Broiler, egg production trends draw strong interest at VIV Asia

Global Poultry Trends – Effect on the South East Asian Market took place on the opening day of VIV Asia 2015. The examination of the future direction of Asian broiler production and the Asian egg sector, attracted such strong interest that, despite moving to a larger room to accommodate the high number of registrants, audience numbers resulted in a standing-room-only crowd.


Asian broiler growth gaining global share
South East Asia is expected to account for 36 percent of the increase in global poultry production forecast to take place between 2013 and 2013, delegates at the event hosted by WATT Global Media and sponsored by Cobb and Moba, were told.
Yet, despite this still impressive increase, growth in the region will be weaker than was once thought, explained Pelayo Casanovas, general manager Cobb Asia Pacific.
Among the factors constraining growth are disease, food safety issues, high feed costs, a poor balance between supply and demand, and, more recently, import bans on genetic stock, he said.
Despite these difficulties, the general outlook remains positive.
Incomes in Asia are rising by more than 5 percent, and poultry, in addition to being the cheapest meat, is the most elastic to income growth because of its short production cycle.
Per capita consumption of poultry meat in many of the region’s countries is low, meaning that as incomes grow, there is room for consumption to expand with it. Malaysia, for example, sits at the high end of the scale at 49.5 kg per annum while, at the other, annual per capita consumption of poultry meat in Bangladesh is 1.4 kg, and other countries fall in between.


Drive for efficiency
Casanovas continued that the region’s poultry producers will have to become more efficient if they are to continue to supply Asia’s consumers with affordable chicken meat and respond to growing demand.
Many Asian countries are relatively high cost when compared with the USA and Brazil, and this, in part, is due to comparatively low levels of integrated production in the region, which will need to change.
Thailand has the most integrated poultry industry, with 85 percent of standard broiler production produced by integrated companies. In most countries, however, the figure is below 60 percent and, in Myanmar, that figure falls to 25 percent.
Additionally, the size of chickens produced in Asia is likely to rise. The greatest increase in bird size is forecast to occur in Indonesia. The country currently produces chickens that are an average of 1.5 kg live weight at processing. This is predicted to increase to 1.85 kg by 2023. In Thailand, the increase is expected to be in the region of 22 percent from today’s 2.45 kg to 3 kg by 2023.
The region is also hampered by the large proportion of chickens sold through wet markets.
Casanovas ended by saying that the region’s industry must bring avian influenza under control, convince consumers of the safety and benefits of poultry meat, and keep production costs under control.


Strong growth ahead for egg production
Asia is expected to account for 76 percent of the predicted growth in world egg production, but for this growth to be realized, there will need to an increase in automation in egg handling, explained Paul Buisman, product manager Moba Group. Currently, 42 percent of egg handling worldwide is automated. In Asia, however, this figure currently stands at just 19 percent.
Companies throughout the region will need to become more automated, to reduce the number of eggs lost and to shorten the time to market.
The compound annual growth rate of egg production currently stands at 3 percent, and Asia is already home to two of the world’s 10 largest egg producers when measured by millions of layers – Japan’s Ise Inc. and Thailand’s CP Foods, but there are least 15 companies with laying flocks numbering in excess of 2 million head in the region.
Buisman looked at the example of Chinese egg producer DQY as an example of how the region’s companies are growing. Back in 2001, the company had no laying hens. By 2002, however, it had 200,000 birds in place, rising to 1.2 million layers in 2006, and reaching 1.6 million in 2009.
As in broiler production, food safety is also an issue in the region’s egg sector, and producers will need to reduce the chances of cross contamination during production, improve the cleaning and disinfection of equipment if they are to make the most growing and changing consumer expectations.

VIV Asia promotes sustainable growth of animal agriculture

Greg Watt, president/CEO of WATT Global Media, was one of four keynote speakers at VIV Asia's opening ceremony. 
The 2015 edition of international animal protein trade show VIV Asia kicked off with an opening ceremony focused on opportunities in animal agribusiness. A mix of dignitaries and industry leaders presented their outlooks for the growth of animal protein sectors in Asia.
"The challenge and the opportunity ahead is to meet changing consumer needs as the global population grows to more than 9 billion," said Greg Watt, president/CEO of WATT Global Media, who served as one of four keynote speakers at VIV Asia's opening ceremony.
From sustainable production to animal nutrition, the event’s large conference program and sold-out convention halls provide a variety of innovative production solutions. Overall, VIV Asia 2015 features 874 exhibitors -- including 174 new exhibitors.
The three-day event, held in Bangkok, is estimated to be visited by more than 30,000 visitors. Event organizer, VNU Exhibitions, reported increased attendance from visitors from Southeast Asian countries, especially India, Indonesia and Bangladesh.
The 2015 edition launched three new events in dairy, biogas and pet health.
This year marks the 24th edition of the biannual event.

