SUN BURN IN ANIMALS.

Some dogs and cats prone to sunburn. Excessive sunbathing damages the skin. Humans are not the only ones who need to monitor their exposure to UV rays: animals are at risk too. Dogs and cats with white or thin coats are at particular risk, as are animals with very closely shorn fur or with certain pre-existing conditions. Excessive sunbathing damages the skin. Humans are not the only ones who need to monitor their exposure to UV rays: animals are at risk too. Dogs and cats with white or thin coats are at particular risk, as are animals with very closely short fur or with certain pre-existing conditions. Dermatologist Christa Horvath-Ungerböck from the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna explains which animals are particularly sensitive, how to prevent sun damage to the skin, and how to treat a sunburned animal. Human or animals skin with little or no pigmentation is very sensitive to the sun in general. Hairless pets or pets with very short or thin fur can also be vulnerable. For dogs and cats this applies in particular to those parts of the skin that are regularly exposed to the sun. These include the ears, the bridge of the nose, the skin around the eyes, and the back. Some animals particularly enjoy lying on tHouse pets with white or short fur are at particular risk of sunburn. The Dogo Argentino breed, white bulldogs, Dalmatians, boxers, whippets, beagles and white or multi-coloured cats with white patches have skin that is very sensitive to light, especially on their heads. In summer animals with short fur can also have a problem. The short hair allows UV rays penetrate down to the sensitive skin and cause sunburn. Hairless dogs and cats are naturally more sensitive to the sun, since they lack the natural sun protection fur affords. Here too though, skin pigmentation plays a role, and darker animals are less vulnerable to UV rays. Owners of vulnerable breeds should take particular care to protect their animals from the sun and their backs to bask in the sun. This exposes the skin on their bellies, which is often hairless, to the rays of the sun, increasing the risk of sunburn.

Horse dung has scientists on scent of antibiotic success

The key to creating the next generation of antibiotics could lie in horse dung. That's according to researchers at ETH Zurich and the University of Bonn who have produced copsin, an antibiotic protein compound, in the common inky cap mushroom that grows in manure. A new protein with antibiotic properties has been found in a mushroom that grows on horse dung. Researchers are now exploring the various potential applications.Microbiologists and molecular biologists at ETH Zurich and the University of Bonn have discovered a new agent in fungi that kills bacteria. The substance, known as copsin, has the same effect as traditional antibiotics, but belongs to a different class of biochemical substances. Copsin is a protein, whereas traditional antibiotics are often non-protein organic compounds. Copsin belongs to the group of defensins, a class of small proteins produced by many organisms to combat microorganisms that cause disease. The human body also produces defensins to protect itself against infections. They have been found, for example, on the skin and in the mucous membranes. story from science daily.

Researchers identify potential approach to treat heart disease through the gut.

Researchers have demonstrated -- for the first time -- that targeting microbes in the gut may prevent heart disease brought on by nutrients contained in a diet rich in red meat, eggs and high-fat dairy products. This novel approach centers around the research team's previous discovery that TMAO -- trimethylamine N-oxide, a byproduct formed in the gut during digestion of animal fats -- is linked to atherosclerosis and heart disease. Now, the team has identified a naturally occurring inhibitor called DMB -- 3,3-dimethyl-1-butanol, found in some cold-pressed extra virgin olive oils and grape seed oils -- that reduced levels of TMAO and reduced atherosclerosis in mice. This discovery may represent a potential new therapeutic approach for the prevention of heart disease, the No. 1 killer , as well as other metabolic diseases linked to gut microbes, such as diabetes culled from science daily.

Lactation, weather found to predict milk quality in dairy cows.

The quality of colostrum -- the nutrient-rich milk newborn dairy calves first drink from their mothers -- can be predicted by the mother's previous lactation performance and weather, according to new research Colostrum is a concentrated source of nutrients, which includes fats, proteins, including immunoglobulins such as Immunoglobulin G (IgG), carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It is key in supporting the health of the young dairy animal. Previous research has found that inadequate feeding of quality colostrum to newborn calves can result in reduced growth rates, increased risk of disease and death, increased risk of being culled, and decreased milk production in the first and second lactations. UNH researchers found that previous lactation performance data can predict colostrum quality; the more lactations the cow has had in the past, the higher the quality of colostrum in the future. This method allows dairy producers to predict colostrum quality before the calf is born and the ability to estimate Immunoglobulin G content, which is the primary measure of colostrum quality, of the colostrum without having to collect it. The long-term effects of colostrum determine the success of the cow, and therefore special care should be taken to ensure colostrum of the highest quality is provided to the newborn calf.Researchers also found that the poorest quality colostrum was produced during the winter. The researchers theorize that in warmer temperatures, the blood vessels of the cow dilate, causing them to be more permeable to IgG. This increased permeability of the blood vessels may lead to improved colostrum.It is apparent from these studies that environmental temperature or day length has an impact on colostrum quality . culled from papers from university of Hampshire

Brain researchers demonstrate the importance of oral health in stroke.

A study of patients entering the hospital for acute stroke, researchers have increased their understanding of an association between certain types of stroke and the presence of the oral bacteria (cnm-positive Streptococcus mutans). In the single hospital study, researchers at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center in Osaka, Japan, observed stroke patients to gain a better understanding of the relationship between hemorrhagic stroke and oral bacteria. Among the patients who experienced intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), 26 percent were found to have a specific bacterium in their saliva, cnm-positive S. mutans. Among patients with other types of stroke, only 6 percent tested positive for the bacterium. Strokes are characterized as either ischemic strokes, which involve a blockage of one or more blood vessels supplying the brain, or hemorrhagic strokes, in which blood vessels in the brain rupture, causing bleeding. The researchers also evaluated MRIs of study subjects for the presence of cerebral microbleeds (CMB), small brain hemorrhages which may cause dementia and also often underlie ICH. They found that the number of CMBs was significantly higher in subjects with cnm-positive S. mutans than in those without. This study shows that oral health is important for brain health. People need to take care of their teeth because it is good for their brain and their heart as well as their teeth," Friedland said. "The study and related work in our labs have shown that oral bacteria are involved in several kinds of stroke, including brain hemorrhages and strokes that lead to dementia." Multiple research studies have shown a close association between the presence of gum disease and heart disease, and a 2013 publication by Jan Potempa, Ph.D., D.Sc., of the UofL School of Dentistry, revealed how the bacterium responsible for gum disease worsens rheumatoid arthritis. Excerpts from material from University of Louisville.

Microchip used to build a first-ever artificial kidney.

