Like anything new or different, antibiotic-free production comes with its own challenges. And, these challenges make up many of the reasons why a lot of farmers currently don’t produce animals fully antibiotic-free. On top of this, today’s producer has the difficult proposition of producing more with less to meet the demands of a growing global population. How then can they reach that goal without the enhanced  production available through antibiotic use? 

Typical antibiotic-free livestock production challenges

Although they may vary by the environment, management methods and location, below are just some of the risks pig and poultry producers have to prepare for in antibiotic-free production  systems:

Pig challenges

• Poor gut integrity, leading to increased vulnerability to feed contaminants.

• Increased variability and days to market.

• Reduced water intake.

• Reduced feed consumption.

• Susceptibility to stress.

• Increased risk of exposure to bacteria/pathogens.

• Increased treatment costs.

• Increased post-weaning diarrhea.

• Increased post-weaning mortality.

Poultry challenges

• Day-old chick health.

• Bacterial load in the gastrointestinal tract and the litter.

• 7-10 day-old mortality.

• Uniformity.

• Coccidiosis control.

• Therapeutic interventions.

• Feed passage and weight gain.

Ultimately, all these potential issues can add up to extra costs for the producer. To avoid this, it is important to focus on a couple key areas: biosecurity and nutrition.

Biosecurity in antibiotic-free production

Effective biosecurity can not only help producers manage disease challenges, but also prevent the increased risks of many of the issues listed above. Required measures may include  changes to animal flow, increased focus on housing and transportation cleanliness, as well as heightened securities on those entering the facilities, whether that be a worker from another farm or a small rodent visitor; it is important protect the animals from the risk of exposure.

Nutrition in antibiotic-free production

To be truly effective, it can’t be a silver bullet approach. With antibiotics reduced or removed, the front line of defense may be nutrition, but that is just the start. A combination of strategies has to be put into effect. By powering nutrition with technologies designed to support the animals’ immune and digestive systems, and by implementing a full program focused on maintaining proper health, producers give their operations the best chance for a sustainable and profitable future.

Some producers have been ahead of the trend, and have been practicing antibiotic-free production for many years.

“When we accepted the challenge to go antibiotic-free from birth to market a few years ago, it proved to be a real challenge,” said Everett Forkner of Forkner Family Farms in Richards, Missouri. “But with the addition of nutritional innovations, we have not only been able to meet the challenge, we are producing more efficiently than when we began.”

Each farm is different, requiring each nutritional program to be tailored to meet the needs of the animals and their environment for a truly effective antibiotic-free approach.

When asked what some of the keys were to making the transition, Forkner said, “Establishing the right nutritional platform takes time. You have to allow some time for adjustments in order to really see what is best for the animals. And for us as a livestock breeder, it has also been about selecting superior animals and genetic lines that have more natural health and stronger immune systems. On top of this, a major component for us has been building this into a comprehensive immunization program while enhancing our management procedures. This combination has been what has helped us go multiple years and generations of genetic selection with no antibiotic support.”

Due to the Veterinary Feed Directive, we will see more and more U.S. producers focusing on antibiotic-free production. And with nearly 50 countries having some form of antibiotic restrictions, it is a global trend that will continue to grow. Alltech has been helping producers nourish the world for more than 35 years, while striving to ensure they remain sustainable and profitable.

To learn how Alltech is helping producers become profitable even without antibiotics or to see what program would be right for you, call your local representative or visit us at Alltech.com/antibiotic-free.

Hundreds of the world's leading dairy and beef producers gathered in Deauville, France, for an industry conference last fall. As they took their seats, they found a surprise on the table: Kit Kat candy bars.

Only a group of dairy industry devotees would get the humor — and the connection. Nestlé, one of the world's 50 largest companies (and producer of Kit Kat, along with baby foods and other milk-based products among its 2,000 brands), was about to announce its new partnership with global animal health and nutrition leader Alltech, organizer of the annual Alltech global conference for dairy and beef producers.

Their mutual endeavor: the Nestlé Dairy Farming Institute (DFI) in Shuangcheng in Heilongjiang province in northeast China. A major investment for both companies, the Institute, launched in October 2014, is helping modernize Chinese dairy farming practices so farmers can meet the population's burgeoning milk demand.

While it has not traditionally been a staple in the Chinese diet, milk is on the move in Asia. China is now one of the fastest growing markets for milk products globally. A 2014 study by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy found that in the past three decades, both dairy production and consumption in China have soared, averaging a 12.8 percent annual growth rate since 2000.The nation's dairy consumption is expected to increase 38 percent by 2022, driven not only by traditional milk, yogurt and cheese products but also the introduction of new product concepts in China such as drinkable yogurts and milk-based juices.

"Milk is becoming a vital part of the Chinese diet," said Hans Joehr, Nestlé's head of Agriculture. "The Institute represents our commitment to helping China move its dairy sector to the next stage of development in a sustainable and efficient manner."

