By Victoria Robin

Farming is often a thankless job; the hours are long, the paycheck is not very impressive, and vacation and family time are frequently sacrificed. With the population expected to triple by 2050, farmers must now face the daunting task of feeding a rapidly growing world. But misinformation is spreading like wildfire, including false data claiming that agriculture — specifically livestock — is the biggest cause of climate change. So, how are farmers expected to feed the masses when some of the food they provide is under attack?

Dr. Frank Mitloehner, professor and air quality specialist at the University of California–Davis, presented on this topic at ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference (ONE19), and his message was clear: agriculture and farmers are the solution, not the problem, and it is our duty to educate the masses with the truth about agricultural emissions.

What about fossil fuels?

“First and foremost,” said Dr. Mitloehner, “I do believe that climate change is happening.”

Dr. Mitloehner explained that companies producing and selling plant-based meats benefit from spreading the lie that agriculture has the highest global warming potential (GWP). Unfortunately, the real threat to climate change — fossil fuels — is overshadowed by the media’s war on livestock.

“Fossil fuels are the main contribution to man-made climate change,” said Dr. Mitloehner, noting that fossil fuels in the United States produce 11 percent of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the world. Animal and plant agriculture in the United States, on the other hand, produce only 1.1 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.

This stream of misinformation has spiraled so out of control, noted Dr. Mitloehner, that people are directing their frustrations toward the wrong culprit. How can we not only support the agricultural sector but also help clear its name?

Three truths about agricultural emissions

1)     The methane produced by livestock is vastly different from the greenhouse gases created by fossil fuels. Dr. Mitloehner broke down the creation of these emissions by livestock:

1. 1. Plants take CO2 from the atmosphere
   2. Cows eat these plants
   3. Cows belch methane
   4. Methane is in the atmosphere for 10 years before turning into CO2
   5. The cycle repeats

This continuous cycle helps keep the balance between the atmosphere, plants and cows. Alternatively, fossil fuels like oil and coal are taken from the ground, burned and subsequently released into the atmosphere without any sustainable contribution to the planet.

2)    Herd size has decreased over the past 200 years, said Dr. Mitloehner. Additionally, since 1975, the number of beef and dairy herds has decreased, which means that our methane emissions are also decreasing. In 1940, there were 140 million head of beef in the United States; today, there are only 90 million head. Notably, however, the same amount of beef (24 million tons) was produced in both 1970 and 2010, meaning that, over the years, we have begun accomplishing the same amount of beef with fewer cattle.

“This is thanks to improved fertility, health and genetics,” explained Dr. Mitloehner, who went on to argue that we should focus on better and more efficient livestock health than on livestock elimination.

3)     According to Dr. Mitloehner, there are two types of agricultural land. Two-thirds of the land can be defined as marginal land, which crops cannot be grown on for various reasons, such as poor soil or water restraints. As such, marginal land is used for ruminant livestock. The other one-third is arable land, which is ideal for crops. When others suggest that we halt livestock production, they are really suggesting the abandonment of usable land. With the population growing so quickly, Dr. Mitloehner asked, would it really be wise to ignore such a valuable resource?

“How can we feed three times the people (that currently inhabit the earth) in our lifetime if we aren’t using all the land we can to produce food?” he added. 

Agriculture ambassadors

To put it bluntly, agriculture has been the target of gossip; numbers have been skewed, media coverage has been exaggerated and farmers have been misrepresented.

“Unfortunately, for the longest time, this industry didn’t have data to show what their impact was,” said Dr. Mitloehner. “So, the notion was (that) you’re guilty until proven innocent.”

By utilizing Dr. Mitloehner’s expertise, however, we can become ambassadors of agriculture, farmers and the truth about agriculture’s contributions to climate change. With the population expected to triple by 2050, the question of how to feed the world remains — and we should thank our farmers for being part of the solution to that problem.

Bear Grylls has remarked that “life is an adventure that is best lived boldly.” As a former British Special Forces serviceman, a well-known TV adventurer, a survival expert and an accomplished author, Grylls is clearly embracing his own advice. He took the stage at ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference (ONE19) to outline the four things that have forged him into the success he is today.

Accepting failure

Grylls noted that failure was likely the most important force behind his accomplishments, revealing that the first time he attempted to become a member of the elite Special Air Service (SAS), he failed and was sent back to his unit. At the time, he thought not making it meant he wasn’t fast enough, smart enough or simply good enough, but nevertheless, he decided to try again. Grylls remarked that he felt completely out of place among the huge, muscle-bound soldiers also attempting to join the special forces unit, and he began to worry he’d volunteered for something that was beyond his capabilities. He soon realized, however, that SAS selection was about both physical capacity and mental resilience and that, although he might be average in stature, he was mighty in spirit.

