BLACK SOLDIER FLY : INSECT TO FEED FOR FOOD SECURITY.

There is growing demand for animal products for human nutrition, despite the popularity of plant-based diets. This means more feed is needed for animals.

 Future feed stuffs will need to be produced without exacerbating deforestation. Insects and microalgae are up-and-coming sectors to meet protein demands for humans and animals. Therefore, researchers investigated whether these alternative protein sources alter meat quality.

BLACK SOLDIER FLY=BLACK GOLD.

In a study conducted as a part of the project Sustainability Transitions in the Food Production. Broiler chickens were fattened using feed with the main protein sources being soybean meal, spirulina, or insects.

 Animal growth, meat quality (especially concerning shelf life), and eating quality were investigated. Their results of laboratory testing and sensory (taste-testing) analyses across 132 birds show that black soldier fly larvae meal and spirulina can be included in poultry feed without negatively impacting quality.

    LEARN HOW TO START BLACK SOLDIER FLY FARMING.

 Chickens fed with black soldier fly larvae meal produce meat equivalent to the status quo. Chickens fed with spirulina produce meat with a more intensive color and flavour. 

         BENEFITS OF BLACK SOLDIER FLY.

 "Overall, both prove to be potential soybean meal alternatives in the search for new protein sources for animal feed," as explained by the study lead researcher Dr Brianne Altmann. Research.

#Blacksoldierfly    #Blacksoldierflylarvae.    #Blacksoldierflyfarming.

AGRIBUSINESS: How to choose the right bedding for broilers.

AGRIBUSINESS: How to choose the right bedding for broilers. It’s crucial for a broiler producer to get floor management right. This will improve the birds’ physical environment, reduce disease and result in better quality broilers. #poultry Floor management is one of the pillars of successful broiler production, as important as biosecurity, climate control and general animal welfare. Yet this essential aspect is all too often overlooked.

AGRIBUSINESS: More light at night reduces daytime heat stress in broilers.

AGRIBUSINESS: More light at night reduces daytime heat stress in broilers. Extended lighting periods help boost welfare and production of big broilers during high seasonal temperatures, a University of Georgia study showed. “The birds are going to eat the same amount of feed per day, so if you extend the lighting period, they have more time to eat, spreading out the digestive process which also produces heat,” Brian Fairchild, PhD, poultry extension scientist, told Poultry Health Today. A couple more hours of power usage are not significant,” he added, pointing to today’s low-energy LED bulbs. “But leaving the lights on until midnight or 1 am does have a large impact on bird comfort and welfare.” Read more

Pre--slaughter poultry processing tips.

	April 2016
pages 30-31	Table of Contents

Flavonoids and their effect on broiler immunity.

Flavonoids, naturally occurring plant secondary metabolites, are currently under investigation as feed additives in poultry for their antioxidative properties. Antioxidative agents are important for poultry nutrition as they reduce lipid peroxidation, a major concern for the organoleptic characteristics and nutritional value of meat and eggs, and can prolong poultry product shelf life. Apart from potent antioxidants, flavonoids have been shown to possess immunomodulatory and in particular anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin, a flavonoid belonging to the class of flavonols, is present in several fruits, vegetables and herbs and has been shown to improve oxidative status of broiler meat when added to the birds' feed and was detectable in the plasma and in several tissues of the animals. Quercetin has been shown to act as an anti-inflammatory agent in mice and in humans. So far studies on flavonoids in poultry examine, in addition to meat oxidative status, effects on growth performance and other productive traits, including meat and egg quality parameters. The effect of quercetin on broiler meat quality parameters has been tested before as well. This particular study investigated the possible effects of dietary quercetin on parameters of broiler immune function and status. The Greek researchers examined parameters of cellular and humoral immunity, lymphoid organs size and cellularity and thymus subset composition to determine whether the immunomodulatory properties of quercetin exhibited in other animals are manifested in broilers when it is included in their feed. Animals received or 0.5 gr quercetin per kg feed or 1 gr quercetin per kg feed or a control diet. The researchers did not find differences between dietary treatment groups in cellular immune response or immune status (P>0.05). Interestingly, while total and IgM antibody titres did not differ among treatment groups (P>0.05), IgY antibody titres significantly increased with increasing quercetin supplementation (P-linear<0.05). therefore, dietary quercetin did not compromise any of the immune parameters tested but on the contrary enhanced igy antibody production.> The research paper culled from world poultry.

