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

January 11, 2021 amlan_admin2

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 amlan_admin2

Left side of a chicken's head with infographic.

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.

Varium^®: An Effective Alternative to AGPs for Poultry Immunity and Intestinal Integrity

December 4, 2020 amlan_admin2

Computer-generated illustration of intestinal bacterial activity in poultry.

Protecting gut health, maximizing feed efficiency and increasing growth rates in poultry has traditionally been achieved with antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs). But with the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and consumer demand for antibiotic-free (ABF) protein, the worldwide poultry industry is migrating toward ABF production systems. Poultry producers today need viable, profitable and natural alternatives to AGPs that can help maintain gut health, support efficient feed use and promote growth.

Varium^® is a natural performance additive that enhances multiple aspects of the intestinal environment, creating production results consistent with those observed with AGP use. In the intestinal lumen, Varium reduces levels of pathogenic bacteria and their toxins, protecting the intestinal lining from attack. Varium also acts an enterocyte energy source, fostering healthy and strong enterocytes that can better absorb nutrients and support growth. Additionally, Varium stimulates the innate immune system to help birds naturally defend against pathogens. Continue reading to view the research demonstrating the beneficial effects Varium has on poultry immunity and intestinal integrity.

Improved Immune Competence

Birds with a healthy gut have a competent immune system that responds appropriately and is less susceptible to disease-causing bacteria and viruses. In a study conducted with Salmonella-challenged broilers at Imunova Análises Biológicas (Curitiba, Brazil), Varium helped restore immune competence and ultimately favored the development of appropriate defenses against the pathogen. The improved immune competence was demonstrated by the apparent prevention of cytotoxic T cell terminal activation (CD8⁺CD28^– phenotype) which, when it occurs in large numbers, can render the immune system less responsive and competent in fighting against pathogen infections. Varium also restored major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) expression, essential for the stimulation of an antigen‑specific immune response, and increased monocyte phagocytic activity compared to the Salmonella-challenged control group. For further details of this study, contact Amlan (info@amlan.com).

Responsive to Immune System Stimuli

The ability of the immune system to prevent pathogens from establishing a successful infection is vital to keeping birds healthy and productive. The immune response to various stimuli was assessed in two Varium field trials by measuring the antibody titer from two common vaccines and assessing the prevalence of bacteria in the small intestines and digesta.

In a field trial conducted at a commercial farm in Vietnam, broilers were fed a basal diet and coccidiostat with either enramycin (at the manufacturer’s recommended dose) or Varium (0.1%) for the first 28 days. From day 29 to the end of study (either day 35 or 42), the control broilers were fed the basal diet only and the Varium group was fed the basal diet plus Varium (0.1%). Sub-samples from randomly selected birds were obtained and the data analyzed at Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City.

In this trial, the infectious bronchiolitis virus (IBV) antibody titer of Varium-fed broilers was significantly increased on day 15 (P < 0.05 vs. antibiotic-fed control) and similar on day 35 to the antibiotic-fed control. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) titers were also similar on days 15 and 35 in the control and Varium groups. Antibody titers indicate the strength of the acquired immune response to vaccination. These results show that Varium can stimulate an antibody production response to vaccination that is the same as or better than broilers fed AGPs.

In another trial conducted at a university in Pakistan, broilers were fed either an AGP (zinc bacitracin, 0.01%) or Varium (0.10%) for 35 days. Varium fed birds had a higher (P < 0.05) concentration of the beneficial bacteria Lactobacilli and a lower concentration of the pathogenic bacteria Salmonella in the small intestine and digesta. This demonstrates that Varium in the diet was able to maintain a healthier intestinal microbiota. The antibody titer for NDV was also greater for Varium-fed broilers than control birds (Figure 1).

Figure 1: The Newcastle disease virus (NDV) antibody titer (by hemagglutination inhibition assay) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Varium-fed broilers than AGP-fed broilers on day 20 (14 days after first vaccination [intraocular and subcutaneous]) and day 35 (14 days after second vaccination [oral booster]). Different letters indicate significant differences (P < 0.05) between groups within day.

