Focus on feed at EuroTier 2012
New: Feed Gallery in Hall 17 Stand B02
Accounting for some 60 to 70 percent of animal production costs, feed plays an indisputably significant role in animal production. Among the range of inputs required for livestock production, quality feed is by far the single most important variable determining the success and profitability of milk, meat and egg production. European regulations require that feed should fulfill certain quality requirements which include full traceability and accurate labelling. Feed manufacturers must operate according to harmonised feed hygiene standards. This requires that good hygiene practices are carried out across all levels of agricultural production, starting from feed production at the farm level. The availability, quality and value for money of feedstuffs exert a major influence on the cost efficiency of animal husbandry, animal health, and the product quality of products of animal origin. Moreover the conversion of feed nutrients into animal products impacts considerably on the environment.
Feed Gallery at EuroTier 2012
Visitors to EuroTier 2012 will, for the first time, be able to see for themselves the variety and range of the raw materials used in the animal feed industry, located in a special focus area. The most important 600 feed ingredients listed in the EU feed law and the German positive list will be presented in a “Feed Gallery” where their quality and origin will be portrayed. In addition, selected current questions concerning feed security, feed quality and feed safety of raw materials will be examined in depth. A further segment of the focus area will demonstrate how the nutrient availability of raw materials can be improved by means of hydrothermal treatment to give improved animal performance, and how with the aid of data, information processing and processing technology, tailor made and customized feed rations and complete diets can be made from the broad ranging feed ingredients data base. The Feed Gallery Special will allow knowledgeable visitors to become acquainted with new and unusual feedstuffs, as well as to find answers to their own questions regarding the quality and suitability of certain feeds and feed ingredients.
Topic areas
The Feed Gallery are divided into three main topic areas:
1. Feed materials are listed according to their content.
2. Feed security and supply in Europe are presented along with strategies and feed alternatives
3. Processing of feed through hydrothermic treatment and fermentation is presented. It wil also be possible to see how feed rations and mixed feeds are produced from basic feed sources and ingredients
As the world’s foremost international trade show focused on animal production and nutrition, EuroTier 2012 warmly welcomes all practitioners to explore the world of feed, its nutritional value, efficiency and welfare and ecological impact, at the Feed Gallery Hall 17 stand 17.B02.
The Feed Gallery will focus on raw materials. Elsewhere at EuroTier additives and other feed issues are addressed through exhibitors in the feed area located in halls 14/15, 16 and 17. The following background information provides an insight into current topics within the area of feed additives.
Growth Enhancers
With the ban on antibiotic growth promoters for non-prophylactic uses in the EU, research focus has increasingly shifted towards the antimicrobial role of feed additives in keeping animals disease-free and healthy. Research has uncovered the prophylactic properties of micro-organisms and plant-derived compounds that improve the health status of animals. Some of these, such as probiotics, improve and strengthen the gut health of animals by encouraging the multiplication of beneficial micro-flora. Others, such as acidifiers and organic acids also improve gut health , thereby boosting animal performance.
Mycotoxin contamination of feedstuffs is an issue that can lead to infertility and poor performance, hence feedstuffs are treated with mycotoxin binders to combat this problem.
Environmental Quality
Besides aiding digestion in the gut and preserving the quality of feed raw materials, feed additives may also be used to assist in the manufacture and formulation of feed. Certain feed additives have also been proven to reduce the energy loss through methane emissions particularly in ruminants and pigs, which enhances environmental quality.
Stringent Testing
Overall, the correct feed additives are important for meeting the nutritional needs of animals and contribute directly to animal welfare. One thing is clear: quality feed additives lead to quality animal products. Regardless of their specific use, all feed additives and functional ingredients must undergo stringent tests and assessments according to EU feed regulations. Three criteria, namely the safety, quality and efficiency of the product must be fulfilled before it can be released into the market. The safety principle ensures that not only should EU-approved additives be safe for the animals' direct consumption, but also for those involved in handling them and ultimately, the end-consumers of the animal product.
Carbon footprint
Not only does feed add to the bulk of costs, it is also contributes to approximately 70% of the carbon footprint arising from meat production from monogastric animals such as poultry and pigs (FAO, 2009). This necessitates precise feed formulation that not only meets the nutritional needs of animals but also minimises the negative environmental impacts from animal production. There is therefore immense scope for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in animal production through improved feed efficiency and animal nutrition, a trend that will continue to drive the animal production sector in Europe and throughout the world for years to come.
Research driven
Research into animal nutrition and health is increasingly uncovering new applications for feed additives as well as potential areas for improved feed efficiency. As feedstuffs such as corn, soybean and fishmeal are produced from natural resources, livestock production that optimises the use of these raw materials while developing viable alternatives will continue to be key business drivers for feed enterprises. Mitigating the environmental impact of animal production should not be the sole responsibility of the feed industry alone. According to the European Feed Manufacturers' Federation (FEFAC), a holistic approach requires collaborations with partners of the feed industry in the upstream and downstream supply chain, including producers, traders and finance representatives. Responsible supply and sourcing of key feedstuffs worldwide is crucial to improving the long-term sustainability of livestock production as well as ensuring accountability and securing food safety along the entire supply chain.
