Biochem Pharma’s Successful Participation at Vietstock Expo & Forum 2023: Forging the Future of Animal Health Solutions
A Recap of the Unforgettable Event on 11th to 13th October 2023, followed by a Gala Dinner and Forum Discussion
Vietstock Expo & Forum 2023, organised from 11th to 13th October at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, was a remarkable event for the animal health and livestock sector. Among the standout participants was Biochem Pharma, India, a distinguished Hi-Tech Life Science company renowned for its commitment to exploring new possibilities in the animal health segment. Biochem Pharma showcased its innovative products and expertise, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.
Highlighting Innovation in Animal Health: Leveraging years of expertise, Biochem Pharma unveiled an extensive range of advanced Animal Health products at Vietstock Expo 2023. Fueled by cutting-edge technology and scientific knowledge, the company’s offerings are reshaping the landscape of animal health.
Impressive Engagement at the Event: Throughout the Vietstock 2023 event, Biochem Pharma actively engaged with industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders. The company participated in insightful discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions, contributing to shaping the future of animal health. Their presence and unwavering commitment to excellence drew the attention and admiration of attendees, cementing Biochem Pharma’s position as a trusted leader in the field.
Commitment to Quality and Sustainability: Biochem Pharma’s success can be attributed to its unwavering dedication to delivering trusted solutions of the highest quality. The company’s experienced team ensures that all products meet rigorous standards, providing effective and reliable outcomes for livestock health. Furthermore, Biochem Pharma’s focus on sustainability aligns with the Animal Health industry’s growing demand for environmentally conscious practices, fostering a more sustainable future for the livestock sector.
Biochem Pharma, India at Vietstock Expo 2023
Looking Ahead: With the success achieved at Vietstock 2023, Biochem Pharma continues to drive innovation and make significant contributions to the animal health industry. As a trusted leader in the animal health industry, the company remains steadfast in its mission to enhance animal well-being, improve productivity, and support the sustainable growth of the livestock sector. With their progressive approach and commitment to excellence, Biochem Pharma is poised to shape the future of animal health.
Vietstock Expo 2023 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, was a significant milestone for Biochem Pharma, where their trusted solutions and innovative approach garnered attention and appreciation from the animal health community. As the company continues to pave the way for advancements in the industry, their dedication to quality, sustainability, and the well-being of livestock sets them apart as a pioneer in the field. Biochem Pharma’s participation in this prestigious event signifies their commitment to shaping the future in International Markets. Following the event, a gala dinner and forum discussion further reinforced their dedication to advancing the industry.
Probiotics for prevention of bacterial diseases in poultry, as well as demonstrating the potential role of probiotics in the growth performance and immune response of poultry, safety and wholesomeness of dressed poultry meat evidencing consumer’s protection.
Author: Dr V. Rajendra Prasad Poultry Consultant Contact: +91 98666 27911
1. The safety of poultry, meat, and eggs continues to be a major concern for consumers.
a) Increasing awareness on healthy foods have led to increasing interests on natural food products and nutraceuticals such as probiotics.
2. Poultry industry has always been a dynamic and integral part of national economies in many countries.
a) Economic losses incur especially in large-scale rearing facilities, often attributed to the deterioration of environmental conditions, poultry exposure to stressors and development of diseases.
3. There is immense potential of probiotics to fill the gap as alternative growth promoters and evidences of beneficial effects of probiotic application in poultry production.
a) Probiotic microorganisms have shown much health beneficial effects via in-vivo trials, accompanied by much promising new potentials as developed by in-vitro experiments (Ewe et al., 2010; Liong and Shah, 2005).
4. Probiotics are live microorganisms that exhibit several beneficial effects on animal health.
a) These probiotics are usually incorporated in animal feed supplements or drinking water or feed to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in animals.
5. Effects of dietary supplementation of probiotics on growth performance of poultry animals have been extensively investigated.
a) Most studies indicated that probiotics displayed great efficacy in promoting animal growth.
6. Taking into account the growing awareness regarding animal nutrition and health,
a) The global poultry probiotics market is slated to witness massive growth over the coming years.
Total Global Probiotics market:
7. The total global probiotics market size was valued at USD 58.17 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2021 to 2030.
a) The future probiotics market of Asia-Pacific is projected to be dominated by China, Japan and India (Markets and Markets, 2015).
8. Chick & Poultry need these products to improve gut health and microflora which would improve their immune systems.
a) Prolong exposure towards contaminated environment may cause infections in new born chickens
b) which can be prevented by probiotics which supply complete nutrition and promote digestive metabolism thereby maintaining livestock health.
9. Global poultry probiotics market share is competitive and moderately consolidated.
Global Poultry Probiotics market:
10. How big is global poultry probiotic ingredients market?
Global market for poultry probiotic ingredients surpassed USD 85 million in 2020 and will observe a healthy CAGR of more than 6% up to 2027.
11. On the basis of product, the probiotics in poultry market is segmented into lactobacillus, streptococcus, bacillus and bifidobacterium.
12. Based on the form, the probiotics in poultry market is segmented into dry and liquid.
13. The probiotics in poultry market is also segmented on the basis of function.
14. The function segment is segmented into nutrition, gut health, yield, immunity, and productivity.
15. Based on application, the probiotics in poultry market is segmented into broilers, layers, turkeys, breeders, and chicks.
16. Asia-Pacific region offers high-growth opportunities in the probiotics in animal feed market, owing to rising consumer awareness about supplement consumption and a high prevalence of various diseases.
17. The production of poultry and cattle meat products is expected to be highest in China and India, driving the market for probiotics in animal feed in this region.
18. The global poultry probiotic ingredients market value is anticipated to cross USD 120 million by 2026, according to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc.
19. Increasing demand for safe and natural growth promoters for poultry is likely to fuel the market trends.
20. Several firms are continuously engaged in R&D and improving their product offerings. This results in superior products. Better products are expected to drive the market.
Author: Dr V. Rajendra Prasad, Poultry Consultant, Contact: +91 98666 27911
Poultry Federation of India (PFI), the apex and renowned association of Poultry Farmers, Breeders, Equipment Manufacturers, Pharmaceutical Companies and allied Industries, organized its 34th Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) at Alila Diwa by Hyatt, Goa on 27th – 28th September 2023
Mr. Ranpal Dhanda, President, Poultry Federation of India, in his welcome address shed light on the association’s goals and further extended gratitude to all delegates (600+) from across the country and abroad, sponsoring companies (83), Special Guests, industry professionals and poultry journalists.
Sh. Ranpal Dhanda, President, Poultry Federation of India
Mr. Ravinder Singh Sandhu, Secretary – PFI discussed the notable achievements and initiatives undertaken by the Poultry Federation of India in the past year, providing insights into the organization’s impact on the poultry industry. Mr. Ricky Thaper, Treasurer – PFI, presented the financial accounts, ensuring transparency and accountability within the organization.
During the AGM, Mr. Azad Rathi, President of the Broiler Breeder’s Association, explained how their association works to strengthen the poultry industry. He also requested the industry to control production and ensure a balanced supply and demand.