Nephrologists are making major progress on a first-of-its kind device to free kidney patients from dialysis. He is building an implantable artificial kidney with microchip filters and living kidney cells that will be powered by a patient's own heart. Vanderbilt University Medical Center nephrologist and associate professor of medicine Dr. William H. Fissell IV, is making major progress on a first-of-its kind device to free kidney patients from dialysis. He is building an implantable artificial kidney with microchip filters and living kidney cells that will be powered by a patient's own heart. "We are creating a bio-hybrid device that can mimic a kidney to remove enough waste products, salt and water to keep a patient off dialysis," said Fissell. Fissell says the goal is to make it small enough, roughly the size of a soda can, to be implanted inside a patient's body. The key to the device is a microchip. "It's called silicon nanotechnology. It uses the same processes that were developed by the microelectronics industry for computers," said Fissell. The chips are affordable, precise and make ideal filters. Fissell and his team are designing each pore in the filter one by one based on what they want that pore to do. Each device will hold roughly fifteen microchips layered on top of each other. But the microchips have another essential role beyond filtering. "They're also the scaffold in which living kidney cells will rest," said Fissell. Fissell and his team use live kidney cells that will grow on and around the microchip filters. The goal is for these cells to mimic the natural actions of the kidney and the device operates naturally with a patient's blood flow. credit;Vanderbilt University.

REPLACEMENT TISSUE PRODUCED BY 3-D PRINTING.

The use of a sophisticated, custom-designed 3-D printer helps regenerative medicine scientists prove that it is feasible to print living tissue structures to replace injured or diseased tissue in patients. The scientists said they printed ear, bone and muscle structures. When implanted in animals, the structures matured into functional tissue and developed a system of blood vessels. Most importantly, these early results indicate that the structures have the right size, strength and function for use in humans. "This novel tissue and organ printer is an important advance in our quest to make replacement tissue for patients," said Anthony Atala, M.D., director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) and senior author on the study. "It can fabricate stable, human-scale tissue of any shape. With further development, this technology could potentially be used to print living tissue and organ structures for surgical implantation." Tissue engineering is a science that aims to grow replacement tissues and organs in the laboratory to help solve the shortage of donated tissue available for transplants. The precision of 3D printing makes it a promising method for replicating the body's complex tissues and organs. However, current printers based on jetting, extrusion and laser-induced forward transfer cannot produce structures with sufficient size or strength to implant in the body. A major challenge of tissue engineering is ensuring that implanted structures live long enough to integrate with the body. The Wake Forest Baptist scientists addressed this in two ways. They optimized the water-based "ink" that holds the cells so that it promotes cell health and growth and they printed a lattice of micro-channels throughout the structures. These channels allow nutrients and oxygen from the body to diffuse into the structures and keep them live while they develop a system of blood vessels. It has been previously shown that tissue structures without ready-made blood vessels must be smaller than 200 microns (0.007 inches) for cells to survive. In these studies, a baby-sized ear structure (1.5 inches) survived and showed signs of vascularization at one and two months after implantation. "Our results indicate that the bio-ink combination we used, combined with the micro-channels, provides the right environment to keep the cells alive and to support cell and tissue growth," said Atala. Another advantage of the ITOP system is its ability to use data from CT and MRI scans to "tailor-make" tissue for patients. For a patient missing an ear, for example, the system could print a matching structure. Several proof-of-concept experiments demonstrated the capabilities of ITOP. To show that ITOP can generate complex 3D structures, printed, human-sized external ears were implanted under the skin of mice. Two months later, the shape of the implanted ear was well-maintained and cartilage tissue and blood vessels had formed. To demonstrate the ITOP can generate organized soft tissue structures, printed muscle tissue was implanted in rats. After two weeks, tests confirmed that the muscle was robust enough to maintain its structural characteristics, become vascularized and induce nerve formation. And, to show that construction of a human-sized bone structure, jaw bone fragments were printed using human stem cells. The fragments were the size and shape needed for facial reconstruction in humans. To study the maturation of bioprinted bone in the body, printed segments of skull bone were implanted in rats. After five months, the bio printed structures had formed vascularized bone tissue. Story culled from science daily.

Researchers 3D print living tissue.

A new method of 3D printing can produce human-sized bone, muscle, and cartilage that survive when implanted into animals. It's potentially a giant step towards fabricated replacement tissue and organs in humans.. ( culled from science daily.)

EXERCISE SLOWS CANCER GROWTH.

There is a new benefit of exercise: mice who spent their free time on a running wheel were better able to shrink tumors (a 50% reduction in tumor size) compared to their less active counterparts. Researchers found that the surge of adrenaline that comes with a high-intensity workout helped to move cancer-killing immune (NK) cells toward lung, liver, or skin tumors implanted into the mice. "It is known that infiltration of natural killer (NK) immune cells can control and regulate the size of tumors, but nobody had looked at how exercise regulates the system," says senior study author Pernille Hojman, at the University of Copenhagen. "In our experiments, we tried to inject our mice with adrenaline to mimic this increase you see during exercise, and when we do that we see that the NK cells are mobilized to the bloodstream, and if there's a tumor present then the NK cells will find the tumor and home to it." "It is known that infiltration of natural killer (NK) immune cells can control and regulate the size of tumors, but nobody had looked at how exercise regulates the system," says senior study author Pernille Hojman, at the . "In our experiments, we tried to inject our mice with adrenaline to mimic this increase you see during exercise, and when we do that we see that the NK cells are mobilized to the bloodstream, and if there's a tumor present then the NK cells will find the tumor and home to it." The research group also discovered that an immune signaling molecule called IL-6 was the link between adrenaline-dependent mobilization of NK cells and tumor infiltration. It's known that IL-6 is released from muscle tissue during exercise, but Hojman presents evidence that adrenaline specifically aids IL-6 sensitive NK cells and that the IL-6 molecules helped guide the immune cells to the tumors. "That was actually a big surprise to us," she says, adding that IL-6 and its role in tumor biology can be a controversial topic. "In this study we show that the exercise-induced IL-6 seems to play a role in homing of NK cells to the tumor and also in the activation of those NK cells." This study appears Feb. 16, 2016 in Cell Metabolism, excerpts culled from science daily.

Dog Bite Prevention

Dog Bite Prevention

Public Private Partnerships to limit disease spread due to global travelling.

A new study from a team at the University of Arizona in the US has found that international travel – along with trade – can be listed as being among the most efficient methods of spreading infectious diseases.

