Xander de Boer offers technical support for the sales team at Alltech Coppens. He is also actively engaged in research and development and plays an important role in product development for Alltech Coppens.

De Boer joined the technical support team at Alltech Coppens in 2021. In this role, he assists customers and provides support on all things feeding, nutrition, health and production. De Boer strives to empower fish farmers to optimize their operations for maximum output, and he supports them in this endeavor by conducting on-site farm visits and leading informative workshops and seminars.

De Boer studied aquaculture with a focus on fish nutrition at Wageningen University.

Alltech has introduced Microbuild™, a prebiotic fiber for gut health to support a healthy microbiome in pets. Microbuild is an innovative prebiotic that nurtures gut health and overall well-being. Even during bacterial challenges, Microbuild works to increase microbial diversity in the gut, boosting the animal’s natural defenses.

“Helping our pets build gut health, immunity and well-being is our goal at Alltech,” said Kami Grandeen, companion animal sales manager for North America. “We are excited to launch this nutritional technology that helps pets build a healthy and diverse microbiome, and pet owners will see the difference in their pets’ health.”

Proper functioning of the intestine is a key factor in health and longevity. Microbuild harnesses the power of prebiotics, specialized fibers that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Improved fiber digestibility aids in both nutrient absorption and intestinal integrity and contributes to the development of a healthy immune system.

Microbuild is based on the leading-edge science of nutrigenomics, which studies the unique relationship between genetics and nutrition. Its specific yeast strain, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has been specifically selected by Alltech scientists for maximum efficacy in promoting intestinal health.

For more information, visit Alltech.com/microbuild.

Se mere

By: Will Brocklehurst, Alltech InTouch Feeding Specialist, Midlands and Southeast England

Looking at the transition from the dry-cow period to peak production, Will Brocklehurst from Alltech InTouch gives a step-by-step guide on balancing dairy cow diets to promote health and performance while remaining cost-efficiency.

The lactation cycle of a dairy cow is the period — lasting 305 days, on average — between calvings that is commonly divided into four phases:

1. Early lactation

2. Mid-lactation

3. Late lactation

4. The dry cow period

Source: Research Gate

“Peak milk” refers to the highest level of daily milk production you can expect from your milking heifers and mature cows in early to mid-lactation. On average, “peak milk” is a two-to-three-week window that arrives 40 to 60 days after calving. 

Any problems the cows experience within the first 40 days can have a significant impact on their peak milk — and, as a result, on the overall performance of a herd. Meeting the evolving and changing needs of cows as they transition from late pregnancy to early lactation to peak production is vital.

Let’s take a look at the factors that have the biggest impact on the calving transition to peak performance:

1. Minimising cow stress pre-calving 

2. Ensuring dry matter intakes post-calving

3. Supplying energy for peak milk yield

4. Selecting the right feed additives 

1. Minimising cow stress pre-calving 

The most stressful moment in a dairy cow’s year arrives at the point of calving, when she is required to do multiple things at once. If we don’t get calving right, the implications can be major and drawn out — but if we do get it right, we’ll have a stronger foundation on which to build the lactation period. Unfortunately, however, getting it right is not always straightforward.

As explained in this article from Dairy Herd, the costs of making major mistakes during this period can be substantial. Subclinical milk fever, in particular, can pose a big problem and has been correlated with the common metabolic issues that often manifest around calving and that sometimes go on to impact the rest of lactation. 

Here are the top three areas we recommend focusing on as you prepare your cows for calving and early lactation: 

1.   Feeding

Dry cows have different nutritional requirements than lactating cows, but both are equally important. Aim for a body condition score of 3.0 to 3.5, and keep cows from reaching a condition score of 4 or above, as over-conditioned cows have significantly lower intakes in the dry period, which correlates directly with their intakes post-calving. There are several dietary strategies that help tackle this issue head-on when deployed correctly — but no matter what route you take, consulting with an on-farm nutritionist is key. 

2.   Grouping

Splitting the dry cows into two groups — i.e., far-off and close-up — can be very helpful, as it allows you to better match the cows’ increasing needs during pregnancy and to reduce their dry matter intake as calving approaches. 

3.   Housing

Management plays a huge part in reducing stress at the point of calving. The Cow Signals concept, which focuses on creating a stress-free calving line, can go a long way toward reducing stress. The three most important aspects of housing during this period are providing the cows with proper feed, plentiful clean water and a comfortable lying space, as each of these factors can impact a cow’s comfort and dry-matter intake. 
 

2. Ensuring dry-matter intakes post-calving 

When calving is done, we should shift our focus to helping maximise the cows’ feed intakes post-calving. In the run-up to calving, a cow’s dry matter intake can drop by around 30%, and it can remain low 24 to 48 hours after calving. As a result, cows are at a greater risk of having insufficient nutrient reserves to help them recover from calving and cope with the demands of early lactation. 

Here are a few tips for avoiding the issues associated with a drop in dry-matter intake: 

1. Ensuring that the freshly calved cow eats and drinks immediately after she calves down will continue to impact her dry-matter intake for up to 10 to 12 weeks post-calving. More immediately though, ensuring proper intakes quickly post-calving helps add weight to the rumen and fill the internal void left by the calf, thereby reducing the likelihood of a displaced abomasum. Additionally, water intake has been shown to be closely related to feed intake. A cow’s water intake will likely drop pre-calving. As a result, the cow may be slightly dehydrated when she calves — and unless we remedy that, it could have a detrimental effect on her feed intake going forward. 

