Despite the undoubtedly huge opportunities for growth that currently exist in aquaculture — particularly in Asia — the rising costs associated with farm inputs, raw materials and feed remain a growing concern. Maintaining an optimal feed conversion ratio is now more important than ever, and managing costs is key to operating a successful and profitable fish farm. Reducing costs in an effort to maximize profits must be done cautiously, however, so as not to negatively impact the rate of progress — and some factors that seem relatively minor can actually have a dramatic impact on growth. My top five management tips for reducing costs on your farm are included below.

1. Provide a nutritionally balanced feed.

It should come as no surprise that, generally, the operational element producers spend the most money on is feed. In fact, some farms report that feed constitutes as much as 50–70% of their operational costs. Although important, the cost per pound should not be the primary deciding factor when it comes to selecting feed; performance must also be considered. Using a subpar feed can actually be more costly in the long run, resulting in an unwanted increase to your feed conversion ratio (FCR). Based on the FCR, farms can improve the amount of feed necessary to produce one unit of meat. Lower-cost feed is often seen as the most efficient — but even if the feed cost per pound of fish or shrimp produced is lower, when you take the growth rate and other factors into account, the bottom line will be affected by the time the fish reaches market size.

Evaluating feed performance by considering multiple characteristics is both efficient and practical. Some characteristics to consider include:  

• Feed efficiency
• Growth rate
• Overall quality
• Digestibility
• Health and immune support
• Reduced medication costs
• Water quality maintenance

The quality and integrity of the selected feed will vary for different species and stages of life. Formulating the feed correctly will help ensure the best results for both the animal and the farm. Determining the protein content is a simple and common way to evaluate feed quality — the higher, the better.

2. Support health.

Providing feed that offers a good nutritional balance will directly impact both the FCR and the overall success of your farm. Vitamins and minerals must be added to the feed in order to create a nutritionally balanced and truly complete diet that will meet the basic nutritional requirements of fish and shrimp.

Each species and stage of growth has specific nutritional needs, but a healthy gut is essential to achieving and maintaining optimal health for all fish and shrimp. The intestinal microflora, gut morphology, the immune system and nutrient uptake — as well as how each of these elements interact — all play a role in the health and performance of fish and shrimp. Mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) are proven to influence gut health; however, different methods of fermentation, manufacturing and yeast strains can greatly impact functionality.

Animals in farmed environments also require essential nutrients to meet their basic nutritional needs. Organic trace minerals are ideal because they are more bioavailable and better absorbed, stored and utilized by the animal than inorganics. Alltech has proven that organic trace minerals in the form of Bioplex^® and Sel-Plex^® can be included at significantly lower levels while still supporting animal performance, effectively optimizing animal mineral requirements and reducing their negative impact on the environment.

3. Maintain optimal water quality.

Proper water quality maintenance is dependent on an understanding that the correct water quality and culture for fish and shrimp is absolutely essential. The ideal environmental conditions will vary among different species of fish and shrimp. Not maintaining these conditions could negatively affect growth and performance — and the risk for disease on the farm could potentially increase if the immune response declines.

Using a nutritionally balanced, quality selection of raw materials in your aqua feed will result in higher palatability and digestibility and will be directly evident in the waste excreted by the fish and shrimp. Low feed digestibility will lead to increased protein and mineral excretion. This waste can contain potentially harmful amounts of nitrogen and ammonia, which can pollute the water and endanger both fish and shrimp.

When selecting feed, pay closer attention to protein utilization than to protein content, as this can save both time and some of the labor costs associated with treating water and overall management.

4. Develop a best-practices management program.

This is essential for achieving optimal farm performance. A well-implemented management program will support better feeding and biosecurity practices.

• Review feeding tables for accurate information on the frequency of feedings, feeding rates, ration sizes and timing.
• Communicate well with team members doing less technical work; this is crucial for successful implementation. Make them aware that both overfeeding and underfeeding can negatively impact the FCR — and that, alternately, accurate feed management can greatly improve farm results.
• Automated feeding technologies require an initial investment, but they actually help reduce labor costs over time and put an end to feeding practices that can contribute to poor water quality.

The proper management practices mentioned above will also create greater opportunities for scaling.

5. Implement technology.

Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are a relatively recent innovation. Designing an RAS facility gives producers more control and allows for the heightened management of aquaculture systems. Having complete control over all of the elements of production helps ensure a stable environment, as well as a reduction in the stressful conditions that can impact and weaken the animal’s immune system. Choosing the correct feed is equally important with these types of systems.

The mechanical filter in an RAS facility will remove large and firm feces. Producers should know, however, that providing a feed that is not suitable for this environment can result in the production of excess waste, reduced nutrient uptake and poor water quality.

Profitability relies on optimized FCR. Fish are sensitive to several external factors, including fluctuating water temperatures, water quality and oxygen levels — all of which can impact growth and performance.

Alltech Coppens is a leading developer and producer of fish feed. The Alltech Coppens team performs trials studying the digestibility of feed formulations to understand how raw materials interact with each other and affect certain characteristics. Once the ideal ingredient combination is determined and paired with Alltech’s nutritional solutions, we formulate and develop a diet specifically tailored to your unique species and farming environment.

To learn more about reducing costs on your farm, contact us at aquasolutions@alltech.com.

I would like to download a FREE poster.