The discussions and presentations on the first day provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the Poultry Federation of India’s achievements, financial transparency, and technical advancements within the poultry industry, setting the stage for the events of the second day of the AGM.
The second day of the AGM (28th September, 2023) was marked by the prestigious presence of Chief Guest Dr. Sanjeev Balyan, Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Government of India, and Dr. O. P. Chaudhary, Joint Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Alongside them, key figures from the Poultry Federation of India, including Mr. Ranpal Dhanda (President), Mr. Ramesh Chander Khatri (Chairman), Mr. Sanjeev Gupta (Vice-President HQ), Ravinder Singh Sandhu (Secretary), and Mr. Ricky Thaper (Treasurer) and all executives’ members of the Poultry Federation of India graced the event. Furthermore, the presence of approximately 600 poultry enthusiasts from various regions of the country added depth and diversity to the gathering.
Dr. Sanjeev Balyan, Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, GoI
The AGM provided a robust platform for thoughtful deliberations and discussions on pivotal issues that shape the poultry industry’s trajectory. Representatives from sponsoring companies, government officials, and members of the Poultry Federation of India collectively emphasized the critical importance of sustainable practices, technological advancements, and the resolution of significant challenges in poultry farming.
Participants voiced their optimism regarding the future of the poultry industry, recognizing the instrumental role that such gatherings play in fostering positive change and ensuring the industry’s continued growth and stability. A highlight of the second day was the address by Mr. Ranpal Dhanda, President, Poultry Federation of India, who passionately shed light on the pressing challenges confronting small poultry farmers across the nation. Mr. Dhanda’s impassioned plea underscored the problems faced by these farmers and called for immediate attention from the authorities. The presented stressed on need of skill development for skilled manpower such as in other industries. He also requested the Chief Guest to start some diploma courses in ITI’s or other such institutions so that the need for skilled manpower is fulfilled.
In continuation with the demand of the president, PFI, Prof. (Dr.) P.K. Shukla showcased the need of skilled manpower & the initiations being taken by various Government bodies to empower people with the required skills. Acknowledging the concerns raised by Mr. Dhanda, Dr. Sanjeev Balyan, Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries, Government of India, and Dr. O.P. Choudhary, Joint Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, offered reassurance to the farmers. They affirmed their commitment to comprehensive measures aimed at addressing the challenges faced by poultry farmers, underscoring the government’s dedication to the welfare of small-scale poultry farming. New logo also launched by Sanjeev Balyan.
This assurance provided a sense of relief among farmers and industry professionals present, who expressed appreciation for the proactive stance of the government and newfound hope for a brighter future in the poultry industry. The commitment demonstrated by these esteemed leaders has instilled confidence, signaling a positive trajectory for small poultry farmers in the country.
The day also featured informative presentations, with Dr. Lipi Sairiwal focusing on government of India schemes for poultry, Mr. Vijay Sardana, discussing the future of the Indian poultry sector in a changing society and marketplace, Dr. Sudheer Bhalchandra addressing poultry vaccination, and Mr. O.P. Singh, delivering a presentation on the necessity of promotion and marketing for the chicken industry.
The event culminated in a one-hour panel discussion with Kisan Tak, Media Channel by Aaj Tak, addressing various critical issues pertinent to the poultry industry. Where in Mr. Ranpal Dhanda presented actual calculations of receivables by contract farmers which comes out to be significantly low.
Mr. Ramesh Chander, Khatri, Chairman, PFI and Mr. Sanjeev Gupta, Vice President (HQ), extended his gratitude to the sponsoring companies, esteemed guests, and everyone within the poultry community for their invaluable contributions in ensuring the success of this event.
Mr. Ricky Thaper, Treasurer, Poultry Federation of India
The Poultry Federation of India Team presented mementoes as tokens of appreciation to sponsoring companies, and representatives from various poultry associations, poultry media, recognizing their significant contributions to the event’s success. Poultry Federation of India Team presented a special appreciation award to Mr. Rahul Khatri and Mr. Jagdish Kadyan for their exceptional efforts in orchestrating behind-the-scenes arrangements, their dedication in working tirelessly, and their skillful coordination with every guest, all of which were instrumental in making this event a resounding success.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Ricky Thaper, Treasurer, Poultry Federation of India extended a heartfelt vote of thanks to the chief guest for his support for the welfare on poultry farmer, industry professionals, sponsoring entities, and poultry journalists, expressing gratitude for their collective efforts in making the AGM a resounding success. The event was hosted by Dr. Devender Hooda, Executive Member, Poultry Federation of India.
ILDEX Indonesia 2023 Wraps Up with Resounding Success, Setting the Stage for the Future of Livestock and Agriculture
Jakarta, Indonesia – September 29, 2023 – ILDEX Indonesia 2023, the 6th edition of the international livestock, dairy, meat processing and aquaculture exposition in Indonesia, concluded with remarkable achievements, fostering innovation, knowledge-sharing, and global collaboration. Over three days, the event brought together over 8,901+ industry professionals, experts, and enthusiasts from 48+ countries, creating a vibrant platform to shape the future of livestock-aquaculture and demonstrating the synergy of the agriculture business at the conference.
Key Highlights:
Global Participation: With 8,901+ attendees hailing from more than 48 countries, ILDEX Indonesia 2023 lived up to its reputation as a truly international gathering of industry experts. This diverse blend of perspectives and expertise set the stage for cross-border collaboration and international business opportunities for the Livestock and Aquaculture markets.
Exhibitor Showcase: Over 250+ leading brands from 30+ countries showcased their cutting-edge products, technologies, and solutions. This exhibition not only enhanced the brand image of participating companies, but also facilitated vital connections with potential clients and partners.
Educational Sessions: The event featured a robust program of 80+ educational sessions, providing attendees with unparalleled access to industry knowledge and insights. The seminar sessions covered a wide range of topics, addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities as well as sustainability initiatives for the livestock and feed sectors.
Influential Keynote Speakers: Over 50+ influential thought leaders delivered inspiring keynote addresses, igniting discussions and sparking new ideas. Their contributions added depth and value to the event, enriching the overall experience for attendees.
Expansive Exhibition Space: Spanning across 9,720+ sq.m., ILDEX Indonesia 2023 provided ample space for networking, business meetings, and discovering the latest innovations of the industry.
“ILDEX is where a lot of our customers and stakeholders come together. We found that we could meet a lot of people and a lot of new partners here which motivated us to join the show. As one of the exhibitions in Indonesia, ILDEX has a really good reputation for very good quality customers and connections. Exhibiting here has enhanced our brand image. We tend to find out clients and international connections here which match our strategy.” – Ms. Maureen Kalona Kandou, Head of Science & Innovation, Vaoksindo Indonesia part of JAPFA Group.
Recognizing Our Valued Industry Buyers
ILDEX Indonesia strategically targets niche markets, drawing hundreds of buyers to Indonesia to attend the show and to engage in business matchmaking with industry-leading brands.
“This is my first time joining ILDEX Indonesia. I really enjoy the show. I hope everyone gets a chance to visit the show and walk through all of the booths to see the new innovations of the industry.” – Mr. Jakkrin Taepaisitpong, Executive Vice President, Betagro Group.