The DFI is geared to help gain consumers' confidence in locally produced milk and their trust in Chinese authorities. "The essence is that DFI will help society so farmers and businesses that use milk can stay in business. It's a very powerful thing to bring to the market. This has never been done before," he said.

Why did Nestlé select Alltech as its partner in this project? "It's a strategic alignment," said Joehr, explaining that Nestlé cannot accomplish its goal in China by itself. "It's like building a car. Even if you have a good chassis — Nestlé — what good is it if you don't have a good engine — Alltech?"

To produce its line of baby foods, he added, Nestlé needs the highest quality milk available. That starts with healthy milking cows. Describing Alltech as the "extra ingredient" needed to help farmers raise healthy cows, Joehr said Alltech understands the nutrition cows need to produce healthy milk for Nestlé's consumer products.

“It's like building a car. Even if you have a good chassis — Nestlé — what good is it if you don't have a good engine —Alltech?” -

Hans Joehr, Nestlé's head of Agriculture

He pointed in particular to the company's widely recognized expertise in the milk industry and in optimal care for production animals. "It's an end-to-end approach. You need a complete competence chain to please your client."

Joehr underscored that Nestlé considers DFI to be a long-term project, "not for just a year or two." That's why its alignment with Alltech is so crucial.

"We chose Alltech because of the attitude and vision of its leaders. They are reflected in the value set of the company. I have known Dr. Pearse Lyons (Alltech founder and president) and his family for many years. He has credibility and trust," he said, adding that Nestlé prefers to work with farmers and suppliers like Alltech that are owner-operated and like-minded.

Nestlé and Alltech share several strengths that are key to DFI's success, among them a commitment to education, which is an integral part of the project. Faculty members at DFI, each of whom brings specialized competences, hail from the University of Wisconsin Madison, Northeast Agricultural University and the Farm Comparison Network (IFCS). Since its opening six months ago, the Institute has held six classes on feed, as well as genetics programs and on-farm training.

Both companies have had boots on the ground in China for more than 20 years. Nestlé established three milk districts in China, in Shuangcheng, Laixi in Qingdao and Hulunbeier in Inner Mongolia. Alltech has a strong presence with an office in Beijing, which is run by Dr. Mark Lyons, global vice president, Alltech and head of Alltech China business operations.

"We are proud to be part of Nestlé's magnificent project in one of the most important regions of the Chinese dairy industry," said Lyons. "I am confident that Alltech's contribution, backed by 35 years of experience, will be significant in helping Chinese farmers sustainably increase their production efficiency and become more profitable."

Partnering with Nestlé is one of numerous projects included in its "China Now" program. China, as a critical player in global agribusiness, is a priority focus for Alltech, and China Now reflects the resources the company has invested to strengthen its local support within the market.

Fundamental to this strategy are partnerships with other businesses as well as universities. Within the last two years, Alltech has finalized formal research alliances with seven Chinese universities and research institutions — the Chinese National Feed Quality Control Center in Beijing; Northwest A&F University; Zhejiang University; South China Agriculture University; Jiangnan University; Ocean University of China; and the Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Centre (MAFIC) — to focus on intensive, solution-driven research.

Alltech brings to DFI a feed evaluation laboratory with the In Vitro Fermentation Model (IFM), a diagnostic tool that simulates rumen fermentation and evaluates the nutritive value of total mixed rations. Through IFM diagnostics, Chinese dairy nutritionists and farmers are not only be able to get evaluations and recommendations for dairy rations to maximize feed efficiency and combat ever-rising feed costs, but also obtain estimates of the amount of energy lost as methane and methane emissions per animal. In the rapidly developing Chinese dairy industry, such new technology helps dairy productivity to continue to improve while providing insight into new and more precise ways to evaluate feedstuffs and reduce environmental impact.

“Alltech is our worldwide partner, not just our partner in the DFI.” -

Hans Joehr

Noting Alltech's long-standing relationship with Nestlé, as well as Nestlé's excellence in collaborating and improving the supply chain, Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech, pointed to the important role of Alltech's new lab at the DFI. The lab provides state-of-the-art feeding technologies to improve the health of dairy cows and increase milk yield, which will assist farmers in making feeding decisions.

What does the future hold for the Alltech-Nestlé alliance? "Alltech is our worldwide partner, not just our partner in the DFI," said Joehr, who recently met with Alltech's crop specialists in Brazil. He said Nestlé and Alltech plan to work together in South America, where Alltech has a strong team, in cocoa research and eventually expand into all cocoa-producing countries. "This will end up with the best milk chocolate in the future!" he said.

The Nestlé Dairy Farming Institute in Shuangcheng, Heilongjiang province, China, features Alltech’s cutting-edge technology feed evaluation laboratory. Dr. Neil Xu, research manager, Alltech China; Dr. Karl Dawson, chief scientific officer, Alltech; Dr. Anne Koontz, research scientist, Alltech China; Shelly Ji, laboratory technician, Alltech China; and Dr. Mark Lyons, global vice president, Alltech, were present at its official opening in October 2014.

