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Silage: Preserve your dollars

Submitted by aeadmin on Fri, 05/05/2017 - 00:00

There’s a tremendous amount of money invested in silage, from growing the crop to storing it. Yet shrink on dairies ranges from 15 to 25 percent, if not more! This level of shrink can equate to a loss of 15 to 25 cents for every dollar invested in putting the silage up.

Where silage shrink occurs

The largest amount of shrink and reduction in quality seems to occur at the top of the silage pile. This part of the pile is the worst in terms of packing density. It’s also exposed to the most oxygen. This enables oxygen to easily penetrate the silage, creating an environment for molds and yeast to replicate, which will lead to deteriorated silage (aka, top spoilage).

Generally, top spoilage represents about one-third of what was once good silage. For example, 4 inches of top spoilage was originally 12 inches or 1 foot of quality silage. It is best not to feed the spoiled portion of the silage in order to minimize the risk of costly health and production challenges. This part of the pile, therefore, should be a major focus in terms of management.

Making silage is easier said than done and is much like piecing a puzzle together. Since there are so many pieces to the silage puzzle, it can be difficult. The key factors include making sure forages are harvested at the correct maturity and moisture, proper packing, excluding oxygen and managing the face at feed out. In terms of top spoilage, all these areas can be a factor, with packing density and excluding oxygen being most important.

Cost-effective ways to improve silage management:

  • Silage packing density should be 15 lbs. DM/ft³ or more.
  • Typically, a ratio of one pack tractor to one harvester will achieve 15 lbs. DM/ft³.
  • Design piles to allow for more packing on the side or shoulder of the pile.
  • Use a temporary cover overnight or in between any breaks in harvest.
  • Utilize a mold inhibitor on the silage surface prior to covering.
  • Cover the pile as quickly as possible once harvest is complete.
  • Seal plastic edges and seams with gravel bags or dirt to prevent airflow under the plastic.
  • Only unseal what you need for the day to limit the oxygen exposure of the silage.

Higher quality silage with lower shrink will benefit your bottom line. Given that silage is a major component of the cow’s diet and impacts the types and amounts of other ingredients in the diet, taking steps to improve silage management practices and specifically focusing on reducing top spoilage can have a big impact on reducing silage shrink and improving quality. There is a lot of money invested in putting up silage, so it is crucial to make sure that it is put up correctly to minimize shrink, retain nutrients and ultimately preserve that investment.

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Warm winters challenge growers

Submitted by vrobin on Wed, 05/03/2017 - 10:13

During mid-February in many areas of the United States, children could be heard laughing and playing outside, but instead of sledding down hills and building snowmen, they were playing baseball. Cherry trees and dogwoods were beginning to bud, and the grass would soon need to be mowed.    

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has decreed this winter (December 2016–February 2017) as the sixth warmest on record. While the conditions have been warm and dry in the Midwest, California and the western part of the U.S. have experienced a very wet winter that has resulted in widespread flooding, a mixed blessing for an area that has been under drought conditions for several years.    

What does this wild weather mean for growers? 

Early warm weather can increase pressure from various sources:

  • Diseases that may survive the season if the ground does not freeze
  • Insects that can find a ready food source in early emerging crops
  • Early weed growth that could mean an increase in weed population, decreasing the ability of the crop to establish itself
  • Cool, wet soil that can hinder seed germination and increase the probability of mold
  • Soil compaction caused by machinery being used on wet soils during early planting can decrease nutrient availability and reduce drainage and the ability for adequate rooting
  • Possibilities of late-season freezes that can damage new planting and early growth

What should growers do in early warm weather conditions?

Increasing the organic matter and availability of nutrients can help decrease the effects of soil compaction and help the soil bounce back more quickly. Healthier soil will provide a solid foundation for improved plant health, enabling the crop to better resist damage from frost and disease. Frequent scouting and prompt field testing will allow the grower to more effectively manage weed, insect and disease pressure and prevent any issues from becoming widespread.

 

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The Bellwether: Animal feed as an early indicator of global economic trends

Submitted by aeadmin on Wed, 05/03/2017 - 00:00

In the Middle Ages, farmers would put a bell around the neck of the lead ram (a wether) in a flock of sheep. The movements of the flock could be tracked by hearing the bell, even if the flock was not in sight. More than 1000 years later, we still use the term ‘bellwether’ to refer to an indicator or a predictor of something.

Drawn on data from 130 countries, including visits to more than 30,000 feed mills, Alltech’s annual Global Feed Survey (GFS) report has become a bellwether of global economic trends, sometimes flagging changes before other indicators do. The market for animal feed has a direct impact on food prices, making the relative health of the global feed industry an interesting proxy for the health of the agricultural sector and by extension the overall global economy. Although the U.S. and China are the two biggest markets, and there are lots of interesting nuggets from around the world, this year the big stories from the GFS are found in the Southern Hemisphere.

Discover the eight wonders of the world, according to the Alltech Global Feed Survey, in Aidan Connolly's full Bellwether post on LinkedIn.