2. Grouping fresh cows together for a period of two to three weeks after calving can be extremely useful, as it enables the cows to be monitored more closely and given priority in terms of feed, water, lying space and ventilation. You may also want to give these cows priority in terms of fans or extra cooling measures. 

In terms of space, consider the following tips: 

• Stock cows at 80–85% of full capacity.

• Allow for a minimum of 75 cm and up to 90 cm of feed space per cow.

• There should be a minimum of 10 cm of linear water trough space per cow.

3. Social stress and hierarchical bullying are important factors to consider, especially in heifers. Managing this type of stress and minimising a cow’s separation from her normal herdmates can help maintain intakes. Heifers could also benefit from being in their own group for the whole first lactation. 

4. Monitoring the cow’s rumen fill and body condition score during the initial fresh period can give you clues on how well she is eating, both in the short term and over a longer period of time. Cows often lose around half a point of their body condition score after calving — but if this happens too suddenly, it could be the result of suboptimal intakes or a ration that has not been formulated correctly and needs reviewing.

3. Supplying energy for peak milk yield

Milk yields normally peak around 40 to 60 days post-calving. However, a lactating cow won’t reach her maximum intake until 70 to 84 days post-calving, which poses a potential problem, as she is not in a position to consume enough energy from her diet to support her lactation requirements in the intervening period. This issue is referred to as a negative energy balance and is something that almost all lactating dairy cows face. 

To combat a negative energy balance, rations commonly transition away from high levels of forage in the dry-cow ration to higher levels of concentrate feeds in the milking ration. If rations are not managed correctly, the cows’ gut microbiome won’t adapt quickly enough, which can lead to rumen acidosis — a precursor to other health and performance challenges.  

Fibre-digesting bacteria in the rumen require a pH of around 6.5 to work effectively. The bacterial population is adversely affected when the rumen pH drops to 6 or below, which happens when there’s an increase in the production of lactic acid — in the form of rumen acidosis.

There are several ways to help reduce the risk of rumen acidosis when transitioning to the peak yield period:  

1. Give freshly calved cows free access to rumen buffers, such as sodium bicarbonate, to help stabilise their rumen pH and keep it consistent. If you choose to do this, however, it is important to monitor their intakes closely, as doing so will give you an idea of how much pressure the rumen is facing from the diet being fed. If intakes of the rumen buffer are high, it could be a good idea to reformulate the ration.

2. Feed rumen-protected fats to help increase or maintain the energy density within the fresh ration whilst alleviating some of the pressure the rumen may be under.

3. Pay close attention to the TMR mix quality. A poorly mixed ration that allows cows to sort out concentrate ingredients will only serve to exacerbate the problems outlined above. Keeping an eye on cow behaviour at the feed fence will help you identify if they are able to sort through the diet or not. Read this blog on creating the perfect TMR.

4. If cows are being fed concentrates in the milking parlour or are using out-of-parlour-feeders, be aware of the impacts of “slug feeding” and inconsistent intakes. For example, cows receiving large amounts of concentrate two or three times a day will be under significantly more pressure. In this situation, it is important to try and build cows up gradually so that the rumen has the proper amount of time to adjust. 

5. This may also be an issue if cows run out of ration at the feed barrier, emphasising the importance of regular feed push-ups and feeding times. Whilst feed may be expensive, operating at a 5% leftover rate when cows are in the fresh group is recommended to ensure that their performance capabilities are being maximised. This 5% can be fed to another group of less-pressured animals on the farm. If leaving 5% leftover isn’t possible, then proper attention to detail is required to get fresh cows eating 100% of their feed without compromising their performance at peak milk time.

6. Provide good-quality, digestible neutral detergent fibre (NDF) in the ration. NDF stimulates rumination and effective cud chewing. Cows produce between 10 to 32 litres of saliva per kilogram of dry matter consumed. This saliva contains sodium bicarbonate, which serves as a natural buffer. Diets that are higher in roughage and, as a result, in NDF will produce more saliva than diets high in grain, for example. 

4. Selecting the right feed additives

There is such a wide and diverse range of feed additives on the market that it can be difficult to know which way to turn when deciding which one will give you the best return on investment at a given point of a cow’s lactation on your farm. Here are some aspects to consider as you look at feed additives: 

1. Maximising rumen function through formulating and feeding a balanced ration leading up to peak lactation is fundamental. Live yeasts, such as Yea-Sacc®, have been shown to stabilise rumen fermentation and to have a positive effect on both fibre-digesting and lactate-utilising bacteria, helping the cow adjust to a higher-concentrate ration. Yeasts like Yea-Sacc also work well alongside rumen buffers to help keep the rumen pH consistent.

2. Cows that are forced to mobilise their own internal fat reserves in order to support their energy requirements at peak lactation are at a greater risk for various health challenges, such as ketosis and fatty liver, as well as body condition losses. Rumen-protected choline (RPC) can support liver health and function due to choline’s role in fatty acid transport. A meta-analysis study (Arshad et al., 2020) found that feeding RPC during the transition period increases dry matter intake, milk yield and milk solids in fresh cows post-calving.

