industry news - SAPA

M a r c h 2 0 1 1
B u l l e t i n
Pluimvee
Poultry
E s t a b l i s h e d 1 9 0 4
LATEST COOPS
SAPA Statistics
Page 10
Feed ingredient
report for February
2011 - Executive
Summary
Poultry Diseases
Page 16
Modern Disease
Control for a Modern
Poultry Industry
Industry News
Page 24
Die Implementering
van Kwaliteit
Bestuursisteme in die
Pluimveebedryf
Industry News
Page 26
Afrox achieves level 3
BBBEE Rating
Northern Views
Page 32
Indigestible
International News
Page 40
Grain Prices continue
to shock the Poultry
World
News
Page 47
Alltech opens
renovated US$200million
Algae Facility
Birthday Time
Page 53
A Page in Time
Page 57
DPFO Page
Page 64
DownTime
Page 65
Blokkiesraaisel
Page 66
R33.00 incl VAT

CONTENTS
Dear All
If we were to think that the flavour enhancement saga
was going to sleep we were clearly on planet Mars. On
the 9th February, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry
and Fisheries (DAFF) issued a press statement which
essentially said that all South African companies adding
any kind of flavour enhancement solutions to both
portions and whole carcasses were acting illegally in
terms of the Agricultural Product Standards Act. A rather
dramatic claim wouldn't you agree? An urgent meeting
with the DAFF later, and a new statement was issued which has helped bring us a bit
closer to the position we were in before the first press release. In future, both parties
have agreed to first speak to each other before running off to the media. We have
enough expert legal advice to know that the flavour enhancement practices we follow
(both brining and marinating) are legal, as are the various returns practices used by
the different companies in terms of the Meat Safety Act. So that is not the issue, but
the public perception of us is actually the real issue. I hope all broiler companies will
accept and realise that this practice needs to be regulated and that we must reach
agreement with the state on the best way forward. We had actually written to the
Department of Agriculture in early 2006 suggesting some changes to the regulations,
but we were not even afforded the courtesy of a reply. As you can see, this shows
that our engagement with the Department is not new.
“Indien ons voor die
media-twak ’n goeie saak
gepubliseer het waarom die
praktyk van smaakverhoging
tot voordeel van ALLE
Suid-Afrikaners is, het ons
moontlik regulering vermy”.
Hoewel ons onsself ’n ontwikkelingstaat noem, is
Suid-Afrika ’n intervensiestaat. Dit mag
opdringerig klink, maar aangesien ’n sleutelrede
om deur die proses van regeringsverandering te
gaan was om in Suid-Afrika geleenthede vir al sy
mense oop te stel, moet ons verwag dat die staat
tussenbeide sal kom. Dit wil nie sê ons is ’n
“ k i n d e r o p p a s s e r s t a a t ” s o o s s o m m i g e
ontwikkelde state nie, maar een waarin die staat
sy mag moet aanwend om maatskaplike
verandering teweeg te bring. As mens dit so
beskou, sou jy in staat moes wees om te begryp
waarom regulering nodig is. Indien ons voor die media-twak ’n goeie saak
gepubliseer het waarom die praktyk van smaakverhoging tot voordeel van ALLE
Suid-Afrikaners is, het ons moontlik regulering vermy. Wysheid agterna is in die
algemeen leersaam, maar ongelukkig verander dit nie die verlede nie.
A follow up meeting to the October flavour enhancement / Independent Meat
th
Inspection system meeting held last October took place on the 16 February.
Attendance was good and apart from the producer contingent we also had a number
of key individuals from the DAFF, Department of Health and the National Regulator
for Compulsory Standards. To try and avoid competition law concerns, our
competition law attorneys, Denys Reitz, were also in attendance. We tried to deal
with flavour enhancement by using descriptive categories, comparing our products to
fruit squashes, fruit nectars, 'pure' fruit juices and freshly squeezed juice. This
approach did not win universal favour as it is hard to find hard evidence as to when
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03 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN
From the desk of the CEO
SAPA Statistics
Modern Disease Control for a Modern
Poultry Industry
Pfizer and Comipharm launch the
Pfizer Poultry Vaccine Range
Die Implentering van Kwaliteit
Bestuursisteme in die Pluimveebedryf
Afrox achieves level 3 BBBEE Rating
Northern Views - Indigestible
Training Options at University of
KwaZulu - Natal
Grain Prices continue to shock the
Poultry World
ABC responds to budget
SA’s Food Inflation compares
favourably with BRIC Nations
Alltech opens renovated US $200
million Algae Facility
Giving “Egg-head” an entirely new
meaning
Afri Compliance hernu hul kontrak met
AFMA
IEC London 2011 Conference
Effects of incubation temperature on
hatching and carcass performance of
broilers
Birthday Time
Poultry Science - Contentious Issues
on Poultry House Ventilation
What is Egg Shell Quality and how to
preserve it
A Page in Time
Focus - Arbor Acres Annual Conference
Update from Astral sheds light on
Poultry Industry Myths
DPFO Page
DownTime
Blokkiesraaisel
Poultry Bulletin | Pluimvee Bulletin
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News, views, content and opinion in this publication does not
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Southern African Poultry Association.
Nuus, standpunte, inhoud en menings in hierdie publikasie
verteenwoordig nie noodwending die mening, beleid of standpunt
van die SAPV nie.
Published by:
Suider Afrikaanse Pluimveevereniging
Southern African Poultry Association
Editor: Cameron Mackenzie - editor@sapoultry.co.za
CEO: Kevin Lovell - kevin@sapoultry.co.za
Brand Manager: Masanda Peter - masanda@sapoultry.co.za
Advertising: Louisa Nel - advertising@ sapoultry.co.za
Design and Layout: Jelliweb - lisa@jelliweb.co.za
Subscriptions: Cynthia Ncube - sapaadmin@sapoultry.co.za
Letters to / Briewe aan: editor@sapoultry.co.za
Physical Address: Vesting Centre, Bosbok Road,
Randpark Ridge, Randburg
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1202, Honeydew,
2040, South Africa
Tel: 011 795 2051 | Fax: 011 795 3180

FROM THE DESK OF THE CEO
one category starts and ends. Fruit juices are regulated in this way and so it remains a potentially useful comparative model for us. We
have some concerns that if SAPA was to put fixed category levels into its Code of Practice that this could potentially be seen as an anticompetitive
practice if a producer could justify that these categories excluded them from the market. A conundrum to test Sherlock Holmes
himself - but Dr Watson has a solution: namely that we reach consensus with the state as to their intentions for revised regulations within
the Agricultural Products Standards Act and that we present these to the Commission, asking that we may proactively give them some
force and effect through our Code of Practice. As such a regulation change has to go to the World Trade Organisation for approval, and the
process of regulation change could take as long as three years. Once we have spoken to the state, we will call another such meeting to
take the process forward.
At the same meeting the concept of a Meat Safety Scheme as defined by the Meat Safety Act was discussed with all participants. To recap
a bit of what I said last month, a Meat Safety Scheme would include the requirements of Independent Meat Inspection but would be
sufficiently broad to inspect things like residue monitoring, microbiological testing, training standards and systems etc. This can have major
benefits for us in trade related matters as we will then have a formal system of proving our process practices and will also help us in our
consumer engagement. The group approved that we progress with this scheme. A formal proposal now has to go to the DAFF for their
consideration. The red meat and game industries will be doing something similar. The end result will be a win-win outcome. Industries will
have the lowest cost form of implementation of the Meat Safety Act and the state will finally have the Meat Safety Act fully implemented.
Once the proposal is circulated for comment I ask that you peruse it carefully. As it will be an additional business cost, you need to make
sure that you are going to get value for money from the proposal.
Another big news item of the month is the recent judgement by the Competition Appeal Court
(CAC) in the case against the vehicle security association (VESA) and some of its erstwhile
members. This case had to do with the Competition Tribunal finding that VESA, by its conduct, had
caused anti-competitive behaviour to occur through the issuing of industry standards (as we do to
an extent through our Code of Practice). The CAC found against the Competition Commission and
the Competition Tribunal in this matter; there is, in the view of the CAC, nothing inherently anticompetitive
in setting standards, although they may be so. What is really important in this
judgement is that neither the Commission nor the Tribunal may twist evidence to suit some preordained
purpose. They are obliged to ONLY consider the complaint before them and MUST
evaluate the evidence only in terms of its relevance to that complaint. This is huge judgement for
“This is huge judgement for us
as we have been suffering
somewhat from their messianic
zeal in saving South Africa
from the evil clutches of big
business”
us as we have been suffering somewhat from their messianic zeal in saving South Africa from the evil clutches of big business. Law is
about facts, not about religion, or political agendas. Yippee! For those who are interested we have the judgement in electronic format.
Die proses wat die SAPV vroeg in 2010 by die Landbouhoofbestuurdersforum aangevoer het om die behoefte aan verenigingswerk na
die Kommissie te neem, het op 28 Februarie tot die opvolgronde gelei. ’n Werksessie onder beskerming van die Nasionale
Landboubemarkingsraad (NLBM) is in Pretoria gehou en deur alle landboubedrywe, die Departement van Landbou, Bosbou en Vissery
en die Bemarkingsraad bygewoon. Voordat ons na die uitkomste kyk, mag dit handig wees om te besin oor die rede waarom verenigings
data insamel. Gedurende die tyd van die beheerrade moes hulle inligting insamel om hul pligte uit te voer. Die Departement van Landbou
het nie oor die kapasiteit beskik nie, en dit ook nie nodig gehad nie aangesien al die nodige produksieverwante inligting deur die
beheerrade verskaf is. Ná die deregulering van landbou het die Departement van Landbou nie sodanige kapasiteit ontwikkel nie; die
bedrywe het self deur hul onderskeie verenigings voortgegaan om die diens te lewer. In ander lande waar beheerrade nooit bestaan het
nie, is die inligting dikwels deur die staat ingesamel deur middel van heffingsmaatreëls wat datavoorlegging verpligtend gemaak het. Dit
is nie dat landboubedrywe in Suid-Afrika gedwing word om data in te samel nie, maar eerder dat hulle toegang tot data moet hê – waarom
sou ons werk doen as ons kon kry wat ons wou hê sonder om enige hiervan te doen? Ek besef dat ons hier institusionele gewoontes het
en mag dink dat ons data insamel omdat ons dit behoort te doen – en omdat dit altyd so was – maar dit is nie werklik die geval nie. ’n
Bykomende faktor in die plaaslike arena om te oorweeg is dat die NLBM bestaan om te voorsien in die behoeftes van landboubedrywe, nie
van individuele boere nie. Indien bedrywe nie deur verenigings georganiseer was nie, sou die NLBM nie kon bestaan nie.
Die voorafgaande is ’n ietwat omslagtige verduideliking waarom landbou in Suid-Afrika baat daarby om verenigings te hê wat elk van die
bedrywe ondersteun, en dat die land nie sonder data sou kon rekord hou, beplan of strategie beplan nie. Julle as individuele produsente
ste
kan eweneens nie oor genoegsame gehalte-inligting beskik om doeltreffende sakebesluite te neem nie. Die werksessie op die 28 was in
opvolging van 'n bedryfsvraelys oor inligtingsbehoeftes. Die uitset sal wees dat die reëlingskomitee van hierdie proses ’n hoëvlakdokument
sal saamstel oor die algemene behoefte aan data-insameling, dan sal elke bedryf ’n gedetailleerde afdeling byvoeg, wat op hom
betrekking het. Die NLBM (deur die Hoofbestuurdersforum) sal met hierdie dokument ’n voorlegging doen aan die Kompetisiekommissie,
wat die kommissie kan gebruik om riglyne vir die bedrywe op te stel.
Which brings me to my next bug bear. Have you ever thought what chaos we would have if the vehicle speed limits were not fixed by
statute and could be changed by traffic officers as and when they sought fit? Imagine driving to Durban and being told the speed limit is
now 80 km/h as opposed to 120km/h? This is how the Commission works: it “may” issue guidelines if it sees fit to do so but these
guidelines are not binding, so issuing them creates no legally definitive set of rules as to what is permissible or not! One has to see that
this is in the Whacko Jacko category of legal action. In fact, it is highly likely to be in contravention of the Promotion of Administrative
Justice Act, which requires that all administrative activity is fair and just. We will address this, in a gentle way, in our submission to the
Commission.
04 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN

FROM THE DESK OF THE CEO
“Don is an inspiring speaker because, in part, he educates without criticising or dismissing the mistakes of the past
(the cholesterol myth) as a personal affront to those who still espouse it”
The highly respected nutritionist, Dr Don McNamara visited South Africa in February as part of our generic egg marketing campaign. He
gave numerous radio and TV interviews, addressed a whole range of nutritionists and dieticians around the country and generally helped
influence all those he spoke to on the great benefits of egg consumption. Copies of his talks will be put onto a DVD and made available
to all egg producers. Please call our offices or write to Masanda Peter at masanda@sapoultry.co.za if you would like a copy. The visit
included discussions with the Heart Foundation, as getting them to update their research understanding is a key priority for the local egg
industry. Don is an inspiring speaker because, in part, he educates without criticising or dismissing the mistakes of the past (the
cholesterol myth) as a personal affront to those who still espouse it. We now need to follow up on his work, and he has some ideas for
local survey type research which could help us inform the nutrition quality debate within local government institutions. Getting access to
the various medical schools and correcting their current teaching protocols, where necessary, would also be a worthwhile endeavour.
For Eggs are Magic this year we have decided to split the campaign into two parts, firstly targeting children from March to July, and then
focussing on mothers for the rest of the year. In both cases, the campaign spends its funds on consumers within the Living Standards
Measures 4 to 6, as an increase in egg consumption in these groups will give the biggest benefit to producers. Masanda will be
communicating the programme to you all during March.
The press has carried a number of stories on our pending action against Brazil. This is a bit premature as we are still going through all
the steps required to properly present such a case. What I can say is that we believe we will be able to present a strong case to Itac that
Brazilian product is being dumped in South Africa. As soon as we can we will make a bit of a media splash about the pending
application. We do not want to do anything that would jeopardise the work of Itac.
In similar vein I must report that we are still to submit our application for
renewal of the current anti-dumping protection against the USA and will
do so within the next month. The deadline is mid-April but we want to
submit sooner so that Itac has more time to check our submission for
completeness prior to promulgating a formal review. The pending court
case about the current USA protection is scheduled for the end of April
“These would be permissible within the current
World Trade Organisation rules but would have the
effect of making imports more expensive”
(in between all the public holidays). I have no idea as to whether it will be postponed, but we are pretty much ready to go to Court.
At the March Broiler Organisation Committee meeting we will also begin a discussion on the possibility of asking for increased poultry
tariffs. These would be permissible within the current World Trade Organisation rules but would have the effect of making imports more
expensive. Convincing the government that these price increases are to the benefit of the country is what needs to be proved. The main
priority for the country at present is job creation and if the state was to take steps to reduce unfair competition we would be able to employ
more people in our industry. Many thousands of jobs could potentially be created. We have been asked to prepare a brief overview of these
job creation possibilities to the DAFF and will do so soon. This is a separate exercise from the possible tariff application.
The first round of committee meetings started in February with the Animal Welfare and Food Safety workgroups meeting and the DPFO
holding their first meeting of the year.
“Some of her support staff seemed to think
that we must first create production capacity
and then worry about a market for that
capacity whereas we feel it would be
prudent to operate the other way round”
At the DPFO meeting the DPFO business plan was formally accepted. This plan had
been approved by the DPFO EXCO in a prior meeting and had been amended to
reflect the earlier discussion. It will be explained to all DPFO members and potential
members during the road shows planned for this year. Just a reminder that we will be
launching the DPFO logo and brand quite soon and use this opportunity to provide
useful information and ideas to developing and smaller poultry producers. The first of
these launch meetings will take place in the Free State in April. We will also be doing
some radio work in the Eastern Cape this year. Last year we cancelled the
membership of most of the existing DPFO members due to their non-payment of fees.
This year we are only recording those of you who have paid their dues as members. This means Moses Modise has a lot of membership
recruiting to do just to bring us back to the roughly 450 members we used to have. We had an opportunity to visit the Gauteng MEC for
Agriculture in February and she was most charming. Some of her support staff seemed to think that we must first create production
capacity and then worry about a market for that capacity whereas we feel it would be prudent to operate the other way round. We have
agreed to have follow-up meetings between some of her staff and our DPFO team.
05 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN

FROM THE DESK OF THE CEO
The Animal Welfare Workgroup met to discuss two main issues, namely corrections to the revised Code of Practice and the withdrawal of
support by the NSPCA. Various comments on the latest draft of the Code were received and were worked into the text by the Workgroup.
This document is now, in the view of the Workgroup, complete except for the chapters on food safety and animal health. It is now doing
the rounds of the various committees and will thereafter go out for general comment. As this Code affects the way the industry is
expected to go about its business it is important that you go through it carefully and advise us of any issues that are not appropriate for a
minimum standards document. The draft chapters on food safety and animal health will be sent for comment once completed. As we
really want to accept the revised Code at Congress this year, please help us by reading it as soon as possible.
The NSPCA recently issued a press statement stating that they were withdrawing their support for the current version of the Code of
Practice and, by implication, their support for the new version as well. This is a sad development and we have been trying to engage with
them to see if they can still see their way clear to participating in our Animal Welfare Workgroup on other non Code of Practice issues.
These attempts have been unsuccessful so far but we will persevere. In discussions with them, they have said that they would wish to
have poultry welfare made law in South Africa by having the SABS write a standard on poultry welfare. They are most certainly entitled to
do this and would be obliged to have the SABS work with us in this regard. We really do believe that, from a welfare perspective, our new
Code will pass muster. It is a welfare document not a rights document, and their mandate is a welfare one, so our Code is not likely to be
changed much if a standard was drafted by the SABS. The next step is theirs to make. The Food Safety Workgroup dealt mostly with the
Meat Safety Scheme which is discussed elsewhere in this letter. The group also confirmed their desire to get representation of the major
retailers on the Workgroup. We will approach them all in the near future. All workgroup members should have responded to the food
safety part of the Code of Practice by the time you read this.
Die NLBM het in Februarie die voorgestelde veranderings aan die statutêre- heffingstelsel gepubliseer en die sperdatum vir kommentaar
was einde Februarie. Ten tye van skrywe hiervan is ’n aantal kommentare ontvang (beide negatief en positief). Aangesien dit nie ’n
versoek is om die fundamentele aspekte van die heffing te verander nie, maar bloot die insamelingspunt, in die geval van eierprodusente,
sal ons probeer vasstel of die kommentaar wat aan die NLBM gestuur is, aan ons beskikbaar gestel sal word sodat ons behoorlik daarop
kan reageer. David Hughes is hier aan die diep kant ingegooi en werk hard om die nodige kennis te ontwikkel. Ons het met die bystand
van Koos Pretorius van Hy-Line ’n ontmoeting gehad met Almur Smit Boerdery, die grootste verskaffer van lêhennetjies in die land.
Aangesien die Smitte nie voorheen in die insamelingsketting was nie, is hulle die een party van wie die onderneming deur die voorgestelde
verandering in die eier-insamelingsmodel geraak word. Wat die ander ondernemings betref, sal ons eenvoudig op 'n ander manier van
hulle insamel. Ek hoop die vergadering het die onsekerhede wat hulle in die proses het, uit die weg geruim het. Ek en David het ook in
Februarie ’n werksessie met die NLBM as gasheer bygewoon oor hoe om die heffings ten beste vir Suid-Afrikaanse landbou te maak werk.
Die gemiddelde heffingsbydrae onder alle bedrywe in Suid-Afrika is ongeveer 0,43% (ons s'n is 0,14% uit eiers en 0,04% uit braaikuikens)
gemeet aan die verbruikersprysvlak. Dit is inderdaad nie ’n swaar pryslas nie, hoewel ons die kommer van sommige pluimveeprodusente
aanvaar dat hierdie koste nie verhaalbaar is soos wat die NLBM beoog nie. Die NLMB het hierdie koste met dié van die Australiese stelsel
vergelyk, en ons heffingslas is ongeveer tien keer minder as hulle s'n. Verkryging van duidelikheid oor transformasie is steeds iets wat
bykomende inspanning van die bedryf en die NLBM sal verg. Ons sal julle op hoogte hou van hierdie besprekings.
Exhibition space is now completely full; in fact we have had to find some additional space to accommodate the requests for stands. To
paraphrase our ex-Commissioner of Police: the exhibition hall is now full, finish and klaar. There are, however, still a few banquet tables
available. Please make the effort to attend this as this event is for you and you alone. In order to host a banquet, the room needs to be full
to make it a viable proposition. We have been lucky to get some generous sponsorships for this year's event, without which it would be
difficult to put on the show you demand. We will publicise all these people in due course and I ask that you respond positively to their
largesse. We still have a few more sponsorship opportunities in the offing. If you feel that we can give your business some additional
exposure and would like to assist us in presenting Avi Africa, please contact Hendrien directly.
I had an opportunity to have dinner with Professor Robert Pym, the head of the World's Poultry Science Association and Professor Rob
Gous last month. Professor Pym is keen to see what can be done to make the African Poultry Network, a virtual network of poultry
academics and professionals across Africa, more active. To this end we might try to tag on a meeting of the Network at Avi Africa 2012.
More to follow in due course.
AgriSA had a follow up meeting with us to deal with our concerns relating to membership of that organisation. Key to these is cost, and
they have gone out of their way to accommodate our needs. The proposals will be discussed at all committees in the coming month or so
that we can table a resolution to congress apropos our possible membership. For those of you not in the committee system please contact
me directly if you have any points you want raised regarding this potential membership.
Good news is that the Research Selection Committee will be having their first meeting in April. As we try to roll out the various levy
projects this is one of the projects that needs a lot of effort to get on the road so to speak. David Hughes will be looking after the work of
the Committee and I wish to thank those producers who have offered their time to the Committee for their commitment to making this
programme work.
We have been advised that even though the new Consumer Protection Act Regulations are not yet in effect that the NGO, Compassion in
World Farming, has submitted a complaint to the Consumer Commissioner claiming that our production practices are “unconscionable”
More lawyer-lawyer no doubt and much time to be wasted in dealing with the matter. Ho-hum.
Regards until next month
08 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN

SAPA STATISTICS
This is a summary of a report. The complete version is available online at http://www.sapoultry.co.za/statistics.html
All forecasts of future feed ingredients and finished feed prices are based on the opinion of an independent feed
consultant contracted to SAPA. These forecasts are for guideline purposes only and SAPA does not, in any way,
warrant that these predictions will be realised. SAPA therefore cautions any user of this information to treat it in an
appropriate manner.
This report refers to circumstances taken into account at the writing of this report at middle February 2011.
The price of maize has been very volatile in the last 3 months and has been following the export parity value which was
mainly influenced by big volatilities in the International market and the weakening of the Rand against the US Dollar from
about R6,70 to R7,30. Currently we are still trading well below export parity and are due for a correction, but not before we
get rid of the big surplusses and this could be delayed as the current crop for 2011 looks very good. The main reasons for the
latest increase in CBOT have been a smaller crop in Argentina because of drought, huge imports by China and increased
usages in Ethanol production. Currently maize is trading at about $7.00/bushel for March 2011.
Exports of surplus SA maize has been very slow, mainly because of the logistical problems experienced to get the maize to
the harbour in time and very short slots to load the ships. There is strong talk that maize will be exported out of East London.
This will give us an exportable capacity of between 200 000 and 250 000 mt maize. First white maize shipments have gone to
Korea in February 2011.
Kommoditeit
The inland (Randfontein) yellow maize price for February 2011, at R1 710,00 per ton, increased by 46,8% on a year to year
basis. The coastal (Pietermaritzburg) yellow maize price for February 2011, R1 770,00 per ton. On a year to year basis the yellow
maize spot price at the coast increased by 44,5%. The projected potential increase from February 2011 to July 2011, with
assumptions in mind, are 3,68% inland and 3,56% at the coast.
10 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN

SAPA STATISTICS
R PER TON
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
FEED
INGREDIENT IN
FEED
BROILER
STARTER
BROILER
GROWER
BROILER
FINISHER
PULLET
GROWER
YELLOW MAIZE MARKET TRENDS
FORECASTED TO JULY 2011
Jan -08
Mar-08
May-08
Jul-08
Sep-08
Nov-08
Jan-09
Mar-09
May-09
Jul-09
Sep-09
Nov-09
Jan-10
Mar -10
Pietermaritzburg Randfontein
PRICE PER TON
Randfontein
May-10
Jul-10
Sep-10
Nov-10
Jan-11
Mar-11
May-11
% CHANGE Y/Y
SOYA MEAL MARKET TRENDS
FORECASTED TO JULY 2011
Jan-08
Feb-08
Mar-08
Apr-08
May-08
Jun-08
Jul-08
Aug-08
Sep-08
Oct-08
Nov-08
Dec-08
Jan-08
Feb-08
Mar-08
Apr-08
May-08
Jun-08
Jul-08
Aug-08
Sep-08
Oct-08
Nov-08
Dec-08
Jan-08
Feb-08
Mar-08
Apr-08
May-08
Jun-08
Jul-08
Aug-08
Sep-08
Oct-08
Nov-08
Dec-08
Jan-11
Feb-11
Mar-11
Apr-11
May-11
Jun-11
Jul- 11
PRICE PER TON
Pietermaritzburg
% CHANGE Y/Y
R2 887.03 +14.4% R2 923.41 +16.8%
R2 690.95 +20.2% R2 835.13 +26.0%
R2 535.10 +22.6% R2 664.83 +27.7%
R2 151.00 +30.6% R2 170.87 +30.0%
LAYER R2 157.87 +27.8% R2 178.07 +27.3%
R PER TON
6 000.00
5 000.00
4 000.00
3 000.00
2 000.00
1 000.00
0.00
Pietermaritzburg Randfontein
The inland (Randfontein) soya price for February 2011, at R4 071,00 per ton. On a year to year basis the soya feed spot price
inland increased by 4,52%. The coastal (Pietermaritzburg) soya price for February 2011, R3 911,00 per ton. On a year to year
basis the Soya spot price at the coast increased by 4,71%. The projected potential decrease from February 2011 to July 2011,
with assumptions in mind, is between 0,71% and 0,74 % inland and at the coast.
The inland (Randfontein) and coastal (Pietermaritzburg) sunflower oilcake price for February 2011, is R2 925,00 per ton,
increased by 48% inland and at the coast on a year to year basis. The projected potential decrease from February 2011 to July
2011, with abovementioned assumptions in mind, is 11,97%.
3 500.00
3 000.00
2 500.00
2 000.00
1 500.00
1 000.00
500.00
0.00
Jan -08
Mar-08
May-08
Jul-08
Sep-08
SUNFLOWER OILCAKE MARKET TRENDS
FORECAST TO JULY 2011
Nov-08
Jan-09
Mar-09
May-09
Jul-09
Sep-09
Nov-09
Jan-10
Mar -10
Pietermaritzburg Randfontein
May-10
Jul-10
Sep-10
Nov-10
Jan-11
Mar-11
May-11
Jul-11
Ju-11
R PER TON
12 000.00
10 000.00
8 000.00
6 000.00
4 000.00
2 000.00
0.00
FISHMEAL MARKET TRENDS
FORECAST TO JULY 2011
Jan-08
Feb-08
Mar-08
Apr-08
May-08
Jun-08
Jul-08
Aug-08
Sep-08
Oct-08
Nov-08
Dec-08
Jan-08
Feb-08
Mar-08
Apr-08
May-08
Jun-08
Jul-08
Aug-08
Sep-08
Oct-08
Nov-08
Dec-08
Jan-08
Feb-08
Mar-08
Apr-08
May-08
Jun-08
Jul-08
Aug-08
Sep-08
Oct-08
Nov-08
Dec-08
Jan-11
Feb-11
Mar-11
Apr-11
May-11
Jun-11
Jul- 11
Pietermaritzburg Randfontein
The inland (Randfontein) and coastal (Pietermaritzburg) fishmeal price for February 2011, at R9 100,00 per ton, On a year to year
basis the fishmeal spot price decreased by 15,35%. There is an increase of 1,1% in the projected potential from February 2011 to
July 2011.
12 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN

SAPA STATISTICS
R PER TON
4000.00
3000.00
2500.00
1500.00
500.00
0
Jan -08
Mar-08
May-08
INLAND POULTRY FEED SPOT PRICES
ESTIMATED TO JULY 2011
Jul-08
Sep-08
Nov-08
Jan-09
Mar-09
May-09
Jul-09
Sep-09
Nov-09
Jan-10
Mar -10
May-10
Jul-10
Sep-10
Nov-10
Jan-11
Mar-11
May-11
Jul-11
Broiler Starter Broiler Grower Broiler Finisher Pullet Grower Layer
Futures prices (fob) / Termynpryse (vab) (e)(f) (2011/02/11)
Commodity 2011/0 2011/0 2011/0 2011/1 2012/0 2012/0 Kommoditeit
5 7 9 2 3 5
US No3 Yellow 301.84 303.73 280.58 262.86 266.33 268.37 VSA No3
maize
Geelmielies
US No2 HRW 338.99 348.84 358.03 362.80 366.70 365.45 VSA No2 HRW
wheat
koring
US Soybeans 547.11 550.05 534.99 N/a 525.14 516.40 VSA Sojabone
$/t
550
450
350
250
150
50
3500.00
2000.00
1000.00
GRAIN PRICES / GRAANPRYSE
A - Actual prices / Werklike pryse
B - Futures prices / Termynpryse
2007/01/02
2007/03/27
2007/06/20
2007/09/12
2007/12/05
2008/03/14
2008/06/09
2008/09/01
2008/11/24
2009/02/19
2009/05/18
2009/08/10
2009/11/02
2010/01/27
2010/04/22
2010/07/16
2010/10/08
2011/01/04
2011/07/31
2011/09/01
USA Yellow Maize / VSA Geelmielies
US HRW Wheat / VSA HRW Koring
A B
$/t
650
600
550
500
450
400
350
300
250
200
SOYBEAN PRICES / SOJABOONPRYSE
A - Actual prices / Werklike pryse
B - Futures prices/ Termynpryse
2007/01/02
2007/03/27
2007/06/20
2007/09/12
2007/12/05
2008/03/14
2008/06/09
2008/09/01
2008/11/24
2009/02/19
2009/05/18
2009/08/10
2009/11/02
2010/01/27
2010/04/22
2010/07/16
2010/10/08
2011/01/04
2011/07/31
2011/09/01
US Soy beans / VSA Sojabone
US Soy beans / VSA Sojabone
A B
(a)=Safex; (b)=International Grains Council; (c)=I-Net Bridge & South African Weather Service; (d)=Viterra Ltd; (e)=KCBT;
(f)=CBOT; (g)=Oil World; (h)=Ice; (i)=Georgalos Peanut World; (j)=USDA Fas-Online.
For a full report or the assumptions that calculations were based on, please send a request to info@sapoultry.co.za
14 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN

POULTRY DISEASES
by David A. Halvorson, D.V.M.
A new model for controlling emergency diseases, incorporating
the best features of different control measures, is proposed.
This model would draw from poultry industry and government
expertise to quickly, cooperatively and cost-effectively stop
poultry disease outbreaks. The advantages of the proposed
program are that it requires no unethical destruction of healthy
birds, requires no costly disposal, is cost effective and puts
more of the control costs on the producers with infected birds.
Stamping out (designation of infected zones, imposition of
quarantines, slaughter and destruction of infected and
susceptible animals and intensive monitoring) is a well-
recognised but unproven strategy for emergency livestock
th
diseases. Attendees at the 13 Congress of the World
Veterinary Poultry Association were privileged to hear Dr Erhard
Kaleta, president of the World Veterinary Poultry Association,
present the welcome address. Dr Kaleta reminded the audience
that “clubbing of farmed animals originated during severe
outbreaks of a disease which is now termed rinderpest in 1711
th
in Italy . It was the Pope Clement the 11 who, after
deliberations with some of his cardinals and medical advisors,
decided to eradicate rinderpest in all cattle by clubbing and
deep burying. Very soon responsible authorities in other
European countries - and later also in the United States of
America - followed this divine advice.”
th
In the late 19 century funds were provided to the Bureau of
Animal Industry, U.S.D.A., to pay indemnity for the quarantine
and slaughter of cattle affected with bovine pleuropneumonia
and the disease was successfully eradicated. In the first three
th
decades of the 20 century, using this familiar approach foot
and mouth disease and fowl plague were eradicated six times
and twice respectively.
Certainly most veterinarians are in agreement that eliminating
susceptible animals will contribute to eradication of a pathogen,
but elimination of susceptible animals is not equivalent to
destruction. Times have changed since the pope embarked on a
rinderpest eradication campaign, and microbiology was
discovered; our arsenal of disease control tools has expanded;
agriculture has evolved from a scattered poultry population
disseminated throughout rural areas to dense populations on
industrial farms in various rural areas; the consuming public has
become increasingly suspicious of dramatic televised scenes of
destruction and disposal of animals; and questions are being
raised about the ethics of killing and disposing of healthy
animals.
Even though the public finds it distasteful, there is support in the
veterinary community for stamping out when applied to
emergency (O.I.E. List A) diseases. This support is strong but
not universal. Recently (in the last 2 years) eggs or poultry have
16 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN
been destroyed as a result of low pathogenic avian influenza
(LPAI) infections in 10 states in the USA. Support for this
approach may exist for small outbreaks, but what happens if
hundreds of flocks are involved? It is often said that stamping
out is the most cost effective strategy; however, recent stamping
out programs involving poultry disease all eclipsed the US$100
million mark in their total costs (Virginia, California, Italy,
Netherlands).
It is questionable whether the modern poultry can tolerate this
expensive, unproven, draconian and dramatic method of
disease control much longer. The question of whether an
alternative strategy would have been more effective has not
been asked. In the absence of research trials to document the
advantage of this archaic approach, regulatory officials should
examine and document instances where emergency diseases
were satisfactorily brought under control with a different
approach. Low pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks have been
effectively controlled by vaccination and controlled marketing as
well as by stamping out, but for substantially less money. It was
recently pointed out that stamping out programs for low path AI
may cost 10 to 100 times more than controlled marketing.
Because industry-driven controlled marketing programs as well
as government-driven stamping out programs have been
successful, a thoughtful examination of stamping out programs
leads to the idea that their success is related, not to the
destruction of infected, susceptible and convalescent poultry,
but to the enforced downtime, designation of infected zones,
imposition of quarantines, and intensive monitoring. There is
nothing special about killing and burying or burning poultry
because disease outbreaks have been stopped by alternative
means. Thus we can infer that it is the government's authority to
quarantine, order cleaning and disinfecting, monitor and permit
repopulation that accounts for its success in controlling disease.
These strengths in government programs match up well with
the major weakness of industry programs.
The modern poultry industry is driven by the companies' needs
for meat and eggs. The weakness of industry-driven disease
control is that this need for a continuous supply of meat and
eggs may cause companies to act in ways that do not contribute
to disease control and may actually contribute to disease
spread.
A new hybrid disease control program is proposed that
encompasses the best that industry and government programs
have to offer. Industry and APHIS veterinarians, in a cooperative
arrangement, could initiate well-thought out measures when a
disease outbreak occurs. For example:

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POULTRY DISEASES
First, all off-farm movement of dead birds and manure should be
halted area wide, and all off-farm movement of live birds or eggs
should be controlled as should movement of people and
equipment. The group can immediately do an epidemiological
assessment.
The cooperative group should initiate a program of processing
all healthy meat birds of marketable age in the area. Placement
schedules should be interrupted. No placement of chicks or
poults should be allowed and downtime should be extended for
infected premises.
Depending on the disease, the group should assess whether
long-lived birds need to be vaccinated. Layer (and breeder)
replacements should be vaccinated twice before being moved to
the layer facility. Meat birds should be vaccinated if deemed to
be at risk (if they are moving from brooder farm to infected
grower farm for example). Vaccinated flocks may be held under
quarantine. It is imperative however that vaccine is available for
emergency use.
Source of Cartoon Strip: Fowl Play by Emil van Beest
18 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN
After no new infected flocks are detected for an agreed upon
period of time, controlled repopulation may begin. When all
flocks are virus negative the outbreak is over but antibody
positive flocks remain under quarantine.
The costs of this program would be borne by the affected
individuals and companies with government providing diagnostic
and logistical support. Companies and individuals with infected
birds would experience more of the costs than their non-infected
counterparts. These costs would include the costs of mortality,
medication, condemnation, lost production, rescheduling and
vaccination. People with non-infected flocks might experience
the costs of rescheduling and vaccination. The greatest cost is
the forced rescheduling which would be greater for infected than
non-infected farms.
It is no longer necessary to consider diseased or convalescent
poultry as “evil.” In the scientific age, we now recognise that
disease control programs with totally different approaches can
have the same outcome. Combining the best features of existing
programs has the potential to improve the existing disease
control strategies and to reduce the objections that have been
raised about them.