“As a buyer in the livestock industry, I was looking for the latest innovations and networking opportunities. The exhibition was exceptionally well-organized, from registration to the exhibition layout. I was impressed by the wide range of exhibitors, showcasing cutting-edge technologies, products, and services related to the livestock and feed industries. It was a one-stop-shop for all my needs.” – Ms. Chotika Choknitivet, Purchasing Manager, S.Thaicharoenporn Commercial
Highlighting the Success of the Conference
“There were several seminar sessions at ILDEX Indonesia 2023 that specifically addressed the evolving challenges and opportunities of the livestock and feed sectors. Throughout ILDEX Indonesia 2023, there were many sessions and panels addressing sustainability in the livestock and feed sectors. These sessions provided valuable insights into adopting sustainable approaches in these industries. Our seminar sessions are designed to equip attendees with practical knowledge and strategies to navigate the evolving landscape of the livestock and feed sectors.” – Ms. Panadda Kongma, Director – Agribusiness and Operations, VNU Asia Pacific.
“This exhibition brought together people from different fields as well as industry stakeholders to brainstorm the new concepts of the industry. At ILDEX Indonesia, we hosted a conference on topics related to “cage-free eggs”. There is a growing demand for cage-free eggs in Indonesia as well as Asia. We need to update our industry peers about these new trends. Overall, it was a very great exhibition for us to participate in.” – Mr. Jayasimha Nuggehalli, Co-founder and COO, Global Food Partners.
Embark on the Livestock and Aquaculture Adventure in 2024-2025
VNU Asia Pacific is proud to offer a robust platform for the livestock and aquaculture sectors in the Indonesian market. Looking ahead to 2024, the ILDEX Exhibition series will continue its journey with ILDEX Vietnam, scheduled for May 29-31, 2024, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Following that, ILDEX Philippines will take place from August 28-30, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center in Manila.
But that’s not all! In March 2024, Bangkok will witness a unique international exhibition for Animal Health solutions, presented by VNU Asia Pacific and VNU Europe. Join us atHealth & Nutrition Asia 2024, taking place from March 12-14, 2024, at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) in Bangkok, Thailand.
We invite you to connect with us to seize the multitude of business opportunities that await. Contact us at ildex@vnuexhibitionsap.com or visit our official website and follow us on social media for the latest news updates, which are accessible on your mobile device. Your journey into the livestock and aquaculture industries begins here!
Role of liver in detoxification. How Phytogenics helps during toxicity of liver?
The poultry industry plays a crucial role in meeting the global demand for animal protein. However, the quality of the feed that poultry consumes has a significant impact on both their health and production. The liver is a significant organ that is vulnerable to harm from improperly formulated or contaminated feed, which can result in a variety of health problems.
Authors
The liver health of poultry birds is seriously threatened by the toxification of poultry feed, which happens when dangerous compounds enter the feed supply chain. Toxification in poultry feed refers to the introduction of harmful substances such as mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants into the feed. During cultivation, storage, shipping, and processing, among other steps of the feed production and distribution process, these chemicals might appear. Once these toxins find their way into the feed, they can have profound effects on the health of poultry, particularly on the liver.
Toxins and their impact
Mycotoxicosis: Mycotoxins, produced by Molds that grow on feed ingredients, are a common form of feed contamination. Mycotoxins that can harm the liver include aflatoxins, ochratoxins, triclothenes type A, and fumonisins. They create inflammation, change liver enzymes, hinder detoxification, and jeopardise the liver’s capacity to operate normally.
Pesticide Residues: Residues of pesticides used on crops or feed ingredients can find their way into poultry feed. Chronic exposure to these chemicals can strain the liver’s detoxification capacity and negatively impact liver health.
Heavy Metal Poisoning: Some feed ingredients may contain heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium. These metals accumulate in the liver, causing oxidative stress and interfering with metabolic processes. The liver’s role in detoxifying these metals can lead to cellular damage and inflammation.
The Liver’s Role in Poultry Health
The liver serves several purposes in the physiology of chickens, including metabolism, detoxification, and the control of many physiological processes. It is essential for metabolizing and eliminating toxins that enter the body of the chicken. However, regular exposure to contaminated feed may hamper the liver’s ability to detoxify, which can result in several health problems. The liver is the major detoxification organ in the body. A wide range of fat-soluble substances, such as metabolic end products (such as ammonia, byproducts of blood cell lysis, and bile pigments), contaminants (e.g., pesticides), anti-nutrients, heavy metals, additives (e.g., antibiotics), and drugs, are among the potential toxins. These can harm the bird’s health to varied degrees depending on its concentration. During the process of detoxification, through oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, and conjugation, the liver converts these toxins to more polar and water-soluble waste products, which are then eliminated via the kidneys and gall bladder. Importantly, the phagocytic action of Kupffer cells is a principal mechanism by which the microorganisms entering the blood are destroyed.
Can phytogenic enhance liver detoxification function?
Considering the rising demand for chicken that has been grown organically, employing naturally occurring nutrients may be a cost-effective method to boost farm output and wellbeing. The liver has been shown to benefit from a variety of herbs, which may increase farm productivity. Phytogenic feed additives are made up of elements that come from plants, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenolic compounds, and essential oils. Numerous studies have documented the numerous functions of Phytogenic Feed Additives (PFAs), including advantages in feed palatability, intestinal growth, and health as well as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anthelminthic, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, and nutrigenomic effects.
With all these properties of phytogenic,Natural Remedieshas come up with a new formulation of phytogenic that enhances poultry liver functioning. Zigbir NEU, an NRSBP, is selectively crafted with the finest phytoconstituents to meet the needs of high-performing modern birds. Zigbir NEU with NEU function provides natural protection of the liver against known and unknown toxins in poultry, enhances liver health and metabolism, and provides uniform growth and productivity.
In an experiment conducted on Wistar rats, they were treated with CCl4 (Carbon Tetra Chloride), which directly affects the liver. It was observed that rats supplemented with Zigbir NEU have significantly less damage to the liver as compared to rats not supplemented with Zigbir NEU. The hepatic enzymes (ALT and AST) were significantly increased in the non-supplemented group as compared to the Zigbir NEU and control groups.
In conclusion, high-performing modern breeds are always at risk of contact with toxins, whether known or unknown, and the liver is under continuous pressure to meet the requirements of modern birds, whether metabolism, secretion, storage, detoxification, or other, to have high productivity and growth.
Zigbir NEU is a polyherbal formulation that facilitates enhanced liver functions and optimum metabolism, along with hepatoprotective activity.
Authors: Midhun Raj and Dr. Jagritee Singh
Reference:
https://mycotoxinsite.com/effects-of-mycotoxins-in-poultry/
Ipçak, H.H., 2023. The Role of Phytogenic Feed Additives in Modulating Poultry Nutritional Physiology and Genomics.
Zaefarian, F., Abdollahi, M.R., Cowieson, A. and Ravindran, V., 2019. Avian liver: the forgotten organ. Animals, 9(2), p.63
Usually, the term monsoon is used to refer to the rainy phase of a seasonally changing pattern. It is the time of year when most of a region’s average annual rainfall occurs. Monsoon comes with the challenges of high relative humidity and fluctuations of temperature.