3. Cows that are given too much protein end up wasting the energy they are fed on removing the excess protein in their system. On the other hand, cows that aren’t given sufficient protein will have less microbial activity and a lower rate of digestion. Optigen® offers a steady and sustained release of soluble non-protein nitrogen (NPN), which is important for fibre-digesting bacteria and 30% of starch-digesting bacteria. When formulated correctly, NPN helps improve rumen function as well as the output of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), meaning more energy will be available to the cow. We must also consider appropriately balancing the cows’ diets in terms of their amino acid supply. Rumen-protected forms of amino acids are the best choice; rumen-protected methionine, for example, has been shown to increase dry matter intakes, milk yields and milk proteins. 

4. Oxidative stress caused by factors such as fat mobilisation, poor air quality and physical injuries at calving will impact the functions of a cow’s immune system. Proper vitamin and mineral supplementation — particularly with vitamin E and selenium, which are antioxidants — can help cows overcome oxidative stress. Organic forms of selenium, such as Sel-Plex®, are more bioavailable to the animal and have been shown to improve selenium status, resulting in greater postpartum health. 

Despite all of this advice, there is no one-size-fits-all strategy, especially when it comes to feeding. Different tactics work for different farms depending on a huge number of factors, from the type of forage to the breed of cow. 

This is where the input of the InTouch Feeding Specialist team proves useful. Powered by InTouch feeding technology, our team of independent advisors is valued by dairy farmers all over the U.K. for their expertise, which allows them to view your cows through the lens of Cow Signals and their feeding and performance data.

InTouch is an advanced feed management system that keeps farmers connected with and in control of their feed conversion efficiency, margin from feed and all-around farm sustainability. The InTouch toolkit — which includes a control unit, a mobile app and an online dashboard — puts precision feed management at the farmer’s fingertips. This data is all driven and supported by our specialist on-farm and remote team, whose goal is to work with farm teams to help improve their feeding accuracy and optimise their TMR performance.

A groundbreaking new study suggests that agriculture could be carbon-negative by 2050, reinforcing Alltech’s long-held belief that agriculture has the greatest potential to shape the future of our planet.

Changes to agricultural technology and management have the potential to not only slow down the growth of greenhouse gas emissions from the global food system but actually achieve net negative emissions, according to the study, published earlier this month in PLOS Climate. These changes could result in an annual removal of 13 billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) by 2050. To put this into context, the world currently emits about 50 billion tons of CO₂ equivalent each year.

“Our study recognizes the food system as one of the most powerful weapons in the battle against global climate change,” said co-lead author Professor Benjamin Houlton, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University. “We need to move beyond silver-bullet thinking and rapidly test, verify and scale local solutions by leveraging market-based incentives.”

The study, led by Houlton and Maya Almaraz of Princeton University, was organized by the World Wildlife Fund in collaboration with the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis and funded by The Rockefeller Foundation.

Using a global food system model, the researchers explored the influence of consumer choice, climate-smart agro-industrial technologies, and reductions in food waste as means to achieve net negative emissions by 2050. They also examined various scenarios under the conditions of full yield gap closures and caloric demands in a world projected to have a population of 10 billion.

Dietary changes and agricultural technologies were examined as options for reducing GHG emissions, including an analysis of carbon sequestration — the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. While state-of-the-art agricultural technologies have the potential for substantial sector-wide negative emissions, the research team found that dietary changes had little effect on carbon sequestration.

The study identified several promising technologies for achieving net negative emissions, such as hydrogen-powered fertilizer production, innovative livestock feeds, organic and inorganic soil modifications, agroforestry and sustainable seafood harvesting practices.

A research alliance between Alltech and Archbold Expeditions is measuring the carbon emissions of beef production and carbon sequestration potential at Buck Island Ranch in Florida. 

Scaling solutions to capitalize on carbon sequestration potential

Focusing on soil health, leading-edge nutrition and pasture management practices, and use of and climate-smart technologies will allow the agriculture industry to capture more carbon each year, according to Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech.

“The biggest carbon sink that we can have is our land,” he said. “Agriculture is the answer.”

While agriculture currently contributes about a quarter of global GHG emissions, it possesses a unique capability to reduce its own emissions and capture and sequester emissions released by other industries. This makes agriculture a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.

“We are the only industry that captures carbon for a living,” said Dr. Vaughn Holder, Alltech’s director of ruminant research. “We’re the only industry that exists at the scale that is required to pull gigatons of carbon out of the environment and put it back into the soil. That’s our moral responsibility.”

Reducing emissions is important, but it won’t solve climate change, he said. Carbon sequestration is the ultimate solution. The challenge ahead lies in confirming and scaling technologies that enhance sequestration.

Agricultural technologies and practices required to increase carbon capture could be “regionally down-scaled according to local culture, economics, technology readiness and agricultural management capacities,” the PLOS Climate study concluded. “This makes agriculture a unique economic sector and reiterates that it should be a key focus when discussing climate targets.”

Alltech has been studying the agriculture industry’s ability to sequester carbon through a research alliance based at the 10,000-acre Buck Island Ranch in Lake Placid, Florida. The researchers have learned that grazing ruminant animals on land actually benefits the environment and improves carbon cycling. The team is measuring the carbon emissions of beef production and evaluating the effects of pasture management, grazing strategies, mineral supplementation and other nutritional strategies.