REGISTRATION FORM
AVI AFRICA
EMPERORS PALACE, GAUTENG
31 May - 2 June 2011
REGISTRATION FEE:
3 DAY PACKAGE = R990 (VAT incl)
2 DAY PACKAGE = R760 (VAT incl)
1 DAY DELEGATE FEE = R380 (VAT incl)
FIRST NAME & SURNAME
POSITION
COMPANY
POSTAL ADDRESS
COUNTRY
TELEPHONE NUMBER
(include dialing code)
FAX NUMBER
(include dialing code)
E-MAIL ADDRESS
SIGNED
RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO:
SA Poultry Association, PO Box 1202,
Honeydew, 2040
Fax: +27 (0)11 795 3180 / 086 500 4014
Email: sapaadmin@sapoultry.co.za
BANK DETAILS
SA Poultry Association
ABSA Bank Northcliff
Account Number: 730 720 238
Brnch Code: 334 705
Please fax proof of payment
Contact numbers for accommodation as
follows:
Mondior +27 (0) 11 928 1880
D’Oreale Grande +27 (0)11 928 1774
New Metcourt +27 (0)11 928 1000
Metcourt Laurel +27 (0) 928 1308
For office use only
Includes
3-Day Conference
Exhibition
Tea / Coffee
Lunch
Cocktail Function
Please tick clearly 31 May 1 June 2 June
VAT NO
CELL
Accommodation for your own account
Mondior Concorde (3 Star Deluxe) SAP290511
R1440 per person per night, bed & breakfast - Single
R1580 per person per night, bed & breakfast - Sharing
D’Oreale Grande (3 Star Deluxe) SAP290511
R1855 per person per night, bed & breakfast - Single
R2125 per person per night, bed & breakfast - Sharing
Metcourt Suites SAP290511-001
R800 per person per night, bed & breakfast - Single
R1320 per person per night, bed & breakfast - Sharing
Peermont Metcourt SAP290511
R800 per person per night, bed & breakfast - Single
R990 per person per night, bed & breakfast - Sharing
Please quote ref number when booking.
Please book early to avoid disappointment
Visit www.peermont.com for online booking
PLEASE NOTE THAT NO REGISTRATION FORM WILL BE ACCEPTED
WITHOUT PROOF OF PAYMENT
AVI
AFRICA
EMPERORS
PALACE
SOUTH AFRICA
31 May -
2 June 2011
REGISTER
NOW!
SAPA
Contact Details
Cynthia
Tel: +27 (0)11 795 2051
Fax: +27 (0)11 795 3180
sapaadmin@sapoultry.co.za
www.sapoultry.co.za

INDUSTRY NEWS
Pfizer Launch
03 | NOVEMBER 2010 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN
Pfizer Animal Health and Combipharm
launched the Pfizer poultry vaccine range
at Lanzerac Wine Estate in Stellenbosch
th
on the 17 February as an event for all
poultry veterinarians. The launch was
hosted by Dr Herve le Galluedec, Pfizer's
Poultry Director for Europe, Middle East
and Africa.
Dr. le Galludec shared his extensive
knowledge on IBD sequencing work
done in Europe and the USA which
created much interest for further
sequencing opportunities in South Africa.
The event also introduced Poulvac E.Coli,
the first live E.Coli vaccine available
globally. Other topics covered included
Mycoplasma and the advance in Embrex
in-ovo technology.
The partnership between Pfizer Animal
Health and Combipharm was also
announced, in which Combipharm will be
the exclusive distributor of Pfizer Poultry
Vaccines in Southern Africa. The event
was well attended with an excellent
post-launch response.

Alltech's Annual Symposium
Changes the Game in 2011
[Lexington, KY] – Whether in sports competition or the game of life, there are turning points that elevate the underdog to
victory, redefining the anonymous as the unforgettable. In the face of mounting challenges, how does one identify and
seize these pivotal moments to create a catalyst for success? In Lexington, Kentucky, USA, from May 22-25, 2011,
th
Alltech's 27 Annual International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium will be dedicated to just such a pursuit,
exploring The Game Changers for the animal health and feed industries.
“Today's challenges signal that it's time to rewrite the playbook,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech.
“Raw materials are becoming rare materials. Least-cost rations are but one example of failed strategy. Sustainability is
questionable with conventional practices, and consumer confidence is tepid at best.”
Alltech's 2011 International Symposium is intended to be an industry time-out, providing opportunities for professionals
to huddle in specialised breakout sessions – including aquaculture, beef, dairy, equine, poultry, pig production, pet food,
regulatory, food quality, traceability, and communication in agriculture. All sessions will be dedicated to the open
discussion of creative game-changing strategies for revolutionising industry practices and thus redefining its future.
“The clock is ticking. Our planet is expected to reach its 9 billion inhabitants apex by 2050,” said Dr. Lyons. “There is
hope, however, for game-changers that will enable us to generate sustainable profitability, innovatively use new raw
materials, and add value to conventional agricultural products all while maintaining resources for our planet.”
Of particular note, plenary and breakout sessions will include focussed discussion on programmed nutrition;
technology to maximise release of nutrients from DDGs and other feedstuffs; formulation to minimise nutrient waste;
branding nutrition; sustainability strategies; and the use of new media in communicating directly with the consumer.
The prestigious Medal of Excellence and Alltech Young Scientist Awards will also be presented during the Symposium.
For further information, including a full agenda with topics and speakers, and to register, please visit
www.alltech.com/symposium. Join in the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag: #AlltechSymposium.

INDUSTRY NEWS
By Dr. Mike Odendaal
Die nuwe Verbruikers Beskermingswetgewing wat waarskynlik in
April vanjaar in werkking tree mag 'n ernstige nadraai vir die
kleinhandel asook die lewende hawe produsent inhou. Die
bedoeling van die wetgewing is veral daarop toegespits om die
regte van die verbruiker te beskerm deur diè toegang te
verseker tot produkte wat goeie waarde, goeie kwaliteit en
veiligheid bied terwyl dit die verskaffer aanspreeklik maak
teenoor die verbruiker. In die geval van eetbare produkte moet
dit veilig wees en sonder enige nadelige effek nadat dit geëet is.
Die wet maak ook voorsiening vir die totstandkoming van 'n
doeltreffende manier van kompensasie aan verbruikers indien
daar enige gesondheidseffekte tot nadeel van die verbruiker sou
wees. Is dit rede tot kommer? Beteken dit dat ons 'n krises op
hande het? Miskien moet ons eers na die globale en plaaslike
situasie kyk.
In die globale arena word die kwessie van voedselveiligheid
deur die kosbedryf baie ernstig opgeneem en geniet dit tans
baie aandag in die kleinhandel. Dit word baie sterk aangedryf
deur regulasies, riglyne en wetgewing vanuit Europa en Noord
Amerika. Bakteriese organismes soos Salmonella, Listeria, E.
coli O157 en Campylobacter word allerweë beskou as van die
belangrikste siekteveroorsakende organismes deur voedsel
oorgedra, wat siektetoestande in mense veroorsaak. Die
hoofbron van die infeksies is gewoonlik afkomstig vanaf uitbrake
van die siektes op plase, of as omgewings-kontaminante wat
tydens prosessering die eindproduk kan besmet. Deurlopende
toetsing en evaluering van resultate van produkte tydens
prosessering is nodig om die teenwoordigheid van die
organismes aan te wys om korrektiewe aksies van stapel te
stuur. In die verlede moes 'n mens lank wag vir sulke resultate,
maar die koms van molekulêre diagnostiese tegnologie het
hierdie tydperk verkort sodat dit binne selfs 24-48 uur
beskikbaar mag wees.
“Dit was egter die teenwoordigheid van kwaliteit-
sisteme by een van die verbruikers wat die dioksiene
opgespoor en aangemeld het”
Die onlangse teenwoordigheid van dioksiene (chemiese gifstof
in olie as gevolg van gekontamineerde grondstowwe) wat in die
voedselketting beland het, het finansiële chaos in die voer- en
vleisindustrieë in Europa veroorsaak. Die gevolg was dat alle
vark- en hoendervleis uitvoere vanaf die land van oorsprong
summier opgeskort is, aangesien inname daarvan nadelig vir
die mens kan wees. Oornag het die situasie van
vooruitstrewendheid en
winsgewendheid verander na een van wanhoop en vernietiging
van verwerkte produkte deurdat afsetgebiede opgedroog het.
Ondersoeke is egter nog aan die gang om te bepaal hoe dit daar
beland het. Maar dit was egter die teenwoordigheid van
kwaliteitsisteme by een van die verbruikers, wat gereeld die rou
materiale volgens 'n skedule toets, wat die dioksiene opgespoor
en aangemeld het.
Afgesien van voedselveiligheid het dierewelsyn 'n ewe
belangrike rol om te speel in diereproduksie en die verskaffing
van eetbare produkte van dierlike oorsprong. Die belang van
dierewelsyn word soms onderskat soos onlangs deur 'n opname
getoon deur navorsers by die Universiteit van Kansas, wat oor 'n
10 jaar periode geskied het. Hulle het getoon dat die
openbaarmaking van negatiewe beriggewing, waarby
dierewelsyn betrokke is by varke en pluimvee, tot 'n direkte
afname in vark- en pluimveevleis aankope gelei het. Alhoewel
sulke afnames tydelik van aard is, veroorsaak dit 'n ongewensde
daling van kontantvloei en produktiwiteit wat die hele bedryf
raak. In die oorsese pluimveebedryf het die betrokkenheid by
die Goeie Boerdery Praktyk al sterk toegeneem en voldoen die
meeste produsente aan kwaliteitsisteme wat voeding,
dierewelsyn, voedselveiligheid en omgewingsbeheer insluit.
Standaarde word deur Global Gap (Duitsland) en “Assured
Chicken Production” (Engeland) propageer wat deur die
kleinhandel daar aanvaar word.
'n Kwaliteit bestuursisteem (KBS) verwys na die vermoeë van 'n
organisasie om sy prosesse of aktiwiteite op 'n geordende wyse
te bestuur. Hierdie prosesse word gedokumenteer en die
doeltreffendheid daarvan word deurlopend gemonitor deur
middel van oudits en inspeksies deur interne kwaliteitspersoneel
en eksterne geakkrediteerde instansies. Dit het ten doel om die
organisasie se doelwitte te bevorder, om die verbruiker se
behoefte aan kwaliteit te verseker, te voldoen aan
regeringsregulasies en om aan omgewingsvereistes te voldoen.
Voorbeelde wat hier genoem kan word is
ISO 9001 wat 'n bestuurstandard is met
toepassings op enige besigheid, publieke
administrasie of regeringsinstansie; ISO
14000 wat van toepassing is op
omgewingsbestuur, ISO 22000 is vir
enige voedselproduksie-aanleg terwyl
I S O 1 7 0 2 5 o p m i k r o b i o l o g i e s e
toetslaboratoriums van toepassing is.
Kwaliteitsisteme is ontwikkel deur Global
GAP vir toepassing in die landbou,
insluitend die pluimveebedryf, om al die
belangrike aspekte van voedselveiligheid
en dierewelsyn aan te spreek.
24 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN
“Kwaliteitsisteme
is ontwikkel deur
Global GAP
vir toepassing in
die landbou om
al die belangrike
a s p e k t e v a n
voedselveiligheid
en dierewelsyn
aan te spreek”
Daar is 'n globale tendens om kwaliteitstelsels te implementer
om die produksie van veilige, hoë standard voedsel te verseker.
Ten einde hierin te kan slaag is daar sterk fokus op die produksie
en prosessering van vleis en vleisprodukte, waaronder eiers en
eierverwante produkte ingesluit word.

INDUSTRY NEWS
Hierdie proses behels 'n Plaas-tot-Vurk (Engels: Farm-to-Fork)
benadering, deurdat die verwerkte of onverwerkte eindproduk
se oorsprong tot op die plaas waar dit geproduseer is,
nagespeur kan word. Elke handeling waaraan die produk
blootgestel word, word gedokumenteer en moet voldoen aan
die neergelegde standaarde. Die implementering van 'n
kwaliteitsisteem verseker dat elke skakel in die ketting aan
kwaliteit standaarde moet voldoen om aan die einde 'n produk
van uitnemende gehalte te lewer. Die uiteindelike doel is dat
elke skakel in die ketting gesertfiseer sal word deur 'n
geakkrediteerde instansie teenoor internasionaal aanvaarde
standaarde. 'n Belangrike aspek wat die geloofwaardigheid van
die kwaliteitstelsel ondersteun, is laboratorium toetsing vir die
teenwoordigheid van bakteriese en chemiese kontaminante. Dit
word gedoen deur die neem van monsters op voorafbepaalde
stadiums van die produksiesiklus, vir toetsing deur
geakkretiteerde laboratoriums.
Op die plaaslike front in Suid Afrika het die kleinhandel die
afgelope jare 'n baie suksesvolle Goeie Boerdery Praktyk (GBP)
(Engels = Good Agricultural Practise (GAP)) projek geloods in
die groente- en vrugtebedryf. Alle groente en vrugte wat plaaslik
deur die kleinhandel aan die verbruiker verskaf word, het hulle
oorsprong op plase
wat aan GBP voldoen. Hierdie akkrediteerde vrugte- en
groenteplase is ook in 'n posisie om hulle produkte uit te voer na
die meeste markte in Europa. Dit is alombekend dat die
Europese owerhede geweldig krities is en dat die kwaliteit van
produkte 'n absolute voorvereiste is. Aanvaarding en
implementering van die bepaalde kwaliteitsisteme deur die
plaaslike groente- en vrugteprodusente is grootliks
verantwoordelik vir hulle sukses. Wat die voerbedryf betref, was
AFMA instrumenteel in die vestiging van GVP (Goeie
Vervaardigings Praktyk, Engels: Good Manufacturing Process)
in voermeulens, insluitende die implementering van
gedragskodes wat die voorsiening van veilige voedsel aan
produksiediere meebring. Die meeste voermeulens voldoen dan
ook aan die streng ISO 9001 en ISO 22000 vereistes.
“Dit is ongetwyfeld 'n area waarop die
pluimveeprodusent van die toekoms hom of haar moet
toespits, indien hulle produkte aan die kleinhandel wil
lewer”
Verskeie kleinhandelaars in die voedselbedryf het dan ook hulle
eie standaarde vir die pluimveebedryf daar gestel waarvan
dierewelsyn en voedselveiligheid die twee belangrikste
komponente uitmaak. Produsente wat aan diè kleinhandelaars
hoenderprodukte lewer, moet aan die vereistes voldoen,
alvorens hulle produkte aanvaar sal word. Die Suid Afrikaanse
Pluimvee Vereniging (SAVP) is tans besig om hulle gedragskode
vir die pluimveebedryf te hersien, maar dit dien slegs as 'n riglyn
en word nie as 'n standaard vir 'n kwaliteitstelsel beskou nie.
Die kleinhandelaars wil die bal aan die rol sit deur die vestiging
van GBP deurdat hulle die voordeel daarvan insien om aan te
dring op hoë boerdery standaarde, wat veral in die
pluimveebedryf van toepassing is. Dit is ongetwyfeld 'n area
waarop die pluimveeprodusent van die toekoms hom of haar

INDUSTRY NEWS
moet toespits, indien hulle produkte aan die kleinhandel wil
lewer. Die hoendervleis verwerkingsaanlegte van die groot
pluimveeprodusente voldoen egter aan HACCP of ISO 22000
vereistes, ten einde veilige produkte aan die verbruiker te
verseker.
Dit is dus uiters noodsaaklik dat die hele pluimveeproduksiekettIng,
vanaf die verskaffer van roumateriaal aan die pluimveeprodusent,
die verskaffer van hoendervleis of eiers aan die
verbruiker tot die verkope van die eindproduk aan die
kleinhandel deurentyd deur 'n kwaliteitstelsel beheer word.
Indien daar gebrekkige beheermaatreëls op enige van die
stappe uitgeoefen word, word die gehalte van die eindproduk
onder verdenking gebring en kry die verbruiker die geleentheid
om sy of haar regte uit te oefen, volgens die nuwe wetgewing.
“Dit impliseer dat indien jy nie jou resultate kan
kwantifiseer of meet nie, jy nie eintlik verstaan wat jy
gedoen het nie”
Miskien het ons nog nie te doen met 'n krises nie, maar het ons
'n keuse om niè aan die globale standaarde te voldoen nie? Dit
is juis nou die tyd om te besef dat erkende standaarde
(kwaliteitsisteme) in die vleisbedryf geïmplementer moet word,
om aan die verbruiker te toon dat die gelewerde produk veilig is
om te gebruik en dat dit ook voldoen aan globale aanvaarde
dierewelsynstandaarde. Ek wil graag 'n aanhaling maak deur
Mikel Harry, 'n erkende Six Sigma outoriteit:
“We don't know what we don't know; we can't act on
what we don't know; we won't know until we search; we
won't search for what we don't question; we don't
question what we don't measure.”
Dit impliseer dat indien jy nie jou resultate kan kwantifiseer of
meet nie, jy nie eintlik verstaan wat jy gedoen het nie.
Sam evatting
Kwaliteitsisteme handel oor voedselveiligheid en dierewelsyn.
Maatskappye in die voedselbedryf moet voortdurend produkte
van hoë gehalte lewer, en dit is slegs moontlik indien hulle weet
wat hulle doen, en indien hulle oor die langtermyn suksesvol wil
wees. Die implementering en handhawing van kwaliteitsisteme
het die sleutel geword om 'n erkende nasionale en
internasionale besigheidstrategie te vestig. Kwaliteitsisteme is
die sleutel tot 'n suskesvolle besigheidstrategie.
Following an audit by independent verification body Empowerdex
in February 2011, Afrox has achieved a Level 3 BBBEE (Broad
Based Black Economic Empowerment) rating. Afrox is the only
gas company in the country to have acquired this level to date.
Together with being a value-add enterprise this now means
Afrox customers can now claim 137.5% black spend for the
purpose of their own BBBEE scorecards.
Winky Makwela, Afrox Employee Relations Manager, says this is
a significant achievement for the business, giving them the
highest BBBEE rating among other South African gas suppliers.
“Afrox customers can now claim 137.5% black spend for
the purpose of their own BBBEE scorecards”
26 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN
“We've proved that Afrox is a company that has fully embraced
the transition required in the local business arena and that we're
moving forward all the time,” she says. “The higher rating means
we are now even better placed to do business. The new rating
will give Afrox a marketable advantage over companies that
have a lower rating, since the gas market is very competitive
and the scorecard rating is a factor considered by customers
when selecting a gas supplier.
BBBEE is measured against seven elements: Equity Ownership,
Management Control, Employment Equity, Skills Development,
Preferential Procurement, Enterprise Development and Socioeconomic
Development.