HOW CHICKEN MOVEMENT IS USED TO DETECT CAMPYLOBACTER-INFECTED FLOCK.

An Oxford team tested the hypothesis that flocks colonized with Campylobacter might be distinguishable by their behavior.This is based on suggestions that infection could have an impact on chickens' welfare. Professor Marian Dawkins, of Animal Behaviour at Oxford and corresponding author on the paper, said: "We used a novel and non-invasive way of monitoring the behavior of chickens throughout their lives that involved analyzing the optical flow patterns from cameras inside broiler houses. What is optical flow and how is it measured? Optical flow works by detecting the patterns formed by changes in brightness in moving images, both temporally and spatially.It is computationally simple and does not require tagging or marking individual animals, making it ideal for long-term continuous monitoring of large groups of similar animals such as egg-laying hens and broiler chickens, where optical flow is predictive of key welfare measures such as mortality rate. To test the hypothesis that optical flow analysis might also be able to detect when flocks become infected with Campylobacter, the researchers collected data for 31 commercial broiler flocks.They also collected faecal samples from those same flocks and tested them for the presence of Campylobacter at different ages (21 days, 28 days and 35 days) using standard laboratory methods. This gave a direct comparison between optical flow and testing from fecal samples. Campylobacter-positive flocks showed lower mean optical flow (less average movement) and higher kurtosis (less uniform movement) than flocks without the bacteria - as early as the first 10 days of life. Additionally, this link was independent of external temperature. Professor Dawkins said: "Our results provide statistical evidence of a link between broiler chicken flock behavior and Campylobacter status. excerpts from journal proceedings from Royal society B

AGRIBUSINESS: LAMENESS IN BROILERS LINKED TO BACTERIA.

Researchers at the University of Arkansas have identified a species of bacteria that had never before been associated with lameness in broiler chickens, bringing scientists closer to finding a way to prevent infections. Douglas Rhoads, University Professor of biological sciences and director of the Cell and Molecular Biology interdisciplinary ,used genetic tools and chicken raised on wire flooring to identify staphylococcus agnetis linked to causing lameness in broilers.The bacteria had been associated with inflammation of the mammary gland in cattle but not in the legs of broiler chickens. Lameness causes the chickens to suffer and the diseased birds are not fit for human consumption. Rough estimates are that lameness in the Arkansas poultry industry could cost growers about $20 million a year due the loss of birds.Lameness in broiler chickens is a significant animal welfare and financial issue. Bob Wideman, professor of poultry science at the U of A, had shown that growing young broilers on wire flooring is a contributing factor to lameness in broiler chickens. This study, which included Wideman, shows that S. agnetis is also a contributing factor for lameness in those chickens, Rhoads said. Bio security measures such as cleaning, washing with disinfectants and spraying plays a vital role to prevent diseases.Housing,feeding and medication also are factors to consider in the poultry value chain to ensure disease free stock. pic and portions of story courtesy of world poultry.

FINANCIAL ANALYSIS ; RAISING BROILERS FOR PROFIT.

REARING COST FOR 5OO BROILERS; EXPENDITURE AMOUNT. 1) Land...............................................1,500,000 2)Housing...........................................900,000. 3) D.O.C @ 200#.....................................100,000. 4) Brooding cost @ 25#/chick........................12,500. 5)vaccination/medication @ 40#....................20,000. 6)Farm supplies,tools,wheel barrow................15,000. 7)Drinker/feeder.....................................25,000. 8) Feed @ 100g/chick/day @ 0-3 weeks cost of feed(2800).....11,760. 9)Feed @ 180g/chick/day for 4-7 weeks and cost of feed..3000....226,800. 10) Labor...................................20,000. TOTAL.............................2,831,060. Analysis. sale of birds @ 2000/bird. 2000x 490(2% mortality}......980,000. Profit=sale proceeds-recurrent expenditure = 980,000- 391,060 588,940 Naira. An investor will have a profit of 588,940; and subsequent production cost will reduce because the capital expenditure is paid for at onset of production An investor can have this turn over every 42 days,thats a good turn-over.