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15 farmers from around the world win trips to ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference

Submitted by aeadmin on Tue, 05/02/2017 - 00:00

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Farmers are continuously adapting to changes in technology, markets and the weather — the constant unknown — all while working hard to ensure a future for their farm and to feed a growing world.

The Alltech “My Farm. My Future.” Facebook contest offered producers the opportunity to create a video that shared their farm’s story and their plans for the future for a chance to win a trip to ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference, held in Lexington, Kentucky, May 21–24, 2017. The videos were judged differently depending on the country: some were publicly voted on via Facebook “likes,” while others were selected by a panel.

The global winners of the 2017 Alltech “My Farm. My Future.” contest are:

United States:

  • Rhett Smith (citrus, grain and beef producer) from Sebring, Florida (Watch video)
  • Tammy Wiedenbeck (grain and beef producer) from Lancaster, Wisconsin (Watch video)
  • Lauren Neale (sheep and cattle producer) from McMinnville, Tennessee (Watch video)

Canada:

  • Alison Blair (beef producer) from Pine Lake, Alberta (Watch video)
  • Andrew Brekveld (dairy producer) from Thunder Bay, Ontario (Watch video)

Chile:

  • Roberto Illanes (dairy producer) from Lonquén (Watch video)
  • Fernando Peña (dairy producer) from Melipilla (Watch video)

Argentina:

  • Grupo Chiavassa (dairy producers) from Carlos Pellegrini, west of Santa Fe Province (Watch video)

Peru:

  • Carlos Tuesta from Granja el Tahuampal, located in Moyobamba, San Martín (Watch video)

Ecuador:

  • José Alberto Sánchez Páez, Hacienda La Merced de Villota, located in Sangolqui, Pichincha (Watch video)

Mexico:

  • Ricardo Murrieta (dairy producer) from Establo Agropecuario Cuatro Vientos, Sonora state (Watch video)
  • Alicia Vera (beef producer) from Ahuatlán Farm (Watch video)

Costa Rica:

  • Xianny Rojas (layer producer) from Avícola Las Palmas, located in San Antonio de la Cueva, Naranjo, Alajuela (Watch video)

El Salvador:

  • Marina Rivera from Avícola Campestre, San Miguel, San Salvador (Watch video)

Malaysia:

“In no other business is future-planning more important than in farming. Yet, at the same time, in no other business is it as difficult as it can be within agriculture with its myriad variables,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech. “We’re proud to salute these forward-thinking farmers for sharing their ideas and inspiring us with their stories of how they are ensuring the future of their farm and, indeed, all of our futures as a hungry, growing world.”

Registration is now open for ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference, held in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, from May 21–24. The annual international conference draws more than 3,000 attendees from nearly 80 countries to network and discuss world-changing ideas. For more information or to register, visit one.alltech.com. Join the conversation online with #ONE17.

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<p>15 farmers from around the world have won trips to ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference in Lexington, Kentucky, USA for their “My Farm. My Future.” videos.</p>

The music breakdown…literally

Submitted by aeadmin on Tue, 05/02/2017 - 00:00

How many times have you heard a comment like: “Math is not for me. Music is what I want to do.”?

There’s a common stereotype that the arts and math exist in different realms of talent, or even different parts of the brain. However, historically speaking, arts and math have long been intertwined. The Pythagoreans of ancient Greece were the first researchers known to have investigated the expression of musical scales in terms of numerical ratios.

But, what is music, really?

One of the simplest, yet most accurate, definitions of music is: sound(s) organized with rhythm, melody and harmony, put together in a meaningful way. All three components — rhythm, melody and harmony — can be described by numbers associated with physical properties. You have probably heard of “harmonic frequency,” or “resonance.” These musical qualities are described using numbers with precise meanings.

If you are a casual listener, you’ve probably never realized that the mathematical properties of music have a significant impact on what you favor in terms of style.

That is where Tech Gnar — the undergraduate winning venture of the 2017 Alltech Innovation Competition — comes into play.

Tech Gnar is an application created by Western Kentucky University (WKU) undergraduate students Taylor Wathen, Zachary Wathen and Blake Knott. The app uses an algorithm to break down songs into numbers and correlate them based on which songs have previously been “liked” by the user. It uses this intelligence to then recommend songs with similar characteristics.

“It’s very hard to argue with math,” said Taylor Wathen.

The WKU team therefore believes Tech Gnar can beat (pun intended!) competitors’ recommendations with more fine-tuned suggestions for the user.

They are now on version number 771 of their app, and it is capable of filtering songs by instrument.

According to Taylor Wathen, Tech Gnar’s next steps include launching the website and mobile app as well as working in partnership with some record companies (mainly from Nashville) to come up with “perfect hit songs.” Furthermore, they plan to strengthen their digital presence through enhancements to their algorithm.

Before you know it, you could be listening to your new favorite artist, tapping your toes to the very beat that recommended it to you.