Extremes of weather are always harmful for living beings, especially monsoon that favours the propagation of different kind of pathogenic organisms like bacteria, virus, fungus, parasites and different vectors like flies, mosquitoes etc. This requires due considerations and appropriate measures in chicken farming for maintaining livability and efficient production.
Housing management: A well maintained shed helps minimizing the climatic stress and health challenges in birds.
Before the ensuing monsoon the roof of the house, walls should be duly inspected and any kind of holes or leakages anywhere should be properly repaired. The drainage ditch around the shed should be clear. In the roofs, the side overhangs should be minimum 3 to 4 ft to prevent entry of direct rain water into the shed. The side walls of the empty shed should be completely covered with polythene curtains. Curtains should be in good condition and can easily be regulated depending on the ammonia concentration in the shed or rain intensity. Improper curtain management can result in poor ventilation in the shed leading to ammonia built up and associated issues like improper digestion, abnormal respiratory sounds, and high incidence of ascites. Allow a 1-2 ft opening at the top of side curtains during the day to ventilate ammonia and other undesirable gases out.
Maggot wound
At least 10 ft outside the shed should be kept properly cleaned and free from bushes and grasses. If there is any water logging in the surrounding area it may cause a huge problem of insects in the poultry shed. Since monsoon is the breeding season for flies, there is always a big concern. Flies act as vector for many viral, bacterial and parasitic infections in poultry. Also, there is every chance of developing maggot wounds in case of loose drops/ pasty vents. Cleanliness along with judicious use of insecticides and regular bleaching powder & formalin spray (3-5%) outside the shed can keep the insect population under control.
Reduction in daylight hours (photoperiod) during the rainy season, can be alleviated by providing artificial light to maintain optimum feed intake and egg production.
Litter management: Litter is where the chickens spend all their life in deep litter system. Rice husk, saw dust and wood shavings are commonly used litter materials in poultry farming. Adequate care must be taken to manage litter.
A good quality litter should be highly absorbent and should dilute the concentration of droppings. The litter thickness should be around 3 inches. Store at least 20% more litter material in a dry place to replace the wet litter material when required. There should not be any seepage from the floor wetting the litter.
Caked litter
Wet and caked litter leads to high built-up ammonia in the poultry house. Ammonia is generated by chemical and microbial degradation of uric acid, which is excreted by the birds. The resulting ammonium ions (NH4+) are converted into volatile ammonia, especially under alkaline conditions, higher temperatures, higher moisture, and higher NH4+ concentration (Bittman and Mikkelsen, 2009). The maximum permissible level of ammonia in the litter is 25 ppm, though at 6 ppm concentration only, there will be irritation of the eyes & the respiratory tract and at 11 ppm reduced animal performance. Ammonia & other noxious gases irritate the eyes and by inhalation, damage the inner lining of the respiratory tract of the birds exposing them to infections.
Wet litter causes growth of mould, bacteria, viruses & germination of coccidial oocysts leading to various diseases & poor performance. Wet litter is also responsible for breast blisters & sores on the foot pads & hocks of the birds and hence, cases of more refusal by lifters or traders. Normally the ideal moisture content of the litter should be 20- 25%. If the litter is too dry, the air becomes quite dusty and the respiratory system gets irritated and then easily invaded by microbes, in the process, the resistance against respiratory diseases goes down tremendously. Examine the litter regularly in monsoon, particularly where the drinkers are placed.
The caked litter, if formed (indicating litter moisture> 40%), should immediately be discarded, and replaced with fresh litter. To get rid of this caked litter practice twice a day litter racking. To reduce the litter moisture, add 1 kg slaked lime and 150 gm bleaching powder per 100 ft2 floor area. Ceiling fan should be operated @ 1 per 300 birds in deep litter broiler farms. To prevent the growth of mould, new litter can be treated with 2% aqueous solution of copper sulphate spray. To assess the litter moisture at farm level, a sample of litter can be taken on the hand and pressed in the palm with the help of fingers. If the litter moisture is optimum, the compressed litter material shows crevices and gently falls apart. If the litter is too wet, it will form a cohesive ball or lump. If the litter is too dry, it will form no impression, it will crumble easily and fall apart.
Feed management: During monsoon, because of high temperature and relative humidity, birds may decrease their feed intake. Care should be taken while diet formulation about all the vital nutrients considering the seasonal impact on the feed intake.
Lumps in feed bag
Do not store feed for long in monsoon. The shelf-life of feed is shorter due to high humid condition in monsoon. Never allow feed in the bags to get heated up, and/ or cake formation. These are preliminary signs of decompositions and mould growth. If the feed is coming from a faraway place, make sure that the transport vehicle is completely closed and there is no water leakage inside the vehicle. 4-5 days extra feed stock should be kept in the farm to avoid frequent transportation in rainy days.
Feed storage
The best way to store the feed bags is on Dunnage system. The feed bags should be stacked in an elevated platform using wooden/ bamboo pallet minimum 1 ft off the floor and away from the side walls to avoid any moisture contact and also there will be facility for free air movements under the bags. This will help to minimize the toxicity related issues. Try to maintain the FIFO system in feed distribution.
Improper feed storage
Avoid strictly use of wooden feed trough since it always leads to growth of moulds giving rise to toxin production. Plastic / polythene trough will be far better to use for easy cleaning and disinfectant purpose. At least once daily the feeder should be wiped with dry cloths.
Special care should be taken during feed formulation in monsoon while selecting the in feed anticoccidial and a broad-spectrum mycotoxin binder.
Water management: Drinking water quality is often an afterthought in many poultry farms. However, a clean, safe water supply can have a huge impact on flock performance. Water quality can be easily affected during rainy season especially the surface water. E. coli and other coliforms count in water is generally higher during this season. Contaminated water sources can easily cause outbreaks in chicken. So, it is essential to maintain regular water sanitation.
Water sanitizers should be used with sufficient contact times and applied with an appropriate dosing. Acidification of drinking water lowers the pH and a lower water pH has been shown to reduce populations of bacteria, such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Clostridia in the crop before they reach the lower digestive system (Watkins S et al., 2004). Research shows that poultry prefers water with a pH ranging from 6 to 6.8. But a target can be taken to keep the drinking water pH around 5.0 to 5.5 to retard the growth of most pathogens.
Acidified drinking water also can help mitigate the adverse effects of stress (Hamid H et al., 2018). Drinkers should be cleaned daily with detergents and bleaching powder to reduce the occurrences of water-borne diseases. Pipelines should be cleaned at least once in a week. This will help in reducing the biofilm formation inside the line.
Oxidation- Reduction – Potential (ORP) is one method used to evaluate the ability of a sanitizer to be a strong oxidizer for destroying bacteria, viruses, and other organic materials present in water or for reacting with harmful minerals such as iron and manganese. An ORP value in the range of > 650 mv indicates good quality water that can effectively be sanitized by as little as 2-4 ppm free chlorine (Oviedo, 2006).