VIV Asia Road Shows spreading the word about the event

VIV Asia, which will be held March 11-13, 2015, in Bangkok, will feature the animal production and meat processing industry’s developments.
The feed-to-meat concept brings together supply and demand within the complete animal protein chain, with the idea that animal feed and animal health are vital for meat quality and safety.
The conference will feature sessions on health issues; extended shelf life of food products; meat safety; ways to improve yield, quality, hygiene, traceability, portioning, performance, profitability, efficiency and transparency; and the trend toward systems that cover the entire food chain from primary production to finished products.
Road Shows
Road Shows have started to visit several Asian countries to carry the message that VIV Asia will be bigger than ever in 2015. Special events, features and themes added to the exhibition will serve the needs of dedicated target groups. The Road Shows have traveled to Indonesia, South Korea, Myanmar, Cambodia, India, Sri Lanka Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia and Bangladesh. In February, Road Shows will visit countries from the North Africa/Middle East region.
Pork production
The VIV Asia experience will be very strong in its connections to the production and processing of poultry meat and eggs. However, an extra feature in March will be the introduction of a special theme of pork production, in support of invitations sent especially to the top pig producers in the Asian region. Several of the leading international suppliers of pig equipment have signed up to exhibit for the first time.
“In total, our forecast for visitor numbers is that there will over 35,000 animal protein professionals and associated buyers from Asia, Africa and the Middle East,” says VIV Asia exhibition manager Ruwan Berculo. “In fact we think we will have people from every continent because the show has grown into such a big international event. Today, it can claim to serve almost all of the world’s most promising markets for animal proteins, at a time when Thailand is ready to play a major part in driving the food supplies of the new ASEAN trade zone.
Chinese language program
To cater for Chinese-speaking visitors, Mandarin has been added to the list of official languages for the show alongside a special program of activities in this language. The addition in 2015 of a special Chinese-language program recognizes the growth expected in the number of visitors from China. More visitors also are expected to come from Indonesia, Vietnam and Bangladesh.

Aviagen participates in a productive VIV Asia

VIV Asia 2013 proved to be a very good show for Aviagen with an estimated 400 visitors to the Aviagen exhibition stand over the three-day event. Existing customers and new prospects came from a number of markets outside the Asian region.
The week commenced with a customer welcome reception sponsored by Aviagen at the end of the first day, consisting of dinner and a cultural Thai performance during the evening. The reception began immediately after the show and attracted in excess of 200 participants to the Fahrenheit restaurant in the BITEC facility.
The main Aviagen messages on the stand revolved around a central theme for the exhibition was Global Leader. Local Partner. Right Choice. Aviagen incorporated references to the company's long term commitment to customers in the Asia Pacific region, continued investment in research and development to supply the best genetic progress, the establishment of the industry's largest global supply network, the creation of a knowledgeable, experienced local technical service team with a heavy emphasis on the transfer of research into everyday flock management advice.
Aviagen was well-represented by the complete regional team of commercial and technical people along with strong support from the company's specialists in nutrition, veterinary, hatchery and flock management and the internal technical transfer group.  Senior management was also present to receive and work with customers throughout the bi-annual event.
A series of three seminars were arranged to launch the extensive, new Parent Stock Handbooks that have been recently published for each of the commercial products, Arbor Acres Plus, Indian River and Ross.  The seminars received a lot of interest and attracted the participation of more than 150 people. 
"We are encouraged by the attendance and interest that was expressed by customers in the new Parent Stock Handbook. Their enthusiasm is welcome as the handbook represents a major collaborative effort by a significant group of Aviagen contributors encompassing technical people in the regions, technical specialists along with the technical transfer group and marketing," said presenter Michael Longley.
Aviagen also conducted a Hatchery Workshop on the "Essentials of Incubation and How to Monitor Them."  The seminar was presented by Dinah Nicholson, Global Manager Hatchery Development and Support. The recently published "Hatchery How Tos" were distributed to the 65 attendees at the workshop.
"We commit significant resource and put a lot of preparation into the VIV Asia show," stated Bill Souther, senior vice president, Asia. "We were pleased with the attendance and the response from our customers to the show and the sponsored events that we arranged during the week."

Biomin founder Erich Erber wins Asian Personality Award

Erich Erber, center, accepts the Asian Personality Award from Ruwan Berculo, left, and Nigel Horrox.