“My failures far outweigh my successes,” said Grylls. “The failed expeditions, projects and near-death moments still haunt me in the night sometimes.”

Grylls went on to say that it was actually these failures that eventually helped him to grow stronger, both inside and out: “There is no shortcut to avoid failure,” he said. “Failure is a doorway to success.”

Facing your fears

The second pillar Grylls addressed was fear, noting that “life is scary sometimes, and all of us face battles, even if (they’re just) battles of confidence and nerves.” He added that it’s a universal truth that life will test us, no matter who we are.

“Life doesn’t always just reward the brilliant or the talented,” he said. “Life doesn’t really care about the exam results or good looks or the letters after someone’s name. Life rewards the dogged, the determined — those who can walk toward their goals despite their fears.”

When it comes to facing fears, Grylls speaks from experience. In 1996, at the age of 21, his celebrity — and life as he knew it — was almost impeded when a skydiving adventure went terribly wrong. After jumping out of a plane with a few friends over Zimbabwe, his parachute became tangled and failed to inflate properly. Grylls desperately tried to remedy the problem by pulling on his steering toggles, but to no avail. He was descending so rapidly that, by the time he realized what terrible trouble he was in, he was too close to the ground to use his reserve chute. He ended up plunging toward the earth in a freefall, landing on his reserve parachute pack and breaking his back in three places.

Though his spinal cord was very nearly severed, it remained intact. He spent the next year as an invalid, undergoing grueling rehabilitation and enduring night terrors about falling and being out of control. Still, he remained unfailingly determined and, a mere 18 months later, Grylls accomplished a lifelong dream by becoming the youngest British person ever to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

“You might wonder if I’ve ever jumped again,” he said, “and the answer is: all of the time.”

While he admitted that he dreads jumping, Grylls also said that he knows that the answer to fear is to face it head-on.

“Life has repeatedly shown that, when we edge toward our fears, they often melt away,” he said. “I really struggle with rooms full of strangers. I think this is because I know I’m not actually as strong as people might expect, but that’s okay, because we all have our stuff — fears are just part of life, part of what makes us real and relatable.

“In life, those cracks we all have are really our stories; like wrinkles, each one is a story, an adventure,” Grylls continued. “The big moments in all of our lives really leave marks and, if I’m being honest, I’m completely covered in them.”

Finding the fire

When outlining how we can keep moving forward against the odds, Grylls said that it comes down to learning how to access our inner fire.

“You must first understand that no one is really brilliant or brave all of the time,” he argued, recalling an encouraging quote from one of his commanding officers in the military: “When not one ounce of you thinks you can, you’re the one that turns around and gives that little bit extra.”

According to Grylls, inner fire is simply a trigger to “give more when most people want to give up.”

“If you dig, you will find it,” he added. “The fire is always there. Sometimes in life, the fire gets a little hidden; in fact, sometimes it’s just a little ember — but it’s always there, and it can change everything.”

In the course of his trek up Mount Everest, Grylls said the mountain claimed four people’s lives; two died from exposure and the others fell to their demise. They’d been climbing for more than 55 days, in negative-40-degree temperatures, with the peak of the mountain looming above. Grylls was completely exhausted and felt that every step forward was followed by a backward slide. He was no longer sure he could reach the summit, and he admits there was a voice in his head that kept telling him, “You don’t belong here. Give up.” However, instead of slowly bowing to that voice as he was initially inclined to do, Grylls found his inner fire and kept going.

“This fire has been (my) most valuable weapon — not talent, not skills,” he said. “Know the power of unrelenting, unwavering resilience. The storms of life, ironically, make us strong. As with all dark nights, sometimes you’ve just got to hang in there, doggedly. The dawn will always come. The light will always win.”

Keeping the faith

While on Mount Everest, Grylls also found the voice of doubt in his head being silenced and drowned out by a stronger one, one that was difficult to describe but that said: “I’m with you. Lean on me. You can do this.” This was when he realized that faith in oneself and in others is the universal force of goodness.

“We all face our mountain,” said Grylls. “Everest really is just a state of mind.”

Achieving your dreams, Grylls continued, will mean embracing your failures along the way.

“I am no hero, and I’m no stranger to crippling doubt and fear, but I know the weapons that serve me best,” he said. “They come from within, not without.”

