Mineral nutrition contains all the classic elements for nutrition research- requirements may be increased or decreased on the basis of sound scientific knowledge, whilst in practice, legislation is ever tightening on use. This means that efficiency of supply, through product form or improved models, is paramount for all species.

Antibiotics were once called miracle drugs because they revolutionised treatment of disease, curing bacterial infections that used to lead to debilitation and, all too often, death. Not only humans, but also livestock and pets have benefited from these wonder drugs. But over the years, some bacterial pathogens have developed resistance to the antibiotics that once spelled their doom.

The French association of feed and animal production technicians, AFTAA, held a two-day conference on raw materials for the feed industry in Paris early December. Philippe Caldier attended the meeting for Feed Tech and here summarises the main conclusions for the world soybean, lysine and grain markets.

This year Feed Tech is celebrating its 10^th anniversary. In every second issue we feature a special article looking back over the past decade and also ahead to what the future may bring. Feed additives will feature strongly. This subject is hot, since antimicrobial growth promoters are banned in Europe and the countries around the EU are following developments in the European feed industry closely.

Intensive research has focused on the potential of natural growth promoters (NGP) to replace antibiotics. The beneficial effects of NGP are mainly attributed to their potential to promote a beneficial gut microflora which protects the host against pathogens and helps to alleviate periods of stress. Tobias Steiner of Biomin argues that a well-adjusted combination of different strategies will maximise the efficacy of NGP in antibiotic-free feeding systems.

Approximately 200 experts from more than 20 countries joined the Performing Nature Symposium event in May in Vienna, Austria and organised by Delacon. Experts from around the globe presented their viewpoints on the use of phytogenic feed additives in animal nutrition as an alternative to traditional antimicrobial growth promoters.

When walking the alleys at an agricultural exhibition one can sometimes pass a booth that exhibits a product that is unknown to the majority of the market. At VIV in Utrecht this year I was surprised by the Italian company Silvamicha that promoted their chestnut extract as a feed additive for poultry, pigs and cattle.

Removal of MBM, AGP's and a reduction in nitrogen output are just a few of the challenges facing EU accession countries. There is plenty of help available to deal with this minefield of legislation, as was evident when Ajinomoto Eurolysine took western European specialists to Poland and Hungary so they could offer their wealth of experience.

Lipids are one of the most important variables in meat quality and are especially vital to meat shelf life. Studies show that the most effective way of prolonging shelf life and maintaining quality is to introduce antioxidant protection through the diet.

To pig producers everywhere, piglet production is the cornerstone on which the whole pork industry stands. Without the production of as many healthy piglets as possible, without detriment to sow health, pig production would be economically much less viable. The University of Potsdam in Germany has conducted some groundbreaking work in reproductive nutrition, giving us a better understanding of the true role of beta-carotene in fertility.