For the very first time, CLFMA of India introduced a Student Program Initiative, opening new doors for young minds to engage with the livestock and animal nutrition sector. This unique platform was created to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation of researchers and professionals with the real-world challenges and opportunities of animal agriculture.
The initiative drew an overwhelming response, with 134 students from across the country participating. Students came forward with research and innovative ideas in four vital sectors — Poultry, Dairy, Swine, and Aqua. Topics ranged from the use of unconventional feed ingredients and gut health management in poultry to dairy management innovations under climatic stress, biosecurity in swine farming, and new technologies for aqua feed production. Each category encouraged students to blend scientific knowledge with practical approaches, showcasing their ability to shape the future of sustainable livestock practices.
To honor their creativity and hard work, the program awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners in every sector. The Gold winner received ₹1 lakh, Silver ₹50,000, and Bronze ₹25,000, along with a ticket to Kochi and a complimentary stay, making the recognition both prestigious and rewarding.
The felicitation took place at the 58th AGM & 66th National Symposium 2025 in Hyderabad (India), where industry leaders and academicians applauded the students’ contributions. This initiative not only celebrated young talent but also marked a milestone in CLFMA’s efforts to build stronger bridges between academia and the livestock sector, ensuring that the sector is well-prepared for the future.
The Invisible Nutrient: Mastering Water Quality for Optimal Poultry Performance
In the hierarchy of poultry nutrition, water is often forgotten giant. While producers meticulously formulate feed rations down to micro-nutrients, water, which constitutes more than 70% of a chicken’s live weight, is frequently taken for granted. The reality, however, is stark: birds drink more water than the weight of the feed they consume. Consequently, water quality is not just a hygiene issue, it is a fundamental driver of feed conversion, gut health, and economic viability.
Any attempt to trade off water quality for other reasons compromises the health and productivity of the birds. This article explores the critical role of water, the hidden dangers of poor quality, and actionable strategies for management.
The Physiology of Hydration: Why Water Wins
Water is irreplaceable. No alternative can replicate its multifaceted role in hydration, nutrient distribution, and thermoregulation. Its influence on production is direct and immediate.
Feed Intake Correlation: There is a linear relationship between water and feed. Birds typically drink 1.6 to 2 times the equivalent weight of feed. If water intake is limited, feed intake declines. Poor water quality alone can reduce feed intake by 10-20%.
Digestion and Metabolism: Water is the medium for metabolic reactions. It acts as a transport system for nutrients and helps soften and dissolve feed in the crop for smooth digestion.
Thermoregulation: Water helps regulate body temperature. Consumption spikes significantly during heat stress, increasing by 6% for every 1°C rise in temperature between 20-32°C.
The Enemies Within: Assessing Water Quality Risks
Water quality involves a complex interplay of physical, chemical, and microbial factors.
Hardness (Calcium & Magnesium): While these minerals can be beneficial to the animal, they are detrimental to drinking lines. Hardness leads to scale formation in pipelines, reducing water flow and interfering with the efficacy of vaccines and medications.
Iron: Excess iron promotes biofilm formation, causes bad odor, and favors bacterial growth. In birds, it interferes with nutrient absorption and promotes oxidative stress.
Nitrates/Nitrites: Nitrates indicate organic decomposition and are converted into nitrites in the gut. These bind to hemoglobin, reducing the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity.
pH Balance: Fluctuations in pH can lead to decreased water consumption, sanitization efficacy and compromised immunity.
The Biofilm Threat: Biofilm poses a significant threat to water quality, causing variations in key parameters that impact health. Biofilm acts as a reservoir for pathogens and can lead to clogged pipes, reduced water flow, and the continuous shedding of disease-causing organisms into the water supply.
Biological Contaminants: Water is a potent vector for disease. Contaminated supplies can transmit bacterial diseases like Salmonellosis and Colibacillosis (E. coli), as well as viral infections like Avian Influenza and Newcastle disease.
How does the water quality look across India?
Fluctuations in Water pH and Hardness levels are noted in poultry drinking water across diverse regions in India. Results in an average pH of 7.5, which exceeds the desired level of 6.5.
Microbes such as E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus thrive in an alkaline environment.
Decreasing the environmental pH by one unit to desired pH level of 6.5, can also lower the metabolic activity of microbial communities by up to 50%.
The Leaky Bucket: Where Traditional Management Fails
Many farms rely on a “leaky bucket” approach, using isolated methods that fail to address the total water quality picture.
Chlorination Limitations: Chlorine efficacy is highly pH dependent. At an alkaline pH (above 7), chlorine exists primarily as the hypochlorite ion (OCL), which is a weaker sanitizer. It requires a pH of 6.0–6.5 to exist as Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which is 80 to 300 times more effective at killing bacteria.
A Modern Roadmap: The 3-Step Management Program
To move from basic hydration to performance enhancement, Holistic roadmap adoption is essential
Step 1: Acidification – The Foundation
Controlling pH is the key to success, with a target range of 5.5 to 6.5. Maintaining water pH within this range creates a gut environment that is unfavorable for pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, while enhancing nutrient absorption. Acidification can improve protein digestibility by up to 5% and reduce the incidence of dirty eggs.
Maintaining the desired pH consistently with AcidLAC™ azure ensures better nutrient absorption, improved medication efficacy, and pathogen control. Acidification helps reduce harmful microbes, supports gut health, and boosts bird performance. Good water quality prevents disease, avoids mineral imbalances, and ensures uniform flock growth.
