THE MAGAZINE OF INDIAN POULTRY INDUSTRY SEPTEMBER 2023

COVER
A Livestock Inclusive Sustainable Future
Insights from Indian Poultry Review Annual Conclave 2023
www.shalimarcorp.in
Contents
Editorial........................................................................................................05 Volume 58 | Issue 1 | September 2023

Indian Research...........................................................06-07
Research Abroad.......................................................09-10
Cover Story.............................................................................24-31

Articles
Dr. J. Pothanna................................................12-15
Wouter Van der Veken..................................17 40 06
Dr. Sumon Nag Chowdhury...18-21
Tarun Shridhar.................................................32-33
Dr. R.N.S. Gowda.........................................36-37
Amelia Quinn.....................................................40-42

IPR Espresso.........................................................................44-46
Product Feature...........................................................49-50
Events.................................................................................................54-64
24
Launch...........................................................................................................65
Announcement............................................................66-67

54 65
Editorial Board

Prof. (Dr.) Prof. (Dr.) Prof. (Dr.) Prof. (Dr.) Prof. (Dr.) Mr. Vijay Sardana Prof. (Dr.) Mr. Tarun Shridhar
J.L. Vegad R.N. Srinivas Gowda Purnendu Biswas P.K. Shukla G. Devegowda Ajit S. Ranade

Managing Editor : G. N. Ghosh  Executive Editor : Sanjoy Mukerji  Associate Editors : Shelley Ghosh | G. G. Narayana
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The Edit

A GLOBAL WAKE-UP CALL

The global battle against hunger and malnutrition is slipping through our
fingers. Recent remarks from the leader of the United Nations’ supported
World Food Programme lay bare a staggering truth: a shocking 783 million
individuals, equivalent to one in every 10 inhabitants of our planet, retire
to bed with empty stomachs each night.
This alarming statistic, sadly, is not an isolated case. In 2020, an even more
distressing number, approximately 811 million people, fell prey to the
clutches of hunger due to the exacerbating effects of the pandemic, which
thrust numerous individuals into the depths of poverty. While it is not
surprising that the entrenched inequality and the onslaught of COVID-19
have hampered strides in hunger reduction, the global food crisis has been
further compounded by a multitude of factors.
India’s narrative, in this context, continues to be particularly disheartening.
As per “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World” report, a
staggering 973.3 million individuals in the country grappled with the
inability to afford a nourishing meal in 2020. The “Global Hunger Index of
2022” echoes this sentiment, categorizing India’s hunger level as severe.
In a nation where 800 million people rely on government-subsidised
food provisions, a decrease in allocation towards agriculture in contrast
to food production in this year’s budget, coupled with prioritisation of
ethanol production from essential grains, raises significant concerns
about the government’s commitment to combat hunger through localised,
constructive approach to achieve the ambitious goal of eradicating hunger
by the close of this decade.

G. N. Ghosh
Managing Editor

INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 05

Indian Research
Sex Linked Inheritance in Japanese
Quails
K. Premkumar, K. Selvarasu, S. Prakash, M. Moorthy, D. Kannan and V. Kannan
Department of Poultry Science
Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal- 637 002
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University
INTRODUCTION
Sex linked inheritance is a biological process that involves the
transmission of traits or characters from parents to offspring
through sex chromosomes. In poultry, males are homogametic
ZZ and females are heterogametic ZW and Japanese quails have
38 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes. The sex
linked genes are presumed to be located on the Z chromosome
and the inheritance is called Z-linked inheritance.
As the Z chromosome is present in both males and females, both
sexes are responsible for passing the characters to the offspring.
In Japanese quails, there are two commercial varieties namely
British range and Manchurian brown. In the British range, the
males are characterized by the rusty brown throat and breast
feathers and the entire plumage appearance is blackish brown
whereas females have pale breast feathers speckled with dark
coloured spots. In the Manchurian gold variety, the whole
plumage colour is light brown and females have dark coloured
spots or speckled in the breast area but, males do not have such
spots.
In general, the plumage colour of Manchurian gold is sex linked
recessive to British range brown. There is sex linked transmission
of plumage colour pattern from the female parent to male
offspring and male parent to both male and female offspring
through the genes present in the Z chromosome if we cross the
Manchurian gold male with British range females.
The plumage colour pattern is clearly distinguishable at day old
in F1 progeny if we cross sex linked homozygous recessive male
with the hemizygous dominant female. So, the study has been
conducted in Japanese quails to ascertain the sex ratio of F1
generation and relative difference in body weight of males and
females at day old and age at marketing.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Eight weeks old 20 numbers of British range females were
crossed with 6 numbers of Manchurian gold males at the sex
ratio of 10:3 and reared in an elevated cage system with uniform
feeding and management conditions. The eggs were collected
from fourth day after the introduction of males. The eggs were
collected for 8 days, totally 129 eggs were incubated for 18 days.
Out of 129 eggs, 91 chicks were hatched out with two different
colour patterns and were weighed at day to find the average
chick weight of each colour pattern. 49 chicks of British range
had an average weight of 8.45 grams each and the 42 chicks
of Manchurian gold had an average weight of 8.71 grams
each. Both chicks were brooded separately and grown for 5
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW
weeks (up to marketing age) with the ad libitum feeding under
uniform management conditions in cage system. The body
weight of both varieties was recorded individually at the time
of marketing.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
All the Manchurian gold variety chicks were found to be females
as characterized by the pale breast feathers with dark spots. All
the British range brown variety chicks were found to be males
characterized by rusty brown throat and breast feathers at the
age of four weeks old. The sex ratio obtained in this cross was 46
percent females and 54 percent males. This sex ratio is normal
for Japanese quail species and this sex linked cross did not affect
the normal sex ratio. This result is inconsistent with the findings
of Sasidhar et al (2018) who recorded 80 females and 300 males
out of 380 chicks in a similar cross with sex ratio of 22 per cent
females and 78 per cent males.
The average body weight of the females at day old was higher
than the males (8.71 g vs. 8.45g) and the same difference was
also reflected at the age of marketing(161.9 g vs. 159.4 g). This
finding proved that the mature body weight was dependent
upon the initial day-old chick weight irrespective of sex.
Moreover, it was concluded that the female quails are heavier
than males from day old itself.
In this trial, the sex linked transmission of dominant British range
brown coloured plumage from female parent to male offspring
and the transmission of recessive Manchurian gold plumage
from male parent to female offspring resulted through genes
present in the Z sex chromosome. Such a sex linked transmission
was recorded in the experiments of Lauber (1964), Sitaraman
et al (1966), Homma et al (1968) and Homma and Jinna( 1969)
Walksugi and Kondo (1973) reported the sex linked mutation
and found that adult female mutants are reddish sandy colour
(as in Manchurian gold) and adult homozygous males also
reddish diluted but darker than females. Mizutani (1974) stated
that sex linked recessive SBC strain was established at Hiroshima
University by segregating the sex linked brown and sex linked
cinnamon genes for autosexing.
In our study, both male and female parents were homozygous
and the genes were present in the same loci of Z chromosome,
so the reverse cross of Manchurian gold female with British
range brown male will not establish the sex linkage and all the
offspring in F1 generation both male and female will be range
brown and the Manchurian brown recessive trait will not be
expressed in any one of the offspring.
CONCLUSION
Autosexing is a useful tool in the economic production of
Japanese quail because day old vent sexing is not practical
due to its small size. Moreover, rearing the sex-separated quails
will eliminate the problems like early sexual maturity and flock
uniformity and also ensures the ideal mating behaviour in
breeding pens.
06
day old vent sexing is not practical due to its small size. Moreover, rearing the sex-
separated quails will eliminate the problems like early sexual maturity and flock uniformity
and also ensures the ideal mating behaviour in breeding pens.

REFERENCES
1. Homma, K. (1968) Sex-linked dilute
character in the Japanese Quail.
Proceedings of the Japanese Society for
Zoo Technical Science, The 55th meeting,
p. 47.
2. Homma, K. and Jinno, M. (1969) Sex-linked
plumage characters in the Japanese quail.
Proceedings of the Japanese Society for
Zootechnical Science, The 57th meeting,
p. 82.
3. Minezawa, H. and Wakasugi, N. (1977)
Studies on a plumage mutant (black at
hatch) in the Japanese Quail. Jap. J. Genet.
52: 183-195.
MATING BETWEEN MANCHURIAN GOLD MALE WITH BRITISH RANGE FEMALE
4. Mizutani, M. (1974) The Japanese Quail.
MATING BETWEEN MANCHURIAN GOLD MALE WITH BRITISH RANGE FEMALE Laboratory Animal Research Station,
Nippon Institute for Biological Science, p.
143-163.
5. Lauber, J. K. (1964) Sex-linked albinism in
the Japanese quail. Sci., 146: 948-950.
6. North, M.O. (1972) Commercial Chicken
Production Manual. 3: 409-410.
7. Sasidhar.T., Moorthy.M, Rajendran.K
and Mani.K (2018) Sex linked genes for
autosexing in Japanese quails. EIJO:
Journal of Science, Technology and
Innovative Research.3(4):1-4.
8. Wakasugi, N. and Kondo, K. (1973)
Breeding methods for maintenance of
mutant genes and establishment of
strains in Japanese Quail Exp. Animals, 22 :
151-159.

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INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 07

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Research Abroad
New Insights into Arginine
and Arginine-Sparing Effects
of Guanidinoacetic Acid and
Citrulline in Broiler Diets
Hiep Thi Daoa,b and Robert A. Swicka,c
School of Environmental and Rural Science, Faculty of Science,
a
Agriculture, Business and Law, University of New England, Armidale,
New South Wales, Australia; bFaculty of Animal Science, Vietnam
National University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Vietnam; “Poultry Hub
Australia, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales,
Australia
Summary
Chickens have a high dietary Arg requirement compared
to mammalians as they have an incomplete urea cycle and,
therefore, cannot synthesise Arg. Arginine is important for
protein synthesis and is also involved in immunity, being
converted to nitric oxide (NO) at the macrophage level. Nitric
oxide is secreted as a free radical during an immune response
and is toxic to bacteria, intracellular parasites and also has
strong anti-viral and anti-cancer properties. Also, NO serves as
a regulating factor for intestinal blood flow, integrity, secretion,
and epithelial cell migration. As Arg is a limiting factor for NO
synthesis, the increased availability of Arg following dietary
supplementation of Arg and/or its metabolites could increase
the NO production and subsequent immune status in birds.
Such improvements on bird health may become useful for
antibiotic growth promoter-free poultry production. The Arg
requirement in birds has received special interest due to its
large variation in different dietary conditions. Growing evidence
suggests that increasing the dietary Arg level and Arg to Lys ratio
above currently accepted levels may be necessary to maximise
the productive potential of modern broiler strains due to the
modulatory effect of Arg on energy and protein metabolism.
Also, literature evidence has indicated that crystalline Arg,
guanidinoacetic acid (GAA), and citrulline (Cit) can provide
Arg activity in chicken diets and are all commercially available.
Furthermore, the use of Cit could escape the degradation of
enzyme arginase in the intestine and liver resulting in higher
Arg levels in the bloodstream and NO production compared to
Arg supplementation. The addition of GAA may also provide
additional benefits on increasing creatine level and energy
metabolism in broiler chickens compared to Arg. This paper
will provide new insights into Arg and Arg-sparing effects
of GAA and Cit in the broiler diets with a special focus on the
supplementation of Arg in reduced protein diets.
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW
Conclusion
Growing evidence suggests that increasing the requirements
of dietary Arg and Arg to Lys ratio above currently accepted
levels may be necessary to maximise the productive potential
of modern broiler strains. The requirement for Arg may also
be increased to support immune response and reduce gut
permeability in birds subjected to heat or disease stress. These
effects are mainly attributed to the modulatory effect of Arg on
energy and protein metabolism and its roles in the production
of NO and ornithine. Supplementation of GAA and Cit is of
great potential to replace or spare Arg requirement in poultry
diets. Dietary Cit supplementation could avoid the degradation
of arginase in the intestine and liver resulting in higher Arg
levels in the bloodstream and NO production compared to
Arg supplementation. Whereas, dietary GAA supplementation
could provide additional benefits on increasing creatine level
and energy metabolism in broiler chickens compared to Arg
supplementation. However, the Arg-sparing effects of GAA
may be influenced by a number of factors including bird
strain and age, dosage use, and levels of Arg and Met in the
diets. Further studies on the effects of different sources of Arg
including crystalline Arg, GAA, and Cit on performance and gut
health in birds fed reduced protein diets would help to develop
an optimal feeding programme that meets economic and
environmental purposes.
Source : World’s Poultry Science Journal
Stinging Nettle (Urtica
dioica) in Broiler Nutrition
B. Milosevica, I. Omerovicb, Z. Savica, L. Andjusica, V. Milanovica
and S. Cirica
a
Faculty of Agriculture Kosovska Mitrovica, University of Pristina,
Pristina, Serbia; bState University of Novi Pazar, Novi Pazar, Serbia
Summary
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) represents a plant with traditional
utilisation in medicine in many countries. Despite its potentials,
stinging nettle is considered by intensive agriculture as a
weed, but its biological properties, availability, together with
simple processing technology can make it an excellent dietary
supplement on poultry farms. Nettle supplemented in broiler
diets exerts positive effects regarding production performance.
Nettle provides nutrients and bioactive components, which
09
stimulate growth and feed utilisation, modulate metabolic
processes and support immune system in broilers. This review
analyses published literature sources investigating the use of
stinging nettle in broiler nutrition, which provided sufficient
data to confirm its high potential for dietary application
in broiler industry. Future research is needed in regard to
clarifying and standardisation of its phytogenic potential and
nutritional value, as it depends on numerous factors, such as
climate, vegetative stage, soil, harvesting time and processing
technology.
Conclusions
Stinging nettle is a plant that is usually regarded as a weed
in agricultural production. However, its composition offers
a variety of unexploited positive properties that could
be seriously considered as a valuable resource in poultry
production. It was observed that recent application of nettle
has effectively addressed problems in broiler industry. Nettle
provides nutrients and bioactive components, which stimulate
growth and feed utilisation, modulate metabolic processes and
support immune system in broilers. This review showed the
potential of nettle in broiler nutrition and indicates the need for
additional research efforts, especially in regard to clarifying its
phytochemical compo¬sition, mode of action and nutritional
value.
Source : World’s Poultry Science Journal
Fowlpox Virus: An Overview of
its Classification, Morphology
And Genome, Replication
Mechanisms, Uses As Vaccine
Vector And Disease Dynamics
B. N. Umara, J Adamua, M. T Ahmadb, K. H. Ahmadc, A. Sadaad and
O. Orakpoghenor©6
a
Virology and Immunology Unit, Department of Veterinary
Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello
University, Zaria, Nigeria; bAvian and Fish Health Unit, Veterinary
Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; ‘Diagnostic
Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of
Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; dCentral
Diagnostic Unit, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom,
Nigeria; “Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary
Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
Fowlpox virus (FWPV) is a complex cytoplasmic DNA
virus belonging to the Family-Poxviridae, Subfamily-
Chordopoxvirinae and Genus-Avipoxviruses. The large size of the
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW
genome accommodates multiple gene inserts and the induction
of abortive infection in vectored vaccines mammalian cells and
thus makes FWPV a promising vector for vaccine development
against several important veterinary and human diseases. The
virus is predominantly transmitted via aerosols or biting insects
in poultry and causes fowlpox in chickens and turkeys. Fowlpox
is a contagious disease of economic importance, with cutaneous
and/or diphtheritic forms of infection seen in domestic and
wild birds. It occurs worldwide (but is endemic in tropical and
subtropical countries only) as mild to severe poultry disease. The
disease is controlled via rigorous sanitation and immunisation
with attenuated strains of FWPV or the antigenically similar
pigeonpox virus vaccines. While most of these vaccines are
highly effective in conferring long-lasting immunity, a number
of recurrent outbreaks in previously vaccinated flocks have been
reported. In recent years, fowlpox outbreaks in poultry flocks
have been on the rise mainly due to emerging novel types of
FWPV and the pathogenic traits of these strains are reportedly
enhanced by integration of reticuloendotheliosis virus
sequences of various lengths into the FWPV genome. This has
become a hurdle in controlling the disease, thus necessitating
the development of newer vaccines with improved efficacy. The
present review summarises the overall dynamics of the FWPV
including taxonomic classification, replica¬tion mechanisms,
pathogenicity, provirus integration, its use as recombinant
vaccine vector, disease impacts and diagnostics, and also
highlighted gaps requiring further research.
Conclusion
FWPV is the most important member of the APVs and causes
disease of great economic importance to the poultry industry.
It is a treasure trove of research opportunities for virologists and
immunologists with so much unanswered or poorly understood
dynamics ranging from replication in permissive non-avian cells,
rational design and development of modified live or vectored
vaccines to limited information of the viral genes controlling
fowlpox pathogenesis, viral virulence, and host range
interactions. Therefore, detailed knowledge of the molecular
properties of FWPV, which invariably underpin its use as vaccine
vector against fatal medical and zoonotic diseases, is necessary
to unravel the mysteries behind this important pathogen. In the
present review, current information about FWPV classification,
morphogenesis, replication, and uses as a recombinant vaccine
vector are summarised. We also highlighted the commonly
reported integration of reticuloendotheliosis virus sequence
within FWPV genome, as well as FWPV disease pathogenicity,
diagnostics, and control strategies. Functions of some genes
associated with viral persistence in the environment (e.g.
photolyase) or related to enhanced virulence (e.g. thymidine
kinase; REV provirus) have been determined, thus, research on
genetic manipulation of such genes may improve current FWPV
vaccines.
Source : World’s Poultry Science Journal
10
Article