Dairy producers cannot control the effect of low milk prices on the dairy economy, but they can control how farm resources are utilized to make their dairies more efficient. Properly managing these resources can help reduce the struggle brought on by the current markets.

For all producers, one of the most important resources is farm labor. While it may not be easy to find people willing to work long hours — especially long hours of performing the physically demanding task of milking cows — we should make every effort to attract and retain people to work on our dairies. Although this is not an easy task, with the right conditions and the right tools, employees will see the dairy industry as a unique place that supports and cares about them.

First, dairy producers and industry supporters must change their mindset about human resources and start dedicating time and effort to this area, regardless of the size of their dairies. This does not require a big investment, but it does require time and securing the right information about how to reduce the challenges around labor and the workforce. Attracting and retaining employees is not a new problem, but the current circumstances are different than before, mainly driven by immigration challenges and competition for labor with other industries.

The ability to attract and retain employees is not complex, but to be successful, one must take into consideration and embrace the basics of working with people. The following formula is a concept that empowers a good work environment and creates good company culture:

• R = Recruit using a structured system
• T = Train to educate and motivate
• R2 = Reinforce and review, investing in the future
• B = (Offer) benefits that are inclusive and beneficial for both parties

To create a positive culture on a dairy, the organizational basics must be in place, and there should also be a reset in the way employees are managed. R.E.S.E.T¹ the business to create the right organizational structure for reducing turnover and minimizing employee management frustrations.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

The EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK is the first and most important part of any hiring process. Don’t think of this as just another piece of paper for new employees to read and sign; instead, think of the handbook as an opportunity to share some of the most important information with a new employee, including the history of the farm and the farm culture and expectations. The handbook is also a way to show new employees how the dairy cares for the individuals who are part of making an operation successful. This is an opportunity for new employees and dairies to get to know one another — and also to realize that both the dairy owner and their employees share something in common: the desire to work to support a family.

EDUCATE AND INFORM

Now that the individual has been hired and knows his or her expectations, take this opportunity to train him or her correctly, and make sure that he or she understands the protocols and procedures in place. The best way to train new employees is by explaining the “why’s” and “how’s” behind any procedure, because they value this information. Take the time to invest in training and utilize the proper communication channels, such as training videos, educational posters, internal meetings, hands-on demonstrations or external training resources from individuals with experience in teaching and motivation.

SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT

Individuals like being part of a society that provides a culture of inclusion, and they also enjoy feeling and knowing that they are integral to that society. A culture can be defined in so many ways, and every business should define their own. Creating and maintaining a culture of respect, communication, safety and security, among other traits, should be important to each dairy in order to attract and retain employees. By not providing a clean environment for employees to eat in, for instance, or bathrooms that represent a culture of caring, the dairy may send a discouraging message to individuals looking for a place where they intend to remain employed long-term. In the same way that dairies invest in animal comfort and environment, it is also important to provide a safe, clean, inclusive and respectful environment for employees.

ECONOMIC INCENTIVES

Economic incentives are important, but they should be tailored based on clear goals and the reality of the economy of each dairy operation. Incentives, such as bonuses based on SCC, must be clear and clearly understood by employees, and every incentive should be given with meaningful intentions. Don’t just give a bonus; rather, explain the reason behind the bonus and make sure employees understand those goals. Celebrate success with them. Incentives need to be visible, accessible and achievable.

TOOLS PROVIDED

Always provide the right tools to achieve the assigned jobs. A common example of this guideline not being met is when employees are asked to perform a consistent milking routine in the parlor, although some of the milking units are not properly working — and perhaps haven’t been for some time. How can stalls be properly cleaned and groomed if barn technicians don’t have the right tools to perform this job? Always provide the necessary tools, not only for the purpose of getting the job done but also to earn respect from employees.

Finally, view your dairy as any other strategic business, for which human resources are highly important. Sell the dairy’s image to attract new employees and maintain a reliable workforce. Remember to INNOVATE, INCLUDE, INVEST and IMPLEMENT programs with employees in mind.

Click here to learn more about how the Alltech On-Farm Dairy Support team can support your dairy farm needs. 

Diarrhea in pigs has always been a challenge for the swine industry. When combined with a move to a new facility, the stress of weaning can often trigger an enteric challenge in the nursery. When considering the causes of diarrhea in piglets and newly weaned pigs, focus on these three areas: sanitation, pathogen control and proper nutrition.

1. Sanitation

Freshly weaned pigs have just experienced an incredibly stressful change, and that stress can be highly detrimental for their already immature immune systems. On top of this, any maternal antibodies that were conveyed to the pig from the sow will be waning within the first two weeks of placement, thereby elevating their risk from any exposure to environmental pathogens. Effective power-washing must be completed between every group entering the facility — especially if previous groups have faced a challenge. De-greasers and/or hot water will be a great help at eliminating any biofilm on floor and feeder surfaces, which cold water alone may not be able to remove. A post-washing inspection is also helpful, as spaces in the floor, under the lip of the feeder or underneath water bowls are commonly missed — and these areas can all harbor enough pathogens to make a weaned pig sick.

Once the pens have been sufficiently cleaned, it is important to also select a disinfectant that will effectively eliminate the pathogens present in the facility. There are several product options on the market, all of which have their pros and cons. Select one based on its coverage, the time needed to take effect and its ease of application. For example, some disinfectants must be fully dry to achieve their maximum effect, while others work directly on or shortly after contact. Some disinfectants even have residual action after they have fully dried. It is important to ensure that you are using the correct dosage for the product to complete proper disinfection. The Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State University is a great resource for obtaining a better understanding of disinfectants.