In closing, Grylls argued that the final element to success is about finding true wealth, which stems from being both grateful and kind.

“I’ve climbed mountains with men who have lost their legs in war, but yet, they still smile and are grateful — (they say) look at all we have and all we’ve done,” said Grylls, who added that we must seek humility and understand our place in the universe.

“Our real wealth is always going to be found in our relationships,” Grylls continued. “It’s about the simple things that keep us moving through the dark nights that we all face from time to time.”

Grylls’ final remarks served as a simple note of inspiration, “Remember: you are made amazing. Stand tall, and never give up.”

I once told a family friend that I cleaned stalls a couple of days per week in exchange for training and lessons at the barn where I boarded my horse. He asked how long this process took, and I responded with something to the effect of, “Several very labor-intensive hours.” His reply was, “Wow, so how often do they need to be cleaned?” I looked at him in astonishment and said, “Every day.” He was baffled.

Such is the equestrian life. If you’re anything like me, however, you’re always looking for ways to work smarter, not harder. Below, I’ve compiled a few suggestions to help make stall-cleaning both faster and easier.

1. Invest in good-quality, thick, rubber stall mats. Yes, they are expensive and can be a pain to install, but they will change your life. They provide a smooth base for more efficient cleaning, are non-absorbent and easy to disinfect. They can also significantly reduce the amount of bedding needed, which can be a real cost savings. Thick mats also provide cushioning for horses’ legs and feet, which is especially helpful for arthritic horses or those prone to founder or laminitis. And perhaps the best bonus is that they can also help your horse stay cleaner.

2. Choose your bedding wisely. Straw and coarse shavings can be a real nightmare to comb through and can significantly increase the amount of time spent cleaning a stall. Finer bedding — such as small wood shavings, wood pellets or even paper shavings — is an excellent option. You will need to carefully consider just how much bedding to use (as previously mentioned, mats can help). If you overbed, you’ll spend a lot more time cleaning and, depending on the type of bedding, you will also face an increased potential for exposure to dust, molds and allergens, which can intensify the risk of respiratory disorders, such as heaves. On the other hand, inadequate bedding or failure to clean stalls thoroughly enough will increase your risk of incurring problems linked to air quality, at the very least. If you can smell ammonia in the barn, you should reconsider both the amount of bedding being used and your stall-cleaning tactics.

3. Consider using a bedding conditioner/drying agent. Bedding that has a high moisture content can really hold onto ammonia, especially when combined with humid air, and this can cause respiratory distress in horses. A lot of people think that good old-fashioned barn lime is the answer, but it does nothing to actually eliminate odors — it simply covers them up. NaturClean is a unique dry powder bedding conditioner and drying agent for all animal species. This blend of ultra-absorbent mineral compounds is designed to keep bedding dry, thus reducing the potential for bacterial infection. NaturClean also helps reduce ammonia levels and odors, thereby improving the overall atmosphere of the housing system. It is safe to handle and does not cling to animal coats.

4. Pick stalls often. Taking even a few minutes to pick your horse’s stall before you leave each night can make mucking out a much easier task the following day — and will also keep your horse happier, healthier and cleaner. Additionally, it helps cut back on odors and flies. This method is particularly effective for horses who are a bit restless in stalls and tend to grind manure into the bedding.

5. Extend turnout time. The less time your horses spend indoors, the less time you will have to spend cleaning up after them. Regular turnout provides a multitude of other benefits as well. Though equine field antics — like bucking, kicking, rolling, snorting and whinnying — may seem potentially worrisome to owners (who are crossing our fingers that our horses don’t hurt themselves), these natural movements actually help to stretch sore, tight muscles, re-align the spine and support the clearing of dust from the respiratory system. Healthier digestion is another benefit of more time outdoors, as continued movement allows the stomach to produce less gastric acid, which can decrease the risk of gastric ulcer development.

Benjamin Franklin famously said, “In this world, nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes.” We can safely assume that, as a gentleman of the 18th century and former postmaster general, Franklin likely owned horses. Therefore, I think a truer statement might have included an add-on regarding stall-cleaning, don’t you?

I want to learn more about equine management recommendations.

Despite the conditions we may currently see when we look outside, spring is here! As temperatures begin to rise and snow begins to melt, we need to keep watch for changes in our stored forages. As many will remember, the corn silage harvest last fall brought with it plenty of challenges. Most dairies have not yet experienced any of the issues that are expected to arise in their silage piles thanks to those harvest challenges — but spring will change that. As temperatures increase, wild yeast will begin to awaken in silages, leading to a decrease in forage stability, as well as the potential for issues with the total mixed ration (TMR) fed to livestock.