As the undergraduate winners of the 2017 Alltech Innovation Competition in Kentucky, the WKU Tech Gnar team took home $10,000, the same amount with which Dr. Pearse Lyons founded Alltech in 1980.

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Former Tesla and Apple executive George Blankenship to receive Medal of Excellence at ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference

Submitted by aeadmin on Thu, 04/27/2017 - 00:00

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] — Former Tesla Motors, Apple Computer and GAP Inc. executive George Blankenship will receive the Alltech Medal of Excellence during ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference (ONE17) in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, held May 21–24. An annual event committed to inspiring innovation, the 33rd international conference is expected to draw crowds of more than 3,000 from nearly 80 countries for discussion of disruptive ideas in business, technology, food and agriculture.

The Alltech Medal of Excellence is Alltech’s highest accolade, awarded annually to someone of great accomplishment and leadership. Previous honorees include former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and Norman Borlaug, the father of “the Green Revolution.”

Blankenship is receiving the Alltech Medal of Excellence in recognition of his ability to create unrivaled customer experiences with two of the most disruptive brands of our time: Apple and Tesla.

Blankenship pioneered Apple, Tesla and GAP’s retail philosophies, transforming the customer experience. At Apple, he crafted one of the most dominant retail growth strategies in recent history, growing brand loyalty and exponential profit. Then, at Tesla, Blankenship redefined the car buying experience, moving the Tesla brand into shopping malls, something never done before by a car manufacturer.

At ONE17, Blankenship will take the main plenary stage in Rupp Arena to inspire businesses to disrupt their industry and emerge as leaders.

Registration is now open for ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, held May 21–24. Visit one.alltech.com to learn more and to register. Join the conversation online with #ONE17.

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<p>George Blankenship will speak at ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference in Lexington, Kentucky, and will receive the Alltech Medal of Excellence for revolutionizing the customer experience. Blankenship is a former Apple Computer, Tesla Motors and GAP Inc. executive. </p>

ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference will explore disruptions in health, wellness and food

Submitted by aeadmin on Thu, 04/27/2017 - 00:00

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] — ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference (ONE17), held May 21–24 in Lexington, Kentucky, will host focus sessions specifically dedicated to health, wellness and food. Food business leaders, members of the medical community and the simply curious will gather for thought-provoking discussions ranging from disease-fighting strategies to consumer-driven disruptions within the food business.

“From issues such as Alzheimer’s disease and accessible, affordable medical care to ‘free-from’ food sales, disruption is rife and it will keep pressing forward, with or without us,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, founder and president of Alltech. “ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference is about equipping you to embrace disruption in such a way that you in fact become the driver of disruption in your industry. It’s about innovative, practical ideas and the inspiration to go out and make those ideas happen.”

ONE17 Health and Wellness session

  • Disrupting the Medical Hierarchy: Could big expenses and long waits become a thing of the past? SuKarne disrupted medical care in Mexico, providing 6.5 million patients across three main campuses and 52 satellite clinics with accessible and affordable care. What could we learn from their model?
  • The Zika Virus: Could we be using existing biological tools to tackle a global disease?
  • Hide and Seek: How Do We Avoid the Disruptive Messages and Protect Our Health?: Information is everywhere, but what is true? How can we trust the messages coming from “big food companies?”
  • India: Three Game Changers: India is a land of 1.2 billion people with massive opportunities yet major health problems. From two in a bed in maternity wards to a looming diabetes epidemic rooted in shifting diets that include more and more sugar, what can be done?
  • Current Knowledge and Perspectives on Alzheimer’s Disease: Where is Research Taking Us?: Where has medical research taken us in the last 20 years, and what can we expect for the future?
  • Are Hidden Food Sensitivities Disrupting Your Well-Being?: A new world of food sensitivities is changing the way people eat. What does this mean for the health and food industries? Is food the new medicine?

ONE17 Food session

  • Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free: Are These Diets Here to Stay?: “Free-from” food sales have skyrocketed in recent years. Is this a lasting trend, and what are the opportunities?
  • Craft Beer Disrupting Supermarkets: Lessons from craft beer on how to stand out on crowded supermarket shelves.
  • Disrupting the International Marketplace: Dean & DeLuca: What lessons can we learn from this international company disrupting the food chain?
  • Supermarket Senior Center: The Millennial Perspective of Grocery Stores: What can supermarkets do to appeal to uninterested millennials?
  • Barbarians at the Food Industry Gate: How will mergers and acquisitions in food affect you?
  • Why Kitchen Tables Matter: The Lost Art of Eating: As consumers gain speed and convenience in their food choices, what’s been lost? Rediscover the hidden truths of the kitchen table and how they just might change how you eat your next meal.

For more information on the ONE17 health and wellness focus session, visit http://one.alltech.com/health-wellness, and learn more about the food focus session at http://one.alltech.com/food.

Register before May 1 to save $200 on your passport to innovative ideas at ONE17. ONE17 is approved for 7 ARPAS and 35 AAVSB RACE continuing education units.