Step 2: Sanitation and Biofilm Control
Sanitation must be continuous and supported by the right tools. Sustained pH control is critical for superior sanitization efficacy, especially when using chlorine. Regular pipeline cleaning is essential, flushing lines between flocks helps remove biofilm buildup. Specialized products like AcidLAC™ W restrict biofilm formation and support overall water quality management.
Step 3: Role of Filters on acidification
Filters are vital as they remove sediments, impurities, and contaminants, preventing blockages, and ensure effective use of acidifiers.
Economic Implications
Investing in water quality delivers a high return on investment. Proper water management can increase feed efficiency by improving protein digestibility by up to 5%. Additionally, maintaining optimal water quality reduces losses by lowering mortality rates, minimizing eggshell defects, and cutting medication costs associated with poor flock health.
Conclusion
Water is the “invisible” nutrient because it is transparent, yet its impact on the bottom line is substantial. By shifting focus from simple supply to active water quality management specifically targeting pH control, biofilm elimination, and consistent sanitation with expertise solution approach can unlock significant latent potential in poultry birds.
Winter poses significant challenges for poultry farmers. Cold weather, reduced daylight hours, and harsh environmental conditions can place stress on birds, negatively affecting their health, productivity and overall welfare. When the temperature drops below 55ºF during the winter season, a number of issues arise including poor feed conversion ratio in broilers, decreased egg production, lower weight gain, impaired fertility and hatchability, decreased water intake, etc. For this reason, poultry farmers are particularly concerned about how to manage their flocks during the winter.
This article provides a detailed guide on how to manage winter stress effectively to maintain a healthy and productive flock.
Understanding Winter Stress in Poultry
Winter stress in poultry arises from environmental and physiological factors. These include:
Cold Temperatures: Poultry are warm-blooded animals and must maintain a stable body temperature. When temperatures drop, they expend extra energy to stay warm, which impacts their growth and production. In chickens, the brain’s hypothalamus regulates this; if the temperature continues to drop, birds will produce more heat inside and send more blood to their extremities to keep warm.
Shortened Daylight Hours: Light is a critical factor for laying hens and reduced daylight can significantly lower egg production.
Poor Ventilation: Closed housing during winter may lead to dampness, poor air quality, ammonia buildup and increasing susceptibility to respiratory diseases.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Birds may struggle to meet their increased energy and nutrient demands during winter if diets are not adjusted appropriately.
Economic Benefits of Managing Winter Stress
Investing in winter stress management may require additional resource but the benefits outweigh the costs.
Increased Productivity: Maintaining egg production and growth rates ensures profitability.
Reduced Mortality: Healthy, stress-free birds have higher survival rates.
Lower Veterinary Costs: Preventative measures reduce the need for costly treatments.
Effects of Winter Stress on Poultry
The consequences of unmanaged winter stress can be severe:
Reduced Egg Production: Layers often experience a decline in productivity due to both cold temperatures and decreased light exposure.
Slower Growth Rates: Broilers may struggle to gain weight as more energy is diverted toward maintaining body heat.
Increased Susceptibility to Disease: Stress weakens the immune system, making birds prone to infections, especially respiratory conditions, which is the primary cause in chickens exposure to cold stress.
Behavioural Issues: Overcrowding near heat sources can lead to aggressive behaviours like feather pecking.
Strategies to Mitigate Winter Stress
Effective management of winter stress involves optimizing nutrition, housing, and husbandry practices. Below are detailed strategies:
1. Nutrition Management
Proper nutrition is the cornerstone of managing winter stress. Birds require additional energy and specific nutrients to deal with the colder environment.
Increase Caloric Intake: During winter, birds use more energy to regulate their body temperature. Incorporating energy-dense feeds such as corn or wheat can help to meet these requirements.
Enhance Protein and Fat Content: Protein supports muscle maintenance and egg production, while fats are an excellent energy source. Adding soybean meal, fish oil or tallow to the diet can be beneficial.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation: Certain vitamins and minerals play a vital role in boosting immunity and productivity:
Vitamin A: Supports mucosal health and reducing susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Vitamin D: Essential for calcium absorption and crucial for eggshell quality.
Vitamin E and Selenium: Powerful antioxidants that improve immune function.
Electrolytes and Probiotics: These help to maintain gut health, enhance nutrients absorption and reduces the impact of stress.
Warm Water Supply: Provide access to clean, lukewarm water to encourage feed intake and preventing from dehydration.
2. Housing Management
Poultry housing plays a significant role in minimizing winter stress. Properly designed and maintained facilities can make a substantial difference.
Insulation and Heating:
Insulate walls, roofs, and doors to retain heat.
Use heat lamps or brooders to provide supplemental warmth, especially for chicks and young birds.
Position heat sources to prevent overcrowding.
Ventilation: While retaining heat is essential, proper ventilation must be maintained to prevent dampness and ammonia buildup. It is advisable to use adjustable vents or fans to ensure fresh air circulation without creating drafts.
Dry and Clean Bedding: Damp litter can lead to increased humidity and ammonia levels and also causing respiratory issues. Regularly replace bedding materials like straw or wood shavings to keep them dry and clean.
Space Allocation: Provide sufficient space to prevent overcrowding and reduce competition around feeders and heat sources.
3. Lighting Management
Daylight influences the laying cycle of hens. In the winter season, when daylight hours are reduced, supplemental lighting can help to maintain productivity.
Provide 14–16 Hours of Light: Use artificial lighting to extend the day length. LED or fluorescent lights are energy-efficient options.