Erich Erber, chairman of the Executive Board of Erber Group and founder of Biomin, was awarded the Asian Personality award at VIV Asia 2013 in recognition of his 30 years of contributions to the field of animal nutrition.
Erber's dedication and foresight has led to numerous innovative and trend-setting solutions for animal production, with a successful business spanning over 100 countries worldwide and more than 1100 employees.
This award adds to a series of important events that mark the year 2013 for the company as Biomin celebrates its 30th anniversary and introduces to the market a completely new approach to counteracting fumonisins in animal production.
FUMzyme - the first purified enzyme that biotransforms fumonisins into non-toxic metabolites - was launched at VIV Asia 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand last week. This represents a great step forward in mycotoxin risk management, closing the gaps of adsorption amid increasing contamination levels and unidentified losses in animal performance.
The Asian Poultry Personality of 2013 Award was handed out during the opening ceremony of VIV Asia 2013 by Nigel Horrox of Positive Action Publications Ltd and Ruwan Berculo of VIV Asia.
"The recipient of this award was told that if you decide to do business in Asia, always come again and again to become a friend to your distributors and customers. He did exactly this and moved to live in Malaysia in 1994. He then successfully marketed his company's products in the region and soon his company's name became synonymous with mycotoxin control. He has always coupled quality service to quality products and now Asia is, primarily through his efforts a key region for his company" said Nigel Horrox.

Hubbard Grand Parent Distributor Meeting held in Bangkok

Hubbard organized a special Grand Parent Distributor Meeting, for which the attendees came from all over the world on March 11. This special event was held in the Banyan Tree Hotel in Bangkok and focused on “Less Feed, More Meat," the new theme of Hubbard that was introduced at VIV Asia.

Focus on 'Less Feed, More Meat'
Hubbard’s focus on “less Feed, More Meat” is totally in line with the “Natural Concept” of Groupe Grimaud which was officially launched end of 2012, embracing the Groupe’s philosophy on how to feed the world in the decades to follow in a sustainable way. It outlines the ways in which Groupe Grimaud and its companies develop and implement best practices in the genetic selection and production of animal protein to feed a growing world population.
Feed costs represent more than 70 percent of live production cost of a broiler, the highest levels in history and will remain to be at a high level in the years to come. Hubbard’s special focus in its genetic selection program on feed efficiency and total meat output has led to a product range offering the best answers to the poultry industry to save feed costs on breeder and broiler level.
The “Feedsaver” concept of the JV and F15 breeders saves about 15 percent of feed to produce a broiler day-old-chick compared to conventional breeders.
All Hubbard broilers have an excellent feed cost ratio compared to other breeds.
This allows customers to use less kilograms of feed to produce 1 kilogram of live broiler, 1 kilogram of carcass or 1 kilogram of total meat.

Recent successes shared
Recent successes of Hubbard around the world were shared with the many distributors being present, as Hubbard keeps gaining market share in different parts of the world:

• Hubbard LLC in the USA reconfirms its on-going success with the Hubbard M99 breeder male in the largest broiler market of the world. The Hubbard M99 breeder male represents now more than 50 percent of the broiler industry, supplying almost every poultry company in the USA.
• Hubbard do Brazil has been created just a few years ago from scratch and is currently experiencing an increasing success with the Hubbard Flex, which is now seen as the most feed efficient broiler in the second largest market in the world. Hubbard is now supplying more than 15 percent of the “free” Brazilian breeder market and the outlook for this year is already confirming a higher share in 2013.
• The Feedsaver concept using the “mini” (or dwarf) breeder females, such as the Hubbard JV and F15, has been accepted in many countries as a real economic alternative to conventional breeder females and now keeps gaining ground in some new markets in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and even the USA.
• Especially in hotter climate regions the Hubbard Classic is gaining market share because of its excellent breeder performances, fast broiler growth and good feed cost ratio.
• The Hubbard H1 is also being recognized now as a very good product for the heavier broiler markets and for the total de-bone markets focusing on the highest total meat yield per broiler, including breast meat, legs and wings.
• The Hubbard Color Range covers the needs for what is still considered being a niche market. On top of fulfilling the need for high-end quality chicken meat markets, it could also very well be a response to the consumers' demand to reduce the use of antibiotics in poultry.
Besides the growth of breeder sales from its own subsidiaries, Hubbard also confirms increased interest in its products through recently signed Grand Parent agreements in various parts of the world. For many years Hubbard is market leader in the Middle East, Africa and Russia with more than 50 percent market share and Hubbard’s presence in Asia is also growing as next to the existing business several new Grand Parent agreements have been signed recently.