In advance of the closing of Alltech’s acquisition of Canadian feed company Masterfeeds, we sat down with our president Dr. Pearse Lyons and the CEO of Masterfeeds, Rob Flack, for an unscripted, behind-the-scenes Q/A. The following is a transcript of the podcast.

Alltech and Masterfeeds have been partners for many years, can you tell us when and how this relationship started?

LYONS

Well, you know Canada has always been one of Alltech’s great marketplaces.  When I first came to the United States, it was to Canada that I came first, and I will always remember going to Canada in February, which is not a good idea for some of you setting foot in North America for the first time.  I began to understand why people get into their house as fast as they could.  So, almost hibernate for the winter.  But, as I traveled across the west, a real warmth towards Alltech, or what was the beginning of Alltech, so, somehow it was almost like a déjà vu.  We go back to the ‘80s, we go back to meeting at different feed meetings like the Guelph Nutrition Conference, like the nutrition conferences, which were held out in places like Calgary and even indeed up into Montreal.  This is a relationship that goes deep, a long, long relationship.

FLACK

Well, I guess it would be that I met Dr. Lyons years ago.  And, Pearse, if you don’t mind I’ll tell the story about when I came down to the Kentucky for the Kentucky Derby with Alltech and at the time I believe your right hand man, Dr. Lyons, Bill Cheek. 

LYONS

 Yes, good ol’ Bill Cheek, I have his picture right here on my desk.

FLACK

And, we had our dinner with a group setting, with people from all over the world. And, when the dinner was done, we had a sing-song and a laugh and some good cheer and pictures were being taken, and a picture was taken with me, I assumed, of me and my wife Denise, and some others, and I got home and as I was sitting at my desk, a letter came in from Bill Cheek who had wrote a nice note thanking us for coming down to the Kentucky Derby: We enjoyed hosting you and lovely picture of you here with your bride-to-be Denise. I looked at the picture and lo and behold it wasn’t my bride-to-be at all. It was another woman altogether, and so I wrote him a beautiful tongue-in-cheek response saying, I’m in deep trouble, this is not my wife at all and she’s read this and seen this and I am in deep trouble. And, he took it seriously, unfortunately, but sent me the most beautiful picture of a Kentucky morning turnout and, I believe, your wife, Mrs. Lyons, had this framed.  To this day, we have this hanging in our house so we can’t not think of Alltech when we look at this picture. 

So, it was some fun beginnings and that was close to 25 years ago.  And, the other big experience was partnering with Alltech in the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, and we had some fun for sure doing this.

What makes this acquisition a positive move for both companies?

LYONS

Well, you know, it’s not an acquisition, it’s a coming together of like-minded people.  It’s not an acquisition, it’s a coming together of friends.  I will quote what one of our people said this morning; they said “so far this is one of the easiest mergers coming together that we have had” and we have done, like, 10 of these so far.  This one was just dead easy.  And, what makes it positive for both companies is the synergies that can occur.  What makes it positive for both companies is that we can bring to the farmer, the Canadian farmer, the technology that we have and what Masterfeeds can bring to us is their technologies. And, since we are a company in 128 countries, and Canadians are great, great travelers and are very well-accepted across the world, we see the nutrition that Canada has as being of great use to people in China, to people in South America.  It’s not 1 + 1 = 2.  It’s 1 + 1 = 3 or even 4.

FLACK

And to add to that, the word I would use, is what we are seeing and why it’s so positive, is that we are seeing a lot of cross-pollination between all the Alltech divisions, whether it’s shared technology, their experiences across the world. And, I can say that I’ve done a lot of deals, and this has been the most exciting deal and change that I have seen internally in our 86-year history, not that I have been around for 86 years, but for the last 35 years plus, and this is absolutely one of the most exciting ownership changes we have ever been through.

LYONS

And, I will add to that.  It’s not just an ownership change.  They are joining a family business; they are joining a business that is not for sale, namely Alltech.  They are joining a business that will not go public.  So, it’s a win-win.  It’s a win for the people out there, the Masterfeeds people. It’s a win for the Alltech people and when you know you’re not for sale, and when you know you’re not going to be flipped, and so forth, then it just makes for a very comfortable situation.  I am surprised that we didn’t do it before.

Well, now that the deal has closed and we begin the integration process, what opportunities do you expect to see emerge?

LYONS

Well, I can only tell you what has happened in some of the other deals that we have done.  First of all, we expect to see a nice improvement in the profitability of Masterfeeds, Masterfeeds themselves. We expect to see some of that coming from synergy, we expect to see some of that coming from things they learn from us and vice versa, so there will be an improvement in profitability.  Then equally the ability for us to get our technology out to the farmer through Masterfeeds.  We are so excited.  The guys came into me this morning and they said, some of our people said, wow, we have just been into the analytical services laboratory that they have up there and they do so many hundreds of samples and so on.  This was our crop science people.  Oh, and we believe we can bring more samples, and we believe we can do this and we believe we can do that, and so on.  You know the benefits for us, the benefits for the Canadian farmer, and the benefits for the U.S. farmer, I don’t think we really realize just how great they’re going to be.