Improved Intestinal Integrity

Along with immune competence, the structure and functional integrity of the intestine is also key to reducing the risk of infection. A healthy intestinal tract and competent immune system improve the ability of the bird to block the invasion of pathogens into intestinal epithelial cells and the circulatory system.

In the Imunova Análises Biológicas study, use of a fluorescent marker demonstrated that on days 4 and 8, the increased intestinal permeability observed in the Salmonella-challenged control was mitigated with the addition of Varium to the diet (Figure 2). The reduced permeability confirmed that Varium helped maintain the structural and functional integrity of the intestinal barrier. Varium also effectively reduced excessive migration and infiltration of lymphocytes into the cecal wall, which helped dampen the inflammatory damage and improved intestinal integrity seen in Varium-treated broilers.

Figure 2: Intestinal integrity as measured by the passage of a marker. Salmonella infection resulted in increased passage of a marker from the intestine to blood on days 4 and 8 following bacterial challenge, indicating impaired mucosal integrity. Compared to the Salmonella-infected control, Varium effectively mitigated increased intestinal permeability on days 4 and 8 (P < 0.05 vs. infected control). Different letters indicate significant differences (P < 0.05) between groups within day.

Necrotic Enteritis Scores

The reduction in AGP use has triggered an increase in the occurrence of necrotic enteritis in poultry flocks. Necrotic enteritis is caused by Clostridium perfringens and can cause significant production losses. In the trials conducted in Pakistan and Vietnam, the intestinal lesion score was not different between the Varium and antibiotic-fed groups, indicating that Varium was able to reduce the occurrence of necrotic enteritis to the same extent as the AGP.

Figure 3: Necrotic enteritis lesion score (Day 35) was numerically lower in broilers fed Varium versus broilers fed AGPs.

Varium: Feed Efficiency for Poultry

These trials demonstrated that replacing AGPs in broiler diets with Varium can maintain the immune response and intestinal integrity observed with AGP use and can also potentially improve them. Varium also helped restore the immune response in pathogen-challenged broilers. The direct benefits of the immunity and intestinal integrity results in the field trials was confirmed with growth performance being similar or better than broilers fed AGP. For more information on how Varium improves productivity visit, amlan.com/varium.

An Antivirulence Approach to Controlling Bacteria: AGP Alternatives in Development at the Richard M. Jaffee Center for Applied Microbiology

November 23, 2020 amlan_admin2

The rise of multi-drug-resistant and mutant bacteria, which don’t respond to antibiotic treatment, is a concerning trend across the world. With the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) restricted in an increasing number of countries, livestock and poultry industries are looking for antibiotic-free alternatives that keep animals and birds healthy and productive. Amlan International’s Richard M. Jaffee Center for Applied Microbiology is developing industry-leading technology that helps livestock and poultry producers achieve peak antibiotic-free-performance.

Discovering new methods to combat the prevalence of resistant and mutant pathogens is just one of the topics scientists at the Richard M. Jaffee Center for Applied Microbiology are investigating. The research team at Amlan’s new state-of-the-art lab are using an antivirulence approach to control pathogens, which has also been a research focus for developing new antimicrobial drugs for humans.

Novel Alternative to Antibiotics

Unlike conventional antibiotics, antivirulence approach targets bacterial virulence factors and is aimed at disarming pathogens and modifying their behaviors by making them less harmful (less virulent) to the host. The likelihood for multi-drug-resistant and mutant bacteria is much less using this approach.

There are many options for controlling pathogens using an antivirulence approach. These antivirulence targets include:

Toxins
Secretion systems
Quorum sensing
Host-pathogen signaling
Adhesins
Biofilm formation
Siderophores
Immune evasion

Previous research at Amlan International showed exciting promise in the quorum sensing area. The Richard M. Jaffee Center for Applied Microbiology continues to conduct quorum sensing research as one component of the overall antivirulence approach to improving livestock and poultry health and production.