Gradual Adjustments: Sudden changes in light duration can stress birds. Adjust lighting schedules gradually to mimic natural conditions.
4. Disease Prevention
Winter stress weakens the immune system, making birds more vulnerable to diseases. Preventative health measures are crucial.
Vaccination Programs: Ensure birds are vaccinated against common winter diseases such as infectious bronchitis and Newcastle disease.
Biosecurity Measures: Limit access to wild birds, rodents, and other potential disease carriers. Maintain cleanliness in housing and equipment. Isolate sick birds to prevent the spread of infections among the other birds.
Regular Monitoring: Observe birds for signs of illness such as lethargy, reduced feed intake, sneezing or nasal discharge. Early intervention can prevent outbreaks.
5. Behavioural Management
Behavioural issues such as feather pecking and aggression can be shown during winter due to stress and overcrowding.
Provide Enrichment:
Keep birds engaged by scattering grains or providing hanging vegetables such like cabbages. This reduces boredom and aggressive tendencies.
Adequate Feeder and Waterer Space.
Ensure there are enough feeders and waterers to minimize competition and aggression.
Group Management:
Separate aggressive birds or overcrowded groups to maintain harmony.
6. Emergency Preparedness
Winter weather can be unpredictable and power outages or extreme cold snaps can exacerbate stress. Farmers should be prepared for such events.
Backup Power Sources.
Invest in generators to ensure uninterrupted heat and light supply.
Stockpile Feed and Water Supplies.
Maintain a reserve of feed and water to avoid shortages during snowstorms or transport disruptions.
Inspect Housing Regularly for monitoring and maintaining the healthy environment.
Check for leaks, drafts or other structural issues that could worsen during extreme weather.
Conclusion
Managing winter stress in poultry requires a holistic approach that combines proper nutrition, housing, disease prevention and proper care. By addressing these factors, farmers can ensure their flocks remain healthy, productive and resilient throughout the cold months. Proactive planning, attention to detail and consistent monitoring will not only reduce stress but also contribute to a successful and sustainable poultry operation.
Young Entrepreneurs of Poultry India (YEP!) Announces Exclusive Mixer in Hyderabad for Emerging Industry Leaders
YEP!), the nation’s fastest-growing community of next-generation leaders in the poultry sector, is excited to host the YEP Mixer | Hyderabad, an exclusive, invite-only networking evening bringing together the brightest young founders, directors, and innovators shaping the future of the poultry industry.
The event will take place on 26th November 2025, from 8:00 PMonwards at Akina, Hyderabad, and will convene 150+ dynamic entrepreneurs under the age of 45 for an evening of meaningful conversations, collaborative opportunities, and curated connections. Organized alongside the 17th edition of Poultry India Expo 2025, the Mixer further reinforces YEP!’s commitment to spotlighting and uplifting young entrepreneurial talent within the industry.
“As we welcome new members into the YEP! community, this mixer aims to foster deeper engagement among next-gen leaders who are driving innovation in India’s poultry ecosystem,” said the Organizing Team. “The evening has been designed not just for building contacts, but for facilitating conversations that count.”
The program will include:
A formal introduction of new members to the YEP! network
Interactive networking sessions
Cross-industry discussions focused on innovation, sustainability, and future market opportunities
A collaborative environment encouraging business synergies and partnerships
YEP! continues to champion a vibrant, forward-looking community of young entrepreneurs committed to elevating India’s poultry industry. The YEP Mixer in Hyderabad, aligned with the momentum of Poultry India Expo 2025, represents an important step toward fostering collaboration, leadership, and growth within this next generation.
The Indian poultry industry stands at a defining inflexion point, where traditional farming meets the power of intelligent technology. With India now producing over 140+ billion eggs and more than 9.0 million tonnes of chicken meat annually, the sector forms the backbone of the country’s animal protein supply.
Fig: Trends and Projections in India’s Egg Production — Present Scenario and Five-Year Outlook
Dr. Anjan Goswami (author) Serial Entrepreneur, Researcher & Strategic Consultant (More details…)
Egg production has surged from 37 billion in 2000–01 to 143 billion in 2023–24, with a projected output of 200 billion by 2030. Correspondingly, per capita availability has risen from 34 eggs per person in 2000–01 to 98 in 2023–24, and is expected to reach 135 by 2030.
This sustained growth highlights India’s expanding poultry sector, driven by rising demand for affordable protein, improved farming practices, and enhanced productivity — setting the stage for a robust, nutrition-secure future.
Chicken meat output is expected to rise steadily from around 9.0million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2025 to nearly 13 million MMT by 2030, reflecting consistent expansion in poultry production capacity and efficiency. In parallel, per capita availability of chicken meat is projected to increase from about 6.3 kg to 7.6 kg per person over the same period.
Fig: India’s Poultry Meat Outlook: Rising Production and Consumption through 2030
This trend underscores India’s strong domestic demand for affordable animal protein, improved integration across poultry value chains, and the sector’s pivotal role in meeting the country’s nutritional and economic growth objectives.
Yet, as consumer demand accelerates and input costs rise, the industry faces an urgent need for more innovative, scalable solutions. This is where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a true game-changer.
Far beyond mere automation, AI is transforming the poultry ecosystem by enabling predictive decision-making, real-time risk management, and data-driven efficiency at every level of production, from hatchery to retail. By integrating advanced analytics, machine learning, and behavioural insights, AI is helping producers optimise feed conversion, detect disease patterns early, and benchmark farm performance with unprecedented precision. The technology not only improves productivity and profitability but also elevates animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and food security, ensuring that India’s poultry value chain evolves into a more resilient, traceable, and intelligent system for the future.