   This is due to the fact that people sick with communicable infections may unknowingly board planes and spread their illnesses to both fellow passengers and the residents of their destination country. Led by Charles Perrings, a professor of environmental economics at the university, the team behind the research cited the recent Ebola outbreak as an example – while a global pandemic did not occur, and the majority of the 8,000 people who died from the disease were from the outbreak’s source countries in West Africa, a man from Liberia did become patient zero in the US and later died from Ebola. 

 Two of his attending nurses also contracted the disease, although they later recovered. While this was a thankfully small-scale example, it can be considered a microcosm of what a larger epidemic or pandemic might look like. 

 The research paper also pointed towards international trade, mentioning the hoof and mouth outbreak that cost the government of the UK billions, and other diseases such as swine and avian flu.

 In terms of solutions, Perrings suggested addressing these issues ‘at the source’, and confronting those behind the import and export of potentially dangerous materials with the risks. 

 “The recent Ebola outbreak made us realize that we are all just a plane ride away from exposure to emerging infectious diseases,” said Perrings. 

“The more trade grows as a proportion of global production, the more likely it is that diseases will be spread through trade, and the higher the economic cost of resulting trade bans. What is at risk is the food we eat, the fibres we wear and build with, and the fuels we burn. In addition, many infectious diseases that affect animals also affect people. 

Zoonoses like SARS, MERS, HIV, AIDS [and] highly pathogenic avian influenza all originated in wild animals and were then spread person-to-person through trade and travel.” He went on to say: “There are two problems to address. One is that disease spread is an unintended (external) effect of trade. 

To solve this problem exporters and importers need to be confronted with the risks they impose on consumers. The other is that the control of infectious disease is a public good – the benefits it offers are freely available to all, and so will be under supplied if left to the market. 

To solve this problem, we need to undertake co-operative, collective control of infectious diseases at the source.” He suggested financial incentives for risk reduction in developing countries and establishing a global fund to combat and control infectious diseases. 

Currently, countries have the right to act defensively in their own interests once a disease is introduced, controlling the outbreak and working to reduce the possibility of reinfection by banning trade with countries that pose a risk. This, however, will not stop new diseases emerging, said Perrings: 

“The One Health Initiative suggests that what is needed is co-operative collective action to reduce risk at the source. This requires a partnership between the rich countries that have the resources to fund global prevention, and the poor countries where disease is most likely to emerge. 

The management of infectious diseases of animals and plants, like the management of infectious diseases of people, is now a global problem that requires global solutions. 

This in turn requires a more strongly co-ordinated and co-operative approach than is currently allowed under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement.” culled from international travel and health insurance journal.

Agribusiness : how to handle rabbits.

Rabbits are tender and should be handled with care.They should never be pulled by ears or scruff,without support to feet and abdominal region.When rabbits are carried by ears,leaving feet dangling, they will struggle and likely snap their spine.The picture below shows how to carry rabbits with proper support.

Guidance relaxes requirements for pets with lapsed rabies vaccine.

Cats and dogs with out-of-date vaccinations when exposed to rabies can receive a booster and be subject to an observation period, rather than quarantine or euthanasia, according to the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians in the 2016 edition of the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control. The change follows a paper in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association that found that dogs whose vaccination status had lapsed demonstrated an adequate antibody response to support the change. Veterinarian Catherine Brown said the guidance does not mitigate the need to keep current on vaccination. Full Story: JAVMA News

3D-MAPPING CORRECTS FACIAL TRAUMA IN ROTTWEILER.

Three-dimensional mapping technology helped University of California at Davis veterinarians correct major facial trauma in a Rottweiler puppy. Ziba's face was nearly crushed by a car, leaving her with damage that 10 years ago likely would have meant euthanasia. But the technology helped veterinarians identify problems and devise and carry out their surgical plan, marking the 10th such procedure at UC Davis, one of a small number of facilities with the technology. Today, Ziba's face shows no signs of her injury. Full Story: KTXL-TV (Sacramento, Calif.)

Suspected Ebola case reported in Vietnam.

A 27-year-old man was quarantined at a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City after coming back from Africa with Ebola symptoms, local media reported on Sunday. The man from central Binh Thuan province arrived at Tan Son Nhat international airport in the city on February 11 with Ebola symptoms, including high fever and dry cough, online newspaper VnExpress reported.He was transferred to the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases for quarantine and observation.The man worked as a photographer in Sierra Leone.He was being treated as a tuberculosis patient. Earlier, doctors in Sierra Leone had diagnosed him with pneumonia.A death from Ebola was confirmed in Sierra Leone on Jan. 15, hours after the World Health Organisation declared an end to the deadly virus in West Africa. Ebola has killed more than 11,000 people, mostly in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia since December 2013. Story culled from;South China morning post.

Sharks could help prevent human tooth loss.

Scientists have identified a network of genes that enables sharks to develop and regenerate teeth throughout their lifetime, a finding that may pave the way for new therapies to help humans with tooth loss. The genes also allow sharks to replace rows of their teeth using a conveyor belt-like system. Scientists have known that some fish, such as sharks and rays, develop rows of highly specialized teeth with the capacity for lifelong regeneration. However the genetic mechanisms which enable this to happen were poorly understood.Now a research team, led by Dr Gareth Fraser from the University of Sheffield in UK has identified how a special set of epithelial cells form, called the dental lamina, which are responsible for the lifelong continuation of tooth development and regeneration in sharks. Humans also possess this set of cells, which facilitate the production of replacement teeth, but only two sets are formed - baby and adult teeth - before this set of specialized cells is lost. The team shows that these tooth-making genes found in sharks are conserved through 450 million years of evolution, and probably made the first vertebrate teeth. These 'tooth' genes, therefore make all vertebrate teeth from sharks to mammals, however in mammals like humans, the tooth regeneration ability, that utilizes these genes, has been highly reduced over time. "We know that sharks are fearsome predators and one of the main reasons they are so successful at hunting prey is because of their rows of backward pointing, razor-sharp teeth that regenerate rapidly throughout their lifetime, and so are replaced before decay," said Fraser. "The Jaws films taught us that it is not always safe to go into the water, but this study shows that perhaps we need to in order to develop therapies that might help humans with tooth loss," Fraser said. Through analyzing the teeth of cat -shark embryos, the researchers characterized the expression of genes during stages of early shark tooth formation. They found that these genes participate in the initial emergence of shark's teeth and are re-deployed for further tooth regeneration. The study suggests that at the beginning of the sharks' evolutionary history, their teeth were most likely continuously regenerated and used a core set of genes from members of key developmental signalling pathways, which were instrumental in sharks evolving to maintain the ability to re-deploy the genes to replace teeth when needed. Story culled from business standard.