Bacteria Can Communicate

Quorum sensing is a communication system between bacterial cells that allows bacteria to regulate their activity in response to stimuli. This communication system involves bacteria releasing biochemicals into the environment which accumulate in the surrounding area until reaching a critical threshold concentration¹. The biochemicals then bind to receptors on the bacteria, signaling gene expression.

Quorum sensing can control many functions in bacteria² including:

Bacterial population
Virulent gene expression
Bioluminescence
Pigment generation
Bacterial swarming
Biofilm formation

Quorum Quenching Silences Bacteria

Quorum quenching is an approach which can disrupt the quorum sensing system of pathogenic bacteria, preventing cell-to-cell communication and the expression of virulence genes that could lead to their infection in the host. Quorum quenching products should reduce the chance of antibiotic resistance, since they are modifying bacteria behavior rather than killing them.

Calibrin^®-Z Disrupts Quorum Sensing

Evidence of quorum quenching by Amlan’s Calibrin^®‑Z biotoxin control product was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. The research team at the Richard M. Jaffee Center for Applied Microbiology are continuing to build on these positive results and further quorum sensing research.

The previous study illustrated that in vitro, quorum sensing molecules can be separated out by adsorption or catalytically broken down into small fragments by Calibrin-Z. By reducing the concentration of quorum sensing biochemicals, the products can potentially disrupt the ability of pathogenic bacteria to produce toxins or reduce their virulence, since these functions are controlled through quorum sensing.

Additionally, due to their stronger acidity, greater pore volume and greater surface area, in the same study Calibrin-Z performed better then silica, illite and kaolinite as catalysts/adsorbents in quorum sensing molecule removal.

When incubated with Vibrio harveyi, a bacterium that exhibits bioluminescence controlled via quorum signaling, Calibrin-Z reduced bacterial luminescence by 55% (from the area under the curve; Figure 1). While this demonstrated that interference in quorum sensing occurred, the bacterial numbers were not impacted, indicating the reduction in bioluminescence was achieved through quorum quenching and not by killing bacteria.

Figure 1: Bacterial luminescence from a Vibrio harveyi culture treated with different concentrations of Calibrin-Z. Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) was used as a non-luminescent negative control. At 10 mg/mL, Calibrin-Z reduced bacterial luminescence by 55% (area under the curve).

Quorum sensing is just one of the virulence factors being investigated by the research team at the Richard M. Jaffee Center for Applied Microbiology. Similarly, the antivirulence approach is just one of the next-gen technologies that is being developed in the lab to maximize livestock and poultry producer’s profits by improving the health and productivity of their flock or herd.

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

References

Naik, S.P., Scholin, J., Ching, S., Chi, F. and Herpfer, M. (2018). Quorum Sensing Disruption in Vibrio harveyi Bacteria by Clay Materials. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 66 (1), 40-44. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b03918
Williams, P. (2007) Quorum Sensing, Communication and Cross Kingdom Signalling in the Bacterial World. Microbiology, 153 (12), 3923−3938. DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.2007/012856-0

Manufacturing Safe Feed for Livestock and Poultry

November 19, 2020 amlan_admin2

5 tips to reduce feed contamination text graphic.

Maintaining high-quality standards during livestock and poultry feed manufacturing is not only important to protect the health of the herd or flock, but as the end consumer, the health of people as well. The productivity of livestock and poultry can also be reduced if feed is not manufactured or stored correctly and becomes contaminated with pathogens, biotoxins or chemical residues.

Feed Manufacturing Guidelines

In many countries, feed production has strict compliance guidelines that cover manufacturing as well as workplace safety, environmental, transportation and trade regulations. The feed production regulations provide guidance on various issues including feeding animal protein to animals, the use of antibiotics in feed for non-medicative purposes and feed manufacturing standards. For countries without feed production regulations, the FAO Global Feed Safety Platform provides many useful resources on how to manufacture safe and sustainable feed.

