Breeders, Academia and DSM Examine How to Feed Today's Poultry
US - On 28 January, more than 100 people attended the 'Feeding the genetics of today' conference organised by DSM Nutritional Products during the International Poultry Exhibition in Atlanta.
16 February 2010
3 minute read
Renowned scientists from the University of Maryland, Mississippi State University, the Roslin Institute in Scotland and world-leading genetic companies, Cobb and Aviagen, shared their innovative proposals on feeding the ever-improving genetics in the poultry sector.
Dr Pelayo Casanovas of Cobb Europe, spoke on improving male breeder performance and the quality of the day-old-chick. Cobb's research has shown that feeding the breeder with essential nutrients such as canthaxanthin (Carophyll® Red) and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (Hy-D®) will not only improve hatchability, but will also have a positive impact on the liveability and the quality of the hatched chick.
The continuous advances in genetics and the consequent changes in breeder performance were addressed by Dr Michael Kidd from Mississippi State University. With more than a one per cent improvement in feed conversion per year, breeder feed requirements should be carefully reviewed and improved every year; especially in essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.
Dr Marc de Beer of Aviagen USA reviewed nutritional strategies to optimize skeletal development in broilers. Adequate levels of amino acids, optimal combinations of minerals and vitamins or the use of vitamin D metabolites were among the strategies commented on by Dr de Beer to optimize bone development. He highlighted the importance of vitamin and trace mineral quality as among the key factors impacting optimal bone development.
Dr Roselina Angel of the University of Maryland demonstrated how to use the matrix values of the unique pure protease for broilers, Ronozyme® ProAct. Savings of US$1 to 3 per metric ton of feed can yield an immediate return to the producer taking into consideration benefit varies according to the feeding phase of the broiler.
Dr Bob Fleming from the Roslin Institute tackled the issue of Black Bone Syndrome, focusing on the physiological reasons behind the problem and nutritional methods to limit its incidence.
Presentations are available from your local DSM contact or by emailing the organiser ([email protected]).
DSM was well-represented in the International Poultry Scientific Forum delivering valuable presentations on vitamins, enzymes and carotenoids. The DSM booth at the International Poultry Exhibition was a venue to exchange new advancements in research and products among an international community of professionals.