AGRIBUSINESS: HOW TO REAR RABBITS FOR PROFIT.

AGRIBUSINESS: HOW TO REAR RABBITS FOR PROFIT. Rabbits are herbivores,easy to rear and manage. Their characteristic prolific mature coupled with short gestation period has made them the urban animals to rear.The meat is also nutritious as its fatless and has no cholesterol making it a healthy substitute for red meat. Rabbits an be reared in farms or in -house in hutches,wooden cages or wire cages depending on the scope of production.Rabbits feed on grasses,legumes and vegetables basically,but commercialized pellets can also be used to enhance growth.Rabbits must be given water alongside feed,also salt is essential for their diet. The male rabbit is called a buck and sexually mature at 5-6 months of age.,the mating ratio is 1 buck to 15 does. The female rabbit is called a doe,sexually active at 5-6 months of age,comes on heat every 3 weeks and can have an average of 5-9 kits per kindling and can kindle 3-4 times a year depending on management practice. The doe is taken to the buck when on heat,mating takes place within minutes with the buck falling on his back with a momentary stiffened posture.The doe is returned to her cage and the process repeated at day 2/3. The doe is palpated for fetus at 14 days after mating to ascertain pregnancy.The nesting box is placed in the does hutch on day 25 after mating,and the doe kindles 30-31 days after mating. Fresh feed,must be available for the doe until weaning at 4 weeks and the cycle continues,until you decide to sell off or slaughter to process for packaging. Starting with 10 does @ 10,000 naira at the start of the year the does averaging 7 kits/ kindle........70 kits then in a year will be 70 x3...........210 kits.This can be increased with proper management by choosing does from very prolific progeny. The medication costs can be reduced by ensuring strict bio security protocols,and giving clean ,nutritious meals and prevent exposure to sun.Rabbits do benefit from early morning sunshine,but they must not be exposed for long periods as this reduces fertility and also results in death when over exposed.

AGRIBUSINESS: HOW TO ENSURE FOOD SECURITY THROUGH BREED SELECTION AND SELECTIVE BREEDING.

AGRIBUSINESS: HOW TO ENSURE FOOD SECURITY THROUGH BREED SELECTION AND SELECTIVE BREEDING. The bull was originally bred in France in a place called Charolais, hence its name. It is a naturally horned beef animal.In Africa, the largest population of the breed is found in South Africa followed by Kenya, mainly in Laikipia . 

 The Bull heavier than buffalo fetches Sh600,000.Weighing in at 1,050kg, a bull heavier than a buffalo was auctioned for Sh600,000, equivalent to the price of a Probox car. However, if slaughtered in the farm, the bull could fetch Sh1 million.The ‘charolais’ bull was the main attraction during the East Africa Growers Council agribusiness expo in Kabarak University. 

 The four-year-old bull from Kabarak Farm Ltd only feeds on grass and drinks a minimum of 60 litres of water a day, according to the farm manager Joseph Bett.Bett says there are about 107,000 of such animals in the farm and a single dose of artificial insemination costs Sh1,000. The agribusiness expo brought together more than 15,000 farmers, sponsors and exhibitors. Source;The star

QUALITIES OF FEED PELLET.

Feed pelleting can be defined as conversion of finely ground mash feed into dense, free flowing pellets or capsules, in a process that involves steam injection (moisture and heat) and mechanical pressure. There are several advantages for feeding broilers pelleted rather than mash feed. The main advantage is the improved bird performance (improved feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion). Birds fed pelleted diets spend less time and need lower maintenance energy requirements during eating and digestion in comparison to those fed mash feed. The other benefits of feeding pelleted diets include increase feed density, decrease feed dustiness, wastage and selection, better mechanical handling of feed on the feed lines, and destruction of feed-borne pathogens. Therefore, the full genetic potentials of modern broiler strains cannot be achieved without pelleted feed. In order to achieve these multi-benefits, the pellet durability should be of a standard quality (not contain too much fines), otherwise, the bird’s performance will be adversely affected. High quality pellets can be defined as pellets that can withstand repeated handling as can occur during bagging, transportation, storage, and moving on feed lines without excessive breakage or generation of fine particles. Pellet quality is usually expressed as the pellet durability index (PDI), and measured by using a tumbling can device, in which the pellet sample to be tested is first sieved to remove fines, then tumbled in the tumbling can device for a defined period of time. The tumbled sample is then sieved to remove fines, and the amount of intact pellets is determined. Factors affecting pellet quality Several factors have an effect on the quality of the pellets. First of all the feed formulation (raw materials and additives used). Some feed ingredients have a good impact on pellet quality, while others could adversely affect the quality. Unfortunately, corn-soy diets are not the ideal diets to achieve the desired pellet quality. Dietary inclusion of wheat grain or wheat by products (wheat midds, wheat gluten) can increase pellet durability, because of the high protein (gluten) and hemi-cellulose content of wheat in comparison to corn or corn co-products. Similarly inclusion of oat as a partial substitute of corn can increase pellet quality. We can rank feed grains according to their positive impacts on pellet quality from best to worst as followings:oat,wheat,barley,corn and sorghum. It was previously known that starch and its gelatinisation is the most important factor for achieving the desired pellet quality. However, recent reports indicated that the positive impact of protein on pellet quality is much more important than that of starch. Dietary inclusion of oil has an adverse effect on pellet quality. This is attributed to the coating effect of oil to the feed particles which prevent their penetration by the steam, also oil reduces the friction generated between die and feed particles with subsequent decrease in the starch gelatinisation rate. Inclusion of binding agents (e.g. water (simplest binder), lignin sulphonate, hemicelluloses extract, gelatin, etc.) and/or surfactants can increase pellet quality. Pellet quality can be influenced by several factors, including the ingredients, diet formulation and processing. A good rule of thumb is the pellet quality factor (PQF), that each feed ingredient has. The PQF has a score from 0 to 10, where 0 predicts poor pellet quality and 10 good pellet quality. From experience we know that starch and its gelatinisation is the most important factor for achieving the desired pellet quality. However, recent reports indicated that the positive impact of protein on pellet quality is much more important than that of starch.

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.

Essential oils key in fight against antibiotic use.