The results have confirmed that carbon-neutral – and even net-positive – beef production is possible at Buck Island, and that same potential likely extends to environments around the world.

“What Buck Island shows us is that with animals on the land, we capture more carbon than without them,” said Dr. Lyons.

Scientists at Buck Island are also working with Alltech E-CO₂ and various partners to create precision tools designed to measure methane yields and intensity. The next step is the inclusion of advanced sequestering measurements that will evaluate how grazing practices, pasture management, nutritional strategies and other techniques affect the carbon cycle and make it possible for beef operations to sequester carbon.

The soil’s ability to sequester carbon is a critical part of the story. Alltech Crop Science and Ideagro, a recent addition to Alltech’s family of companies, are studying how microbial populations can enrich soil chemistry and nutrient density, leading to increased carbon sequestration in the soil.

The potential to capture carbon in the soil presents a significant opportunity for the agri-food community to embrace our critical role in combatting climate change while simultaneously improving soil health, boosting crop yields and promoting biodiversity.

“One of the most powerful weapons against global climate change is our food system,” said Dr. Lyons. “If we produce our food in the right way, we can deliver on some of those big objectives of having the right nutrition, of creating new economic opportunities, and protecting and renewing our natural resources. It's very exciting.”

RELATED: Blog/podcast with Dr. Vaughn Holder — Beef’s contribution to global food security

RELATED: Feeding people while preserving the planet

RELATED: Agriculture is vital to meeting the world's climate change goals

Obter culturas lucrativas, produtivas e sustentáveis depende da saúde do solo. Afinal, um solo equilibrado, como o solo supressivo, auxilia as plantas a serem naturalmente mais resistentes a doenças e a crescerem com mais vigor. Por isso, aproveitam melhor os nutrientes. Desse modo, a saúde do solo é o caminho para aumentar a lucratividade e minimizar os custos da sua fazenda.

Em todo o mundo, os agricultores estão percebendo os benefícios de solos supressivos. Ao mesmo tempo em que são equilibrados, possuem uma grande quantidade de microrganismos benéficos, níveis adequados de minerais e matéria orgânica. Esses elementos, de forma indireta, inibem a ação de patógenos, o que promove melhor crescimento e desenvolvimento das plantas.

Mas como podemos obter um solo supressivo? E de que forma ele pode contribuir para uma agricultura mais sustentável?

Microrganismos equilibram a rizosfera

Neste artigo, vamos entender como as bactérias promotoras de crescimento de plantas (BPCP) atuam em solos supressivos. As BPCP auxiliam no crescimento e desenvolvimento das culturas e, indiretamente, como agentes de biocontrole, porque inibem a atividade de microrganismos patogênicos.

A rizosfera é um ecossistema com várias relações de interesse estabelecidas. Por exemplo, as de natureza simbiótica entre microrganismos e as raízes das plantas e entre os microrganismos.

A interação planta-microrganismo é responsável pela ciclagem de nutrientes e pelo fluxo de energia. Assim, resulta na disponibilidade de nutrientes, que são fundamentais para funções importantes das plantas. Já os microrganismos benéficos integram a microbiota da rizosfera e desempenham um papel importante na saúde e crescimento das plantas. Em síntese, facilitam a aquisição de nutrientes e auxiliam as plantas a superarem estresses abióticos. Além disso, participam de vários processos essenciais para o desenvolvimento das culturas, como os ciclos do carbono, nitrogênio, fósforo e enxofre.

À medida que se alcança um estado de supressão de doenças no solo, encontra-se alta concentração de fungos (Trichoderma, Penicillium e Gliocladium) e bactérias (Pseudomonas, Burkholderia, Bacillus, Serratia e Actinomyces). Dessa forma, ambos promovem o crescimento e fornecem componentes protetores contra fungos, bactérias, nematoides, vírus e insetos nocivos.

Aliados para um solo supressivo

Diante disso, uma das opções mais interessantes para um sistema produtivo sustentável envolve o uso de BPCP na colonização da rizosfera. Além de estimularem e melhorarem o crescimento das plantas, agem como agentes de biocontrole para doenças, pois deslocam microrganismos patogênicos.

Funções essenciais das BPCP:

• Estimular a produção de fito-hormônios (auxina, giberelina e citocinina) por meio da sinalização, que facilitam a comunicação celular e estimulam o crescimento das plantas;
• Aumentar a disponibilidade de nutrientes por meio da fixação de nitrogênio, solubilização de fósforo e quelatização de ferro;
• Proteger a planta contra fitopatógenos que podem competir por espaço e nutrientes; as rizobactérias produzem metabólitos e antibióticos, além de aumentarem a capacidade de resposta sistêmica da planta contra um agressor.

Entre os promotores de crescimento de plantas mais comuns para manejo de doenças de plantas estão: Pseudomonas, Bacillus e Burkholderia. Essas bactérias se destacam pela capacidade de solubilizar fosfatos inorgânicos presentes no solo e pela supressão de patógenos. Por sua vez, os gêneros Azospirillum, Azotobacter e Rhizobium são de particular interesse pela capacidade de facilitar a conversão de nitrogênio atmosférico em uma forma assimilável pelas plantas.

