In this edition we travel to Switzerland to see how consumers are boosting local demand, and to Brazil to a farm that is making the most of new opportunities. We set off to South Africa to visit a free-range farm where freedom and ample food mean healthy birds, and to Ukraine to look at some challenges facing the egg industry. We look at the importance of maintaining a good supply of water and learn about how researchers are working on a vaccine for red mite.
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Switzerland: Consumer preferences boost domestic production
Swiss consumers have a clear preference for eggs and poultry meat of Swiss origin and are willing to pay significantly more for local produce. In this article we look at the factors that have played a role in this preference, and how it has affected the layer and broiler sectors.
![Swiss consumers are inclined to support and protect their own farmers. Photo: Henk Riswick]( "Swiss consumers are inclined to support and protect their own farmers. Photo: Henk Riswick")
Swiss consumers are inclined to support and protect their own farmers. Photo: Henk Riswick
Brazilian farm evolving and adapting to new opportunities
We visit the Zegeren farm in Brazil. In the heart of the farm is a 24,000 bird parent stock facility which is surrounded by an orange plantation and a potted plant business. Now in its 3rd generation, the farm is always exploring new opportunities.
![Investment plans over recent years have been centred on the poultry branch. Photo: Fabian Brockotter.]( "Investment plans over recent years have been centred on the poultry branch. Photo: Fabian Brockotter.")
Investment plans over recent years have been centred on the poultry branch. Photo: Fabian Brockotter.
Optimal amino acids for broilers
Ajinomoto Animal Nutrition Europe has developed a customised amino-acid-based approach to tackle the dependency on soybean meal and nitrogen waste as well as foot pad dermatitis.
![Broilers fed diets low in protein only exhibit good technical performance when dietary amino acids are adequately supplied.]( "Broilers fed diets low in protein only exhibit good technical performance when dietary amino acids are adequately supplied.")
Broilers fed diets low in protein only exhibit good technical performance when dietary amino acids are adequately supplied.
Maintaining water quality is key
When raising broilers, we must not forget that the most crucial nutrient is water. Proper water management and quality control is necessary to ensure optimum flock performance.
![The drinking equipment installed and the number of units available to the birds will influence the consumption of water in a broiler house. Photo: Cobb]( "The drinking equipment installed and the number of units available to the birds will influence the consumption of water in a broiler house. Photo: Cobb")
The drinking equipment installed and the number of units available to the birds will influence the consumption of water in a broiler house. Photo: Cobb
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Major problems looming for Ukraine’s egg industry
With the possible bankruptcy of what was once the world’s second largest egg producer, the Ukranian egg industry, which was growing steadily, may be faced with some major problems.
![Avangard’s egg production saw a 46% drop in 2015 to 3.4 billion eggs. In 2018 the company produced just over 2.6 billion eggs. Photo: Vadim Uvazhny]( "Avangard’s egg production saw a 46% drop in 2015 to 3.4 billion eggs. In 2018 the company produced just over 2.6 billion eggs. Photo: Vadim Uvazhny")
Avangard’s egg production saw a 46% drop in 2015 to 3.4 billion eggs. In 2018 the company produced just over 2.6 billion eggs. Photo: Vadim Uvazhny
Developing a vaccine for red mite
The cost of red mite across Europe is estimated at €230 million in lost production each year. Research is underway in Scotland to develop a vaccine.
![Red mite can feed on up to 5% of a bird’s blood overnight. Photo: Van Assendelft]( "Red mite can feed on up to 5% of a bird’s blood overnight. Photo: Van Assendelft")
Red mite can feed on up to 5% of a bird’s blood overnight. Photo: Van Assendelft
Reducing the risk of Salmonella recontamination in feed
Salmonella cells may become dormant during certain phases of feed production only to be reactivated further down the process. There are several solutions that may reduce the risk.
![An increase in temperature and humidity can activate dormant Salmonella in feed. Photo: Jan Willem van Vliet]( "An increase in temperature and humidity can activate dormant Salmonella in feed. Photo: Jan Willem van Vliet")
An increase in temperature and humidity can activate dormant Salmonella in feed. Photo: Jan Willem van Vliet
Freedom and food for healthy birds
South Africa’s Elgin Free Range Chickens produces about 6.6 million broilers a year. Plenty of food and freedom ensure healthy birds.
![“Our philosophy is to remove any kind of stress from the birds, so we give them lots of space and lots of fresh air,” says the company’s founder, Jeanne Groenewald. Photo: Russel Tranter]( "“Our philosophy is to remove any kind of stress from the birds, so we give them lots of space and lots of fresh air,” says the company’s founder, Jeanne Groenewald. Photo: Russel Tranter")
“Our philosophy is to remove any kind of stress from the birds, so we give them lots of space and lots of fresh air,” says the company’s founder, Jeanne Groenewald. Photo: Russel Tranter
Brain cells indicate hen welfare
According to neuroscientist Dr Tom Smulders, you should be able to see in the brain of a chicken whether it feels good as the welfare of the birds is actually a function in their brains.
![Neuroscientist Dr Tom Smulders of Newcastle University in the UK is also the project coordinator of ChickenStress, which aims to determine stress factors in pullets and hens. Photo: Dick van Doorn]( "Neuroscientist Dr Tom Smulders of Newcastle University in the UK is also the project coordinator of ChickenStress, which aims to determine stress factors in pullets and hens. Photo: Dick van Doorn")
Neuroscientist Dr Tom Smulders of Newcastle University in the UK is also the project coordinator of ChickenStress, which aims to determine stress factors in pullets and hens. Photo: Dick van Doorn
Different bird, different egg
Egg quality and egg albumen properties of duck, goose, pigeon, quail and turkey eggs are compared to chicken eggs.
![Researchers at the China Agricultural University determined that egg quality traits between different species differs significantly. Photo: Penn Communicatie]( "Researchers at the China Agricultural University determined that egg quality traits between different species differs significantly. Photo: Penn Communicatie")
Researchers at the China Agricultural University determined that egg quality traits between different species differs significantly. Photo: Penn Communicatie
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