Partnerships key for improved poultry health, production

Eighty-five percent of the global growth in poultry production is expected to come from emerging markets, particularly Asia. With the industry facing a trend towards both higher and more volatile feed costs, profitability will be driven by investments in optimal efficiency. Partnerships and the sharing of knowledge will be a key factor of success, as Asian poultry producers strive to feed a rapidly growing population.
Commenting on the importance of VIV Asia, Dr.Arnaud Bourgeois, Head of Ceva’s Biology business said:
“VIV Asia is a key forum which gives us the opportunity to meet face to face with our partners in the Asia Region. Having spent a significant part of my career in the region, I’m delighted to see that our heavy investments in research and development, equipment development and program formulation are appreciated by major poultry producers who see Ceva as a leading player in the fast development of the Asian poultry industry.”
Since launching its latest Newcastle vaccine - Vectormune ND at VIV Asia 2011, Ceva went further by proving its complete compatibility with its blockbuster Gumboro vaccine, Transmune IBD. Both products can now be mixed in diluent and administered in the hatchery (in-ovo or subcutaneously at day old) as a single dose giving life-long protection against Newcastle, Gumboro and Marek’s disease.
Being able to vaccinate in the hatchery against such major disease problems is a huge step forwards but of even more significance could be Ceva’s latest vector vaccine against Avian Influenza - Vectormune AI. The company has just launched the vaccine in Egypt and Bangladesh and will roll this out to other Asian countries where the problem is endemic.
“We believe that hatchery vaccination with technologically advanced vaccines is the future. Not only is there less stress on the chicks being vaccinated, improving welfare, but we can also induce long term immunity by cutting through MDA’s” said Dr Sylvain Comte, Corporate Marketing Director - Poultry “It is not simply a question of providing innovation in vaccines; we have to continue to invest in the equipment, people and programs to be able to provide the expert knowledge and vaccine solutions that will translate into improved production”
Together, beyond animal health – Ceva’s slogan will necessitate a further strengthening of the existing strong partnerships in Asia, if we are to better control diseases such as Avian Influenza, Newcastle and Gumboro, which menace poultry production and for some human health.

VIV Asia: Alltech joins International Poultry Council

Alltech has become the newest member of the International Poultry Council, IPC, the company announced during VIV Asia 2013, being held in Bangkok, Thailand. The global organization brings together poultry industry leaders from around the world to discuss and address issues of trade and science, and improve relations among nations.
“Alltech is honored to join the International Poultry Council," said Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech vice president, corporate affairs. "This group is made up of companies, government groups and leaders throughout the poultry industry trying to find consensus on important issues related to trade, disease and standards at a global level. By operating in 128 countries, Alltech can help provide local understanding as well as a global view to this discussion.”
Formed in October 2005, the IPC includes founding members Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Egypt, the EU, Mexico, Thailand, Turkey and the U.S. The IPC’s mission is to strengthen communication between the industries of different countries, to develop and recommend policies affecting our industries and to promote a common global understanding of and confidence in poultry products as the preferred source of meat protein.
“There are numerous challenges in the food chain around the world and only by working together as a global industry will we be able to find solutions to these issues,” said Lyons.

How are UK pig breeders faring in Asia?

British pig breeding companies may be fewer in numbers than they used to be, but the quality of stock is better than it has ever been. This is the opinion Stephen J Curtis, executive chairman of ACMC, whose stand at this year’s VIV Asia illustrated the various countries in which his company has commercial agreements.
But what has stood UK pig breeders in good stead in the Asian market? Curtis believes that it is the dedication to commercial traits and, in the case of ACMC, the combination of traditional breed improvement methods along with genome selection – a well balanced combination of the two approaches.
“Some traditional methods are still very relevant, especially when measuring carcass yield, for example,” he notes. “We are big investors in measuring individual feed intake. This is an expensive process, hence why many companies have shied away from it.
“But with feed costs being so high, it is essential now. More expensive feed needs more efficient pigs, feed efficiency is unbelievably important, and we are concentrating on feed efficiency and production of saleable pigs per year.”
He continues that the company has franchise breeding operations in China, Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines.
Along with the provision of pigs there is also the supply of services, ie technical support for breeding programs. ACMC’s Gene Evaluation Program sees data fed back from nucleuses in Asia to the UK, so that superior animals can be identified for further breeding. Other UK breeders are also offering support services, helping to build relationships with Asian producers.
Yet can pigs from the mild UK climate perform well in hotter countries?
Yes they can,” says Curtis, continuing that the Asian market will continue to grow and that UK breeding stock produced locally will continue to grow with it.
While health remains a major issue in the region, and foot and mouth disease, hog cholera and PRRS remain endemic in many countries, low wage costs mean that farms can afford higher staff levels than in Europe, for example. This means that each pig gets a greater degree of attention.
Asian incomes are generally rising, and pork, like chicken, is a relatively cheap meat to produce and highly popular.