Rapid, Robust and Reliable

Mycotoxins Analysis
Dr. J. Pothanna
Technical Manager, Niwas Balaji, Laboratory Manager
Trouw Nutrition South Asia
Introduction
Fungal toxins known as aflatoxins pose a substantial risk
to human health, particularly in some developing nations
where there is a high prevalence of aflatoxin-related health
consequences and significant food contamination. There are
numerous methods available for testing of food mycotoxins.
Although expensive, challenging to operate, and sensitive,
modern chromatographic techniques enable for quantitative
measurement with great accuracy and sensitivity. Rapid tests
offer a more affordable option than screening several samples
at once, but they still require validation on all food matrices
that are evaluated. Making sure there are appropriate detection
and quantification technologies that are quick, sensitive,
accurate, reliable, and affordable for food surveillance in
resource-constrained contexts is crucial to combating aflatoxin
contamination and exposure. According to recent estimates,
60-80% of crops contain measurable levels of mycotoxins.
Co-contamination with more than one toxin occurs frequently,
and this varies geographically depending on climate and
farming practices.
Techniques For General Mycotoxin Analysis
The analysis of mycotoxins is extremely difficult. They are
heterogeneously distributed at various quantities in a variety
of agricultural commodities, foods, feeds, and biological
samples, as well as include a variety of chemical components,
necessitating extraction, cleanup, separation, and detection
techniques. As a result of plant metabolism, some mycotoxins,
particularly deoxynivalenol and zearalenone, are conjugated,
and these "masked" mycotoxins may contribute 20% of the
total amount of the parent mycotoxin but are undetectable by
standard examination [1].
Quantification of mycotoxins necessitates the use of costly
laboratory equipment that must be operated by highly trained
individuals, as well as a sequence of stages and procedures
that can be difficult and time-consuming. The need for high
sensitivity tests to detect the lowest possible levels of mycotoxin
for regulatory purposes, combined with rapidity, high accuracy,
simplicity, robustness, and selectivity, has been the primary
driving force behind the development and improvement of
new mycotoxin analytical protocols. Mycotoxin analysis is
required to quantify the toxin for risk assessment, diagnosis,
and mitigation techniques.
Aflatoxin testing in food items is particularly difficult due
to uneven toxin distribution and the low levels at which
mycotoxins exist [1]. As a result, some national and international
food safety authorities and organisations have prescribed
sampling methods for a variety of food commodities to
obtain representative samples that can be used to determine
concentrations of various mycotoxins in foodstuffs for official
control purposes; sampling is potentially the most significant
source of error in mycotoxin testing [2]. Many commodities have
thorough sampling plans in place. To produce a representative
sample from a grain storage facility, for example, incremental
samples must be collected from various locations across the
facility [3], with the entire primary sample pulverised, blended,
and subsampled to assure consistency.
Mycotoxins are extracted from the matrix using a suitable
solvent, cleaned of co-extracted matrix components, and
identified/quantified using appropriate analytical facilities.
Some unique approaches, such as infrared spectroscopy, may
detect mycotoxin contamination directly in ground samples
without prior solvent extraction or clean up, but are limited to
screening applications due to significant matrix interference
and a lack of acceptable calibration materials. Although
additional purification is required for chromatographic
determination, the diluted extracts can be employed directly
with immunoanalytical procedures.
Determination Of Toxins
Conventional analytical methods for mycotoxin analysis in
food typically involve chromatographic separation techniques
such as liquid chromatography (LC), thin layer chromatography
(TLC), and gas chromatography (GC). High-performance liquid
chromatography (HPLC) is commonly used, often combined with
immunoaffinity cleanup, to quantitatively determine regulated
mycotoxins. Detection systems such as fluorescence detection

INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 12

(FLD) or mass spectrometry (MS) are frequently employed for
enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. These methods help ensure
the safety and quality of food by identifying and measuring
mycotoxins present in the samples.
1. Thin Layer Chromatography
Earlier, thin layer chromatography (TLC) was commonly
used as a mycotoxin screening technique due to its
affordability and ability to process many samples quickly.
However, TLC has limitations in terms of separating
power, which makes it difficult to distinguish between the
mycotoxin of interest and other interfering substances
present in the sample. To address this issue, modern
cleanup techniques have been developed that effectively
remove impurities, thereby enhancing the reliability
and accuracy of TLC analysis. These advancements have
helped overcome the limitations of TLC and improved its
usefulness in mycotoxin analysis.
2. High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Currently, the most used method for mycotoxin
determination is high-performance liquid chromatography
(HPLC) due to its advantages in sensitivity, precision, and
automation. After extracting and cleaning up the samples,
they are injected into the HPLC column. In this technique,
individual mycotoxin compounds are separated based on
their interaction with the column matrix and the solvent
used in the mobile phase [4].
For better quantification of mycotoxins using the HPLC
technique coupled with fluorescence detection (HPLC-
FLD), derivatization is important. Derivatization can
enhance the fluorescence signal, making it easier to
quantify mycotoxins accurately. Different methods of
derivatization can be employed, such as pre-column
derivatization with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) or post-
column derivatization with bromine or iodine, which
can be used to identify aflatoxins [5]. There are also
alternative approaches like photochemical post-column
derivatization or the incorporation of specific cyclodextrins
in the mobile phase to enhance fluorescence without the
use of chemical derivatization [6].
While HPLC-FLD offers good sensitivity and specificity in
mycotoxin analysis, it does have limitations. It requires
expensive equipment and skilled operators to perform the
analysis. Additionally, the sample preparation procedures
can be time-consuming and laborious.
3. Liquid Chromatography /Mass Spectrometry
Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC/
MS) is a technique that allows for more sensitive and
selective determination of multiple mycotoxins in
complex matrices, with improved limits of detection
and quantification. Modern LC/MS instruments use
interfaces like atmospheric pressure chemical ionization
(APCI), atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI), and
electrospray ionization (ESI) due to their robustness, ease
of handling, high sensitivity, accuracy, and ability to work
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW
with a wide range of compound polarities.
4. Gas Chromatography
Gas chromatography (GC) is a method used to determine
mycotoxins that can easily turn into gas inside the
chromatography column. For example, GC combined
with electron capture detection (ECD), flame ionization
detection (FID), or mass spectrometric detection (MS)
can be used to identify mycotoxins like trichothecenes
or patulin. However, GC requires the samples to be
cleaned up before analysis and treated with chemicals
to make them more volatile and sensitive. GC has some
disadvantages too. The sample needs to be in a gas form
or converted into a gas, there can be losses due to heat,
and the equipment for GC is expensive.
5. Rapid Screening Methods
Quick screening methods, such as immunochemical
techniques, offer rapid detection of mycotoxins. These
methods range from simple tests like lateral flow assays
and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to
advanced immunosensors. They work by binding a specific
antibody to the target mycotoxin, without the need for
extensive sample cleanup or enrichment steps.
5.1 ELISA Techniques
The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
technique uses specific antibodies to detect and bind the
target molecule. In ELISA, the target molecule can directly
bind to the antibody or be linked to an enzyme, which
then reacts with a coloured substance to produce a visible
result.
However, mycotoxins have a small size and are not easily
detected by antibodies alone. To make them detectable
in ELISA, they are attached to a carrier molecule to make
them more noticeable. ELISA is known for being highly
sensitive, accurate, portable, quick, and easy to use,
making it suitable for testing many samples efficiently.
Despite its advantages, ELISA also has some limitations. It
often requires single-use kits, which can be expensive for
large-scale testing. The results of ELISA can be influenced
by the composition of the sample being tested, and
there can be issues with false positive reactions with
other substances. Moreover, ELISA has a limited range of
detection due to the specific nature of the antibodies used
in the test.
5.2 Lateral Flow Devices
Lateral flow strips and dipstick devices, which are also
known as immunochromatographic test devices, are
simple and disposable tools used to detect mycotoxins.
These devices have a toxin or antibody attached to
them, which can be labelled with enzymes, liposomes,
or colloidal gold. Colloidal gold is commonly used in
mycotoxin test strips because it is easily available, simple
to produce, and can be easily combined with antibodies.
In these devices, the mycotoxin in the sample interacts
13
with the attached antibodies, which are labelled with
colloidal gold, at the base of the strip. The antibodies,
whether bound to the mycotoxin or not, move along the
strip membrane. As they move, they pass a test line that
contains immobilized mycotoxin. If there are any free
antibodies, they will bind to the mycotoxin on the test
line, forming a visible line that indicates the presence
of aflatoxin below a certain limit. The device also has a
control line further along the strip, which consists of anti-
antibodies. This control line ensures that the sample has
moved completely along the strip.
There is another type of device called a membrane-based
flow-through device or enzyme-linked immunofiltration
assay (ELIFA). In this device, the liquid flows through the
membrane in a perpendicular direction and is collected
on an absorbent pad on the other side of the membrane.
It uses an enzyme label that requires a step of incubating
Key Advantages
Mycomaster Device -Trouw Nutrition
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW
the sample with a substrate. The test and control lines are
generated by a colour reaction between the enzyme and
the substrate.
Due to their simplicity and ease of use, the development
of dipstick and lateral flow assays for mycotoxins is
likely to continue. Researchers are exploring the use of
stable, non-enzymatic labels in these assays, and there
are already several commercially available devices.
Additionally, innovative labels based on nanoparticles,
such as quantum dots, gold nanoparticles, magnetic
nanoparticles, carbon nanoparticles, and time-resolved
fluorescent microspheres, have been developed to
improve the detection capabilities of lateral flow devices.
The use of fluorescence quenching principles in lateral
flow immunoassays has also increased the sensitivity of
these assays.
5.3 Mycomaster -Trouw Nutrition
Toxin Strips
14
 Trouw Nutrition has developed a special program that
helps feed producers manage the risk of mycotoxin
contamination. This program uses a 3-step approach:
identifying the risk, ensuring quality control, and applying
effective solutions.
 First, the program helps identify the risk of mycotoxin
contamination by regularly testing and analysing
the feed ingredients. This helps farmers and feed
producers understand the level of risk and take
necessary measures.
 Next the program focuses on quality control. It
ensures that the raw materials used for making
feed and the final feed product meet high-quality
standards. This involves thorough testing and
analysis to detect any mycotoxin presence and
taking steps to prevent further contamination.
 Trouw Nutrition provides solutions to mitigate the
risk of mycotoxin contamination. These solutions
may include special additives or treatments that can
neutralize or bind mycotoxins, making them less
harmful.
Feed producers can reduce the risk of mycotoxin
contamination, maintain the quality of their feed, and
protect the health and performance of animals. It is an
important step towards ensuring safe and high-quality
animal feed production.
Trouw Nutrition has developed a rapid analysis tool
called Mycomaster. This device helps farmers to find out
if their animal feed contains harmful substances called
mycotoxins. Mycomaster is a smart device that uses a
simple method called lateral-flow technology to measure
the levels of mycotoxin contamination in the feed. Farmers
can check for six different types of mycotoxins with
Mycomaster: Zearalenone, Deoxynivalenol, Aflatoxins,
Fumonisins, Ochratoxin, and T2-HT2. The device gives
results in just 15-30 minutes, so farmers can quickly know
if their feed is contaminated.
Mycomaster can also connect to Trouw Nutrition's global
data system. This means that farmers can see information
from around the world about mycotoxin contamination. It
helps them understand the situation fast, better and make
necessary mitigation strategy.
Conclusion
It is important to ensure that our food is safe from contamination
by aflatoxins and other mycotoxins. Analysing and quantifying
these toxins is crucial for feed-to-food safety. There are various
methods available for detecting and measuring aflatoxins, each
with its own advantages and disadvantages.
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW
Analytical techniques like HPLC coupled with mass spectrometry
or fluorescent detectors are accurate but expensive and require
trained personnel. TLC is a simpler and more affordable option,
especially in developing countries. Screening methods, such as
ELISAs and dipstick tests, are rapid and easy to use, making them
suitable for low-income countries. However, it is important to
ensure that the chosen method is appropriate for the specific
food item being tested.
Efforts are being made to develop multi-toxin screening assays,
as aflatoxins are often found together with other mycotoxins.
This helps us understand the extent of contamination and take
necessary measures to protect public health. It is also important
to ensure that the results obtained from rapid screening tests
align with quantitative analysis conducted in regulatory
laboratories.
By employing effective analytical methods and screening
techniques, we can identify and address mycotoxin
contamination in our food supply chain, ensuring the safety of
our food and protecting the health of consumers.
References
1) Bryden WL. Mycotoxin contamination of the feed supply
chain: Implications for animal productivity and feed security.
Animal Feed Science and Technology. 2012;173:134-158
2) Whitaker TB. Sampling for mycotoxins. In: Magan N, Olsen
M, editors. Mycotoxins in Food. UK: Woodhead Publishing;
2004. pp. 69-87
3) Whitaker TB. Sampling foods for mycotoxins. Food
Additives and Contaminants. 2006; 23:50-61. DOI: 10.1080/
02652030500241587
4) Yao H, Hruska Z, Mavungu DJ. Developments in detection
and determination of aflatoxins. World Mycotoxin Journal.
2015; 8(2):181-191
5) Pascale M, Visconti A. Overview of detection methods for
mycotoxins. In: Leslie JF, Bandyopadhyay R, Visconti A,
editors. Mycotoxins Detection Methods, Management,
Public Health and Agricultural Trade. Cambridge (MA): CABI
International; 2008. pp. 171-183
6) Shephard GS. Aflatoxin analysis at the beginning of the
twenty-first century: A review. Analytical Bioanalytical
Chemistry. 2009;395(5):1215-1224
7) Turner NW, Subrahmanyam S, Piletsky SA. Analytical
methods for determination of mycotoxins: A review.
Analytica Chimica Acta. 2009; 632(2):168-180
15
Article
Probiotics As A Tool To Support Optimal
Production
Wouter Van der Veken
Global Product Manager Feed Additives
Huvepharma
An understanding of the animal gut has grown over the years,
not only in regards to its basic mechanisms and how these
function, but also how gut health plays a major role in ensuring
effective animal production. The link with technical results in
undeniable, as a healthy gut and a balanced microbiota are
the motor of animal growth performance. Managing these has
become increasingly more important as animal production
continues to aim for more efficiency and productivity.
To do so, methods and concepts regarding gut health
management have evolved over the years as well. With the
rise of consumer demands, especially regarding the use of
antibiotics, the interest in alternative tools to support the gut
has increased.
Probiotics are a good example of such alternative tools, as
their efficacy has been proven time and time again. Probiotics
themselves are not a new concept in theory, and even less so
in practice : live bacteria in certain fermented foods have been
associated with health benefits since ancient times. However,
our understanding of probiotics has evolved, including how
certain bacteria can play a supportive role in animal production.
Health Benefits To The Host
Probiotics are viable micro-organisms which, when administered
in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host, usually
by impacting the gut (FAO/WHO).
Their mode of action can be multifactorial, which makes them
a complex research topic. As a result, there remains plenty of
research to be done, both commercially and scientifically.
Nevertheless, the impact probiotics can have on gut health and
technical performance has been proven beyond any doubt,
making them a well recognised part of proper feed formulation.
A good example is Bacillus licheniformis DSM 28710 (B-Act), a
spore-forming probiotic with a long and extensive history in
animal production.
Initial R&D identified the strain’s uniqueness and recognized
its potential for use in animal production, especially as the
probiotic is a spore-former.
As a spore, the probiotic bacteria is protected from
environmental influences and can be easily used in a wide range
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW
of feed processes. This includes feed treatments with sanitary
products, as well as pelleting under different conditions.
As such, B. licheniformis DSM 28710’s spore-forming capacity
contributes to its ease of use, and ensures delivery of the
probiotic at the right location.
B. licheniformis DSM 28710’s mode of action is based on the
principle of competitive exclusive, including outcompeting
undesirable bacteria in terms of nutrients and space as well
as producing potent metabolites, with a strong affinity for
decreasing undesirable bacteria such as Clostridium perfringens.
As a result, the composition and balance of the gut microbiota
are positively impacted, whilst gut integrity is maintained.
By incorporating B-Act from start until finish, it is possible to
mitigate gut health challenges during all production stages.
Recent efficacy research focused on the use of B-Act in layers,
showing improvement in both egg quality and egg production.
For example, when B-Act was introduced to Hy-line Brown layers
in a dosage of 500g/mton (1.6x1012 CFU/mton of feed) from 21-
45 weeks of age, egg production increased significantly, whilst
feed conversion efficiency improved numerically.
Supporting High-Performing Layers
The results were replicated in a second trial with Isa Brown
hens, from 22-34 weeks of age and receiving the same B-Act
dosage. In this case the laying index increased whilst feed intake
deceased, leading to a significantly improved feed conversion
efficiency. In a third trial, this time with Lohmann Brown layers
between 25-45 weeks of age and supplemented with the same
B-Act dosage, the findings, were confirmed once more.
In the last trial egg quality parameters were evaluated as well,
showing that B-Act supplementation improved egg shell
quality and breaking strength, leading to a reduced percentage
of cracked and dirty eggs.
Excreted protein in the manure was also analysed indicating
that B-Act supplementation significantly reduced the amount of
excreted protein. This can be interpreted as better functioning
of the gastrointestinal tract, thus utilising the provided nutrients
from the diet as much as possible.
Supporting a healthy gut leads to productive and profitable
poultry. With an attractive return on investment, B-Act offers
an interesting solution, combining economics with health
standards in the most rewarding way.
17
Article