Join the conversation on Twitter with #ONE17.

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Business leaders will explore barrier-breaking disruption at ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference

Submitted by aeadmin on Wed, 04/26/2017 - 00:00

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] — ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference (ONE17) is gathering top business leaders for an inside look at how to create, and maintain, a successful company. ONE17, held May 21–24 in Lexington, Kentucky, will host dedicated sessions on three of the most critical elements of any business:

  • Emerging markets
  • Finance
  • Innovation

“Businesses have the unique challenge of not only staying aware of market trends, but also staying ahead of them,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, founder and president of Alltech. “ONE17 aims to give businesses the inspiration and tools to not only weather disruption, but to actively create disruption and emerge with an unparalleled competitive edge.”

Business discussion topics at ONE17 will include:

  • Understanding the Indian Nod and Touch for Success: A land of 1.2 billion people is open for business. How do we break through the barriers to challenge the status quo?
  • Vietnam: The animal feed market in Vietnam is expected to see a $10.55 billion explosion by 2020. Learn what opportunities are being created for emerging technologies and innovative practices in this disruptive industry.
  • Russian Disruption: Import and export bans on Russia are having a significant impact on the global market. How do we keep the volatility from impacting profitability?
  • Three Emerging Markets of East Asia: Between Cambodia’s economic potential, Mongolia’s steppes and pastures landscape, and Myanmar’s increasing openness to international trade, what opportunities will arise?
  • Acquisition Lessons: Tap into new sources of finances and bonds, and learn how to cultivate better relationships with banks.
  • Walmart: After disrupting the industry with an employee pay raise following five straight quarters of low sales, Walmart has caught the attention of corporate executives, business leaders and, most importantly, customers. How do you know when it is time to make a change?
  • Little Box Stores with Big Ideas: Discover how one of Alltech’s recent acquisitions, Cowtown, has maintained constant growth over five years and has created a $20 million business. Learn how this small company disrupted the status quo by competing in a big-league industry.
  • Great Britain: Life After Brexit: Now that Great Britain has disrupted the European Union, sending ripples throughout the world, what does Brexit mean for the future of science and business?
  • Global Business Opportunities and Feeding 9 Billion People: How are food businesses preparing for and profiting from population growth? Who ultimately pays for this?
  • The Pearse Lyons Accelerator and the Market for Ag-Tech: Alltech began The Pearse Lyons Accelerator in 2016, selecting 10 startups from 184 applicants to participate in a 12-week “business boot camp.” Discover the advantages of an accelerator program.
  • Pitchfest: The Pearse Lyons Accelerator is highlighting innovation in the agriculture industry by bringing together the best food and agriculture ventures from around the world. What does this disruption mean for the future of agriculture, and how can you be a part of it?
  • Who’s Who in the Zoo? Raising Money for Your Ag-Tech Startup: Where are investors putting their money? Learn about the trends in ag-tech, agri-investments and developing technologies.
  • Kentucky is for Startups! Why Kentucky is the Right Place for Entrepreneurs and Startups: What does the economic landscape of agriculture look like?

 

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Shell strength: Put your eggs to the test

Submitted by vrobin on Tue, 04/25/2017 - 10:56
In January 2017, 7.91 billion eggs were produced in the U.S. Though that is already a massive amount, imagine if we could increase that number by 10 percent.
 
It’s estimated that 10 to 15 percent of eggs laid do not make it to the end user, resulting in a dollar loss between $1.32 and $2.00 per bird1.
 

Why eggs don’t make it to the store shelf 

The two main reasons that eggs do not make it to store shelves are:
  1. Egg loss: broken eggs that cannot be sold
  2. Downgrading: eggs that are given a lower score due to visible defects
These issues are nothing new but continue to be responsible for economic loss in the layer industry, and both are related to the quality of the eggshell.
 

Strengthening the shell

 
While downgrading can be traced back to several different factors, egg loss is directly associated with a weak eggshell.
 
One of the best ways to help ensure that the eggs produced have a strong shell is through the hen’s nutrition. If we can get her the correct ingredients, then she will be able to provide a more durable egg.
 
It’s widely known that eggshells are composed mainly of calcium carbonate, phosphorus and magnesium. If we look at the shells more closely, we can find traces of iron, manganese, copper and other organic matter. Even though there might only be small amounts of these minerals found in the eggshell, they play a critical role in eggshell formation.
 
But for maximum effectiveness, the form of those minerals matters. Organic minerals are absorbed more readily by the hen2.
 
Including these organic minerals in layer diets could mean the difference between an egg being discarded or making it to the store shelf.
 

Putting the eggshell to the test

 
In addition to focusing on nutrition, there are ways you can monitor the strength of the eggs being produced.
 
Recently, Alltech added a new tool to help producers quantify and better understand their eggshell strength. The Egg Force Reader measures the force it takes to fracture an eggshell.
 