The right approach to implementing AI in the poultry sector begins with identifying clear operational challenges and aligning technology with measurable outcomes. Rather than adopting AI as a trend, poultry businesses must take a data-first, problem-centric approach, mapping areas such as mortality prediction, feed optimisation, disease surveillance, and process adherence. The implementation should start with a controlled pilot program, using reliable on-farm data to build predictive models that can be validated scientifically for accuracy and economic impact. Once proven, the system can be scaled across farms via mobile or cloud-based platforms integrated with IoT sensors, farm management tools, and real-time dashboards. Continuous feedback loops, algorithm retraining, and farmer training in vernacular interfaces are critical to ensuring adaptability. By combining AI-driven insights with field experience, poultry enterprises can create predictive, efficient, and resilient production ecosystems that simultaneously enhance profitability and sustainability.
Why Poultry in India Needs AI
India’s poultry sector has been growing rapidly, but it faces persistent structural challenges: variable farm management standards, high mortality rates, feed-cost pressures, disease risks, and inefficient monitoring. In such a context, the introduction of AI-powered systems offers a powerful lever. AI can help move farming from a reactive to a predictive, data-driven paradigm, enabling integrators, farmers, and value-chain players to make timely decisions rather than respond to crises. For example, monitoring tools that detect deviations in mortality, feed consumption or growth rates in real time can trigger corrective actions before losses escalate.
Fig: AI systems using cameras, microphones, sensor arrays, and machine-learning models monitor flocks in real time to detect signs of distress, disease onset, or suboptimal welfare.
Key Areas of Impact
a) Health & Disease Management
AI models trained on bird behaviour, environmental sensor data, feed, and mortality logs are increasingly able to recognise early disease signals and risk patterns. This leads to earlier intervention, fewer flock losses, and reduced antibiotic use.
b) Feed Optimisation & Growth Efficiency
Feed costs constitute a significant expense in poultry production. AI systems can optimise feed formulations, adjust feeding schedules, predict growth curves, and monitor feed conversion ratios (FCR), thereby reducing waste and improving growth performance.
Fig: Innovative farming practices: Use of AI in feeding behaviour
c) Environment & Welfare Monitoring
In poultry houses, conditions such as temperature, humidity, ventilation, ammonia levels, and lighting matter for both welfare and productivity. AI systems connected to IoT sensors and cameras can continuously monitor these variables and adjust controls to maintain optimal conditions.
Fig: Intelligent poultry farm automation and monitoring system
d) Scale & Efficiency of Integrators
For integrated poultry companies, AI offers a way to tighten operational control across multiple farms, standardise performance, and scale productivity. The ability to aggregate data across farms, benchmark performance and push improvements is transformational.
Fig: Bird’s health solutions in a poultry farm
e) Business Model Innovation
AI enables new business models, subscription-based analytics for farmers, performance-linked services for integrators, and data-driven revenue streams. Rather than simple commodity production, poultry farming becomes a service- and intelligence-based business.
Fig: Poultry house with IOT Sensors
The Indian Context: Opportunities & Challenges
In India, AI in poultry is more than theory. Pilots and early adopters are already showing measurable gains. AI & Automation are predicted to significantly boost India’s poultry production, creating affordable animal protein at scale. At the same time, there are challenges such as high implementation costs for sensors and analytics, variable digital literacy among farmers, connectivity issues in rural areas, reluctance to shift from traditional practices, and challenges with data integrity and maintenance.
Strategic Implications for Stakeholders
For Integrators & Farm Owners: AI offers direct ROI — lower mortality, better FCR, improved growth, cost savings and new revenue streams from data and services.
For Farmers (especially contract/affiliate farmers): Access to actionable intelligence, improved performance, higher alignment with integrators, and fewer losses.
Fig: AI-enabled Real-time data management for efficient farming practices
For Tech/Agri tech Providers: A significant market opportunity exists to build scalable, vernacular AI platforms for the poultry industry. India’s monthly broiler placements are massive, making AI a high-leverage domain.
For Policy / Academia / Exporters: AI enables better traceability, welfare compliance, export-quality assurance, and may support India’s ambition to upscale poultry in a sustainable, competitive way.
What the Next 5-10 Years Might Bring
Fig: Digitally Empowered Poultry Farmers – Leveraging Mobile Applications for Smart Farm Management
Wider adoption of digital twin farming models in poultry, leveraging AI + IoT to mirror real-world flock operations in virtual space, simulate outcomes and optimise decisions.
Deep learning and multimodal AI systems (using vision, audio, environment, and bird behaviour) are becoming mainstream for automated welfare, production, and risk monitoring.
Shift from “farm as commodity” to “farm as intelligence node”, poultry companies will not only raise birds but also provide predictive services, analytics and performance networks.
Integration of AI across upstream (feed, genetics), mid-farm (production) and downstream (supply chain, market forecasting) segments, creating end-to-end intelligent poultry ecosystems.
Fig: Innovative poultry farm monitoring systems
Why Now Is the Time for India
Poultry is already a high-volume segment in Indian agriculture, with strong demand for protein and rising value chains.
Technology costs (sensors, connectivity, cloud computing) are falling, making AI deployment viable.
Government support, Agri-digitisation initiatives and rising farmer connectivity are enabling infrastructure.
Competitive pressures (costs, scale, export quality) force players to look for differentiation, and AI provides it.