Last fall, high yeast levels were found in the fresh corn silage samples collected for the Alltech Harvest Analysis – North America (HANA). I have not seen many stability issues for silages yet, but they will manifest. As the warmer weather awakens the wild yeast, we will start to notice activity in our silages that was not present during the long, cold winter. When wild yeast is active in silage piles, it begins to feed on the energy from the corn silage, decreasing the energy available to livestock. Wild yeast can create many issues for a dairy, from decreasing forage stability to causing rumen upset at feeding. Additionally, the silage will begin to warm, leading to an increased pH and spoilage on the silage face, top and sides of the pile or bunker. This is especially true when Mucor and Penicillium molds are present.

If these changes go unnoticed in the forage storage unit and the silage is fed, symptoms will begin to appear in the barn. Common symptoms of active wild yeast being fed in silage include inconsistent and loose manure, decreased dry matter intake (DMI), a downturn in the farm’s butterfat test and, of course, reduced milk production.

Wild yeast has a negative impact on rumen function and cow performance. When this happens, I am often asked, “What can we do about this?”

Common symptoms of active wild yeast in dairy:

• Loose, inconsistent manure
• Decreased butterfat
• Decreased milk production
• Decreased dry matter intake

TEST THE FEED

First, evaluate and address the issues and concerns at the silage face. Whether your corn silage is stored in a silo, a bag, a bunker or a drive-over pile doesn’t matter; if the environmental conditions allow for it, wild yeast and spoilage can occur in any storage unit. If you think wild yeast is present, my first suggestion is to test the feed through a local lab, as this will give you clear answers about the levels and the specific types of contamination you are facing.

MANAGE YOUR STORAGE UNIT PROPERLY

The next step is to evaluate the silage face, looking specifically for any visible signs of heating or spoilage. This can be done by the producer and nutritionist, but an Alltech on-farm representative can also help identify any potentially concerning signs by using a thermal imaging camera. If any heating or spoilage is detected, an improvement in face management will be necessary. This can be accomplished by increasing removal rates from the face and keeping the face smooth and clean by using a facer. I have personally seen many producers not using their facer daily in the winter months due to the extreme cold, and while this is understandable, when the weather warms and becomes more spring-like, using a facer will be critical to minimizing the effects of wild yeast and spoilage.

DISCARD SPOILED FEED

Next, do not be afraid to discard suspicious forage and spoiled feed. I understand that producers do not want to be wasteful by throwing away feed every day, but if poor-quality forage is fed to our livestock, their performance will be negatively impacted.

FEED A LIVE YEAST

Lastly, feeding a quality live yeast like YEA-SACC® can help livestock overcome the adverse effects of wild yeast. Yea-Sacc bolsters the rumen by modulating the pH, scavenging oxygen, eliminating stress brought on by the wild yeast strains and enhancing overall rumen function. These benefits keep livestock performance on track and allow the animal to utilize the forages efficiently.

I want to learn more about improving nutrition on my dairy.

The devastating flooding in the Midwest has led not only to human loss but has also destroyed infrastructure, homes and farm buildings — not to mention the additional financial loss due to flooded grain facilities. The images of ruptured grain bins and flooded grain show only a portion of the destruction caused by this disastrous event.

Grain that has been subjected to flood damage is considered contaminated for food and feed use. Grain that was stored in the same facility but did not come in contact with floodwaters can be utilized as normal, but precautions should be taken. Grain from the upper portion of the bin must be removed from the side or the top; due to potential contamination, it cannot be removed through the bottom of the bin. Make sure the electricity is disconnected, as there will be a greater risk of potential shorts and damaged electric motors. Once removed, grain can be handled in various ways, including flat storing and bins.

Flat-stored corn should be closely monitored for temperature and moisture, as moist grain can sometimes flare up in “hot spots” and warm temperatures. When the temperature inside the grain pile reaches 150° F, the grain begins to compost, so it should be mixed or stirred. If the temperature reaches 170° F, the grain may begin to smolder and has the potential to catch fire. Monitor pile temperatures with deep probes or by driving pointed pipes into the pile, followed by lowering in a thermometer. Since this grain could be subjected to rainfall, it is important to continue monitoring it until the grain can be moved or covered.

Grain that is moved to bins will also need to be monitored. Aim for the recommended grain moisture level of 14 percent moisture for storage. Some producers utilize standard natural air bin drying systems with perforated floors and high-capacity fans. Supplemental heat can also help speed up drying time, but take caution not to raise the air temperature more than 10°–15°F.

