Introducing the 8th edition of All About Feed for 2021

08-10-2021 | Feed companies | News

In this 8th edition, All About Feed investigates the proteins of the future and considers mussels, starfish and insects as sources of protein in animal feed. Then, antibiotic reduction is a pressing topic worldwide – what progress has been made? Also in this edition is a closer look at the history of TMR, or total mix ration, as well as the value of tomato peel and rosehip to improve egg quality.

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Antibiotic reduction in the EU progressing at different speeds

Great strides have been made worldwide to reduce antibiotics. Regional approaches differ, as can be seen in the EU where different member states have had drastically different trajectories towards mitigating antimicrobial resistance. This article highlights the approach in the Netherlands and Spain.

IKB Kip is the Dutch quality assurance scheme in the sector. Similar systems exist in other livestock sectors which have helped to achieve a significant drop in antibiotic use. Photo: Kastermans Studio

Brazil reduces antibiotics inside and outside farms

Continuing with the topic of antibiotics, and as countries worldwide implement policies to reduce the use of antibiotics, All About Feed travels to Brazil where the use of antibiotic growth promoters in the country’s pig sector has led to an increase in regulations and awareness programmes.

Many swine producers in Brazil would need to change their entire business model if antibiotics are to be phased out. Photo: Vincent ter Beek

Mussels, starfish and insects: Protein feedstuffs of the future?

There is a need to find alternative protein-rich feed ingredients for livestock. In Denmark, experiments have been conducted using starfish, mussels and insects as protein alternatives for non-ruminant production animals.

Wild starfish can cause losses in mussel production and are often removed from cultivation sites. Could this underutilised by-product of mussel farming be suitable for consumption by animals? Photo: ANP

Why research on neonates is crucial

Early life nutrition drives both physical and psychological development, says Simon Tibble, AB Neo’s technical director, adding that if managed correctly, animals are not only healthier, but producers also benefit from the full lifetime value of the animal.

The importance of expanding their knowledge about feeding neonates in an ever-changing environment is a critical priority for AB Neo, the 4 AB Agri businesses. Photo: Ronald Hissink — Neo, the 4 AB Agri businesses. Photo: Ronald Hissink

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The US history of TMR – a dangerous game

TMR, or total mix ration, is often considered to be the biggest development for the global dairy industry in the last 50 years. This article looks at the creation of TMR in California, and some initial resistance to the concept.

“An advantage of feeding TMR…is the opportunity to make every bite of feed essentially a complete, nutritionally balanced diet for all cows,” said Dr David J. Schingoethe, emeritus professor in the Dairy and Food Science Department at South Dakota State University. Photo: Mark Pasveer

Feed of the future

When it comes to plant-based alternatives to traditional ingredients in the animal feed sector, algae is a very promising candidate. Algae-derived feed ingredients such as astaxanthin can support animal health, and its antioxidant activity provides scientifically proven benefits for animals alongside their environmental benefits.

Algae needs significantly less energy, space and nutrients to be kept alive and does not require pesticides, making it more sustainable than conventional forage crops. Photo: Astareal

Phytogenics improve the energy efficiency of ruminants

The efficiency of energy utilisation in ruminants is a major determinant of the profitability of meat production, as well as its environmental impact. Besides good management and a well-balanced diet, a smart way to improve feed efficiency of cattle is the use of phytogenic feed additives.

Saponins, essential oils and spices improve feed efficiency and, therefore, performance. Photo: Ruud Ploeg

Factors affecting water intake and its utilisation by chickens

Water is essential in the rearing and management of poultry. This article covers some important points relating to water intake and utilisation.

Some aspects to consider are the temperature and flavour of the water as well as the moisture content of the feed. Photo: Lex Salverda

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Russia is on a fast track to a new pea industry

Russia has the world’s second-largest pea industry after Canada, with pea production climbing to 2.74 million tonnes in 2020. And in a country where local customers are still reluctant to consume vegetarian or vegan meat substitutes, pea products are likely to be used mainly in animal feed.

Several Russian companies have recently laid out plans to begin high-level pea processing in the next few years. Photo: Russian Academy of Science

Tomato peel and rosehip improve egg quality

In a recent study, researchers conclude that the supplementation of tomato peel in the diet of laying hens improves egg weight and vitamin E content, while rosehip seeds serve as a natural antioxidant that can improve egg quality.

Tomato residue is a good source of bioactive molecules, especially carotenoids. Photo: Misset

Australia set for another big year of grain production

Australia has produced a record wheat crop and a near record barley crop following domestic supply pressure for feed grains during recent droughts in the country.