MAATSKAPPY-OORSIG
Ceva Dieregesondheid Suid-Afrika (geregistreer as Ceva Animal Health (Edms) Bpk) is 'n filiaalmaatskappy van Ceva Santé Animale, 'n
internasionale maatskappy met sy hoofkantoor in Libourne, Frankryk. Ceva word tans in 37 lande verteenwoordig, het sewe
verkoopstakke, nege navorsings- en ontwikkelingsentrums, 12 gespesialiseerde vervaardigingsaanlegte en 2 275 werknemers. Ceva
Suid-Afrika is ingedeel in die internasionale sone wat Afrika, die Midde-Ooste, Asië, Australasië en Suid-Amerika insluit. Ceva is tans die
sesde grootste dieregesondheidsmaatskappy in Suid-Afrika en die negende grootste in die wêreld. In die laaste vyf jaar was Ceva onder
die top drie maatskappye wat die vinnigste groei getoon het.
Ceva se aktiwiteite is gefokus op volhoubare, gesonde voedselproduksie, met spesifieke klem op die gesondheid van produksiediere.
Troeteldierwelstand is 'n hoë prioriteit, en gedragsmodifiserende produkte maak reeds 'n substansiële gedeelte van Ceva se besigheid uit.
Toegewyde spanne poog voortdurend om te voldoen aan die spesifieke behoeftes van kliënte in die herkouer-, pluimvee- en
troeteldiersektore. Winsgewendheid word suksesvol met langtermyngroei gekombineer.
Ceva as 'n maatskappy glo dat ons saam “meer as dieregesondheid” teweeg kan bring. Meer as 75% van alle nuwe, menslik-aansteeklike
siektes kom van dierlike oorsprong, ook bekend as soönoses. Ceva is direk betrokke by internasionale navorsing rakende die
voorkoming en verspreiding van aansteeklike siektes tussen mens en dier.
ONS MISSIE
CEVA SE MISSIE IS OP DIE VOLGENDE KERNWAARDES GEBASEER:
Marius Viljoen, Besturende Direkteur van Ceva Suid-Afrika, glo vas daaraan dat die enigste KONSTANTE binne
die maatskappy en die globale omgewing VERANDERING is. Daarom moet ons voorbereid wees om die
verskeie aspekte (makro-neigings) wat hierdie veranderings teweeg bring, te antisipeer. Ons moet bereid wees
om binne hierdie onbekende milieu reaktief te funksioneer, anders sal ons baie vinnig dinosourusse in die
moderne wêreld word.
Ceva Dieregesondheid
ONS PROFIEL
Ceva glo dat 'n nuwe benadering tot wêreldgesondheid, wat meer as blote dieregesondheid behels, nodig is. Dit kon egter nie alleen
vermag word nie en daarom berus ons missie op drie basiese sosiale beginsels, naamlik:
Om 'n groeiende bevolking te help voed, deur saam met ons vennote in die diereproteïen-produksiebedryf oplossings te
vind vir meer doeltreffende en veiliger siektevoorkoming.
Deur soönoses, wat die gevaar van ernstige pandemies inhou, te bestry.
Om die welstand en gesondheid van die troeteldier te verseker omdat Ceva die belangrike sielkundige en emosionele skakel
tussen mens en troeteldier besef.
SOLIDARITEIT – met die fokus op spanwerk, wil ons die belangrikste dieregesondheidsuitdagings wêreldwyd aanpak.
INNOVASIE – ons bereidwilligheid om af te wyk van konvensionele benaderings en die grense van idees te verskuif.
ONDERNEMINGSGEES – ons werknemers, wetenskaplikes en netwerk van vennote word aangemoedig om die kundigheid in
dieregesondheid voortdurend te verbeter en dus met daadwerklike oplossings vorendag te kom.
Saam, verbind tot meer
as dieregesondheid!

SOLIDARITEIT
Met die samesmelting van 'n paar kleiner maatskappye is Ceva Dieregesondheid gebore. Ten spyte van vele struikelblokke, soos
uiteenlopende praktyke en kulture wat moes saamsmelt, gesteelde telefoon- en internetkabels, Eskom krag-krisisse, die wêreldekonomiese
insinking en kredietbeperkings, het Ceva gegroei. Vanaf 2008 het Ceva se verkope met 43% gegroei, strategiese en
innoverende produkte het in dieselfde tydperk met 133% gegroei (sien grafiek hieronder). Die implimentering van tegniese
ondersteuningspanne het verder verseker dat Ceva-produkte reg en optimaal benut word. Met die toevoeging van goedgekwalifiseerde
personeel en die gepaardgaande verbetering in produktiwiteit, het die bedryfsresultaat ook met 25,9% verbeter.
2004:
Cevac
Transmune IBD
CevacVitabronL
2005:
RehydionGel
2006:
Cevac Uni L
Doxyvit100WS
Coglavax
Coglamune
INNOVASIE
2007:
Circomune W
Layermune SE
Repromune IBD/ Re
Layermune 3
Repromune 4
Ceva 3+
Ceva 4+
2008:
Cevac Corymune 4K
Cevac Corymune 7K
Tildren
Clomectin
Coglarev
Die groeiperiode van braaikuikens het gedurende die afgelope 30 jaar van 65 na 35 dae
verlaag. Dié verkorte groeiperiode lei daartoe dat die braaikuiken nie genoeg tyd het om
met tradisionele entstowwe 'n optimale immuunreaksie te ontwikkel nie. Vir 'n voldoende
immuunreaksie word nuwe entstofontwikkeling op dagoud- of selfs in-ovo-toediening
gemik. Hierdie innoverende entstowwe se sukses is afhanklik van akkurate toediening. Ceva
se ontwikkeling van broeiery-entingstoerusting, sowel as tegniese rugsteuning het groot
aanklank in die mark gevind.
Vermindering van stres in braaikuiken-teëlouers en lêhenne, weens herhaalde inentings van
geïnaktiveerde entstowwe in pluimvee, het tot gevolg dat polivalente entstowwe al hoe
meer en meer gebruik word. Die effektiwiteit van hierdie entstowwe is afhanklik van
korrekte dosistoediening. Die jongste innovasie in die proses van implimentering is die
Desvac Intra-muskulêre inspuitingsapparaat. Dit stel die kliënt in staat om akkurate
binnespierse entings toe te dien, herhaalbaar in terme van akkurate
dosis en gewenste posisionering van inspuiting.
Verkope2008tot2011 Verkope
Strategies
Totale
43%
133%
2008
2009 2010
2009:
Cevac Chlamydia
VeribenB12
Coglavax bees
aanspraak
2010:
VectormuneFPLT
VectormuneFPLT+AE
VectormuneFPMG
VectormuneFPMG+AE
CevacS.Gallinarum
Cypertraz skape en
bokke
2011
2011-2015
Nog innoverende
produkte in die
pyplyn

ONDERNEMINGSGEES
Die C.H.I.C.K Program (Ceva Hatchery Injection Control Keys) is suksesvol in 16 braaikuiken-broeierye geïmplimenteer. Fokus is op
broeiery-entstowwe, toerusting, entingstegniek, evaluering en diagnose van entings. Die tegniese span is verantwoordelik vir opleiding,
diens en die onderhoud van toerusting, asook die evaluering van entings.
Ceva het in samewerking met plaaslike boere, bees- en skaap-proefplaasfasiliteite op die been gebring. Deur kommersiële plase te
benut, verlaag die kostes van navorsing drasties en die beskikbaarheid van proefdiere, met goeie versorging, word verseker. Die
proefplase is spesifiek daarop ingestel om voortdurend beter oplossings vir bestaande en nuwe siektes te vind. Albei eenhede bied ook
uitstekende geleenthede vir die opleiding van Ceva-verkoopsverteenwoordigers en studiegroepe.
Die proefplase word tans vir die volgende gebruik:
Bosluisstudies, mytdoeltreffendheid, oordraagbaarheidsverspreiding- en verdraag-saamheidstudies, evaluering van nuwe
toedieningsmetodes, nuwe formulasies, toets vir die doeltreffendheid van wurmmiddels, fekale eiertelling-afnametoetse en residustudies.
Ceva ondersteun tans die Suid-Afrikaanse Veterinêre Vereniging, en meer spesifiek die Veterinêre Stigting, deur middel van befondsing
en hulp met epidemiologiese studies en navorsing. Ceva het die behoefte vir opleiding en wetenskaplik-gefundeerde inligting vir die
veearts en boer geïdentifiseer. Ceva is direk betrokke by die fasilitering van spesialiteitsgroepbesprekings en
-opleiding (bv. Sheep Farm Services en Ceva University). Volgens Dr Tod Collins van Underberg Veterinary Surgery CC: “Ons het nog altyd
verkies om oorspronklike dieregesondheidsprodukte in plaas van generiese produkte te gebruik, maar Ceva Animal Health het ons
oortuig om hul produkte 'n kans te gee. Ons was veral beïndruk met Ceva se navorsing oor Klostridium-verwante siektes in KwaZulu-
Natal om die omvang en sindrome van die siekte te verstaan. Dit het 'n aansienlike bydrae tot die dieregesondheidsindustrie gelewer.
Dus het ons groot agting vir Ceva Animal Health.”
Met die ondersteuning van ons kliënte, voorsien Ceva dat hulle in die nabye toekoms een van die vyf groot dieregesondheids-
maatskappye in die wêreld sal word. Ceva neem sy rol om in die nabye toekoms nege biljoen mense te help voed baie ernstig op en
werk hard om dit moontlik te maak.
Ceva se tegniese ondersteuningspan in aksie

Saam, verbind tot meer
as dieregesondheid!
Ceva Animal Health (Edms) Bpk • Reg.Nr.1973/016009/7
Tel:+27(0)11312-4088•Faks:+27(0)11312-4092•E-pos: herkouer.info@ceva.com

NORTHERN VIEWS
by Gineke Mons
The Dutch Poultry farmers' Union
(NVP) is perplexed. Absolutely
flabbergasted. They've met with the
Dutch Ministry of Agriculture 35
times since July 2007 to negotiate a
workable national interpretation of
the 2007/43/EU Broiler Directive,
the European guideline to decrease
the amount of broiler kg's per square
metre to counter animal welfare
problems. And all of a sudden they
find themselves confronted with an
implemented guideline – as at
February 1st – by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture. "We
thought we were still in the middle of the negotiations, and now
we find that all earlier agreements have been swept aside and
the broiler guideline has come into effect immediately,” fumes
NVP chairman Gert-Jan Oplaat.
“A remarkable detail is that only the Dutch
government imposes this reduction of floor surface”
Needless to say, the union has quit the negotiating table with
immediate effect, flaring with anger. The absolute breaking point
is the 1,7 percent deduction of the floor surface of broiler houses
for the feeder and water lines. Instead of 42 kg's per square
metre, they are now confronted with a reduction of another 800
grams of broiler weight, resulting in a maximum capacity of
41,2 kg's. That's hefty, compared to the 46 to 48 kg's the Dutch
broiler farmers used to produce. A remarkable detail is that only
the Dutch government imposes this reduction of floor surface.
Other EU-countries such as England maintain the reduction
unless the feeder and water lines are winchable – and they all
32 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN
are. Broiler farmers also wonder how on earth they're going to
arrange exactly the right moment to deliver the broilers, because
at the end of the cycle, their weight per square metre (at 20
2
chicks per m ) increases with roughly 800 grams per 10 hours.
Farmers depend on loading crews and the planning of the
slaughterhouse.
“Dutch broiler farmers now fear being flooded with
paperwork, dykes or no dykes”
How can one ever prevent crossing the 41,2 kg mark? Cutting
feed and water supply too early will result in chicks eating each
other, which is contra-productive for animal welfare, to say the
least. Other indigestible new rules are the fact that broiler
farmers are compelled to register the number of kg's and the
mortality per cycle per house - and not on farm level. Also, the
mortality rate per house must be converted (daily!) to a
2-decimal percentage. Besides, the chicks that the farmer
himself selects for culling for welfare reasons – such as chicks
with a broken leg – are now included in the mortality rate.
Besides this giving way for an infinite amount of creative,
uncontrollable bookkeeping solutions, Dutch broiler farmers now
fear being flooded with paperwork, dykes or no dykes. Another
breaking point is the strict mortality rate: a maximum of 1
percent, plus an additional 0,06 percent per day, resulting in a
maximum of 3,4 percent in 40 days. The union predicts that
broilers will refuse to set up male chicks, because their mortality
rate on average is much higher. "This means that our Deputy
Minister of Agriculture will be responsible for the shredding of 60
million day old make chicks annually," says Oplaat, questioning
the effects of the guideline on animal welfare. The broiler's union
- 400 members, representing 40 percent of Dutch poultry
production - now threatens to block the execution of the EUguideline
by withholding contributions for research funds or
refusing to release the data from the chick registration system.
They will only return to the negotiating table if the 1,7 percent
reduction of floor surface is scrapped. (Will be continued...)

TRAINING
by Dr Mariana Ciacciariello and Dr Nicky Tyler
With all the changes we have seen in the basic education
system in the past years, the Higher Education Institutions have
also changed in an effort to ensure that our graduates receive
the required training. However, these changes could potentially
affect the level of training at which companies recruit staff. It is
also clear from the advertisement of posts that the trends have
changed somewhat. A few years back an undergraduate
qualification was sufficient to enter into the working market. But
today it is more and more common to see adverts asking for at
least a Masters degree. This is particularly the case in the
poultry industry. Now, what is really the difference between
these graduates and what can the industry expect at each level?
“What one can expect from this
graduate is someone who will be
able to grow intellectually, will
be able to learn on the job, and
to use their knowledge and skills
as a stepping stone to the next
level”
In addition, with the
vast increment in
a v a i l a b l e
k n o w l e d g e , w e
have to adapt our
degrees to be able
t o p r o v i d e
graduates with a
sound grounding in
technical knowledge,
but at the same time
prepare them to be
life-long learners. Unfortunately, with the large volumes of
knowledge available nowadays, if we were to teach everything
these students need to know, degrees would last 10 years! So,
we need to find a way to ensure we produce functional
graduates - and this is how we do it.
Starting from our undergraduate programme, we have a 4 year
degree which covers the basics in the first year, and moves into
more specialised subjects as the students progress through the
degree. Most of our modules are offered using a problemsolving
teaching approach where students learn to think for
themselves and resolve problems in a guided manner. This is a
general degree where students learn about all aspects of major
animal production systems and we have a strong emphasis in
approaching training with a scientific frame of mind. It is only in
their final year where they can choose some kind of
specialisation when they work on their research project. During
this degree students are also trained in public speaking, report
and scientific writing. Therefore, what one can expect from this
graduate is someone who will be able to grow intellectually, will
be able to learn on the job and to use their knowledge and skills
as a stepping stone to the next level. For these graduates, inhouse
training is highly recommended once they are employed
and they are suitable, in most cases, for junior or entry level
positions where they will be mentored by someone with more
experience.
36 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN
“As a result, an MSc graduate is someone more
mature, with more exposure and should be somewhat
more ready to take responsibility”
If this graduate does not want to immediately go into the work
market, he or she can spend the next 2 to 3 years specialising
by doing a Masters degree. Our Masters programmes are
exclusively research based. There is no course work
recommended – unless the student has done their
undergraduate degree at a different institution. Should this be
the case, we ensure that all students have an adequate
background to undertake their research project and successfully
complete their degrees. During this time, students sharpen their
research skills, learn to review the available literature more
critically and visualise gaps in knowledge. They are expected to
write their own experimental protocols, understand and execute
their own statistical analysis and present their data, both written
and orally, in a scientific and professional manner. They work
more independently than at the undergraduate level. However
the supervisor or supervisory team still have an important role
to play in assisting the student through the process. The
employer can now expect someone with a more in-depth
knowledge in a specific field.
We encourage our postgraduate students (at all levels) to be
involved with other projects, to broaden their knowledge base,
and to participate in industry and academic related activities.
Many have the opportunity to attend national and international
conferences and to interact with specialists in their field of work.
As a result, an MSc graduate is someone more mature, with
more exposure and should be somewhat more ready to take
responsibility. While some in-company training is ideal, these
graduates are better prepared and should be able to adapt to
their work environment much faster.
Now, if this person still has a wish to further his or her
training, and doesn't get discouraged by the usual comment:

TRAINING
“you will never get a job because you will be overqualified”; or
decide they can live on meagre scholarship funding for another
4 years, they can pursue a Doctorate. This is also assuming they
don't receive a brilliant job offer and are up to a lot of very
challenging work. Sometimes the views some people have
about PhD graduates reminds me of the ancient Romans –
whose bogey-men were the Gauls. Well, for many, a PhD
graduate is that – a Gaul. I think these misconceptions are due
to the fact that there are so few PhD graduates, especially in our
industry. And because of that, people do not really know what to
expect (or what to do) with someone holding this kind of
qualification.
“Beyond having large knowledge about a very
specific research problem and all the “hard” scientific
skills which they gather during the duration of their
degree, what comes with the process is that intellectual
independence and maturity”
On the other hand, the government and the Department of
Higher Education and Training are placing tremendous pressure
on Higher Education institutions to recruit and graduate more
Doctorates. The reason for doing this is because research and
development are essential to the country's future growth. For
South Africa to become a knowledge economy, it is essential
that we have PhD graduates in all fields (and our industry is not
an exception). This will allow the country to compete with
developed countries and to become independent in terms of
knowledge generation – to stop relying on others to create
knowledge. Local solutions to local problems may give us an
added advantage as companies compete in a global market.
A PhD programme is intensive and requires a large degree of
self-reliance, self-motivation and passion. During this time, the
38 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN
student will become intimately involved with the topic of his or
her research. But beyond having large knowledge about a very
specific research problem and all the “hard” scientific skills which
they gather during the duration of their degree, what comes with
the process is that intellectual independence and maturity. PhD
graduates very quickly can adapt and fit into a working position
which is not directly related with their subject of research. It is
because of the skills developed during the degree that these
people can evaluate and resolve problems from very different
angles. They are independent thinkers and, in most cases, very
innovative and capable of creating new ways of doing business.
Recruiting a PhD just out of University, without any work
experience, may also require some sort of short-term
preparation or mentoring. But these are highly adaptable people
who are sure to hit the floor running.
With the critical shortage of skilled people in our industry, it has
been increasingly more difficult to recruit PhD candidates. If we
consider that only a small proportion of matriculants can actually
access University, and from these, an even smaller proportion
continue with postgraduate degrees, our industry is at risk of
falling behind in terms of knowledge independence. It is true that
we are highly integrated and interlinked with foreign companies
and that most of the technology and developments are imported
through these liaisons. However, we also know that on the
ground, people want to see locally-generated knowledge. We
are grateful for the support that the industry gives us, to be able
to assist us in producing the much needed skilled people to
enter the working world. Our commitment is to strive for
excellence in training and in the creation of knowledge in South
Africa.
The above article is a collaborative contribution by Dr Mariana
Ciacciariello and Dr Nicky Tyler, who are part of the Poultry
Team at UKZN, together with Emeritus Professor Rob Gous. Dr
Ciacciariello focuses in poultry nutrition and management with
special interest in broiler breeder hens; while Dr Tyler focuses in
poultry reproduction, with special interest in male management
and performance.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
By Dr. Paul W. Aho
During the last six months, the world poultry industry has been
buffeted by a perfect storm of rising grain prices and increasing
uncertainty. The first few gusts of wind started with the summer
wheat crop failure in Russia and the shut-off of exports from
that normally robust exporter of grains. Instead of exporting 18
million metric tons of wheat, Russian exports dwindled to just 4
million metric tons in the current crop year. Then a poor harvest
in the US reduced grain production by another 20 million metric
tons. Another few million tons were then shaved off Argentine
production. Meanwhile the most voracious new consumer of
grain, US ethanol production, continued to expand
uncontrollably while the world economy recovered and began to
demand more meat and therefore more feed grains.
“At the end of the current crop year, August 31, 2011,
there will be virtually no corn left in the US and
little in the rest of the world.”
Russian Wheat Exports
2009-2010 18.56 million tons
2010-2011 4.00 million tons
Argentina Corn Exports
2009-2010 16.5 million tons
2010-2011 14.5 million tons
Corn for Ethanol US
2009-2010 94 million tons
2010-2011 116 million tons
US Corn Production
2009-2010 332 million tons
2010-2011 316 million tons
Corn Imports China
2009-2010 1 million tons
2010-2011 3 million tons
The world ending inventory of total grains so far is not as bad as
it was in 2007-2008. However, the drop from last crop year was
significant. A drop of over 60 million tons has a big impact on
world grain prices.
The grim news about the supply and demand of grains in
general, and corn specifically, was made clear in the February
WASDE report of the USDA. It is now known with considerable
certainty that the ending inventory of corn in the US will be
reduced to only 5% of use, equal to the lowest ever (1996). At
the end of the current crop year, August 31, 2011, there will be
virtually no corn left in the US and little in the rest of the world.
As bad as the current situation is, it could get even worse. Corn
prices, both old crop prices and new crop prices, now depend
on crop year 2011-2012 of which little is known. What is known
about the next crop year is that at least 14 billion bushels are
needed to make some modest progress toward increasing grain
reserves. A harvest like that would bring corn prices down to
about $5 per bushel or $200 per ton. A disappointing harvest of
about 13 billion bushels would leave prices where they are now,
$7 per bushel or $280 per ton.
A clue as to what might happen can be learned at the Chicago
Mercantile Exchange (CME). Traders there are currently betting
on a less than perfect harvest this year. December futures are
at $6 per bushel. The punters are therefore expecting an
imperfect harvest of about 13.5 billion bushels.
Corn Futures - Chicago (February 11, 2011)
March 2011 $ 7.02/bushel $281/ton
December 2011 $ 6.16/bushel $246/ton
40 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN
The supply and demand of grain in the rest of the world is, of
course, important but the US still dominates world corn exports
to such an extent that the US corn harvest is still the bell
weather for world grain prices. However, if the world is about to
enter into an extended period of relatively high grain prices,
then production is bound to increase faster in the rest of the
world than in the US due to lack of suitable new land in the US.
Therefore, the world may become less dependent on the US in
the future. Nevertheless, for the moment, all eyes are on the
planting and harvesting prospects in Iowa and surrounding
states.
The prospects for a 14 billion bushel crop in the US do not look
good at the moment. High prices for cotton, wheat and
soybeans will limit the ability of corn to increase acreage this
year. The price of cotton is up by 100% in the last year and will
surely gain land by about 3 million acres in the US. The high
price of wheat will encourage more land to be devoted to wheat.
The price of soybeans is historically high and will maintain most
of its acreage. As a result, any increase in corn land will be only
the small portion of land in the Midwest that is now fallow and

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
can be converted to corn (and will be relatively unproductive the
first year).
In addition to lack of land, another problem is La Niña. La Niña
conditions in the Pacific Ocean are expected to continue into
the planting season. As a result, the northern Corn Belt may be
too wet and too cool for an early start to planting this year. Just
how much La Niña will impact crop production is, of course,
highly speculative. Nevertheless, the scenario painted by
meteorologists suggests that an unusually large harvest will not
be possible this year due to the wet and cold spring. Yields may
fall below the trend line again this year.
If the futures market is correct, there will be one more year of
high corn prices. Only with a surprisingly better yield would the
price fall from the average levels of this crop year.
“There is a great deal of confusion about the China
market. However, it is possible that China could become
the world's largest importer of corn over the next few
years.”
The worst case scenario would be a drought in the American
Midwest this year. If a drought should happen, the lack of
inventory would send prices up to over $10 per bushel ($400
per ton) and ethanol production would probably be shut down
on an emergency basis. There is a low probability of a drought
but it is not impossible. No matter what happens this year it can
be expected that corn prices will drop significantly in 2012.
There is now a powerful economic incentive to plant corn and
other grains all over the world. High grain prices will, in the end,
cure high grain prices.
42 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN
The total use of corn in the US can be no higher than the
harvest next crop year since inventory levels will be down to
pipeline levels. That makes prices more volatile than normal and
more dependent on yield. Even under the best scenario there
will be cutbacks in chicken production from what they otherwise
would have been. Meat prices will be higher and the resulting
demand from consumers will be lower than otherwise expected.
A wild card for corn demand is the status of Chinese corn
imports. The US Grains Council reported that Chinese corn
imports will increase to 6 million tons next crop year, up from a
previous estimate of 3 million tons. As usual, there is a great
deal of confusion about the China market. However, it is
possible that China could become the world's largest importer
of corn over the next few years.
The potential of China to import 10 million, or even 20 million,
tons of corn pales in comparison to the misguided ethanol policy
of the US government. That unsustainable burning of feed will
destroy 100 million tons of corn this year and take 40% of the
total US harvest.
Crop year 2010-2011 will have the highest average price of corn
ever, even higher than in 2007-2008. Although any prediction
about crop year 2011-2012 is highly speculative, it appears that
the price of corn may continue at nearly these high levels for
another year, followed by an inevitable drop in prices to lower
levels in the next crop year. It would take an extremely good
yield to bring the price down significantly in crop year 2011-2012.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
The price of soybean meal, unlike corn, never retreated from the
highs of 2007-2008 as can be seen on the chart below. First,
there was the grand diversion to corn in the US and then a
drought in Argentina, and all the time China increased
purchases spectacularly. A shortage of acres kept soybean
prices high in 2007-2008 as land was diverted to corn in the US.
Soybean acreage dropped from 75 million to 65 million sending
soybean prices higher. This year with soybean prices relatively
high but not as high as corn, soybeans will hang on to 76 million
acres and lose a million to corn.
When soybean acres recovered in the US, production fell in
Argentina due to a drought. As a result world ending stocks were
low in 2009, keeping prices high.
44 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN
Finally, China stepped up purchases of soybeans from just 10
MMT in 2001-2002 to nearly 60 MMT this crop year. In 10
years, China increased their imports by an amount equal to the
total production of Argentina.
High corn prices will tend to support high soybean prices next
crop year. As with corn, a significant drop may have to wait for
crop year 2012-2013.
“Any chicken company which is currently unhedged on
grain in the US is losing a substantial amount of
money very quickly.”
Eventually world supply will catch up to booming demand but it
will be a slow process over the next few harvests in both North
and South America. The best and worst case scenarios for
soybean users involves, to a much greater extent, the harvest of
Brazil and Argentina rather than the ups and downs of the US
crop. The harvest that starts now in South America is expected
to be smaller than the record harvest of last year and therefore
will not help to bring the price down.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Any chicken company which is currently unhedged on grain in
the US is losing a substantial amount of money very quickly.
Anecdotal information suggests that many small and medium
sized companies are unhedged. The largest firms tend to be
hedged. As a result there will be a considerable amount of
financial stress on small US companies this year. In the rest of
the world, results vary by country but the overall situation is one
of stressful grain prices causing financial difficulties for chicken
companies. However, the news is not all bad. The good news is
that prices of competing meats are high around the world and
are expected to go even higher. In the US, beef prices are up
20% and pork is up 30% from levels a year ago. These higher
prices will help to pull chicken closer to profitable levels. In
addition, due to the poor feed conversion of (feedlot) beef and
pork, prices of those competing meats will trend upward at a
faster rate than chicken in the next 12 months. These higher
prices for competing meat should help increase the price of
chicken to profitable levels. However, in some countries like the
US, a temporary cutback in chicken production may be required
to return the industry to profitability.
This month the government of Mexico started an investigation
into claims that the US was dumping leg quarters into Mexico.
Mexico was the largest market for US leg quarter last year when
Russia banned US imports for 10 months and then cut import
quotas by half. China is still severely restricting chicken
exported by the US. Russia, Mexico and China represented the
three largest markets for US leg quarters. Leg quarter prices
started 2011 at the same level as last year. However, last year
at this time, exports to Russia had halted completely. This year,
exports are flowing to Russia (although at a slower pace than in
earlier years). With at least some product flowing to Russia,
Mexico still open for the moment, and world demand in general
improving, leg quarter prices should be higher than last year. In
addition, at some point during the year, production cut-backs in
the US will restrict the supply of leg quarters leading to even
higher prices. The high price of competing meats also helps.
Leg quarter prices should end the year at 45 cents per pound
($1 per kilo) versus 35 cents ($0.77 per kilo) last year.
Increased chicken production late last year in the US brought
DBB prices down to highly unprofitable levels. Nevertheless, in
the spring, seasonal demand will increase and supply will
inevitably moderate leading to higher prices. DBB prices
bottomed out at $1.10 ($2.40 per kilo) and will rise with
production cutbacks as well as the high price of competing
meats. It would not be surprising to see DBB at nearly $2 per
pound later in the year ($4.40 per kilo).
45 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN
In 2010, the world chicken industry grew by 3.3%. With the
spike in grain prices, the 2011 increase may slow to 2.2%. By
2012, grain prices could be falling, the world economy will be
picking up steam and it could be a time of increasingly profitable
chicken production. The last several years have been marked by
erratic growth to say the least but the trend is up from 2009.
In 2010 the US chicken industry increased production at a rate
of 4%. In 2011, production increases will slow with the
headwinds of the perfect grain storm. However, thanks to the
good feed conversion of chicken and high competing meat
prices, the overall trend line of chicken production increases
from 2008 to 2012 with two notable dips in 2009 and 2011.
US red meat production has been dropping since 2008 partly
due to the recession and partly due to high grain prices. Due to
the importance of feed conversion, persistent high grain prices
will force red meat production to fall despite relatively high meat
prices and the upturn in the economy.
Paul Aho Ph.D is an international agribusiness economist
specialising in projects related to the poultry industry and has
been a prolific writer in trade journals in both the United States
and in Latin America. Dr. Aho now operates his own consulting
company called “Poultry Perspective”. In this role he works
around the world with poultry managers and government policy
makers. E-mail: PaulAho@PaulAho.com.This article is an edited
extract from the February issue of Aviagen's Broiler Economics,
kindly supplied by Stanley Millar, Commercial Manager of Arbor
Acres - Middle East and Africa.

NEWS
Algae Plant Ribbon Cut
Alltech, a global leader in natural animal nutrition, cut the ribbon
on its US$200 million Alltech Algae plant in Winchester,
Kentucky. Alltech Algae is a state-of-the-art algae fermentation
facility that was acquired in 2010 from Martek Bioscience
Corporation for approximately US$14 million and has been
renovated in the past few months to begin in April as one of the
largest algae production sites in the world.
“Algae will be used for value-added feed products,
algae-derived bio-fuel and the production of ethanol”
“For Alltech, algae fermentation presents the latest technological
frontier from which we expect incredible opportunities in the
areas of food, feed and fuel to arise,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons,
founder and president of Alltech. “We have already been
working in this area for several years and see it playing a major
role in both human and animal health and nutrition.” “I am
confident that this will be one of the key pieces that will help
our company pass the $1 billion revenue threshold in 2015,” Dr.
Lyons continued.
A ribbon cutting ceremony at the plant was attended by local
and state government officials as well as the 60 global
attendees of the first Annual Algae Conference hosted by
Alltech in Kentucky. The primary focus of the facility will be the
development of products derived from algae. The algae will be
used for value-added feed products, algae-derived bio-fuel and
the production of ethanol.
Algae capture CO2 and release it as pure oxygen. It also
creates 70% of our atmosphere's oxygen, more than all forests
and fields combined. Algae are the fastest growing plants in
nature and have the ability to convert large amounts of carbon
dioxide into oxygen, a characteristic that makes it particularly
interesting in today's environmentally conscious world.

NEWS
Algae Plant Ribbon Cut
Alltech, a global leader in natural animal nutrition, cut the ribbon
on its US$200 million Alltech Algae plant in Winchester,
Kentucky. Alltech Algae is a state-of-the-art algae fermentation
facility that was acquired in 2010 from Martek Bioscience
Corporation for approximately US$14 million and has been
renovated in the past few months to begin in April as one of the
largest algae production sites in the world.
“Algae will be used for value-added feed products,
algae-derived bio-fuel and the production of ethanol”
“For Alltech, algae fermentation presents the latest technological
frontier from which we expect incredible opportunities in the
areas of food, feed and fuel to arise,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons,
founder and president of Alltech. “We have already been
working in this area for several years and see it playing a major
role in both human and animal health and nutrition.” “I am
confident that this will be one of the key pieces that will help
our company pass the $1 billion revenue threshold in 2015,” Dr.
Lyons continued.
A ribbon cutting ceremony at the plant was attended by local
and state government officials as well as the 60 global
attendees of the first Annual Algae Conference hosted by
Alltech in Kentucky. The primary focus of the facility will be the
development of products derived from algae. The algae will be
used for value-added feed products, algae-derived bio-fuel and
the production of ethanol.
Algae capture CO2 and release it as pure oxygen. It also
creates 70% of our atmosphere's oxygen, more than all forests
and fields combined. Algae are the fastest growing plants in
nature and have the ability to convert large amounts of carbon
dioxide into oxygen, a characteristic that makes it particularly
interesting in today's environmentally conscious world.