Best Practices for Safe Feed

Having trained and competent personnel is one of the first steps in ensuring feed is manufactured safely and correctly. Training programs should include continuing education opportunities that also keep up to date with the latest recommendations and regulations for feed manufacturing. Some training programs are available online, such as those offered by the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA). Examples of the topics included in the NGFA training modules include manufacturing processes, pelleting, feed sampling and shipping.

Safe feed starts with the raw ingredients, so these should be purchased from reputable suppliers that have proven safety and quality records. Each load of ingredients should be inspected for integrity, quality and evidence of contaminants. During processing, quality control checks should be in place to ensure a consistent and safe final product. This includes analyzing mixed feed for the correct concentrations of nutrients (particularly minerals) and screening for toxins. Equipment used in the mill should also be checked to ensure it’s working correctly. The finished feed should be stored in an area the prevents contamination and lessens the risk of deterioration. Collecting feed samples (from raw and finished products) and retaining them short-term can help with traceability if there is an issue with the feed.

Feed Contamination Issues

If feed is not handled, stored and transported correctly, any pathogens in the feed could be passed onto livestock and poultry (and people in some cases). Pelleted feed that has undergone heat treatment with steam can reduce some of the bacterial load, but heat treatment does not make the feed sterile.

Common pathogens and diseases that can be transmitted through feed include:

E. coli O157:H7
Salmonella
Listeria
Campylobacter
Mycotoxins (toxins from fungi)

Mycotoxin Issues and Solutions

If environmental conditions are favorable, mycotoxins can contaminate feed either before harvest or during processing and storage. Mycotoxins are produced by a variety of fungi species, all of which proliferate under different ambient temperature and moisture or humidity conditions.

Raw ingredients and finished feed can be tested to determine if it is contaminated with mycotoxins and at what concentration. BioInsights Mycotoxin Diagnostic Services, offered by Amlan International, can test feed on-site and provide an accurate quantitative result within 10 minutes. If the test identifies mycotoxins in the feed, Amlan International’s dose calculator can be used to determine the optimal dose of adsorbents, such as Calibrin^®-Z, to use in the feed.

Manufacturing safe feed is not only important for the health of livestock and poultry but also productivity. There are many procedures that can be employed to reduce the risk of feed contamination during manufacture. However, if contamination does occur, using products like Calibrin-Z can help reduce the effects of biotoxins on the health and productivity of livestock and poultry. Calibrin-Z can also be used prophylactically to help defend the flock or herd from disease outbreaks.

Claims-Based Meat Sales Persevere Through COVID-19

November 10, 2020 amlan_admin2

Woman grocery shopping and choosing fresh poultry in supermarket.

In the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, across the world, consumers stampeded to the grocery shelves, prompting weeks of unprecedented sales of groceries as they stocked up on all kinds of essentials, including meat. But the pandemic also changed their perspective about what groceries were “clean” and healthy for their families.

Consumers are buying more “natural” products

Consumers have changed purchase patterns since the pandemic took hold, from fewer trips to the store and larger basket purchases to purchasing fresh produce that is prepackaged. Consumers are also taking the time to search out products with “clean” label claims such as “all natural,” a trend which is increasing, reports Food Business News.

In a survey performed by Kerry, a taste and nutrition company, food safety was a priority for consumers in the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa regions. Brian Nevin, vice president of food protection at Kerry, said that consumers are searching for meat with “free from” claims on product labels, as well as fewer artificial ingredients such as meat preservatives.

In the United States, claims-based meat availability was inconsistent in the early months of COVID-19, which affected purchase ability. However, sales in this category, which includes organic, grass-fed and antibiotic-related claims, reported unprecedented growth rates, reports Watt Ag News. Specifically, claims-based meat and poultry sales increased 31.9% in dollars from March through July 2020.

Consumers drive future antibiotic-free poultry production

As people around the world return to the familiar amid COVID-19, many of these “clean label” trends in consumption and shopping patterns are likely to continue, global experts say. For example, poultry production in Southeast Asia is rapidly growing due to an increased demand for animal protein. As protein demand increases, additional questions surrounding antibiotic use for curative and preventative applications in livestock production systems have come to light.