FLACK

What amazed me since we started our discussions really, Dr. Lyons, back in April, and as I obviously become more involved inside your company is the diversity and so much of that diversity can be incorporated within both our products and programs and it’s not only products and programs, but it’s the cultural diversity, the enthusiasm, the big picture thinking that truly is infectious, whether it’s animal nutrition innovation, that’s a given. I think that synergy is going to complement both of us. Crop science applications as you just mentioned.  We are growing significantly in that area in terms of sampling and soil application working with crop science companies.  New algae products.  Everyone who has been down and toured that algae facility, including me, the new products on the horizon are simply, it’s just exciting, and blows your mind in terms of the applications going forward, all of these represent new opportunities for Masterfeeds and quite frankly new opportunities for our customers, and we’re excited about taking them to the farm gate.

So, we touched a little bit on the benefits that Canadian farmers and ranchers will see, can we get a little more specific on that?

LYONS

Yes, you know, to me, farmers, I don’t care whether they be Hutterite farmers or whether they be corn growers, or whether they be pig farmers, farmers are born entrepreneurs.  Farmers always ask you one question—what’s new, what’s new, what’s new—and that’s what they want to do. They want to try things, and I think what’s going to happen now with the Canadian farmers in particular, since that is where we are, right above Canada now. They are going to get the benefits of our experience from 128 countries.  We are going to hopefully bring, some of them, to 128 countries. And, if there is an opportunity in Manitoba or an opportunity in Ontario, or if there is a challenge in Manitoba or a challenge in Ontario, we can immediately go to his friends, and Alltech is a company of friends, and he can go to his friends in 128 countries and say this is what we’ve got.  Could it benefit you? Or, this is what we’ve got, do you have anything that could benefit us?  It’s all about communication.  It’s about two or three things:

1. We have to have size.  You can’t be too big, but you have to have size. With Masterfeeds, we have size.
2. The second thing is you have to have innovation.  I am in love with innovation.  I love the challenges, I love to be able to go into our laboratories and challenge the guys to do this, this and this, and that’s the innovation part. 
3. Speed - You know, Rob, when they place an order, they don’t expect the order to come in three weeks, they expect the order to come in three hours.  So speed, speed, speed. 

• So with Masterfeeds we have size. 
• Do you realize we are the number one feed company now in Canada?
• Do you realize that we are the number three feed company in North America?
• Do you realize we are feeding 35 percent of the layers of North America? 

This is huge and this means that we can bring that technology and respond fast.  So, size, innovation and speed.  And, let’s face it, Canada is only beaten by the Canadians who live in Canada. 

FLACK

Two things come to my mind, David, and Dr. Lyons has touched on them.  The product technology will benefit, obviously, our customers, and that technology is designed to promote sustainable, safe, environmentally-friendly and, importantly, profitable meat, milk and egg production in Canada, and that’s what we do every day at Masterfeeds.  But this complementary relationship with Alltech is going to enhance that ability and give us more arrows to offer direct to the farm gate. 

But let me add on to the innovation and technology, what again, I experienced first-hand, a couple of things that just really excited me and I know excites our people, our sales, marketing and nutrition folks in the field, is that Alltech is exploring the benefits of utilizing nutrigenomics to develop advanced feeding programs that will benefit our customers.  It’s new and cutting-edge technology that will eventually come to the fore as well as the application, and this is really big right now—growing technology in Canada, antibiotic-free animal nutrition solutions. 

Those are two things that are at the doorstep of benefits and products and technologies that we are going to be able to incorporate and take to the field, and our people are literally chomping at the bit to try and get at it and take that special advantage that they will have at the farm gate and help our customers become more profitable and more sustainable. It’s right there.

It sounds great.  When a local company is purchased by a global company, sometimes customers might have concerns that their experience will change.  So, Rob do you have a message for customers and what they might be thinking about right now?

FLACK

Well, a couple of things I would say.  First of all, I will add to the term local.  Local in terms of country.  We are in five provinces.  We are going to have 25 feed plants when we’re done; we’re going to have close to 700 employees.  We have some scale.  I think it’s important to note, and I think Dr. Lyons will agree, that once we conclude here, we’re going to integrate and realign synergies and we’re going to do our best to maximize profitability and performance. It is business as usual.  So our customers will have the same sales rep, the same nutrition packages, the same service, the same transportation support.  It is business as usual. 

You know change in life for most people creates uncertainty.  And, that’s normal human response.  What I have been telling people consistently is that I also believe change can be very positive, and I always embrace it.  I like it.  It’s kind of part of my DNA, but I try to make that again infectious with everybody that this change with Alltech, albeit a change, and with what Dr. Lyons talked about this earlier, it’s not really change in a major way, it’s a change in a positive and good way, and in this case, Masterfeeds is becoming part of the Alltech family and, in fact, Alltech becoming part of the Masterfeeds family is fantastic and I can’t wait for this positive outcome to play itself out in the marketplace.