Along with moisture, grain must also be monitored for mold and mycotoxins. Molds may or may not be visible and, as such, the grain should be analyzed. Mold can produce mycotoxins that impair animal performance and health while also reducing the grain’s nutritional value by lowering its energy level. Propionic acid can help control and maintain mold levels in stored grains, but application rates will vary based on the grain’s moisture level and the percent of propionic acid used in the product.

If it has not been contaminated by floodwaters, grain from flood-damaged facilities can be salvaged and properly removed, monitored for health and moisture in a new storage facility, and analyzed for mold and mycotoxins.

The recent flooding speaks to a larger concern for grain producers in the Midwest, where some areas experienced the wettest 12 months (April 2018 to April 2019) in 127 years. Overall, corn planting in the United States is 6 percent behind the five-year average — but some Midwestern states are even further behind than that. Of the top 18 corn-producing states, five had not begun planting by April 21. Topsoil moisture is at a 29 percent surplus for the entire U.S., with subsoil at a 26 percent surplus. A wet, delayed spring planting can put crops in jeopardy of pollinating and maturing in a more challenging environment. These trials could also subject the plant to mold and mycotoxin infestation.

Visit knowmycotoxins.com for more information on mycotoxin risks and solutions, such as the Alltech 37+® mycotoxin analysis test.

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Over the last three decades, aquaculture has become the world’s fastest-growing food sector. During this time, farmers have faced a number of unique challenges but have adopted new technologies to address them. One issue, however, remains a key concern and a continually developing threat: disease. There have been significant advances in vaccination practices over the years, but the diversity of pathogens — bacterial, viral and parasitic — sometimes makes vaccination impractical or unavailable to protect against certain threats.

Building a defense

Pathogens are opportunistic and exist naturally in all environments, including animal populations. When conditions become suboptimal and/or stressful, the natural defenses of the animal are challenged and pathogens are given the chance to flourish, which often leads to disease, poor performance and mortality. Disease does not occur in isolation; rather, it is the result of multiple factors. Diet is just as important for the nutrition and welfare of aquaculture species as it is for humans. The Mediterranean diet, for instance, is recommended to help prevent disease in humans because it includes a rich variety of essential nutrients, such as omega-3 lipids, minerals, vitamins and proteins. These nutrients have also proven to be essential for supporting the health and welfare of livestock and often help producers achieve operational success. As such, Alltech has begun exploring what benefits these nutrients could provide in its advanced nutritional aquaculture solutions.

Minerals presented in their natural, organic form help ensure optimal tissue reserves. When encountering a stressful situation, animals draw on these reserves to prevent cellular damage. The maintenance of a healthy gut helps ensure optimal nutrient uptake, leading to improved growth and performance. A healthy gut and mucosal barrier can also keep pathogens from passing through the damaged areas of the gut and into the bloodstream, thus improving the animal’s natural immune defenses.

Feed selection and management

As feed costs can account for more than 50 percent of farm production costs, the correct choice of feed should not be underestimated, nor should it be limited to the application of modern nutritional engineering. Feeds must also be tailored to each species and/or hybrid and should be appropriate for the specific culture methodology and environment; when feeds do not meet these standards, they are often not the most cost-effective selection for the farmer.

When selecting feed, fish farmers should pay attention to three key characteristics: structure, size and stability. Visually, the structure of the pellet should be firm and robust. A strong pellet must withstand the manufacturing and transportation process, minimizing the amount of dust produced. Dust is extremely harmful to fish, as it can damage their gills and affect the water quality. The size, ratio and sink/float speed of the feed must also be suitable for different species and environments; for example, fish in RAS facilities and fish in ponds will have very different requirements.

Pellets must also have a high water stability, as uneaten feed can contaminate the water and leach nutrients. Following best practices, uneaten pellets must be removed promptly in order to avoid sub-optimal feeding practices, negative environmental impacts and an increased feed conversion rate.   

The mechanical filter in an RAS facility will remove large and firm feces. However, 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 feed conversion ratios. Fish are sensitive to external factors; fluctuating water temperatures, water quality and oxygen levels can impact growth and performance.

Tailored nutritional solutions

Alltech Coppens, a leading developer and producer of fish feeds, performs digestibility trials on feed formulations to understand how raw materials interact with each other and affect certain characteristics. Once the ideal ingredient selection is chosen and combined with Alltech’s nutritional solutions, a diet is formulated and developed specifically for that species and its farming environment.