Taking a sample of 100 or more eggs allows the producer to get a good average eggshell performance. Using this data, as well as downgrade data, producers can identify if their eggs will be able to hold up in processing. Furthermore, this data, in addition to candling an egg (shining a light on the egg), can help to identify areas of improvement in nutrition regarding eggshell quality.
 
They say not to cry over spilled milk, but what about a broken egg? Or 791 million broken eggs in one month?
 
Put your eggs to the test with the Egg Force Reader. Contact your local Alltech representative and schedule an appointment.
 
 
 
1.Roland, D.A. 1988. Eggshell Breakage: Incidence and economic impact. Poult. Sci. 67:1801-1803.
2.Solomon, S.E. 2012. Structural and physical changes in the hen’s eggshell in response to the inclusion of dietary organic minerals. Br. Poult. Sci. 53:343-350.

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Global brewing and distilling experts to discuss disruption at ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference

Submitted by aeadmin on Fri, 04/21/2017 - 00:00

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] — Immediately following Lexington Craft Beer Week, May 12–21, brewers and distillers who wish to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive and growing global market will have the opportunity to participate in an innovative forum for ideas.

ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference (ONE17), held May 21–24 in Lexington, Kentucky, will feature a dedicated session on craft brewing and distilling.

Beverage experts from around the world will explore topics such as:

  • Distilleries, the Belgian Way: Belgium has reintroduced a 16th-century spirit called genever. With the world thirsty for new spirits, should we actually be looking back in time for inspiration? How will a virtual tour of a Belgian distillery, The Belgian Owl, evoke new ideas for today’s producers?
  • Moonshine: Learn how towns such as Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, have used the production of moonshine to attract tourists.
  • Shochu: A century-old traditional sweet potato beverage from Japan, shochu has made its way to Hawaii. Will it remain a modest beverage product, or does it have the potential to disrupt the market?
  • History in the Remaking: The Liberties, an ancient part of Dublin, is home to Guinness, George Roe Distillery and, soon, Pearse Lyons Distillery. Can we disrupt the industry while honoring tradition?
  • Craft Beers Disrupting National Chains: How can craft brewers make their mark in the big box stores? How do you stand out in a crowd of more than 4,000 craft breweries in the U.S.?

Dr. Pearse Lyons, founder and president of Alltech, is no stranger to disruption. Inspired by the five generations of coopers before him, Dr. Lyons was the first Irishman to earn a degree from the British School of Malting & Brewing and is the owner of one of the only joint brewing and distilling locations in the world.

“Disruption will be key to craft brewing and distilling’s ongoing growth,” said Dr. Lyons. “We want ONE17 to be a forum for exchanging ideas and for being inspired to take the kind of risks that disrupt brewing and distilling as we know it today.”

Get in the mood for the discussion by attending the Alltech Craft Brews & Food Fest. Featuring more than 60 craft breweries and 240 beers, live music and local bites that will satisfy any craving, the event will run from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 20.

Register before May 1 to save $200 on your passport to innovative ideas at ONE17.

Join the conversation on Twitter with #ONE17.

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From beverages as tourist attractions to keeping the brewing industry alive by looking to the past, ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference will inspire brewers and distillers to disrupt the status quo.

Alltech Crop Science receives first product registration in India

Submitted by aeadmin on Fri, 04/21/2017 - 00:00

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Alltech Crop Science, the agronomic division of Alltech, has attained its first product registration in the Indian state of Karnataka. The company has registered Grain-SetTM IN, a micronutrient fertilizer based on amino acid and fermentation technology, for use on grain crops in the region.

Aman Sayed, Alltech’s director of India and South Asia, expects Grain-SetTM IN to be welcomed as a natural alternative to traditional fertilizers. Grain-SetTM IN will support Karnataka growers in the challenges they face with soil fertility and micronutrient depletion.

“It is great to have the first registration for Alltech Crop Science in India,” said Sayed. “This is just the beginning for Alltech and for our plans to support the increasing sustainability of Indian agronomy. We look forward to helping the farming community in achieving the targeted growth rate set forth by the Ministry of Agriculture, by enhancing agriculture production and productivity.”

The Grain-SetTM IN registration comes in the wake of government programs, such as the Soil Health Mission, that incentivize growers to use management practices that include soil testing and to use the results from testing to treat their crops more efficiently.

Alltech has provided solutions for India’s livestock sector since 1990. Contact the Alltech India team at india@alltech.com to learn more about how Grain-Set INTM might benefit your grain crops.

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Aman Sayed, Alltech’s director of India and South Asia

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Natural alternatives to fertilizers could give Karnataka, India, an edge in sustainable crop management. Alltech Crop Science’s Grain-SetTM IN, a micronutrient fertilizer based on amino acid and fermentation technology, has received registration for use on grain crops in the region.
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<p>Natural alternatives to fertilizers could give Karnataka, India, an edge in sustainable crop management. Alltech Crop Science’s Grain-SetTM IN, a micronutrient fertilizer based on amino acid and fermentation technology, has received registration for use on grain crops in the region. </p>

Karnataka: A growing state in India

Submitted by vrobin on Wed, 04/19/2017 - 10:51

In a country of over 1.2 billion people, agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy. It contributes to the overall economic growth of the country and determines the standard of living for over half of the population of India.   