Water lines are often a frequently overlooked area of the barn in need of proper sanitation. It is a good practice to evaluate the water quality in the facility. Oftentimes, water lines are full of biofilm that harbors bacteria that can be carried from group to group, meaning that a newly weaned pig’s first drink could be full of stagnant water potentially laden with bacteria. A good practice is to purge the lines with a chlorination or peroxide product between groups — but keep in mind that this could break sediment free within the lines and potentially cause plugging. There are also safe options that can be completed when an active group is present, allowing for continual flushing of the lines while the pigs are consuming water.

2. Pathogen control

Of course, other equipment in the facility could also be responsible for the presence of pathogens. To avoid tracking in pathogens from the outside world, boots should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before workers enter the rooms of newly weaned pigs. Gruel feeders and bowls should also be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between groups. Mats are a great way to start pigs on solid feed, but if the mats are aging and fraying significantly, they can be difficult to disinfect effectively, making them a haven for disease. Feed carts, scoops, coveralls, hoses and even hats are examples of other items that could potentially harbor disease. Wooden surfaces are almost impossible to disinfect sufficiently and should be painted with latex paint to seal off any potential hiding spots for bacteria and coccidia.

Next, make sure you have a full understanding of the pathogens present in the facility that are contributing to the presence of diarrhea. There are three main categories of gut bugs: bacterial, viral and parasitic.

Parasitic organisms can include coccidia, roundworms and whipworms. Coccidia are an uncommon cause of disease in weaned pigs, and sanitation of both the source farm and destination farms should be evaluated if this is a primary challenge. Round- and whipworm infections take some time to develop in a group and are very rare in newly weaned pigs. A proper deworming protocol will need to be put in place if these are identified as the source of the challenge.

Some examples of viral pathogens that can cause diarrhea in weaned pigs include porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED), transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE), rotavirus types A, B and C, and even porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome (PRRS). Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics, so therapies are commonly aimed at keeping pigs hydrated and encouraging them to eat despite their abdominal discomfort. Prevention techniques include improving immunity in the sow to reduce shedding of the virus during lactation and the use of dry disinfectants over scouring groups to reduce chilling and lower environmental virus exposure.

Antibiotics can be used for infections that are bacterial in nature. Some common bacterial causes of diarrhea in newly weaned pigs are E. coli, Salmonella and, occasionally, Clostridium perfringens or C. difficile. Ileitis and Brachyspira infections in recently weaned pigs are very uncommon but are possible in saturated environments. If a bacterial agent is suspected to be the cause, then a sample should be collected and cultured by a veterinarian, followed by a sensitivity test to understand what antibiotics are effective against the pathogen. It is a good practice to repeat this periodically, especially in unresponsive situations, to make sure no changes have taken place within the barn or herd. Antibiotics should always be used according to the instructions of the prescribing veterinarian in order to ensure that the treatment is effective both currently and in the future. If an infection is not responsive to treatment, then the cause should be re-evaluated to make sure there is not another factor complicating the challenge. Of course, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so good sanitation and biosecurity practices are paramount to preventing the exposure of pathogens to young pigs. 

3. Proper nutrition

A young pig has very specific nutritional needs, and if we expect too much of them, they will often fail. A big challenge with starting pigs is making sure that they all have access to the proper diet stage. In large facilities that can take weeks to fill, the amount of starter ration that the first pigs get is often much different than the amount allowed for the last pigs. Of course, bins and feed lines should be emptied between groups, as a pig’s last diet is not fit to be the first feed a recently weaned pig will eat. Finally, animals that are not eating in the pen — either because they are sick or just slow learners — will have looser stools because of their decreased solid feed intake. These animals should be placed in a separate hospital or special-needs pen so they can receive more intensive care to get back to a full feed intake.

There are many factors to consider when evaluating the cause and treatment of diarrhea in a group of recently weaned pigs. Be careful not to fall into the trap of missing all of the influencing factors; otherwise, a small challenge could quickly become a crisis. Ask questions, make sure the environment is correct for the pigs’ group size and weight, get your veterinarian and nutritionist involved, and make sure to record your successes and failures as you go. With patience and understanding, even the biggest challenges can be overcome!

I would like a FREE pig diarrhea guide.

As a horse owner, there are few things more stressful than dealing with a hay shortage. Hearing the dreaded words, “I’m sorry, but I’m all out for the year,” can leave even the most prepared owner scrambling. Unfortunately, changing weather patterns have caused hay shortages to become increasingly more common throughout the U.S. Some areas have experienced sustained droughts, making it nearly impossible for crops to yield adequate supplies, while other areas have experienced several consecutive years of extremely wet spring and summer seasons, making it difficult for producers to cut hay in a timely manner. This has resulted in decreased supplies, lower-quality forages and record high prices. While some parts of the country are still producing ample supplies of high-quality hay, accessibility for those experiencing shortages can be limited by the challenge and expense of shipping.

