*The 2023 numbers were adjusted on April 15, 2024 

World feed production remains steady, with a slight decrease of 0.01%* to 1.29 billion metric tons

Lower demand attributed in part to more efficient use of feed

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Global animal feed production remained steady in 2023 at 1.29 billion metric tons (BMT), a slight decrease of 140,000* metric tons (MMT) — or 0.01%* — from 2022’s estimates, according to the 2024 Agri-Food Outlook, released today by Alltech. The annual survey, now in its 13^th year, includes data from 142 countries and more than 27,000 feed mills.

The overall lower demand for feed was due, in part, to the more efficient use of feed made possible by intensive production systems that focus on using animal nutrition, farm management and other technologies to lower feed intake while producing the same amount of protein, or more. A slowdown in the overall production of animal protein, in response to tight margins experienced by many feed and animal protein companies, also contributed to lower feed demand. Changing consumption patterns caused by inflation and dietary trends, higher production costs and geopolitical tensions also influenced feed production in 2023.

Top 10 countries:

The top 10 feed-producing countries are China (262.71 MMT, +0.76%), the U.S. (238.09 MMT, ‑1.13%), Brazil (83.32 MMT, +1.84%), India (52.83 MMT, +13.43%), Mexico (40.42 MMT, +0.02%), Spain (36.22 MMT*, -3.28%*), Russia (35.46 MMT, +3.83%), Vietnam (24.15 MMT, -9.63%), Japan (23.94 MMT, -1.15%) and Türkiye (23.37 MMT, -11.48%). Together, the top 10 countries produced 63.1% of the world’s feed production (same as in 2022), and almost half of the world’s global feed production is concentrated in four countries: China, the U.S., Brazil and India.

Notable species results and outlook:

• Poultry experienced an increase in broiler feed production (386.33 MMT*, +12.81 MMT*, +3.43%*) and remained flat* for layers (171.29 MMT*, +0.01 MMT, 0%).
  • Broiler feed now accounts for 29.8%* of the total feed tonnage in the world thanks to a 3.43%* increase in overall tonnage in 2023. While this growth was not uniform across all regions, the poultry sector is poised to keep holding strong in 2024 thanks to a combination of regional successes and global market dynamics. Some of the biggest factors that will contribute to the resilience of the broiler sector include reduced costs for inputs, such as feed and energy, and increases in margins and profitability.
  • For layers, there are industry-wide efforts to optimize feed efficiency and to keep pace with changing dietary trends and new purchasing power. Some markets around the globe were significantly impacted by macroeconomic challenges and disease outbreaks, which can disrupt production cycles. Still, the general outlook for the layer industry remains positive thanks to its resilience in the face of difficult circumstances, when other protein sectors often struggle to adapt.
  • The poultry sector is poised for continued strength, driven by a blend of regional successes and global market dynamics. The broiler forecast remains optimistic thanks to lower input costs, increased industrial margins and shifting consumer behaviors. For layers, challenges persist, but there are pockets of resilience and growth.
• The global pig feed production sector faced many challenges in 2023, which led to an overall decrease in pig feed production of 1.26%* (323.04 MMT*, -4.14 MMT*).
  • Latin America stood out as the only region that achieved an increase in pig feed production in 2023, while Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America — which have traditionally been the top pig feed-producing regions in the world — all faced challenges. African swine fever (ASF) continues to wreak havoc on pig production in China and Southeast Asia, where repopulation efforts are slowly proceeding.
  • The trends highlight the complex relationship between economic factors, supply dynamics and disease management in the global pig feed industry. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for sustaining animal agriculture and ensuring food security.
• Dairy feed tonnage decreased by 1.12%* (127.92 MMT*, -1.45%*), primarily due to the high cost of feed combined with low milk prices, which led farmers to make strategic adjustments that included reducing their cow numbers and/or relying more on non-commercial feed sources.
  • In Europe, dairy producers will continue to grapple with stricter environmental policies in the years ahead, and they will need to find new ways to continue growing.
  • Asia-Pacific managed to buck the downward trend and emerged as the only region that increased its dairy feed tonnage in 2023. This growth was fueled by a continued increase in the consumption of milk products there, as well as an expansion of feed production in co-operatives.
  • This shift reflects the delicate balance between economic factors and the need to sustain dairy production. Lower feed costs and higher milk prices would help right the ship.

