January Business Update: What’s new in the world of poultry?

Cobb Research Initiative launched to propel poultry genetics

The Cobb Research Initiative has been created to bring together diverse scientific research disciplines to create advancements in protein production and propel poultry genetics further. Dr William Herring, VP of R&D at Cobb: “We’ll partner with researchers from a variety of fields beyond poultry to gain fresh insights and develop new tools to be used across the industry, including genetic development.” The initiative encourages proposals to help improve its genetic products and incorporate innovation topics including artificial intelligence, data systems collection and management, robotics and automation, and the application of biotechnology. The application period for the current round of funding is open and pre-proposals can be submitted electronically by 3 April.

Phileo by Lesaffre launches yeast probiotic for poultry

Phileo by Lesaffre announces the poultry sector launch of its Actisaf Sc 47 HR+ probiotic, which it unveiled at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta. The product has been used across the ruminant and swine sectors, and is now being released for use by the poultry industry. According to the company, Actisaf Sc 47 HR+ microspherule form has been developed to deliver intrinsic resistance in pelleting feed to combined temperature, friction and moisture without the need for foreign material coating. Benefits, which it says have been confirmed by peer-reviewed poultry trials, include improved gut microbiota diversity, gut function and digestibility, improved feed use efficiency, reduced FCR, higher body weights, and enhanced survival rates.

PoultryPlan and QF Soft join forces

QF Soft and PoultryPlan are joining forces and continuing as one company under the name PoultryPlan under which existing products will be improved and merged, which offers a more complete product portfolio of software solutions for the international poultry market. All activities in the entire chain, from grandparent animals to slaughterhouse and further meat processing on the one hand, to the collecting and processing of consumer eggs on the other, can be fully supported in the new cooperation.

Novus acquires Agrivida to develop new feed additives

Novus International has announced its acquisition of biotech company Agrivida. Through the purchase, Novus takes ownership of the proprietary Interius technology Agrivida developed to embed feed additives inside grains. This move comes 2 years after Novus began a commercial partnership with Agrivida to support the sale of the start-up’s flagship product, Grainzyme. And while the category of functional proteins includes enzymes, the team is expanding the product offerings to include antibodies embedded in grain.

Evonik and Dr. Eckel to cooperate on phytogenics

Evonik and Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition have entered into a partnership effective 1 January 2023. This agreement will enable Evonik’s Animal Nutrition business line to expand its product portfolio in the gut health solutions area to include the phytogenics product class. Evonik plans to launch the first product from the partnership with Dr. Eckel in Europe in the first quarter of 2023.

DSM partners with Foundation Earth to promote food eco-labeling

Royal DSM and Foundation Earth have partnered on the eco-labeling. DSM will undertake full Life Cycle Assessments for participating brands, enabling companies to access an aggregated eco-impact score on their products, as well as an ecolabel that can be displayed. Agri-food companies joining Foundation Earth can now access DSM’s Sustell service to measure and improve the environmental impacts of animal protein products.

Nutreco and BiomEdit collaborate on microbiome technology

Nutreco and BiomEdit have announced a strategic research and commercial partnership to bring livestock producers innovative feed additives developed through microbiome technology. The collaboration covers the development and commercialisation of Biome-actives developed using BiomEdit’s microbiome science and bioinformatics platform. The companies state that these novel feed additives address the health and sustainability challenges of today’s animal producers, for aquaculture, poultry, swine and cattle.

CP Foods moves toward sustainability

Charoen Pokphand Foods (CP Foods) is moving toward a more sustainable food system by abandoning the use of coal, emphasising animal welfare and the responsible use of antibiotics. The company’s premium products, ‘Benja Chicken’, is certified as being 100% grown without the use of antibiotics or additional growth hormones. The company has also leveraged blockchain technology into its digital food traceability system for fresh chicken and pork products.

VIV Asia 2023 presents conference programme

VIV Asia has announced its conference programme, which it says will offer attendees insights into the latest innovations and technologies, as well as best practices from leading industry and research experts. With over 200 speakers joining from around the world and over 100 conferences and sessions, various pertinent topics will be discussed. While some conferences require an entry fee, most of the programme is free.