Things would be far less challenging if we could just increase concentrates to make up for the decreased amount of hay in our horses’ diets. While it may be tempting to do this when hay supplies are limited, we must keep in mind that horses require forage in their diets; removing it could have major health and behavioral consequences. A constant supply of fiber is required to keep the microbial populations in the horse’s intestinal tract happy, and limiting or removing forage can result in issues such as colic and gastric ulcers. In addition, limiting forage can result in increased occurrences of unwanted vices, such as wood-chewing.

If possible, at least part of the fiber in the diet should come from long-stemmed forages, like hay or pasture grasses. Horses are grazing animals that have evolved to consume small amounts of forage throughout the day — and long-stemmed fiber provides them with much-needed “chew time.” Short-stemmed and processed fiber sources take less time to consume, which can lead to boredom and, in turn, the development of stereotypical vice behaviors. Research has shown, however, that horses can survive on a diet featuring only short-stemmed or processed forages as the source of fiber. As long as care is taken to decrease the horses’ boredom — which can be done by feeding multiple small meals, among other strategies — these alternative forage sources can be used to stretch your limited hay supply.

What steps can you take if you are a horse owner facing a hay shortage?

1. Get the most out of your hay supply. Purchasing higher-quality hay gives you an upper hand because it allows you to meet your animal’s nutritional requirements with less than what would be required if you were feeding a lower-quality hay. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals and using hay nets and feeders can greatly reduce the amount of hay that is wasted.
2. Increase grazing. Depending on the availability and time of year, increase the time spent on pasture to allow for the increased consumption of fresh grass, which can help to reduce your hay burden. A rotational grazing strategy, along with a carefully organized pasture maintenance plan, can help thwart the detrimental effects increased grazing time can have on pasture quality.
3. Consider purchasing bagged pelleted, cubed or chopped hay. These items can be purchased at many local feed supply stores, making them easily accessible alternative forage sources. They can be made from grass or legume hay, but the most common sources are timothy and alfalfa. Although they are more expensive than traditional baled hay, these alternatives are both dust- and mold-free, can be easily stored for long periods of time and often come with a minimum basic nutritional analysis on the bag. Pellets, which are formed from dried, ground hay, provide the nutrition and fiber of standard forage but do not provide the same bulk for gut fill as long-stemmed forages. Cubes are simply pressed chopped hay, but caution should be used when feeding cubes to horses that are prone to choke. For senior horses or those with dental issues, soaking pellets and cubes can make this source of forage somewhat easier to consume. Chopped hay — often called chaff — is simply hay that has been cut into short pieces prior to bagging. At one time, chaff was made primarily from straw that provided little nutritional value, but higher-quality grass and legume chaff is now commercially available.
4. Haylage may help. Although they are not a popular feed choice in the U.S., ensiled forages can also be safely fed to horses, provided that some precautions are taken. Haylage should only be purchased from reputable sources, as incorrect preparation or storage can result in contamination by mold or botulism bacteria. Because of its unique taste and smell, it may take time for horses to get used to eating haylage. It is important to note that haylage can actually provide more nutrients than baled hay, as the ensiling process retains nutrients better than traditional hay curing.
5. Extend your hay supply with a commercially available product. While beet pulp is not appropriate as the sole source of fiber in a horse’s diet, it is a good, palatable source of digestible fiber. It is also relatively inexpensive. Hay stretcher pellets and soy hulls are also good sources of fiber, and they, too, can be used as a partial replacement for hay — but, once again, they should not be used as the only source of fiber in the diet. In addition, many feed producers offer lines of complete feeds, and while these are often marketed for senior horses, they can be found and used for horses at all stages of life. When fed according to manufacturer guidelines, these complete feeds may be fed as the sole ration, requiring no additional forage source. Complete feeds often contain hay meal and are fortified to meet all of the nutritional needs of the horse. They also contain a higher amount of crude fiber than a standard commercial feed.

No horse owner wants to face the headache of a hay shortage. Ensuring that your horses are receiving adequate nutrition during these times can be challenging no matter how well you have planned. Fortunately, several options exist that can help you stretch your hay supply and keep your horses happy and healthy through these stressful times.

I want to learn more about equine nutrition.

“If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have the safest way to health.” – Hippocrates

India is the second-most populous country on the earth and is home to more than 400 million children, who account for 37 percent of the entire population of the world. Unfortunately, India is no exception to the global struggle to feed its younger generations a nutrient-dense diet. Around 73 percent of all Indian diets are protein-deficient, and the shortfall is even more alarming among vegetarians (IMRB survey, 2017).

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommends a daily intake of 200–300 grams of milk for children, and many states are still striving to achieve this goal. India is a leading producer of milk, but, in many regions, elevated agricultural performance does not necessarily equate to an improved diet.

As part of its commitment to serve people and to improve the nutritional status of children, Alltech initiated its Nutri Milk Project in November 2017, partnering with the Thribhuvandas Foundation in Anand, Gujarat, to supply milk to young students in the region.

“It is an absolute honor to be associated with Thribhuvandas Foundation in this project,” said Dr. Aman Sayed, managing director of Alltech India and regional director of Alltech South Asia. “As a nutrition company, we feel it is our responsibility to provide practical and proven solutions to enhance the nutrition level of children, who are tomorrow’s future.”

Alltech initiated the project in Gujarat, a mostly vegetarian state where milk is the main source of animal protein. Milk, a whole food that provides many essential nutrients, is a crucial part of the diet of growing children in this region. In the selected schools, 98.5 percent of school children can be categorized as undernourished on the body mass index (BMI) scale.