Essential oils are a key solution to an alternative for antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), this was shown by research carried out by US food giant, Cargill. But what do essential oils achieve that other non-medicated feed additives don’t? Essential oils key in gut health support : Gut health is important in poultry production because the digestive system performs key functions essential to ensuring birds' optimum performance. The optimal gut function in 4 key areas are:1)Managing microflora for a well-balanced bacterial population. 2) Controlling immune function and inflammatory response 3)Maximising nutrient digestion and absorption 4 ) Improving the physical barrier against pathogens. While all additives studied showed some benefit in these areas, Cargill researchers found that selected essential oil compounds, particularly those derived from thyme, cinnamon and oregano, had the most comprehensive effect on overall gut health. Benefits included antimicrobial activity, modulation of immune response, antioxidant activity, improvement of nutrient digestibility and stimulation of mucus production. "Activity against pathogens": "Only essential oils have both a broad spectrum of activity against pathogens and a direct impact on digestive function," said Stephanie Ladirat, global technology lead for gut health additives in Cargill's animal nutrition business. Essential oils were found to be particular efficient in conditions where intestinal infections such as Salmonellosis and Coccidiosis were present. They were also found to be a viable alternative to antibiotics as more than 85% of the results showed a minimal difference between the positive control (antibiotics) and essential oils. The research also showed that essential oils are just one facet of a feeding programme that promotes ideal gut health and allows antibiotic reduction. Research findings support combining essential oils with organic acids to get maximum efficacy. "Cargill's local nutrition experts are working directly with poultry producers to develop customised, holistic feeding programmes encompassing nutrition, additives and farm management based on the study results," says Twan Van Gerwe, poultry R&D director in Cargill's animal nutrition business. Feed conversion trials: Combined study results from 12 trials demonstrated that birds given Cargill's Promote Biacid Nucleus additive, which contains a proprietary mixture of 7 carefully selected essential oil compounds, in combination with an antibiotic-free diet, consistently improves body weight gain by 2% and feed conversion by 1.5%, producing a return on investment (ROI) of 5:1 for producers. The research was reported in world poultry.

First confirmed human infection of zoonotic parasite reported in Vietnam.

Researchers have reported the first laboratory-confirmed case of Trypanosoma evansi infection in a Vietnamese woman with no deficiencies. They linked transmission of the parasite with bovid exposure. Over half of Vietnam’s population resides in rural areas, and most participate in small-scale animal production, which likely facilitates the transfer of pathogens from animals into humans,” the researchers wrote. “T. evansi is associated with acute disease in camels and horses and chronic disease in cattle and buffalo, and can be found in South America, North Africa, the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia.” There have been four probable cases of T. evansi infection reported worldwide that lacked molecular parasite speciation. One previous case was reported in India in 2005 with molecular confirmation, although the patient had a deficiency of Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1), a serum component with trypanocidal activity. The present case, a previously healthy Vietnamese woman aged 38 years with no APOL1 deficiency, first presented to a health care facility with 18 days of fever, headache and arthralgia. She had no history of travel to any regions where T. evansi has been observed. Although initially treated for malaria, microscopic examination of blood samples revealed unicellular flagellate protozoa with the morphology of Trypanosoma. The patient received a treatment reported to have trypanocidal activity for 7 days, but returned with symptoms 6 weeks after discharge and subsequently treated with a first-line anti-trypanosomal treatment and eventually recovered with no complications. PCR amplification and serological testing of the patient’s serum confirmed the infecting species as T. evansi, and APOL1 testing found the patient’s concentrations to be within a healthy range. As the patient reported potential exposure while butchering locally reared beef, the researchers conducted a census of livestock farms surrounding the patient’s relatives’ household. Blood samples from some cattle and buffalo were indicative of T. evansi infection, and some farmers reported a mystery illness affecting their livestock. These data helped the researchers conclude that these bovid were the likely source of the patient’s infection. Furthermore, the parasite may have been circulating among Vietnamese livestock for some time while avoiding detection, and if endemic could have further economic and human health consequences for the region. “Subsequent field investigations demonstrated a high prevalence of bovids in the immediate environs of the patient with clinical and molecular evidence of T. evansi infection,” the researchers wrote. “Further research is required to better understand this zoonotic pathogen, including host susceptibility factors, potential vectors and therapeutic options for both human and animal infections.” – story source; Helio infectious news.oo

NUTRITIOUS BISCUIT FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN.

Microchip used to build a first-ever artificial kidney

Microchip used to build a first-ever artificial kidney: Nephrologists are making major progress on a first-of-its kind device to free kidney patients from dialysis. He is building an implantable artificial kidney with microchip filters and living kidney cells that will be powered by a patient's own heart.

Omega-3 may lead to “clinically meaningful” blood pressure reductions: Study

Omega-3 may lead to “clinically meaningful” blood pressure reductions: Study: Consuming EPA and DHA omega-3s at doses as low as 0.7 grams per day may produce clinically meaningful reductions in systolic blood pressure, says a new study from the UK.

New device to get people with paralysis back on their feet: Scientists have tested the world's first minimally-invasive brain-machine interface, designed to control an exoskeleton with the power of thought

New device to get people with paralysis back on their feet: Scientists have tested the world's first minimally-invasive brain-machine interface, designed to control an exoskeleton with the power of thought: Medical researchers have created a new minimally invasive brain-machine interface, giving people with spinal cord injuries new hope to walk again with the power of thought.

Improving milk production efficiency by using feed additives.

Farmers can achieve efficient milk production by investing in high quality genetics, but this can depend on the maintenance of high-quality rations. Evidence from trials and practical experience indicates that a reliable and cost-effective way of earning more profit from cows' milk is through optimizing feed with the right additives. This is important for farmers not only to ensure that milk production is profitable, but also to ensure optimal health and well-being for cows. Longer productive life in cows using ß-carotene; A longer productive life is associated with low culling rates and high fertility. Regular breeding can be helped by ß-carotene, a plant pigment that acts as a vitamin to support fertility in dairy cows. It accumulates in the ovaries and participates in the synthesis of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, both of which are important for ovulation and for safeguarding the embryo. Trials conducted worldwide show that optimal dietary levels of Rovimix ß-carotene increase conception rates and lower the number of abortions. Pregnancy rates for first inseminations in a practical farm trial conducted in France increased by almost 40% in ß-carotene supplemented cows. Calving intervals were reduced by 27 days and milk yield increased by more than 400 kg per cow and lactation. The correct supplementation of ß-carotene in rations leads to an improvement in cows' fertility, health and welfare. Other recorded advantages include more regular ovulation, better foetal health and reduced incidence of retained placenta; as well as better calf health. Health issues such as mastitis can also lead to losing otherwise productive cows. Vitamin E is an important feed additive for the natural control of mastitis. Optimal levels of this vitamin (which cannot be synthesised by the cow) in pre-calving and immediate post-calving rations has been proven to increase immune system resistance to mastitis infection, reducing mammary infections at calving by up to 80%. Clinical and sub-clinical mastitis remain among the biggest drains on dairy profitability (Table 2). Supplementing rations with vitamin E, such as Rovimix E, has proved cost-effective and efficient in combating this serious problem. Correct amounts of vitamin E have also proved to decrease the duration of mastitis in infected cows by as much as 50%. There are also clear advantages gained from boosting dairy cow rations with biotin. Evidence suggests that getting the right additives to optimize feed can lead to increased animal health and well-being, production efficiency and increased income on the dairy farm. Longevity is key for efficient milk production and lifetime performance depends on healthy cows, which depends on their diet. source all about feed)

RESEARCH : VITAMIN D LINKED TO INCREASE FERTILITY IN ANIMALS.