Disease Control
Disease control: The inclement weather during monsoon can cause birds’ immunity take a beating as infections are rampant and the increased humidity can contribute to several outbreaks. Insect population and rodent activities also increase during this time as a result of local crop growth. All together creates a huge challenge to the poultry farmers with high morbidity and mortality rates.
Below are some of the diseases commonly encountered in chicken rearing during the rainy season.
Mycotoxicoses are diseases resulting from consumption or exposure to mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of certain filamentous fungi (primarily to the species of the Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium genera) found in grains, cereals and forages, that can cause serious health problems in animals, especially chickens. Mycotoxins affect all poultry species, mainly causing severe immunosuppression along with decreased weight gain, poor feed efficiency, reduced egg production and egg weight, liver, and kidney damages etc. Preventive measures, like proper monitoring of ingredients, limiting highly contaminated raw materials and use of a broad-spectrum toxin binder in the feed, can help a great extent reducing the risk of mycotoxins in poultry production.
Typical IBH lesions
Inclusion Body Hepatitis (IBH) and Hydro-pericardium Syndrome (HPS) are highly contagious diseases caused by chicken Adeno viruses, predominantly in young broilers, characterized by haemorrhages & necrotic changes in liver and kidneys, accompanied by intra-nuclear inclusion bodies and hydropericardium resulting sudden onset of mortality with high FCR. Immunosuppressive diseases, like Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) and Chicken Infectious Anaemia (CIA), help Adeno viruses to produce IBH. Both live and inactivated vaccines are available for control. Strict bio-security measures at farm level must be implemented to restrict horizontal transmission.
Infectious bursal disease (IBD)or Gumboro disease is a highly contagious viral disease of young chickens characterised by depression, watery diarrhoea, ruffled feathers, and dehydration. The virus infects immature B-lymphocytes and causes an immune suppression that leads to secondary infections in convalescent birds. The infection spreads easily from bird to bird by way of droppings. Infected clothing and equipment are means of transmission between farms. In monsoon, the disease may be further complicated with mycotoxicoses. There is no such treatment. Vaccination of breeders and young chicks is the best means of control.
Coccidiosis is one of the biggest causes of economic losses in poultry worldwide. It is caused by a protozoan parasite Eimeria spp. in poultry. The disease course is rapid (prepatent period 4–7 days) and is characterized by parasite replication in host cells with extensive damage to intestinal mucosa.
Caecal coccidiosis
In monsoon, wet litter, oxygen and warm temperature create the ideal environment to induce sporulation of the coccidian oocysts and therefore, the outbreak of coccidiosis. Clinical form of the disease is generally characterised by defective digestion and absorption, diarrhoea, blood loss, dehydration, increase susceptibility to other diseases.
The main financial losses are caused by the subclinical form of the disease, leading to poor performances. Treatment is costlier, so control should be followed in broiler chicken. Anticoccidial compounds are used in feed to prevent disease and the economic loss often associated with subacute infection. At farm level, during terminal disinfection, using 10% liquor ammon forte (0.89%), i.e., 2.5 lit liquor ammon forte in 25 lit of water per 1000 ft2 of shed can reduce the chance of occurrence of coccidiosis in the next flock to a great extent.
Necrotic enteritis (NE) is the most common and financially devastating bacterial infection in modern broiler flocks. Necrotic Enteritis is caused by the Gram+, toxin forming, spore forming, anaerobe Clostridium perfringens found in soil, litter, dust and at low levels in the hind gut of healthy birds.
Chickens infected with coccidiosis are more likely to develop the disease. 2 to 5 week old broiler chickens raised on litter are more prone to the acute clinical form, showing severe depression, reluctance to move, diarrhoea, ruffled feathers and sudden death and increased mortality. The subclinical form produces no outward signs but has big impact on performance, like weight loss, reduced weight gain and impaired FCR. For decades, antibiotic growth promoters, like BMD, enramycin, lincomycin, avilamycin have been used on a regular basis to prevent necrotic enteritis. On chicken farms, heating the humid litter considerably decreases the number of viable spores. Adding consortium of probiotics to feed is the most effective and sustainable solution in both preventing and treating clinical necrotic enteritis, presumably by competitive exclusion of C. perfringens.
Colibacillosis is caused by infection with avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). It is an ever-green disease in poultry and considered among the most economically devastating bacterial diseases of poultry worldwide. During rainy season, E. coli is transmitted to chickens mainly from faecal contamination of water. Immunosuppression from IBD &/or aflatoxicosis makes the bird more susceptible to the infection. Antibiotics based on antibiotic sensitivity test can be used for treatment. Prevention of colibacillosis relies on good hygiene management, hatching egg management and drinking water management practices like proper water sanitization, regular cleaning of drinkers, pipelines and tanks etc.
Aspergillosis, popularly known as brooder pneumonia is an upper respiratory tract infection of young chickens caused by the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. Transmission is by inhalation of fungus spores from contaminated litter (e.g., damp saw dust, wood shavings, straw) or contaminated feed. Hatcheries may also contribute to infection of chicks. Symptoms include respiratory distress (dyspnoea and gasping), sleepiness, emaciation etc. There no specific treatment for infected birds. Use of 1: 2000 copper sulphate solution mixed with vinegar (acetic acid) in drinking water has shown some results in checking initial mortality. Strict hatchery hygiene, litter management with 2% CuSO4 spray, proper ventilation and adopting strict bio-security measures can reduce the chance of infection.
Conclusion: Monsoon wields unprecedented challenges to the poultry farmers in India, necessitating the implementation of effective strategies. By following effective farm management techniques, bio-security measures and adopting judicious nutritional approach poultry producers can overcome the myriad challenges and maintain productivity level in the farm.
For the purpose of the article, I will use the word “Humour / Fun” as synonyms & contextual. When young, I belonged to a modest family and my father invested everything in our education (incidentally, we were a family of 3 brothers). In those hard times, having fun all the time and laughing at our silly jokes & actions were our way of life. Humour was a single thread that kept us all together in good & hard times. Slowly our times changed and humour kept us grounded, in times of economic trajectory & professional successes. As we know, Humour / Fun does not care about Economic Status. It is an unabashed, intellectual, free-spirited, seamless Emotion and spreads happiness.
Cut to Professional life. I started my career in Human Resources Function, carrying FUN / HUMOUR in my DNA. During my HR Education / Training, we were taught that “O God, give me a person, who sings at work”, “If you are happy at Work, you are happy at Home”, “A happy employee is an engaged employee” and many more, which are little more than cliché.
It’s a proven fact that having fun at workplace fosters productivity. This means employees are more engaged, deliveries are more impactful and they look forward to the next working day. We, as employees, spend most of our waking time at work and during that time, if we pursue our professions with fun / humour, it does a whole lot of good to our emotional well-being.
In our Employee Life-cycle, we work as a Leader and sometimes as followers. In these roles, fun acts an important ingredient to build relationships and trust. Relationships needs Trust and Trust is serious business. Humor & Laughter adds that additional tinge to strengthen relationships. Relationships in all seriousness, personal or professional, is a boring affair and invites stress. Fun releases that stress and creates an atmosphere of lightness, where relationships thrive.