The state of Karnataka, an agrarian area in the southwest region where much of the state is still dependent on the monsoon season, has experienced substantial growth in food and grain production through the introduction of improved seed varieties, fertilizer applications and the implementation of irrigation practices. However, these advancements have also resulted in depletion of nutrients and a decrease in organic matter in the soil. In order to overcome these challenges, the local government has implemented measures that include soil fertility status reports and then use the results of these tests to advise growers on more sustainable crop management practices.   

Karnataka’s growers face several challenges in terms of maintaining their economic viability:

  • Land holdings: Nearly 80 percent of farming families own less than 2 acres of land.
  • Irrigation: 70 percent of the arable land is rainfed.
  • Crop technology: There is limited distribution of seeds and other primary inputs available to average growers, who find cost to be the most prohibitive factor in attaining new technology.  
  • Soil erosion and depletion: Large areas of land are susceptible to soil erosion from wind and water. Soils have also historically been overused and overworked, resulting in deteriorated soil health. 

“The registration of Alltech Crop Science [in Karnataka] is just the beginning,” says Aman Sayed, Alltech’s director of India and South Asia, who is looking forward to giving growers in the region a natural alternative to the traditional fertilizers available.

The use of natural-based fertilizers can help increase nutrient availability in the soil and improve plant defenses to stressors, such as those caused by lack of irrigation, and help plants reach their full genetic potential.  

 

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Are mycotoxins impacting your heifers' health and future performance?

Submitted by vrobin on Wed, 04/19/2017 - 10:45

Whether your dairy’s goal is to maintain or expand herd size, disease management of  heifers is an important focus for producers.  Exposure to molds and mycotoxins can leave heifers more vulnerable to enteritis (caused by E. coli and Salmonella) and pneumonia, which, when coupled with potential feeding challenges, can not only lead to death, but delay the onset of puberty and cause long-term negative effects to reproduction and milk production.

A dairy farm’s future is based on the future heifers produced and raised, a process that can carry a hefty cost. The cost of raising replacement heifers is $2.77 per day or $1,736 weaning to freshening.1

Mycotoxins' potential impact on health, immunity and performance of heifer calves and growing and breeding heifers

In a study of dairy cattle, operation costs increased by 3 percent in the presence of mycotoxins.  The annual return over variable costs decreased from 14.5 percent to 7.6 percent due to the presence of mycotoxins.

Mycotoxins:

  • Impact immunity and increase susceptibility and severity to other disease challenges, such as enteritis and respiratory diseases (e.g., bovine respiratory disease). Reduce vaccine titer response and vaccination protection.2
  • Delay onset of puberty due to changes in calves/ growing heifers, with typical growth patterns becoming longer and causing increased time to first service and first conception.4
  • Contribute to metabolic instability and reduce performance characteristics, such as milk production and sustainable udder and leg health.4, 7
  • Alter nutrient absorption and metabolism’s effect on the endocrine system as well as suppression of the immune system.2, 6, 7
  • Reduce feed intake or  contribute  to feed refusal. 2, 3, 8, 9

A large number and variety of mycotoxins are present in plant material and especially in stored products. Exposure to these complex mixtures of mycotoxins may result in unexpected health risks. 

Mycotoxins' effect on animal health and performance has been demonstrated and is now well accepted. This is particularly true for ruminants, especially under stressful conditions, such as in calves.Due to a pre-existing negative energy balance, cows in the transition period are considered to be particularly sensitive to exposure to feeds contaminated with molds, fungal spores and mycotoxins.10 The use of mycotoxin deactivators under conditions where mycotoxins are thought to be present, even at low levels, appears to restore productivity and financial returns to a large extent.9

It has been speculated by researchers, such as Dr. Johanna Fink-Gremmels of the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands, that dairy replacement heifers could potentially lose up to 25 percent of their full genetic potential of milk production due to disease in early life and feed challenges from mycotoxins. This has a potential cost of $1,000 to $1,500 or more per three-year average of lifetime milk of a future cow.