Monsoon Management in Poultry

Usually, the term monsoon bacterial and parasitic
is used to refer to the rainy infections in poultry.
phase of a seasonally Also, there is every
changing pattern. It is chance of developing
the time of year when maggot wounds in case
most of a region’s average of loose drops/ pasty
annual rainfall occurs. vents. Cleanliness along
Monsoon comes with the with judicious use of
challenges of high relative insecticides and regular
humidity and fluctuations bleaching powder
of temperature. Extremes and formalin spray
of weather are always (3-5%) outside the shed
can keep the insect
harmful for living beings,
population under control. Maggot Wound
Dr. Sumon Nag Chowdhury especially monsoon that
M. V. Sc (Veterinary Medicine) favours the propagation of Reduction in daylight hours (photoperiod) during the rainy
Group Technical Manager season, can be alleviated by providing artificial light to maintain
different kinds of pathogenic
Glamac International Pvt. Ltd.
organisms like bacteria, virus, optimum feed intake and egg production.
fungus, parasites and different vectors like flies, mosquitoes Litter Management: Litter is where the chickens spend all their
etc. This requires due considerations and appropriate measures life in deep litter system. Rice husk, saw dust and wood shavings
in chicken farming for maintaining livability and efficient are commonly used litter materials in poultry farming. Adequate
production. care must be taken to manage litter. A good quality litter should
Housing Management: A well maintained be highly absorbent and should dilute the concentration of
shed helps minimizing the climatic stress droppings. The litter thickness should be around 3 inches. Store
and health challenges in birds. Before the at least 20% more litter material in a dry place to replace the wet
ensuing monsoon, the roof of the house and litter material when required. There should not be any seepage
walls should be duly inspected and any kind from the floor wetting the litter. Wet and caked litter leads to
of holes or leakages anywhere should be high built-up ammonia in the poultry house. Ammonia is
properly repaired. The drainage ditch around generated by chemical and microbial degradation of uric acid,
the shed should be clear. In the roofs, the side overhangs should which is excreted by the birds. The resulting ammonium ions
be minimum 3 to 4 ft. to prevent the entry of direct rain water (NH4+) are converted into volatile ammonia, especially under
into the shed. The side walls of the empty shed should be alkaline conditions, higher temperatures, higher moisture, and
completely covered with polythene curtains. Curtains should higher NH4+ concentration (Bittman and Mikkelsen, 2009). The
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 build 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.
At least 10 ft. outside the shed should be kept properly cleaned
and free from bushes and grass. If there is any waterlogging 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,
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 18
maximum permissible level of ammonia in the litter is 25 ppm,
though at 6 ppm concentration only, there will be irritation of
the eyes and the respiratory tract and at 11 ppm reduced animal
performance. Ammonia and 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 and germination of coccidial
oocysts leading to various diseases and poor performance. Wet
litter is also responsible for breast blisters and sores on the foot
pads and 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 litter raking twice a
day. To reduce the litter moisture, add 1 kg. slaked lime and 150
gms. 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.
Do not store feed for long in monsoon. The shelf-life of feed
is shorter due to high humidity conditions in monsoon. Never
allow feed in the bags to get heated up, and/ or cake formation.
These are preliminary signs of decomposition 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
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW
Moisture pick up from environment
Oxidation of nutrients
Fungal infection
Improper Insect infestation
Feed Storage
Heat generation
Feed loss by rodents
should be kept in the farm to avoid frequent transportation in
rainy days.
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.
Strictly avoid 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
disinfection purpose. At least once daily the feeder should be
wiped with a dry cloth.
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
19
indicates good quality water that can effectively be sanitized by
as little as 2-4 ppm free chlorine (Oviedo, 2006).
Disease Control: The inclement weather during monsoon can
cause birds’ immunity to 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. Altogether, this 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
belonging 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.
• 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 and 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.
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW
• 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.
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
20

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 +ve, 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
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW
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 and/
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.
Last Few Words
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.
21
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 Cover
Indian Poultry Review Annual Issue 2023 Release
A Livestock Inclusive
Sustainable Future
I
n a world where sustainable development
has become an imperative, the
intersection of livestock, agriculture
and environmental consciousness takes
centre stage. In the backdrop of this scenario,
Indian Poultry Review Annual Conclave
2023 held in Kolkata on 12th August,
emerged as a beacon of knowledge and
innovation, providing a dynamic platform for
stakeholders to deliberate on the pivotal role
of livestock, particularly poultry, in steering
India towards a sustainable future. Held
against the backdrop of evolving challenges,
this conclave convened visionaries, industry
leaders, policymakers and researchers,
fostering a holistic discourse on how the
livestock sector can contribute to a more
sustainable and resilient future.
As the global population burgeons and
climate change exerts unprecedented
pressure on natural resources, the livestock
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW
sector finds itself at a critical juncture. With a
population of over 1.3 billion, India is among
the largest consumers of poultry products
in the world. The confluence of rising
demand, technological advancements,
and heightened environmental awareness
necessitates a paradigm shift in the way
we approach livestock production and
management.
Indian Poultry Review Annual Conclave 2023
brought together a diverse array of experts,
each offering unique perspectives and
innovative solutions. From adopting cutting-
edge technologies to exploring sustainable
feed alternatives, the conclave’s agenda was
carefully curated to encompass every aspect
of livestock production that holds promise
for a more sustainable tomorrow.
The Introductory Address was delivered
by Prof. (Dr.) P.K. Shukla, Dean, College of
24
Inaugural Lamp Lighting
Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, DUVASU, Mathura.
Dr. R. S. Sodhi, President Indian Dairy Association delivered the
Keynote Address.
Speakers at Indian Poultry Review Annual Conclave 2023 were :
• Dr. Manoj Sharma, Managing Director, Mayank Aquaculture
• Dr. V.V. Sadamate, Agricultural Extension Specialist and
Former Advisor Agriculture, Planning Commission,
Government of India
• Dr. Vijay Makhija, President, Indian Federation of Animal
Health Companies (INFAH)
• Dr. Amrita Ganguly, Executive Director, Deloitte India
• Dr. Shirish Nigam, Mananging Director - South Asia,
EW Nutrition
• Mani, National Key Accounts’ Manager, Aviagen India
The Concluding Address was delivered by Tarun Shridhar,
Former Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and
Dairying, Government of India.
Selvan Kannan, Business Advisor, Value Consultants and an
industry veteran moderated the Conclave.
In his address, G. N. Ghosh, Managing Editor, Indian Poultry
Review welcomed the speakers and guests. He encouraged the
attendees to interact with the speakers and make the Conclave
a meaningful dialogue. He also reiterated the importance of the
UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and said that the Indian
poultry and livestock industries have the immense potential
to contribute significantly to the SDGs leading to holistic and
effective solutions for a poverty-free, equitable and sustainable
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW
India. However, this requires a commitment to sustainable
and ethical practices within the industry including addressing
concerns related to animal welfare, environmental impact and
food safety while ensuring fair treatment of workers and local
communities, reminded Ghosh.
Delivering the Introductory Address, Prof. (Dr.) P.K. Shukla said
that the theme of the Conclave was very apt as the entire world
is thinking about sustainability issues. The key question, he said,
lay in finding out the role of livestock and poultry in achieving
this sustainability. In a population of 140 crores in India, around
5 crore children are malnourished; we see poverty around us
and most of the 17 SDGs of the UN are related to agriculture
and livestock including lowering poverty and zero hunger.
Animal husbandry is known to not only feed the family but to
also generate income to sustain the family. Speaking about the
poultry sector, Prof. Shukla said that although farmers say from
time to time that poultry farming is no longer remunerative,
there is a growth of 6 to 7 percent annually. This is also the case
in dairy sector – increasing and fulfilling demand year after
year. The fisheries sector is also following this trend, added
Prof. Shukla. He mentioned a few points that need deliberation
– resource utilisation that should be optimum and must
have a maximum potential; environmental concerns; genetic
improvement and availability of feed and food material; disease
control, containment and prevention; welfare issues and
farmers’ empowerment. Once these are achieved, Prof. Shukla
said he was sure that we would meet the developmental goals.
Chief Guest, Amit Saraogi, Managing Director, Anmol Feeds
said India’s expanding population demands a higher supply of
25
meat and eggs with livestock playing a crucial role in ensuring
food security. Currently, livestock constitutes 28 percent of
the agricultural sector. Unlike the modest growth rate of
1-2 percent in crop agriculture, the livestock sector experiences a
notable growth rate of 8-9 percent. Addressing livestock farming
in the country, particularly shrimp farming, he emphasised a
pressing concern: farmers rely heavily on credit extended by
the industry – they do not use their own funds, by and large.
Saraogi felt that this needs to change – farmers ought to invest
their own resources or financial institutions and banks must
be encouraged to provide loans. The primary challenge in this
sector lies in securing capital for farmers, a matter that Saraogi
believes warrants immediate attention. Anmol Feeds has taken
a pioneering step by launching the world’s first e-commerce
feed portal, generating an estimated revenue of approximately
Rs. 1 crore each month. Nevertheless, the fundamental issue
remains access to capital, as farmers, despite benefitting
from a more streamlined distribution chain, face constraints
due to limited availability of capital. Saraogi underscored the
paramount importance of transitioning livestock from being
seen as a mere commodity to a valued product. Despite
extensive discussions on this topic, actual progress has been
minimal, according to Saraogi. While there have been some
advancements in the livestock processing sector, there remains
a considerable distance to cover, with the current market share
standing at only around 5 percent, displaying unsatisfactory
growth rates. Given the relatively low base, Saraogi suggested
a growth rate in the range of 15-20 percent. He also noted that
while there exists legislation governing contract farming, its
implementation is lacking, which significantly contributes to
stagnant farmer incomes over the years, without accounting
for inflation and rising cost of living. In conclusion, Saraogi
emphasized the critical importance of embracing sustainability
as an immediate need. Failing to adopt sustainable practices
now could lead to profound and detrimental consequences for
the human race in future.
Guest of Honour, Madan Mohan Maity, General Secretary,
West Bengal Poultry Federation said that over the years, eggs
and chicken have taken on the role of staples in daily diets.
This has resulted in every state government trying to achieve
self-sufficiency in production of these two items. Once this
happens, it will be imperative that each state consumes its
own production in entirety. This was reflected in the recent
embargo placed by the Government of Assam on broilers
produced in West Bengal and was possible only because Assam
was confident of producing enough chicken and eggs to meet
its own requirement. One of the major problems facing the
industry is that if all states achieve self-sufficiency, then where
will the excess eggs produced by some states go? Another
focus area Maity spoke about is boosting cultivation of poultry
related crops.
The second Guest of Honour for the day, Vikash Deo, Director
– Production, Bhandari Group of Companies said that even
now chicken is treated more as a luxury than a necessity. He
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW
stressed the importance of consumer education and consumer
engagement to spread the information about the benefits of
chicken consumption. Deo suggested that like for corn and
soybean, the government should create an MSP for chicken and
eggs. He urged the government to work on policies to support
poultry farmers and to effectively communicate that to farmers
as farmers are not aware of most of the schemes and subsidies
already available for them. He also spoke about the need for
farmers’ training in modern poultry farming techniques.
Guest of Honour, Dr. Dibyendu Dey, Executive Director,
Immeureka Health Pvt. Ltd. and Past President, Indian
Federation of Animal Health Companies (INFAH), said that
the poultry industry is actually part of the food industry and
is working towards progressing India from a protein deficient
country to a protein sufficient country. He , however, questioned
if the industry was working proactively enough. He advocated
better communication between the industry and consumers,
the biggest stakeholders. He added that the engagement with
consumers must be a continuous process and not limited to
crisis situations.
In his Keynote Address, Dr. R. S. Sodhi revealed a personal
connect to the poultry industry stemming from his family’s
former ownership of a poultry farm. He emphasised his 41 years’
observation of India’s evolving food market, underlining its
crucial role in providing livelihood and nutritional security for the
nation. Dr. Sodhi projected a bright future for India’s food industry,
considering its status as a $ 3 trillion economy and one of the
world’s top five nations. He highlighted the industry’s immense
value at $ 550 billion or Rs. 50 lakh crore, with only around
12 percent currently organised, of which dairy accounts for
approximately 50 percent. The livestock sector, valued at about
Rs. 16-17 lakh crore, includes dairy, which alone is around Rs.
11 lakh crore. Over the past half-century, India’s population has
grown by about 2.5 times, with cereals exhibiting a 2.1 percent
annual growth rate, fruits and vegetables expanding around 3.5
times per annum, and dairy boasting an impressive 4.7 percent
annual growth. India, once a milk deficit country, has now
become the world’s leading milk producer. During the same
period, poultry has outperformed dairy by 50 percent, and
cereals by threefold, with a 23 percent growth in production.
Fisheries have also shown robust growth at around 5 percent.
Dr. Sodhi acknowledged poultry’s remarkable growth despite
the absence of significant government support, such as MSP
and power subsidies. He stressed the importance of not just
sustaining, but accelerating this growth rate. At the current
trajectory, the poultry industry, valued at approximately Rs.2.25
lakh crore, is projected to reach Rs. 20 lakh crores by 2047, with
an estimated Rs. 10 lakh crore in the organised sector. Dr. Sodhi
discussed positive food industry trends favouring the poultry
sector, citing taste, nutrition, and affordability as key factors
influencing consumer choices. With rising incomes, there’s a
shift towards protein and fat rich diets from carbohydrate-
heavy ones, benefitting the poultry sector. Eggs, being an
economical source of protein compared to milk, are gaining
26
popularity. Urbanisation and increased disposable incomes
are driving consumers towards organised food sectors, leading
to higher sales of packaged and branded goods. This shift was
accelerated threefold by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Sodhi
highlighted a recent trend favouring local brands, driven by
the perception of freshness and affordability. Consumers are
now paying closer attention to food labels to understand the
contents. The preference for pure, natural foods with fewer
additives is also on the rise. Dr. Sodhi pointed out that in the
poultry industry, 85-90 percent is unorganised backward, while
in dairy only 4-5 percent falls into this category. However, in
dairy, the forward sector is much better organised than that in
poultry. Poultry industry experiences greater price volatility,
affecting both farmers and the industry as a whole, compared to
the more stable dairy sector, observed Dr. Sodhi. He attributed
the success of the dairy sector to cooperatives and government
initiatives, whereas the poultry sector’s success is primarily
driven by industry efforts. Dr. Sodhi identified opportunities
for the poultry sector, including the increasing consumption of
proteins and the demand for fresh, hygienically packed chilled
chicken at an affordable price. He shared a valuable insight: the
maximum premium achievable when shifting mass consumers
from loose, unbranded products to branded ones is 10-15
percent. Additionally, there is a growing trend of vegetarians
incorporating eggs into their diets. Poultry and dairy have
the potential to quadruple farmers’ incomes, a significant
opportunity for agriculture. Dr. Sodhi acknowledged that while
the next generation often shies away from food production in
other agricultural sectors, this is not the case in poultry, where
the next generation is actively engaged in many instances and
improving operations. He emphasised the need for the industry
to engage policymakers amore effectively, as many are unaware
of its potential. Feed shortages leading to high costs and the
implementation of sustainable, cost-effective technology are
major challenges for both poultry and dairy. Dr. Sodhi urged
the poultry industry to focus on ensuring the inclusion of eggs
in mid-day meals across all states and mitigating the price
volatility. He noted the potential threat from the plant- based
lobby to the meat and poultry industry. He commended the
poultry sector for its sterling work in providing livelihood
for rural populations and concluded by emphasising the
importance of organising the industry further, enhancing feed
efficiency, and communicating its contributions to rural India’s
development, both nationally and internationally.
The Keynote Address was followed by a very intensive and
interactive Q&A session with Dr. Sodhi.
The first speaker of the day, Dr. Manoj Sharma spoke on the
"Role of Aquaculture in Rural Development in India." He said
that India is one of the largest shrimp producers and exporters
in the world with shrimp farming happening over almost
200,00 ha of land. Shrimp production in India is approximately
5000 kg / ha. Shrimp production in India is currently close
to 10 lakh tons but while there is a good domestic market
for fish, the domestic market for shrimp is negligible.
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW
Dr. Sharma underlined the need for better utilisation of available
resources in the country for aquaculture. He spoke at length
about how shrimp farming had contributed substantially
to transforming rural life in Gujarat. He also spoke about his
journey in shrimp farming. Dr. Sharma said that the need of
the hour was to promote domestic consumption of shrimp and
reduce dependence on exports. This is critical to the wellbeing
of the industry. Drawing a parallel with fish consumption,
Dr. Sharma said that if 160 lakh tons of fish can be consumed
in India in a year, then 10 lakh tons of shrimps should not be a
problem. He spoke about his forward integration initiatives for
promoting domestic shrimp consumption including his brand
Zhingalala under which he is running a restaurant as well as
selling processed, frozen shrimps. He concluded by saying that
with a boost in domestic shrimp consumption, farmers and
the industry will benefit through better price realisation for
their produce; optimised cost of production; no need to reach
larger sizes of shrimps; other input based companies like feed,
medicine and hatchery will have more stability; processors will
not have to worry about catering to export market and will
enjoy more flexibility.
Dr. V.V. Sadamate delivered a very detailed presentation titled
“Strengthening Livestock Extension Services for Sustainable
Development: A Way Ahead.” He gave an overview of the
impressive performance of the agriculture and allied sectors
and the contribution of the livestock sector. With a livestock
population of 536.76 million, management of livestock is a
huge task in India, added Dr. Sadamate. He elaborated on how
livestock is the answer to nutritional issues facing our country.
He also provided a snapshot of the various schemes being run
by DAHD and MOF & AHD. Dr. Sadamate added that delivery
of livestock extension services is a serious challenge and
explained why. He explained the current extension models and
why they were weaker in the allied sectors. He also spoke about
the growth drivers in the agriculture sector and delved into the
various innovative extension strategies.
In his presentation on “Role of Animal Health in Achieving
Sustainable Development Goals,” Dr. Vijay Makhija spoke
about how India has a huge challenge of feeding the world’s
most populous country which has 17.5 percent of the world’s
population on 2.4 percent of the world’s land. He said that
efficient and sustainable production of chicken and eggs can be
a viable solution to this challenge and animal health solutions
contribute to this in a big way. Dr. Makhija detailed how animal
health solutions contribute towards achieving SGD’s : SDG #1 –
prevention of diseases and economic losses to poultry farmers;
SDG #2 – efficient and sustainable poultry production thus
ensuring food security; SDG # 3 – reducing transmission of food
borne diseases from poultry to human beings ; SDG # 12 and
13 – sickness and loss of birds. He added that healthy animals
have smaller environmental footprints; that’s why UNFAO
says ”animal health is necessary for sustainable livestock
production.” He concluded with a quotation by Robert Swan,
the first person to walk to both poles, “The Greatest Threat to
27
Q&A
Our Planet is the Belief That Someone else will Save it.”
Dr. Amrita Ganguly addressed the audience on “Sustainable
Livestock Production and Food Security.” She opened her
presentation by saying that livestock is an integral part of
developing economies which contributes to food security,
poverty reduction and socio-economic development and gave
a brief overview of the livestock sector. She added that there
are three main areas of concern regarding the sector – social,
environmental and economic. Elaborating, she said that around
a billion people suffer from hunger while around 1/3rd the food
produced is wasted; 1/3rd of food is lost in the supply chain;
livestock contributes 7100 MT CO2 every year; with increasing
population, food demand will increase by 60 percent in 2050.
All this points to the need of sustainable livestock and food
security. She listed the routes to achieving sustainable livestock
production – improve production efficiency, restore grasslands,
undertake animal health management initiatives; concentrate
on waste management; supply chain management and achieve
energy efficiency. Dr. Ganguly also spoke about India’s initiative
for sustainable livestock under G20. She concluded with a case
of production of animal feed from potato waste.
Speaking on “The Role of Feed Additives in Sustainable
Production,” Dr. Shirish Nigam said that sustainability impacts
five dimension of human existence – physical environment,
nutrition, social environment, health and safety. He explained
how feed additives contribute to sustainability in the animal
protein production chain at feed mill, storage, production,
slaughter house and distribution and end consumers. He said
that the sustainability blueprint relies on four pillars – reduced
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW
water, air and land pollution; sustainable growth, sustainable
energy use and safety of feed, food and people.
The final speaker of the Conclave, Mani’s presentation centred
around “Production Sustainability.” He began by explaining
what substantiality actually means and said that the three
pillars of sustainability are environmental, economic and social.
He then described the sustainability tools and spoke about
the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the UN. He further
said that that the International Poultry Council had prioritized
five SDGs for the poultry industry at the Sao Paulo Declaration
of 2019 – Zero Hunger; Good Health and Well- Being; Quality
Education, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Climate
Action. Mani also listed Aviagen’s top five commitments to
align with and contribute to the five priority SDGs selected by
the IPC – Health, Food Safety and Food Security; Biodiversity;
Balanced Breeding Programme; Importance of Management
and Stockmanship; Transparency, Communication and
Engagement. He spoke at length on Aviagen’s sustainable
breeding programme that focussed on delivering consistent
and predictable performance across a range of environments.
He also enumerated the threats to the Indian poultry industry
including biosecurity, disease, fluctuations in feed ingredients’
cost and quality , antibiotic misuse, price fluctuations in the
broiler market and the fact that the poultry industry is still
largely an unorganised sector. Mani added that Aviagen’s
strength lay in health, biosecurity and welfare. He also spoke
about the programme of selecting high potential birds and
balanced breeding to produce the perfectly balanced bird.
Mani concluded his presentation by saying that sustainability
28
Dr. R.S. Sodhi