Dr. Lyons, will this acquisition have any impact on Alltech’s global operation?

LYONS

Well, first of all, the amazing thing is that when I listen to Rob and I listen to also his people, the words and the things that they are saying and the feelings that they are expressing are spot-on with what makes the Alltech culture. 

Culture is what makes a business different, and if ever there was an acquisition or merger or a coming together of cultures, which fundamentally are not very different, it is Masterfeeds and Alltech. 

The other thing to remember is that Alltech doesn’t consider itself to be a global company.  We consider ourselves to be a local company.  Yes, we operate globally in 128 countries, and we have the advantage of that, but we think very much locally.  When we work in places like Brazil, we work through the local language. When we work in Ireland, we work through their local cultures, and we don’t trying to foist upon Canadians a German culture or a French culture.  We work locally and I don’t think that the local farmers and the local customers and indeed our friends at Masterfeeds are going to see one thing change, not one thing, because they already have changed. Because they are so close to us, change isn’t necessary. 

Having said that, what impact could it have on our global business? 

I was in Latin America earlier in the week and was thinking as I was looking around, “Wow, you know there is a pig starter, there’s a pig creep that in fact I know is made by Masterfeeds that I know would work and work very well down here.”

When I saw some of the stores that some of customers that we were visiting, I said I know those stores that Masterfeeds have that would work and work very well.  We had to be a little careful of what we said and to whom we said it, but each and every place we went to, “Wow, you’re working with Masterfeeds has been announced.  We want to know more about Masterfeeds and oh, by the way, is it a possibility that we could be your Masterfeeds here in Italy, here in Mexico, here in Russia.”  It’s just an extension of all of the fun we have had throughout the years.

Alright, that is very exciting.  Do either of you have any closing comments?

FLACK

I will maybe start off and let Dr. Lyons conclude.  Obviously a lot of work has gone into putting this deal together. There has been a lot of dialogue, a lot of sharing of information, and a lot of communication and again, to reiterate what I said earlier, what has made me so enthused throughout the process has been the open, positive and collaborative work that has taken place thus far, and I know will continue to take place and the adjective that I would use is contagious.  What I’m finding with our people is more people go down to Lexington and Alltech folks come up to London to our headquarters, I’m finding there is a contagious enthusiasm that is taking place.   Again, I’ve done many deals throughout my career, but this has been the most contagious enthusiasm I have experienced of any one we have ever done.  We have 86 years, Dr. Lyons, that we have been around, and we look forward to the next 86 years.  You and I probably won’t be around to celebrate, but you never know, through nutrigenomics we may just get there.  We may just get there.

LYONS

All I can say, is this is easy.  This is just two like-minded groups coming together and those guys are so excited up there, and we’re so excited down here.  Roll on; let’s get it done.  

[BENGALURU, India] – Global animal health and nutrition company Alltech is delighted to announce the 2015 winner of the Alltech Innovation Competition, India, hosted in Bengaluru. The competition celebrates business and entrepreneurship, and challenges the creative minds of university students. Institute of Rural Management Anand students, Mohit Dave, Pranav Harshe and Varun Modi were awarded the first prize of Rs. 1,50,000/- for their outstanding competition entry – “Saadhan.”  The Saadhan is a for-profit venture to reduce rural poverty, providing greater ownership to farmer producers, especially for cashew apple production. This provides a solution to one of the biggest problems in the cashew industry. Despite being rich in nutrients, the cashew apple’s commercial potential has not been fully explored or realized.

The competition, held at the University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK campus, Bengaluru, was judged by a diverse panel of judges comprised of Alltech team members, venture capitalists, an angel investor and entrepreneurs: Dr. Aman Sayed, general manager,  South Asia,  Alltech;  Krishnan Mundanat, regional controller, South Asia, Alltech; Ravindra Neralla, project manager, Asia Pacific, Alltech; Subhadeep Sanyal, vice president, Omnivore Partners; Ashwin Raguraman, chief operating officer, India Innovation Fund; Pavan Kumar, CEO and founder, Workbench Projects; and Saket Agarwal, CEO and founder, Onnivation.

A total of seven universities battled in the competition, each presenting forward-thinking business plans on their innovative ideas in the areas of agriculture and sustainability. The teams were facilitated by Dr. Sayed Aman, South Asia, general manager, Alltech, and Dr. H. Shivanna,  vice chancellor, UAS GKVK, Bengaluru. The teams and their projects were:

1. Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad – venture idea to link modern retail stores in cities with producers of fruits and vegetables.

2. Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow – consultancy services to farmers based on soil health and crop condition.

3. Institute of Rural Management Anand, Gujarat – for-profit venture to reduce rural poverty, providing higher ownership to farmers and producers.

4. Indian Institute of Plantation Management, Bengaluru – venture idea in livestock healthcare industry with “Naturaceutical” products.

5. Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – venture idea based on poly-house cultivation.

6. University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru – venture based on providing food products for healthy living.

7. University of Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga – venture idea to reduce crop waste and scale economies.