Effective mycotoxin  management is about seeing the whole challenge. From the farm to the feed mill and from risk assessment to feed management, the Alltech® Mycotoxin Management program helps safeguard the health of your animals, the quality of your feed and the security of our food supply. For more information on the Alltech Mycotoxin Management program, visit knowmycotoxins.com

 

References

  1. Akins, M.S., and M.A. Hagedorn. 2015. The cost of raising dairy replacements: 2015 updates. Heifer Management Blueprints, University of Wisconsin Extension
  2. Mathur, S., P.D. Constable, R.M. Eppley, A.L. Waggoner, M.E. Tumbleson and W.M. Haschek. 2001. Fumonisin B1 is Hepatotoxic and Nephrotoxic in Milk Fed-Calves. Toxicological Sci. 60: 385-396.
  3. Al-Haidary, A., D.E. Spiers, G.E. Rottinghaus, G.B. Garner and M.R. Ellersieck. 2001. Thermoregulatory ability of beef heifers following intake of endophyte-infected tall fescue during controlled heat challenge. J. Anim. Sci. 79:1780-1788.
  4. Abeni, F., L. Migliorati, G.M. Terzano, M. Capelletti, A. Gallo, F. Masoero and G. Pirlo. 2014. Effects of two different blends of naturally mycotoxin contaminated maize meal on growth and metabolic profile in replacement heifers. Animal, 1-10.
  5. Marson, B. 2014. Bioeconomic assessment of organic mycotoxin binder in the diet of cattle fed agro-industrial byproducts. Masters thesis, Londrina State University, Brazil.
  6. Martin, L.M., K.M. Wood, P.L. McEwen, T.K. Smith, I.B. Mandell, A. Yiannikouris and K.C. Swanson. 2010. Effects of feeding corn naturally contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins and/or a modified yeast cell wall extract on the performance, immunity and carcass characteristics of grain-fed veal calves. Anim. Feed Sci. Tech. 159:27-34.
  7. Gallo, A., G. Giuberti, J.C. Frisvad, T. Bertuzzi and K.F. Nielsen. 2015. Review on Mycotoxin Issues Ruminants: Occurrence in Forages, Effects of Mycotoxin Ingestion on Health Status and Animal Performance and Practical Strategies to Counteract their Negative Effects. Toxins 7:3057-111.
  8. Riet-Correa, F., R. Rivero, E. Odriozola, M. De Lourdes Adrien, R.M.T. Medeiros and A.L. Schild. 2013. Mycotoxicoses of Ruminants and Horses. J. Vet. Diagnostic Investigation 25(6):692-708.
  9. Van Eys, J., N. Beloglazova and R. Borutova. 2015. Mycotoxins in Dairy Cattle and Mycotoxin Deactivators, their Role and Economic Evaluation. Toxins, 7, doi:10.3390/toxins70x000x
  10. Fink-Gremmels, J. 2008. The role of mycotoxins in the health and performance of dairy cows. Vet. J. 176:84-92.

 

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Alltech expands team to support local dairy industry

Submitted by aeadmin on Tue, 04/18/2017 - 00:00

[BROOKINGS, S.D.] – Global animal health and nutrition company Alltech is proud to announce the expansion of the South Dakota regional team with the addition of on-farm dairy specialist Jeff Johnson.

Johnson is a University of Wisconsin–River Falls graduate who grew up in west central Minnesota. Currently, he lives near Grove City, Minnesota. He comes to Alltech from Land O’ Lakes, where he held multiple positions during his 35 years of experience, including milk production specialist, regional milk procurement manager, national milk quality trainer and animal care specialist.

“Jeff is coming to Alltech with a wide range of knowledge related to proper milking procedures and animal care,” said CJ Tanderup, South Dakota regional manager for Alltech. “We are looking forward to the expertise and advice he will not only be able to give to our team, but to the dairies in the region.”

Johnson’s primary duties as an Alltech on-farm dairy specialist will include working with dairy operations to help manage and prevent health challenges in addition to conducting audits and educating producers on milk quality and procedures. The Alltech South Dakota regional team covers Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa.

For more information, questions or to introduce yourself to Alltech’s new on-farm dairy specialist, Johnson can be reached by phone at 1 (320) 249-1107 or via email at jejohnson@alltech.com.

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<p>Jeff Johnson – on-farm dairy specialist for Alltech</p>

The antibiotic-free “other white meat”

Submitted by vrobin on Wed, 04/12/2017 - 09:49

Antibiotic-free is a hot topic these days, but have you noticed the discussions mainly center on poultry? What about pork, “the other white meat?”

If pork intends to align itself with poultry in the minds and preferences of consumers, it’s time for the industry to pay heed to the consumer demand for protein produced without the use of antibiotics. Many areas around the world, including the European Union and the United States, are already legislating the judicious use of antibiotics, but some consumers have pushed even further for “no antibiotics ever.” While some consumers’ demands may emanate from misinformation, it doesn’t require a crystal ball to understand that change is at hand for traditional production.

According to a recent study by Feed International, 57 percent of respondents report more than half of their company’s production is antibiotic-free. The study was not specific to production animal species, but it’s clear that the antibiotic-free movement isn’t slowing. It’s coming down the pipeline fast, and pork producers would do well to prepare for their customers’ expectations.

It is probable that consumers will soon turn their eyes to pig production with the same scrutiny and expectations they have had for poultry.

Pork’s majority in stomach share

Pork has the greatest stomach share among meats in world consumption. The Alltech Global Feed Survey 2017demonstrated an 8 percent increase in feed for pork production in 2016, and that growth is expected to continue its rise, particularly as the population increases. In the U.S. alone, pork is projected to have a 3 percent growth, according to Rabobank’s 2016 fourth quarter report.

