Molds and mycotoxins can be detrimental to both crops and livestock feed. Toxin-producing molds may invade plant material in the field before harvest, during post-harvest handling and storage, and during processing into food and feed products. Prevention through sound management practices is essential, since there are limited ways to completely overcome problems once mycotoxins are present. 

1. Understanding contamination:

Plants are infected with mold and mycotoxins when spores of certain diseases are released and blown onto plants and soil. Spores can overwinter in the soil, leading to infection in the following years. 

2. Prevention:

Three steps can aid in the prevention of mycotoxin infestations. The first step should be to act before any infection has occurred. If that is not possible, you should act during the period of fungal invasion of the plant material and mycotoxin production. If, unfortunately, you should miss either of those opportunities, action should instead be initiated when the agricultural products have been identified as heavily contaminated. Most of your efforts should be concentrated on the two first steps because once mycotoxins are present, they are difficult to eliminate. 

• A list of recommendations for attempting to limit mycotoxin presence in corn has been released by the North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The suggested steps include:

  • Early planting

  • Reducing drought stress

  • Minimizing insect damage

  • Early harvest

  • Avoiding kernel damage during harvest

  • Drying and storing corn properly

  • Disposing of corn screenings instead of feeding them to animals

3. Seed hybrids:

If mycotoxins or diseases have been present in previous years, selecting seed hybrids that are resistant to them can reduce the risk and/or the severity of the infection. Some diseases can also be seed-borne, so it is important to be selective with the seed hybrids chosen for upcoming years.

4. Crop rotation and tillage:

Due to the cycle of fungi and spores wintering in the soil and on crop residues, increased tillage and crop rotation are recommended to help control crop residues and potential mycotoxin contamination. Removal, burning or burial of crop residues aids in the reduction of Fusarium inoculum, which could affect the subsequent crop. 

5. Planting date:

The date when seeds or seedlings are planted can also affect the contamination of your crop. Ideally, the flowering stage of the crop and spore release would not occur at the same time, in order to reduce the chances of infection. However, weather changes could challenge any advantages manifested by appropriately timing your planting.

6. Plant nutrition:

Well-nourished plants have more effective defenses. A proactive fertilizer program, accompanied by the best practices listed above, can help reduce the need for chemical pesticide intervention later in the season. 

7. Managing the problem:

Sound management practices in the field won’t eliminate the need for a mycotoxin management plan during storage or at the feed mill — they can help make an unmanageable problem manageable, but no approach is 100-percent effective, and new contamination can occur at multiple points, including during transport and storage. Consequently, mycotoxin risk should be evaluated and addressed throughout the feed chain. 

I want to learn more about recommended crop management practices.

Over the last decade, the study of how nutrition can impact immune function — known as immuno-nutrition — has been examined as an alternative approach to treating or preventing chronic diseases. Many pet owners consider their pets part of the family. As a result, they are choosing higher quality, more nutritious diets for their pets and asking how the right nutrients can prolong their pet’s well-being.

Oxidation and inflammation are the main culprits that can jeopardize the immune system. Making sure that the nutrients delivered as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories are biologically available and absorbable helps ensure that pets are prepared for the excess stress that comes with the aging process.

In our recent webinar, “Immuno-nutrition: Structure function benefits and well-being for pets,” Dr. Rebecca Delles explored how oxidation and inflammation, when left unchecked, can result in damage to important biomolecules in the body.  

1. Older and/or sick pets may have increased needs for certain biomolecules due to lower GI absorption rates.
2. Many of the most common diseases in pets are caused by inflammation and oxidation of the tissues.
3. Better absorbability of bioactive components can help fortify the immune system and prolong pet well-being.

I want to learn more about pet nutrition.

Although it is a fairly new practice, shrimp farming in Brazil shows great potential in both internal and external markets. Currently, the cultivated area of ​​shrimp nurseries in Brazil is 25,000 hectares, but this could eventually expand by 1 million hectares, according to the Brazilian Shrimp Farmers Association (ABCCAM).

To maintain their high levels of productivity, producers are betting on natural supplementation as an alternative to improving and preserving their animals’ health, as well as to combat factors like toxicity and adsorption of harmful pathogenic bacteria. Other essential aspects that can affect animal comfort and productivity and that shrimp farmers should consider include water quality control, transparency, dissolved oxygen, nitrogen compounds, alkalinity, hardness and more.