DDGS AND POULTRY FEED.

Distillers Dried Grain with Solubles (DDGS) is the result of extracting ethanol from grains through dry milling.The corn kernel, which is a source of food for humans and animals, its also a source of ethanol, a fuel source. Dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) offer nutrients and energy, DDGS can be sourced from corn, rice, wheat, sorghum and are highly useful for livestock and poultry. Ethanol producers only use the carbohydrate fraction of the corn kernel. The protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins are returned to the animal food system in the form of distillers’ grains which are fed to beef cows and swine.This results in millions of tons of high protein animal feed and although 40% of the crop is often cited as the amount of corn used for making ethanol . DDGS derived from corn is an excellent feed ingredient for use in layer, broiler, duck and turkey diets and contains approximately 85% of the energy value in corn, has moderate levels of protein and essential amino acids, and is high in available phosphorus. DDGS from corn in the ethanol industry are considered to be waste,(distillers) but can still have a use as a feed ingredient. It is a very cheap source of crude protein, crude fibre, available phosphorous, unsaturated fatty acids and essential amino acids. This is an effective alternative to soya and corn in the poultry diet with the added benefit that it reduces feed costs by replacing soya in the diet as the price of soya is very high . The inclusion of DDGS in poultry diet has many advantages; birds fed with DDGS have a better feed intake, feed conversion ratio, body weight gain. The DDGS inclusion improves meat and egg quality by enriching it with omega-3 fatty acids (Linoleic acid) which is good for heart patients. There is improved phosphorous availability and therefore there is less phosphorous excretion.This prevents environmental pollution due to high phosphorous bio availability and less exogenous phosphorous is supplemented and this reduces the feed cost.

DDGS and enzymes make a good mix in broiler diets.

Distillers Dried Grain with Solubles (DDGS) is the result of extracting ethanol from grains through dry milling. The average level of protein contained in the DDGS is 26% (as fed). The level of total Lysine is higher than in corns with low digestibility (60-70%). In the case of sulphur amino acids, the digestibility is a little bit higher (70-75%). If we take a finisher standard diet for broilers (28-42 days for birds) based on corn and soy with a 15% inclusion of DDGS as an example, the level of protein in the diet is nearly 20%, with digestible lysine that represents 5% of the total and moderated levels of sulphur amino acids and threonine digestible (12% and 13% respectively). The content of unsaturated fat is high (5-10%). The hydrolysis process and the drying to which the product is submitted increases the concentration of free fatty acids. Between different authors, the ME can vary between 2,600 and 2,950 Kcal, depending fundamentally on the composition, processes and digestibility coefficients from different fractions. The content of total phosphorus is high, with high availability, resulting in 0.45-0.55% of avail-able phosphorus. They can also contain high levels of xanthophyll, which can improve pigmentation; up to 35 mg/kg were found in DDGS. The levels of crude fibre obtained analytically are in excess of 10%. Almost all the starch has been converted to ethanol, so that a big concentration of non-starch polysaccharides and especially cell-wall components exists. This is why the use of exogenous enzymes is presented as an alternative; to increase the efficient use of nutrients in diets formulated with DDGS. DDGS can be a good alternative ingredient in diets for broilers. Its use in combination with a multi-enzymatic complex, combined with an extra dose of phytase, can help to achieve optimal performance. A few trials, conducted in Argentina, are described here; In the first assay, 640 male broilers were distributed between 32 floor pens according to a randomised, complete block design. With 20 birds per pen, it consisted of four treatments with diets containing 15% of DDGS: A-diet with a normal energy level; B-diet with a low level of energy (-150Kcal) and a 50g dose of multi-enzymatic complex (xylanase, amylase and protease); C-diet with a low level of energy (-150Kcal) and a 100g dose of multi-enzymatic complex (xylanase, amylase and protease); D-diet with a normal energy level and 100g dose of a bacterial phytase (dose equal to 1,000 FTU). The feeding plan consisted of a pre-starter for up to 10 days, a starter from 11 to 21 days, and a finisher up to 42 days. Although statistical differences were not found with the statistical methods used, numerically speaking, the diets formulated with DDGS with a low level of energy and the addition of multi-enzymatic complex resulted in higher body weight (Table 1) and less feed conversion than DDGS diets with normal levels of energy without the addition of enzymes. The DDGS used contained 10% crude fibre. The addition of multi-enzymatic complex increased the digestibility of diets with a greater fibre content. The addition of 1,000 FTU of phytase (750 FTU formulated and 250 FT on top) to DDGS diets with normal levels of energy resulted in better weight and less feed conversion than the rest of the treatments. The addition of an extra dose of phytase would allow benefits to be gained from other nutrients, not only phosphorus. read more about research ;http://www.allaboutfeed.net/Nutrition/Raw-Materials/2015/12/DDGS-and-enzymes-make-a-good-mix-in-broiler-diets-2721468W/