VIV Asia highlights future directions for Asia’s meat, poultry processing

As part of its MeatTec educational program, VIV Asia 2013, being held in Bangkok, Thailand, looked at how the meat processing sector in Asia is developing and will continue to evolve. Like other markets, Asia is expected to see growing pressure on resources, including food, water and energy, and water is expected to be a particular problem in those countries with particularly hot and dry climates.
A variety of aspects of meat processing will have to become more efficient and more automated if the sector is to continue to prosper.
The rising middle class is an oft-quoted factor contributing to, and developing from, Asia's growing economies. While this is good for meat consumption, with it comes the problem that, with rising aspirations, ever-fewer people want to work in meat processing plants.
In some Asian markets it has already become difficult to recruit mid-level managers, while in others it is increasingly hard to recruit any staff at all. The answer to this is to create an environment that needs fewer staff, i.e., less human capital.
In Asia, many processing operations are still performed manually. This has worked well while labor has been cheap, but processors will have to look at automating those operations that are currently performed by hand if they are to overcome growing labor shortages.
The physical as well as the economic climate also presents its own challenges in hot and humid countries. Within the processing plant, not only temperature, but also humidity need to be kept under control. Clearly, this demands energy. In most plants, more energy is expended on controlling temperature and controlling humidity can result in particularly high energy bills.
However, a failure to control humidity can result in unpleasant and potentially dangerous conditions, as humidity can result in equipment maintenance issues, the growth of mold and bacteria, musty odors, slippery floors and even temporary plant closures. Delegates were shown a liquid chloride dessicant option for controlling humidity that not only results in energy savings of some 40 percent, but also helps to kill bacteria in the air.
Attendees at MeatTech were also given an overview of the various ways that the shelf-life of meat can be extended. Key in shelf-life extension is the addition of preservatives. Currently, Asian meat processors often rely on a chemical approach to meat preservation. However, as the market becomes increasingly sophisticated, there is expected to be greater use of natural preservatives.
Yet, a long shelf-life starts before the addition of preservatives, and delegates were shown various hygiene measures and procedures that can be put in place before workers even enter the plant and extends right through to the type of packaging used.
Labeling is another area that is undergoing change. For example, in the wake of a number of food scandals, China is trying to introduce a labeling policy that is stricter than that demanded by the EU. How well this will be enforced, however, remains to be seen.
Consumers in all markets want to know exactly what they are buying and where it has come from. QR codes are a way of delivering this information and these matrix codes can deliver significantly greater amounts of data than the old style bar codes and are much harder to corrupt. Delegates were also shown a label that changes color as the meat in a package reaches the end of it shelf-life. Although currently only being rolled out in Europe, this type of technology is expected to become more common place across continents.

VIV Asia, Aquatic Asia open with record-breaking number of exhibitors

VIV Asia 2013 and Aquatic Asia 2013 opened Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre with a lively and dramatic Opening Ceremony attended by key leaders in government and agriculture from around the world.
The Welcome Address was offered by Gerard Leeuwenburgh, director of international exhibitions of VNU Exhibitions Europe and managing director of VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific. Leeuwenbaugh noted that while there had been significant growth between the 2009 and 2011 VIV Asia events, VIV Asia 2013 had already set at least one new record. For 2013 the event includes 770 exhibitors from 48 countries.
Thongchai Sridama, board of directors and acting president of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, followed Leeuwenburgh’s remarks, saying he believed the event spoke to the strength of Thailand’s strong trade show industry.
Personality Awards
The 2013 VIV Asia – PAP Asia Personality Awards were presented during the ceremony by Nigel Horrox of PAP and Ruwan Berculo of VIV. The 2013 award recipients included:


Photographers crowd around the winners of the VIV Asia – PAP Personality Awards. From left, Nigel Horrox, Erich Erber, Vasit Taepaisitphongse, Sanya Theimsiri, Rosemary Smart, Ruwan Berculo
Meat Personality Award: Vasit Taepaisitphongse, COO, Betagro
Poultry Breeding Personality Award: Sanya Theimsiri, president, Ross Siam
Poultry Personality Award: Erich Erber, CEO, Biomin
Pigs Personality Award: Rosemary Smart, executive director, Canadian Swine Exporters Association
Keynote speeches
The Keynote Address was given by David Heath, Minister of State for Agriculture & Food, United Kingdom. Heath had high praise for the event, observing that “No other trade show in Asia offers such a wide range of expertise and opportunities.” He added that many issues important to agribusiness professionals would be discussed during the course of the event.
Yukol Limlamthong, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives of Thailand, offered Opening Remarks and the Keynote Message, speaking of his great pleasure that Thailand was the host country of VIV Asia 2013 and Aquatic Asia 2013. At the conclusion of his remarks he, together with other dignitaries present, cut the ceremonial ribbon to begin the event.