“Despite its great potential, the shrimp farming sector in Brazil still struggles with some challenges that hinder its growth,” said Fabio Rodrigues, aquaculture sales coordinator for Alltech Brazil. “Among some of the main obstacles we can name are problems like white spot syndrome.”

According to Rodrigues, this disease drastically reduces production and is one reason why, despite its great potential, the Brazilian shrimp industry is currently only capable of serving its domestic market. The virus that causes this disease can destroy organ cells in the shrimp digestive and respiratory systems.

In this scenario, the use of select additives can optimize the shrimp’s reproductive cycle, allowing for better productivity.

“These solutions can provide better immunity and anti-inflammatory effects and a better shell quality,” said Rodrigues. “Other solutions for shrimp farms include utilizing enriched products based on fermented meal for fertilization, supplementation or as a complement to the diet.”

The solution

Alltech offers solutions for the feed industry and for shrimp producers that optimize the nutrition of crustaceans and help achieve a more efficient production. One example is Aquate, which supports shrimp development and reflects a more attractive cost-benefit to the producer. 

I want to learn more about aquaculture solutions.

1. Bedding

Winter temperatures bring additional challenges and considerations to the table for dairy producers. As temperatures drop, calves’ energy requirements increase. Calves under 21 days of age require more energy when temperatures fall below 60° Fahrenheit and also require 30 percent more energy simply for maintenance when temperatures fall below 30° F.

Bedding is a good source of insulation; as such, to reduce heat loss, keep calves dry and well-bedded. Dry straw bedding up to their knees provides good insulation and reduces their chance of contracting respiratory disease. In addition, clean, dry calf jackets can increase the internal temperature of a calf by up to 25° F.

2. Feeding

Feeding calves three times a day will help stabilize the rumen pH while simultaneously adding more energy during cold temperatures. Additionally, provide free-choice warm water right after feeding to get the calves drinking water before they lie down. Remember, warm water freezes faster than cold water.

3. Water

Speaking of water, dairy cows must drink water or they will not eat. Since water is a key ingredient in making milk, be sure that the waterers are clean and not frozen. Cows prefer plate cooler water because it is warmer than well water. With a thermometer, check waterers with heaters to determine if elements are working properly. An ideal water temperature is between 40–65° F.

4. Ventilation – Prevent drafts

Dairy cows will do quite well in cold temperatures, provided they are dry and protected from wind and drafts. Cows can tolerate temperatures as low as -20° F if wind speeds are below five miles per hour. On the other hand, high winds of 35 miles per hour and temperatures above 15° F can cause problems for dairy cows.

With cold weather, it is important to prevent drafts; cows need a dry, draft-free resting place. Patch holes in curtains, minimize gaps at the ends of curtains and seal around doors where wind can blow through. In stall barns, proper maintenance of barn wall fans is key to good ventilation. Adjust and replace belts and keep shutters and other parts clean and lubricated. Fresh air inlets must allow air into the barn to replace “old air.” Regardless of the type of barn, it is important to have ample amounts of dry bedding. Keep the back of the stall groomed or scraped. If walkways become frozen and slippery, put down lime to allow for better traction.

5. Prevent frostbite

Another critical area to consider when it comes to mature cows is whether they are exiting the parlor into wind chill conditions that can lead to frostbite and frozen teats. It is very important that teats are dry when leaving the parlor during cold weather. Dairy scientists suggest that, in severely cold weather, even the film of milk should be dried before cows leave the parlor. Instead of skipping the post-dip, it is better to post-dip the teats and allow 30 seconds of contact time before wiping the teats dry. Use germicidal dips that contain 5–12 percent multi-skin conditioners to reduce chapping or cracking of teat skin. Avoid washing teats with water in cold weather.

 6. Mastitis – Dry teats and singe udders

Finally, in cold weather — or during the summer — reducing the places that organic matter can stick to a cow is critical to managing somatic cell count and mastitis. To prevent this from happening, singeing udders just prior to calving, at dry-off and during lactation, when the hair is visibly long, is suggested. Following this standard operating procedure (SOP) reduces the sediment load in the milk filter, makes it easier to prep cows and reduces the risk of environmental mastitis. This procedure can be done in head-locks or in the close-up area — but not in the parlor, if all possible.