Dr. P.K.Shukla Mr. G. N. Ghosh welcomes Mr. Tarun Shridhar

Mr. Tarun Shridhar Mr. Amit SaraogI

INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 29

Mr. Madan Mohan Maity Dr. Dibyendu Dey
is a continuous journey and not just a final destination.
The Concluding Address of Indian Poultry Review Annual
Conclave 2023 was delivered by the ever-popular Tarun
Shridhar, He expressed that the livestock sector had been
overlooked and historically received insufficient attention in
the broader context of agriculture. He found this surprising,
considering that agriculture is typically associated solely
with crop cultivation, which has never demonstrated growth
exceeding 3 percent. In contrast, poultry has consistently seen
an 8 percent increase, meat a 20 percent rise, aquaculture
around 10 percent and milk 6 percent. He addressed two
pivotal concerns: how to incorporate livestock into sustainable
development and how to ensure sustainable practices within
the overall framework of development. He remarked that it has
become customary to prefix “development” with “sustainable,”
but he cautioned against becoming overly fixated on the term
“sustainability,” potentially losing sight of the primary goal,
which is development. He emphasised that human progress
from apes to our current form has only been possible through
sustainable practices. He quoted a poem by Xaysouvanh
Phengphong to underscore the point that any development
that compromises sustainability is a dictatorial approach to
progress. With the global population projected to reach 10
billion by 2050, feeding this vast number poses a formidable
challenge due to the stagnant growth in agriculture, exacerbated
by climate change. Ensuring food and nutrition security
becomes an enormous challenge with this surge in population.
Here, livestock emerges as a pivotal player in guaranteeing
nutritional security. He contended that the primary threat
to livestock systems comes from within rather than external
sources. He cautioned against being swayed by terms like “green
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW
Mr. Vikash Deo Dr. V.V.Sadamate
growth” and “sustainability” without a clear understanding of
their implications. Referring to WTO negotiations on fisheries
subsidies, Shridhar pointed out that Indian teams were often
presented with documents prepared by Indian scientists,
claiming that the Indian fisheries sector faced difficulties due to
the absence of a regulatory regime! This hindered progress at
the WTO. He cited an executive summary of an United Nations
report, which highlighted that the livestock sector contributes
18 percent to greenhouse gas emissions, surpassing those
from transportation. Curiously, the main report didn’t explicitly
mention this, further illustrating how a small statement can
tarnish the reputation of the livestock sector. Shridhar noted
that no single agency worldwide possesses comprehensive
data on greenhouse gas emissions. Nevertheless, 14.5 percent
has become an accepted figure for emissions from the livestock
sector. This figure encompasses emissions from digestion,
livestock product processing, transportation, and a random
estimate for feed and fodder preparation. Shridhar believed
this situation to be absurd, contending that the data is being
grossly misinterpreted and acting as a barrier to the growth
of the livestock sector. Consequently, he argued, developing
countries like ours bear the brunt of these misconceptions.
Shridhar debunked the notion that cattle in India contribute
significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. He pointed out that
more than 80 percent of such emissions are attributed to cattle
raised for beef production, a practice not prevalent in India.
Transitioning to the topic of antibiotics usage, he acknowledged
the legitimate threat posed by antimicrobial resistance while
also highlighting the considerable benefits antibiotics bring to
disease control. Citing FDA data, Shridhar expressed incredulity
at the wide range of global antimicrobial use in the livestock
30
Dr. Vijay Makhija Mr. Selvan Kannan Dr. Amrita Ganguly

Dr. Manoj Sharma Dr. Shirish Nigam Mr. Mani Mr. Manish Patil

sector, from 63,000 to 240,000 tons, deeming it unreliable for

effective management intervention. The report indicated that
80 percent of antimicrobials are utilised in the cattle industry.
Shridhar pointed out that in India, the average per capita
ownership of cattle is two animals, generating 4.5 litres of milk
per day. At this rate, farmers may find it financially challenging
to purchase antibiotics and related products. In conclusion, The full recording of Indian Poultry Review
Shridhar provided the example of banning of battery cages as Annual Conclave 2023 is available on
an instance of how policies can sometimes miss the mark. YouTube. Scan the QR code to watch.

INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 31

Article
One Health and AMR,
and the G20 Declaration
SHRIDHAR speaks
Tarun Shridhar
Former Secretary,
Ministry of
Fisheries, Animal
Husbandry and
Dairying,
Govt. of India
“We are One Earth, One Family and we
share One Future”, thus opens the G-20
New Delhi Leaders Declaration.
The Preamble to the Declaration goes on
to affirm that the leaders are committing
to the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”
because “we meet at a defining moment
in history where the decisions we make
now will determine the future of our
people and our planet. It is with the
philosophy of living in harmony with our
surrounding ecosystem that we commit
to concrete actions to address global
challenges.”
One of the major challenges the
Declaration, through one of its
several resolutions, seeks to address is
“Accelerating Progress on Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).” While
making this commitment is an admission
that “at the midway point to 2030, the
global progress on SDGs is off-track with
only 12 percent of the targets on track.”
A stated objective of this resolution,
in harmony with the Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam theme, is “Strengthening
Global Health and Implementing One
Health Approach.” How? It explains,
“Promote One Health-based approach
driven by the Quadripartite’s One Health
Joint Plan of Action (2022-2026)” and
“Implement and Prioritise tackling
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) following
One Health Approach…”
While we must recognise the positive
development of a mention of One Health
in the Declaration, one cannot help but
notice that besides the title and the
brief mention quoted above, there is no
further discussion or elaboration of the
issue or what the future plan would entail.
Adoption of the One Health Joint Plan of
Action of the Quadripartite is pragmatic
advice, but then further mention is made
of only the World Health Organisation
(WHO) to the total exclusion of the other
three participants of this Quadripartite
viz., the World Organisation of Animal
Health (WOAH), the Food and Agriculture
Organisation (FAO) and the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
There is not even a whisper about animal
health in this discourse on One Health
and AMR, even though the outrightly
stated objectives and expected
outcomes of the joint plan of action of
the Quadripartite are “a world better
able to prevent, predict, detect and
respond to health threats and improve
the health of humans, animals, plants
and the environment while contributing
to sustainable development”. Once
again, we seem to have fallen short of
a holistic perspective of One Health;
the declaration confines expression of
concerns for human health against the
challenge of AMR. No wonder misgivings
about AMR abound and the livestock
sector becomes the victim of vilification.
The FAO defines AMR as “the ability of
micro-organism to persist or grow in the
presence of drugs designed to inhibit
or kill them. Standard treatments are
then rendered ineffective and drugs
lose their therapeutic effect. Treatments
fail, resulting in illness and mortality in
humans and animals.” While recognising
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 32
the challenge to management of
human and animal health posed by
AMR, it is also important that we accept
that antimicrobials are as essential for
protection of livestock, poultry and fish
health as they are for human health.
After all, these are substances that can
destroy disease-causing pathogens,
and thus have been widely used for
prevention, control and treatment of
diseases and infections. In fact, centuries
ago civilisations as far apart as Egyptian,
Chinese, Indian etc. made use of molds
to treat wounds, recognising their
efficacy even though they may not have
understood the science behind this
practice.
Like people, animals fall sick too; and
develop symptoms quite similar. So,
antibiotics have been an integral part of
the animal husbandry system. At first the
usage was confined to treatment of sick
animals graduating to surgical practices
including Caesarian section in farm cattle.
Later on, with a moderate intensification
of livestock farming the usage of
antibiotics included disease prevention
and growth promotion. It is here that the
controversy arose and the entire bouquet
of woes of human health were attributed
to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) on
account of its infiltration into the human
food chain through livestock.
While prudent use of antimicrobials
is critical to treat animal diseases,
inappropriate and excessive use in
both human and veterinary health care
exacerbates the problem as AMR is a
phenomenon which otherwise also
occurs naturally over a period of time.
Each and every use of antimicrobials in
people and animals is an opportunity for
the micro-organisms to develop greater
ability towards resistance over a period of
time. Codex Alimentarius, a collection of
internationally adopted food standards
aimed at protecting human health, calls
AMR “a major global threat of increasing
concern to human and animal health.”
This description may appear dramatic
and an exaggeration, however, it is well
established that presence of antimicrobial
resistant microorganisms in agriculture
production systems and food chain is a
potential route of exposure for everyone.
FAO attributes about 7 lac human deaths
a year to AMR related infections. Once
the food chain gets contaminated,
AMR can spread among different hosts
and environments. 70 to 80 percent
antibiotics given to fish are excreted
into water, so obviously they spread far
and wide through the water systems.
Similarly, 75 to 90 percent antibiotics are
excreted from animals unmetabolized,
entering the environment posing threat
to both human and animal health.
Development of a new antibiotic calls
for several years of painstaking and
dedicated efforts coupled with an
investment of millions, if not billions,
dollars. Therefore, it is our collective
responsibility to make sure that our
current arsenal of antibiotics remains
effective for generations to come, and it
effectively safeguards tomorrow’s health.
When it comes to use of antibiotics in the
veterinary sector, we are in a data poor
situation. In an approximately above
US$ 25 billion global animal health
market, the estimates of consumption
of 27 different classes of antibiotics, as
made by the FAO, vary between 63,000
to 2,40,000 tonnes per year. 60 percent
of all antibiotics produced are used in
animals and even the future growth of
more than 65 percent is projected to be
in the livestock sector. FAO assesses that
in poultry and piggery its use will double
in the current decade. Antibiotics are a
boon for protection of human and animal
health when their role is confined to
treatment of diseases, but when misused
or consumed indiscriminately for
scientifically unsubstantiated purposes
such as growth promotion, they result in
AMR pathogens risking the food systems,
livelihoods and economies.
A balanced and rational approach is to
recognise both the immense benefits
of antibiotics in human and animal
health systems as also the potential
threats of imprudent consumption. And
that is precisely what the latest trends
substantiate. Contrary to the scandalous
assertions being made alleging their
“rampant” use, the latest well researched
studies establish a reversal in the
consumption of antimicrobials in the
veterinary field.
“Global antimicrobial use in animals
has declined by 13 percent in 3 years
marking again a significant shift in
the continuous efforts to preserve the
efficacy of these critical medicines”, is
the conclusion of the World Organisation
for Animal Health (WOAH)'s landmark
report released this month. Isn’t it a
remarkably encouraging progress in
“We are
One Earth,
One Family
and
we share
One Future”,
thus opens
the G-20 New
Delhi Leaders
Declaration
combating antimicrobial resistance? It
should also set the record straight which
so far has been characterised by plenty of
misinformation. As the global authority
on animal health, WOAH collects
information on the use of antimicrobials
in animals each year and publishes
its findings in an annual report which
provides access to crucial information
besides highlighting the efforts made in
the animal health sector worldwide. This
latest report showcases a decline also
in the use of such antimicrobials as are
considered to be of critical importance
for human health.
An irresponsible global propaganda,
supported by a section of ill-informed
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 33
individuals and groups, has been
labelling India as a “hotspot” of AMR, and
our poultry farms “spawning superbugs”.
Let the myth be busted. Indian Federation
of Animal Health Companies (INFAH)
after commissioning an extensive data
driven study has published a report
recently on “Veterinary Use of Antibiotics
vis-a vis Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR)”.
The data rich report puts the total
consumption of antimicrobials during
the year 2021 in the animal health sector
as 963 metric tonnes. This would amount
to a mere one percent of the global
consumption. Let us remember that we
are the biggest livestock population;
yet we consume the least. While stating
the conclusion, the report does not
undermine the criticality of the issue
and recognises that “responsible use of
antimicrobials in all species is certainly
imperative to minimise” the emergence
and transmission of pathogens which
may have developed AMR. The problem
is “complex” and requires a “multi-sectoral
approach” of collaboration amongst
policies related to human and animal
health, agriculture and environment; in
short an approach encompassing the
entire ecosystem.
While we must address the concerns,
flagged by INFAH too in their report,
regarding unregulated use
antimicrobials, in the end, one important
of
data too must be remembered before
drawing any inference: 80 percent of
antibiotics in the livestock sector are
consumed by swine and cattle, primarily
cattle reared for beef. Our cattle farming
is a smallholder production system, the
average holding size being 2 or so cattle,
and there is no rearing for beef; swine
farming is negligible. Therefore, the use
of antibiotics in our livestock sector is,
of course, minimal. Global use in poultry
and fish is less than 10 percent each, and
here too bulk consumption is only in
large organised farms and systems. So
why a bad name to us?
Remember Hippocrates, “There are in
fact two things, science and opinion;
the former begets knowledge, the latter
ignorance”.
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Article