RESEARCH : VITAMIN D LINKED TO INCREASE FERTILITY IN ANIMALS. High levels of vitamin D are linked to improved fertility and reproductive success. Science Daily reports that the study, carried out on a remote Hebridean island, adds to growing evidence that vitamin D - known as the sunshine vitamin - is associated with reproductive health. Experts hope that further studies will help to determine the relevance of the results for other mammals, including people. RESEARCH : VITAMIN D LINKED TO INCREASE FERTILITY IN ANIMALS. Scientists from the University of Edinburgh found that Soay sheep with higher levels of vitamin D in their blood at the end of the summer went on to have more lambs in the following spring. The study offers the first evidence that an animal's vitamin D status is associated with an evolutionary advantage. RESEARCH : VITAMIN D LINKED TO INCREASE FERTILITY IN ANIMALS. Dr Richard Mellanby, Head of Small Animal Medicine at the University's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, who led the research, said: "Our study is the first to link vitamin D status and reproductive success in a wild animal population.

RESEARCH : SEAWEEDS AS ANIMAL FEED RESULTS IN EGGS AND BEEF OF BETTER QUALITY.

RESEARCH : SEAWEEDS AS ANIMAL FEED RESULTS IN EGGS AND BEEF OF BETTER QUALITY. Seaweeds can have a pre biotic effect in pig diets and improve egg quality in laying hens. However, high amounts of seaweed in the diet can have an opposite effect. The inclusion rate is therefore important. A report Published in Animal Feed Science and Technology termed : Seaweeds for livestock diets . The nutritive value of seaweeds for ruminants varies widely. It depends on the species, on the composition of the algae (protein, minerals, polysaccharides, phlorotannins) and also on the adaptation of the animal to this particular feed. RESEARCH : SEAWEEDS AS ANIMAL FEED RESULTS IN EGGS AND BEEF OF BETTER QUALITY. A study in the laboratory with rumen fluid from seaweed-fed sheep showed that organic matter digestibility of brown and red seaweeds was very high for brown algae L. digitata, S. latissima and Alaria esculenta species (94%, 97% and 81% respectively) and red algae P.palmata (81%), but was low for other brown seaweeds such as A. nodosum, Fucus serratus and Fucus vesiculosus (33%, 15% and 26% respectively. RESEARCH : SEAWEEDS AS ANIMAL FEED RESULTS IN EGGS AND BEEF OF BETTER QUALITY. In a comparison of brown algae M. pyrifera and Sargassum species, the in situ DM degradability of the former was found to be low (50%) but higher than that of the latter (29%). Crude protein of these seaweeds was found to be rumen-undegradable in situ, but the in vitro trypsic digestibility of their proteins was high, which could make brown algae a good source of protein for ruminants despite their low protein content. RESEARCH : SEAWEEDS AS ANIMAL FEED RESULTS IN EGGS AND BEEF OF BETTER QUALITY. The brown seaweed A. nodosum meal has been shown to increase growth performance in broilers. It didn't matter in which form it was included in the diet (boiled, raw or autoclaved). In another study with green seaweed Enteromorpha prolifera, it was shown that inclusion rate ranging from 2% to 4% provided the best nutrient availability and high apparent metabolisable energy in broilers. This may be attributed to a high level of amylase in the duodenum. It had a positive effect on feed intake, feed conversion ratio and average daily gain while reducing abdominal and subcutaneous fat thickness, thus improving breast meat. Brown seaweed Sargassum species from the Red Sea shore fed to laying hens during 20–30 weeks at 1–12% dietary level had no deleterious effect on body weight, egg weight, egg production, feed conversion ratio and egg quality. Sargassum dentifolium fed raw, boiled or autoclaved at levels of 3% or 6%, was beneficial to egg quality. Green seaweed E. prolifera included at 1–3% resulted in improved egg production and quality: it increased weight, shell thickness, and yolk colour and reduced cholesterol in yolk. It also resulted in a lower E. coli load in faeces, , suggesting better animal health.

SEAWEEDS A NEW OPTION AS ANIMAL FEED.

Seaweeds include brown algae (Phaeophyceae), red algae (Rhodophyceae) and green algae (Chlorophyceae). Seaweeds are valuable alternative feeds for livestock, mostly as sources of valuable nutrients, notably chelated micro-minerals, the availability of which is higher than that of inorganic ones. Brown algae are of lesser nutritional value than red and green algae, due to their lower protein content and higher mineral content; however brown algae contain a number of bioactive compounds. The use of algae as animal feed is promising, as they are sustainable, contain lots of protein and result in more omega 3 in eggs and milk. There is also evidence that they help young cattle grow better. A research in Netherland shows the benefits of algae in feed; Processing algae in animal feed is probably not the first thing that occurs to producers, but the green stuff seems highly appropriate for this purpose. Studies show that using algae as animal feed ensures better quality eggs, milk and possibly meat, and that it boosts growth in piglets, chickens and lambs, among others. "In addition, algae are rich in protein," says Wageningen UR algae expert Rommie van der Weide. "This makes them an interesting alternative to soy, which often has to be transported across long distances – from South America. Algae are produced in photo bioreactors and open ponds, making as much use as possible of the residue streams from a biogas plant. The algae grown here are used in animal feed, mineral licks and a feed supplement for horses. Source;all about feed.

HOW TO FORMULATE FISH FEED WITH WATER HYACINTH.

Water hyacinth: how to use it as fish feed. The need to find alternative protein sources to formulate non-traditional fish diets to overcome the high fish meal prices has resulted in many attempts to replace fish meal partially or completely with various plant protein sources.