Special showcase on farrowing welfare
Innovations combine welfare needs of sows and piglets with efficient production techniques
“Welfare” will be at the centre of attention in the BFL/DLG special “Wellness in farrowing units”. This will be an ideal opportunity to explore innovations in farrowing housing equipment. In addition to the latest developments in conventional housing, flooring and climate systems, farrowing units with various possibilities of free range for sows will also be presented.
Today the farrowing house needs to combine the welfare of sows and piglets with labour safety and cost efficiency issues and still meet consumer expectations on quality and price.
The special showcase in Hall 11 will demonstrate the achievements made in modern animal husbandry to meet these high demands. A floor area of 540 square meters will host various types of housing that allow sows more movement, as well as floor design, feeding equipment, climate control, as well as hygiene and health management of sows and piglets. Also, experts on sow and piglet husbandry will be available to assist visitors and promote the exchange of information.
In addition, the EuroTier Pig Forum, held in Hall 12, B57, has a daily programme which covers all aspects of pig husbandry, nutrition, health and hygiene plus the special sessions on “Wellness in the farrowing house”. These sessions are accompanied by simultaneous translation (German / English).
DLG introduces the Animal Welfare Information Center
Premiering at EuroTier 2012, the Animal Welfare Information Center widens the scope of animal production issues presented at the world's foremost event for the livestock farming industry. Positioned in Hall 26 right across the DLG stand, the center will feature two daily roundtable discussions that will present opposing views by opposing views of farmers and companies on animal welfare issues, and which will be chaired by professionals from the animal welfare sector. These sessions organised by the DLG aim to stimulate discussions as well as provide the most up-to-date information on welfare issues facing livestock enterprises. Optimising livestock production in order to optimize animal production. All sessions are in German. However, information presented on boards will be in English and English speaking experts are on hand. Within the centre, livestock exhibitors will be presenting their vision for the future. An information gallery will provide extensive information on the topic of animal welfare.
The Animal Welfare Information Center will be staffed by experts on animal welfare issues who will be on hand to answer any queries from visitors throughout EuroTier 2012. Visitors to the center are welcomed to participate in any of the roundtable discussions and pose questions on welfare issues to the staff on hand. The following topics will be presented at the roundtable
Tuesday 13 November:
11.30 am: Using and protecting animals: The future of livestock farming in Germany / Europe
2.00 pm Consumer demands versus producer realities: Animal welfare, environmental and consumer protection in practice
Wednesday 14 November
11.30 am Policy and production: Drivers of structural changes in livestock
2.00 pm Marketing and morality: Labelling requirements for animal welfare?
Thursday 15 November
11.30 am Health and legislation: the use of pharmaceuticals in animal husbandry
2.00 pm Volume and quality: Intensive animal husbandry
Friday 16 November
11.30 am Food for the world, welfare for the animal: Opportunities and issues
2.00 pm Prize-giving ceremony “activity materials and toys for pigs”
Background notes on animal welfare and EU
EU animal welfare legislation aims to protect the well-being of food producing animals by recognising first and foremost that animals are sentient beings. This stipulates that farm operators meet the minimum welfare requirements for their animals and ensure that any unnecessary pain or discomfort is avoided. The EU animal welfare strategy covers the protection of all farm animals kept for food as well as for skins, hide and wool and other purposes.
Largely driven by consumer interest in the handling of animals raised for food and other consumption and pleasure purposes, animal welfare is an issue that livestock enterprises cannot ignore in the long haul. Studies have also shown that animal welfare does not necessarily increase the cost of animal production as well maintained animals are more efficient and provide higher quality animal products. A topic that has garnered increasing interest in society today, animal welfare issues have repercussions on production practices that will continue to influence farming trends significantly.
Within the EU, measures introduced as early as the late-1990s have to be adopted by member states before a given deadline. As of 1 January 2012, conventional cages for layers have been phased out, based on a directive adopted in 1999. These have to be replaced by cage systems providing a minimum of 750 sq cm of area per hen and come with nests and perching spaces. To avoid the similar overcrowding of broilers, a maximum stocking density of 33kg per sq metre was implemented in June 2010. Calves after eight weeks of age must be released from confined areas in all cattle holdings, be untethered, and receive rations containing sufficient iron and fiber content. The directive for swine includes measures to improve the quality of flooring, living spaces and access to feed and water. In addition to the living conditions and nutritional requirements of farm animals, welfare regulations are also imposed on their transport and slaughter.
Source: eurotier.com