Pasty Vent in Broiler Chicks

and its Prevention

I received a phone call from a poultry
veterinarian that the brooding chicks
are weak, uneven and dying with
pasty vent and asked me what to do,
hence this paper.
What is Pasty Vent?
A plug of feces will be visible covering
the vent. As a chick continues to try to
pass its faeces, it continues to build up
Prof. R. N. Sreenivas
and harden; thus, the little chick vent
Gowda
Former VC, KVAFSU, becomes blocked and unable to pass
Bidar, Former Director. stool. It is most dangerous when it
IAH&VB, Bangalore, completely blocks their vent opening,
Former Prof and Head, because the chick will be unable pass
Veterinary College, any more droppings. It is also called
Bangalore as pasty vent, or “pasting up,” or “pasty
butt.”
It is a stress-induced condition in which droppings dry and
cake up around the vent of baby chicks.(fig1). The chicks will
typically die within 2 days of onset of a blocked vent, so it’s
important to attend to this problem quickly.
Some chicken flocks present pasty vent more often than others,
this is because of different handling of chicks in hatchery or
while transportation over long distances.
What are the causes for Pasty Vent?
 Heat stress conditions produced in the hatchery,
transportation, and brooding period
 Chicks from higher eggshell temperature (>102°F) during
the incubation and from higher brooding temperature will
alter the cecal metabolism and increase the incidence of
pasty vents

Could this damage the future growth or feed conversion

ratio at the market age of the bird? How can it be
prevented or treated?