Five schools in the Tarapur cluster were selected for the program, as children in this region were noted to be especially malnourished. Alltech began providing 150 ml each of flavored, fortified milk every day to around 1,200 children, aged 5 to 13, as well as a weekly supplement of iron. The sole aim of this is to improve the nutritional status of these children — and, by doing so, to build a healthier India. On its journey to nourish the children of Tarapur, Alltech has delivered 1,78,754 milk pouches in the project’s first year alone.

Along with a 5.45-percent average improvement in the BMI of their students, the schools involved in this program have also experienced a considerable increase in attendance. These results inspired Alltech to expand the project, and in 2018, six more schools were added. Alltech plans to expand the program even further.

“Childhood is a critical time in the growth and development of a person and is a key stage in the establishment of their physical and mental abilities,” said Sayed. “We are proud to see the positive impact Alltech is having on the lives of children in the program. These children are benefiting daily from Nutri Milk, not just by improving their nutrition but by increasing their attendance and education, and this is a proud moment for Alltech.”

Alltech is committed to improving the health and performance of people, animals and plants around the world through natural nutrition and scientific innovation. At a global level, Alltech works extensively with local schools to build science labs and encourages students to pursue science with a greater curiosity about the world around them.

Every second, of every day, there are people thinking, trying, testing, flying, inspiring, and applying new ideas, with insatiable drive to guarantee a world where people, animals and plants can thrive. Together, we can build a more sustainable world. Learn more about Working Together for a Planet of Plenty^TM.

Aflatoxin, a type of mycotoxin, has been making headlines recently due to a grain recall situation. This got me thinking: while the livestock world is generally well-versed in mycotoxin management strategies, the equine world is likely less familiar with mycotoxins overall.

As the name suggests, mycotoxins are toxic compounds, produced in nature by certain types of mold and fungi. More than 500 types of mycotoxins have been identified to date, and multiple varieties are commonly found in animal feedstuffs, especially when environmental conditions prove favorable; warmer temperatures and higher moisture levels are often key contributors.

Horses may be exposed to mycotoxins through the consumption of infected pasture grasses, moldy forages or contaminated grains; even bedding can be impacted. While you may be able to see the molds that produce mycotoxins on contaminated feedstuffs, mycotoxins themselves are not visible to the naked eye, making them even more difficult to destroy. So, what can you do?

Aflatoxicosis: Signs and symptoms

I should first clarify that it is almost impossible to find pasture, hay, grain or bedding that is completely mold- and mycotoxin-free. Although harmful levels of mycotoxins are generally rare, elevated levels — especially of certain types of mycotoxins — are a serious cause for concern.

Aflatoxicosis, which is defined as poisoning caused by the consumption of substances or foods contaminated with aflatoxin, is typically produced by a type of mold called Aspergillus flavus. This naturally occurring fungus thrives in the humid conditions we’ve experienced over the past year.

According to petMD, making a definitive diagnosis of aflatoxicosis is often difficult because the clinical signs can be non-specific and mimic several other serious conditions. Aflatoxin poisoning may be associated with any of the following:

• Depression
• Elevated temperature
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Significant weight loss
• Abdominal pain (colic)
• Bloody feces
• Brown urine
• Recurrent airway obstruction (heaves)
• Ataxia (loss of coordination)
• Muscle spasms and/or seizures
• Death

While blood work may show raised levels of enzymes in the liver, among other fluctuations, samples from a living animal cannot conclusively diagnose the ingestion of aflatoxin. Instead, sampling the contaminated feed is recommended, although collecting a representative feed sample can prove challenging.

Treatment and prevention

If you suspect that your horse has ingested harmful levels of aflatoxin or any other mycotoxin, act immediately. You may choose to orally administer activated charcoal, which can absorb toxins and, as a result, help prevent them from being absorbed by your horse’s body. You must also remove any potentially contaminated feed sources.

Prevention is, of course, the best plan of action. Following the tips included below could help diminish your horses’ risk of exposure to potentially dangerous mycotoxins:

1. Keep feed storage areas clean, cool, dry and free of pests, which can chew holes in bagged feed, thereby exposing it to the elements.
2. When it comes to both hay and grain, feed old to new. Recognize when hay may be beyond appropriate fodder for horses and pay attention to the shelf life of grain — particularly if oil, molasses or other liquids have been added.
3. If you dump feed into storage bins or cans, it is important to regularly empty them and clean out the feed that gets stuck in the cracks and crevices of your containers.
4. Learn whether your feed manufacturer regularly tests their grain for mycotoxins — and avoid feeds from manufacturers who don’t.
5. Do not feed corn directly.
6. Always inspect your hay prior to feeding.

Our horses are truly our partners in equestrian sport, and it’s our responsibility to act as stewards on their behalf. Taking a little more time to be vigilant in your feeding practices will be well worth it and should help to alleviate worries about the potentially life-threatening outcomes associated with mycotoxin contamination.

I want to learn more about equine health and nutrition.

After hearing rave reviews about Gerry Duffy’s presentation at ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference (ONE19), I felt compelled to visit with him and learn more about what led him to his current role as stud manager at Godolphin’s Stonerside and Raceland Farms in Paris, Kentucky.

Cait:       Can you tell me a bit about your background with horses?