The runner-up in the competition was University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru team. Mithila Hegde and Shruti Ajay received a cheque of Rs. 75,000/- for their ragi (finger millet)-based confectionery business plan. The other five university teams each received Rs. 20,000/-

In the opening video address to the participants, Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech, encouraged the participants that, “Innovation is what we dream.” He emphasized the need to “make things happen” and stressed the importance of revitalization of the agriculture sector through innovation.

A panel discussion with the university students and judges was interactive as it brought venture capitalists, university officials and the private sector to one discussion. Dr. Sayed Aman, general manager, South Asia, Alltech, said, “Alltech ignited the entrepreneurial spirit among the students, but they displayed real insight, talent and knowledge. This is welcomed as the agriculture and food industry is and will continue to be the main driver of country's economic growth.” 

This was the first time the Alltech Innovation Competition, initially launched in the U.S. in 2012, has been held in India. Ms. Godha Govind, Alltech Asia-Pacific training manager, and Medha Singh, project coordinator, coordinated the competition.

Alltech continues to work with universities to ensure the development of talented and educated Indian agribusiness graduates through its education program, including the Alltech Young Scientist program and the Alltech Career Development program. For more information, visit education.alltech.com.

The Alltech Innovation Competition reflects Alltech’s commitment to lifelong education and the inspiration of innovation and entrepreneurship. The competition is also held annually in Kentucky, USA, and in Dublin, Ireland. For more details on the competition in India, contact india@alltech.com.

Part 1: Getting Started

Starting your professional journey can be hard, especially after experiencing so much freedom and fun at university. Say goodbye to scheduling classes at your preference, weeknight parties and regular leisure time with friends. Say hello to schedules, deadlines, meetings and managers. As a recent graduate who has recently entered the workforce, I would like to share some tips to help you make a smooth transition from the classroom to the boardroom.

Work is fun! Let’s address a few misconceptions. Work is not a boring place full of unimaginative people doing routine tasks and attending endless meetings. You get to know interesting people, start investing in a new wardrobe, practice language skills, learn new ways of doing things from experts in your chosen field and SO much more!    

Preparation, preparation, preparation. Make the time to put together a complete but brief resume (one page is ideal). An experienced recruiter for top companies recently wrote that it takes him less than 20 seconds to evaluate a candidate based on his/her resume. Your work experience may be limited, so focus on highlighting your academic and relevant extracurricular achievements. For example, mentioning you were the winner of a pie-eating contest will likely not impress your future employer; however, your role as president of a campus group would highlight your leadership strengths. It is important to be thorough and consistent in your writing, including tense, fonts, spellings, etc. Proofread your resume several times. Some universities even offer mock interviews where you can practice dressing appropriately and answering questions properly, and at the same time gain feedback on how to improve before the real thing.

Find a company that excites you! A work environment that has a positive culture, shared values that foster innovation, teamwork and happy employees will get you fired up in the morning and keep you motivated. Look at company websites and social media platforms. Maybe you know people who work at that company. Ask them about their experiences. Consider reaching out to key people at that company through LinkedIn.

You may not get hired. Looking for your first job is not easy. Even with all the right preparation, a potential employer may not see you as the right fit for the company. Do not give up! Excitement, rejection, patience and stress are all part of the job hunt. A good way to handle this is to develop a professional frame of mind. Start your day early, as if you worked in an office. Watch or read the news, or check headlines on your Twitter feed. Practicing this will help you get in the habit of waking up early and staying connected to current events, which can be great talking points and references in an interview. Keep in touch with your university friends. They are probably experiencing the same challenges, and you can help each other stay motivated.

Be curious! Earning a degree is a great accomplishment, but it does not necessarily define your career. Nowadays companies in every industry are looking to hire graduates from different fields. The knowledge and hard skills from university classes, paired with soft skills gained from extracurricular and social activities, can help you become a more desirable candidate. Reach outside of your comfort zone, and apply for jobs in different industries. Taking a chance may lead to incredible opportunities!

Continue learning and reading. Just because you have a diploma does not mean you should stop learning. In fact, employers value candidates who challenge themselves. This could mean learning a new language, computer skills, social media practices or other items that will add value to your character and resume. Reading is a great educator. Whether books, blogs or articles, stay informed about the economy, the latest trends or tips from industry leaders. This information could come in handy.

Everyone has different ways of adapting to life outside of the university. We hope these tips will help you handle the transition and find that dream job to get you started on your professional path.

Stay tuned for part two – meeting your future employer!

More and more college students are realizing the value of work experience in their chosen field before graduation. In fact, the number of undergraduates participating in internships or co-op experiences during college has risen to a high of 65 percent, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers Class of 2015 Student Survey. It also found that students who participate in paid internships have a greater chance of graduating with a job offer.

What better way to experience a future career than by interning with a potential employer?

More than 170 students have gained invaluable experience as interns at Alltech’s Center for Nutrigenomics and Applied Animal Nutrition since the world-renowned research facility opened in 2008. All these student researchers have completed projects impacting the company’s research program aimed at creating solutions for the global agriculture industry.

