and pathogenic bacteria and investigate the antimicrobial effects of Amlan’s next‑generation, natural products.

The new lab is a certified Biosafety Level 2 laboratory, equipped with the technical and diagnostic resources of a traditional microbiology lab, as well as molecular biology, immunology and cell biology capabilities. It’s located near the company’s original R&D center, the Nick Jaffee Center for Innovation in Vernon Hills, Illinois. The 6,000-square-foot facility houses the life sciences team and a high‑tech laboratory space.

Novel Approach to No-Antibiotics-Ever Production

By developing innovative animal health solutions for Amlan’s customers, the research team is simultaneously tackling the global issue of antibiotic resistance. The scientists are using an antivirulence approach to control enteric disease in livestock by developing products that can modify pathogen behavior, making them less virulent (friendlier). This antivirulence approach can improve the production and health of flocks or herds while reducing the tendency to select for resistant or mutant bacteria that is seen with the use of conventional antibiotics.  

“The new lab allows our life science research team to access a wide variety of state-of-the-art equipment, such as real-time PCR, an anaerobic chamber and florescent microscopy,” says Dr. Hongyu Xue, Life Sciences Director at Amlan. “We are trying to disarm the microbial pathogens by targeting their virulence factors in this facility.”

The life sciences team can also analyze the synergistic capabilities of the company’s proprietary enterosorbent mineral formulated with other feed additives, leading to the development of new products that can provide even greater returns on investment for poultry and livestock producers.

By incorporating best production practices, natural feed additive programs and pioneering innovation that targets virulence factors, producers should be able to reduce inputs in animal diets, enhance intestinal health of food animals and improve production efficiency for the entire industry.

“This new lab enables us to bring new ideas and products to the marketplace like never before,” says Flemming Mahs, President, Amlan International. “Science and research are the foundation of our discovery process to improve animal performance by protecting their intestinal health.”

Stay tuned for more information about the innovative research conducted inside the Richard M. Jaffee Center for Applied Microbiology.

Safeguard Livestock Health and Productivity with On-Site Mycotoxin Diagnostics and Product Dosing Guide

August 28, 2020
BioInsights Pig Graphic

Mycotoxins are a natural product of fungal metabolism. However, when they end up in livestock feed, they are of critical concern for producers worldwide because of their detrimental impact on health and productivity: they can reduce feed intake and efficiency, decrease weight gain, damage internal organs such as the liver and kidneys and increase mortality.1

Despite several mycotoxin binder products in the market, mycotoxins continue to be a problem; a 2013 global mycotoxin survey revealed that 81% of grain and feed samples analyzed contained at least one mycotoxin.2

Previously, the only way to determine if feed was contaminated with mycotoxins was to send samples to outside laboratories for analysis. With BioInsights Mycotoxin Diagnostic Services, producers can test feed ingredients on-site and accurately identify mycotoxins in minutes.  As a result, producers can eliminate the cost and delay of sending samples to outside laboratories for testing and optimally dose Amlan International’s biotoxin control product, Calibrin-Z.

Using its extensive mineral chemistry experience, expertise in animal science and state-of-the-art microbiology lab, coupled with a partnership with a diagnostic leader in the industry, Amlan International has developed this program to help its partners raise animals safely and efficiently by providing biological insights to prevent production losses.

Minimize production losses with timely mycotoxin diagnostic results

To bring producers the first diagnostic system for fast and accurate on-site mycotoxin detection, Amlan International partnered with Envirologix, the world’s most trusted name for quantitative GMO testing at the point of grain delivery. 

Using a standard PC computer platform, the Envirologix QuickScan II system works with mycotoxin test kits to provide rapid, accurate quantitative results. In under 10 minutes, the system extracts, incubates and identifies mycotoxins in feed. Producers can then use Amlan International’s dose calculator to determine the optimal dose of adsorbents, such as Calibrin®-Z, to protect their animals.

The dangers of multiple mycotoxins in poultry feed

In many cases, feed may be contaminated with multiple mycotoxins. Together, they can have a synergistic, or additive effect, meaning the negative effects of one mycotoxin are amplified by the interaction with another, making their combined effect greater than the sum of their individual effects. Producers are encouraged to consider the total toxin load when dosing mycotoxin adsorbents.

References

  1. Filazi A, Yurdakok-Dikmen B, Kuzukiran O, Sireli UT. Mycotoxins in Poultry 2017; DOI: 10.5772/66302. Available at https://www.intechopen.com/books/poultry-science/mycotoxins-in-poultry. Accessed August 6, 2020.
  2. Murugesan GR, Ledoux DR, Naehrer K, et al. Prevalence and effects of mycotoxins on poultry health and performance, and recent development in mycotoxin counteracting strategies. Poult Sci 2015;94(6):1298-1315.

“We are polluting the environment with resistant genes”

August 17, 2018
Dr. Margie Lee

“We are polluting the environment with resistant genes”

Source: AllAboutFeed.net, 17 Aug 2018

By: Emmy Koeleman, Editor: All About Feed & Dairy Global

Antimicrobial resistance is not new, but actually a very old phenomenon. But we see the amount of resistant bacteria genes in the soil increasing, which is more worrisome than antibiotics use on its own.

This is according to microbiologist Dr Margie Lee, professor and head of the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology in the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech in the US. Dr Lee presented her insights on antimicrobial resistance at the first-annual summer international poultry symposium, organised by Amlan International (Aug 2-3 in Chicago, US).

Click Here to read the full story.

Natural Growth Promoter for Poultry Demonstrates 10:1 ROI, Better than Antibiotics Alone

January 17, 2017
Featured News Poultry Image

CHICAGO, IL—A recent study found that Varium™, the natural growth promoter for poultry from Amlan International, performed better than antibiotics alone, delivering significant reductions in mortality, and improvements in feed conversion and intestinal health, for a 10:1 return on investment.

“As the reduction or elimination of antibiotics in broiler production continues to expand worldwide, Varium is proving to be an effective way to enhance the growth-promoting abilities of antibiotics, or, when used in antibiotic-free production, to achieve bird performance equivalent to flocks receiving sub-therapeutic levels of antibiotics,” said Dr. Ron Cravens, President of Amlan International, a Nevada Corporation.

“We’re very pleased our customers’ broilers receiving Varium, experienced improved villi height and a reduction in crypt depth indicating improved intestinal integrity,” said Cravens. “It’s quite notable that an improved European Efficiency Index (EEI) score was also seen, increasing from 350 to 400 points.”

Compared to the control diet that included antibiotics, feeding Varium decreased mortality by 40%, from 6.93% to 4.18%, with improvements seen throughout the growout period, not just in young birds. Feed conversion improved 15 points, from 1.64 to 1.49, with the majority of the gains seen after day 7 and a greater response seen in female broilers.

Varium is a registered product in a variety of countries, including China and Mexico. For a full list of registered countries and a complete study of the results and more information on Varium, please visit Amlan.com. Varium is sold outside the U.S.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Reagan Culbertson
(312) 706-3256
reagan.culbertson@amlan.com

ABOUT AMLAN INTERNATIONAL

Oil-Dri Corporation of America (NYSE: ODC), a Delaware corporation and doing business as “Amlan International,” has grown its product offering across the intestinal health and AGP-alternative market, driven largely by the research conducted in its laboratory campus in Vernon Hills, IL. In 2013, the company’s global reach expanded with the establishment of its China subsidiary in Shenzhen. Further information on Amlan International is available at amlan.com.

 

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