Varium^® Supports Claims-Based Meat Production

As claims-based meat production continues to hold extra value for consumers, poultry producers will need strategies to maintain flock health while meeting consumer demand for antibiotic-free meat. As an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters (AGP), Varium^® a patented natural, mineral-based performance additive from Amlan International, can improve performance through reduced mortality and increased feed efficiency.

Incorporating Varium into poultry production systems can support broilers’ immune systems to improve their natural defense against pathogens. By approaching ways to reduce the necessity of antibiotics in the food production system, integrators have a greater impact on the economic health of their flocks and operations.

As the demand for claims-based poultry meat grows in the months ahead, Varium can help producers maintain a global protein supply for consumers worldwide.

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

November 2, 2020 amlan_admin2

Richard M. Jaffee Center for Applied Microbiology Laboratory | Amlan International

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.

Amlan Highlights No Antibiotics Ever Strategy In “Innovation Nation” Episode

October 15, 2020 amlan_admin2

Terrence O'Keefe, content director at WATT Global Media | Amlan International

Many consumers worldwide believe moving to a no antibiotics ever program is a responsible way to safeguard food production and meet food security goals around the world.

To meet this growing segment of consumer demand, many poultry producers have begun looking for the right products to help shift their flocks to a no antibiotics ever program without health and production setbacks.

It was also one of the important themes discussed in the episode of “Built in America: INNOVATION NATION” on the Fox Business Network on August 30, 2020, that featured Amlan International. During that episode, viewers saw the mountains of research Amlan does to find these new mineral and animal health solutions for livestock producers.

Terrence O’Keefe, content director at WATT Global Media, was featured on the episode to share how this trend is being achieved at the farm level. The media company has provided extensive coverage on this topic to communicate the changes that consumers are starting to ask of the global livestock industry.

“One of the approaches of no antibiotics ever production that has shown some success for a lot of companies is using a combination of additives in the diet,” O’Keefe says. “It could be enzymes to allow the bird to more thoroughly digest the ration; it could include also a prebiotic or a probiotic.”

A prebiotic is a compound that helps feed the good bacteria and then you seed the bird with good bacteria by giving them the probiotic, O’Keefe says.

“Not all products are the same, so it’s important that producers test them,” he adds. “They are all safe, but how effective that mixture is going to be depends on the individual complex.”

It’s About Balanced Nutrition

Finding the right mixture of products is a challenge that takes a lot of time, money and research. Working with a team of animal health experts and nutritionists is key.

“There are many positive strategies out there to achieve less use of antibiotics in poultry production. We see this a growing segment for Amlan and one where we can provide leadership to help producers make changes in their operation that positively improve their operations and the health of their flocks,” says Flemming Mahs, President of Amlan International. “Producers tell us that they have seen positive results in challenge reduction and improved feed efficiency with these strategies.”

It’s also one of the reasons Amlan has invested considerable time and resources to create Varium^®, a performance feed additive helping producers achieve healthier poultry production without the use of antibiotics. While it is not a pre- or probiotic, Varium is a natural product that works to improve feed efficiency, leading to healthier flocks and can improve producer profits.

Watch the full episode to understand how Varium improves the animal’s gut health.

The TV episode also includes perspective from Dr. Glauber Sartori Maier, an animal nutritionist for Coasul, an agricultural cooperative with 9,000 associates in 28 cities in the southern part of Brazil. Coasul has standardized on Varium for more than a year in their poultry feeding regimen when they moved to antibiotic-free production. They were recently ranked #1 in feed efficiency by the top-rated company that provides accurate comparative user data to the livestock industry.

Click here to learn more about the changes they experienced after the transition.

For more information about the no antibiotics ever trend in poultry and strategies from Amlan to make the transition, explore this section of the Amlan International Education Center.

Brazilian Cooperative featured in “Innovation Nation” Episode

October 9, 2020 amlan_admin2

In educating consumers about the value and uses for natural mineral additives, Amlan is also focusing on ways to support integrators who are moving to antibiotic-free (ABF) production to meet consumer and regulatory demands.