From traditional nutrition evaluation trials to evaluation and optimization of production processes, these students (the majority of them undergraduates) not only learn valuable information but also gain hands-on experience and training. Many have set themselves on paths to graduate school. Others have even found their career path with Alltech.

“The experience has opened a lot of doors to opportunities I had not imagined,” said Hayley Kincaid, a recent biology graduate of the University of Pikeville in Kentucky.

Kincaid joined the internship program right after graduation so she could begin gaining research laboratory experience. “I never expected to be here,” she said, “but I love working in the lab.” Kincaid is working with the poultry nutrition group during her time at Alltech.

“I didn’t know that companies like Alltech existed,” said Kincaid, who learned about Alltech and the internship program when a company representative visited her school. She is excited about future opportunities with companies like Alltech in Eastern Kentucky.

The only problem she has with her three- to four month-internship at Alltech is she would like it to be longer. “I just like it so much; I want to stay!” she said.

For many, an internship with Alltech is the type of experience needed before making a decision to pursue an advanced degree in a scientific field.

Megan Dudley, a psychology major at the University of Kentucky with an interest in neuroscience and genetics research, plans to eventually pursue a Ph.D. in the field. A professor mentioned a potential internship at Alltech could be advantageous.

“The experience in methodology will be invaluable when applying to grad school,” Dudley said.

The experience in the laboratory has not been the only benefit. “I think my confidence level has increased dramatically from being here,” Dudley said, explaining that she takes responsibility for her research project in a new way, which will be necessary for graduate school.

For others, an internship experience with Alltech is a determining factor in a career not just in research, but with the company.

Amanda Sberna is the senior lab technician and marketing specialist for the Analytical Services Laboratory at Alltech. She interned with Alltech before graduation.

“Through my internship I gained knowledge and skills that would help me to become the scientist I am today,” she said. “Alltech is an incredible company to work for, offering many different opportunities with your career.”

For more information about Alltech’s student research internship program, or to apply, please visit http://www.alltech.com/about/careers/internships.

We have some exciting news to share: This morning we finalized an acquisition agreement that will provide us ownership of Masterfeeds LP, a leading commercial animal nutrition company in Canada. 

Masterfeeds produces some of the Canadian feed industry’s best-selling and most widely-recognized nutrition products.  Following Alltech’s acquisition of EMF Nutrition, another stalwart Canadian feed company, in 2013, the acquisition of Masterfeeds further strengthens our presence in Canada. The three companies together will now compose one of Canada’s largest animal nutrition offerings. Alltech, Masterfeeds and EMF Nutrition employ nearly 700 Canadians and operate 25 manufacturing facilities, nine retail locations and seven distribution centers in a business spanning the entire country.

Masterfeeds will continue to be headquartered in London, Ontario, Canada, and led by its current Chief Executive Officer, Rob Flack.

Customers of Masterfeeds, Alltech and EMF Nutrition can expect business as usual. The same range of brands, products and solutions will be available.  In the future, customers may also benefit from an increased variety of nutritional solutions and services, backed by the latest scientific research.

Feed costs represent the majority of total livestock production costs.  By improving nutrition, farmers and ranchers can realize a significant increase in efficiency, profitability and sustainability.  Our continued commitment to tailoring nutrition programs, with a focus on natural ingredients, allows farmers and ranchers to raise healthier animals through a process that is beneficial for Animals, Consumers and the Environment. It’s our guiding ACE principle at work.

This growth opportunity will create better access for farmers and ranchers to superior animal nutrition solutions through Masterfeeds’ and EMF Nutrition’s extensive on-farm presence and dealer distribution networks in Canada.  Canadian farmers and ranchers will have the opportunity to benefit from leading nutrition technology and additional services, including on-farm audits and analysis tools.

We’re thrilled to welcome the Masterfeeds team to Alltech, and we’ll have more to share about our integration soon. 

Beer is one of the most universally storied beverages, with the first signs of brewing dating back some 5,000 years. Many, including the Greek, Sumerian, Egyptian, Norse, Aztec and Zulu cultures, worshipped gods and goddesses solely devoted to beer. However, it wasn’t until the rise of the craft beer industry that beer has taken on such diverse forms.

It is no secret that the U.S. craft beer industry has boomed. But what of the craft brewery situation elsewhere? Are other countries experiencing a similar rise in craft brewing? A Google search would indicate the craft beer revolution is a global phenomenon but tallying facts and figures is another matter.  No report has ever been conducted on what is happening internationally. So we decided to do our own survey.

Let’s start with some of the basic information. We found that there are more than 10,000 craft breweries worldwide.  Of those, 86% are in the U.S. and Europe. And sorry, Europe actually squeaked past North America by three breweries. Even so, the U.S. has more than 4,000 breweries, which far exceeds any other individual country’s count by thousands. Here are the top ten countries and their brewery count. We threw in the population stats too, which we’ll talk about next.