NEWS
OUTPUT:
Gregory da Silva,
a comedian artist,
storyteller, dancer
a n d l i ve s t r e e t
p e r fo r m e r f r o m
Benin, is staying in
Cape Town and has
appeared at many
Festivals in Africa,
including the Masa
Festival 2003 in Ivory
C o a s t ; I n n i b o s
Festival in Nelspruit,
M p u m a n l a n g a ;
Gariep Festival in
Kimberley; Rittelfees
Music Festival in
V r e d e n d a l ;
G r a h a m s t o w n
National Art Festival;
Moorreesberg Farm
Shows; as well as
t h e K K N K i n
Oudtshoor n and
A a r d k l o p i n
Potchefstroom.
Having appeared in many TV advertisements and movies, he
performs every day in Market Square Cape Town, adding an air of
Rio-style festivity wherever he performs. Tourists from across the
globe call Gregory 'The Eggman', 'Eierman' or 'Chicken Man'.
E-mail Gregory at eggmanfestival@gmail.com.
Bedson Africa (Pty) Ltd is a market leader in top quality Animal Health
and Production-enhancement products.
Applications are solicited for the following position in the Company.
TECHNICAL MARKETING MANAGER - ANIMAL HEALTH PRODUCTS
Western Cape
Sales and support services rendered to current and
prospective clients
Develop sales plans and report on activities
Technical advice / mediation
Identify gaps in the market
Customer needs analysis
After-sales and backup services
Liaison and communication with customers to maintain
relations
Develop innovative strategies to expand and build new
business in the Southern & Western Cape Area
Closing Date: 31 April 2011
E-mail a complete CV to our HR Department: marius.brits@bedson.co.za
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
A diploma in Animal Health or Animal Production
3 Years exposure in the Animal Health Industry
Specific experience in the processes of sales and
customer service
Excellent English communication, speak and write
Must reside in the Western Cape Area.
ADVANTAGEOUS:
Good initiative and innovative thinking
A team player
The ability to build business relationships and interact
with key role players in the industry
Strong interpersonal skills
Practical experience in Poultry / Dairy production
Should you not hear from us within 7 days of closing date, please view your application as unsuccessful
Please visit our website www.bedson.co.za
48 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN

NUUS
Die maatskappy Afri Compliance het onlangs hul bestaande
kontrak met AFMA hernu, waarvolgens die maatskappy
landswyd sekere markbeskermingsdienste en onafhanklike oudit
dienste aan die voerbedryf sal lewer.
Hierdie verbintenis met Afri Compliance sluit aan by AFMA se
ondersteuning van die beginsel van selfregulering. Afri
Compliance is ook die gemagtigde diensverskaffer aan die
voerbedryf om die industrie gedragskode by individuele lede te
oudit. Met hierdie stap neem AFMA mede verantwoordelikheid
saam met owerheidsinstellings vir die goeie orde in hul bedryf
en voldoen hulle aan een van die belangrikste voorskrifte van
die nuwe CPA rakende die instelling van 'n gedragskode.
Die voerbedryf gaan, net soos ander bedrywe, gebuk onder
prysdruk in die waardeketting en daarom is dit belangrik dat
seker gemaak word dat die speelveld in die voerbedryf gelyk
There are now only a few weeks to go until the IEC London 2011
conference which takes place from the 3rd to the 5th April, and
the team at the IEC is busy making the final preparations.
IEC London 2011 will present a two day program of world-class
speakers, discussing topics influencing the egg industry,
including speakers from the European Commission, FAO and
Tesco's. Attending the London conference provides delegates
the opportunity to meet with over 250 leading egg industry
figures. Simultaneous translation at the IEC London conference
will be available for all conference sessions in French, Spanish,
and Italian. IEC Chairman, Joanne Ivy, says: “This is all set to be
another truly excellent event, with inspirational speakers from
around the world sharing their expertise and offering invaluable
advice, combined with the opportunity to meet and network with
leaders and key decision makers within our industry.”
moet wees. Dit is daarom belangrik dat alle rolspelers in die
bedryf moet voldoen aan die vereistes wat in terme van SA
wetgewing aan hulle gestel word.
“AFMA het 'n hoë agting vir die kundigheid en vermoë van Afri
Compliance om AFMA by te staan in sy strewe om seker te
maak dat net die beste gehalte voer vervaardig word,” het Mnr
De Wet Boshoff, Uitvoerende Direkteur van AFMA, gesê.
“Hierdie stap van AFMA vorm deel van sy doelwit om die
Voerbedryf in SA te vestig as 'n toonaangewende bedryf wat
met integriteit na hul belange omsien.”
“Hierdie dienste is in lyn met die doelwit van Afri Compliance
om gespesialiseerde dienste aan die voer en verwante landbou
bedrywe te lewer,” het Mnr Joe Hanekom, Besturende Direkteur
van Afri Compliance, gesê. “AFMA is een van die
toonaangewende bedrywe wat betref selfregulering.”
Speakers during the conference will include Professor David
Hughes, “Supplying Multiple Retailers – The Green Train has left
the Station”; Steve Murrells, Ex-Director of Tesco, “How to Serve
Retailers in the Future”; Dr Michael MacLeod, FAO, "Preliminary
life-cycle assessment of laying hens"; Nan-Dirk Mulder,
Rabobank, “Competition for Land Use between Different
Production Alternatives”; Dr Adrian Williams, Cranfield
University, UK, “Carbon Footprint”; and Robert Krouse,
Chairman, United Egg Producers, Crisis Management (Lessons
learnt - Salmonella in the US)”.
Also on the agenda are Dr Fabien De Meester, “Egg as The
Nutraceutical and the Economic Opportunity of Cracking into It”;
Professor Hans-Wilhelm Windhorst, “The Role of Less
Developed and Threshold Companies in Global Egg Production
& Trade”; and Andrea Gavinelli and Stefania Marrone, EU
Commission, “Approaching the EU ban on Conventional Cages
- Situation analysis”.
The IEC 2011 conference is being held at the Royal
Horseguards Hotel, London. To register, contact the IEC office at
www.internationalegg.com.

POULTRY SCIENCE
By S. Yalçin, E. Babacanoglu, H. Güler and M. Aksit
In the past 20 years, broiler production has increased in hot
climate countries, due to a greater potential for further growth.
Thus, there is a necessity to improve thermo-tolerance of
broilers produced in hot climates. Incubation period will become
increasingly important in enhancing thermo-tolerance, because
higher temperatures during incubation may lead to an elevation
of the thermo-regulatory set-point after hatch. Two recent
experiments, conducted to determine the effect of high
incubation temperature (INCHIGH) from d 10 to 18 on hatching
performance and carcass characteristics of broilers, have been
compared with broilers from incubated at control temperatures
(INCCONT). INCHIGH resulted in a delay in external pipping
and hatching times compared with INCCONT. There was no
incubation temperature effect on the weights of bursa of
fabricius, spleen and lungs, and moisture content of chicks but
lowered heart and liver weights. When broilers exposed to daily
cyclic high temperature from 21 to 42 d, slaughter weight of
broilers from INCCONT reduced while heavier body weight and
breast yield were obtained in broilers from INCHIGH. It was
concluded that higher incubation temperature from d 10 to 18 for
6 h/d had no effect on chick weights and minimised the negative
effect of heat stress on slaughter weight and breast meat yield.
“High ambient temperature from 3 to 7 weeks induces
major economic losses by increasing mortality and
decreasing growth rate of broilers”
Chickens maintain a constant body temperature over a wide
range of ambient temperature. However, the ability to maintain
body temperature depends on balance between the internally
produced heat and the rate of heat dissipation. Fast growing
broilers have difficulties in dissipating heat production and to
maintain body temperature at high environmental temperatures.
Indeed, 0.57-0.85°C higher body temperatures were reported in
broilers reared at higher temperatures compared to broilers
reared at control. Although respiratory evaporative heat loss is
an effective mechanism for heat dissipation, increased the
ventilation is based on the upper respiratory track results an
increase in panting (respiratory rate), blood pH, and decrease in
blood Na+, K+, pCO2, and HCO3, characterising a status of
respiratory alkalosis in broilers exposed to higher temperatures.
Thus, high ambient temperature from 3 to 7 weeks induces
major economic losses by increasing mortality and decreasing
growth rate of broilers. On the other hand, there is strong
evidence that climate change is already occurring, and global
temperatures will rise by between 1.4 and 5.8ºC during this
century. This makes it necessary to improve strategies to
alleviate the negative effects of high ambient temperatures on
broilers.
Early thermal conditioning, exposure to 36°C for 24h at 5d of
age, seems to be one of the most promising methods in
increasing resistance of broilers to heat stress. Our previous
50 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN
studies showed that when broilers exposed to heat stress,
conditioned broilers gained 3.2% more body weight than heat
stressed broilers and had similar feed conversion to control from
21 to 42 d. Increases in body temperatures were average 0.57
vs. 0.76ºC in conditioning and control broilers, respectively, after
exposure to 34°C for 8 h. Incubation period is of particular
importance in thermoregulation of poultry. Exposure to higher
incubation temperatures during the critical periods can improve
broilers capability for thermo-tolerance at later post-hatch age
concluded that exposing embryos to higher incubation
temperature (38.5°C) for 3 h from 16 to 18 d had a positive
effect on thermo-regulation of broilers without affecting
hatchability. It was demonstrated that 39ºC incubation
temperature from either 11 to 20 d of incubation for 6 h/d or
from 13 to 17 d of incubation for 2 h/d improved broilers
capability to combat with heat stress at later ages. Because
thermal conditioning during incubation may become a practical
tool to prevent the detrimental effect of heat stress, more
information is needed to determine its effect on hatching
performance and slaughter weight and carcass performance.
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of
higher incubation temperature from 10 to 18 d of incubation on
hatching and carcass performance in broilers reared at daily
higher temperature from 21 to 42 d.
In the first recent experiment conducted in our own laboratories,
a total of 1700 eggs were used. Eggs were weighed individually
and numbered before setting for incubation. Eggs were divided
into two groups and set to either a high (INCHIGH, 39.6°C/6h/d
from d 10 to 18) or control (INCCONT 37.8°C) temperature
incubator. Using a thermometer (Braun Thermoscan), eggshell
temperature was recorded on d 14 and 18 of incubation on 25
eggs/incubation temperatures. Between 464 and 510h of
incubation, the number of embryos pipped externally and chicks
hatched were recorded every 2 h. All unhatched eggs were
broken to macroscopically determine fertility or stage of
development at death. Total embryonic mortality was calculated
as total of early, mid and late deaths and pipped but unhatched
eggs. Malpositions were classified. Chicks hatched from fertile
eggs (H/F) were also determined. On day of hatch, ten chicks
from each incubation temperature were weighed, sacrificed by
cervical dislocation, dissected, and residual yolk sac weight and
weights of liver, heart, bursa of fabricius, spleen, and lungs were
measured. Chick moisture was determined after chicks were
dried at 110ºC for 24 h.
In a second trial, a total of 552 eggs were used and the same
incubation process was repeated, except for temperature that
was 38.5°C/6h/d from d 10 to 18 in the INCHIGH group. A total
of 300 chicks (150 from each incubation temperature) were
allotted to 12 floor pens. Room temperature was 33ºC at 1 d of
age and decreased gradually 3°C/week until they reached 24°C
at 21 d. From d 21 to 42, half of broilers from each incubation
temperature were exposed to daily cyclic high temperature of 32
to 35°C from 10:00 to 17:00 h, while the other half was reared at
optimum temperature (24°C, control). Birds had ad libitum

POULTRY SCIENCE
access to diet and water. At 42 d, all birds were weighed and
body temperatures of 12 male broilers during the daily cyclic
high temperature were recorded. Twelve male broilers/incubation
temperature/rearing temperatures were slaughtered after 8 h
feed withdrawal. Weights of breast (with and without bone and
skin), drumsticks, and wings were measured and yield was
expressed as a percentage of carcass weight.
Significantly higher shell temperature was obtained for eggs
from INCHIGH at both 14 and 18 d of incubation. This higher
eggshell temperature could be a prerequisite for a higher
thermoregulatory set-point during the post-hatch period. The
higher incubation temperature may increase incubation weight
loss and affect chick moisture. Indeed, Lourens (2008) found
11.5 and 12.4% weight loss between setting and transfer at 19
d of eggs that incubated at constant 37.8 and 38.9 ºC eggshell
temperature from 9 to 19 d of incubation. However, in the
present study, similar chick moisture levels were obtained. This
result could indicate similar weight loss between two incubation
temperatures. This difference between studies may be due to
duration and degree of higher incubation temperature.
There was no effect of incubation temperature on H/F.
Hatchability was 79.9 and 80.2% for INCCONT and INCHIGH,
respectively, being insignificant between groups. Embryos
incubated at INCHIGH pipped 7.2 h later compared to
INCCONT embryos. Higher daily cyclic temperature treatment
during incubation increased the duration of total incubation time.
Duration of total incubation was 495.5 h and 500.5 h for
INCCONT and INCHIGH chicks, respectively.
Embryonic mortalities were not influenced by incubation
temperature. Although the incidence of the malpositions was
0.47%, all was belong to the embryos from INCHIGH. Head
under left wing constituted almost 62.5% of the malpositions,
followed by head in the small end of egg with a frequency of
25.0% and feet overhead with a frequency of 12.5%. The
incidence of blind embryos was 0.8%.
There was no effect of higher incubation temperature on chick
weight. Yolk absorption was greater for control chicks. Higher
residual egg yolk content found in late-hatched INCHIGH chicks
was consistent with the finding of Joseph and Moran (2005)
who reported that late-hatched chicks had a greater residual
yolk sac weight. Higher residual egg yolk content suggested
that INCHIGH chicks were not efficiently utilising yolk reserves
before hatching. On the other hand, higher residual yolk sac
after hatch may be critical to growth and development.
However, chicks had similar yolk-free chick weights. There were
no differences between incubation temperature groups for
relative weights of bursa of fabricius, spleen, and lungs. Relative
weights of liver and heart were higher in chicks from INCCONT
than those from INCHIGH chicks. Sklan et al. (2003) reported
that greater growth rate birds had larger liver weight which may
reflect the level of metabolic activity. The lower liver weight of
INCHIGH chicks may be related to the lowered metabolic
activity of the INCHIGH chicks. The findings of a reduction in
plasma T3 concentration in chicks from INCHIGH also support
this result. A negative association between incubation
temperature and cardiac cell division was reported by
Leksrisompong et al. (2007). Thus, lower heart weight in
INCHIGH chicks might be expected due to lower number of
mitotically active myocytes of the heart under higher incubation
temperatures. Wineland et al. (2000) also found lower heart
weight when embryos incubated at higher temperatures.
52 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN
“Under daily high temperature, slaughter weight
of INCCONT broilers was about 6.5% lower”
In the present study, if cyclic higher incubation temperature from
10 to 18 d of incubation induces long-term acquisition of
thermo-tolerance was also investigated. The increased thermotolerance
of INCHIGH broilers was reflected in their body weight
when exposed to daily cyclic high temperatures from 21 to 42 d.
Although, broilers from INCHIGH exhibited significantly lower
body weight when reared at control temperatures from
21 to 42 d, INCHIGH broilers were heavier than INCCONT
when reared at daily cyclic high temperature. Under daily high
temperature, slaughter weight of INCCONT broilers was lower
about 6.5% whereas INCHIGH broilers gained 135 g more
(relative advantage was 5.2%) body weight than INCCONT. On
the other hand, the lower body weight of INCHIGH broilers at
control ambient temperature was associated with lower body
temperature. The INCHIGH broilers had lower body
temperatures than INCCONT broilers at both control and daily
higher rearing temperatures. This result suggested that higher
incubation temperature from 10 to 18 d of incubation appears to
induce long-term thermal adaptation to heat stress expressed
by the lower body temperatures at daily cyclic higher ambient
temperature. This may be related to lower metabolic rate of
INCCONT broilers. Daily cyclic high temperature reduced total
breast yield but increased drumsticks yield regardless of
incubation temperature. The decreased in breast meat yield but
increased in leg yields by heat stress support previous
conclusions. The magnitude of the reduction in breast meat
yield of INCCONT broilers at high ambient temperature was
almost similar to body weight of those birds. However, INCHIGH
broilers tended to have heavier breast meat yield compared with
broilers from INCCONT. Heavier breast yield obtained from
INCHIGH broilers suggested that although INCHIGH reduced
slaughter weight of broilers reared at optimum temperatures,
advantage on breast meat yield was greater when exposed to
either control or higher ambient temperatures from 21 to 42 d.
Higher breast meat yield of INCHIGH broilers may be related to
accelerated cell differentiation and increased total number of
fibres in the breast. Neither incubation temperature nor rearing
temperature had an effect on wing yield.
The results of the recent experiments indicated that higher
incubation temperature from 10 to 18 d of incubation to
acclimate the chicks to the higher post hatch ambient
temperatures had no effect on hatchability and chick weights,
and minimised the negative effect of post hatch heat stress on
body temperatures and weights of slaughter and breast meat.
These data suggest higher daily cyclic incubation temperatures
from 10 to 18 d of incubation improved the ability of broilers to
cope with higher environmental temperatures from 21 to 42 d of
age during postnatal period.
This paper is an edited extract from the World's Poultry Science
Journal, Vol. 66, March 2010