• Beef feed production decreased by 3.78%* (119.56 MMT*, -4.70 MMT*) globally — the most pronounced downward change among all species sectors last year. Changes in cattle cycles in the United States and stricter sustainability policies in Europe had major impacts, with the Asia-Pacific beef sector notably surpassing Europe’s in 2023.
  • The substantial decline in North America was the result of lingering droughts and high production costs, among other issues.
  • While the European and North American beef industries are expected to continue declining in 2024, growth is expected in China, Brazil and Australia — highlighting the complex dynamics and landscape of beef feed production around the world.
• The aquaculture sector experienced a decline of 4.41%* (52.09 MMT, -2.40 MMT*).
  • This decline was driven in part by a significant drop in China’s supply of aqua feed due to lower fish prices, which had a far-reaching impact.
  • Latin America grew by 0.27 MMT (3.87%). Despite adverse weather conditions in that region, the demand for aqua products is still strong in Latin America, which helped aqua producers there remain resilient.
• The global pet feed industry continues to grow, albeit at a slower pace of 2.66%* (35.44 MMT*, +0.92 MMT*) in 2023. Demand for high-quality pet products and services remains high from pet owners who want only the best for their animal companions.
  • The Latin American and European* markets were the primary drivers of this growth.
• The equine feed industry experienced a decrease of 4.69%* (7.98 MMT, -0.39 MMT*) in 2023.
  • The top challenges in the equine sector include high labor and material prices.
  • The top technologies impacting the sector are biosecurity, microchipping, genetics and nutritional solutions.
  • Survey respondents said the biggest opportunities for nutritional solutions are gut health management and feed efficiency.
  • Equine feed is expected to decrease both in price and in volume during the coming year.

Notable regional results:

• North America saw a decrease of 2.8 MMT (259.26 MMT, -1.1%), with beef feed tonnage down significantly. The pig and dairy sectors also slipped slightly, but the broiler, layer and pet sectors more than made up the difference. Feed tonnage in the broiler sector was up nearly 2.9%.
• Latin America experienced growth in 2023 by 2.46 MMT (200.67 MMT, +1.24%). Despite high production costs, geopolitical tensions and changing consumer behavior due to economic reasons, the region continues to be among the global growth leaders*, mainly because of its export-driven aquaculture, poultry and pork markets.
• Europe continued its downward trend in feed production, with a decrease of 7.59 MMT* (261.89 MMT*, -2.82%*) due to issues that included the invasion in Ukraine and the spread of animal diseases such as African swine fever (ASF) and avian influenza (AI).
• Asia-Pacific led feed production growth in 2023, with an increase of 6.54 MMT (475.33 MMT, +1.4%). Feed production growth in the region’s ruminant sectors offset a setback in the aqua sector. The region is home to several of the top 10 feed-producing countries, including China, India, Vietnam and Japan.
• Africa experienced continued but slower growth with an increase of 1.94%*, nearly 1 MMT to total 51.42 MMT.
• The Middle East saw a slight decrease of 0.12 MMT (35.93 MMT, -0.32%).
• Oceania grew 3.71% or 0.39 MMT to total 10.78 MMT.

Alltech works together with feed mills and industry and government entities around the world to compile data and insights to provide an assessment of feed production each year. Compound feed production and prices were collected by Alltech’s global sales team and in partnership with local feed associations in the first quarter of 2024. These figures are estimates and are intended to serve as an information resource for industry stakeholders.

To access more data and insights from the 2024 Alltech Agri-Food Outlook, including an interactive global map, visit alltech.com/agri-food-outlook.

Mycotoxin contamination poses a growing concern for animal feed producers worldwide. Asian feed production, for example, has been steadily increasing, with a significant reliance on imported grains. As this trend is projected to continue, understanding the mycotoxin risks associated with these imported grains is paramount. The Alltech Asia Import Risk Analysis provides insights into the prevalence and types of mycotoxins present in grains sourced from various regions globally.

Accurate mycotoxin analysis is essential for identifying and mitigating contamination risks in animal feed. Various analytical methods, such as Alltech 37+®, Alltech® RAPIREAD™, and collaborations with organizations such as SGS, Masterfeeds and Stratford Labs, form the basis of the Alltech Asia Import Risk Analysis report.

The analysis assessed the mycotoxin risks in grains — such as corn, wheat, barley and byproducts — sourced from Europe, North America, Canada and Latin America for feed and livestock producers in the Asia-Pacific region.

Europe

In 2023, Europe faced significant mycotoxin challenges, especially in small grains like barley. Adverse weather conditions, including prolonged rainfall, exacerbated contamination levels in Northern and Western European countries. Fusarium toxins, such as deoxynivalenol, rapidly multiplied in barley and wheat due to these severe conditions and posed challenges for crop growers.

Although the mycotoxin challenge in corn is lower compared to recent years, there are still pockets of higher risk in Central and Southern Europe. Aflatoxins, fumonisins and ochratoxins are the most prevalent mycotoxins in corn from these regions. Barley has the highest risk among small grains, with an average of six mycotoxins per sample and with 97% of samples containing two or more mycotoxins. Wheat samples, on the other hand, have an average of 3.5 mycotoxins per sample, with 90% of samples containing two or more mycotoxins. In Northwestern Europe, the average risk equivalent quantity (REQ) for wheat and barley is moderate to high, partly due to a delayed harvest and an increased presence of Fusarium toxins.

United States

Weather conditions in the U.S. had a significant impact on the mycotoxin profile of the corn samples analyzed. In the Southwest, a prolonged dry period resulted in a higher-than-usual fumonisin challenge. Whereas, in the East, lengthy periods of rainfall resulted in higher levels of deoxynivalenol (DON). This variation highlights the intricate interplay between climatic conditions and crop quality.