Fig.1.Sticky and dry faecal matter around vent

INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 36
 Birds from high eggshell temperatures (> = 102°F) reduce
the body weight by 50 grams at 42 days
 Increased brooder temperature in the first few days of
age are under panting conditions, which indicate that the
chicks need less brooding heat. Chicks will be dehydrated
 Chicks needed 27°C for the first seven days to yield the best
feed conversion (Candido et al. 2016). Adjust the heat to
avoid overheating during the first seven days
 The pasty vents are produced because the cecal dropping
has a sticky consistency and thereby not be released out
completely when combined with the intestine excreta
What is the Role of Caecal Metabolism Causing Pasty Vent?
The main function of the ceca is absorbing water from the
intestinal digesta into the body. Therefore, during the process
of panting for releasing out heat, the chicks not only lose water
but also the cecal digesta loses water and becomes stickier
due to an imbalance of ceca microorganisms. Of which these
microbes transform fiber or long fatty acids into short fatty
acids such as acetic, propionic, and butyric acids, for this reason
any imbalance in the ecosystem will alter the digestion of fats
and fibers. From what has been described, it is summarized
that the pasty vent occurs when the digestion of fatty acids or
fibers is reduced as well as the water content in the cecum.
Poor Digestion
A major cause of pasting is the ingestion of food ingredients
that are difficult for the chicks to digest. This results in the
chicks having to excrete a more viscous and stickier poop that
eventually remains on their butts.
The common reason for this is the chick’s under-developed
digestive system. Young chicks’ digestive systems aren’t fully
developed with enough enzymes to break down these food
materials. This explains why pasty butt isn’t common in birds
over a week old as they are capable of producing enough
digestive enzymes.
Giving electrolytes to chicks is advisable but excess electrolytes
can lead to pasty butt. More often than not, what baby chicks
need is fresh, clean water even when they show signs of
disorientation.
Feeds made from soybean have been reported by many poultry
farmers to cause pasty butt in baby chicks.
Infectious Diseases
Sometimes, chicks can get infected with viruses and bacteria,
leading to diarrhea, which is a risk factor for pasting.
What Are the Symptoms?
Chicks with pasty vent show:
 Loss of appetite, Inability to feed or drink
 General weakness and lethargy
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW
 Uneven growth
 Protrusion of the vent with faecal butt
Will it Affect Future Growth of these Birds?
Loss of uniformity in chicks leads to poor feed conversion; there
will be more runts and stunts. The overall performance of the
flock is affected and lose body weights.
How to Prevent Pasty Butt?
Principle of Prevention is better than cure always helps
Make sure to:
 Place the chicks immediately to the brooder when they
arrive
 Provide enough space and clean water with little quantity
of electrolytes
 Maintain proper brooding temperature for first seven days
 Add probiotics to the water if it’s not already in the feed
 Keep the litter dry and clean
 Provide good starter feed without shell grit or bone or
meat meal
 Give maize grit for first few days
 Provide grit; chickens don’t have teeth, so they need the
grit to help with their digestion
Clean up the Vent
 The first thing to do is to clean the butt of the chick. Gently
and softly wipe the butt with a napkin or washcloth dipped
in warm water. Do not try to forcefully pull the excrement
when it’s dry because it could tear the chick’s skin, and
even damage the vent
 As an alternative, place the backside of the chick under
running warm water. The warm water will help loosen the
hardened poop and open up the vent. If the excreta are
very dry, use a cotton swab to dislodge them. It’s a pretty
straightforward process and takes just a couple of minutes
to perform
 To prevent chaffing, apply Vaseline to the chick’s butt.
After cleaning and drying the chick, take a little portion of
Vaseline with a cotton wool applicator and apply it to areas
surrounding the vent
Conclusion
Pasty vent in chicks is often encountered in some flocks in winter
and rainy season. It can be prevented easily by maintaining
proper brooder temperatures, providing clean water and maize
grit as starter feed. However, ignoring it can lead to the chick’s
death, so initiating immediate treatment is vital. Implementing
preventive measures against pasting is a better way to reduce
the likelihood of losing them.
37
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Article
What Should Be Inside a Chicken Coop
Amelia Quinn
Amelia Quinn grew up on a humble little farm where raising
animals and cultivating vegetables were not just chores, but a
way of life. Her family’s livelihood depended on the fruits of the
land and the care they provided to their animals. After school
each day, she took on the role of helping care for her younger
siblings and tending to their animals. Raising chickens and
nurturing crops became an integral part of her daily routine.
Now, as she embarks on a journey of connecting with fellow
farmers and enthusiasts, she is excited to share her experiences
and learn from the wisdom of other experienced individuals in
the farming community
1. Nesting boxes
A nesting box, while not mandatory for your hens, greatly
simplifies the process of egg collection by providing a
designated area for them to lay their eggs. Without it, you might
find yourself on frequent scavenger hunts for eggs that could
be hidden under bushes, near outbuildings, or under porches.
Nesting boxes streamline this process, with a general guideline
being to provide one box for every three to four hens. Bear in
mind, larger hens may require larger boxes, so choosing a size
appropriate for the particular breed of your hens is crucial.
Guidelines for Chicken Coop Nesting Boxes
Provide one nesting box for every 4-5 hens
Use nesting boxes that are approximately 12”x12” in size
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW
Install a rail in front of the boxes for easy landing and prevent
broken eggs
Add a lip to the front of the nest to prevent fresh eggs from
rolling out
Consider placing wooden eggs in the nest to encourage
hens to lay there
You may also consider a roll-away nest box as an alternative to
the traditional nesting box. This design is especially useful if
you’ve encountered problems with chickens eating or pecking
at their own eggs. Once an egg is laid in a roll-away nest box, it
gently rolls into a hidden compartment. This not only ensures
the egg’s safety from curious or peckish hens but can also keep
the egg cleaner. If egg safety is a concern, or you’ve noticed
egg-eating tendencies among your flock, a roll-away nest box
might be an ideal solution for your coop.
In fact, one of the top-rated roll-away nest boxes on Amazon
is the Homestead Essentials 3 Compartment Roll Out Nesting
Box for Chickens. Not only is it efficient with its roll-away design,
but it’s also durable and spacious with its three compartments,
making it perfect for medium to large-sized coops. If egg safety
and cleanliness are of paramount importance to you, this might
just be the perfect addition to your chicken coop.
2. Roosting Bars
Emulating the natural sleeping habits of wild chickens, who
roost or sleep in trees, is an important part of designing chicken
coop interiors.
Domesticated chickens retain these tendencies, hence
incorporating roosting bars in the coop simulates this natural
environment, providing them with a safe and comfortable
place to rest at night. It’s a crucial part of creating a healthy,
comfortable living space for your chickens that respects their
natural behaviors.
40
Guidelines for Roosting Bars in a Chicken Coop
Do not use plastic or metal pipes as roosting bars because
they are slippery and unsuitable for chickens
In warmer regions, 2x2s can be used as freezing isn’t a
significant concern
For colder climates, use flat-side-up 2x4s to enable chickens
to cover their toes with feathers, reducing the risk of frostbite
Elevate the lowest roosting bar at least 2 feet from the
ground
In a stair-step design, roosting bars can be spaced 12 inches
apart
Keep a distance of 18 inches between each roosting bar and
the same distance from the wall
Allocate 8-10 inches of roosting space for each chicken
3. Chicken Feeders and Waterers
Clean water and appropriate feed
are essential for your chickens’
well-being. Invest in durable and
easy-to-clean waterers and feeders
suitable for the size of your flock.
Choose designs that prevent
contamination and keep the water
and feed fresh.
Additionally, regularly monitor
and refill the waterers, ensuring
they remain clean and free from
bacteria or algae. If you’re looking
for a hassle-free solution that
ensures your chickens have access
to clean water without the constant need for refilling, consider
the Revolutionary Chicken 16-gallon Blue Barrel Waterer. This
innovative product is designed to minimize the effort required
on your part while maximizing the well-being of your flock.
4. Bedding Material
Adding bedding material to the floor of your chicken coop is
important for moisture absorption, odor control, and providing
a comfortable surface for your chickens. Popular options include
sand, wood shavings, or pine pellets.
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW
Guidelines for Bedding in a Chicken Coop
Start with a 4-inch deep layer of bedding during the teenage
stage of your chickens
Gradually increase the bedding depth to 8 inches as your
chickens grow to full size
Fluff up the bedding with a pitchfork every few days,
adjusting frequency based on coop design and number of
chickens
Add fresh bedding to the existing bedding weekly or
biweekly, depending on the coop flooring setup and flock
size
5. Insulation
Insulating your chicken coop is crucial for maintaining a
comfortable environment throughout the year. It helps regulate
the temperature, keeping it warm in winter and cool in summer,
which is essential for the health and well-being of your chickens.
Moreover, use insulation materials like fiberglass or foam board
to cover the walls, roof, and floor, ensuring no gaps or leaks.
Good insulation reduces energy costs and prevents frostbite in
colder weather or excessive heat buildup in warmer climates.
Don’t forget to consider proper ventilation to avoid moisture
buildup. Insulating your coop creates a climate-controlled
space that promotes the overall productivity and happiness of
your flock.
Here is how you can determine whether or not to insulate
your chicken coop:
To Insulate:
1. Chickens Count: If you have less than 10 chickens, their
body heat may not be sufficient to keep the coop warm, so
insulation might be necessary.
2. Breed Size: If you raise small breeds, they may have less
body mass to generate warmth and might benefit from
insulation.
3. Purpose: Chickens bred specifically for egg laying may have
different temperature needs than dual-purpose breeds.
4. Comb Size: Chickens with large combs are more
susceptible to frostbite, so insulation could protect them in
cold climates.
5. Climate: If your winters are extremely cold (between -400F
to 00F), lengthy, windy, or frequently wet, the insulation
would be beneficial to keep the chickens comfortable.
Do Not Insulate:
1. Chickens Count: If you have ten or more chickens, their
collective body heat might keep the coop warm enough
without the need for insulation.
2. Breed Size: Medium or large breed chickens may generate
enough heat themselves, reducing the need for insulation.
3. Purpose: If you have dual-purpose breeds, they might have
a higher tolerance for colder temperatures.
41
4. Comb Size: Chickens with small combs that are less
susceptible to frostbite may not need an insulated
environment.
5. Climate: In milder winter conditions (between -100F to +300F
or warmer), where you can ensure that the chickens stay dry
and out of the wind, insulation might not be necessary.
6. Air Ventilation
Air quality is a crucial factor to consider regarding your chicken
coop interior layout. One of the main contributors to poor
air quality is ammonia, which is released from fresh or moist
chicken feces. High levels of ammonia can negatively affect the
health of your chickens.
To control ammonia levels, it is important to ensure adequate
ventilation in your coop. Strategically position vents near the
top of the coop to remove contaminated air without causing
drafts. By maintaining good air quality, you create a healthier
environment for your chickens and promote their overall well-
being.
7. Litter Trays
Litter trays are a valuable addition to any chicken coop as they
help with waste management and sanitation. Chickens tend to
defecate while roosting, and having a litter tray underneath the
roosting area makes it easier to collect and remove their waste.
Regular cleaning of the litter tray is important to control odors
and maintain a clean environment for your chickens.
To use a litter tray effectively, place it beneath the roosting
bars or in areas where chickens frequently roost. Choose a tray
that is easy to remove and clean. Consider lining the tray with
absorbent materials such as wood shavings to help absorb
moisture and control odors.
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW
8. Light
Having electrical access in the coop offers the benefit of having
light. Light serves multiple purposes, including facilitating
chores during nighttime and promoting increased egg
production because egg-laying chickens prefer laying eggs
with light.
It’s important to note that chickens require approximately 14
hours of daylight to lay eggs efficiently. In winter, when daylight
hours are shorter, chickens naturally lay fewer eggs or may not
lay at all. If your objective is to maximize egg production, you
can install a timer-controlled light that turns on early in the
morning to supplement the natural daylight.
What Should Not Be Inside a Chicken Coop
If you know what should be inside a chicken coop, there are also
a few things not to put inside to ensure the health and safety of
your chickens. Here are some items you should avoid placing
inside the coop:
Poisonous plants – Some plants can be toxic to chickens if
ingested. Avoid placing any poisonous plants inside or near
the coop
Pesticides and chemicals – Keep pesticides, insecticides,
herbicides, and other chemicals away from the coop. These
substances can be harmful or even fatal to chickens if they
come into contact with them
Moldy or spoiled food – Do not store moldy or spoiled food
inside the coop. Chickens should only be given fresh and
appropriate feed
Sharp or hazardous objects – Remove any sharp objects,
broken glass, nails, or other hazardous items from the coop.
Chickens may accidentally injure themselves or ingest these
objects, leading to health problems
Small or loose bedding materials – Avoid using small or loose
bedding materials that chickens can ingest and potentially
choke on. Opt for larger, safer bedding options
Excessive moisture or dampness – Avoid allowing excessive
moisture or dampness inside the coop. Wet bedding can
lead to fungal growth and respiratory issues for the chickens
Final Thoughts: What Should Be Inside a Chicken Coop
Modern chicken coops should prioritize the well-being and
productivity of the flock while considering their natural
behaviors and requirements. Furthermore, incorporating
sustainable practices like using eco-friendly materials and
implementing efficient waste management systems aligns
with the growing trend of environmentally conscious chicken
rearing.
By integrating these items, a well-designed chicken coop can
provide a safe, comfortable, and stimulating environment that
fosters the health, happiness, and productivity of the chickens.
Scan the QR code to
visit Amelia’s blog
42
IPR Expresso
Bengal Going To Be Self-Sufficient In
Egg Production By March 2024
According to a recent press release issued by the Government
of West Bengal, the state is poised to achieving self-sufficiency
in egg production by end of this fiscal (2023-2024), that is, by
March, 2024 and will be counted as a surplus state in supply of
egg in the markets. The authorities in the state animal resources
development department are hopeful that by 2025, West
Bengal is going to export eggs to other neighbour states after
fulfil its domestic demand in coming year, the source confirmed.
Earlier, West Bengal used to import 400 crore egg from other
states to fulfil its total demand. Now the egg import has come
down to only 65 crores in recent years.
A spokesman of the ARDD said the state government has been
keen to make the state self-sufficient in egg production for
the last few years and has been successful in its multi-various
poultry development schemes. The government has put all
efforts to boost egg production through backyard farming and
encouraged rural small and marginal farmers.
This year, the Government of West Bengal has allotted Rs. 111
crores for poultry only, which was a meagre Rs. 33 crores earlier.
In its current year’s poultry development projects, the West
Bengal Government has included the distribution of 1.5 crore
ducklings and chicks to small and marginal farmers and women
of self-help groups to boost poultry production in the state.
Poultry Products Expect A Sharp Rise In
Demand Next Month
After vegetables, poultry products including eggs and chicken
are expected to see a sharp rise in sales and, consequently,
prices starting September, following the two-month-long
Shravan restrictions.
Hindus in parts of northern and western India follow dietary
restrictions during the Shravan period. Sales dipped by 15-20%
in North and West India during July and August.
“Shravan month generally indicates15-20% lower sales. This
year, the effect will be multiplying because it is being observed
for two months,” said Nishant Lakkar, founder at AAA Rating
Consultants and Advisors.
“As soon as Shravan gets over, the industry is expected to
witness a strong rebound in terms of sales, and it is likely to
grow more than 10% year-on-year in September alone.”
Since mid-June, poultry prices have been on the rise due to
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW
N AT I O N A L
a combination of factors, including logistics and higher raw
material costs, according to industry experts. “Broiler chicken
prices at the farm gate of Delhi’s Gazipur are expected to touch
Rs. 150-160 a kg from Rs. 120-125 at present,” said Tarun Satsangi,
Global Commodity Research Specialist with Silkroute.ag.
“This is because of a substantial demand is anticipated in
September from people who fall under low-and-marginal-
income group amid soaring vegetable prices and as prospects
of kharif crops, maize and soybean, remain poor amid deficient
rainfall in August, raising yield concerns.”
Egg prices are expected to go up in tandem with chicken prices.
While egg is available at Rs. 426-501 per 100 pieces in Bengaluru,
Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai, the average price of chicken at the
farm gate is around Rs. 118-121 a kg in Bengaluru, Kolkata and
Delhi.
“Prices of chicken and eggs shot up in April-June because of
extreme heat waves in some pockets of the country causing
higher mortality in chicken, weighing on production and
consequently, supply. This gradually eased off in July due to a
change in eating habit and less demand from North and West
India during Shravan,” said farm commodity analyst Indrajit Paul.
“Additionally, prices rose but marginally in sync with raw
material costs.”
Wholesale prices of maize shot up to Rs. 1,935-2,100 per quintal
during June-August from Rs. 1,800-1,900 during April-May in
Bihar and Madhya Pradesh after touching Rs. 2,400 a quintal in
March. This current rise in prices is attributed to dry or inclement
weather conditions so far in the four-month monsoon season
ending September, among others.
Soybean prices are either stable or have been falling since
February. Maize and soybean are major feed for animals
including poultry.
IB Group Sets Up Modern Poultry Feed
Plant And Hatchery In Uttar Pradesh
With an investment of Rs. 160 crore, IB Group, among the top
3 largest poultry players in Asia, recently commissioned its
new poultry plant and hatchery unit at Jagadishpur in Amethi
district of Uttar Pradesh.
Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Hon’ble
Smriti Irani inaugurated the IB new plant on 25th August.
44
 IB Group Sets Up Modern Poultry Feed Plant
And Hatchery In Uttar Pradesh
With an investment of Rs. 160 crore, IB Group, among the top 3 largest poultry players in Asia,
ecently commissioned its new poultry plant and hatchery unit at Jagadishpur in Amethi district of
Uttar Pradesh.
Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Hon’ble Smriti Irani inaugurated the IB new
plant on 25The
th August.
plant and hatchery complex is spread across 12 acres of
The plant and hatchery complex is spread across 12 acres of land having a capacity to produce
land having a capacity to produce 600 tonnes of poultry feed
600 tonnes of poultry feed and 3 lakh of broiler chicks per day.
and 3 lakh of broiler chicks per day.
I N T E R N AT I O N A L
Poultry Expected To Continue Leading
Global Meat Imports as Demand Rises
Over the past two decades, poultry has become the most
consumed livestock commodity in the world, especially in
developing and emerging markets where production prospects
Poultry
have Expected
been relatively To Continue
limited. As demand Leading
for poultry products
Global Meat Imports as Demand Rises
grew in these markets during the period from 2001 to 2021,
global imports increased. Poultry is expected to remain the
Over world’s
the past largest imported
two decades, livestock
poultry commodity
has become by volumelivestock
the most consumed over commo
world, especially
the next 10 in developing and rising
years. To meet emerging markets
demand, where production
a number of countriesprospects h
relatively limited. As demand for poultry products grew in these markets during the pe
increased
2001 to 2021, global domestic poultryPoultry
imports increased. production. Brazil,
is expected the the
to remain United
world’s largest
livestockStates, the European
commodity by volume Union,
over theandnextThailand
10 years.emerged
To meet as major
rising demand, a n
countriespoultry
increased domesticBrazil
exporters. poultry production.
is the world’sBrazil, thepoultry
leading United States,
exporter the Europea
and Thailand emerged as major poultry exporters. Brazil is the world’s leading poultry exp
andtoisremain
is projected projected
in theto remain
top positioninthrough
the top position
2031. through
The United 2031.
States, however, is
IB Group is among the top 3 largest poultry players in Asia and a market leader in fish to
feed TheandUnited
in India
lose market States, however,
edible through-out
share is expected
the coming decade. to lose market share
With the inauguration of theoilnew plant, the
in Central India group which posted
through-out the coming decade.
a turnover of Rs. 9,000 crore in FY23, now has five poultry feed
With the inauguration of the new plant, the group which posted a turnover of Rs. 9,000 crore in
FY23, nowplants
has fivehaving a total
poultry feed plantscapacity
having ato produce
total capacity 5,800 tonnes
to produce 5,800oftonnes of poultry
eed per day. Besides,
poultry feedtheper
group
day.has 6 hatcheries,
Besides, and a has
the group presence across 26and
6 hatcheries, Indian states for its
poultry, livestock feed, and edible oil businesses.
"I wouldalike
presence
to thankacross 26 Indian
IB Group states
for setting for largest
up the its poultry, livestock
poultry feed plantfeed,
of Uttar Pradesh in
Amethi, which
and is far from
edible Chattisgarh. For the growth of the country's GDP, it is imperative to
oil businesses.
strengthen the poultry industry. I am hopeful that with technical support to young and talented
armers here, the plantlike
“I would will make its own
to thank IB mark veryfor
Group soon", said the
setting upHon’ble Minister.
the largest
Commenting on the commissioning of the new plant, Bahadur Ali, Founder, IB Group said, “IB
poultry feed plant of Uttar Pradesh in Amethi, which is
Group is aligned with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s prioritization of development far fromat the grassroot
evel. We Chattisgarh.
are privilegedFortotheset
growth
up theof the country’s
biggest poultryGDP, it isplant
feed imperative
and hatchery unit of
UP which has immense potential to generate local employment. The new plant will also benefit
to strengthen the poultry industry. I am hopeful that with
maize and soya-growing farmers of this region. IB Group is committed to offering business
opportunitiestechnical supportsupport
and technology to young and talented
to young and new farmers here, the
poultry farmers plant
in UP, thereby improving
heir livelihood and making Uttar Pradesh a developed and an Atmanirbhar state in the region.”
will make its own mark very soon”, said the Hon’ble Minister.
-- Commenting on the commissioning of the new plant,
The impact of global integration of commodity markets on
Bahadur Ali, Founder, IB Group said, “IB Group is aligned with The impact of global
agriculture integrationvisible
is especially of commodity markets
in livestock on agriculture
commodities. Meatis especially
livestock commodities. Meat trade—including poultry imports—has expanded significa
the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s prioritization of development trade—including
2001. Total poultry
imports of livestock imports—has
commodities, expanded
including poultry,significantly
pork, and beef incre
since2001
percent from
at the grassroot level. We are privileged to set up the biggest 2001.to Total imports
2021 and of livestock
are projected commodities,
to continue including
to grow through 2031. USDA’
Agricultural “Baseline”
poultry, pork,Projections,
and beef based on the
increased 117release of the
percent October
from 2001 2021
to World Ag
poultry feed plant and hatchery unit of UP which has immense
Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE), indicate that by 2031 total meat imports will in
2021 and are projected to continue to grow through 2031.
potential to generate local employment. The new plant 46.7 will million metric tons.
FromUSDA’s 10-year
2001 to 2021, Agricultural
global “Baseline”
poultry imports rose anProjections,
average of 4 based
percenton a year, reac
also benefit maize and soya-growing farmers of this region.million metric tons in of
the release 2021.
the USDA
Octoberprojects
2021poultry
World imports to grow
Agricultural to 17.5
Supply andmillion metri
2031. In comparison, pork imports are projected to increase to 14.8 million metric tons
IB Group is committed to offering business opportunities and
andbeefDemand
imports areEstimates
expected(WASDE), indicate
to rise to 14.3 millionthat by tons.
metric 2031 total meat
technology support to young and new poultry farmers in UP, imports will increase to 46.7 million metric tons.
thereby improving their livelihood and making Uttar Pradesh a From 2001 to 2021, global poultry imports rose an average of 4
developed and an Atmanirbhar state in the region.” percent a year, reaching 14.2 million metric tons in 2021. USDA
projects poultry imports to grow to 17.5 million metric tons by
2031. In comparison, pork imports are projected to increase to
14.8 million metric tons by 2031, and beef imports are expected
to rise to 14.3 million metric tons.
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 45
IPR Expresso
Global Experts Work Together To Fight
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
More than 285 avian influenza experts and stakeholders
convened at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Rome for a three-day
consultation on the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in
May this year. The hybrid event saw a gathering of key players -
leading scientists, policymakers, private sector including poultry
associations, Regional Economic Communities and industry
representatives - in the field of avian influenza to discuss the
current state of the disease, latest scientific and technical
advances and explore potential strategies for controlling the
disease.
HPAI is a viral disease that primarily affects birds but can
potentially infect humans. It is highly contagious and can
cause significant economic losses in the poultry industry and
devastation of smallholder livelihoods as they have limited
resources and infrastructure to implement biosecurity measures
on their farms. In addition, it poses a serious public health risk,
as it has the potential to mutate and cause a global pandemic.
Over the last couple of years, the H5 HPAI virus has caused a
pan-zoonotic - an epidemic spreading across multiple animal
species over a large geographic area. Since January 2021, the
global community has reported over 121,900 disease events
caused by this virus affecting at least 101 countries in Africa,
the Americas, and Eurasia, spreading to both wild and domestic
bird populations. It has raised more concern since it appeared
in at least 20 countries and territories. Moreover, it has caused
infection in more than 400 wild bird species and has spilled over
to various terrestrial and marine mammalian species.
During the opening session, Maria Helena Semedo, Deputy
Director-General at FAO emphasized that HPAI is a huge concern
for wildlife conservation and has significant biodiversity impacts.
“We are losing species and this is an excellent example of why we
need to join forces and work together on upstream prevention.
We have to deal with the disease, as figures show that you can
have a 1:5 return on investment through early prevention,” said
Semedo.
She acknowledged that a cross-sectional One Health approach
is necessary to tackle such a complex challenge at global and
national level, as it cannot be solved by one ministry or sector
alone.
“I thank again our institutional partners, the Quadripartite - FAO,
World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), World Health
Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) – with whom we collaborate closely.
HPAI is a global priority disease under the Joint FAO/WOAH
Global Frame-work for Progressive Control of Transboundary
Animal Diseases (GF-TADs). We are working together to revise
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW
the global avian influenza control strategy, which will include
the key outcomes and evidence from this meeting,” said Semedo.
World’s First Modular Insect Farm Project
Underway
Industry and researchers have joined forces to develop the
world’s first fully modular insect farm.
Harper Adams University is collaborating with agritech company,
Flybox and a Buckinghamshire egg farm as part of a £1 million
project.
Funding has come from Innovate UK and Defra’s Farming Futures
Research and Development Fund, with partners creating and
assessing the 360 Farm. The aim is to tackle climate change, land
overuse and food waste by using insects as a sustainable source
of protein on commercial farms.
Harper Adams University principal investigator Dr. Jane Eastham
said: “This is a hugely exciting project, building upon the success
of our commercial partner in Africa while drawing upon the
multi-disciplinary expertise of academics at Harper Adams.
“As the project progresses, we expect that it will not only
provide valuable insights commercially but will also widen our
knowledge of alternative protein sources, their development
and application.”
Flybox has successfully run projects in Kenya and the UK in
partnership with local companies, NGOs and government.
Flybox’s modular technology will, in due course, aim to unlock
the tremendous benefits of insect farming for an increasingly
overstretched food supply chain. Insect farming has vast
potential to reduce land and water use as well as address
long-term food insecurity by reducing the world’s reliance on
unstainable protein sources. However, in the UK, insect protein
uptake is limited to specific industries, with farmers still waiting
to reap the benefits it holds.
The new funding for the 360 Farm will enable the project to
integrate seamlessly onto commercial poultry farms with a
sustainable animal feed protein source.
Each stage in the insect farming process has its own bespoke,
prefabricated component. Combined, they create a low-CAPEX
system that would allow farms to produce their own insect
protein for use in feed.
Andrea Jagodic, Flybox co-founder and CEO, said the company
aimed to ease access to insect-farming technology, moving
away from the era of centralised insect-farming facilities: “Now,
with the funding provided by Innovate UK and Defra, we can
push forward in our mission to facilitate sustainable farming
practices and increase global food security by unlocking insect
farming on a wider scale for farmers that desperately need
solutions today.”
46
Product Feature

Coccidiosis: One of The Major Economically

Important Diseases of Poultry and its
Control with CocciCare
Rainy season is favourable for Coccidiosis. However, many infections are subclinical.
Coccidiosis is usually an acute invasion Coccidiosis is an economically important
and destruction of intestinal mucosa disease of poultry.
by protozoa of the genera Eimeria. Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease of the
Clinical signs include diarrhoea, rise in intestinal tract of animals caused by
temperature, inappetence, weight loss, coccidian protozoa. The disease spreads
Dr. Ramdas Kambale Dr. Ravikumar Meshram emaciation, and in extreme cases, death.
CEO & Board Member Techno-Commercial & Marke�ng Manager from one animal to another by contact
Glocrest Pharmaceu�cal Pt. Ltd.

INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 49

with infected faeces or ingestion of infected tissue. Diarrhoea,
which may become bloody in severe cases, is the primary
symptom.
Prevention and Control
Prevention and control of disease requires a careful evaluation
of the entire farm and establishment of a series of biosecurity
measures that allow assessing the possible challenges and
their impact on the production system. Once established,
all factors determining disease can be better recognized
and corrected. In general, the recommended approach is to
perform a risk assessment and establish the Hazard Analysis
and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles on the poultry
farm, determining the points where potential hazards could
occur and biosecurity measures have to be implemented.
Biosecurity involves measures at the level of environmental
control and management, including elaboration of vaccination
and medication programs and also application of effective
cleansers, sanitizers, and disinfectants. These biosecurity
measures are essential to control the diseases and reduce their
economic and public health significance.
Everybody is aware that coccidiosis is self-controlling disease.
However, every farmer suffers some or major economic losses
due to coccidiosis. As we know, prevention is better than
treatment.
Nowadays Monensin – 8 % + Nicarbazin + 8% is regular
control measure used by most of the farmers. However, those
novel solution fortified with Vit K3 and Curcumin extract as
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*Anticoccidial program varies as per history of farm and molecules used earlier
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INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW
feed additive could have tremendous impact on control of
coccidiosis.
After thorough research by GLOCREST team, the novel combo of
Monensin : 8 % + Nicarbazin: 8%, Vit K3 and Curcumin has been
developed into a satisfying solution to address this burning
issue and launched in a product called CocciCare. In CocciCare,
Vit K3 is added. It prevents internal bleeding in intestine which
occurs due to coccidiosis. Monensin along with Nicarbazin acts
synergistically.
Explanation for the mechanism of action of CocciCare is that
the product is able to interrupt host cell invasion by sporozoites.
The outer membrane of the sporozoite contains lipid rafts and
a protein, flotillin-1, was identified in sporozoites of E. tenella
at the apex of the cell, a region that mediates cell invasion.
Monensin was found to disrupt the localization of flotillin-1
within raft structures, resulting in the loss of ability to invade
host cells.
Ionophores have generally been found to be safe in target
animals receiving an approved dosage.
CocciCare@Importance of Curcumin extract - One of the natural
compounds is curcumin, the extract from herbal plant Curcuma
longa, known for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties
which may be effective in reducing coccidia infection in poultry.
The effects of different doses of curcumin compound on growth
performance, antioxidant status, and gut health of broiler
chickens challenged with Eimeria species. Curcumin addition
in diet of laying hens under cold stress has antioxidant and
antimicrobial effects and improves bird health and egg quality".
Jul-Sept Oct-Dec
Robenidin Dinitolamide
Monensin + Maduramycin + Nicarbazin +
CocciCare Nicarbazin+ Vit. K3 + Curcumin extract
CocciCare - M
CocciCare
50
Event
Advancements in Modern Poultry Farming:
IPR Knowledge Review Sweeps Bangalore
IPR Knowledge Review was started in
2018 with the objective of creating
a forum for exchange of knowledge
and ideas within the poultry fraternity.
After three hugely successful sessions
at Kolkata, Bhubaneswar and Patna the
initiative was forced into a break owing
to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After a gap of three years , IPR Knowledge
Review series was revived with a hugely
successful session at Bangalore on
Saturday, 9th September. This will be
followed by sessions in Pune, Chandigarh
and Kolkata.
In these times, the importance of poultry
farming has been further emphasised
as a cornerstone of global food security.
The need to optimise productivity while
ensuring the highest standards of animal
welfare has never been more pressing.
Keeping this in perspective, the theme
for IPR Knowledge Review Bangalore
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 54
was “ Advancements in Modern Poultry
Farming: Optimizing Productivity and
Animal Welfare.”
The event was graced by
eminent personalities including
Prof. G. Devegowda, Emeritus Professor
of Division of Animal Sciences, University
of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore who
delivered the Introductory Address,
Chief Guest, Dr. K. C. Veeranna, Vice
Chancellor, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal
and Fisheries Sciences University and
Guest of Honour, Dr. Sushanth Rai,
President, Karnataka Poultry Farmers and
Breeders Association.
Speakers for the seminar were :
• Dr. S. S. Pattabhirama, Group Nutri-
tionist, Nanda Group
• Makkena Saiteja, Sales Manager, Big
Dutchman (B D Agriculture India Pvt.
Ltd.)
• Mani, National Key Accounts Manager,
Aviagen India
• Dr. Sanjay Singhal, Chief Operating
Officer, Stallen South Asia Pvt. Ltd.
• Dr. Mahesh P.S., Director, Centre of
Excellence for Animal Husbandry,
Bangalore and Jt. Commissioner,
Govt. of India
• Vasanth Manickam, Managing
Partner, Megha Farm Ltd.
• Dr. R. Narahari, CEO and Project
Consultant – Meat and Poultry
Processing, NH ProPOWER Consul-
tancy Services
In his address, Chief Guest,
Dr. K. C. Veeranna said that over the last
two decades there has been a major shift
in poultry production from backyard
farming to advanced poultry production.
This is the reason that India is amongst
the top producers of eggs and poultry
meat globally. The poultry population
in the country has also seen exponential
growth, added Dr. Veeranna. Also, the
smallest broiler farm today has a flock
strength of not less than 5000 birds
while for layer farms its approximately
50,000 birds. However, the per capita
consumption of meat and eggs is still far
below the recommended levels. Majority
of the consumption is concentrated
in the urban areas. This is an area of
concern, said Dr. Veeranna. Penetration
amongst the rural masses and Tier 2
and 3 cities. He added that chicken and
eggs should be promoted amongst
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 55
children and women in rural areas as an
answer to the problem of malnutrition.
Speaking on animal welfare, Dr. Veeranna
said that the major drivers of this are
the consumers and, therefore, large
retailers and supermarkets must push
for this. He wholehearted supported and
encouraged this, particularly from the
sustainability angle. This calls for adoption
of advanced housing and feeding
practices, added Dr. Veeranna. He went
onto speak about the use of sensors and
robotic automation in the poultry sector.
Advancement also includes genetic
research and use of biotechnology, he
added. Space constraints in major urban
areas are being addressed by the use of
vertical farming. Smart farming will also
involve the use of artificial intelligence to
study and analyse vast amounts of data.
Speaking on sustainability, he touched
upon the use of organic feed and water
recycling.
Dr. Sushanth Rai said that while
poultry producers in India were doing
an excellent job on the production
front, marketing needs serious efforts.
He suggested engaging the human
medicine practitioners, women and
media to explain the benefits of
consuming chicken and eggs and to
bust the many myths. He also mentioned
about using digital media and social
media influencers.
In his Introductory Address,
Prof. Devegowda highlighted the
importance of using eggs and meat to
fight malnutrition in India particularly in
the context of National Nutrition Week
that is being celebrated with the theme
of “Healthy Diet – Affordable for All.“ He
gave examples of activities and initiatives
undertaken by IVPI and VIP . He added that
while chicken and egg consumption in
the Tier 1 cities contribute approximately
60% to the total consumption,
Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities contribute only
30 and 10% respectively. This presents
a huge business opportunity waiting
to be harnessed in Tier 2 and 3 cities.
Prof. Devegowda stressed on the
importance of chicken and egg
consumption for sports persons.
Reassuring poultry farmers, he said that
natural food was the best and added that
World Farmers’ Organisation has taken a
stand against adopting lab grown food.
Highlighting the food and nutritional
security status in India Prof. Devegowda
said that Indians receive 6 kgs chicken
and 90-95 eggs per capita very year. These
numbers need to increase significantly.
Speaking on “Optimum Nutrition
for Profitable Broiler Farming”,
Dr. S.S. Pattabhirama said that modern
broilers are energy efficient and for
crude protein, minimum is no more a
requirement. As on date, cost of energy
is more than that of protein. He defined
in details the amino acid profile for
modern broilers and spoke about the
benefits of ideal amino acid profile. He
also spoke about the dietary electrolyte
balance and the effects of imbalance
on the birds. Dr. Pattabhirama delved
into the importance of AGP free feed
production. He gave a background of
the harm AMR was wreaking globally
and said that AGP free feed production
was possible with multiple approaches
using pre, pro and post biotics, feed and
gut acidifiers, SCFA, MCFA phytogenic
additives etc. Dr. Pattabhirama shared
the story of an Indian company that is
in the process of validating its methane
based protein product in commercial
trials. The success of these trials will help
scale up the acceptance of microbial feed
proteins for animal feed in Asia, opined
Dr. Pattabhirama. He also mentioned
about the fermentation of rapeseed
meal leading to production of alternate
feed. He further discussed regarding the
pros and cons of using easily available
rice DDGS. Dr. Pattabhirama concluded
his presentation with a mention of Black
Soldier Fly Larvae as a good alternate
source of protein for poultry birds.
In his presentation on “Evolution of
Poultry Farming Practices and Importance
of Modernisation,” Makkena Saiteja spoke
about traditional poultry farms and
how they were gradually transitioning
to environmentally controlled (EC)
poultry houses. The advantages of this
transition include increased stocking
density, reduced mortality, reduced
manpower requirement and increased
number of flocks in a year. He added
that as per estimates, in India currently
traditional poultry houses are 88% of the
market vis a vis 12% of environmentally
controlled poultry farms. Saiteja went on
to say that over the last two decades, per
capita chicken consumption in India has
grown from 0.4 kgs to 4.2 kg while that
of eggs has grown from 37 to 122 per
year. This represents a CAGR of 11.3%
and 5.9% respectively. Amongst the
many factors responsible for this growth
is the exponential growth of the meat
market in the two years post COVID. This,
according to Saiteja, reflects the change
in consumer behaviour towards more
informed and concerned purchases. He
also touched upon the instruction to
the Central Pollution Control Board to
issue guidelines for poultry farms with
more than 5000 birds. Climate change
and increasing temperatures is a global
phenomenon. These are the drivers of
evolving poultry farming into modern
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 56
 poultry houses to have sustainable
farming. Saiteja also highlighted
the importance of increasing
automation to reduce manpower
and improve biosecurity. He
concluded by saying that the
poultry farm of the future would
need to rely heavily on automation
and sensor-based technology.
Mani addressed the gathering on
“Breeding and Genetics: Improving
Productivity and Resilience”.
He began by saying that India’s
population had overtaken that of
China and more than 70% of this
population was non-vegetarian.
Therefore, the masses prefer meat.
He stressed on the importance of
having a broiler bird in India that
was robust and resilient, given
that there are wide variations in
climatic conditions, geographic
regions and management styles
across the country. He spoke about
the evolution of the selection
criteria of traits from the early days
when selections was based on
egg production and live weight
to the current focus on producing
a balanced and sustainable chick
by focusing on breeder traits,
processing traits and welfare traits.
In the modern selective breeding
approach, quantifiable traits are
measured and then statistically
analysed to select future pedigree
birds, added Mani. It takes 4 to 5
years to see the results of genetic
improvement or selection. He
cited the example of 1950s Athens
Canadian Random Bred Vs. 2020
broiler to demonstrate how there
has been a 5X growth rate increase
and 50% less feed consumption
per kg live weight. Mani also delved
into how Aviagen is conducting
genomic research on identifying
naturally occurring markers within
the genome of elite birds and
using those markers to help breed
stronger and more productive
birds through selective breeding
programme - a completely
natural process. He further added
that Aviagen is the world’s first
poultry breeding company to
achieve compartmentalisation
status in the UK and later in the
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 57
US. Compartmentalisation gives
confidence to an importing country
that the birds they receive are
healthy, said Mani. He concluded
his presentation by saying that
primary breeding companies
are continuously investing in
developing the chicken of today;
new technology is being infused
in the R&D of genetic lines; the
genetic progress of key traits is not
showing any signs of slowing down;
management and environmental
inputs need to keep pace with the
continued development of modern
genetic lines; fundamentals
carried out extraordinarily well
make the difference and focus on
flaws to limit stressors and drive
performance . He added that the
Ross 308 AP was a genetically high
potential bird achieving 200 HHHE
at 64 weeks, has consistent and
competitive FCR with excellent
livability, all weather robustness
and high meat yield.
In his presentation on “Disease
Management: Prevention and
Control,” Dr. Sanjay Singhal opened
with what a disease is and why is it
a concern to the poultry industry.
He went on to explain the ways
diseases are spread and enter
the farms and the threats they
pose. He said the cost of disease
lay in poultry mortality and low
production performance leading
to financial loss to farmers and in
some cases zoonosis. Dr. Singhal
said that the three broad ways of
preventing or controlling disease
were biosecurity, vaccination
programme and medication. He
explained each of these in details.
He concluded with a summary of
his presentation – disease is a part
of interaction between host and
environment; there are several ways
in which disease can be spread to
birds; there are many ways the risk
can be minimised and it is prudent
to adopt measures to prevent
and control disease; biosecurity,
vaccination and medication
along with good management
practices is the triangle for disease
prevention and control.
Dr. Mahesh P.S. delivered a
thought provoking presenta-tion
on “Environmental Impact and
Sustainability: A Big Bargain in Poultry."
He began by informing the audience of
the major climate changes being faced by
various parts of the world and the impact
they are having. He then described the
working of the poultry industry and
related it to the various factors that effect
it - land, water, inputs (grains), energy,
environment and consumer preferences.
Speaking on the future of poultry farming,
Dr. Mahesh said that the future of poultry
farming lay in modern automated farms
with traceability and sustainability
built in; side by side diversification and
free range or organic farming; poultry
companies must file sustainability
reports. In closing, Dr. Mahesh showed a
slide which communicated how chicken
production in the U.S. has become more
sustainable than ever before with 75%
fewer resources needed to produce the
same amount of chicken than it did in
1965.
Vasanth Manickam began his
presentation on “The Potential of GM
Crops to Revolutionise the Indian Poultry
Industry,” by speaking on the paradox of
Indian agriculture – 58% of Indians are
engaged in agriculture and 18% of GDP
is contributed by agriculture but animal
farming and horticulture alone contribute
60 percent to India’s agriculture GDP.
Indian agriculture production has
increased only 11% in the last 14 years.
He presented an overall global scenario
of soybean. He said that with the
projected increase in population, by 2050
India will need huge amounts of cereals,
dairy and meat. The cost of broiler meat
on GM crops driven by population
surge, climate challenges, nutritional
enhancement, sustainable practices,
global race, resource efficiency.
The final presentation of the day “Poultry
Processing in India – The Future is Now”
was delivered by Dr. R. Narahari. He
started by saying that poultry has been
the fastest growing agri-business for the
last two decades and FAO has projected
that by 2030, poultry will be 40% of the
total meat consumed globally. However,
while the world average of processed
chicken is 38%, that for India is only
7%. Enumerating the negatives of not
adopting processing on a larger scale, Dr.
Narhari listed out – losses to exchequer
had seen a sudden spike in the previous
due to unorganised slaughter; hits circular
year due to the failure and, therefore,
economy since 25% of live bird is inedible
short supply of corn crop. Manickam
offal; collection and disposal of poultry
enumerated the benefits of GMO plants
waste is an expensive and major task;
– pest resistance, disease resistance,
attracts wild animals and birds to human
cold resistance, drought resistance and
habitat and street dogs fed poultry wastes
enhanced nutrition. Comparing US and
turning violent is a social challenge.
China’s per hectare corn yield, Manickam
Dr. Narahari detailed a zone-wise potential
said that the yield from GM crops is far
for investment in poultry processing and
higher. This has prompted China to start
QSRs. Poultry processing offers benefits
experimenting with GM corn, albeit on
to both industry and individuals. For
a small scale. India too has achieved
industry – decommodification leading to
wonders with BT cotton, said Manickam.
sustainable growth; predictable business
This has worked positively towards
during all seasons; quality production
reduction of pesticides. On the global
helps exports, job creation and stable
scale it is important to understand what
employment; animal welfare, assisting
makes South America competitive, said
government in creating smart cities; more
Manickam. Despite all constraints, Brazil
brands – more sales; technology and
has achieved high impact agricultural
digitalisation driven sales. For consumers
biotech which is well beyond genetic
– traceability, predictability, quality, fast
engineering. Brazil is now the largest
delivery, value for money and choices;
exporter of poultry meat in the world.
feel-good factor for consumers; increase
Manickam strongly advocated the
in per capita consumption; enhanced
adoption of a science driven policy
shopping experience.
The vote of thanks was proposed by
Sanjoy Mukerji, Executive Editor, Indian
Poultry Review.
IPR Knowledge Review at Bangalore
was supported by Aviagen India, Big
Dutchman and Stallen South Asia.
Scan the QR code to view the full
recording of the event
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 58
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Event

CLFMA of India’s 64th

National Symposium 2023

CLFMA of India’s 64th National symposium

2003 with the theme, “Livestock Sector
: Looking Beyond the Present,” was
organised in New Delhi over 18th and
19th August. Prominent dignitaries from
various sectors attended the 2-days
event.
The inaugural session commenced with
the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by
Hon’ble Parshottam Rupala, Minister
of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and
Dairying, Government of India.
Divya Kumar Gulati, convener of the
event welcomed the attendees, post
which Suresh Deora, Chairman, CLFMA
of India delivered an insightful address in
which he shed light on the potential and
challenges within the industry.

INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 60

CLFMA Lifetime Achievement Award
were presented, recognising two
outstanding individuals for their
noteworthy contributions to the
livestock industry – Nadir B. Godrej,
Past Chairman of CLFMA of India and
Chairman & Managing Director, Godrej
Industries Ltd. and Tarun Shridhar, IAS
(Retd.), Former Secretary , Department of
Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry
of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and
Dairying, Government of India.
Nadir B. Godrej expressed heartfelt
gratitude for the award, sharing
captivating and inspiring glimpses of
his journey in the animal feed business.
Tarun Shridhar thanked the organisers
for the honour and reminisced about
the knowledge, experience, insights and
friendships he gained from the sector.
The much-anticipated Livestock Survey
Report (Volume II) was also unveiled
during the event.
Hon’ble Parshottam Rupala delivered
a compelling address in which he
shared life insights through stories of
inspiration and success, underlying the
government’s policies and initiatives
aimed at fostering growth in the
livestock sector. He emphasised the
deep rooted connection between
humans and animals, applauding the
advancements that transformed India
into a leading global milk producer. While
acknowledging progress, he highlighted
concerns regarding fodder availability
and its impact on livestock health and
farmers’ income. The minister expressed
optimism about the fisheries sector’s
potential. He encouraged the audience
to seize the opportunity for global
leadership in fisheries.
Mr. Abhay Shah delivered the vote of
thanks.
The second part of the inaugural session
commenced with the lighting of the
ceremonial lamp by Guest of Honour,
Dr. O.P. Chaudhary, Joint Secretary (NLM/
PC) , Department of Animal Husbandry
and Dairying in the presence of Nadir
B. Godrej, Tarun Shridhar, Suresh Deora,
Sumit Sureka, Divya Kumar Gulati and
Abhay Shah.
An audio visual presentation showcasing
the initiatives and achievements of
CLFMA of India in the past was screened
during the session.
Nadir B. Godrej delivered his keynote
address in the form of a poem showcasing
glimpses of his journey, discussing
serious issues of agriculture, livestock,
dairy, poultry, animal feed and fodder,
alternate feed, rising prices, challenges
faced and factors like environment,
economics, carbon footprints, efficiency
improvement and our future. The
keynote focussed on current trends
and future prospects of the livestock
sector, emphasising the importance of
technological advancements and the
role of industry stakeholders in driving
sustainable growth.
In his address, Tarun Shridhar brought
attention to the theme “Livestock
Sector: Looking Beyond the Present”. His
discourse encompassed the multifaceted
nature of the livestock sector which nation's economic growth and provide
includes animal husbandry, fisheries opportunities for international trade."
and aquaculture. This sector’s growth Shridhar went onto say "The livestock
trajectory since its inception has been sector plays a crucial role in our economy,
commendable. and it is time we look beyond the present
and invest in its growth. With appropriate
A significant milestone within this sector
policies and infrastructure development,
transpired in February-March 2019,
this sector has the potential to create
marked by the decision to carve out
entrepreneurship opportunities and
the Department of Fisheries from the
contribute significantly to our GDP. Let
Department of Animal Husbandry, a
us encourage our children to consider
strategic move that acknowledged the
careers in agriculture, fish farming, and
distinctiveness of each sub-sector within
animal husbandry, and pave the way for
the broader livestock domain. Of note is
a sustainable and prosperous future."
the fact that despite receiving less than
5% of the total agricultural investment, In summation, Tarun Shridhar’s
animal husbandry remarkably contribu- perspectives underscore the immense
tes over 30% to the agricultural GDP. prospects inherent in the livestock sector
The separation from the purview of and underscore the imperative of looking
the agriculture ministry was a pivotal ahead to unlock its full potential. "CLFMA
stride in acknowledging the distinctive has the potential to become a powerful
challenges and opportunities inherent in advocate for the industry, taking a strong
the livestock sector. The step facilitated stand and voicing the concerns and
targeted investments in both financial aspirations of its members," concluded
resources and suitable policies. Shridhar.
Tarun Shridhar recollects, "In fact, the first CLFMA Awards were presented to
agenda item discussed in the first cabinet Dr. Anand Kumar Pathak, Senior Assistant
Professor (Animal Nutrition) in SKUAST,
meeting of the new government was a
Jammu and Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh,
15,000 crore project aimed at eradicating
Professor and Head of Animal Nutrition
disease control and improving the
Department of Bihar Animal Sciences
food processing system within the
University, Patna. The awards were
livestock sector. This demonstrates
handed over by Dr. O.P. Chaudhary. The
the government's commitment to
official souvenir was also launched at the
prioritize and support the growth
event.
and development of this sector." He
added, "moreover, the livestock sector Dr. O. P. Chaudhary spoke to the audience,
has proven to be beneficial to our shedding light on the initiatives carried
economy, as evident in the export of out by the Department of Animal
fish and buffalo meat. These products, Husbandry and Dairying to stimulate the
derived from livestock, contribute to our expansion of the animal feed industry.
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 61

He emphasised the government’s actions
and strategies aimed at bolstering
the livestock sector. He encouraged
industry participants to capitalise on
these prospects to drive the sector’s
advancement. He highlighted three
points in his speech:
 Government officials are recognising
their role as enablers and it falls upon
them to take a proactive stance in
guiding and aiding individuals in
the animal feed industry. This entails
formulating policies that foster the
growth and prosperity of the industry.
 It is imperative to tackle the challenge
of providing nourishing and balanced
sustenance to the economically
disadvantaged sections of society.
Those associated with CLFMA should
explore novel avenues for income
generation and addressing their
needs. Exploring export opportunities
to economically less privileged
countries holds promise. Soliciting
governmental support in this context
is pivotal. Additionally, efforts should
concentrate on enhancing people’s
purchasing power and ensuring
the well-being of those with limited
financial means. Achieving this
necessitates endeavours to integrate
the unorganised sector into organised
frameworks.
 The capital subsidy in Animal
Bridging the Demand and Supply Gap –
Moderated by Neeraj Kumar Srivastava,
Immediate Past President, CLFMA of
India. The panel comprised G.N. Singh,
Joint Secretary (Admin/Trade/GC/IC/
IT), Department of Animal Husbandry
and Dairying, Dr. Praveen Malik, Chief
Executive Officer, Agrinnovate India Ltd.;
Naveen Pasuparthy, Deputy Chairman,
CLFMA of India and Dr. Sandeep
Kharkhanis, Member, CLFMA of India.
Session 3 : Development Initiative and
Regulatory Framework – Moderated by
Sandeep Kumar Singh, Deputy Chairman,
CLFMA of India. The panel comprised
Dr. Sujit Kr. Dutta, Joint Commissioner
(AH), Department of Animal Husbandry
and Dairying; Dr. Gagan Garg, Deputy
Commissioner (Trade), Department of
Animal Husbandry and Dairying; Suneeti
Toteja, Scientist -E, Bureau of Indian
Husbandry earmarked for structural
Standards; Dr. Monica Puniya, Deputy
development is set for significant
Director, Food Safety and Standards
growth, increasing from 3 to 5
Authority of India and Suresh Rayudu
percent, translating to a jump from
Chitturi, Member, CLFMA of India.
15,000 crores to 25,000 crores.
Jaison John, CLFMA Managing
"Overall, there are several opportunities
Committee Member made a presentation
and challenges in the animal feed
on “Right to Protein.”
industry. By working together, govern-
ment, industry, and stakeholders can S.V. Bhave, Past Chairman, CLFMA of
create a favourable environment for India delivered the valedictory address.
growth and development, " concluded He Summed up the discussions and key
Dr. Chaudhary. takeaways from the event.
The second day of the symposium
featured three sessions, each focussing
on a specific topic related to improving
the quality and competitiveness of
Indian agriculture, livestock and fisheries
sectors.
Session 1 : Graduating from Quantity to
Quality – moderated by Balram Singh
Yadav, Past Chairman, CLFMA of India.
The panel comprised Alka Upadhyaya,
IAS, Secretary AHD, Department of
Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry
of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and
Dairying, Government of India; Rajesh
Kumar Singh, IAS, Secretary, Department
for Promotion of Industry and Internal
Trade and Tarun Shridhar IAS (Retd.) ,
Former Secretary, Department of Animal
Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry
of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and
Dairying, Government of India.
Session 2 : Challenges of Feed Security :
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 62
Event

Huvepharma Organises Technical

Seminar at Karnal

Huvepharma SEA Pune Pvt. Ltd. in association with Broiler

Producer Association North India organized a seminar at Karnal
on 21st July. The objective of the seminar was to furnish valuable
insights and updates concerning the poultry industry as well as
to address the challenges confronting farmers within the sector.
The seminar saw the participation of approximately 80
stakeholders of the poultry sector. Distinguished guests and
industry experts who attended include:
• Charanjeet Singh: President, Broiler Producer Association
North India
• Sanjeev Gupta: Chairperson, Broiler Producer Association
North India
• Deepak Singh: Convenor, Broiler Producer Association North
India
• Azad Rathi: President, North India Breeder Association
• Gurminder Bisla: Former President, Broiler Producer
Association North India
• Ranpal Dhanda: President, Poultry Federation of India
• Parveen Nain, Member, Broiler for Breeder Association North
India

INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 63

The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Sushil
Kumar Bhardwaj, Operations Manager, North 1 of Huvepharma.
He conveyed his appreciation to all attendees and guests for
their valuable presence and support. Manoj Kumar, Business
Development Manager, Haryana of Huvepharma moderated
the event.
The first speaker of the day, Dr. Kantilal Prajapati, former Head of
the Department of Veterinary Pathology at Veterinary College,
Anand Agricultural University, delivered a talk on Coccidiosis,
a prevalent and costly disease impacting poultry production.
He explained the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and prevention
of Coccidiosis and also shared some best practices and tips to
manage it effectively.
Dr. Devender Hooda, Director Sales and Technical, Huvepharma
SEA Pune Pvt. Ltd., the second speaker of the event introduced
sone highlights on Coccidiosis. He also spoke about the newly
launched vaccines for Coccidiosis by Huvepharma, ADVENT
and EimeriaVax 4m.
The seminar concluded with the vote of thanks by Sushil Kumar
Bhardwaj.

INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 64

Launch
New Feed Plant from Bhandari Group
Bhandari Group of Companies
operationalised its new feed plant
at Muzaffarpur, Bihar on 15th August
coinciding with the nation’s 77th
Independence Day. This state-of-the-art
plant has a monthly production capacity
of 5500 MT of feed.
The plant was inaugurated by
S. N. Bhandari, Chairman, Bhandari of
Companies in the presence of Chief
Guest Pankaj Rajesh (Electricity Circle
Head, Muzaffarpur); Ajay Kumar, Zonal
Manager, Bank of India, Muzaffarpur;
Bhupendra Narayan, Deputy Zonal
Manager, Bank of India, Muzaffarpur;
Kushal Gupta, Deputy Zonal Manager,
Bank of India, Jharkhand.
The ceremony resonated with the
presence of three hundred esteemed
guests comprising dealers and farmers
who would be the torchbearers of this
new chapter. Their enthusiasm filled
the air as they envisioned the positive
impact this feed mill would have on their
livelihoods and the region’s agricultural
prowess.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh
Bhandari, Managing Director, Bhandari
Group of Companies said “This factory
in Muzaffarpur is a landmark for our
workforce, visionary leadership, and
supportive stakeholders. With this facility
we are not just expanding our physical
footprint but also our capabilities to
serve our customers better and cater to
evolving market demands.”
Bhandari Group of Companies is a
diversified organization with interests
in poultry, poultry feed, hatchery,
cold storage, real estate, construction,
education, beauty, cosmetics and
pharmaceuticals.
company. We believe, with this unit we
will be smoothening our services in
North East Bihar and Eastern UP. With
our high-tech plant, well-equipped
laboratory, and trained professionals,
we will not only maintain but improve
the quality of our products. This factory
stands as a testament to our unwavering
commitment to excellence, innovation,
and progress. It embodies the collective
efforts and dedication of our talented
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 65
Annoucement
Dr. Tarun Pal is the New CEO of Optimta
Dr. Tarun Pal, a veteran of the animal
health industry recently joined Optima
Life Sciences as Chief Executive Officer.
Possessing an extensive history of
multifaceted leadership spanning over
thirty years, Dr. Pal brings with him a
wealth of knowledge and experience in
the realm of animal health and nutrition.
Combining his veterinary expertise
with an MBA, Dr. Tarun Pal assumes the
crucial role of overseeing the company’s
strategic trajectory and overall
operations. Collaborating closely with
the management team, he aims to fortify
Optima Life Sciences’ pioneering stance
in the industry, propelling innovation and
cultivating the next phase of expansion
and development.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Tarun
Pal to Optima Life Sciences as CEO,” said
Executive Chairman of the Board, Vinay
EW Nutrition Welcomes its New CEO
EW Nutrition recently announced the
appointment of Jan Vanbrabant as its
new Chief Executive Officer.
Jan has a PhD degree in microbiology
and is an experienced manager in
animal health and nutrition, having held
leadership roles at DSM, Erber Group,
Biomin and Kemin.
“We are very pleased that we have
found a strong management lead in
Jan, who embodies the philosophy of
EW Nutrition”, says Jan Wesjohann,
Managing Director of parent company
EW Group. “EW Nutrition is an innovation-
driven company, with intensive
investment in R&D. Together with Jan
we are looking to enter the next growth
INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 66
Kulkarni. He further said, “With his rich
knowledge, experience, 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 and
internationally, and co-create value for
our customers and stakeholders.”
phase of EW Nutrition.”
“I am very excited to be joining the
EW Nutrition team,” said Jan Vanbrabant.
“EW Nutrition’s long-term focus has
created an extremely competitive
portfolio. EW Nutrition is uniquely
positioned to support its customers
in mastering the challenges of the
changing animal health and nutrition
environment.”
After leading EW Nutrition for six years,
former CEO Michael Gerrits is heading
into retirement. “I want to thank Michael
Gerrits for his essential stewardship in
bringing the company to the next level,”
said Jan Wesjohann.
Annoucement

Ramakrishna Balasubramanian is
Aviagen India’s New Business Manager
Aviagen India recently announced
the appointment of Ramakrishna
Balasubramanian as its new Business
Manager. He takes over from Marc Scott,
who led the India team for the past five
years, establishing a strong foundation
for Aviagen’s growth and success along
with its customer base.
Possessing an impressive track record,
Balasubramanian is poised to play a
pivotal role in ensuring the continued
success of Aviagen India and its customer
base.
With over 25 years of extensive
experience in the poultry industry,
including thirteen years at Aviagen India
and Hy-Line Layers, Balasubramanian
has excelled in various roles such as
administration, farming and operations,
planning, sales, and customer service. His
adept management of Hy-Line Layers’
profit and loss, production, planning,
and customer support functions is
noteworthy. Moreover, his tenure in sales
significantly expanded Aviagen India’s
customer base. His demonstrated ability
to navigate challenging situations will
undoubtedly be an asset to Aviagen
India’s business.
In his capacity as Business Manager for
India, Balasubramanian will lead Aviagen
India’s operations, overseeing production,
feed mill, and laboratory functions. and ensure compliance with all legal Welcoming Balasubramanian, Peter
Based in Tamil Nadu region, his role and regulatory requisites. Reporting to Fischer said, “We are thrilled to welcome
encompasses financial, commercial, and President of Aviagen Asia, Peter Fisher, Ramakrishna and extend our best wishes
production oversight. He will spearhead Balasubramanian will work closely with as he undertakes this strategically vital
the execution of strategic plans, manage the Asia regional and global teams. role. With his dynamic, customer-focused
profit and loss, guide his team to ensure Ramakrishna Balasubramanian has a approach, Ramakrishna is poised to lead
seamless implementation, attend to Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree our business in India to new heights of
the needs of the customer base, uphold from Veterinary College and Research success and growth.”
production and service excellence, Institute, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu.

INDIAN POULTRY REVIEW 67

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