Alltech’s aquaculture solutions platform has been proven to help maintain a protective balance between the aquaculture species, nutrition and environment. In addition, Alltech’s Mineral, Gut Health and Mycotoxin Management programs provide holistic management practices for addressing the key challenges outlined above. For more information about implementing these programs in your operation, please reach out to us at aquasolutions@alltech.com.

I want to learn more about aquaculture nutrition and management.

Vitamins are essential micronutrients required in all poultry diets, with each vitamin playing a critical role in the bird’s overall health and performance. As such, it is important to manage low-inclusion premixes to conserve vitamin stability and maintain efficacy.

Vitamin class and quality

All vitamins are crucial for normal biological function. Vitamins fall into two classes: fat-soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins (including vitamins A, D, E and K) are absorbed and stored in fatty tissues of the body. These fat-soluble vitamins are critical for vision, mucous tissue integrity, immunity and blood coagulation, as well as calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Alternatively, water-soluble vitamins (including vitamins C, B-complex and choline) are not stored within the body. Water-soluble vitamins metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and fats, and they also contribute to the integrity of skin and ligaments, bone calcification and hormone synthesis.

Several physical and chemical factors — including exposure to oxygen, pressure, friction, temperature, humidity, light, pH and redox reactions — can decrease vitamin stability, which will negatively affect bird performance. Pelleting, for example, involves friction, pressure, heat and humidity, which can expose vitamins to adverse chemical environments and compromise the vitamin’s stability. Choline chloride is particularly harsh for vitamins because of its hygroscopic and alkaline properties, so separate choline chloride from vitamin premixes whenever possible.

Maintaining an awareness of the storage conditions and of the overall product composition is important. The ideal conditions will be different for each vitamin. For example, vitamins B1 and B6 are more stable in acidic environments, whereas pantothenic and folic acids are more stable in alkaline environments. Vitamin B12 is sensitive to several environmental factors, including strong acids, alkali conditions and light. Providing vitamin premixes with ideal conditions but storing them alongside trace minerals can also compromise their stability. Copper, zinc and iron are the most reactive toward vitamins, while manganese and selenium tend to be the least reactive trace minerals. The form of the trace mineral can also influence its reactivity toward vitamins; sulfates and carbonates are the most reactive, while oxides and chelated trace mineral forms are the least reactive. Therefore, formulating vitamin premixes in combination with chelated trace minerals will aid in prolonging vitamin stability.

Proper management techniques are critical for maintaining vitamin potency and stability. If possible, store trace minerals and vitamins separately in the initial manufacturing facilities. When combining vitamins and trace minerals in premixes, consider utilizing chelated trace minerals. Additionally, reduce the overall storage time of premixes as well as complete feed. Ensure the use of proper storage containers that minimize light and oxygen penetration. Climate-controlled storage will also reduce the risk of exposing vitamins to high environmental temperatures and humidity. Implementing these management strategies can help to ensure that we are feeding optimal-quality vitamins, which will only serve to enhance overall bird health and performance.

I'm interested in learning more about poultry nutrition.

A recent foreign animal disease (FAD) publication by the National Pork Board reported that African swine fever (ASF) continues to spread through parts of Asia and Europe, increasingly disrupting the world’s pork production. China has garnered much attention due to its position as the top global producer of pork. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) stated that nearly all of China’s provincial-level administrative units have reported at least one ASF break, which means that all but the far west of China — including Hong Kong and Macau — has now been exposed to ASF on some level. The presence of the ASF virus has also been confirmed in Vietnam. Adding to those concerns is the fact that Japan is battling classical swine fever (CSF), another reportable FAD.

The threat of a FAD in the United States has heightened the need for increased protection for the swine industry at U.S. borders. It has also provoked further discussions on biosecurity and the on-farm steps that must be taken to reduce the risk of disease.

On-farm biosecurity

At a recent swine production meeting, I discussed on-farm biosecurity and advised taking a strategic approach to prevent both the introduction of new biological agents onto your farm and the uncontrolled movement of pathogens around your farm.