Gerry:    I first got into horses from a riding perspective. I grew up riding ponies and later got into showjumping and really gravitated toward the industry through my love of horses. In fact, my first job involved working in the stable yard at a stud farm near where I grew up. It had 10 mares, foals and yearlings, and it was there that I met a great guy by the name of David Cunningham, who taught me about pedigrees and would take me along to sales and tell me what to look for. Everyone needs someone to take an interest in them and make them feel they are a part of something special — it’s especially important for young people to feel a connection to their workplace, and I was fortunate enough to have that.

Cait:       You have an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering. Given your passion for horses, I’m curious: what led you to that particular course of study?

Gerry:    I love engines, machinery and tractors, so mechanical engineering was always very appealing to me. At the time, I was still of the belief that horses were a hobby, and I didn’t see it as a career option for me, especially when I mucked stables for £2.50 an hour as a kid! I was close to graduation when the owner of the farm I was working for mentioned the possibility of going to work at his farm in Kentucky. At the same time, a friend of mine had just been accepted into the Godolphin Flying Start Program, so I investigated and decided to apply. I had no expectation of being selected but was lucky enough to be chosen to participate, and it really opened my eyes to the possibilities of working in the industry.

Cait:       Can you explain more about the Flying Start Program?

Gerry:    It’s a two-year full scholarship program sponsored by the owner of Godolphin, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai. It gives young people an amazing opportunity to start a career in the Thoroughbred industry and to travel the world. I worked at operations in Ireland, as well as the U.S., England, Australia and Dubai, spending three to six months in each location. In Ireland, the primary focus is on breaking yearlings and attending sales. In the U.S., you participate in the northern hemisphere breeding season and, in Australia, you participate in the southern hemisphere breeding season. You spend January through March in Dubai for racing at the World Cup Carnival. While in England, you spend a great deal of your time in Newmarket, during which time the Tattersalls breeding stock sales are going on.

Cait:       Circling back to your education and clear passion for the industry, I wondered if you ever considered studying something related to horses, animal science or husbandry instead?

Gerry:    No. At the time, equine programs were still in their infancy, so I couldn’t really see a career path there. My career has developed somewhat organically; I think it takes time to realize what you are truly passionate about.

Cait:       You have an MBA as well. How do you put this and your mechanical engineering degree to work in your current position?

Gerry:    What is engineering? People think of design, structures and mechanisms, but really, engineering is just problem-solving. Engineers take problems and break them down into smaller objectives. They then develop strategies to help achieve those objectives. Engineering has helped me to see life through that lens; I’m probably as much of a strategist and developer as I am anything else.

My MBA has helped advance my leadership training, and I have enjoyed developing a family/community environment in the workplace, where the responsibility is shared. It’s my job to explain what our objectives are and ensure that everyone is working with the same end goals in mind. I work with the mindset that I’m not there because I know everything and have all the great ideas — I’m there to help develop those ideas. Great things happen when nobody cares who gets the credit.

Cait:       What drew you to Godolphin specifically?

Gerry:    They were the best at what they did. It’s important to try and surround yourself with those who are the best in their trade and learn from them. It was also very important to me to work for someone who has a shared set of values, and I really believe in what Sheikh Mohammed does; he wants to better people’s lives and raise industry standards. We are always working toward a level of excellence and strive to do things for the right reasons, in the right way. Ultimately, we’re not trying to sell people anything but are simply trying to help them achieve their goals.

Cait:       How did participating in the Flying Start Program help you achieve success in your current role?

Gerry:    It was instrumental in giving me the tools, skills and opportunities to reach my full potential. The program has really evolved since I participated; it’s transformed from a management program into more of a leadership program. The course mimics the lifestyle of a high-functioning CEO, in my book — there are a lot of early mornings and late evenings and you must maintain a very demanding and busy schedule. It really prepares people well for not only getting into the industry but excelling in leadership roles within it.

We have had over 140 graduates from the program to date, and less than 10 percent go to work for Godolphin directly, though I know all the graduates and work closely with them on industry issues. It’s a completely benevolent initiative, not a recruitment tool. Sheikh Mohammed wants people to help sustain Thoroughbred breeding and racing. A lot of people say the Flying Start Program will be his greatest gift to the industry.

Cait:       Finding — and keeping — good help on the farm is becoming increasingly challenging. How do you combat this issue?

Gerry:    I try to take a long-term view of things, and I do my best to create a culture and workplace where people are given opportunities to learn and develop their skillset. We strive to maintain a happy work environment, where people are treated fairly and with respect and can feel that they contribute to our overall success.

Whether my staff continue working with Godolphin or end up working outside of our company in the future, I want to prepare them well, and I see this strategy working. We are fully staffed with excellent individuals and are presently turning down good people simply because we don’t have any vacancies.

Most people don’t quit a job over a dollar or two; they quit because they are unsatisfied. People tend to be motivated by upward progression. I encourage a lot of personal goal-setting and planning, focused on value-based goals rather than material-based ones. I ask people to reflect on what sort of person and influence they want to be. In my experience, if you can sort that out, success will follow.

Cait:       At Alltech, we are always interested in learning about industry innovations. Can you tell me about the technologies you use on the farm?