What Needs to Be Done for Successful Adoption
Develop vernacular, user-friendly AI platforms tailored for India’s small and medium farms, with minimal training and high usability.
Build affordable sensor-and-analytics bundles so even smaller farms can adopt AI economics.
Create data partnerships across farms and integrators to enrich and improve the accuracy of models.
Provide change management and training — farmer mindsets, supervisory culture and process adherence matter as much as technology.
Address data integrity, connectivity and maintenance issues — ensure sensor networks, reliable cloud infrastructure and local support.
Link AI deployment to business models that make sense (subscription, performance share, “pay-as-you-gain”) rather than one-time hardware cost.
Key Takeaways for Investors & Stakeholders
These examples show real-world, commercial applications of AI in poultry, not just academic concepts.
They prove that AI delivers value across the value chain: from hatcheries to farm environment & welfare to production forecasting & control.
For a company like yours, adopting such AI tools means operational uplift, cost reduction, risk mitigation, and the development of a differentiated, tech-driven business model.
It also supports scaling, geographically replication, distributed geographies, and the creation of defensible data/tech assets.
Conclusion
The potential of AI in India’s poultry sector is vast and tangible. From boosting margins, reducing risk, improving animal welfare, and creating new business models, AI isn’t just an incremental improvement but a strategic leap. For India’s integrated poultry industry to move from volume to value, from reactive to predictive, from commodity to intelligence, AI is the lever. The question for industry leaders is not if, but when and how fast they will incorporate AI into their operations. The window is open, the technology is ready, and the rewards are compelling. A scientific AI investment in poultry isn’t about betting on technology; it’s about creating a validated, data-driven model of production intelligence. The process mirrors the scientific method: observe → hypothesise → experiment → validate → scale. When executed correctly, it converts traditional poultry operations into innovative, profitable, and globally competitive ecosystems.
Reproductive health in poultry—particularly layers and breeders—is the cornerstone of successful commercial poultry production. Optimal egg production, fertility, hatchability, and eggshell quality are all dependent on a healthy and well-managed reproductive system. As the poultry industry seeks residue-free, eco-friendly, and sustainable alternatives to synthetic additives and antibiotics, herbal approaches are gaining attention as promising tools to enhance reproductive performance naturally.
A growing body of research and field experience now supports the use of medicinal herbs and phytogenic feed additives to improve reproductive health in poultry. These natural agents not only promote hormonal balance and reproductive organ function but also contribute to better overall health, leading to consistent egg production and superior egg quality.
This articleexplores how a synergistic blend of herbs—including Shatavari, Jivanti, Shilajit, Makoy, Kasni, Kantkari, Aloe vera, and Ashoka—along with chelated minerals and essential vitamins can naturally support and enhance reproductive health in poultry and optimize ovarian functions, egg production, and eggshell quality.
Understanding Reproductive Challenges in Poultry
Reproductive performance in poultry can be compromised due to:
Nutritional imbalances (especially calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins)
Hormonal disruptions due to environmental stress
Infectious diseases and poor immunity
Aging and oxidative stress on reproductive organs
These issues manifest in forms such as:
Poor yolk development
Declining egg production with age or environmental stress
Poor eggshell quality due to calcium or vitamin D3 deficiency
Reduced fertility or hatchability in breeders
Hormonal imbalances due to nutritional or environmental factors
In Layers, reproductive performance is primarily evaluated by:
Egg production rate
Egg weight and size
Shell strength and thickness
Yolk quality
In Breeders, attention is paid to:
Fertility and mating success
Hatchability
Sperm quality (in males)
Oviduct and ovarian function (in females)
Eggshell Quality: A Hidden Profit Lever
Poor eggshell quality leads to cracked or broken eggs, which cannot be sold, especially in commercial table egg production. Factors affecting shell quality include:
Inadequate calcium or phosphorus
Vitamin D3 deficiency
Poor intestinal health
Excessive stress or age-related decline
Conventional Approaches and Their Limitations
Traditionally, reproductive performance has been supported using synthetic hormones, antibiotics, and vitamin-mineral supplements. While these are effective, they pose concerns related to:
Antibiotic residues in eggs and meat
Development of antimicrobial resistance
Regulatory bans or restrictions on antibiotic growth promoters
Consumer demand for natural and organic products
This shift in consumer and regulatory trends has led to increasing interest in herbal feed additives and phytogenic compounds as viable and natural enhancers of reproductive health.
A herbal-nutritional approach targets these issues at their root by supporting the reproductive system, boosting hormonal balance, enhancing mineral absorption, and strengthening immunity.
The Herbal Approach: Nature’s Answer to Poultry Productivity
Herbs have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hormone-modulating effects. In poultry, certain herbs have shown significant promise in enhancing reproductive parameters, improving ovarian functions, egg production, eggshell quality, and boosting immunity.
Studies have shown that herbal additives can:
Increase laying rate by 5–15%
Improve shell thickness and reduce cracked eggs
Enhance yolk pigmentation without synthetic colorants
Improve hatchability in breeder flocks
Key Herbal Ingredients for Optimization of Ovarian Functions, Egg Production, and Eggshell Quality
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is revered as the “Queen of Herbs” for female reproductive health in Ayurveda. In poultry, it stimulates ovarian function, enhances egg-laying rates, and naturally balances estrogenic activity, making it a valuable addition to layer diets.
Jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata) serves as a powerful fertility enhancer and vitality booster. This herb improves uterine tone and egg formation while acting as a rejuvenator for reproductive tissues, supporting overall reproductive health in breeding birds.
Shilajit (Asphaltum punjabinum) is rich in fulvic acid, minerals, and antioxidants that boost energy and metabolism in poultry. It improves mineral absorption for better eggshell formation and enhances libido and reproductive performance, particularly beneficial for breeder males.
Makoy (Solanum nigrum) supports liver function and aids in detoxification and nutrient utilization. This herb helps prevent reproductive stress during high-production periods by maintaining optimal liver health and metabolic function.
Kasni (Cichorium intybus) acts as a hepatic stimulant that improves calcium metabolism and vitamin D utilization. It supports shell gland function, contributing to better eggshell quality and overall calcium homeostasis in laying birds.
Kantkari (Solanum xanthocarpum) improves respiratory health, which indirectly reduces stress on layers. It also supports hormonal health and enhances reproductive tract resilience, contributing to sustained production performance.
Aloe vera is widely recognized for its antioxidant and immune-boosting properties. In poultry, it improves gut health and nutrient assimilation while enhancing calcium retention, which directly improves eggshell strength and quality.
Ashoka (Saraca indica) functions as a reproductive tract toner in birds. It reduces inflammation in the reproductive tract and enhances uterine health, making it particularly valuable for breeding stock.
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Role of Chelated Minerals and Vitamins in Reproductive Success
Chelated forms of minerals demonstrate superior bioavailability compared to their inorganic counterparts. These minerals play crucial roles in eggshell formation and support optimal ovarian function.
Vitamin A is essential for maintaining the integrity of mucous membranes throughout the reproductive tract. It supports follicle development in hens and promotes healthy spermatogenesis in roosters, making it indispensable for breeding success.
Vitamin D3 plays a critical role in the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. Deficiency of this vitamin leads to soft-shelled or shell-less eggs, poor skeletal health, and significantly reduced egg production, highlighting its importance in layer nutrition programs.
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How Herbal and Nutritional Components Work Together
Combining adaptogenic herbs like Shatavari and Jivanti with metabolic enhancers like Shilajit, and hepato-protective agents like Kasni and Makoy, results in:
Improved egg production and laying persistence
Stronger eggshells due to better calcium absorption and utilization
Enhanced fertility and hatchability in breeders
Reduction in stress-induced reproductive decline
Better hormonal modulation without synthetic hormones
Conclusion
The reproductive health of poultry layers and breeders is critical for the economic viability of any poultry operation. With rising concerns over antibiotic use and consumer demand for natural products, herbal approaches offer a sustainable, safe, and effective alternative.
The integration of herbal ingredients such as Shatavari, Jivanti, Shilajit, and Aloe vera with chelated minerals and essential vitamins A and D3 offers a powerful, natural approach to improving reproductive health in both layers and breeders. This holistic strategy not only supports the endocrine and reproductive systems but also enhances overall health, immunity, and productivity without relying on synthetic hormones or antibiotics.
As the poultry industry moves toward sustainable and residue-free production, herbal-nutritional solutions are no longer a supplement—they are becoming a necessity.
Author:
Dr. Rakesh Tiwari,
Global Techno Commercial Head, Vamso Biotec Ltd
The author is a seasoned veterinary professional and animal nutrition expert with extensive experience in phytogenic feed additives and poultry reproductive management. He is passionate about bridging traditional herbal wisdom and modern poultry science.
Bengaluru, India – Nuqo Animal Nutrition India Pvt. Ltd. is pleased to announce the appointment of Ajay Kumar Tiwari as Regional Sales Manager – West & Central India, effective 5th September 2025. He will be based in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, and will report to Dr. Krishnamurthy, Commercial Director.
Ajay Kumar Tiwari
Ajay brings with him more than 16 years of experience in sales and business development in the animal nutrition industry. He has worked with leading organizations such as Cargill and Natural Remedies Pvt. Ltd., where he gained significant expertise in driving growth, building customer relationships, and managing key accounts.
A proactive planner and leader, Ajay specializes in strategic planning and execution and has a strong track record in key account management, consistently delivering business growth and customer satisfaction.
Neeraj Kumar Srivastava Managing Director NUQO Animal Nutrition India Pvt. Ltd.
Neeraj Kumar Srivastava, Managing Director – South Asia, added: “Ajay’s appointment reflects our commitment to building a strong and talented leadership team in India. His experience, energy, and ability to execute strategies will be invaluable as we continue to expand Nuqo’s footprint and deliver innovative solutions to our customers across the region.”
Hyderabad: Professor Jyoti Palod from the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pantnagar, has been honored with the prestigious CLFMA Award 2025 in recognition of her 30 years of exemplary service in teaching, research, and extension in livestock and poultry production.
The award was conferred during the 66th National Symposium of CLFMA of India, held at Hotel Taj Deccan, Hyderabad, on August 22, 2025. The honor was jointly presented by Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Mr. Vakti Srihari, Minister of Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, Government of Telangana, in the presence of Mr. Divya Kumar Gulati, President of CLFMA, along with eminent dignitaries.
Professor Palod’s distinguished career spans over three decades, during which she has made remarkable contributions to animal nutrition, livestock, and poultry production. She has guided 11 postgraduate and 3 doctoral students, authored numerous impactful research papers, and worked at the grassroots level to uplift farmers’ livelihoods.
Notably, Professor Jyoti Palod is among the few women scientists to receive this recognition, making her a trailblazer and an inspiration in the livestock sector. Her achievement has been widely appreciated by professional societies and students, who hail her as a role model for the next generation.