Comparadas a qualquer gênero, as Pseudomonas têm propriedades significativas no crescimento das plantas e no manejo de fitopatógenos durante sua associação sinérgica com a planta hospedeira. Dentre suas múltiplas aplicações na agricultura, destacam-se sua eficácia na promoção do crescimento das plantas (por meio da produção de auxina ou solubilização de fosfatos) e melhoria da saúde das plantas. Essas bactérias também podem atuar como antagonistas contra patógenos e desempenham um papel como agentes de biorremediação em ambientes contaminados.

Benefícios do solo supressivo

Solos que apresentam uma microbiota rica e dinâmica possuem interações benéficas com as plantas. Devido ao equilíbrio que possuem entre os componentes minerais, orgânicos e microbiológicos, resultam em um solo mais saudável, com capacidade de suprimir a progressão e atividade de patógenos. Esse tipo de solo, supressivo de doenças, foi definido por Cook e Baker em 1983 como "solo no qual o patógeno não é capaz de se estabelecer ou persistir, ou o patógeno se estabelece, mas não causa danos, ou o patógeno causa algum dano, mas não influencia no potencial produtivo da planta, assim a doença se torna progressivamente menos severa, mesmo que o patógeno persista no solo."

Isso significa que o patógeno não se estabelece ou, uma vez estabelecido, não causa danos significativos à cultura, devido à ação antagonista de microrganismos benéficos. Por esse motivo, esse solo apresenta condições desfavoráveis para o patógeno. Ou seja, reduz sua capacidade de crescimento e desenvolvimento e neutraliza sua atividade prejudicial.

Como chegamos ao solo supressivo?

Embora a busca pelo solo equilibrado exija diferentes práticas culturais, o ponto de partida deve sempre ser uma análise para avaliar a saúde do solo. Esse diagnóstico inclui dados sobre aspectos físicos, químicos, biológicos, incidência de patógenos e disponibilidade de nutrientes.

Em última análise, o objetivo é estabelecer uma microbiota saudável que promova o espaço ideal para o desenvolvimento de culturas mais sustentáveis. Dessa forma, se alcança o manejo biológico de doenças como Fusarium sp., Pythium sp., Rhizoctonia sp. e Phytophthora sp..

Recuperação da atividade biológica do solo

Há décadas, técnicas de manejo químico, como a aplicação de fungicidas de amplo espectro, têm sido a principal estratégia para o manejo de fitopatógenos. Além de causar impactos negativos na saúde humana e no meio ambiente, essa abordagem foi responsável pelo surgimento de cepas resistentes a diversos princípios ativos.

Consequentemente, a microbiota no solo foi afetada por essas aplicações e pelo uso excessivo de fertilizantes minerais. Como resultado, esse processo desequilibrou os solos e abriu caminho para solos mais suscetíveis a doenças.

Então chegou a hora de revitalizar a vida biológica saudável no solo. Para viabilizar, é preciso inocular as raízes das plantas com microrganismos benéficos ao bem-estar delas. Com esse procedimento, sua atividade biológica é restabelecida. Ao fazer isso, apoiamos o desenvolvimento do sistema radicular, o que melhora a absorção de nutrientes. E, assim, as plantas serão capazes de resistir melhor aos desafios ambientais, fortalecer suas defesas e expressar seu máximo potencial produtivo.

Você está interessado em recuperar o equilíbrio microbiano natural do seu solo e melhorar sua capacidade de suprimir doenças, para otimizar a produtividade das culturas?

Entre em contato aqui com nossa equipe técnica para discutir mais sobre saúde do solo e como alcançar um solo supressivo.

Selenium has been recognised as an essential trace mineral for all animals, with the functions of maintaining growth performance, redox potential, reproduction, antioxidants and immunomodulation to name but a few. Since most feed ingredients are selenium deficient, additional supplementation in feed formulation is usually necessary.

Click here for full article. 

[HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam] – Twenty-four chief executive officers (CEOs) from across the Vietnamese agri-food sector convened this week at the Alltech Vietnam Agri-food Summit in Ho Chi Minh City to discuss how to sustainably meet the challenges currently facing the industry.

Alltech invited the changemakers and thought leaders in attendance to share their insights on various critical topics, including consumer trends, agricultural technologies and the biggest opportunities for the Vietnamese market. The group also explored how the industry can continue to innovate and work together to nourish both people and the planet.

“Alltech is a connector of people and ideas,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “Through collective leadership and teamwork, we believe we can drive the industry forward with the shared purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™. But to achieve this vision, we will need curiosity, openness to new technologies and ways of working, and, above all, a commitment to positive impact.”

The Alltech Vietnam Agri-food Summit showcased a panel discussion moderated by Jonathan Forrest Wilson, president of Alltech Asia-Pacific. The panelists included Dr. Mark Lyons, Vy Thi Thu Hang, feed & nutrition director and CEO of Feedmill, TH Milk; Tara McCarthy, global vice president for ESG at Alltech; and Michael Joseph Sweeney, partner at Bluegrass Partners and director of strategy for Alltech Asia-Pacific.

The panel discussion delved into identifying and understanding the prominent shifts and hurdles affecting the agri-food industry in Vietnam at present, and key drivers behind these changes. Several attendees shared their viewpoints regarding the outlook for the agriculture and agri-food sector, expressing whether they hold an optimistic or pessimistic stance on its future trajectory globally and locally.

Over recent decades, Vietnam has developed into one of the world's leading agricultural powers, with a modern, efficient and environmentally friendly agricultural processing industry — and based on the most recent feed-production data, the country is demonstrating its potential.