Mr B Allison, Alfer Farming
Mr A A Burden,
Boschveld Indigenous Chickens
Mr E Erwee, Supreme Poultry Pty Ltd Tigane
Mr R Laing, Ross Africa
Mr S De Beer, Supreme Poultry Pty Ltd
Breeder Botshabelo
Mr L W Frey, KZN Farming Enterprise Pty Ltd
T/A Sunrise Farms
Mr C Ngobeni, Simunye Islington Poultry Farm
Me R M Xaba, Iketsetseng Poultry Project
Mr H Adams, Highlands Gemeenskapstrust
Mr N B Mukhaninga, Mandala Poultry Farming
Me T Dalasile
Mr S Malebane, Redwing Poultry Farm
Prof R M Gous, Silebi Investments
Ms N A Mgulwa, Jongisizwe Poultry
Mr F Nell, Supreme Poultry Pty Ltd Breeder Botshabelo
Mr M Van De Glind, Euro Agro Products
Mnr K P Van Der Walt, Kortfontein Boerderye
Mr J C Doak, Diepsloot
Mr B Hamilton-Hall, Zonderzorg Investment cc
Mr M Scott, Lufafa Hatchery
Mr I M Mac Donald, Big Mac Chickens
Mr J Toerien, Supreme Poultry Pty Ltd
Mnr C Van Gaalen, J Van Gaalen & Seun
Mnr M J H Du Plessis, Jumani Quality Eggs
T/A SA Feedlink
Mnr J J Fourie, Moreson Pluimvee Boerdery
Mr T Madondo, Royal Bird
Mr G Coetsee, Supreme Poultry Pty Ltd Tigane
Mr E Joja, Tokai Breeding Farm
Mr G D C Robinson, Eggmark Pty Ltd
T/A Killarney Poultry Products
Mr G Visser, County Fair Foods
Mr S G Armstrong, Ottawa Poultry Farm
Me M M Mofokeng, Sediba Kgotso Project
Mr G P Nunes, Mikes Chicken Pty Ltd
Mr T Bobelo, Supreme Poultry Pty Ltd Mafikeng Abattoir
Adv B Van der Merwe, The Farmyard
Mr A Williamson, Supreme Poultry Pty Ltd Tigane
Mnr K P Landman, Eggbert Eggs Pty Ltd
Mnr D Morgan, 135 Vaal Plaas
Mr R Pillay, Rainbow Farms Pty Ltd
Mnr C Le Roux, Flink Wink Edms Bpk
Mr J Maree, Supreme Poultry Pty Ltd
Mafikeng Hatchery
Mev C Pieterse
Mnr J W Lourens, Schoonspruit (Jetvest 1161 CC)
Mr M A Matlala, Department of Agric Lebowakgomo
Mnr J S Pretorius, Hy-Line SA Pty Ltd
Mr P Lamb, Supreme Poultry Pty Ltd
Mr G Mubi, Gilmo Poultry Farm
Mnr R Viljoen, Pioneer Foods Pty Ltd T/A Nulaid
Mr R Werner, Supa Fresh Farms cc
Mnr K De Wet, Lena Boerdery Trust
Mr W Gevers, Up one Farming
Mnr J C Pienaar, JC Pienaar Boerdery Edms Bpk
Mr A T Sclanders, Berwin Chicken Farms
Me L Beukes, Supreme Distributors Kimberley
Mnr S F Coetzee, Coetzee Boerdery
Mnr H G Du Preez, Frangipani Boerdery
Mr S B Haagner, Haagner Poultry Farm
Mr J Robson, W Back
Mr J G Ubisi, Kurhula Farm
Mr S Hulley, L A Hulley
Mr W G Oosthuizen, Almoro Landgoed Bk
Mr P De Wit, Supreme Poultry Pty Ltd
Mnr H J Ebersohn
Mr J Gray, Midway Chix Pty Ltd T/A Hubbard SA
Mr M Gericke, Ross Poultry Breeders Pty Ltd
Mr S Hackland, Day Star Pty Ltd
Mr N Makoea, Makoea Distributor
Mr M Preece, R D Preece Pty Ltd
Me T A Radebe, Tirisano Poultry Project
Mr G A Bushell, Arbor Acres SA Pty Ltd
Mev S M Greeff, Weglê Eiers
Mr J Motsepe, Earlybird Farms Kaalplaas
Mev I Du Plessis, Kiepersol Pluimveeplaas
Mr C Groenewald, Supreme Poultry Pty Ltd
Abattoir Botshabelo
53 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN

POULTRY SCIENCE
by Professor James Hayes
The following will be attended to:
1)
The effect of wind speed on
broiler growth and especially
the detrimental effect of too high
velocity on growth during high
environmental temperatures.
2) The lack of scientific evidence for
t h e s o - c a l l e d e f f e c t i v e
temperature, the temperature that
a bird feels during high wind
speeds. It is a term that is also
used in some prominent broiler production manuals.
Heat production is an ongoing process in a living chicken. This
heat originates from the energy used in metabolic processes
inside the body cells and has to be dissipated and taken up by
the air that surrounds the chicken or else the normal body
temperature will start increasing. Under normal environmental
o
conditions (say 15 – 25 C) the rate of heat loss to the
environment is in balance with heat production and the body
temperature of the bird is maintained at the normal temperature
o
of 42 C. (There is always a noticeable increase in heat
production after feed consumption due to the metabolism of the
absorbed nutrients which places an additional burden on the
bird during very hot conditions.) The air moving over the body
takes up heat from the surface of the skin, the wattles and the
shanks. This is the convective heat loss. A small amount of
heat is also emitted to the environment by means of radiation.
The heat loss from these two processes are known as sensible
heat loss (one can feel it with your senses).
“When the temperature inside a building rises to such
an extent that convective heat loss is insufficient to
remove the amount of heat produced by the bird, the
temperature of the bird starts to increase”
The rate at which sensible heat loss takes place depends on
the temperature difference between the body and the air
o
surrounding the bird. At 35 C the sensible heat loss from the
body will be much less than at 15 ºC. The rate of sensible heat
loss also depends on air velocity, i.e. the speed of the air
moving over the bird. More air needs to be moved when
temperature differences between the bird and the surrounding
air is small. On the other hand at low environmental
temperatures the heat produced by the body is easily removed.
When the temperature inside a building rises to such an extent
that convective heat loss is insufficient to remove the amount of
heat produced by the bird, the temperature of the bird starts to
increase. The increase in blood temperature beyond 42 ºC
stimulates a sensor in the brain to initiate panting. Cooling of the
blood is now by means of moisture that evaporates from the
mucous membranes in the mouth cavity and upper parts of the
respiratory canal. This process can be very effective provided
that the moisture content (% relative humidity) of the incoming
air, and thus also in the atmosphere inside the building, is fairly
low eg. 40%. Panting, however, is a process that requires
muscle contraction which means energy is used and more heat
is thus being produced. Panting also results in an increase of
the moisture content of the air in the building and therefore
making it even more difficult for the bird to cool itself by means
of evaporative heat loss.
In a paper published by Yahav etal. (2004)¹ growth rate,
sensible heat loss, energy and water balance were measured in
broilers. Experimental conditions consisted of different velocities
of air at a temperature of 35 ºC and 60% relative humidity.
Results are shown in Table 1.
Variables measured
Body mass 7 wks g
Feed Intake (g/21d)
Body temperature ºC
Arginine Vascotocin in Plasma (pg/ml)
(Water balance regulating hormone)
54 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN
Table 1: Effect of air velocity at harsh ambient conditions
on various characteristics of broilers
0.8
Air velocity m/s
1.5 2.0 3.0
1878c 2071b 2308a 2164ab
11193c
43.9a
25.3ab
1489b
42.9c
22.4bc
1708a
42.8c
19.2c
The means in a row with different letters in subscripts differ
significantly (P < 0.05).
¹Yahav, S., Straschnow, A., Luger, D., Tanny, J. and Cohen, S. 2004.
Ventilation, Sensible Heat Loss, Broiler Energy and Water Balance
Under Harsh Environmental Conditions. Poult. Sci. 83:253-258.
1653ab
43.2b
28.0a
From Table 1 it will be noted that body mass increased
significantly from 1878 g to 2308 g as air velocity increased
from of 0.8 to 2.0 m/s. However, at 3 m/s body mass was
numerically lower, 2164 g as opposed to 2308 g for birds at an
air velocity of 2 m/s. (The difference was statistically not
significant.) With regard to body temperature regulation it was
clear (Table 1) that an air velocity of 0.8 m/s was insufficient for
the removal of sensible heat. The birds were able to contain their
body temperature at 43.9 ºC only by means of panting; almost
two degrees above normal. (Four degrees would have been
lethal). Feed intake followed the same pattern as body mass.
The physiological data collected in this experiment provided
some information of value when growing broilers under high
environmental temperatures and if high air velocities are used.
Those birds subjected to 3 m/s had difficulty to balance their
body water content. This was clearly indicated by the high level
of the hormone arginine vasotocin in the blood, 28 pg/ml as
opposed to significantly lower levels of 22.4 and 19.2 pg/ml for
the birds subjected to 1.5 and 2.0 m/s respectively, Table 1. At 3
m/s cutaneous water loss occurred and together with moisture
loss during panting, caused the imbalance in body moisture, a
highly stressful condition of dehydration.

POULTRY SCIENCE
There are indeed also other reports in the literature² showing
that high air velocity does increase cutaneous water loss. This
must not be seen as a form of sweating, the chicken has no
sweat glands. Another reason for the water imbalance in the
birds subjected to high air velocity could have been the
inability of the broilers to drink enough water. In practice this
can happen when nipple lines do not have a sufficient flow
rate because of faulty pressure settings and/or nipple lines
being too high. Lowering water lines to broilers during panting
can alleviate the negative effects of high temperatures and
increases performance according to May et al (1997)³. During
high summer temperatures these aspects are worth
investigating or taken care of by the broiler manager.
"By increasing the air speed across the chickens it
allows us to move the air away from the birds much
quicker and evaporate the water vapor thus successfully
creating a much lower effective temperature for the
birds”
Effective temperature, the temperature that the bird feels at high
air velocity, is a term commonly used by some people in the
poultry industry and it is accepted that it is a few degrees lower
than the dry bulb temperature. However, no scientific evidence
is provided to substantiate such an assumption. In the Ross
Broiler Management Manual (2009), the second paragraph on
page 62 reads: "As air velocity increases, the effective
temperature felt by the bird falls. The rate of fall is twice as great
for younger birds as compared to older birds. Thus, with outside
temperature of 32 ºC, an air velocity of 1 m/s will cause a
younger (four week old) bird to feel an effective temperature of
about 29 ºC. If air velocity increases to 2.5 metres per second,
the same bird will feel an effective temperature of about 22 ºC, a
fall of 7 ºC. (Should it not be 10 degrees, outside air is at 32 my
italics) In the case of an older bird (seven weeks) the fall is
about half of that (around 4ºC)."
On page 8 of the Cobb Broiler Management Guide, revised
edition of 2004, in the paragraph Tunnel ventilation, the third
sentence reads: "Air is drawn at a velocity of 2.5 meters per
second (475 ft/min) through the length of the house removing
heat, moisture and dust. The airflow creates a wind chill effect,
which can reduce the effective temperature by 5 to 7ºC (10 –
12ºF). House effective temperatures should be maintained
below 30 ºC and a complete air exchange should occur within
0.75 to 1.3 minutes. Air speeds in excess of 2.5 m/s (500 ft/min)
are not recommended." On the same page under the heading
Evaporative cooling: "Since ventilation cannot reduce the
house temperature below the outside temperature, evaporative
cooling is often used. In conjunction with tunnel ventilation,
evaporative cooling pads and/or fogging systems are
incorporated to reduce house effective temperatures." In the
latter case the effective temperature was brought about by
evaporative cooling that took place at the moist cooling pads
and not simply by an increased air velocity as implicated in the
first example under Tunnel ventilation.
The figures on effective temperatures due to increases in air
velocity in the foregoing two paragraphs correspond to values
mentioned by Mr Robert Barnwell.4 He has visited South Africa
55 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN
on several occasions and can probably be regarded as the
father of the Effective Temperature concept. In a personal
communication in July 2008 he supplied a set of effective
temperature values for various air velocities. For example at an
air temperature of 35 ºC, relative humidity 50% and air velocity
of 2.5 m/s, the effective temperature that a chicken feels is 22.2
ºC. The explanation provided how this could be possible was the
following: "By increasing the air speed across the chickens it
allows us to move the air away from the birds much quicker (air
exchange rate) and evaporate the water vapor (italics are mine)
thus successfully creating a much lower effective temperature
for the birds. The warmer the water vapor (ideal 28.3 ºC) the
higher the level of evaporation we can achieve to lower the dry
bulb temperature and with air speed it reduces the effective
temperature even more."
The problem, however, with that explanation is that water,
already in the form of a vapour, cannot be evaporated for a
second time to take up latent heat and cause a cooling effect.
The argument in the previous paragraph by Mr Barnwell is
therefore wrong in totality.
It is also inconceivable how broilers can be panting while they
are feeling a temperature of 22ºC, there are sensors in the brain
that initiate panting when blood temperature increases beyond
42 ºC.
The statement in the Cobb Manual that air speed, 2.4 meters
per second, can by itself create a wind chill effect with tunnel
ventilation also seems to be an oversimplification of a situation.
With no sweat that can evaporate from the skin and not
mentioning air moisture content, wind speed is not going to
alleviate adverse environmental conditions.
When ventilating very young chickens during cold conditions it
stands to reason that high wind speeds should be avoided. The
chilling effect on poorly feathered birds can not be disputed and
the experienced houseman/lady will be able to recognize signs
of discomfort.
On the other hand during high environmental temperatures with
well-feathered birds, air velocity must be such that enough
turbulence is created at bird level to remove hot air and
moisture vapour from the immediate vicinity of the bird.
Excessively high wind speeds, 3 m/s, are detrimental and can
contribute to cause dehydration as the birds start squatting and
do not visit the water lines.
A regular contributor to the Poultry Bulletin, Professor James
Hayes is Emeritus Professor in Poultry Science at the University
of Stellenbosch. He invites and welcomes comments on issues
raised in this article and can be contacted by email at
jph@sun.ac.za
²Webster, M.D. and King, J.R., 1987. Temperature and humidity
dynamics of cutaneous and respiratory evaporation in pigeons. J. Comp.
Physiol. 157:253-260.
³May, J.D., Lott, B.D. and Simmons, J.D. 1997. Water consumption by
broilers in high cyclic temperatures: bell versus nipple drinkers. Poult.
Sci. 76:944-947.
4Pittsburg, Texas, 75686, email Rbarnwell-esi@att.net

POULTRY SCIENCE
by Dr. Ken W. Koelkebeck, Department of Animal Sciences,
University of Illinois.
There are many factors that affect the overall quality of the egg
shell, but before discussing these factors, it is important to know
what makes up the structure of the egg shell. The egg shell
consists of about 94 to 97% calcium carbonate. The other three
percent is organic matter and egg shell pigment. There are also
as many as 8,000 microscopic pores in the shell itself. The outer
coating of the shell itself consists of a mucous coating called the
cuticle or bloom, which is deposited on the shell just prior to lay.
This protein-like covering helps protect the interior contents of
the egg from bacteria penetration through the shell. Egg shell
quality is determined by the colour, shape, and structure of the
shell. Colours can range from white to tints to brown and egg
shape can also vary.
“Factors such as the formation of abnormal ridges,
calcium deposits, or body checks (ridges) are important
considerations in determining egg shell quality”
Numerous factors affect the general functional quality of the egg
shell. These factors affect the quality of the shell mostly prior to
when the egg is laid. The thickness of an egg shell is
determined by the amount of time it spends in the shell gland
(uterus) and the rate of calcium deposition during egg shell
formation. If the egg spends a short period of time in the shell
gland, then shell thickness will be less. Also, the time of day
when the egg is laid will also determine the thickness of the
shell. In general, the earlier in the day or light portion of the
photoperiod the thicker the shell will be. The amount or rate of
calcium deposition will also affect the thickness of the shell.
Some strains of birds may be able to deposit calcium for the
egg shell at a faster rate than others. Another factor such as the
age of the hen plays a role in determining the functional quality
of the egg shell. As the hen ages, the thickness of the shell
usually declines. Other egg shell quality factors such as the
formation of abnormal ridges, calcium deposits, or body checks
(ridges) are important considerations in determining egg shell
quality.
The aesthetic quality of egg shells relate to the quality factors
which the consumer can see, such as soundness of the shell,
cleanliness of the shell, shape of the shell, and colour of the
shell. Several factors do affect aesthetic egg shell quality.
Factors such as wash water temperature which affects the
incidence of "thermal" cracks, moisture condensation on the
shell, refrigeration temperature, and mechanical handling of the
egg all affect the aesthetic quality of the egg shell.
Microbiological contamination of the inside of the egg is greatly
affected by the ability of the egg shell to stop the invasion of
micro-organisms and bacteria from entering the egg through the
shell's pores. When the cuticle or bloom is deposited by the hen
on the shell this acts as a barrier to keep bacteria from entering
the egg. When eggs are washed, however, this removes most, if
not all, of the cuticle from the shell surface. Thus, bacteria have
an easier time entering the egg after washing. Even when the
cuticle is removed, the two inner shell membranes help prevent
bacteria from entering the egg. These barriers provide a good
line of defence against invading bacteria.
56 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN
Many factors can contribute to the conservation of good egg
shell quality. If the egg producer manages his flock in the proper
manner by providing the proper nutrition and environmental
conditions, then high egg shell quality should be achieved. A
specific procedure that a producer should do to assure the
production of eggs with good egg shell quality is to avoid
scaring the birds so that the egg spends the normal amount of
time in the shell gland. A key item to remember is to not stress
the flock in any manner. Although it may not be practiced, the
use of an 'ahemeral' lighting program has shown to be effective
in causing eggs to spend a longer time in the uterus, thus
producing eggs with thicker shells. Nutritionally speaking, it is
important for the producer to feed a ration properly formulated
with the correct amount of calcium and phosphorus in the diet
(usually 3.5-3.75% calcium, .45% phosphorus). The production
of eggs with thick, strong shells usually occurs from young vs.
older flocks. Thus, a producer should expect more shell
breakage and eggs produced with thinner shells to occur with
older flocks and those producing eggs a couple of months after
they've been moulted. It is also important for the producer to
monitor the health of the flock. Since diseases such as
Infectious Bronchitis and Newcastle cause egg shell
abnormalities in the texture of the shell and shape of the shell,
producers should continually monitor their flock for these
diseases and follow management practices to avoid their flock
from contacting these diseases.
“When eggs are washed the temperature of the wash
water should be about 20°F warmer than the eggs
which will help prevent the occurrence of thermal cracks”
One of the egg shell quality problems that often occurs is the
production of eggs having body checks. These are eggs which
are cracked in the uterus during shell formation, then the egg
shell forms on top of the crack. Robert Bastian reported in a
newsletter published by the University of Georgia (Commercial
Egg Tips) ways for producers to reduce the problem of body
checks. His recommendations were to avoid overcrowding of
hens in cages which produces body checked eggs because
hens contact themselves and the sides of the cage; use flocks
that are of a relatively young age because older flocks produce
more body checked eggs; use a lighting program which is no
longer than the longest natural light in open houses. There are
several procedures that need to be followed in order to
conserve the aesthetic quality of egg shells. The frequent
gathering of eggs will help prevent the accumulation of dirt and
stains on the shell. In addition, when eggs are washed the
temperature of the wash water should be about 20°F warmer
than the eggs. This will help prevent the occurrence of thermal
cracks or 'blind checks' as they are sometimes called. Today's
in-line commercial gathering of eggs has helped reduce the
incidence of checked and cracked eggs, but producers should
still be aware of problems in the collection system that could
damage eggs. As far as procedures followed to conserve
microbiological contamination of egg shells, appropriate
washing and egg processing techniques should be followed. The
use of the proper sanitising agent is very important to
maintaining egg shell cleanliness and free from bacteria
contamination.
This article is kindly reproduced with the permission of Rod
Simpson of the Poultry Information Centre