Gerry:    Yes. Something our IT team has recently developed is an internal stud app. It has really helped provide a lot of information for our farm managers whilst out in the field. It’s great to have detailed records at your fingertips that can help you make informed decisions when you’re out in the barns. The industry is slowly embracing technologies such as genotyping to help make better breeding decisions and placement of horses with trainers, etc.

Overall, though, the Thoroughbred industry is slow to embrace technology. It really comes down to finding a balance between applicable technologies that help us — as opposed to things that are novel and exciting but cost a lot of money and aren’t really that beneficial — either by making things more efficient or aiding in better decision-making. We’re evolving by looking into more natural, alternative methods of care for the horses; we utilize chiropractors, acupuncturists, nutritionists and even a naturopath. With Thoroughbreds, I feel it’s very much about doing the small things right, with attention to detail — doing the simple things to a very high standard.

Cait:       As both a previous and current owner of an off-track Thoroughbred, I’m especially impressed with your aftercare program. Can you tell me a little more about it?

Gerry:    Yes. It’s called the Godolphin Lifetime Care Program, and there are multiple components to it. We are very supportive of retirement foundations globally, but we also have our own farm in England — where most of our horses reside — which is geared toward retraining and rehoming horses. Our staff works to match people up with a horse that will suit their needs, and we gift the animal to the adopter after a suitable match is determined. Outside of England, we have retirement horses in each country we work in, so we operate a small aftercare program in each. As for our retired broodmares, they get to live out their days with us for as long as they are comfortable, healthy and happy.

Cait:       What is the most enjoyable aspect of your job?

Gerry:    Simply being around these animals. To me, horses are truly the most noble of all creatures. The relationships people can develop with them are incredible, and I’ve learned a great deal from them.

I'd like to receive more horse-related news and information.

Time to test your silage, what should you look out for to achieve maximum efficiency?

By Colm Duffy – Alltech On Farm Sales Support

Producing the highest possible quantity of milk from forage must become the priority for dairy farmers. Producing the highest quality forage available not only produces a feed that is ideal for ruminants, as they are fibre digesters, but has the potential to significantly reduce your winter feed costs. Looking ahead to the winter, it is important to get a sample taken from your silage pit and have it analysed to see what exact supplementary feed is needed.

The main components of silage to look out for are DMD (dry matter digestibility), dry matter, protein, ME (metabolisable energy) and pH.

DMD expresses in percentage terms, the digestible organic matter in the silage and is a measure, like ME, of the usable energy in the silage. Feeding 140kg of fresh silage that is 2.5 percent higher in DMD will allow a farmer to feed 1kg less of meal per cow per day.

Crude protein concentration directly reflects the quality of the grass at harvest with young, leafy grass giving high protein silage while older steamy grass produces low protein silage. The higher the protein in the grass silage, the less supplementary protein that needs to be provided.

ME is a measure of the usable energy in the silage. Young leafy grass can have a ME concentration greater 12 MJ/kg DM and this can drop to below 9 MJ/kg DM at the hay stage.

The dry matter concentration is the quantity of material remaining after all water has been removed from the silage. The trend in recent years has been towards higher dry matter silages through wilting and this can have a positive effect on the amount that animals will eat, however when silages are too dry they are more difficult to consolidate causing openness at the silage face resulting in mould growth and heating.

The pH is a measure of the acidity of the silage; it gives an indication of the fermentation quality and hence the ability of the silage to store. If the pH is too low there may be problems with reduced intake and the silage may need a buffer, however this is unusual in well preserved silages with dry matter greater than 20 percent. A high pH value indicates a poor fermentation in low dry matter silages but it is quite common to have a high pH in well preserved silages with higher dry matter concentrations.

The world is facing many sustainability challenges, including food insecurity, depleted water resources and natural disasters like increased flooding and wildfires. Additionally, as the middle class continues to grow, we will need to produce 60 to 80 percent more food, including more animal protein, by 2050 — and all with less water and land.

Despite these seemingly insurmountable odds, Ramez Naam, co-chair of Energy and Environment at Singularity University, believes that the Earth is actually on the path to becoming a Planet of Plenty™ and that agriculture has a critical role to play.

“What if we could go further than just limiting harm (to the planet)?” he asked during ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference (ONE19). “What if farmers could be heroes? What if agriculture could help us beat climate change?”

Winds of change: Exponential technologies on-farm

Agriculture has already made great strides with innovations like better seeds, smarter farming practices, more efficient animal nutrition, and increased monitoring and collection of data. The amount of land needed to feed each person has been dropping for decades, as farmers have discovered new ways to produce more with less. We are also currently using less water per person than at any point since World War II.

Naam said that exponential technologies are allowing for even more progress. As these technologies evolve, they become more prevalent, cheaper and democratized, allowing people around the world to utilize them. Wind and solar in particular have the potential to positively impact our energy consumption.

“Winds of change are coming, here comes the sun — however you want to say it, change is coming to the world of energy,” he said.

Importantly, producers around the world are finding ways to integrate these technologies into existing farming practices to create symbiotic relationships with plants and animals for more sustainable agriculture, including:

• Grazing cattle and other livestock alongside wind turbines and solar panels.
• Utilizing solar panels to shade vulnerable plants and to offer respite to animals.
• Adding these technologies to fallow land to create additional revenue streams on-farm, with the added bonus of revenue that is less volatile and can act as a buffer during difficult times.

These practices are complementary to others, such as regenerative agriculture and no tillage, tree intercropping and managed grazing.