According to the 2023 Alltech Agri-Food Outlook, the company’s annual global feed production survey, Vietnam experienced a significant increase in its feed tonnage in 2022 — which went up 27.72% to 26.72 million metric tons (MMT) — thanks to its strong recovery from African swine fever (ASF). This included a major increase of 3.78 MMT in its broiler feed tonnage and an increase of 3.36 MMT in its pig feed tonnage. As a result of these increases, Vietnam joined the list of the top 10 largest feed-producing countries in the world.

“Vietnam agri-food has a bright future and unlimited possibilities. As a major exporter of agri-food, Vietnam is an attractive market for both local and foreign investment,” said Forrest Wilson. “We will continue to provide local solutions with global resources and technologies for our partners and customers to develop a prosperous future together.”

Alltech began operating in Vietnam in 1994 and officially opened a representative office in Ho Chi Minh City in 2000. In the decades since, Alltech has fostered strong partnerships within the industry and the local community. Alltech Vietnam moved to Dong Nai in 2006, where its operations expanded with the construction of a production plant in Amata IP later that year.

In November of 2022, Alltech continued its investments in Vietnam with the opening of a trace-mineral manufacturing facility in Dong Nai to better serve its local customers and support imports and exports. Next month, Alltech will join the American Feed Industry Association and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in meetings to collaborate with the Vietnam Feed Association and Vietnam Animal Husbandry Association on biosecurity and immune health.

For more information, visit Alltech.com/Vietnam.

Dr. Vivi Koletsi is a global technical support specialist within Alltech’s Technology Group. She collaborates with the company’s global Aqua team regarding all technologies on the aquatic species side.   

Dr. Koletsi, a native of Ioannina, Greece, first became interested in aquaculture while completing her undergraduate studies in biology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She began focusing on fish nutrition in earnest while pursuing her master’s degree in aquaculture and marine resource management at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands. This interest led her to complete an internship with Alltech Coppens, during which she established a protocol to help prevent mycotoxin contamination in aqua feeds. 

Upon earning her master’s degree, Dr. Koletsi continued her mycotoxin research at the doctoral level with support from Alltech in collaboration with the Aquaculture and Fisheries Group at Wageningen University & Research. While completing her doctoral studies, Dr. Koletsi conducted trials at Alltech Coppens’ facilities while continuing laboratory work at Wageningen. Her focus was on mycotoxins’ impact on rainbow trout.  

Dr. Koletsi joined Alltech as a team member upon completion of her Ph.D. in 2023. 

In 2020, Pacific white shrimp, alternatively known as Litopenaeus vannamei, emerged as the most popular seafood, with a production volume of 5.8 million tonnes. This accounts for 12% of total aquaculture output, as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2022. The global shrimp farming industry relies heavily on intensive operations primarily situated in East and Southeast Asia and in Latin America, serving lucrative markets in North America, Europe and Japan.

An ever-changing feeding landscape

Shrimp have historically required diets rich in protein, primarily sourced from fishmeal obtained from wild-caught, low-trophic fish species. However, with the increase in prices and the limited availability of fishmeal, extensive research has been dedicated to what to feed shrimp. This means exploring alternative sources of protein, including those from plants, animals and single-cell protein sources (Chen et al. 2023).

Over the past two decades, plant-based protein sources have gained prominence in commercial shrimp feed formulations as substitutes for fishmeal. These plant-based substitutes encompass a range of meal options, such as soybean meal, cottonseed meal, rapeseed meal, peanut meal and sunflower meal. Additionally, cereals like wheat, corn, barley and their byproducts, including corn gluten and wheat bran as well as distillers’ dried grains (DDGs), have been incorporated into shrimp diets.

The increasing use of plant-based ingredients in aquafeed, including for shrimp feed, comes with certain nutritional challenges. These challenges encompass amino acid deficiencies, issues related to palatability, reduced digestibility, and the presence of anti-nutritional factors. Furthermore, the elevated inclusion of plant-based ingredients has raised concern about the potential introduction of mycotoxins into the final feeds, which would pose a significant issue for feed safety within the aquaculture industry.

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi. They can contaminate crops before or after harvest, depending on prevailing temperatures and humidity levels. These mycotoxins can ultimately find their way into the ingredients and final feeds used in aquaculture.

A 2021 study (Koletsi et al.) shed light on the prevalence of mycotoxins in raw materials and aquafeed samples from 2012–2019. The analysis was carried out using liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) at an Alltech 37+® lab. Of the tested wheat samples, 80% tested positive for at least one mycotoxin, with 63% showing the presence of multiple mycotoxins. Similarly, 93% of corn samples analyzed contained at least one mycotoxin, with 88% exhibiting the presence of multiple mycotoxins. Soybean meal was not exempt from these findings, as 87% of samples tested positive for at least one mycotoxin, with 75% containing multiple mycotoxins.

Presence of mycotoxins in shrimp feed ingredients

Now we present an update on mycotoxin profiles from 2023 detected in commonly used plant-based ingredients in shrimp feeds, namely soybean meal (n=85), DDGs (n=63), wheat (n=109), corn (n=247), and byproducts such as wheat bran and corn gluten (n=23). These samples, sourced from around the world, were submitted to the Alltech 37+ lab for analysis between January and June of 2023. Using LC-MS/MS, the lab was able to detect up to 54 mycotoxins. The results, which are detailed in Table 1, reveal that regardless of the ingredient, all samples tested positive for at least one mycotoxin, with most showing co-occurrence of multiple mycotoxins within the same sample. Mycotoxin groups with occurrence rates above 10% are presented in the table for reference.