I want to learn more about on-farm support for my dairy.

The agricultural sector in Portugal was, until recently, still highly traditional, with few technological advances implemented. This has changed over the last few years, however, with the adoption of and investment in new technologies across a variety of areas, including irrigation, soil mobilization, pest and disease control and fertilization.

One of the most significant changes dealt with the types of crops being grown by these Portuguese farmers, who began to look beyond Portugal and focus on cultivating products that could be more competitive on a European scale, including fruits and vegetables. Their farming practices have also been progressively updated to make sure that they fit in with European regulations. A greater emphasis has been placed on sustainable practices with decreased residues to ensure that the crops are marketable in areas beyond Portugal.

These updated farming practices have led to an increase in productivity and competitiveness, as well as a more efficient use of resources. Over the past 20 years, 3.2 million acres — almost a third of the agricultural area under cultivation in Portugal — had been neglected, but now, there is a greater productivity of the cultivated area and a new entrepreneurial spirit driven by a new generation of farmers.   

A generation of farmers that was raised on a family farm is also becoming more prevalent, and with this influx of fresh eyes also comes the implementation of crop diversification. A farm where, previously, only corn was cultivated, for instance, may now also grow tomatoes, sunflowers, carrots and other crops.    

Rejuvenating the agricultural fabric of Portugal was imperative, since more than half of farmers in the country are older than 65. With the embrace of new technologies to meet market demands, Portuguese agriculture today is more innovative, professional, productive and customer-oriented. 

In 2015, Portugal ranked 41^st for exports in the global agri-food industry. The main products the country exported included olive oils, tomatoes and wines. Portugal’s agricultural exports go to 153 countries, with Spain, Brazil, France, Italy and Angola as its biggest external markets. Fresh fruit accounted for 40 percent of the value of those exports, with special emphasis on small fruits, oranges and Rocha pears, which were the best performers in 2016. 

However, the country is also heavily dependent on cereals and oilseeds, whose import volume accounted for 42.4 percent of the total agricultural imports during 2006–2010. While Portugal is not yet seen as competitive in dryland cereal farming, the national production of irrigated grain — particularly maize — has been on the rise.

The sector must continue to strengthen its exports and its presence in foreign markets, affirming the quality that sets its produce apart. Portuguese agricultural products are attractive to countries and customers looking for products from southern Europe, thanks to the mild and differentiated climate that the Atlantic Ocean provides. Portugal has a reputation for food safety and is recognized as a region whose products feature appealing colors, flavors and aromas.   

To learn more about international agronomic practices and how you can implement updated technology in your operation, visit www.alltech.com/cropscience and sign up for our Top Crop newsletter today. 

I want to learn more about agronomic practices.

The term Nishikigoi means "colorful carpet" and was first used as far back as 200 years ago in a village in the Niigata prefecture in Japan. The first nishikigoi was produced by farmers breeding black carp (or Magoi) as a food source to survive severe winter weather conditions. The result of this effort was a vibrantly colored carp with an admirable figure that stood out from the rest with its rare beauty. 

As awareness grew, many started to appreciate nishikigoi like a fine work of art. The first koi was imported to the U.K. in 1980. This was the start of a new pet that has since become very popular throughout Western Europe. Admirers keep koi fish in their gardens (on average, 20-30 koi per pond), and they are often thought of as family members. Superfans keep and breed fish with beautiful and unique color patterns, which are often very valuable; individual fish can fetch prices of over US$11,000.

Back to nature

Not surprisingly, the feed market for these fish developed rapidly. High-quality nutrition, focused on growth, coloration and health of the fish, became increasingly important. High fishmeal and fish oil inclusion, synthetic colorants and uncommon herbs were used in an attempt to further improve koi feeds. However, as these koi feeds developed, one important fact was generally overlooked: koi DNA still closely resembles (by more than 99%) that of their ancestor, the common carp. And the common carp is a typical omnivorous fish — they spend much of their time stirring up mud and uprooting plants on the river bottom while also consuming insects, plant waste, water weeds and plankton.

Keeping this close DNA match in mind, Alltech Coppens developed a new koi feed, specially designed for nishikigoi. The feed is called Midori, which translates to “green” in Japanese and refers to our back-to-nature concept that aims for both natural and sustainable koi feed.