U.S. corn samples had an average of 4.4 mycotoxins per sample, with 87% containing two or more mycotoxins. In general, the mycotoxin challenge in corn grain is lower this year than in recent years. However, there are still pockets of higher risk in the Midwest and the South.

Canada

In Canada, dry conditions across the prairies led to a reduced overall crop output compared to the previous year. Fusarium toxins present the greatest challenge, with average DON levels of 1,882 ppb detected in wheat and barley samples, leading to a generally higher risk for this ingredient in pig diets. Additionally, high levels of zearalenone, predominantly observed in corn grain, are indicating potentially significant impacts, raising concerns for the pig industry.

Latin America

In Brazil, a favorable growing season led to an increase in overall corn yield. As with Canada, higher-than-average levels of DON and zearalenone could create challenges when corn from Brazil is included in pig diets. Zearalenone was present in 91% of samples tested, while the prevalence of DON was much lower. Although fumonisins were widely detected, with almost 70% of samples containing this type of mycotoxin, the levels are lower than for other mycotoxin groups.

Corn byproducts

Rising costs of raw materials commonly used for animal feed have led to an increased usage of byproducts. This poses challenges for mycotoxin contamination, particularly with corn byproducts having higher contamination levels compared to parent grains.

Using Alltech 37+ mycotoxin analysis, Alltech tested samples of corn gluten meal and dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) from North America, Asia and Europe. All had a minimum of two mycotoxins, with an average of 13.4. The most common and significant mycotoxins detected were emerging mycotoxins, type B trichothecenes, and Fusarium mycotoxins.

Monogastric vs. ruminant animals

While mycotoxin contamination poses a threat to both monogastric and ruminant animals, the animals’ digestive systems react differently to the threat. Understanding the nuances of mycotoxin risks for monogastric animals, such as pigs and poultry, compared to ruminants like cows and sheep, is crucial for effective feed management.

The Alltech Asia Import Risk Analysis report provides detailed insights into the impacts of specific findings on each species of animal, distinguishing between monogastric and ruminant species.

Conclusion

Mycotoxin contamination is a significant issue for animal feed producers globally, with impacts on various grains and byproducts from different regions. The 2024 Alltech Asia Import Risk Analysis report demonstrates the need for rigorous testing and quality-control measures and offers vital information to help producers make better decisions when purchasing ingredients and formulating animal diets. 

With widespread and rising contamination in raw materials being imported into the Asia-Pacific region, it is crucial to implement effective mycotoxin management strategies. Doing so will optimize both the safety and well-being of animals and the profitability of operations. A holistic approach is essential to managing mycotoxins correctly, so establishing a routine mycotoxin testing program when purchasing feed ingredients and developing nutrition plans is crucial.

To access valuable insights on managing mycotoxin risks, download your copy of the 2024 Alltech Asia Import Risk Analysis here. We also invite you to visit knowmycotoxins.com for further resources. Don't miss this opportunity to safeguard your animals and your production.

Discover more content:

Reducing the challenge of storage mycotoxins | Alltech

The heightened risk of Penicillium mycotoxins in European forage (alltech.com)

Protecting grain and forage quality this winter | Alltech

2023 harvest: Early insights into Europe’s mycotoxin landscape (alltech.com)

About the author: 

Dr. Ghazanfar Naseer is the regional ruminant and mycotoxin technical manager for Asia Pacific at Alltech. He is currently based in Australia.

Dr. Naseer was one of three people selected to participate in the Alltech Dairy Career Development Program in 2015. His current role in the company has taken him to countries around the world. Dr. Naseer has vast international experience and expertise in ruminant nutrition and management. He has worked with various dairy and beef producers across the globe, from small farms to large operations.

Born in Pakistan, Dr. Naseer earned his doctoral degree in veterinary medicine from PMAS-Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, with a gold medal distinction. He is also certified as a CowSignals® Master Trainer in Thailand.

[BANGKOK, Thailand] — Alltech recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in Thailand alongside more than 120 industry partners and friends, including representatives of prominent agri-food companies.

In 1998, Alltech entered the Thai market. It was a time of financial crisis within the region yet Alltech could see the market’s potential and its increasingly important role in global food supply. Alltech Thailand began with two team members, and today more than 50 Alltech team members are dedicated to serving the country’s agriculture sector. An initial facility and warehouse in Thailand were established in 2006 and production operations were relocated to the current facility in Samutprakarn in 2015 to meet growing demand in both the Thai and Southeast Asian markets.

Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech, reflected on the company’s long-standing commitment to the country and its partnerships with Thailand-based customers.

“Within Alltech, we are committed to Working Together for a Planet of Plenty. Thailand represents some of our most enduring examples of this effort,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “Together, with our customers, we have advanced the efficient and sustainable production of nutrition and are cultivating a prosperous world of abundance through Thailand’s agri-food sector.”