 Water hyacinth has been discovered as a viable option according to study carried out by Dr. S. A. Vhanalakar and Dr. D. V. Muley, Department of Zoology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, India showing the benefits of water hyacinth as fish feed ingredient. 

 Water hyacinth is one of the most highly productive plants filling up a small area within a short time span as is considered the world's worst aquatic weed. It forms dense mats that interfere with navigation, recreation, irrigation and power generation. These mats competitively exclude native submerged and floating-leaved plants. 

 The rising cost and scarcity of fish meal has prompted studies to find alternatives to the fish meal by using locally available and cheaper ingredients of either animal or plant origin. The success of the aquaculture industry depends worldwide on the availability of low cost, high quality feeds to break even. In the past several studies were carried out to look for substitutes for fish meal in the fish feed. 

Fish nutritionists have evaluated alternative sources of plant origin protein in fish diets as partial or total fish meal replacement. Water hyacinth has been found suitable among other options,as it was found to replace the fish meal at various levels of inclusion without any side effects but rather an increase in fish productivity. . 

 The study carried out using the common carp fed for 120 days. : fresh water hyacinth leaves were collected from local water bodies, these were washed thoroughly with water to remove dirt and debris and drained properly before sun drying. 

The dried leaves of water hyacinth were milled , packed in airtight polyethylene bags and kept in the freezer before use. The inclusion of the dried leaves in the feed was at different rates ranging from (0-70%), groundnut cake, rice bran, fish meal, guar gum binder and mineral/vitamin mixture were all added to formulate the feed. 

 Ingredients were mixed until an homogeneous mass was obtained and with the mincer 0.6 mm pellets were prepared, which were immediately sun dried. The dried pellets were broken up by hand into convenient pellet sizes and frozen before feeding the fish. The water hyacinth diet showed the great usefulness as fish feed ingredient and for cost effectiveness. 

The feed with 40% water hyacinth incorporated diet showed best growth performance over all the other inclusion rates, although all the diets containing the water hyacinth leaf powder showed effectiveness as an economic fish feed . 

 Water hyacinth does not have the capacity to replace the traditional fish meal,therefore, it is used as a supplementary fish feed ingredient along with the traditional ingredients; but the incorporation level of traditional ingredients like fish meal, groundnut cake, rice bran etc. was kept at lowest inclusion level. 

 

Water hyacinth can  play an important role in fish feed formulation to overcome high feed prices.

INSECT OIL AS FEED ADDITIVE.

The use of insect oil in the food and feed sector is completely new. Coppens is the first company to use this product, produced by Protix, in animal feed. The use of insect oil in pig and poultry diets is promising and aimed to increase animal health when added as a feed ingredient. The results of the Poultry Research Center showed that chicks profit from insect oil when it comes to growth and feed conversion, compared to soybean oil. In addition, the insect oil is also easy to digest. Insect oil contains a high proportion of lauric acid, which has health-promoting properties. Also, breast milk for example contains a high proportion of lauric acid. Not just the chicken and the pig will benefit from this healthy fatty acid pattern. Insect oil is environmentally friendly because low-grade raw materials are used for a high quality application. Green residual (waste) streams are converted efficiently by insects. source; all about feed.

Vitamin D deficiency may reduce pregnancy rate in women undergoing IVF

Vitamin D deficiency may reduce pregnancy rate in women undergoing IVF: Women with a vitamin D deficiency were nearly half as likely to conceive through in vitro fertilization (IVF) as women who had sufficient levels of the vitamin, according to a new study. Long known for its role in bone health, vitamin D is a steroid hormone that is emerging as a factor in fertility.

Dogs accelerate the advance of new cancer treatments for both pets and people: National review shows studying cancer in dogs offers 'a unique opportunity' for helping patients, saving time and decreasing costs

Dogs accelerate the advance of new cancer treatments for both pets and people: National review shows studying cancer in dogs offers 'a unique opportunity' for helping patients, saving time and decreasing costs: A new review suggests integrating dogs with naturally occurring cancers into studies of new drug therapeutics could result in better treatments for our four-legged friends while helping inform therapeutic development for human cancers. The review hopes to close the gap between human and canine cancer research, and accelerate the knowledge developed by studying cancer in both people and pets, a field known as comparative oncology.

A man’s best friend: Study shows dogs can recognize human emotions

A man’s best friend: Study shows dogs can recognize human emotions: Dogs can recognize emotions in humans by combining information from different senses -- an ability that has never previously been observed outside of humans, a new study published today reveals.

Horses can read human emotions

Horses can read human emotions: For the first time horses have been shown to be able to distinguish between angry and happy human facial expressions.

Regular breakfast helps reduce lead poisoning in children

Regular breakfast helps reduce lead poisoning in children: It is known that fasting increases lead absorption in adults and consequently regular meals and snacks are recommended for children to prevent lead poisoning. New research demonstrates that having a regular breakfast is associated with lower blood lead levels in children.

Eating breakfast could help obese people get more active

Eating breakfast could help obese people get more active: Eating breakfast causes obese people to be more active, according to new research. The study analyzed the links between breakfast and health for individuals classed as 'obese', comparing the results from a fasting group with a breakfasting group.

Top academics warn that without a proactive approach to insecticide resistance, gains made in malaria prevention could be lost

Top academics warn that without a proactive approach to insecticide resistance, gains made in malaria prevention could be lost: Researchers in the field of vector biology have put together an editorial outlining the need for a more urgent and proactive approach to insecticide resistance, if the gains made in malaria prevention in the 21st century are not to be lost.

Pesticide-induced mosquito death outweighs fitness advantage of survivors

Pesticide-induced mosquito death outweighs fitness advantage of survivors: A common toxin used to kill yellow fever mosquito larvae – the most prevalent transmitter of dengue, chikungunya and zika viruses – is highly effective. While there are some fitness advantages to surviving adults, this is still an effective way to control the damaging health impacts of these mosquito-borne diseases, a new study shows.

High-cholesterol diet, eating eggs do not increase risk of heart attack, not even in persons genetically predisposed, study finds

High-cholesterol diet, eating eggs do not increase risk of heart attack, not even in persons genetically predisposed, study finds: A new study shows that a relatively high intake of dietary cholesterol, or eating one egg every day, are not associated with an elevated risk of incident coronary heart disease. Furthermore, no association was found among those with the APOE4 phenotype, which affects cholesterol metabolism and is common among the Finnish population. In the majority of population, dietary cholesterol affects serum cholesterol levels only a little, and few studies have linked the intake of dietary cholesterol to an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases. Globally, many nutrition recommendations no longer set limitations to the intake of dietary cholesterol.