In the August 30, 2020, episode of “Built in America: INNOVATION NATION” on the Fox Business Network, millions of viewers in the U.S. went behind the scenes at Amlan International to learn about the company’s extensive research into minerals and animal health. Through this research, Amlan’s patented products and mineral technologies aim to solve many problems in the livestock industry and more.

“We were incredibly honored to host the show and share how our products are part of the very diverse food supply chain to the public,” says Flemming L. Mahs, President of Amlan International. “We are proud of our extensive R&D team and are committed to creating a safe, nutritious food system.”

The show interviewed Amlan employees, industry leaders and walked through the many research laboratories at the Richard M. Jaffee Center for Applied Microbiology to understand what goes into their animal health product research. Watch the episode here.

In the episode, Dr. Glauber Sartori Maier, Animal Nutritionist for Coasul Cooperativa Agroindustrial, an agricultural cooperative with 9,000 associates in 28 cities in the southern part of Brazil, shared his company’s experiences incorporating Varium^® as they moved to antibiotic-free poultry production.

Dr. Maier emphasizes the urgency of adopting innovative technology to produce enough quality food, at acceptable prices, for a growing world population. He says that Coasul exports nearly 30 million birds per year, which is about 60 percent of their total annual production. The company made adjustments to its production practices to accommodate global market demand for poultry raised without antibiotics.

“I have no doubt that antibiotic-free production will continue to grow in the world. It’s much easier to grow birds without the use of antibiotics to promote growth than producers realize,” Maier says.

When moving to ABF, Maier says it is important to make sure every other aspect of production is on point. Here are three areas that changed for Coasul:

Gut health is the key starting point. Improving feed conversion and production efficiency allowed birds to grow to the same weight with less feed.
Drier litter is also a result of improving gut health. Drier litter in chicken houses improves the health and quality of chicken feet, which is a very profitable, high-demand product in China.
Healthy birds are calmer. In general, healthier animals are less likely to peck or scratch other birds, which helps ensure the highest standards of meat quality and skin.

“Many producers are afraid to stop using antibiotics because they believe the performance of the animals will decline and it will result in spending more money to produce the same quantity of meat. In our case, the results are better using Varium, and our costs are lower,” Maier says.

For more information about transitioning to AFP in poultry, read these other blogs from Amlan International:

Strategies for Producing Antibiotic-Free Poultry
Efficiently Raising Antibiotic-Free Broilers
Natural Growth Promoter for Poultry Demonstrates 10:1 ROI, Better Than Antibiotics Alone

Strategies for Producing Antibiotic-Free Poultry

October 8, 2020 amlan_admin2

As producing poultry meat that can be labelled antibiotic free (ABF) or No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) becomes more common and desirable, poultry producers are looking for ways to mitigate major poultry diseases in a safe, sustainable and profitable way.

At Amlan, we consult with poultry producers around the world. Those who are transitioning to ABF production are concerned about whether their breeder and grow-out operations can remain competitive, profitable and free from performance-robbing intestinal diseases such as necrotic enteritis. To be successful, a whole-production-system approach that factors in housing management, water quality and biosecurity is needed to maintain bird performance while managing profit margins.

Improved health of broilers starts with the breeder and hatchery

Since breeders can transfer intestinal microbes and immunity to their progeny, companies that are transitioning to ABF production are paying close attention to ensuring intestinal health is adequate in breeders and that vaccination programs are effective. Effective management means watching cross-contamination from the breeder program to the broiler program, including ensuring the hatched eggs are clean and not creating cross-contamination issues by fogging and cleaning too much.

Good litter management is another housing practice to not only get chicks off to a good start, but also to reduce disease challenges. Management practices will vary depending on many factors. In general, cleaning out hatcheries once per year is a good practice. Litter amendments can be used to reduce ammonia and bacterial challenges in-between clean-outs. We also find that removal of caked/wet litter along with windrowing or composting litter is beneficial between flocks.