Steadfast in its commitment to providing smarter and sustainable solutions for customers, including feed mills, integrators and animal farms, Alltech continues to invest in local production while leveraging the best of its global network and knowledge to the benefits of its customers. These efforts have catalyzed rapid growth in Thailand’s agricultural industry, positioning the nation as a key player on the global stage.

Over the past quarter century, Thailand’s agricultural sector has prioritized enhancing efficiency and productivity, advancing aquaculture and livestock production, fostering value addition for agricultural products, and ensuring food security.

Alltech has forged deep connections and established significant strategic partnerships within the local industry. Its long-standing relationships with market leaders have allowed Alltech — and its customers — to grow and navigate the evolving agri-food industry.

On Feb. 15, Alltech finalized an agreement with Thai Wah Public Co., an agri-food business with operations in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and India, to collaborate on reducing carbon in Asian agri-food with precision nutrition, digital farming, waste management and carbon footprint assessments. This collaboration is the second formal partnership in two years to focus on sustainable farming in Thailand. On March 9, 2023, Alltech formed a partnership with the Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand (DPO) to pioneer nutrition innovation and sustainable dairy farming, leveraging global expertise and technologies to expand and develop dairy and beef cattle production in Thailand.

Dedicated to ensuring customers’ competitiveness and to driving innovation within the industry, Alltech Thailand remains committed to educating customers through seminars and workshops, enriching their knowledge and keeping them at the forefront of leading agri-food research and technologies.

Alltech Thailand and its 5,000 Alltech colleagues around the world share a commitment to supporting the agri-food sector in providing nutrition for all while supporting local economies and revitalizing the planet’s natural resources.

“Our devoted local team remains ready to provide unparalleled expertise to the Thai market,” said Jonathan Forrest Wilson, president of Alltech Asia-Pacific. “This reflects our dedication to forging long term mutually beneficial collaborations and contributing to the thriving business landscape in Thailand. As we celebrate this milestone, our commitment to lasting partnerships remains at the forefront of our mission.” 

Understanding contamination risk in feed and ingredients

There is growing awareness of the presence of trace heavy metals in the feed industry and their potential impacts on animal and human health.

Trace metals are naturally occurring elements, used in many industries and needed for regular body function in animals and humans. Zinc, iron and copper, for example, are essential in trace amounts. However, they can be toxic even at moderately elevated levels, and heavy metal poisoning occurs when too much of a particular metal is absorbed by the body. Mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic are the most common metals to cause exposure at toxic levels.

The general population can be exposed to heavy metal contaminants through drinking water, dust, and fumes and from a variety of food sources (Atafar et al., 2010). Toxic heavy metals can be transferred into edible animal products such as meat, milk and eggs, and thus be passed into the human food chain. High levels of exposure to these compounds in humans can be toxic, with many having carcinogenic properties.

The buildup of heavy metals within animal protein sources can be attributed to the contamination of certain feed ingredients (Vremane et al., 1986; Spragg, 2008), with the potential for contamination originating from:

• Exposure to groundwater and soil with high levels of heavy metals during crop production (transfer into plant material)
• Bioaccumulation higher along the food chain (e.g., mercury in carnivores)
• Raw material processing (e.g., for inorganic mineral extraction and recycling)
• Cross-contamination during processing or transport, or in the feed mill

Understanding the risks within the feed industry

The past decade has seen growing scrutiny regarding the potential for heavy metal contamination in animal feeds. This is due to a number of high-profile food safety alerts. For example, in both 2020 and 2021, batches of dog foods from Europe were found to contain excessive levels of cadmium, and inorganic mineral sources destined for the feed industry are often reported by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in the RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed) Portal.

Other parts of the world, however, do not have such advanced monitoring or alert systems, and much of the risk may be missed or underestimated.

The Alltech 2023 Asia-Pacific Toxic Heavy Metal Survey

An ongoing effort to quantify the risk of toxic heavy metals to the feed industry has been carried out by Alltech in the Asia-Pacific region. Alltech initiated the survey in 2010 and has issued nine comprehensive reports so far, which have become essential benchmarks for assessing contamination risks in animal feed and trace minerals.

The survey analyzed 735 samples collected from 12 countries across the Asia-Pacific region, bringing the total number of samples analyzed to over 7,000 since the survey was launched in 2010.

Consistent with previous years, the survey evaluated lead, arsenic and cadmium levels, applying the European Union’s maximum allowable thresholds to determine contamination risks. The analysis encompassed complete feed, premix, and inorganic and organic trace mineral samples, spanning various agricultural categories including pig, poultry, ruminant, aquaculture and pet.

When completed, the survey revealed a contamination level of 14% across all these Asia-Pacific samples, with analysis showing that significant contamination was found in both organic trace mineral and inorganic mineral sources.

The survey highlighted that poultry premix exhibited the highest contamination levels at 13%, followed by aquaculture (9%) and ruminant premix samples (8%). In complete feed, swine diets demonstrated the highest contamination at 14%, followed by ruminant (9%) and poultry (5%). Certain samples displayed heavy metal levels surpassing EU regulations.