The Value of Medicine as Seen through Malaria

The Value of Medicine as Seen through Malaria

DAY OLD CHICKS AND FOOD SECURITY.

The process of of enhancing the performance of birds is aimed at producing more eggs,bigger chicken , reducing time of rearing and also extending laying periods.The seed for the poultry is the day old chicks,these must be sourced from proven hatcheries to ensure the goals of optimum growth and production is accomplished.Day old chicks must be clean,alert and vaccinated before they are ready for sales.There are a lot of technicalities that goes into hatching these chicks, the most important factor is that the parent stock must be proven,with desired traits before the breeding and incubation phase.The proper setting in incubators with stipulated temperature and humidity will ensure that the purpose of careful selection and breeding are not futile. The selection and breeding are carried out basically to increase productivity.This can be further harnessed by breeding exotic strains with local strains to ensure proper adaptability to environment . Many countries are implementing this practice at Nairobi International Trade Fair once again proved to be the hub of new innovations and technologies in agribusiness. A rooster weighing eight kilos worth Sh2,000 drew crowds at the trade fair.This is almost the weight of a dik-dik antelope and twice the size of a normal rooster. Kukuchic company sales person Nathan Koech said the 11-month rainbow rooster is a dual-purpose breed.The breed is originally from India. Koech said such weight is not ideal for natural fertilization as the rooster might hurt the hen.He said they do artificial insemination.“At five months the rooster is ready for the market,” Koech said.He said they have 20,000 roosters at the Eldoret-based company and sell day-old chicks at Sh100 each. Unfertilized egg costs Sh15. (The star). Call today to order day-old chicks.

PIG PRODUCTIVITY WEBINAR.

RBI Agri

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Webinar Improve Pig Productivity How to improve pig productivity? Can it be achieved by applying multi-phase feeding? Or choosing different climate solutions or perhaps looking at pig genetics? Find out ...

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Webinar Improve Pig Productivity

How to improve pig productivity? Can it be achieved by applying multi-phase feeding? Or choosing different climate solutions or perhaps looking at pig genetics? Find out more on February 9.

When aiming at the improvement of pig productivity, many solutions are usually focused on enhancing animal nutrition. After all, how could one more directly influence productivity than through feed? What is certain, however, is that there is a host of other options available as well. That is where our search begins on February 9. Pig Progress shall highlight several of these strategies in an exclusive webinar, brought to you live from Amsterdam, the Netherlands (CET 11.00 -12.00 am). The following speakers shall be sharing their views:

	1. Product Manager Pigs Ludo Bosschaerts: International, independent research has proven that multi-phase feeding produces better feed conversion ratio’s (FCR) and has a positive impact on average daily gain (ADG). A better retention of nutrients in the body has been found and a significant reduction in the production of manure, resulting in a lower expulsion of ammonium gasses into the environment. This Roxell concept results in a high return on investment.
	2. Merete Lyngbye, Master of Engineering, PhD, Director for Livestock Segment at Munters will speak about climate solutions to improve pig producers economy and environmental footprint.
	3. Benny van Haandel. Director/consultant at E-barn Solutions will give a presentation titled ‘Are our current pig genetics future proof?’ “How do new developments in various areas and markets affect the required characteristics of future top performing pigs?” ”

Hosted by Vincent ter Beek, editor of Pig Progress, the live webinar offers you the opportunity to exchange ideas with experts in real time.

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9

February 2016

starts at 11:00 AM CET

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RBI Agri webinars

FOOD SECURITY THROUGH GENETIC IMPROVEMENT.

Food security can be achieved on a global scale if production processes are subjected to improved stock using genetically proven animals.

The way to harness the advantages in using genetically proven lines include; selective breeding,rearing and cross breeding to develop strains/lines that can produce more in the desired country.

There are various breeds of chicken,cattle,pigs that are proven and can adapt and survive in the country.

Genetics play a pivotal role in food security either by selective breeding, genetic engineering, gene mapping and coding and artificial insemination.
The improved strain will produce faster within a short time thus extending production cycles. Seed improvement is also relevant in food security, where genetically modified seeds produce better crops that are disease resistant .

Ordinary seeds can also be improved by using agricultural supplements that enables the crops to grow,flourish and ready for harvest within a shorter time. The use of technology in food security cannot be overemphasized as the introduction of biotech to food production is of immense benefits.

The springing up of bio-crops allows farming even in areas where there is much pressure on the land,thus availing the urban farmer an opportunity to participate in food security.

 Cultivating advanced planting techniques such as hydroponics,aeroponics and aquaponics , also enables farming in areas where land is an issue.

Fruits and vegetables are planted in columns,using nutrient media instead of soil. Vegetables can also be reared alongside fishes in the aquaponics to enhance food security.

AGRO-VETERINARY : EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE.

http://www.inc.com/john-rampton/10-qualities-of-people-with-high-emotional-intelligence.html?cid=readmore. Emotional intelligence.

Expert canvasses rice revolution for food security - Punch Newspapers

Expert canvasses rice revolution for food security - Punch Newspapers: 1137African governments and policymakers have been urged to improve management practices and policies as a way of increasing rice production on the continent. A professor of development economics and an agricultural development expert in both Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, Keijiro Otsuka, said that if this was done, Africa would increase its rice production capacity by

FOOD SECURITY NETWORK.

This is simply the partnership between producers,processors,marketers and financial institutions.The race to ensure food security is hinged on production backed by finances.

The producers are the farmers that are directly involved in production.The producers phase can be further divided into sub heads to facilitate better production,lets analyse the poultry sector; farmers have a choice of rearing the various types of bird that generate revenue.

 The production phase could be short,long term or seasonal when you consider rearing towards festivities.Every aspect of production is important and is a valuable segment of the food security network.

The production phase is regarded as successful, when the expected by-products are available at stipulated times with a profit margin to all stakeholders. The processors and producers work in sync to achieve a profitable production cycle.

When the products are ready, the processors ensures that they are packaged in various forms to suit the market.

In poultry,the chicken can be processed and sold as plain,smoked,stewed,barbecue,or as fried.

The eggs are collected and processed as egg powder,this value addition increases the  profit margin and prevents food loss/waste by preventing egg glut.









 This chart explains further;. The egg powder plant,another money spinner in the poultry chain.

The demand for egg powder is very high especially with food vendors,eateries and restaurants, the inclusion of an egg powder plant in the production cycle will further boost revenue generation,food availability and accessibility.

FOOD SECURITY;INFO -GRAPHICS.

Where do you fit?