Industry leaders unite to shape the roadmap for animal agriculture in India with a strong focus on agriculture exports Two-day power meet in Hyderabad puts agri-exports, rural livelihoods, and global leadership on centre stage
Hyderabad, 23rd August 2025: The Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers Association (CLFMA) of India successfully concluded its 58th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and 66th National Symposium on 22nd & 23rd August 2025 at the Taj Deccan, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. Themed “Animal Agriculture in India – The Way Forward”, the two-day event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, sector experts, and stakeholders to shape a unified roadmap for India’s animal agriculture sector, with a strong emphasis on boosting agriculture exports.
The symposium highlighted the immense potential of India’s poultry and aquaculture sectors, with the poultry industry growing at an impressive 8% annually, making it both one of the most affordable sources of protein and a vital contributor to rural income. Export opportunities in markets such as the UAE, Maldives, Bhutan, and Bahrain, along with 65% vertical integration, are enabling cleaner, healthier products and stronger global competitiveness. At the same time, challenges like avian influenza and rising kidney infections in states such as West Bengal, Assam, and Telangana pointed to the urgent need for better vaccination, stronger biosecurity, and greater R&D investments. Aquaculture discussions underlined the huge untapped domestic opportunity, with 76% of India’s 1.4 billion population consuming non-vegetarian food and over 80% not meeting daily protein requirements, positioning the sector as critical for nutrition and economic growth. While rising US tariffs on shrimp exports pose challenges, they were reframed as opportunities to boost domestic demand, enhance farmer returns, and create value-added products for Indian consumers. With government support through schemes like FIDF and PM-MKSSY, and by fostering stronger industry-government partnerships, both poultry and aquaculture are set to become more resilient, competitive, and future-ready.
While there are challenges, there’s also an incredible amount of potential waiting to be unlocked. Whether it’s poultry, dairy, fisheries, or aquaculture, the way forward lies in collaboration, innovation, and sustained effort. It lies in coming together — as farmers, industry leaders, policymakers, and academia — and working towards solutions that are practical, scalable, and sustainable.
Mr Divya Kumar Gulati, Chairman at CLFMA of India
Mr. Divya Kumar Gulati, Chairman at CLFMA of India, said, “India is home to the world’s largest livestock population and accounts for 13% of global milk production. The sector contributes 30.23% to agricultural GVA and 5.5% to the national economy, making it a cornerstone of national growth, rural prosperity, and nutritional security. Yet, this is only the beginning of our growth story. With the right policies, stronger cold-chain and processing infrastructure, and faster adoption of innovation, we can evolve from being the world’s largest producer to one of its most influential exporters. CLFMA remains committed to working with all stakeholders to turn this vision into reality.”
“We have also proposed the establishment of:
Export Oriented Zones (EOZs)
Livestock Export & Domestic Development Authority
These strategic bodies will significantly enhance ease of doing business and boost the global competitiveness of the Indian poultry sector by ensuring:
Access to raw materials at global price parity.
A simplified regulatory framework for domestic and international trade.
Market creation and diversification through government-to-government collaboration and coordinated branding strategies through FTA.”
The symposium was graced by eminent dignitaries, including Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India; Sri Vakiti Srihari, Hon’ble Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development & Fisheries, Sports and Youth Services; Sri Sabyasachi Ghosh, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana; and Dr. Muthukumaraswamy B., Joint Secretary (NLM), Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
The CLFMA delegation included:
● DY. Chairman Mr Sumit Sureka
● DY. Chairman Mr Naveen Pasuparthy
● DY. Chairman Mr Abhay Parnerkar
● DY. Chairman Mr Abhay Shah
● Hon. Secretary Mr Nissar F. Mohammed
● Treasurer Mr R. Ramkutty
● Convenor, Mr Vijay Bhandare
A special highlight of the event was the launch of the CLFMA Souvenir, encapsulating the association’s achievements, sector insights, and future vision. The programme concluded with a networking dinner, live performance, and the felicitation of sponsors, media representatives, guests, and invitees, marking a celebratory end to two days of engaging discussions and knowledge exchange.
About CLFMA of India:
Founded in June 1967 as The Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers Association, CLFMA of India is the apex body for the country’s livestock sector. It represents over 250 members across various sub-sectors, including feed manufacturing, poultry, dairy, aquaculture, animal nutrition, and veterinary services. CLFMA is recognised by Central and State Governments, livestock farmers, government agencies, agricultural universities, veterinary colleges, and national research institutes. As the voice of the Indian livestock industry, CLFMA advocates for sustainable growth, industry standards, and policy development, contributing significantly to the advancement of the animal protein value chain in India and internationally.
The theme “Animal Agriculture in India – The Way Forward” aims to highlight the path towards a future-ready livestock sector — one that embraces innovation, technology adoption, policy support, and responsible practices. This includes:
● Strengthening value chains across dairy, poultry, fisheries, and small ruminants
● Adoption of digital tools, genomics, precision nutrition, and climate-smart practices
● Encouraging public-private partnerships, infrastructure investment, and scientific R&D
● Empowering women and youth, promoting entrepreneurship, and ensuring inclusive growth
Vietstock Expo & Forum – The most anticipated livestock event in Vietnam will take place from 8–10 October 2025 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.
Shaping the Future of Livestock at Vietstock 2025
As Vietnam’s Premier International Feed, Livestock & Meat Industry Show, Vietstock Expo & Forum continues to lead as the key platform for industry professionals to showcase innovations, engage in meaningful dialogue, and tackle pressing challenges within the livestock industry across Vietnam and the ASEAN region.