Table 1: The most frequent mycotoxin groups (occurrence > 10%) in plant-based ingredients commonly used in shrimp feeds, with their average and maximum levels (ppb)

What is apparent in Table 1 is the high occurrence of “emerging mycotoxins” in all tested ingredients, with frequencies ranging from 94% to 100%. These mycotoxins, neither routinely detected on-farm nor legislatively regulated, are on the rise. Corn, often a key component in shrimp feeds, had the highest average and maximum concentration of emerging mycotoxins (254.4 ppb and 4,751 ppb, respectively) This is not surprising  considering the absence of regulatory limits for these toxins.

Additionally, other mycotoxin groups, like fusaric acid, fumonisins, type B trichothecenes, type A trichothecenes, and zearalenone were also highly prevalent in the tested feed ingredients. For example, in corn, the levels of type A and type b trichothecenes exceeded recommended limits for cereals intended for animal feeds.

Risk quantification in shrimp feeds

To estimate the total risk of mycotoxin contamination in shrimp feeds, we employed the Alltech® DIET™ Estimator tool. This factors in the inclusion rates of plant-based ingredients and the mycotoxin contamination data. The risk was assessed using a shrimp feed recipe from the Practical Aquaculture Feed Formulation Database (PAFF) and mycotoxin results from the first half of 2023. The resulting Alltech risk equivalent quantity (REQ) was measured at 10.4 ppb, considered moderate for shrimp.

The inclusion rates of ingredients matter significantly in calculating overall contamination risk. Shrimp formulations from Southeast Asia and Latin America exhibited varying levels of risk, with Latin American diets showing a higher risk due to the inclusion of corn.

Figure 1. Estimation of REQ based on the inclusion level of plant-based ingredients used in a shrimp feed

Mycotoxins’ impact on productivity and health

Shrimp farms, particularly in tropical areas, provide ideal conditions for Aspergillus fungi, raising concerns about aflatoxin B1 contamination. Research indicates that aflatoxin B1 levels above 1 mg/kg adversely affect shrimp survival rates, growth and tissue health.

Other mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2 toxins, and fumonisin B1, can also have severe consequences. High levels of DON impair growth and weaken the shrimp’s immune response, while T-2 toxins induce oxidative stress and damage various physiological aspects. Fumonisin B1 has been shown to reduce growth, muscle protein concentration and immune response, affecting both the shrimp’s texture and consumer acceptability.

The co-occurrence of multiple mycotoxins in plant-based ingredients is a concern. While in vitro studies hint at synergistic effects, the full impact of mycotoxin occurrence on shrimp remains unknown. Emerging mycotoxins and fusaric acid, though prevalent, lack regulatory limits and research on their effects on shrimp.

The findings emphasize the urgent need for a holistic mycotoxin management approach in the shrimp farming industry. Without effective strategies to mitigate the risks, both shrimp health and the industry’s economic stability are at stake.

To learn more about the tools and technologies offered by the Alltech Mycotoxin Management program, visit knowmycotoxins.com.

To recognize the signs of mycotoxin exposure in shrimp, click here.

I want to learn more about aquaculture nutrition.

Given that ‘greener farming’ pressures are ramping up and certainly not going anywhere, Adam Hanratty, Area Sales Manager at KEENAN, talks about how farmers can turn that business pressure, into a business positive.

The whole world has eyes on the intensifying sustainability crisis. Moves to mitigate and reverse the degeneration of the planets’ natural resources are on the up.

The Climate Target Plan is targeting Europe to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 55% by 2030, and reach a carbon neutral status by 2050.

1. A quick synopsis of U.K. sustainable farming schemes
2. The impact of forages and feeds on methane footprints
3. How ration presentation can reduce methane footprints
4. How InTouch enables feeding accuracy

Greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. Source: NFU

Whilst a relatively low contributor of total GHG emissions in Europe compared to residential, business, energy and transport, agriculture holds the key to a Planet of Plenty™. Contrary to a far too commonly held belief, we at KEENAN and Alltech firmly believe that agriculture has the greatest potential to positively shape the future of our planet.

In fact, the European Commission reported that agricultural GHG emissions in Europe dropped by 19 percent between 1990 and 2017. So we’ve already been doing our bit for many years. And as things stand, U.K. funding schemes are set to reward continued improvements.

A quick synopsis of U.K. sustainable farming schemes

The fact that we are in our last year (2023) of Basic Payment Scheme payments (previously Single Farm Payment) is an unnerving reality. And it can be hard to navigate the new and emerging farm funding schemes.

Under the Agriculture Act 2020, the core of future farm funding for U.K. farmers will be the Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme.

It has three main strands being introduced in stages:

1. Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI)

In 2022, all farmers on Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) could apply for funding under the new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme. 1,900 farmers signed agreements to improve soil health and moorlands.  Since then, six more standards have been introduced, including payments for actions on hedgerows, grassland, arable and horticultural land, pest management and nutrient management.