As a Director of HR, some peers, especially Finance, ask me, why are we indulging & spending so much on fun activities? To this my simple answer is – Our employees work in Teams, Teams will have relationships and intensity of work will take a toll on these teams. Having fun together is a great way for people to learn more about one another, to understand each other’s traits, strengths, weaknesses and boundaries. To include fun their team environment, they feel safe, secure and they create a language of oneness. The simple mantra being – The team that laughs together, stays together.
Now the big question – Is there a metrics for Fun? Little, Moderate or Excessive. How much fun is acceptable? Here are few tips on good clean fun:
Fun should be seen as light, harmless, and should evoke happiness to all, it touches.
When working in teams, as far as possible, one should not have fun at the cost of others – though it is easily said than done. If that happens, please focus on the incidence and not on the person.
Poking fun at a person & Mocking are two different things. When the thin line between Poking & Mocking is crossed, someone should step in and regulate.
It is generally seen that some employees have the knack of mimicking their superiors in public functions. Care needs to be taken that the mimicking is aimed at evoking special characteristics of that person and in no way derogatory.
Focus of fun should be at an intellectual level and not on physical levels. Having pranks or physical fun, often leads to fights. Be mindful here.
Humour / Fun aimed at colleagues, with sexual connotations / innuendoes are the cheapest form of entertainment, but liked by many. This could land you in real and legal trouble. AVOID AT ALL COSTS.
No sexist and/or casteist fun, as most of the workplaces are Diverse & Inclusive.
No matter how careful we are, we sometimes overstep and make fun of people or situations. If the cost of having fun is great, then be prepared to take the consequences as well. The best way is to apologize sincerely and move on.
The underlying philosophy should be “All Work and No Play – Makes one a dull person” AND NOT “All Play and No Work – Makes one a painful employee”.
Keeping these in view, being a humorous person myself, I tried to be “Happy / Funny / Humorous” and when I applied it too much, it back fired. Here are two real anecdotes:
Incident No. 1: Having Pungent Sense of Humour proved costly but beneficial
I worked with this HUGE Corporate Conglomerate in one of the Divisions as HR Manager. As a part of our learning, we were required to conduct HR audits periodically to some of our Group Divisions. Hotels were one amongst them. Since all the Hotels were 5-stars, we were treated with good food and sometimes liquor too. After sometime, we all become friends and get some discounts too. Frequenting those hotels on a weekend became a habit and there were times, due to hangover, taking sick leave on Monday was becoming normal. My boss was, naturally, irritated by this behaviour, but was tolerant. I presume it was due to my high deliveries & contribution to HR Dept.
On one such Monday, I had to take sick leave due to diarrhoea, as I ate some street fast food, during rainy season. Next day when I joined office, my boss came to my seat, which was an open office, with around 50 people working in the Hall. My Boss started shouting at me at the top of voice saying that I took leave on Monday, as I was drunk on Sunday, at the cost of Company’s hotel cost. I, politely and calmly, was trying to explain that I was genuinely sick due to diarrhoea and that he should trust me. Everyone was looking at us and some expecting that this showdown will not end well. My boss shouted back saying “Why should I trust you & what is the proof”. This statement triggered my funny bone and I replied back in bold voice “You have to trust me or else, next time I will attach my stool sample with the leave form”. Whoever could hear this, started laughing and my boss went back to his office. I bit my tongue and realised what a grave mistake I have done. This incident was taken seriously and I was transferred from core HR to PF / ESI section, where I was expected to manually calculate PF / ESI calculation for 1000s of employees and submit it before due date. I emphasize on “manually” as that time software automation had just started and computers were yet to be introduced to companies. Though this was considered as Punishment, considering my profile, I took it as a learning. What did I learn? I learnt patience, perseverance, accuracy in work, time management, consistency in efforts & results AND NOT TO BE TOO FUNNY WITH BOSSES.
Incident No. 2: Having Nasty Sense of Humour impacted career
I was working for an MNC and the Managing Director was an expat. He was new to India and I was assigned as a cultural coach to him. That time I was HR Director for Asia. Though I was reporting to him administratively, he respected me as his local coach. He was a very young professional from a reputed international University. As a personality, he was tall and extremely obese, with a pleasant face & temperament. We were extremely fond of each other and quite often we cut jokes during the meetings.
Once we conducted an Assessment Centre to identify core talent pool and leadership bench for critical roles. As Assessment Centre, we had 3 different rooms with 3 panels of judges to interview HiPos (High Potentials). I was sitting as a panel in one of the rooms. The MD was moving from room to another, just to see that everything is under control. One of the candidates was speaking very passionately & animatedly to us, proving her point. At that very moment, the MD entered our Room and the entire Room became silent due to his presence. He asked “What happened? Why is everyone silent?” My funny bone betrayed me and I blurted out “Everyone is quiet because they saw an Elephant in the room”. Suddenly he became red-faced (as he was obese) and everyone laughed out loud. The dictionary meaning of the phrase of Elephant in the Room is “a major problem or controversial issue which is obviously present but is avoided as a subject for discussion”. He left the room quietly. I ran out and apologized to him. I knew I body-shamed him with my nasty sense of humour and he will not forget this mistake of mine. As expected, after a year, HR transformation took place worldwide and many senior HR profiles were impacted. Some bosses saved “their people” by justifying their roles. But my MD did not support me. He could have fought for me, but he remained silent and I know for sure, he did not forget my comment “Elephant-in-the-Room”. I deserved this punishment. I paid heavily for this inhuman sense of humour and I promised myself, NOT TO USE MY SENSE OF HUMOUR TO HURT PEOPLE.
The above incidents have negative connotations. Nevertheless, if we do not take time to relax and have fun at workplace, we will live a miserable working life. Each day will be serious and stressful. Without fun, either we will burn-out or rust-out. Both will be harmful. Having fun has lots of biological effects. The happy hormones – Serotonin, Oxytocin, Dopamine and Endorphins – play an important part, but that’s a different topic altogether.
Our working life is a journey. Its upto us how do you want to travel – Either have fun & laughter OR travel with a grumpy face. My take – Have fun, even if you make mistakes or cross the line – At least you will have some “spicy” stories to tell your grandchildren or your teams. It’s better to have fun and live life.
About the Author:
Trideep Chowdhury is an astute Human Resources Management professional with extensive experience of over 3 decades working in Companies viz. Provimi India/Cargill Inc., ITC Limited, Intervet/Schering Plough, Voith India, etc. He had been in the Board of Directors for Provimi India (a Cargill Inc. Company) for many years. Some of the sectors served by him are Manufacturing, Process, Pharma, Engineering and Consulting. He had worked with MNCs in most of his career and had rich Regional (Asia) & Global project experiences. Currently he runs his own firm, Invictus HRM Consulting. He could be contacted at trideep2000@yahoo.com or invictus.hrm@yahoo.com
With over three decades of cross functional leadership experience across highly reputed business establishments producing sustained revenue and turnaround growth in domestic and international venues. Dr. Tarun brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience from the Animal Health & Nutrition sector.