The collective results of all Alltech Asia-Pacific Toxic Heavy Metal Surveys since 2010 have revealed a persistent risk of elevated contamination in Asia-Pacific samples, with an average rate of 19%. This indicates serious and ongoing risks to both animal health and the safety of the entire food chain.

Managing feed contamination risk with reputable suppliers

To reduce the risk, it is imperative that feed and animal companies source their trace minerals from reputable sources. This involves working with companies that have robust quality systems, such as the Alltech Q+™ program, that focus on product safety, consistency and traceability for high-risk materials such as mineral sources. If we can reduce the risk of heavy metal contaminants entering the food chain, that will have flow-on effects to the human food chain.

For more information about the survey, please contact your local Alltech representative or email knowyourminerals@alltech.com.

About the author: 

Tara Tiller is the global project manager of corporate accounts and companion animals for Alltech. In this role, she oversees the growth of Alltech's pet and equine business as a member of the company's larger companion animal team.

Tara first joined Alltech as its quality assurance manager for the Asia-Pacific region. In that role, which was based in Thailand, she led the establishment of production facilities in Thailand, China, India and Vietnam and traveled extensively across Asia. She subsequently joined Alltech’s Mineral Management division, where she provided technical support and offered consultations, both internally and externally, across Asia-Pacific on trace mineral nutrition, with a focus on Alltech’s organic trace mineral range.

In 2018, Tara was named Alltech's global project manager. That role, which was based in Bangkok, combined her previous technical support responsibilities with the management of Alltech’s mineral projects and programs globally. In her current position on the company's companion animal team, she continues to develop and promote solutions and services related to mineral management.

Tara received a degree in animal science and aquaculture from the University of Tasmania in Australia.

[BANGKOK, Thailand] – Alltech and Thai Wah Public Co. (TWPC) have joined forces to advance carbon reduction efforts in the Asian agri-food industry by leveraging scientific nutritional solutions and technologies.

A memorandum of understanding was signed on Feb. 15 by Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech; Jonathan Forrest Wilson, president of Alltech Asia-Pacific; Ho Ren Hua, CEO of Thai Wah; and Hataikan Kamolsirisakul, chief of staff and AVP for strategy, sustainability and innovation at Thai Wah.

Carbon emissions from the agri-food industry remain significant across Asia, accounting for approximately 42% of all agri-food emissions globally, according to the third edition of the biennial Asia Food Challenge Report, which centers on opportunities to decarbonize the agri-food value chain in Asia.

At least two-thirds of emissions in the Asian agri-food value chain occur before the produce has even left the farm, the report said. These upstream agricultural activities are resource intensive and less efficient than many industrial processes further down the value chain, resulting in higher emissions. Addressing upstream actions offers the most impact.

Recognizing the critical importance of this issue, Alltech and Thai Wah are collaborating to boost sustainable animal feed production, enhance animal feed nutrition for optimal health and performance, and promote efficient waste utilization through a biogas project. Additionally, the companies will work together to reduce Thai Wah’s carbon footprint and advance its overall sustainability practices.

Through this partnership, Alltech will provide Thai Wah with innovative solutions and technologies in precision nutrition, digital farming transformation and waste management, as well as carbon footprint assessment and reduction roadmapping.

Thai Wah is renowned for its leadership in starch and starch-related food production, offering premium products to consumers through 16 operations across Southeast Asia, China and India, with a global customer base. The company collaborates with over 50,000 smallholder farmers across Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia and is dedicated to supporting these farmers through three key areas: reducing upstream emissions and food loss and waste, promoting biofertilizers, valorizing food loss and waste, and developing bioplastic mulch film and sustainable farming practices. These initiatives are designed to reduce input costs while enhancing Thai Wah’s profitability through additional revenue streams from its byproducts.

Alltech, a global leader in agriculture, is committed to delivering smarter, more sustainable solutions that enhance the health and performance of plants and animals, resulting in better nutrition for all and a decreased environmental impact. Alltech believes that agriculture has the greatest potential to positively influence the future of our planet. Through its mission of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™, Alltech is uniting the agri-food industry to take collective action to provide nutrition for all, revitalize local economies and replenish the planet’s natural resources. The company has forged strong industry connections by leveraging global resources and experience to offer tailored solutions for farmers and producers.

Alltech and Thai Wah signed the agreement during Alltech’s 25^th-anniversary celebration in Thailand.

“This partnership is an exciting opportunity to bring together technologies and resources to create more value for Thailand’s agri-food industry,” said Dr. Mark Lyons. “Alltech and Thai Wah are aligned in our values and our vision to create a world of abundance for future generations.”

Hataikan Kamolsirisakul said, “In collaboration with Alltech, we’re excited to pioneer agricultural innovation and promote sustainable farming practices in Southeast Asia. Together, we're committed to building a resilient and sustainable agri-food ecosystem. Let’s work towards a future where every harvest benefits both people and the planet.”