2. Local Nature Recovery (LNR)

This scheme will supersede the Countryside Stewardship (CS) scheme. It will fund locally-targeted actions that make space for nature alongside food production. The U.K is funding new CS schemes in 2022 and 2023. The last new CS schemes will start in January 2024.

This new scheme will focus on large-scale, long-term, significant habitat restoration and land use change.

What is still not clear, is how funding will evolve to reward production efficiency, improving animal health and welfare, and embracing new innovation.

However, this lack of clarity should not delay active change now. Farm efficiency, profitability and sustainability are mutually inclusive. So, by farming more efficiently, both profitability and sustainability will be positively impacted in tandem. A chain effect that can result in immediate and significant financial rewards.

The impact of forages and feeds on methane footprints

It is frequently quoted and well known that a quarter of total farm costs are directly related to feed.

When you improve Feed Conversion Efficiency (FCE), you essentially get more out from what you put in – a greater wedge of margin from feed. An outcome that the The Carbon Trust has evidenced as directly correlating with net methane production.

There are two key types of GHG associated with agricultural practices:

1. Methane (CH4) – from livestock digestion processes and manure management.

2. Nitrous oxide (N2O) – from agricultural soils with organic and mineral nitrogen fertilisation and manure management.

Dry matter intake and digestion efficiency are two major impactors on net methane (CH4) footprint. To recap, that’s how much methane is produced for every litre of milk or kilogram of meat.

How ration presentation can reduce methane footprints

The physical presentation of a ration directly impacts the dry matter intake and digestive efficiency – both of which contribute to a farms’ total GHG emissions.

Working on the principle of maximising the use of native forages and reducing the dependency on bought-in feed, the KEENAN MechFiber system is so named because it uses mechanics to produce an optimum physical presentation that works with the natural mechanics of the rumen.

The KEENAN MechFiber system is the first and only in the world to have been independently Carbon Trust validated to reduce enteric methane production.

Mix consistency and dry matter intake

Just like children, cows will naturally nuzzle for the ‘sweeties’. If the ration allows, they will sort through and avoid the all-important forage dry matter.

The KEENAN MechFiber diet feeder takes feed ingredients and creates an evenly-mixed ration before it feeds out a consistent mix from the start to end. This is known to prevent sorting, encourage dry matter intake, and minimise waste from leftovers.

The even mix consistency is achieved by a combination of:

• The horizontal mixing action that utilises gravity to gently and effectively tumble, move and distribute the mix as it chops without any dead spots.
• The fixed blades at the bottom of the feeder that are correlated with the castellation-shaped edging on the paddle offering a precise scissor-like chop.
• The secondary feed-out auger that takes a full-length cross segment of the feed as it rotates in the main auger when feeding out.

The latest MechFiber+ range boasts an increased angle on the paddles, rounded castellations and a new blade configuration for a faster tumbling action and further optimised ration presentation.

Fibre protection and digestion efficacy

Fibre chopped to an optimal length will effectively stimulate the rumen. Fibre in the ration promotes saliva production, increases rumination, optimises rumen pH and ultimately delivers digestive performance.

If over-chopped, more feed will pass through the system without being converted into milk or meat. If under-chopped, cows will sort through and avoid it.

As already described above, the MechFiber system uses that soft tumbling action and precise blade configuration to protect the fibre that we work so hard to make in our forages. Chopping the fibres into precise lengths helps ensure that all-important ‘scratch factor’ in the rumen.

It is vital that we make sure the diet feeder is well-maintained and the right size for the operations. If blades are missing or blunt, or if the machine is overloaded, it will not chop effectively and ration presentation will be compromised.

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How InTouch enables feeding accuracy

The following table from InTouch reports on the results of using the KEENAN system on 156 U.K. farms and 27,873 cows:

​There are 5 different stages to a ration:

1. The ration on paper from your nutritionist
2. The ration loaded into the machine
3. The ration fed out
4. The ration actually eaten by each animal
5. The manure coming out of the animal undigested

These 5 steps leave significant room for error and variations that impact on ration presentation, dry matter intake and digestive performance.

InTouch is fitted as standard to all KEENAN machines to minimise that room for error.

The average farmer is 94% accurate when loading ingredients into the diet feeder, but after one month of InTouch, we see an average 3% improvement in that accuracy. This is worth around £18,000 of profit every year on an average 240 cow unit on todays average feed pricing.

Reducing fossil fuel usage

The KEENAN MechFiber requires 30% less fuel per load. It also lasts - there are machines out there that are over two decades old! Read our blog on fuel efficiency in diet feeders.

Signs that your ration has room for improvement

If you are questioning the physical presentation of your ration, or if you think you’ve got potential to improve your margin and footprint, think about the following on-farm indicators:

• Is dung too firm or too loose?
• Are there visible undigested materials in the slurry?
• Are cows nuzzling holes in the ration?
• Are there fibrous leftovers?
• Are cows cudding? Are their tails swishing?
• Is FCE not where it should be?

MechFiber isn’t a new concept, it’s a sustainable one. That’s why it has been the nations number one choice for over 40 years.

If you’re looking to move to MechFiber, or want an upgrade, speak to a member of our KEENAN team or one of our InTouch advisors.

Testing shows that the greatest mycotoxin risk in European total mixed rations comes from Penicillium mycotoxins. A proper mycotoxin control programme during the forage storage period reduces the level of risk.

Click here for full article.