1. U.S.A

2. U.K.

3. France

4. Italy

5. Russia

6. Canada

7. Switzerland

8. Germany

9. Brazil

10. Japan

The Swiss clearly enjoy their beer. Yet, they have by far the smallest population when compared to the other nine countries in the top 10. They also have the smallest GDP when compared to the others. In fact, according to knoema.com, a database collection website, all of the top ten craft beer producers rank in the top 15 GDP with the exception of Switzerland, which is 39^th.

Another interesting fact about the Swiss: Beer is not cheap for them. Zürich, their most populous city, is ranked number two as the most expensive city to buy beer.  (We know you’re curious, Oslo, Norway, is the worst at €3.55/bottle.) Beer in Switzerland has been priced at €3.04 per 33cl (just over 11 oz.). In U.S. metrics, that’s about $3.68 per bottle or $22 per 6-pack. Yikes!

We should also tip our hats to the UK and Japan. Both are at the top of our list for number of craft breweries and each has one of the top ten most expensive cities to purchase beer: Tokyo (third) and London (fifth).

We were curious how much population plays a part in the number of craft breweries present. Turns out, it really doesn’t. Population has no direct correlation with the local presence of craft breweries or with craft beer consumption. Both China and India have over a billion people each and so few craft breweries. Even so, the Chinese beat out the U.S. in beer consumption, consuming more than two times that of the U.S., according to the New York Daily News. Chinese beer preference, however, does not appear to be partial to craft beer. Not yet, anyway.

You can access the full press release here.The infographic illustrating the 2015 Alltech Global Craft Brewery Survey findings may be downloaded here, while a detailed listing of craft breweries by country can be downloaded here.

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While creatine, branched-chain amino acids and glutamine are well known and frequently utilized amongst fitness buffs and competitive athletes, there’s another nutrient taking its turn in the spotlight – DHA. DHA, short for docosahexaenoic acid, is an essential omega-3 fatty acid that has made a name for itself for its role in both cardiovascular and brain health. More recently, the sports nutrition community has taken notice of DHA’s ability to help speed recovery, increase gains and improve athletic performance.

DHA aids in the muscle recovery process as an anti-inflammatory agent and reduces DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), perceived pain and range of motion 48 hours post exercise.¹These qualities, along with boosting blood and oxygen flow to muscles, may also decrease incidence of injury.

Increasing the amount of DHA you consume may help decrease muscle breakdown and increase protein synthesis by increasing the body’s muscle-building response to insulin and amino acids.²Fatty acids like DHA not only increase muscle gains, but may also increase the body’s level of calcium absorption, improving bone strength.³

A vital component in nerve endings, neurons and muscle membranes – DHA has been shown to improve reaction time of athletes during competition.⁴ DHA also decreases heart rate, which can help improve oxygen utilization during competition or tough workouts.⁵

References:

1. Tartibian B, et al. (2009). The effects of ingestion of omega-3 fatty acids on perceived pain and external symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness in untrained men. Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, 19.(2),115-9.
2. Smith G, et al. (2011). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids augment the muscle protein anabolic response to hyperaminoacidemia-hyperinsulinemia in healthy young and middle aged men and women. Clin Sci (Lond),121(6), 267–278.
3. Maggio M, et al. (2009). The impact of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoporosis. Curr Pharm Des, 15(36),4157-64.
4. Lewis E, et al. (2015). 21 days of mammalian omega-3 fatty acid supplementation improves aspects of neuromuscular function and performance in male athletes compared to olive oil placebo. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12,28.
5.  Mori T, et al. (1999). Docosahexaenoic Acid but Not Eicosapentaenoic Acid Lowers Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in Humans. Hypertension, 34, 253-260. 

To celebrate World Egg Day, Alltech went in search of some fascinating egg facts. Here are a dozen “egg”cellent facts:  

• Worldwide, approximately 1.2 trillion eggs are produced for eating every year. The average person consumes 173 eggs a year.

• An average hen lays 300 to 325 eggs a year.

• To produce an egg, it takes a hen 24-26 hours.

• Egg yolks are a good source of natural vitamin D.

• A large egg contains only 70 calories and 5 grams of fat.

• Yolk color purely depends on the diet of the hen.

• Eggs provide the highest quality protein, which is necessary to help maintain muscle function and slow the rate of muscle loss.

• To tell if an egg is raw or hard, spin it! If the egg spins easily, it is cooked. If it wobbles, it is raw.

• Eggs age more in one day at room temperature than in one week in a refrigerator.

• As a hen grows older, it produces larger eggs. 

• Egg protein has the perfect amount of amino acids needed by humans to build tissues. It is second only to mother’s milk for human nutrition.

• Enriched eggs have a higher than normal content of a particular nutrient. For example, hens that consume more omega-3 will produce eggs with higher levels of omega-3. Enriched foods must follow specific guidelines. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA), “A food that is labeled as ‘enriched’ with a nutrient must contain at least 10 percent more of the daily value of that nutrient than a food of the same type that is not enriched.”

Be sure to scramble, boil, fry or poach an egg today and join us in celebrating World Egg Day!