Alltech’s Planet of Plenty vision aligns with Thai Wah’s vision of Creating Innovation and Sustainability from Farm to Shelf, and highlights the companies’ shared commitment to sustainability, innovation and operational excellence.

For more information about these two organizations, visit Alltech.com and thaiwah.com.

Alltech is proud to continue to partner with the Women in Food & Agriculture (WFA) Mentorship Program.  Applications are now open for new mentors of any gender and for female mentees from across the global food and agriculture sector. Now in its fourth year, the free-to-join program is dedicated to supporting women across the global food and agriculture sector by providing invaluable mentorship opportunities and has proven to be a beacon of support for women seeking guidance, advice and networking opportunities in their careers.

Findings from the WFA survey and ongoing feedback from all levels of the food and agriculture sector consistently suggest that a hurdle to greater success for women in the global agri-food industry is a lack of mentorship opportunities. To tackle this issue, WFA launched its Mentorship Program.

WFA matches applicants based on their preferences, which can include gender of mentor, areas of expertise, language and industry sector, and offers opportunities for women in food and agriculture to develop meaningful industry connections. Since the inception of the program, WFA has received an overwhelming response, with 3,051 applications from individuals seeking mentorship and 1,691 industry professionals offering their mentorship services. This remarkable level of engagement underscores the program's significance in addressing the need for mentorship opportunities within the food and agriculture sector.

To date, the program has facilitated over 562 pairings, connecting mentees with experienced mentors who provide invaluable insights and support. These pairings have spanned various roles and sectors within the industry, ranging from CEOs of agribusinesses to small-scale farmers, academics, and ag-tech professionals.

“Our partnership with the Women in Food & Agriculture mentorship program is an investment not only in the lives of women, but in the future of agriculture as the industry most integral to the nourishment and vitality of our planet,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech.

Elisabeth Mork-Eidem, global chair of WFA, expressed her enthusiasm for the program's continued success, stating, "We are delighted to see the overwhelming response to the WFA Mentorship Program, which underscores the importance of mentorship in empowering women in the food and agriculture industry. With Alltech's ongoing support, we are confident that the program will continue to make a positive impact, fostering diversity and inclusion across the sector."

Orla McAleer, chief culture officer at Alltech, reiterated the company's commitment to the program, stating, “I am excited to reaffirm our support and sponsorship of the WFA Mentorship Program in 2024. We believe in championing the advancement of women in this vital sector and helping to cultivate a more vibrant, equitable and diverse agricultural community. As a mentor and advisor to the program, I understand the value and impact the mentorship connection brings to everyone involved."

Alltech believes that inclusion cultivates creativity, drives innovation and is essential to the company’s purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty^TM. In 2019, Alltech selected Gender Equality as one of the nine United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to which the company committed to advancing.

Applications are now open for the 2024 WFA Mentorship Program, supported by Alltech, to individuals seeking mentorship as well as industry professionals interested in offering their mentorship services. The program welcomes applications from across the global food and agriculture sector, and applicants will be personally matched based on their preferences and professional objectives. For more information and to apply to be a mentor or mentee, visit https://wfa-initiative.com/mentorship-program/.

Dr. Colm Moran has been appointed chief regulatory officer at Alltech, a global leader in agriculture with more than 5,000 team members serving customers in over 120 countries.

Moran has worked with Alltech for more than 20 years, most recently serving as director of European regulatory affairs and as chairman of Alltech’s crisis management team.

“Alltech’s regulatory strategy is moving into new strength under Colm’s leadership,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “This positions Alltech firmly at the leading edge in delivering innovation to our customers.”

Moran has worked in the feed industry for 23 years and has extensive experience in zootechnical studies for registration of feed additives for livestock and poultry species. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from University of Wales, Cardiff, and three master’s degrees in food biotechnology, food regulatory affairs, and brewing and distilling — from University of Strathclyde, University of Ulster/University College Dublin, and Heriott-Wyatt University, respectively. He also has a Ph.D. in fermentation microbiology from University of Plymouth.

Moran has published more than 70 peer-reviewed articles in his subject area. He has received two international patents and has presented at numerous international conferences. He is based in Marseille, France.

Moran serves on the board of directors for the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF).

Over the past 15 years, Alltech has grown its portfolio significantly. From soil health to solutions for sustainable animal production, the company has an unparalleled global offering of technologies and services to support its customers worldwide with efficient, profitable and sustainable agriculture.

To reflect this growth in its customer offering, Alltech has formed a new team, the Technology Group. This team will be responsible for Alltech’s nutritional technologies, services and technical support. Its focus will be on providing customers with the Alltech advantage, drawing upon company’s diverse range of solutions and services to offer customized support.

To lead the Technology Group, Alltech has appointed:

• Nick Adams (UK), commercial director. Adams has worked with Alltech for 24 years, most recently as global director of the Alltech Mycotoxin Management platform.