A PAGE IN TIME
57 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN

FOCUS
Arbor Acres held their keenly anticipated annual conference at
rd th
the Midrand Conference Centre from the 23 to the 24
February 2011. With a wide range of local and international
presenters, led by keynote speaker Dr Michael Czarick from the
University of Georgia in the USA (with the occasional hilarious
guest appearance by comedian Alan Committee, better known
as TV's Andre van der Walt thrown in for good measure), the
audience of invited guests were informed, educated and
entertained. In this special focus on the Arbor Acres
Conference, we highlight in summery some of these
presentations.
In his opening address to the guests
at the third annual Arbor Acres
industry conference, Stanley Millar,
Commercial Manager for Arbor Acres
in the Middle East and Africa,
reaffirmed Aviagen's commitment to,
and investment in, the Arbor Acres
brand.
“Arbor Acres continues to add
genetic value with each generation of
Stanley Miller grandparents delivered to South
Africa,” said Millar, who presented a
series of slides summarising data collected from across the
world. These illustrated the genetic gains and continuous
upward trends in all the key economic performance indicators
for profitable broiler meat production. Millar continues to
emphasis the importance of data feedback from Arbor
customers that he says enables the company's geneticists to
monitor trends to compare these with genetic predictions that
help in the decision making direction for future research.
He said the Arbor Acres brand delivers high genetic potential
and the company strives to narrow the gap between genetic
potential and actual field performance. “We do this by focusing
on the components that constitute field results, namely
management, environment health and nutrition,” he said.
According to Millar, there is an abundance of technical expertise
and knowledge circulation in world poultry industry. The key is
how to channel that know-how through to the customers to
extract the maximum performance from the Arbor Acres genetic
potential and improve profitability.
“At Aviagen there is a specialised division called 'Technical
Transfer' with the specific task of assembling and distributing
technical updates to the customers,” he said. “In South Africa,
this is channeled through the technical staff at Arbor Acres South
Africa and eventually through to the customers and the industry.”
Millar adds that in addition to this, a team of international
technical specialists from Arbor Acres regularly visit Arbor Acres
South Africa, not only to support the Arbor Acres South Africa
grandparent operation and local service team, but also to
provide face to face service and guidance to parent stock
customers and integrations.
“Arbor Acres International in partnership with Arbor Acres South
Africa is equipped to add value to our customers' business, not
only in the form of genetic excellence but also through technical
support to ultimately increase our customer's performance and
profits,” he concluded.
Knowing how much to ventilate
during cold weather is crucial to
a producer's bottom line said Dr
Michael Czarick of the University of
Georgia, as ventilating too little can
lead to poor air/litter quality,
resulting in bird health and
p e r fo r m a n c e i s s u e s, w h i l e
ventilating too much can lead to
drafty conditions and high heating
costs.
58 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN
“The first step to knowing how
Michael Czarick
much you need to ventilate during
cold weather is to understand
which air quality variables are most likely to cause problems,”
said Czarick. “In short, the three primary air quality variables
poultry producers need to manage besides temperature in a
poultry house during cold weather are carbon dioxide, humidity,
and ammonia. To maximise bird performance we would ideally
like to keep carbon dioxide concentrations below 5,000 ppm,
relative humidity around 60%, and ammonia concentrations
below 30 ppm.”
Czarick said that in an ideal situation, we wouldn't use any
charts. Producers would have meters to measure ammonia,
relative humidity and carbon dioxide, and then make
adjustments to minimum ventilation fan settings accordingly. But
in most cases, this is not possible. To date, there hasn't been an
ammonia meter that has been proven to accurately measure
ammonia in a poultry house on a continuous basis.
“Yes, there are some meters that can be taken into a house for
a short period to measure ammonia, but they tend to be
expensive, require frequent calibration, and the meter's sensor
typically has to be replaced once a year at significant expense,
putting them out of the reach of most producers,” he said.
“Carbon dioxide meters cost around US$500, and though
typically less problematic than ammonia meters, they are not
that useful because for the most part carbon dioxide is not very
likely to be a significant problem on most farms.”
This brings us to relative humidity meters/sensors. Relative
humidity meters/sensors are for the most part very reliable and
relatively inexpensive. Furthermore, relative humidity is what we
are most interested in controlling during cold weather.
“The fact is that if we properly manage humidity in our houses
we will keep ammonia and dust from becoming problems in the
first place. If we use a litter treatment in a house with built-up
litter we will not have to worry about ammonia the first week or
so, and if we properly manage relative humidity we should be
able to keep our litter in good shape, minimising the likelihood
that ammonia will be a problem later on in the grow out,” he
said. “If a house has fresh shavings and it is ventilated to control
relative humidity from day one, then litter caking will be kept to a
minimum and therefore keep ammonia from being a major

FOCUS
problem. Basically, a relative humidity meter/sensor is a
ventilation tool that no poultry house should be without.”
For more information on ventilation in poultry houses, visit
www.poultryventilation.com
Akos Klausz
Achievement of the genetic potential
inherent in the birds depends upon an
environment that is managed to
provide birds with all their
requirements for ventilation, air
quality, temperature and space, the
prevention, detection and treatment
of ill health, the provision of nutrient
r e q u i r e m e n t s t h r o u g h t h e
compounding of appropriate feed
ingredients, and the proper
management of the provision of
feed and water and the attention to
bird welfare throughout, especially
prior to processing.
Dr Akos Klausz, Regional Technical Service Veterinarian for
Arbor Acres Middle East and Africa, said all of these are
interdependent, and if any one element is sub-optimal, then
overall broiler performance will suffer.
“Based on three examples – subclinical coccidiosis, subclinical
necrotic enteritis and chronic respiratory disease – it was
demonstrated how diseases will reduce performance and
ultimately cost the farmer money,” he said. “Most of these issues
can be avoided or minimised by adopting sound management
practices and prevention programs, where regular health checkups
and lesion scorings play an important part in early detection.”
Klausz said bird health is of extreme importance in broiler
production, as poor chick health will have a negative impact on
all aspects of production and flock management including
growth rate, feed conversion efficiency, condemnations,
liveability, and processing traits.
“Vaccination alone cannot protect flocks against
overwhelming disease challenges and poor management
practices. A strong biosecurity program is critical to
maintain flock health, and understanding and following
agreed biosecurity practices must be part of everyone's job
so regular education and staff training is essential,” he
concluded.
Highly infectious with an incubation
period of just 2-3 days, the
Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) is
a coronavirus, a single stranded
RNA virus with an unknown
number of serotypes and an
unknown number of hosts. In
addition to poultry, the Infectious
Bronchitis Virus is also found in
wild birds.
60 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN
Dr Frank Travers of Avimune said
IBV has the ability to rapidly change.
Michael Czarick
New serotypes can emerge as a
result of only a few changes in the
amino acid sequence of the S1 part of the spike gene of the
virus. When new IBV serotypes emerge, much of the virus
genome (other than Spike) remains unchanged. Selection of
genome changes are usually of the outside sheath (Spike) and
not the RNA.
“Therefore, vaccines need to be constantly updated. However,
the virus mutates faster than vaccine development can happen.
It was shown that vaccination with unrelated serotypes (UK 793 /
B and Mass combination) resolves into a large idiotype which
affords protection against a variety of unrelated field serotypes,”
said Travers. “This may be the reason that IB vaccines from a
certain serotype may provide protection against IB strains not
belonging to that serotype. From a practical point of view it may
therefore be more relevant to think in terms of Idiotypes (refers
to the spectrum of neutralising antibodies vs. the strain) rather
than Serotypes.”
According to Travers, the 'take-home message' is that the control
of IB is not straightforward. It is a serious problem worldwide;
basic good management and biosecurity measures must be
implemented; ventilation and heating must be good; vaccination
programs and techniques are important; it is unlikely that variant
live vaccines are available in South Africa (793B); uninformed
decisions regarding IB vaccination programs must not be made;
live vaccines still do work; use inactivated autogenous vaccines
for breeders – and possibly broilers; and autogenous vaccines
need to be updated regularly.

COMPANY NEWS
Astral Foods Limited, a leading South African integrated poultry
producer, recently provided an update on the poultry industry
and addressed certain myths surrounding the industry at a
media briefing held in Johannesburg.
Chris Schutte, CEO of Astral, said that poultry remains the best
valued protein proposition available to the consumer as current
chicken pricing levels are still below the four-year average.
“In terms of feed grain supply, we are expecting the maize price
to firm during the year mainly as a result of the Chicago Board
of Trade (CBOT) corn price increasing due to an extremely tight
balance sheet and stock-to-use ratio of 5%,” said Schutte.
“Currently South African maize is regarded as the cheapest in
the world in a Rand/US$ comparison to CBOT. It is expected
that local maize pricing levels will firm up and close the gap to
global prices.”
Schutte said poultry imports have always been a factor over the
past 10 years, and on the back of the strong Rand, we are
seeing an increase in poultry imports.
“The price of retail poultry products is set to
remain on the lower side, however at slightly higher levels
realised during 2010".
“It definitely has an impact on our industry in terms of a protein
source competitor and exerts downward pressure on pricing.
Imports for the period October 2010 to January 2011 are at a
33% higher level than the prior comparative period. Imports for
December 2010 were at a level of 28,000 tons, up 42% on
December 2009. The December 2010 imports relates to an
equivalent of 21.5 million chicken carcasses or 5 million per
week against local production of 18.5 million per week,” he said.
Schutte added that early indications, based on a linear forward
planning model, show that local production is in a downward
trend from December 2010 to April 2011. The price of retail
poultry products is set to remain on the lower side, however at
slightly higher levels realised during 2010. Job creation and
higher levels of discretionary disposable income remain key
drivers for firmer poultry prices. Current poultry prices are still at
similar levels realised in 2008.
“There is a material lag between the food price inflation in South
Africa and that of global food inflation as reported by the Food
and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, with
their current pricing index at an all-time record high,” he said.
Commenting on the issue of re-worked chicken, he said that all
manufacturers and suppliers of any products to the wholesale
and retail trade have to deal with 'returns' for numerous
reasons. It came to light that returned frozen poultry products
are being defrosted, re-injected and re-packed and offered for
sale.
62 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN
“This practice does not imply that the re-worked product is not
suitable for human consumption or poses a health risk,” said
Schutte, adding that Astral does not defrost and re-work any
returned frozen poultry products at any of its operations.
“We have various forms of returned products in a fresh and
frozen form, and depending on the nature and status of the
return, it is dealt with according to strict quality criteria,” he said.
“Products classified as 'good returned' products are made
available for sale to staff members, general public and traders,
and clearly indicated as such. However, the majority of returned
products are either channelled to the pet food processing
industry or destroyed.”
“The value proposition of injected IQF product
versus fresh poultry product remains attractive even if
the brine component is excluded from the price per
kilogram, on a like-for-like comparison”.
Explaining the story behind brine-injected IQF products, Schutte
said that historically, frozen chicken was regarded as a bland
and non-succulent product.
“Brine injection and flavour-enhancement techniques were
developed to enhance the flavour of the IQF product, and
improve tenderness and succulence of certain frozen product
offerings,” he said. “The increasing volumes of frozen poultry
products and the competitive nature of the IQF product range,
culminated in a 'lower-cost' product, which in turn resulted in a
prime KVI or known-value-item - and was used aggressively as
a promotional draw card in the trade. The above environment
gave way to brine-injection levels ranging between 30% and
60% in IQF products, as was recently reported in the press.”
He said that Astral also applies the method of brine-injection to
its own IQF product range, being Goldi and County Fair.
“When the labelling requirements of the new Consumer
Protection Act come into effect in March 2012, we are required
to disclose meat:brine ratios. Current production practices
reflect a meat:brine ratio of approximately 74:26. The value
proposition of injected IQF product versus fresh poultry product
remains attractive even if the brine component is excluded from
the price per kilogram, on a like-for-like comparison,” he said.
“The statement made that salt-levels in brine-injected IQF
products could pose a health risk, is unfounded,” he added.
Astral's brine recipe consists of water, salt, natural starch,
thickeners and sugar. The salt used in Astral's brine is sea salt
and equates to approximately 0.7g per 100g of meat, well within
the guideline of 1.5g per 100g as stipulated by the National
Heart Foundation as a high salt level.

COMPANY NEWS
Turning to myths surrounding poultry production, Schutte made
it clear during his discussion on growth hormones that no
chicken produced by any of Astral's poultry operations are
injected, fed, or in any way whatsoever subjected to hormones.
“In order to obtain the desired growth and weight targets, a
combination of superior genetics, scientific nutrition and best
farming practises are ethically applied,” he said.
He continued by ensuring his customers that no antibiotic
residues reach the consumer, as no Astral poultry meat or
product containing antibiotic residues is sold for human
consumption.
“Antibiotics are administered to Astral chickens when necessary
through feed intake and under strict guidance of a registered
veterinary practitioner. It is standard practice to withdraw
antibiotics from feed according to the manufacturers' guidelines.
This is done at least five days prior to slaughter to ensure no
residues remain in the meat. Astral tests the livers and muscles
of slaughtered chickens through an independent laboratory for
traces of antibiotic residues. This practise ensures that no
antibiotic residues reach the consumer,” he said.
Schutte said that under no circumstances are Astral's chickens
reared or kept in wire-battery cages, but instead are raised in
large poultry sheds designed to keep them as comfortable as
possible.
63 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN
“The large sheds have disinfected floors are bedded with wood
shavings, sunflower husks or wheat straw which allows them to
scratch and move around as they please. The chickens have
unrestricted access to light, clean water and nutritious feed 24
hours a day,” he said.
Concluding his presentation on the company, Schutte said that
Astral has received a BB-rating from Empowerdex, which
means that the Group is a Level 6 Contributor. Astral was
previously a C-rated company and a Level 8 Contributor. Astral
is also currently interacting with KFC regarding the future supply
of poultry products, which should positively impact on current
business models.
“The consumer can look forward to continued good value
product offerings from the poultry industry due to the prevailing
competitive environment,” he said.

DPFO PAGE
The Mbombela Rural Development Summit was held recently, and attended by various role players in the region. In attendance were
the local government of the Mbombela Local Municipality; National and Provincial Sector Departments including Rural Development and
Land Reform, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and Trade and Industry; as well as Agricultural Co-operatives including the Mbombela
Poultry Farmers Co-op and the Mbombela Grain Farmers Co-op. Also present were Traditional Authorities/Councils, Farmers Unions,
Commercial Farmers and Commercial Farmers Unions, Commodity-based Organisations including Grain SA and SA Poultry Producers,
Research & Development Institutions and Development Finance Institutions.
Seven detailed presentations were made, including the tenure upgrading and formalisation of Rural Mbombela, and the Three Strategic
Pillars and Thrust of the Mbombela Local Municipality's (MLM) Rural Development Strategy.
The Summit entered into number of participative discussions on the issues raised in the presentations, and number of inputs,
recommendations and submissions were made for the development of the summit resolutions.
One project identified by the Mbombela District Municipality is the rural Asikhutulisane poultry abattoir that will consume the produce of
poultry farmers as per a resolution adopted. The district municipality has committed R28-million to intensify the development of poultry
farmers within its jurisdiction. For more information contact Mr Sunnyboy Maphanga at 082 9711861.
64 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN

Rice, Apple & Egg Salad
Serves: 4 - 6
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Hint: Enjoy as a complete meal or as a side dish at a
braai.
Ingredients: Method:
3 cups cooked rice
juice of half a lemon
2 apples, peeled and cubed
6 eggs, hard boiled, peeled and cubed
200 ml mayonnaise
100 ml plain yoghurt or cream
10 ml mild curry powder
lemon zest and chopped, fresh, bright green
herbs for extra flavouring
1)
2)
3)
DOWNTIME
Place the cold cooked rice in a mixing bowl. Drizzle apple cubes
with lemon juice to prevent discolouration.
Mix the apple cubes in with the rice. Gently mix in the egg
cubes.
Mix the mayonnaise, yoghurt and curry powder together and
moisten the rice mixture with the sauce.
4) Garnish the salad with lemon zest and fresh herbs.
65 | MARCH 2011 PLUIMVEE POULTRY BULLETIN

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Af
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raak (8)
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23
14
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10
P
1
R
2
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2 1 7 8 5 6 9 3 4
6 5 4 3 9 7 1 8 2
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7 2 6 9 8 3 4 5 1
4 8 5 2 6 1 3 9 7
1 6 3 7 4 9 8 2 5
5 7 9 1 2 8 6 4 3
8 4 2 6 3 5 7 1 9
SUDOKU
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12
K
17
W
21
J
23
T
7 6 4 2
1 3
8 2 9 1
9 1 8 2 3
5 7 1
4 5 2 7 6
2 3 8 9
3 2
5 1 2 8
3
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I E R D A N S
8
4
G
9
E
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S
6
L
W E W I G
L A A U K N T
L U K K
11
U I K E N D I E F
15
P
E S K R E R
13
R U I
W A E
14
N K E L B E D
N A R I R
L U I M V E E K
16
U N D E
S N R I G
I L D S K
18
19
U T L
I E F H
20
G A R J O E
O B S T Y D I N G R
22
E E N
L I G E R A L
O N E L E S
24
T A L M A A T
E S R M P L
E
Last Issue’s Puzzle answers
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