Key sustainable features of Midori:

• Contains insect meal derived from the black soldier fly
• Made with no fish meal or fish oil
• Formulated with algae, a natural and sustainable source of both EPA and DHA
• Designed with spirulina and other raw materials rich in natural colorants
• Unique shape of feed pellets mimics the size and shape of black soldier fly larvae, helping to promote the natural feeding behavior of koi and to give customers a unique fish-feeding experience

I would like to learn more about aqua nutrition.

Have you ever looked at a feed tag or bag and wondered what all the information meant — and whether it was even necessary? 

By law, commercial feeds must have certain information listed on the tag or bag. A typical feed tag will list product name, a guaranteed analysis, ingredient list, the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor, feeding directions and net weight.

The ways in which information is listed can vary either because of individual state laws or manufacturer preference.  For instance, ingredients may be listed individually or by using collective terms. While some manufacturers list ingredients by order of inclusion rate, from greatest to least, this is not a requirement. Additionally, individual state laws govern whether certain nutrients can be included in the guaranteed analysis.

A general understanding of the information contained on feed tags can help when choosing a feed.

What exactly is a guaranteed analysis?

Two feeds may have the same or similar guaranteed analyses, but the actual feeds may be very different. The guaranteed analysis simply tells the guaranteed concentration of nutrients (protein, fat, fiber, minerals, etc.) in the feed. When a sample of the feed is tested, the level of nutrients must not be less than the minimum guarantee or more than the maximum guarantee. The guaranteed analysis does NOT, however, reveal anything specific about those ingredients, either their quantity or quality. Thus, two feeds may have the same guaranteed analysis but contain different ingredients.

Buzzword nutrients

Even when a nutrient is included in the guaranteed analysis, that nutrient may not necessarily be nutritionally significant or beneficial to the horse. A common example is biotin, a B-vitamin known to help improve hoof quality. Research has shown that 20 milligrams of biotin are needed per day to benefit the hoof of an average-sized riding horse (i.e., ~1200 pounds). Some feeds list biotin in the guaranteed analysis at a concentration of or around 0.40 milligrams per pound. At this concentration, the horse would have to consume 50 pounds of this feed per day, every day, to obtain the requisite 20 milligrams of biotin. This feeding rate is unrealistic — but some feeds may contain the same or similar concentrations of biotin and not list it in the guaranteed analysis. Thus, consumer beware: make sure listed nutrients are sufficiently concentrated enough to actually benefit the horse.

Ingredients: Are you getting what you pay for?

Ingredients may be listed individually by specific name (e.g., oats, corn, barley) or by collective terms for the grouping of the ingredient (e.g., grain products). Collective terms may be used when trying to keep a formula or portion of the formula confidential due to the uniqueness of the product or ingredients. Other reasons for using collective terms include shortening the ingredient list or when least cost formulating. Least cost formulating — which occurs with both collective and individual ingredient lists — happens when the ingredients in the feed change with fluctuating ingredient costs. Oftentimes, having less interest in the quality of the ingredients goes hand-in-hand with the philosophy of least cost formulating.

Ingredient quality

Regulations do not permit information regarding the grade — that is, the quality — of the ingredients to be placed on the tag, which is important to consider when selecting feeds. For instance, two feeds may have the same ingredient list, but one may use a much higher grade of grain. A higher-quality grain means less contamination and, often, increased nutrient availability.

Besides individual grain quality, some grains are simply better for horses than others. For instance, oats are typically the grain of choice for horse feeds because they are relatively high in fiber and are not as prone to harmful molds and mycotoxins as other grains, such as corn. The fiber content of oats is helpful in reducing the risk of digestive upset and founder. Additionally, oat starch is more efficiently utilized by the horse when compared to other grains typically fed to horses.

Summary

Interpreting feed tags can be quite difficult; what is listed on the tag reveals very little about what is inside the bag, ingredient- or quality-wise. Asking questions and researching grain quality and ingredients are the best tools for finding and feeding a superior-quality feed. 

When selecting feeds for horses, some important questions to ask include:

• Does the horse need the nutrients listed?
• Are the nutrients concentrated at a level beneficial to the horse?
• Is the formula fixed, or does it fluctuate with ingredient prices?
• Are the grains utilized the best available for horses? What quality of grain is being used?
• What is my cost per head per day for feeding? Could I reduce the cost per day and also have a healthier horse by feeding a higher-quality feed?