BROILER DISEASES AND VACCINATION.

COCCIDIOSIS Coccidiosis vaccines are often used in poultry raised without antibiotics, as well as in conventional production systems that need to rest in-feed anticoccidials and restore their efficacy. The vaccines tend to be used in summer months, when coccidiosis pressure subsides with increased ventilation. Producers then switch back to ionophores or synthetic anticoccidials. In the US, broiler operations have the option of administering coccidiosis vaccine in ovo or on day 1 as a hatchery spray. According to Cookson, the choice hinges on company philosophy, production history and management preferences. “The challenge with coccidiosis vaccine is getting good, uniform delivery of the vaccinal oocysts that stimulate the bird’s natural immune system,” Keck says. “Zoetis research with alternative delivery systems has shown great potential for helping improve vaccine and flock performance.” He points out that the first round of coccidial vaccination is a transition period for most growers as birds often face both a field and vaccination challenge. “Because vaccines may initially cause short-term intestinal disruption and loss in performance, they are usually more practical and cost-effective to use in medium to large birds that have more time to make up for lost weight,” he says. E. COLI E. coli has become more prevalent in broiler operations that have discontinued antibiotics in the hatchery. In addition, cool, wet weather increases the incidence of secondary E. coli infections due to respiratory challenges from IBV, ILT and ND. E. coli can also occur as a primary disease. As a day-of-age spray, E. coli vaccination is gaining acceptance for its ability to help decrease mortality, particularly in large birds, Keck says. Read more here;http://poultryhealthtoday.com/broiler-vaccines-more-diseases-more-decisions/

STARTING A BUSINESS IN A SECTOR OF THE POULTRY VALUE CHAIN

Chicken processing and packaging into various products. Processing broiler chickens and canning them in oil,soy sauce,tomato or just brine. The broilers are processed; washed,diced seasoned and boiled. The diced products are then packaged in oil,tomatoes,soy or just salt water.These are then packaged in cans,labelled and sold to stores. The canned chicken is a handy meal for growing children, its a great travel meal as its cooked already ,just warm and serve.Read this The business can be a cottage business or large scale depending on machinery and other logistics,but its a profitable venture. https://veterinarymedicineechbeebolanle-ojuri.blogspot.com/2019/01/veterinary-medicine-emerging-viruses-in.html https://veterinarymedicineechbeebolanle-ojuri.blogspot.com/2015/12/egg-powder.html

BROILERS AND VACCINATION .

.Factors affecting broiler vaccination,http://poultryhealthtoday.com/shift-and-drift-affect-broiler-vaccination-decisions/

BROILERS AND COCCIDIOSIS.

A new technique to manage coccidiosis;http://poultryhealthtoday.com/fine-tuning-rotation-plan-can-improve-coccidiosis-management/

VACCINATION FOR BROILERS.

The vaccination protocol is not as cumbersome as for laying flock but are also essential as the market date is 42 days(6 weeks). VACCINATION. a) day 1......intra ocular( new castle disease vaccine) b) day 3-5.......Coccidiosis vaccine. c) day 7.......1st Gumboro. d) day 11-13....vitamins. e) day 14.....2nd Gumboro f) day 21.....lasota.

Rabobank offers poultry suppliers advice for growth

Rabobank offers poultry suppliers advice for growth

MONEY-MAKING IN RAISING BROILER .