Improve house environment and biosecurity

Proper environmental conditions are the foundations of effective ABF poultry production and can help cut down on disease issues. Environmental stress due to heat, cold, or very dry or very humid air can affect feed intake and intestinal motility, causing reduced digestibility. We recommend that producers ensure optimum temperature, air velocity and relative humidity according to the age, phase of production and size of the birds.

A large-scale poultry producer with which we have discussed ABF practices emphasizes downtime between flocks, whether or not it’s an ABF system. This producer recommends 14 days of rest before putting another flock in. Then, effective flock management helps reduce stress and disease. Reducing the density of the flock gives the birds more room and greater air circulation, which results in less litter moisture — all leading to lowered challenge. Further, good house ventilation is key for ABF programs to maintain litter moisture below 30 percent, and to minimize condensation and caking.

The most efficient production facilities also focus on nutrient uptake management. While controlling intestinal diseases is important, focusing on nutrient absorption is equally important. Inadequate nutrient absorption contributes to the severity of many diseases. Appropriate feed digestibility is key to broilers’ overall health and can help control microbes and resultant diseases.

The best biosecurity practices include bio-exclusion — limiting visitors, vehicles and equipment that visit other poultry farms. Also, implement bio-containment practices, such as isolating the houses and controlling the entry of insects, rodents, and wild birds and other animals to the houses. These are some of the practices that can help prevent the introduction of new infections in flocks. In a future Amlan blog post, we will deliver more details on these practices.

Feed and water management

Nutritionists know that a balanced diet and sufficient water consumption are essential to improve digestibility. For best results, producers tend to use high-quality feed and minimize drastic changes to the feed program (changing from corn to wheat, for example) within a generation of broilers. Some poultry operations recommend feeding larger and coarser particle sizes (800 to 1,000-micron grind size) while avoiding powdery or fine-textured feeds results in better enzyme release in the gut.

We’ve found that it’s also important to formulate the feed on a digestible amino acid basis and reduce crude protein levels to prevent an overload of Clostridium in the lower gut and the incidence of necrotic enteritis. Producers should also consider supplementing feed with exogenous enzymes and, to further strengthen their effect, additives such as phytases and xylanases.

Other producers say that, if allowed, adding animal protein meal to the diet helps lower costs and reduce excess potassium. They also provide a good mineral source and promote a better amino acid balance. If you go that route, poultry by-product meal, feather meal and poultry fat are good feed ingredients.

Finally, good water quality and management is critical. Adding acidified copper sulfate and hydrogen peroxide to the drinking water during challenging times, such as during the necrotic window, is also recommended.

Maintaining gut health and minimizing intestinal disruptions are key

Preventing coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis are normally the main concerns during ABF production. Without antibiotics and even ionophores, it’s more of a challenge to keep these diseases under control.

At Amlan, we talk a lot about the important role that the gut flora plays in supporting disease management and enhancing the immune system. In addition to a balanced diet and good housing conditions as described earlier, feed additives and minerals can help maintain a healthy microflora in all gut regions.

Certain formulated feed additives are designed to use different and (ideally) synergistic modes of action to achieve desired responses. These products are typically tested by a team of specialists to determine the optimal formulation, so growers don’t have to experiment. They include prebiotics, probiotics, enzymes, organic acids, minerals and other additives that can be used successfully to manage gut health instead of AGPs. Formulated feed additives that combine the right ingredients to replace one or more other additives and help birds grow efficiently are just what today’s broiler producers need.

Varium^® is a patented feed additive used across the word in antibiotic-free poultry production to achieve similar outcomes as AGPs, often replacing one or more additional feed additives being used as alternatives to AGPs. Varium’s performance has been observed in multiple controlled studies and field trials and is helping commercial producers improve production efficiencies by improving feed conversion and weight gain and decreasing mortality.

It takes the right combination of best management practices to achieve a productive and profitable ABF poultry facility. We’re here to help provide you with the knowledge and technology to make a difference in your operation. Download a helpful, printable guide that summarizes the above best practices here, and check Amlan’s Education Center frequently for future posts on best production practices and natural feed additive programs that enhance intestinal health and improve efficiency in ABF poultry production.

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