I want to learn more about equine nutrition.

The key to protecting a farm from ASF is to have a very high level of external biosecurity. External biosecurity includes herd protection measures that are implemented to reduce the risk of introduction of disease-causing organisms into a farm. The highest risk of introduction of ASF in the farm is through the introduction of live pigs onto a farm; this always presents a risk, and it is very important to source the animals from trusted suppliers and use the highest level of cleaning and disinfection of transports. ASF can also spread on vehicles, equipment and people. Ensure that workers and visitors to the farms have not been in contact with any other pigs prior to entering the farm for 48 hours and that dedicated clothing is used on the farm. Carcass-hauling trucks are high-risk for spreading diseases and should never enter into the farm. ASF in large commercial farms in Russia and Lithuania has been explained by those farms lacking compliance with the biosecurity rules, such as improper disinfection of clothing and boots, or contaminated food brought onto the premises. Contaminated pig meat products have caused several outbreaks on farms, and therefore, no food made from pig meat that has not been properly heat-treated (salami, cured sausages, cold-smoked meats) should be brought onto a farm, and human food waste should not be given to the pigs.

How long does ASF survive, in hot or cold conditions?

ASF is relatively tough and can survive in the environment and in pig carcasses for a long time. ASF virus survival has been estimated in feces and urine up to eight and 15 days, respectively, and five days at 21° Celsius (Davies et al., 2015). Survival times in the environment [of] up to 18 months have been reported. Meat must be heated to at least 70° Celsius for 30 minutes to inactivate ASF virus, and 30 minutes at 60° Celsius for serum and body fluids. Curing and smoking pork products does not destroy the virus.

Is ASF airborne?

The virus is not considered a major airborne virus. The half-life of ASF in the air was, on average, 14 to 19 minutes, as analyzed by PCR, and virus titration respectively (De Carvalho et al., Vet Microbiol 2013, 165:243-51). It can be found in the rooms where infected pigs are present, but airborne transmission is unlikely between farms.

Can we do more to control transmission via wild boar populations?

 If the wild boar population becomes infected with ASF, then it is very difficult to control and eradicate the disease. It is very important to not throw any food waste into nature because there are real risks that wild boar can become infected through food waste. It is possible that the current outbreak of ASF in wild boar in the Belgian Ardennes has been due to food waste originating from Eastern Europe. It is very important that there is a good compensation for farmers in the case of ASF outbreaks, so that farmers do not hide outbreaks and discard carcasses in nature, where wild boars can be infected. A large wild boar population increases the risk that infection will spread in the population, and therefore, it is important to keep the wild boar population in control through hunting. The hunting community should have good information and rules to collect wild boar carcasses and notify authorities about any dead pigs seen in nature. A very high external biosecurity — with good, complete fences around the pig farm to prevent wild boars from entering — is very important. Domestic pig farms may want to reduce the risk of wild boar transmission by using extra electric fencing around the farm. (Guinat et al., Veterinary Record (2016) 178, 262-267) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4819659/pdf/vetrec-2016-103593.pdf

What ingredients are at highest risk for ASF transmission?

We still know relatively little about factors that are important for ASF transmission through contaminated feed. The highest-risk feed ingredients are those pig meat-derived products, or offal. ASF can persist for months in pork meat, fat and skin, and in different types of pork products, such as sausages and salami. Epidemiological studies in the Baltic countries have suggested that fresh grass and seeds potentially contaminated by secretions from infectious wild boars are possible sources of infection for backyard farms.

There are currently studies evaluating the potential for ASF to be transmitted via other feed ingredients (Dee et al. 2018, PLoS ONE 13(3): e0194509.) One study simulated a 30-day feed transport condition for various pig pathogens. ASF virus can survive well without a feed matrix and, therefore, we cannot exclude the possibility that various feed ingredients or combinations thereof can be potentially infectious. The feedstuffs studied that showed risk for virus survival included porcine-based ingredients, soybean meal, soy oil cake, DDGS, lysine hydrochloride, choline chloride, vitamin D, pork sausage casings and dog and cat food.

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0194509

What dose of ASF is needed in feed to cause infectivity in an animal?