Below are critical control points to include in the evaluation of a biosecurity program:

• Animal entry
  • When are replacement animals brought in?
  • Are transport trailers being washed and disinfected?
  • Are feral swine a concern?
• Personnel entry
  • Shower-in/shower-out facilities
  • Obeying the lines of separation between clean and dirty zones
• Product and equipment entry
  • How are deliveries to the farm handled?
  • Are special precautions taken when outside services (e.g., electricians) are used?
• Pest control
  • Keep premises clean and picked up
  • Regularly check and refill bait stations
• Mortality management
  • Ensure that mortalities are regularly picked up
• Feed biosecurity
  • Stage deliveries to clean sites first
  • Disinfect truck wheels and undercarriages, as well as driver equipment
  • Utilize feed intervention technologies to support feed integrity and feed hygiene. Products such as Guardian have been shown to be effective in optimizing feed safety.
• Outside traffic
  • Limit traffic on your farm
  • Plan an offsite delivery area, if possible
• Aerosol transmission
  • Isolate infected animals
  • Wear personal protective equipment

Secure Pork Supply (SPS) plan

A Secure Pork Supply (SPS) plan is being developed through the National Pork Board and the USDA to enhance communication and coordination, accelerate a successful FAD response and support continuity of operations for pork producers. Having an SPS plan in place before the potential outbreak of a FAD in the U.S. is critical for food security, as well as animal health and well-being.

The SPS plan addresses the following FADs:

• Foot and mouth disease (FMD)
• Classical swine fever (CSF)
• African swine fever (ASF)

You can find more information about the SPS plan at www.securepork.org or through the National Pork Board.

The Swine Health Information Center coordinates a global disease-monitoring program and conducts targeted research about reducing the impact of future disease threats. Biosecurity, whether at our borders or on-farm, continues to remain a critical factor in reducing the transport and transmission of disease.

I want to learn more about swine health and management recommendations.

Ulcers — particularly those of the gastric variety — are one of the most hotly discussed and debated subjects among horse owners today. Performance problems? Must be ulcers. Attitude issues? Probably ulcers. Poor appetite? Have you checked for ulcers? You get the idea.

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is a frustrating and potentially costly issue — gastroscopy (an endoscopic examination of a horse’s stomach) and treatment with omeprazole can cost upwards of $1,500. And the craziest thing of all? Ulcers are an entirely man-made problem; we have interrupted the horse’s natural environment and feeding/grazing regimen out of our own need for routine and convenience. Each of the following causes can lead you straight into Ulcerville, a place we would all much prefer to avoid:

• Stall confinement
• Prescribed meal times
• High-grain diets
• Increased training demands
• Competition
• Environmental changes, including travel, moving to a new barn or a change in herd dynamics

Treating the unknown

Gastric ulcers are extremely common in performance horses — it is estimated that as many as 90 percent of racehorses and 70 percent of show horses have them. This problem, however, is not as black and white as it may seem. While some might think that the solution is as simple as skipping the expensive endoscopy and diving into treatment, just wait until the cost of medicine rears its ugly head; those tubes of omeprazole aren’t cheap, especially when you need 28 days’ worth. As someone who was most certainly not born with a silver spoon in her mouth, I can totally relate. You may have heard that powdered omeprazole is much cheaper, or that OTC rantidine (think Zantac^®) can solve your horse’s problems for less, but the old adage that “you get what you pay for” is particularly fitting in this situation.

Let’s look at this from another angle: would you take medicine — a really expensive type — for something you weren’t even sure you actually had? Sounds insane, right? If you think your horse has gastric ulcers, call your vet to schedule a gastroscopy; it’s the only way to make a definitive diagnosis.

Prevention over cure

Did you know that Benjamin Franklin was actually talking about fire safety when he said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”? Still, his wisdom applies. Making a few relatively simple adjustments to your horse’s lifestyle and feeding schedule can greatly reduce its risk of ulcer development.

1. Feed forage wisely.

Horses are very large animals, but their stomachs only have a 2- to 4-gallon capacity. This may sound surprisingly small in relation to their size, but horses are built to spend two-thirds of their time grazing, as this allows them to digest a small but steady amount of forage throughout the day. Large amounts of saliva are produced during grazing, and when this saliva is combined with roughage, it can buffer the acid levels in the stomach. Even when a horse isn’t eating, its stomach is producing acid, and this is why prescribed meal times (e.g., feeding only twice per day) can be problematic: the longer a horse goes between forage consumption, the more acid accumulates. Feeding free-choice hay or allowing for extended turnout keeps a steady supply of buffering saliva available to neutralize stomach acid. Offering hay in a slow feeder can also help meals last longer. Alternatively, you may mimic grazing by breaking down daily rations into smaller, more frequent meals. Alfalfa often gets a bad rap, but it is actually thought to have a better buffering effect on stomach acids than grass hay. Alfalfa is far more nutrient-dense than grass hay, though, so it will need to be introduced to the diet gradually to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset.