REARING COST FOR 5OO BROILERS; EXPENDITURE AMOUNT. 1) Land...............................................1,500,000 2)Housing...........................................900,000. 3) D.O.C @ 200#.....................................100,000. 4) Brooding cost @ 25#/chick........................12,500. 5)vaccination/medication @ 40#....................20,000. 6)Farm supplies,tools,wheel barrow................15,000. 7)Drinker/feeder.....................................25,000. 8) Feed @ 100g/chick/day @ 0-3 weeks cost of feed(2800).....11,760. 9)Feed @ 180g/chick/day for 4-7 weeks and cost of feed..3000....226,800. 10) Labor...................................20,000. TOTAL.............................2,831,060. Analysis. sale of birds @ 2000/bird. 2000x 490(2% mortality}......980,000. Profit=sale proceeds-recurrent expenditure = 980,000- 391,060 588,940 Naira. An investor will have a profit of 588,940; and subsequent production cost will reduce because the capital expenditure is paid for at onset of production An investor can have this turn over every 42 days,thats a good turn-over.

INVESTORS FORUM ; SET A.

The call for investors in the poultry value chain is on; wondering what the criteria for participation is??? 1) Interest in poultry value chain. 2) fit into the hart below as a service provider,consumer or manufacturer.spot.com/-QELts5WY5BM/ViMkABvmHMI/AAAAAAAAC4E/ucK_EoildO4/s320/Photo1682.jpg" /> 3} If you are involved in the production of any of the machines below/or provide any services related to them; you should attend.

INVESTING IN POULTRY VALUE CHAIN.

Production overview of the poultry-value chain. The value chain encompasses the following poultry species; cockerel, layers , turkeys and broilers. The emphasis of this project is on intensive broiler production because of the rapid return on investment. The advantages of this venture are as follows; 1) Production span is 42-days. 2) Low capital investment. 3) Large market. 4) High turn-over of investment. The broiler production is a profitable venture that is not labour intensive; also the cost of medication is limited because of the length of production. This is also an added advantage as it will further reduce overhead costs and the benefits of this venture are tapped faster than in other poultry species. The processing aspect will involve machines that work at high capacity to process birds in large numbers within a short time. The venture will also promote partnership with other producers, who can use the facility at a fee. This will also be another point of wealth generation, as the cost of the machines will be recovered within a short time. Investors in this value-chain have the rapid return on investment as an advantage because financial institutions have short-term loans that will benefit them.

BROILER PRODUCTION AND PROCESSING.

The raising of broilers for profit is no new venture, but not many people know the rapid turn over potential in this venture. Broilers are birds raised for meat, they grow rapidly and have good feed conversion ratio.The beauty of this venture is that the birds mature at a fast rate within a short time span of 8 to 10 weeks, and the farmer gets to make a steady income every 8/10 weeks. The fast food industry major in the use of broilers for most of the dishes they serve ,because of the taste , the quality of the breast meat and the size . The broiler can also be processed and hygienically packed as premium birds and sold in stores and retail outlets. The raising of the broiler starts from the day old, which must be from a good hatchery as the type of breed purchased has a lot to do with the outcome of the venture. The main purpose of the broiler production is to produce birds with good breast muscle, that reach market size at the appropriate time and have high return on investment. The Cobb broiler chicks will give good breast meat, have good feed conversion ration, reach a weight of 2.24kg in 42 days, mortality rate is 2- 4% and the feed intake is about 4-4.2 kg, the average weight in the first week is about 160gm . The cobb broiler will give a high return on investment. The management of the day old chicks include the brooding stage, the birds are kept warm using a source of heat that is monitored, the temperature of the house should be monitored , feed and water should be available for the chicks, a brooder guard should be available to keep them near the heat source and their must be shavings on the floor , there must be extra lightening for the birds so as to access feed which promotes growth in broilers. The birds are fed on broiler starter from 0-5 weeks. The growing/finishing stage the birds are fed with the broiler finisher from 6 weeks to slaughter when they reach market weight.The health status of the birds are important if they are to perform optimally,thus vaccinations, vitamins, antibiotics and worming are important. The birds must have access to good quality feed, and clean water always. The production is a continuous one so the flock should be replaced as soon as they reach market size. The Cobb broiler breed is more than just appearance, its efficient feed conversion is a plus in this era where feed costs are high and also its well suited for hotter temperatures.