Ripple effects, from the animal to the consumer to the environment

Naam pointed out that taking steps to improve agricultural sustainability is also critical for consumers, who are willing to pay more for a product that’s sustainable. What was once a preference is now a demand. There is a perception, he said, that “sustainable” also means “healthy.”

These conversations between different stakeholders and industries are essential for progress, especially as preferences and expectations evolve. Collaboration will be key to helping our planet flourish.

By utilizing our greatest resource, human innovation, Naam is optimistic that agriculture can help create a world of abundance “not by doing more — by doing smarter.”

“Ideas are the only natural resource that we always have more of over time, not less,” he said, “and that’s why I’m an optimist.”

I came across a quote recently that struck me as very powerful. It said, “The solutions to some of our most complicated problems are often too simple to believe. We either don’t carry the courage to implement them or we doubt the power of simplicity.”

Chris Zook, best-selling author and advisory partner at global management consulting firm Bain & Company, joined us at ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference (ONE19) to discuss the critical role of simplicity in business and the importance of embracing the founder’s mentality.

According to Zook, the Founder’s Mentality^® was created through the convergence of three factors:

1. The speed of change in the world, which can change business strategies and decisions in a plethora of ways. Interestingly, two-thirds of executives recently surveyed reported believing that their main competitor in five or six years will be a different company than the one they primarily compete against today.
2. Despite the widespread feeling that we are currently experiencing a period of high growth rates and low unemployment levels, in reality, only 9 percent of companies worldwide have achieved even a modest level of sustained and profitable growth over the last decade. While bursts of growth are common, sustaining growth is rare.
3. The results of five years of researching and studying thousands of companies showed that, right now, more than 80 percent of breakdowns in the marketplace (e.g., bad product launches, losing market share in key segments, failure to be as innovative as key competitors) can be traced back to pre-existing, internal conditions that, very likely, could have been easily remedied by the company itself.

The paradox of growth

Growth is a key factor to measuring the success of a business, but Zook pointed out that, ironically, “growth creates complexity, and complexity is the silent killer of profitable growth.” Along with co-contributor James Allen, Zook developed the concept of the founder’s mentality, which is based on the idea that companies can become global leaders without losing the principles that first led them to success.

It’s worth considering that successful companies are often considered revolutionary in their respective industries when they make their debuts. They are quick to adapt, make decisions and forge ahead. Their primary focus is their customers, and they deeply value simplicity. However, as many companies begin to grow and achieve scale, they lose sight of the core set of beliefs and values that originally helped them prosper, and this is generally when significant problems begin to arise. Zook and his colleagues’ research has shown that the majority of the handful of companies that have sustained 10 or more years of continued, profitable growth have either maintained or restored (as was the case with Starbucks) their founder’s mentality.

Success from the inside out

As Zook noted, “Strategic problems outside often reveal deeper challenges and the root causes of breakdown inside.” The Founder’s Mentality approach outlines three primary indicators of a business’ deep internal health and preparedness for the challenges of growth, with Zook stating that a company is 15 to 20 times more likely to be a top performer if they present and value these elements:

1. Front-line obsession: Every founder starts as an employee on the front line, as was true with our own Dr. Pearse Lyons. He was the first person in the office every morning, and he knew the company and the science behind our products better than anyone. He was Alltech’s first salesperson, and he never stopped thinking of himself as such. Many innovative ideas stem either from working directly with customers or through observations from front-line employees; it is exactly these employees, however, who often begin to feel the most alienated as companies grow. A company’s biggest advocates should be the people on the front line of the business.
2. A sense of insurgency: Many founders simply start with an innovative idea and a team of passionate people. Insurgency involves building for the long-term and establishing a mission that everyone in the company understands and finds inspirational. Unique capabilities are also instrumental. According to Zook, only 13 percent of American business employees report feeling very inspired in or by their workplace. Companies with a bigger percentage of employees who report feeling inspired are often well-rewarded, as motivated staff will generate far more energy and innovation for a company than their unmotivated counterparts.
3. The owner’s mindset: The founder is also typically the owner of the company and sees the business as their baby. As organizations grow, however, founders and their employees often begin to lose that sense of pride and ownership, which is critical because it translates into a willingness to take responsibility, rather than hiding from blame, which can happen often in large, bureaucratic organizations. The owner’s mindset involves a distaste for all types of politics that differ from the founders’, but which contaminate businesses. It also involves an obsession with speed — to act and make decisions with a sense of urgency. When organizations begin to neutralize these integral aspects, they become vulnerable to younger, more invested insurgents.

Four final thoughts

Zook concluded his presentation with the following recommendations:

1. Over-invest in your insurgency and what makes you unique and more than “just another company.” Create mini-founder experiences that allow you to empower and strengthen your workforce.
2. Use the Founder’s Mentality to assess the inner health of your company. Bake its elements into how you measure yourself.
3. Launch periodic assaults on excess complexity, which is the silent killer of profitable growth and employee energy.
4. Use micro-battles to create microcosms of the future. Accelerate the speed of focused innovation and scale across the organization.

He also shared the “Day 1” philosophy of Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos as a prime example of how to maintain a founder’s mentality: “Day 2 is stasis. Followed by irrelevance. Followed by excruciating, painful decline. Followed by death. And that is why it is always Day 1.”