2. Limit grain.

Horses produce less saliva when they consume grain, limiting the buffering effect that otherwise takes place when they consume forages. Grain and other concentrates increase blood glucose, which, in turn, increases insulin levels and volatile fatty acid production and could potentially damage the stomach lining. If your horse needs more calories outside of forage, look for a feed that has a lower starch and sugar content and is higher in fat and fiber. You will often see these diets referred to as low-NSC (non-structural carbohydrate). While non-structural carbohydrates are an important source of energy for performance horses who don’t have metabolic issues, they must be provided in the appropriate balance to avoid negative impacts and support optimal performance.

3. Remember: we are dealing with creatures of habit.

Humans aren’t the only ones who like routines. Anything out of the ordinary that adds stress to your horse’s life can contribute to the development of ulcers. This doesn’t just apply to show horses; even changing up the turnout group at home or feeding an hour later than usual can throw your horse into inner turmoil. Do your best to introduce change gradually and maintain as many familiar habits as possible. If introducing stress is unavoidable, take precautionary measures like feeding a well-researched gastric support product and/or strategically administering omeprazole.

4. Provide more turnout time.

As previously mentioned, horses are designed to be eating — and moving — almost constantly. As also noted, our interruption of this habit has led to the problems addressed in this article. Horses are among the most frustratingly fragile creatures on the planet, but don’t let a fear of pasture injury keep you from letting your horse be a horse. Provide ample turnout time — 24/7 is ideal, but this might not be realistic for many horses, so aim for as many hours per day as is reasonably possible. It’s also important to turn your horse out into a group, if you can. We need to remember that horses are very social creatures, who generally find solace in the company of other equines.

5. Be careful with medication.

When used long-term or in high amounts, some medications — particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Bute (phenylbutazone) or Banamine — can damage the lining of the stomach, thereby increasing ulcer risk. Always check with your vet if you have any questions about the recommended use and dosage rate for these types of medication.

Ulcers may seem mysterious — and, in a lot of ways, they are. If we observe ulcer symptoms, we must ultimately trust our instincts, since there is no way to know exactly how much pain they cause our horses. Fortunately, as with many things, advances in equine medicine and management will only continue to develop our understanding of what we can do to both treat and prevent this common but distressing ailment.

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The Haitian cities of Ouanaminthe and Dondon have turned coffee production into an opportunity to establish a sustainable economy. Since 2010, the Sustainable Haiti Project — developed by these communities in collaboration with Alltech — has helped bolster urban infrastructure, decreased the school dropout rate and has generally improved the quality of life for this region’s citizens.  

Product export revenues from the Sustainable Haiti Project have, thus far, benefited 600 families in Dondon and helped enroll 800 children in two newly built schools.   This initiative was the brainchild of the late Alltech founder Dr. Pearse Lyons, who, following the earthquake that devastated the island nation in 2010, traveled to Haiti to help. During his visit, the Irish businessman realized that the capital city of Port-au-Prince was already home to many businesses and organizations — leading him to focus his efforts on other areas of the country.  

“Upon arriving in Dondon, he perceived the potential of the region,” said project coordinator Avelyne St. Hilaire. “He wanted to do a long-term project that could help people. The idea was to strengthen communities that are remote from Port-au-Prince in a sustainable way, so that children do not need to move to have a better future.”

The Sustainable Haiti Project helped improve the condition of the roads that led to local schools, which had previously been difficult to access, contributing to a high rate of dropout.

“Before, the children did not have the opportunity to study, because parents could not leave them in the schools,” St. Hilaire continued. “Today, they manage to go to their jobs and know that their children will be studying and receiving support.”

In addition to these efforts to enhance quality of life, the Sustainable Haiti Project also promotes sustainable coffee production. Coffee has historically been Haiti's main export, and, with Alltech’s support, producers in Dondon and Ouanaminthe have achieved higher crop yields — without damaging the environment.

“We have done our best to set up new planting practices, thinking about the quality of light and shade for grains and looking to control diseases in a natural way,” said Cedieu Joseph, president of the cooperative. “Today, we have a biological coffee, which benefits our exports.”

The coffee produced in Dondon is recognized as high-quality and stands out as Haiti’s only organic coffee product. Sitting at more than 243 meters above sea level, the geographic location of the local coffee production makes the grains softer and gives the beans a differentiated, unique flavor.

But thanks to the efforts of the Sustainable Haiti Project, this coffee is special for more than its flavor profile. "When people consume Café Citadelle, they are not only consuming a simple coffee,” said St. Hilaire. “They are helping people and changing their reality.”

Click here for more information on Alltech's philanthropic efforts.