Studies indicate that the infectious route via ingestion is higher than via inhalation. The infectious dose of ASF via the oro-nasal route was estimated to be 10 HAD50 (Gallardo et al., 2013). Since pigs can excrete high levels of ASF in feces, urine and saliva, even a small amount of infective material could lead to transmission. Up to 109 HAD50/ml could be detected in blood and up to 105 HAD50/ml in saliva, urine or feces. Fecal samples may remain infective for five days at room temperature and have been found positive even after 11 days when kept at room temperature in the dark. (Davies et al., 2017, Transboundary and Emerging Diseases 64:425-431)

Compared to porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), why is ASF such a concern for pig health and welfare?

ASF is a haemorrhagic fever of domestic pigs that usually causes very high mortality within a short time after infection. There are no treatments or vaccines available for ASF, and all pigs that are not clinically affected on a farm will be culled immediately when it has been diagnosed. ASF is list A disease of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and, as such, is governed by trade regulations and restrictions. ASF in a country or region leads to serious restrictions on pig movement, and trade restrictions. In farms that have been diagnosed with ASF, it leads to slaughter and destruction of all pigs. PEDV is a production disease that mainly affects younger pigs, and there are vaccines available to reduce the impact of that disease. PEDV in a country or region does not result in the same huge financial impact on the pig industry. PEDV is not an OIE-listed disease, and there are currently no trade restrictions pertaining to PEDV in Europe and USA.

Can I analyze feed or ingredients for ASF?

There are ASF real-time PCR kits for testing animals for ASF. However, there are no good methodologies for testing feed on a commercial basis.

Should we stop importing or using all ingredients from China and other regions affected?

The OIE and the World Trade Organization (WTO) have set up rules regarding the trade of animal products in relation to these type-A epizootic diseases. The OIE and WTO rules should be respected and are deemed enough to protect countries from spread of disease. There is legislation governing trade and regionalization of countries regarding these diseases. Safe trade in meat and meat products around the world is built on the understanding that government veterinary authorities in the country of origin inspect and certify products in accordance with the requirements of the country of destination. It is recommended to take precautions according to what is recommended by the national veterinary authorities. Contact your national veterinary authority for information regarding trade and precautions.

Should we stop porcine-to-porcine feeding?

Feeding unheated swill can present a risk for ASF if the swill contains pig meat from countries or regions where ASF is present. Swill feeding is regulated by national legislation. If the national legislation allows swill feeding, then it is very important to assure that the swill is thoroughly heated to avoid any risks of transmission of the virus through swill. Countries have, for decades, controlled international garbage, including food waste from ships, airlines and international conveyances. These controls require all international garbage to be disposed of appropriately and not to be used as animal feed. Remember that a small thing — such as bringing back salami from an infected region and throwing the kitchen waste to the pigs — may be enough to trigger an outbreak. Contact your local veterinary authorities to obtain further information regarding the current legislation and recommendations for swill feeding.  

How long should I quarantine high-risk ingredients from ASF- positive countries?

At this time, a specific timeframe cannot be recommended, as there are numerous factors that impact the survival of the virus in various environments. There is currently research on risk-mitigation solutions, including potential feed additive risk-reduction products; a reliable test for bulk feed shipments; potential holding time, to allow any viruses present to degrade before processing; minimum infectious doses of ASF from feed materials; HACCP-like approaches; and blockchain, to verify feed safety from the point of origin through delivery. Models indicate that ASF can survive conditions equivalent to trans-ocean shipping and distribution. The best guarantees for ASF risk reduction can be obtained by ensuring that the supplier of the product has implemented high biosecurity measures, traceability and/or SOP to protect ingredients against ASF.

With all the uncertainty surrounding them, what can swine producers and feed mills do to prevent ASF?

The highest level of biosecurity is critical to prevent the introduction of ASF into pig farms and to introduce potentially contaminated feed into feed mills. Feed mills and farms should ensure that the supplier of the products/pigs has implemented a high degree of biosecurity, traceability, documentation and third-party certification, to ensure that the risk of ASF contamination is as small as possible. All traffic onto the premises needs to be strictly controlled. Truck disinfection, live animal transport cleaning and disinfection, [and] dedicated roads for feed introduction and all other traffic should be strictly controlled. Reduce contacts with other pig producers, and always have farm-specific clothing and boots that never go outside of the farm. Ensure that workers understand the importance of all biosecurity measures and the importance of segregating the inside of the unit from the outside.