• Dr. Jules Taylor-Pickard (UK), technical director. Taylor-Pickard has worked with Alltech for 22 years and previously served as global director of the Alltech Gut Health platform.

• Martin Minchin (UK), commercial marketing director. Minchin previously served as global marketing manager of the Alltech Mycotoxin Management platform. He has been with Alltech for nearly seven years.

Other recent Alltech appointments include:

• Steve Elliott (U.S.), global vice president, corporate accounts and pet. Elliott has been with Alltech for more than 29 years in a variety of roles. Most recently, he served as global director of the mineral management division.

• Russell Gilliam (U.S.), global director of business development for pork. Gilliam has worked with Alltech for nearly 24 years. Prior to this role, he was Alltech’s U.S. pork business leader.

• Dr. Daniel Graugnard (U.S.), dairy research director. Graugnard, who has worked with Alltech for more than 12 years, most recently served as monogastric research director.

• Dr. Jose Soto (U.S.), monogastric research director. Soto most recently served as global swine technical manager. He has worked with Alltech for two-and-a-half years.

• Claire Boudwin (U.S.), global product launch marketing manager. Boudwin, who previously served as North American species marketing manager, has worked with Alltech for nearly six years.

• William Wallis (U.S.), Eastern U.S. marketing manager, is now also serving as U.S. poultry marketing manager. Wallis has worked with Alltech for 12 years.

For more information, visit alltech.com.

In the intricate world of dairy farming, ensuring the health and well-being of your herd is paramount for sustainable milk production. One crucial phase in a cow’s life cycle that demands meticulous attention is the transition period, particularly the three weeks leading up to calving. Managing this window effectively can significantly reduce the risk of metabolic diseases, enhancing the cow’s health and overall productivity.

This blog delves into the critical aspects of transition cow management, with a special focus on the use of DCAD (dietary cation-anion difference) mineral products to mitigate metabolic diseases.

Understanding the transition period

The transition period, especially three weeks before calving, is a pivotal phase in a cow’s life. During this time, the cow undergoes substantial physiological changes, including changes in dry matter intake (DMI), to prepare her body for the upcoming lactation. Proper management during this period is crucial to prevent common metabolic problems such as milk fever and retained placenta.

Dry matter intake

DMI refers to the amount of feed, excluding water, consumed by a cow. It plays a key role in a cow’s overall health and productivity. During the dry period, ensuring adequate DMI is crucial for both the cow and the developing calf. Adequate DMI ensures fetal growth and colostrum production, and it prepares the cow for the metabolic demands of lactation by providing sufficient energy, protein and minerals.

However, due to physical and hormonal changes, DMI often dips in the weeks leading up to calving. This “negative energy balance” can lead to a cascade of metabolic problems, including ketosis and milk fever.

Body condition score management

Maintaining optimal body condition score throughout the transition period is key. Over-conditioned cows (body condition score >4) are at higher risk of calving difficulties, retained placenta and metabolic diseases. Conversely, under-conditioned cows (body condition score <3) struggle to meet lactation demands, which compromises milk production and calf health.

Finding the sweet spot is essential. Aim for a body condition score of 3.5 at calving, allowing cows to mobilize some body fat during early lactation while maintaining adequate energy reserves.

The role of DCAD mineral products

One effective strategy to support transition cows and reduce the incidence of metabolic diseases is the use of DCAD mineral products, such as Alltech’s Calving Care. These products are designed to adjust the dietary cation-anion balance, creating an environment that supports the cow’s health during this critical time.

DCAD is calculated by subtracting the dietary anion content (chloride and sulfur) from the dietary cation content (sodium, potassium and calcium). A negative DCAD is recommended for close-up dry cows to create an acidic environment, which aids in calcium mobilization and absorption, reducing the risk of milk fever.

Reducing milk fever and related metabolic diseases

Milk fever, scientifically known as hypocalcemia, is a common metabolic disease affecting lactating cows. It occurs when there is a sudden drop in blood calcium levels during the onset of lactation, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, difficulty standing, and in severe cases, paralysis.

By strategically incorporating DCAD mineral products into the diets of transition cows, dairy farmers can help prevent milk fever. Maintaining an appropriate dietary balance supports the cow’s ability to mobilize calcium reserves, reducing the likelihood of hypocalcemia during the critical periparturient period.

Additional benefits of proper transition cow management

Beyond mitigating milk fever, effective transition cow management supports other aspects of the calving process. It reduces the risk of retained placenta, metritis, ketosis and other metabolic problems. Cows or heifers with well-managed transition periods are more likely to have a smooth calving process, leading to healthier calves and improved milk production post-calving.

Studies indicate a strong correlation between proper transition cow management, including DCAD supplementation, and reduced instances of metabolic disease, highlighting the importance of these practices in modern dairy farming.

Conclusion

In the world of dairy farming, the three weeks leading up to calving are a critical period that demands attention and strategic management. Proper transition cow management, including monitoring DMI, managing body condition, addressing nutritional needs, and incorporating DCAD mineral products, can significantly reduce the risk of metabolic diseases such as milk fever.