Now in its 13th edition, Vietstock 2025 is expected to feature 13,000sqm of exhibition area, bringing together 300exhibitors and 13,000 trade visitors and professionals from 40 countries and regions.
With strong local and international participation, the exhibition will provide a 360-degree view of the modern livestock value chain through a comprehensive display of the latest products, solutions, and technologies.
Equipment, Technology & Engineering Solutions: From water and wastewater treatment systems, automated feeding equipment, biogas systems to climate control and biosecurity solutions, every innovation aims to drive productivity and foster sustainable livestock development.
Animal Nutrition, Genetics & Care: The show brings together leading-edge animal nutrition solutions, feed additives, raw materials, genetics and artificial insemination technologies to help enhance animal health, productivity, and farm profitability.
Production & Trade Support Services: Highlights key services in logistics, quarantine, data management, and digital platforms, all of which help optimise production chains and sharpen business competitiveness.
Livestock Products & Market Access: Showcasing the final outputs of the livestock value chain including poultry, meat, eggs, milk, and processed products, this area bridges producers and the market, reflecting current consumer trends and adding value across the sector.
Vietstock 2025: A Knowledge Powerhouse for the Livestock Sector
More than just a trade show, Vietstock Expo & Forum represents the convergence of knowledge, innovation, and partnership in the livestock industry. It is where policymakers, experts, and businesses from around the globe gather to discover breakthroughs, exchange insights, and forge strategic collaborations for a more sustainable and resilient future.
Alongside the exhibition, Vietstock 2025 will feature a robust line-up of programs including technical conferences, industry forums, business dialogues, and prestigious award ceremonies, designed to unlock real value, promote technology adoption, and upskill industry stakeholders.
Conferences & Technical Seminars
Vietstock – An Education Hub for Technical Knowledge and Market updates in the livestock Industry. The Conferences & Technical Seminars feature engaging sessions led by industry thought leaders, covering a diverse range of topics. From market trends and regulatory updates to technological advancements and best practices, these sessions provide invaluable insights and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
Highlight conferences will address key industry issues such as the Antimicrobial Resistance Forum, Poultry/Ruminant & Dairy/ Swine, Waste to Energy, Nutrition & Feed, Animal Welfare, Controlling Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Livestock Production.
Antimicrobial Resistance Forum
AMR Forum aims to address one of the most pressing challenges in animal agriculture. The forum, titled “From Policies to Practices – Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance Together”, is designed to foster collaboration and drive actionable strategies that align with international efforts to mitigate AMR.
Vietstock Awards 2025 – 13th Edition
Awarded by the Department of Livestock Production and Veterinary (MAE), The Vietstock Awards 2024 honour exceptional organisations and companies that have made significant contributions to the livestock industry in Vietnam. Vietstock Awards celebrate excellence and inspire continuous progress within the sector by recognizing exceptional achievements and innovations. The Vietstock Awards serve as catalysts for innovation, driving the industry forward and shaping its future landscape.
Match & Meet Program
A dedicated and professional networking space where exhibitors and industry decision-makers can connect efficiently and privately. The program enables direct business engagement and accelerates partnerships, right on the show floor.
Bus-in Program
Tailored for livestock households, the Bus-in Program provides transportation and on-site guidance for farmer groups from across Vietnam and Cambodia. This program enhances accessibility and maximises participation, enabling attendees to fully immerse themselves in the event experience.
Eggcellent Theatre
A feature pavilion dedicated to poultry farming and egg production. In celebration of World Egg Day, the area includes product displays, interactive games (Did You Know?), egg giveaways, and in-depth technical seminars.
Join us on this extraordinary journey
Don’t miss your opportunity to engage with the region’s most influential livestock event. Vietstock 2025 is your gateway to the latest market insights, pioneering technology, expert knowledge, and valuable business partnerships.
Register today and get ready to connect, learn, and grow with the industry’s best.
Any attempt to trade off water quality for other reasons compromises the health and productivity of the birds. This article explores the critical role of water, the hidden dangers of poor quality, and actionable strategies for management.
Fluctuations in Water pH and Hardness levels are noted in poultry drinking water across diverse regions in India. Results in an average pH of 7.5, which exceeds the desired level of 6.5.
Controlling pH is the key to success, with a target range of 5.5 to 6.5. Maintaining water pH within this range creates a gut environment that is unfavorable for pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, while enhancing nutrient absorption. Acidification can improve protein digestibility by up to 5% and reduce the incidence of dirty eggs.
Sanitation must be continuous and supported by the right tools. Sustained pH control is critical for superior sanitization efficacy, especially when using chlorine. Regular pipeline cleaning is essential, flushing lines between flocks helps remove biofilm buildup. Specialized products like AcidLAC™ W restrict biofilm formation and support overall water quality management.
A special highlight of the event was the launch of the CLFMA Souvenir, encapsulating the association’s achievements, sector insights, and future vision. The programme concluded with a networking dinner, live performance, and the felicitation of sponsors, media representatives, guests, and invitees, marking a celebratory end to two days of engaging discussions and knowledge exchange.
Equipment, Technology & Engineering Solutions: From water and wastewater treatment systems, automated feeding equipment, biogas systems to climate control and biosecurity solutions, every innovation aims to drive productivity and foster sustainable livestock development.
Antimicrobial Resistance Forum
Join us on this extraordinary journey