I want to learn more about how to protect my herd.

Though historians may disagree on the exact timeline of the first U.S. Thanksgiving — and it is unknown whether turkey was even on the menu back then — the annual tradition of consuming this uniquely American bird on the fourth Thursday in November eventually caught on, and Thanksgiving was officially declared a national holiday by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863.

The official "pardoning" of White House turkeys, however, didn’t get its start until much later. The National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation began in 1947 under President Harry S. Truman and carried on over the next few decades, with presidents occasionally sparing the birds from their dinner table fate to live out their remaining days on farms or in zoos instead. It wasn’t until 1989 when, during his first year in office, President George H. W. Bush decided to instill a permanent Thanksgiving poultry pardon, thus resulting in the tradition that has carried on annually for 29 years.

How it works

Each year, shortly before Thanksgiving Day, the National Turkey Federation (NTF) organizes the presentation of a live bird to the current U.S. president. The NTF chairman receives a formal White House invitation and arrives with two turkeys in tow, and though one bird is official and the other is considered a back-up, both go on to a life of leisure after their presidential pass.

To fulfill the annual pardon, a small flock of Broad Breasted White turkeys is raised each year, typically on the farm of the current NTF chairperson. The birds are rigorously maintained and are even trained to handle the pressures of fame — loud noises, flash photography and crowds — and to stand quietly on a table. Finalists are ultimately chosen for both their looks and their personalities. Their names are then selected by White House staff, who often receive suggestions from schoolchildren residing in the state in which the birds were raised. For instance, the 2017 pair raised in Minnesota were aptly named Drumstick and Wishbone.

While these birds are typically short-lived — the average lifespan of this meaty breed is between three and five years — the pardoned turkeys often go on to spend their golden years at posh digs like George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. They’ve also previously received new homes at Disney World, Disneyland, a Virginia farm park and a special home for turkeys at Virginia Tech University known as Gobbler’s Rest.

A first-time honor

For the first time ever, South Dakota will have the honor of providing the 2018 White House turkeys. Manager of Riverside Turkey Farm Ruben Waldner, this year’s presidential turkey handler, has raised a special flock of 49 birds and will aid in selecting the lucky duo. During the week of Thanksgiving, the birds will be escorted by Ruben to their special suite overlooking the White House at the four-star Willard InterContinental Hotel, where they will be introduced to the media before being presented to President Trump by Jeff Sveen, chairman of the board of Dakota Provisions and current chairman of the NTF.

As former President Barack Obama mentioned during his final turkey pardon in 2016 — when he kept turkeys Tater and Tot from becoming a Thanksgiving meal — one thing’s for sure: these birds will get to ride the gravy train to freedom.

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Oftentimes, we first hear about amino acids in high school biology class and, then, rarely give them another thought. We forget the important roles that amino acids have in our lives and in the lifecycle of the foods we eat.

Amino acids are often referred to as the building blocks of proteins. These organic molecules link with one another to form long polypeptide chains, which, in turn, form the various proteins that are present in all living organisms. They are also the precursors of several substances that regulate plant metabolism, such as plant hormones, coenzymes and cell wall polymers, as well as others. In order to grow and develop, plants need to synthesize a continuous supply of protein-forming amino acids. 

Separated into L-amino acids and D-amino acids based on whether their spatial configuration bears to the left or right, only L-amino acids are found in biological activity. These types of amino acids participate in plant metabolism in different ways, from aiding in the metabolism of nitrogen to transporting minerals to various parts of the plants. Even after delivering their minerals, the amino acids themselves are useful to plants and are known to offset external stresses, including those associated with common herbicides and environmental factors.

Amino acids can also serve as organic complexing agents, delivering micronutrients in a highly bioavailable, environmentally friendly form. Minerals complexed with amino acids can bypass the leaf’s surface and be rapidly absorbed. These molecules remain intact as they travel through the leaf barrier with minimal interference. From there, they may either be absorbed and used by the leaf cells or travel on to the phloem, typically to new leaves, flowers, fruit and other fast-growing parts of the plant. 

I want to learn more about amino acids and how they affect my crops.