By embracing these practices, dairy farmers can enhance the overall health of their herds, improve calving outcomes, and set the stage for robust milk production. In a world where the health of the herd directly correlates with the success of the farm, transitioning cows with care and precision becomes not just a practice but a necessity for sustainable and prosperous dairy operations.

About the author:

Dr. Ghazanfar Naseer is the regional ruminant and mycotoxin technical manager for Asia Pacific at Alltech. He is currently based in Australia.

Dr. Naseer was one of three people selected to participate in the Alltech Dairy Career Development Program in 2015. His current role in the company has taken him to countries around the world. Dr. Naseer has vast international experience and expertise in ruminant nutrition and management. He has worked with various dairy and beef producers across the globe, from small farms to large operations.

Born in Pakistan, Dr. Naseer earned his doctoral degree in veterinary medicine from PMAS-Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, with a gold medal distinction. He is also certified as a CowSignals® Master Trainer in Thailand.

I want to learn more about nutrition for dairy.

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] — This year, U.S. farmers and producers have experienced droughts, high rainfall, and other weather events affecting the corn harvest, making it more critical than ever to analyze mycotoxin risks across the nation. The Alltech 2023 U.S. Harvest Analysis has collected and assessed almost 450  new-crop samples from across the U.S., and the results show regional variation in mycotoxin risk. Samples showed lower risk in the upper Midwest and higher risk in the East. A combination of drought and untimely rains led to much of the risk.   

Mycotoxins are produced by certain species of molds and are a concern for livestock producers, as they can influence feed quality and subsequent animal health and performance. The Alltech U.S. Harvest Analysis, a decade-long initiative, is a comprehensive step in understanding the complexities of new-crop quality, mycotoxin prevalence, and the threat that mycotoxins pose to animals and producers. To determine the most accurate representation of mycotoxin risk across the U.S., samples are collected by Alltech representatives and sent to the Alltech 37^+®laboratory at the company’s headquarters in Kentucky, which can detect up to 54 individual mycotoxins.

The corn silage and corn grain crops for the U.S. in 2023 have been a “moving target” for mycotoxin risk, according to Dr. Max Hawkins, technical support manager with Alltech’s mycotoxin management team.

“Drought in the Southwest and the Western Corn Belt created distinct fumonisin risks in this region, while further eastward, late season rainfall created ideal conditions for Fusarium toxins such as type B trichothecenes to flourish,” he said.

As always, Dr. Hawkins recommends routine monitoring of these ingredients during storage, noting, “Ingredients will rarely be in better condition than when they are harvested.’’

Key insights from the Alltech 2023 U.S. Harvest Analysis include:

•Dry conditions in the West created more fumonisin risk, while the later, rain-affected harvest in the East resulted in higher levels of deoxynivalenol (DON).

•In general, the mycotoxin challenge in corn grain and corn silage is lower in 2023 than in recent years. However, there are still pockets of higher risk in the Midwest and the South.

•A surprisingly high risk of aflatoxin B1 was identified in Iowa this year. Another surprising find was Penicillium present in grains, since they are typically a concern in forages.

•A good amount of corn went into storage at 14% moisture this year. It will be crucial to monitor corn coming out of storage, as it may be at higher risk now than when it was first stored.

Corn

Mycotoxin levels continue to be higher in the East and Midwest U.S., specifically for Fusarium mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON). Earlier harvest conditions and drier conditions in the West helped to create lower risk conditions. However, producers there should be aware of a higher fumonisin risk.

More than 190 new-crop corn grain samples were analyzed this year, and results show an average of 4.4 mycotoxins per sample, with 87% of samples having multiple mycotoxins. Beyond the DON and fumonsin risks already described, another interesting finding was a high level of aflatoxin B1 identified in Iowa. Producers should be vigilant about testing their grains.

Corn silage

Drought early in the growing season negatively affected corn silage in the West this harvest season. The stress of dry conditions followed by moisture allowed certain molds to flourish, particularly Fusarium molds. In the East, the risk was varied, but overall higher. Feed and livestock producers are encouraged to continue to monitor and test silage in storage every 60 to 90 days. This will help inform them of the mycotoxin risk they are facing as the season progresses.

The Alltech 2023 U.S. Harvest Analysis demonstrates that mycotoxins are an ongoing, dynamic issue that livestock producers need to manage. Although testing directly post harvest provides an overview of regional contamination patterns, what happens before the animal receives the feed — including storage conditions post harvest and feeding practices on-farm — can influence what the animal will actually be ingesting in terms of mycotoxins. To best manage this ongoing challenge, producers should consider a routine testing program that can uncover the specific risks. With this information, informed choices can be made on what mitigation strategies are necessary to support the health and performance of the animals. 

To access the complete report, as well as a series of videos that provide further species-specific insights, visit Alltech 2023 U.S. Harvest Analysis. For more information about Alltech Mycotoxin Management solutions, visit knowmycotoxins.com.