A Veterinarian with MBA, the new CEO of Optima Life Sciences, Dr. Tarun Pal will be responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and overall operations of the Company. He will work closely with the management team to further strengthen Optima Life Sciences’ position as a pathbreaker & trend setter in the Industry and drive the next phase of innovation & growth.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Tarun Pal to Optima Life Sciences Pvt Ltd as CEO,” said Executive Chairman of the Board, Mr. Vinay Kulkarni, He further said, “With his rich knowledge, experience and innovative ideas and brilliant approaches, we are looking forward to our Company’s progress. With Dr. Tarun’s induction, I am sure Optima will scale new heights under his inclusive leadership”.
Dr. Tarun expressed his excitement about joining Optima Life Sciences stating, “I am honoured to have been chosen as the CEO of such an innovative organisation. I am grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to fostering a positive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Together with the talented team of Optima Life Sciences through innovation and customer centric approach, I would focus on expanding on our market presence – domestically & internationally, and co-create value for our customers and stakeholders.”
About: Optima Life Sciences Pvt Ltd
Optima Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. is a leading and fast-growing Company in the animal health and nutrition sector. Optima is an innovative, pathbreaker and trendsetter in conceiving, developing, and marketing a range of feed additives and bio-security products. It uses cutting- edge technology, the best laboratory facilities with modern infrastructure and skilled manpower. Being an innovative Company, it concentrates on R&D as an essential component of Optima’s vision & culture.
23rd Sept 2023:Indian Federation of Animal Health Companies (INFAH)held its 12th Annual General Body Meeting on 23rd Sep 2023 at “Hotel The West in Mumbai Garden City”. Emerging trends in AH sector & a picture gallery showcasing key INFAH activities for 2022-2023 were displayed at the venue. The AGM was attended by ~ 100 industry colleagues representing Indian animal health industry.
During the Inaugural session Dr Ram Prakash delivered a welcome note. He appreciated the enthusiastic participation of members & the delegates.
Presidential address was given by Dr Vijay Makhija reinforcing the INFAHs motto of Healthy Animals, Healthier India. INFAH is recognized as unified force of AH companies having member strength as 57.
INFAH plays the role of a catalyst in shaping policy framework to unlock and unleash the potential of the Indian Animal Husbandry and Animal Health sector in line with the National Priorities of Atma Nirbharta, ensuring the access of all classes of veterinary medicines and animal health products to the benefit of animal health and welfare promoting their responsible use.
INFAHs objective has been that the Animal owners especially the Farmers should stand to be benefitted and in the process their income levels should go up significantly. INFAHs focus has been to foster a greater understanding of animal health and the importance of the ‘One Health’ approach & focus on preventing Zoonosis. INFAH is committed to work closely with Government and Research Institutions to promote seamless availability of Vaccines and newer Technology Solutions focused on disease prevention and mitigation.
The inaugural session was addressed by Chief Guest Dr. Abhijit Mitra Animal Husbandry Commissioner DADF, New Delhi. Dr. Mitra highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by the Government towards Disease Mitigation & Improving Farm Productivity. Dr. Mitra stressed on collaboration between INFAH and DADF for enhancing Animal Husbandry and Animal Health in India. INFAH members had the unique opportunity of listening & interacting with Animal Husbandry Commissioner.
Dr P S Mahesh Joint Commissioner & Director of Centre of Excellence of Animal husbandry ( CEAH) shared his views on the topic of Future Trends in Indian Poultry Sector ,Mr Shiva Mudgil , Food & Agri Business Services , International Finance Corporation ( World Bank ) shared insights on Growth Opportunities in Animal Husbandry Sector ,Mr Manish Singh QSRC Advisor Consumer & Food Services Global Markets Fonterra Brands Singapore Pte Ltd shared experiences regards to Dairy Value Chain – Evolution & Challenges .
In the post lunch session, John Rollins Director Pharmexcil shared insights on Export Opportunities for Indian Animal Health Companies, a presentation on Talent & Reward Trends in Animal Health was made by Mr Arvind Ladha, Ms. Nidhi Lal & Mr Adrish Singh the Team from Mercer, and Dr D K Dey delivered a presentation about Data Manthan – Veterinary Market Research.
Delegates got an opportunity to interact with the invited speakers during the networking session.
Recipients of INFAH Awards 2023
Two distinguished personalities, Dr T.G Chandramohan and Mr Sunil Madhok, were conferred with INFAH Awards 2023. Delegates were enlightened & felt inspired to learn the spectacular journeys of these two leaders.
Dr. Shirish Nigam General Secretary INFAH presented the full year activity report for 2022-2023. Key achievements as under:
Successful Organization of National Seminar on theme Disease Mitigation & Farm Productivity engaging Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Drug Controller General of India office, Principal Scientific Advisor Office, Veterinary Council of India, Indian Pharmacopeia Commission, ICAR, IVRI, FSSAI, Health for Animals, GALVmed
Published White Paper on Veterinary use of Antibiotics vis-a-vis emergence of AMR- Indian Animal Healthcare Industry Perspective by INFAH, having estimation of Antimicrobial Usage (AMU) in India for animal use.
Published Vision Document Ayurveda in Animal Health Care, released during 9th World Ayurveda Congress and International conclave on Pashu Ayurveda
Contributed towards policy initiative of DADF on National Action Plan on AMR 2.0 (2022-2026)
INFAHs recommendations for Pre Budget proposals 2023-2024: Seeking clarity on classification of animal feed supplements and feed additives under correct Chapter Headings of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 and request for release of Bank Guarantees submitted by importers.
Representations to DADF: on inclusion of additional Animal Feed Supplements / Additives for facilitating swift importation, INFAH members comments on Guideline for conducting clinical trial/field trial pertaining to the vaccines for veterinary use.
Representations to IPC: Veterinary Vaccines General Chapter Requirements, Deletion / Waiver of Target Animal Batch Safety Tests (TABST)
Representation to VCI: addendum to be incorporated in the Draft Minimum Standards of Veterinary Practice Regulation 2023 (MSVPR)
INFAH Outreach Programme in collaboration with VCI on Career Opportunities for in the Animal Health Industry which was attended by more than 1000 Veterinary Students.
Development of Draft Standard Operating Procedures for Good Marketing Practices
Enhancing Market Access & boosting exports of Animal Health Care products in Collaboration with Pharmexcil, showcased INFAH at Pet Fair Southeast Asia organized by VNU Exhibitions at Thailand
INFAH Connect Digital initiatives – Successfully conducted Webinars- Impact of Union Budget 2023-2024 on Animal Husbandry sector, AMR-An Animal Healthcare Perspective.
Presented INFAH views at the launch of Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative (APPI) and Animal Health System Support for One Health (AHSSOH), Why ONE HEALTH matters at IPR Radio Podcast
INFAH presentation at the ICAR-Industry Stakeholder Consultation meet by Agrinnovate India Ltd
Presented INFAH views on the Role of Animal Health in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
INFAH received Indian Poultry Journalist Association of India (IPJA) Appreciation Award for the year 2022, in recognition of significant contribution to the Indian Poultry Industry
Dr. P.G. Phalke, Treasurer conducted the AGM proceedings & thanked members for exemplary support. INFAH Members participated in the electoral process for selecting Managing Committee for the year 2023-2025 term. Mr. N. M Sampat Returning Officer conducted the electoral process. During the Members Forum a wide range of topics were discussed by members for Ease of Doing Business & towards the betterment of AH sector.