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Despite its top position among meats and its growth, pork has not contended with the same level of consumer-driven scrutiny as the poultry industry, which has been pressured to remove antibiotics from production as much as is humanely possible.

The antibiotic-free pork pack leaders

In dealing with the demand for antibiotic-free poultry, some retailers and major restaurant chains have already anticipated the shift in attention to pork.

Here is a list of a few that have made their plans regarding future pork sourcing public:

Chipotle and Panera Bread: Both have made claims to commit to sourcing some of their meat from antibiotic-free livestock.

Subway: Intends to transition to antibiotic-free pork once it completes its chicken and turkey transitions. 2025 is the approximate date.

Walmart and BJ’s: Currently have some antibiotic-free pork meat available.

Whole Foods: Began offering antibiotic-free food products in 2010.

Chick-Fil-A: Aims to be “No antibiotics ever” by 2019, but their commitment has been specific to their chicken. Will the bacon and sausage be next?

As retailers begin to pull from the supply chain, we might see a domino effect toward wider adoption of antibiotic-free production within poultry.

Suppliers such as Country View Family Farms and Niman Ranch provide antibiotic-free pork according to strict standards. Last year, Tyson announced its Open Prairie Natural Pork produced by pigs raised without any added hormones or growth promoting substances, minimal processing, an all-vegetarian diet and no antibiotics ever. Earlier this year, Smithfield launched an antibiotic-free line of fresh pork products under its Pure Farms brand, which designates pork minimally processed with no antibiotics, steroids, hormones or artificial ingredients.  

Where else is the pork label turning “antibiotic-free?”

Antibiotic-free pork production is flourishing in Denmark, for example. In 1995, a program known as DANMAP was established by the Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and the Danish Ministry of Health for “surveillance of antimicrobial consumption and resistance in bacteria from animals, food and humans.”

For over 15 years, Danish farmers have only relied on antibiotics to treat illness in their herds. The program they follow allows for this therapeutic use and, when combined with other management techniques such as delayed weaning, it has shown to be just as effective as traditional production. Interestingly, according to an article in the New York Times, it would only cost U.S. farmers $4.50 per head to follow a Danish model.

What makes antibiotic-free pork more challenging for producers?

What’s holding pork back from capitalizing on the antibiotic-free movement?  First and foremost on producers’ minds is the risk of decreased profitability. Animals that do not receive antibiotics are more prone to sickness, and, of course, mortality. On several occasions, Dr. Rodger Main from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University has cited a 2011 study in which the cost of producing an antibiotic-free pig was $11 per pig, increasing to more than $15 if one incorporates the overall risk that only 70 percent of the herd will survive production. This is significantly higher than the more recent New York Times estimate, but this range illustrates how exact production costs are highly variable and may vary daily based on feed costs.

Another worry is decrease in production weight. This adds to higher production costs and, together with the threat of mortality, can account for the pork industry’s slow adoption of antibiotic-free production, especially given that antibiotic growth promoters have proven their ability to increase animal size and weight.

Additionally, certification of antibiotic-free pork can be costly and time-consuming. Transitioning one’s herd from traditional use of antibiotics requires strategic planning and the implementation of counteractive measures to minimize the effect it can have on the operation’s bottom line.

What has made antibiotic-free poultry successful?

The poultry industry has been finding success in their transition to antibiotic-free production by following practices such as good husbandry, fewer birds in pens, feeding vegetarian diets, increasing downtime between harvesting flocks, etc.

Differences in pig production make implementation more challenging:

  1. Pigs live longer, increasing the likelihood of an illness within their lifecycle.
  2. There is less time to clean and disinfect between herds.
  3. Weaning is particularly stressful for piglets and can impact their immune system.

However, there are some ways these issues can be addressed. There is evidence that pigs can not only be less susceptible to infectious risks, but may in fact thrive when certain natural feeding supplements are added to the diet.

For information on how Alltech can support your swine operation in reducing antibiotics or transitioning to antibiotic-free production, visit www.alltech.com/antibiotic-free or contact your local Alltech representative.

 

 

References

http://www.nationalhogfarmer.com/animal-health/us-pig-farmers-celebrate-progress-antibiotic-stewardship

http://www.nationalhogfarmer.com/animal-well-being/transitioning-antibiotic-free-pig-production-change-your-expectations

http://www.nationalhogfarmer.com/animal-well-being/4-factors-consider-when-raising-antibiotic-free-pigs

Little Pig Farm. “Swine Terminology.” 2017. http://littlepigfarm.com/swine-terminology/

Estabrook, Barry. April 3, 2015. “Denmark’s Drug-Free Pigs.” https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/03/opinion/denmarks-drug-free-pigs.html?_r=0

Iowa State University. October 2002. “Minimizing the Use of Antibiotics in Pork Production.” https://www.ipic.iastate.edu/publications/ipic8.pdf

 

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