Animal health company Zoetis debuts at VIV Asia

Zoetis, formerly the animal health business unit of Pfizer Inc., will make its first appearance at VIV Asia.
Zoetis retains all of the poultry products that were available from Pfizer Animal Health, including its vaccines, medicinal animal feed additives, diagnostics and industry-leading BioDevices, and will continue to research and develop new products and services. Asia will be a key market for Zoetis poultry solutions.
The new company was formed in February and visitors to the meat industry exhibition in Bangkok will be among the first to find out what the new company has to offer by visiting its booth (No. A002 in Hall 104).
Although the Zoetis name will be new to those working in the Asian poultry industry, the company is building on over 60 years’ experience in delivering animal health products and support, said Paco Ortiz, senior vice president, global poultry and new established brands, Zoetis.
“We combine decades of experience with the latest science to deliver relevant, high-quality products and services that support healthier animals and businesses,” he said.
Central to the Zoetis strategy and mission will be its dedication to customers’ success, Ortiz added.
“We work every day to listen to our customers and better understand and address their real-world needs through our diverse portfolio of products and services and our local presence.”

VIV themes to focus on 'feed to meat' process

By using two essential themes VIV aims to facilitate and stimulate production of high-quality animal protein in the growth countries of the Southeast Asia. This themed duality is prevalent throughout VIV Asia 2013: CropTech-FeedTech & MeatTech.
“The quality of the end products — meat, poultry and eggs — is largely determined by what happens at the start of the chain," said Ruwan Berculo, project manager of VIV Asia, which will be held from March 13–15, in Bangkok, Thailand. "Consequently, our partners — experts and exhibitors — present the best knowledge and technologies to produce the best end products. They do so at the exhibition, with machinery for animal feed milling and with meat processing equipment and technologies for consumer products. In addition to the exhibition we have a parallel program with symposiums and congresses where we share the knowledge contained within the chain with the visitors. Our two themes literally define the VIV concept ‘Feed to Meat’. What you do at the start of the production chain with respect to quality forms the basis for the quality at the end of the chain."
Of the visitors who attended the exhibition in 2011, 12,000 indicated they were interested in animal feed production. A further 4,500 visitors were directly involved in animal feed production. "Yet another reason to focus even more strongly on this theme," said Berculo. "In the past two years we have been working on doing so in a differentiating manner. This is also a necessity in emerging markets. In these countries the demand for animal protein is so high that it can only be met with a strong production chain and reliable links. And ultimately it all starts with the feed. We will have all the big global players at the exhibition. This makes VIV Asia a one-stop shopping event, with the top of European and American companies and a number of Asian newcomers."
A lot of interest from investors and industrial players is expected, said show organizers. "A lot of money is involved in feed production and meat processing in particular," said Berculo. "Especially at the end of the chain, where most of the value is added. With respect to the primary sector (breeding and farming) these aspects of the production chain are increasing in relevance. This is also the reason why we have organised special themes and have brought together the best companies within these themes. In visitor terms: a complete picture where you will find all relevant technologies and knowledge."
A two-day program has been organized around the CropTech-FeedTech theme, with two conferences about innovation and technology in animal feed production. From 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on March 13, VIV is presenting the debate about animal feed production for technical specialists, in conjunction with Perendale. A conference for animal feed experts, in conjunction with partner WATT, has been planned from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on March 14.

VIV animal health summit to highlight antibiotic use reduction

A special feature of VIV Asia 2013, being held March 13–15, in Bangkok, Thailand, is the VIV Animal Health Summit on March 14 that will focus on reducing the use of antibiotics in livestock production.
Antibiotics are still widely used in food animal production in many parts of the world. Their use includes the prevention of bacterial infections and because of low costs and availability of some without prescription, antibiotics can be an often used medication. The widespread occurrence of multi-resistant bacteria is becoming a threat for future human and animal health. One consequence of this is that humans get scared and question whether it is safe to eat meat and eggs.
How to deal with this problem and the safety of meat and eggs in Asian markets is the theme of the VIV Animal Health Summit Asia. Among the topics discussed during the summit will be:

• Nutristar – health and nutrition
• Key points to secure demedication approach – From challenge model to feed formulation
• Antibiotic-free production – 15 years of lessons learned
• Brooding for robustness with Patio
• Reducing the amount of antibiotics at poultry by controlling the quality of drinking water
• Phytogenic feed additives – A holistic approach to reduce antibiotics in feed
• Natural concept – biology serving life
• Framelco's BioMolecular approach towards replacing antibiotics
• Antibiotic reduction & decreased 1st week mortality by improved brooding
• The use of organic acids in animal nutrition as replacements for antibiotics under European and Asian conditions
• Alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters
• New applied nutritional technology for prevention of necrotic enteritis in broilers
• Nature strikes back - A global problem
• Antimicrobial resistance and the 'super bugs' at the inter-phase of human and animal health and what to do
• Perspectives on antibiotics from the animal health industry
• The Dutch approach, resulting in decreasing the use of antibiotics with 52%

FOSS to hold feed analysis technical seminar at VIV Asia 2013

FOSS is exhibiting at VIV Asia 2013 (Hall 103, Booth F075) and will present a free technical seminar on how feed producers can make the best of raw materials through advanced feed analysis. The topics and presenters are:

• "Precise nutrition evaluation - Latest research" by Cecile Gady, research manager NIRS & feedstuff, Adisseo
• "Optimizing profits through NIR - Working relationship between Nutreco and FOSS in Asia" by Nabil Chinniah, vice president Asia Pacific, Trouw Nutrition Indonesia, a Nutreco company
• "Examples from instant quality optimization of feed, meat and dairy production" by Martin Andersson, Ph.D. and Kowalski Award in NIR & Chemometrics, FOSS Japan
The seminar will be held March 14, 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
FOSS will also be part of VIV Aisa's official conference program. International Market Manager, Feed & Forage, Laura Locatelli will present the many options now available through near infrared (NIR) analytical technology to optimize feed production process and quality control. Locatelli will give the presentation at the CropTech-FeedTech Conference on March 13, at 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
In addition to its presentations, FOSS will be exhibiting a range of advanced in-line and bench top NIR analytical solutions for the feed and meat industries together with solutions for chemical analysis. Among the products on show is ProFoss feed analyzer for continuous inline analysis directly in the feed production process. For benchtop analysis in the laboratory or in the production, the NIRS DS2500 offers NIR accuracy for a broad range of applications, from checking protein content to determining the amount of digestible amino acids for an improved feed conversion ratio. The NIRS DA1650 analyzer for use in the laboratory or in the production environment will also be on show.

Petersime to demonstrate hatchery management software at VIV Asia 2013

At VIV Asia 2013, Petersime will demonstrate Eagle Eye: a new software package that allows hatchery managers to monitor and control their entire hatchery from a single computer.
Eagle Eye provides an integrated solution for all of the key parameters and settings in the hatchery: incubators, room conditions, cooling water temperatures, parameters related to air handling, etc., according to the company. Some of the software’s main features include:

• Custom-made layout: the hatchery displayed on the computer main screen is based on the actual layout of the hatchery.
• Alarm status overview: Eagle Eye features an immediate and complete overview of all of the alarms in the hatchery, allowing hatchery managers to interfere instantly.
• Dynamic zoom: from the main hatchery layout screen you can zoom in to view the particular parameters of each room in the hatchery.
• Real-time and historical trending: using clear graphics, Eagle Eye helps hatchery managers to analyse the incubation and hatchery parameters over time.
• Enhanced bio-security management: to guarantee optimal bio-security in the hatchery, Eagle Eye includes active filter control on the air handling systems. Moreover, the temperature and humidity in all critical rooms is continuously controlled so as to safeguard bio-security at all levels.
VIV Asia will take place March 13–15, in Bangkok, Thailand.

Pas Reform to highlight hatchery innovation at VIV Asia 2013

Pas Reform plans to focus on hatchery innovation at VIV Asia 2013, which will be held March 13–15, in Bangkok, Thailand.
New products on the company's list of highlights include:

• the SmartHatchPro hatcher with 5-blade Vortex system and anodized aluminium panels
• SmartTray 126, 150 and 162 setter trays with Microban technology
• the Watter hatchery disinfection system
• a new HVAC web server for remote, web-based hatchery control and monitoring
• iPad technology for remote hatchery management
• a new webshop for genuine Pas Reform spare parts
• SmartTransfer for simultaneously transferring multiple setter trays
Pas Reform will also present SmartCount, a development for the high-capacity counting, vaccination and analysis of day-old chicks. With integrated vision technology, SmartCount sees, counts and analyzes groups of day-old chicks to boost efficiency and chick uniformity and improve animal welfare.
Pas Reform can be found at stand G032, Hall 103 during the show.