AGM concluded on a very positive note with a resolve to continue the contribution of INFAH towards betterment of the Industry and Society.
Post AGM Managing Committee members selected the Office Bearers & the Managing Committee Members for the term 2023-2025, details are as under:
1) Dr Shirish Nigam (President) 2) Dr Aman Sayed (Vice President) 3) Dr Ram Prakash (General Secretary) 4) Dr Anup Kalra (Joint Secretary) 5) Dr Manoj Sood (Treasurer) 6) Mr Gautam Chatterjee 7) Dr Vinayak Surve 8) Mr Sushanta Dey 9) Ms. Ashwini Deshpande 10) Dr Vijay Makhija 11) Mr Vijay Teng 12) Dr Arun Atrey 13) Mr Satish Pasrija
It was also decided that Dr P.G. Phalke shall function as Director- INFAH Secretariat. Moreover Dr D. K. Dey was nominated as Honorary Member of INFAH, and his expertise shall be utilized as an Advisor to INFAH / Subcommittees.
Ramakrishna Balasubramanian will drive customer-centric growth through experience and dedication
Aviagen® India proudly introduces Ramakrishna Balasubramanian as its new Business Manager. With a remarkable record of knowledge and proficiency, Balasubramanian will help ensure the success of Aviagen India and its valued customers. He takes over from previous Business Manager Marc Scott, who has led the India team over the past five years in establishing a solid foundation for the growth and success of Aviagen and its esteemed customer base.
Ramakrishna Balasubramanian Business Manager, Aviagen® India
With more than 25 years of poultry experience, including 13 years at Aviagen India and Hy-Line Layers, Balasubramanian has excelled across various positions, including administration, farming and operations, planning, sales, and customer service.
He skillfully managed Hy-Line Layers’ profit and loss, production, planning, and customer support functions. His previous tenure in sales also saw a commendable expansion of Aviagen India’s customer base. His demonstrated ability to manage challenging situations will prove to be of value to the ever-growing Aviagen India business.
As Business Manager for India, Balasubramanian will spearhead Aviagen India operations, encompassing production, feed mill, and laboratory functions. Based in the Tamil Nadu region, his role involves financial, commercial, and production oversight. He will lead the execution of strategic plans, manage profit and loss, guide his team to ensure seamless implementation, ensure the needs of the customer base, maintain production and service excellence, and ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. Reporting to President of Aviagen Asia Peter Fisher, Balasubramanian will work closely with the Asia regional and global teams.
He is fluent in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, and achieved a Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree from Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu.
Peter Fisher, President of Aviagen Asia, expressed his confidence in the new appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Ramakrishna and extend our best wishes as he undertakes this strategically vital role. With his dynamic, customer-focused approach, Ramakrishna is poised to lead our business in India to new heights of success and growth.”
About Aviagen
Since 1923, Aviagen® has been a preferred global poultry breeding company with a mission to help its customers — the world’s chicken meat producers — supply sustainable, affordable and nutritious protein to their growing communities. Putting into practice its corporate value of “Breeding for Welfare and Sustainability,” Aviagen implements efficiencies that make commercial chicken production environmentally and socially responsible and economically beneficial to producers, while at the same time promoting bird performance, health and welfare.
To meet varied market demands, Aviagen offers a full portfolio of breeding stock under the Arbor Acres®, Indian River® and Ross® brand names. The Rowan Range® and Specialty Males® target slower-growing and other niche market needs. Aviagen is based in Huntsville, Alabama, US., with operations across the UK, Europe, Turkey, Latin America, India, Australia, New Zealand, Africa and the US, and joint ventures in Asia. The company employs close to 8,000 people, and serves customers in 100 countries.
For more information, please visit Aviagen.com, or follow Aviagen on LinkedIn.
A Recap of the Unforgettable Event on 11th to 13th October 2023, followed by a Gala Dinner and Forum Discussion
Vietstock Expo & Forum 2023, organised from 11th to 13th October at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, was a remarkable event for the animal health and livestock sector. Among the standout participants was Biochem Pharma, India, a distinguished Hi-Tech Life Science company renowned for its commitment to exploring new possibilities in the animal health segment. Biochem Pharma showcased its innovative products and expertise, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.
Highlighting Innovation in Animal Health: Leveraging years of expertise, Biochem Pharma unveiled an extensive range of advanced Animal Health products at Vietstock Expo 2023. Fueled by cutting-edge technology and scientific knowledge, the company’s offerings are reshaping the landscape of animal health.
The second day of the AGM (28th September, 2023) was marked by the prestigious presence of Chief Guest Dr. Sanjeev Balyan, Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Government of India, and Dr. O. P. Chaudhary, Joint Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Alongside them, key figures from the Poultry Federation of India, including Mr. Ranpal Dhanda (President), Mr. Ramesh Chander Khatri (Chairman), Mr. Sanjeev Gupta (Vice-President HQ), Ravinder Singh Sandhu (Secretary), and Mr. Ricky Thaper (Treasurer) and all executives’ members of the Poultry Federation of India graced the event. Furthermore, the presence of approximately 600 poultry enthusiasts from various regions of the country added depth and diversity to the gathering.
Exhibitor Showcase: Over 250+ leading brands from 30+ countries showcased their cutting-edge products, technologies, and solutions. This exhibition not only enhanced the brand image of participating companies, but also facilitated vital connections with potential clients and partners.
Before the ensuing monsoon the roof of the house, walls should be duly inspected and any kind of holes or leakages anywhere should be properly repaired. The drainage ditch around the shed should be clear. In the roofs, the side overhangs should be minimum 3 to 4 ft to prevent entry of direct rain water into the shed. The side walls of the empty shed should be completely covered with polythene curtains. Curtains should be in good condition and can easily be regulated depending on the ammonia concentration in the shed or rain intensity. Improper curtain management can result in poor ventilation in the shed leading to ammonia built up and associated issues like improper digestion, abnormal respiratory sounds, and high incidence of ascites. Allow a 1-2 ft opening at the top of side curtains during the day to ventilate ammonia and other undesirable gases out.
Presidential address was given by Dr Vijay Makhija reinforcing the INFAHs motto of Healthy Animals, Healthier India. INFAH is recognized as unified force of AH companies having member strength as 57.
Dr. Shirish Nigam General Secretary INFAH presented the full year activity report for 2022-2023. Key achievements as under:
Dr. P.G. Phalke, Treasurer conducted the AGM proceedings & thanked members for exemplary support. INFAH Members participated in the electoral process for selecting Managing Committee for the year 2023-2025 term. Mr. N. M Sampat Returning Officer conducted the electoral process. During the Members Forum a wide range of topics were discussed by members for Ease of Doing Business & towards the betterment of AH sector.