Biomin to introduce FUMzyme purified enzyme at VIV Asia 2013

Biomin will introduce FUMzyme, a new approach in counteracting fumonisins in animal production, during VIV Asia 2013. FUMzyme is a purified enzyme that biotransforms fumonisins into non-toxic metabolites in the gastrointestinal tract of animals.
The detoxifying activity of this enzyme was confirmed in numerous in vitro and in vivo experiments, according to Biomin. "Fumonisins elicit a toxic effect on the sphingolipid metabolism," said Ursula Hofstetter, director of the Competence Center Mycotoxins at Biomin. "The ratio of the sphingoid bases sphinganine and sphingosine in serum serves as an indicator (biomarker) of the effects of fumonisin on animals. For the first time, using the sphinganine/sphingosine ratio (Sa/So) as a biomarker, the detoxification of fumonisins by FUMzyme can be clearly demonstrated."
Climate change and the international transportation of raw materials are only two of several factors that increase fumonisin contamination all over the world. Recent findings have revealed natural fumonisin contamination levels of 77 ppm in finished animal feed. Pig and poultry farmers are not only suffering from unidentified losses in performance and immunosuppressive effects, but also species-specific clinical problems. So far, the only existing possibility of alleviating fumonisin intoxication was to bind fumonisins by adsorptive substances. Unfortunately, due to the molecular structure of these mycotoxins and the pH dependence of the reaction, it can only be insufficiently adsorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.
FUMzyme provides a way to counteract mycotoxins.
VIV Asia 2013 will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, March 13-15.

Marel Stork Poultry Processing to highlight products at VIV Asia 2013

Marel Stork Poultry Processing will highlight several products at VIV Asia 2013, including a harvesting module, an opening machine and a plucker, according to the company.
The fillet/wing harvesting module of the Stork front half filleting system (FHF-XB) harvests fillets with at least the first poultry joint attached. The module can cut of the wings with a minimum amount of breast meat, according to the company, and positions the fillets to facilitate downstream processes. This is done via several smart fillet handling belts.
The VO-20 RS opening machine reference series does its job in a way which prevents damage to the intestines and does not bare the tip of the breast bone. The length of the opening cut can be adjusted during production allowing an opening cut to be made irrespective of product weight. A leaf fat retention option adds value to the product and gives extra harvesting options.
Hygiene-focused design features such as a more open build, sloped horizontal surfaces and no blind spots make the machine easier to clean, said Stork.
The D203S plucker has two plucking cabinets shaped to suit heavier birds. Each cabinet has three rows of 20 plucking discs with six plucking fingers fitted at an angle. Each row of discs is offset from its neighbor to create a compact plucking/picking field covering the whole bird. Cabinets are adjustable for height and width and can be rotated about their central axis. Settings can be changed quickly, easily and precisely. The cabinet on one side of the machine can be swung out to provide generous access for finger changing and cleaning.
VIV Asia will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, March 13–15.

Hotraco to introduce poultry computer at VIV Asia 2013

Hotraco will be presenting the MIRA-P poultry computer during VIV Asia 2013, which will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, March 13–15.
The MIRA-P is an expansion of the existing range of poultry computers IRIS, SIRIUS and ORION. In poultry barns for broilers, for example, the MIRA-P can control a wide range of processes, such as ventilation, heating, cooling, feed registration and water, as well as animal weighing. This is because the inputs and outputs of the MIRA-P can be freely allocated. This makes it the ideal computer for simple poultry houses, according to Hotraco.
The MIRA-P determines ventilation level on the basis of inside/outside temperature measured and humidity in the barn, if appropriate. The MIRA-P is equipped with a day counter and curve settings. Both adjustable and on/off fans can be connected to it.
The MIRA-P has multiple controls for controlling the air inlet, on the basis of the room temperature, on the basis of underpressure or synchronous with the ventilation setting. The MIRA-P can distinguish between left and right control and a tunnel inlet is also one of the options.
There are four controls in the MIRA-P for heating and a second temperature control can be controlled by means of a dedicated sensor (floor heating, for example). A cooling system can be switched on and off by the MIRA-P.
The lighting can be switched with a maximum of 24 on/off moments. A dimming function has also been included in the switching on/off of the lighting. The MIRA-P has two timers.
By connecting an external CAN-IO-LCA, the MIRA-P can also be used for silo weighing and/or animal weighing. The MIRA-P can also optionally be fitted with an SD card for logging data and updating software, and can be connected via USB to a PC with Rainbow+ management software.