Feed formulation, genetics, housing, and flock health often dominate discussions on layer performance. Yet one of the most fundamental resources in egg production frequently receives less attention than it deserves—water. Water is more than simply a nutrient. It is the delivery system for hydration, supports feed intake, enables physiological functions, and serves as an early indicator of flock health. As the Big Dutchman BigBits guide highlights, successful water management

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has rightly dominated global discussions on antibiotic use in animal agriculture.. However, another important but less visible consequence is emerging—the impact of antibiotics on vaccine efficacy. While antibiotics remain essential tools for controlling bacterial infections, their broader biological effects—particularly on the gut microbiome—can significantly influence how animals respond to vaccination. This interaction introduces a hidden co

Agribusiness buyers no longer need sales professionals for the same reasons they once did. In the past, reps were the primary source of product knowledge and industry insight. Today, buyers arrive at the table already armed with research, peer reviews, and even AI‑driven comparisons. Here’s how the role has shifted: Then vs. Now Then: Sales reps provided information, explained features, and guided buyers through discovery. Now: Buyers already know the basics. They need reps t

Modern laying hens are capable of maintaining high productivity for much longer than in previous decades. While production cycles once commonly ended around 72 weeks of age, today's genetic improvements have enabled flocks to remain productive well beyond 90 weeks. Achieving this extended performance, however, requires much more than genetics alone. Successful layer longevity begins long before the first egg is laid. The rearing phase plays a decisive role in developing the b

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) dominates discussions about antibiotic use in animal agriculture. Policymakers, veterinarians, producers and consumers are primarily concerned with resistant bacteria that threaten human, animal and environmental health. While AMR is undeniably critical, it is not the only problem associated with routine antibiotic use. Beyond resistance lies a hidden cost: antibiotics can compromise the animal's immune system. The Immune System's Delicate Balan

For many dairy farmers in tropical countries, managing a herd today is far more challenging than it was 10 or 20 years ago. Rising feed costs, unpredictable weather, heat stress, disease pressure, and tighter profit margins mean that every management decision matters. At the same time, farms now have access to more information than ever before — milk records, activity monitoring, rumination data, reproduction reports, and feeding software. The challenge is no longer about col

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rightly dominates discussions about antibiotic use in animal agriculture, as resistant bacteria threaten animal, human, and environmental health. Yet by focusing only on AMR, we risk overlooking another critical impact of antibiotics—their hidden cost to gut health through disruption of the gut microbiome and the cascading physiological and economic consequences that follow. While there is a clear duty to treat animals with confirmed bacterial

In today’s dairy industry, farms are collecting more information than ever before. Milk yield, somatic cell count, reproduction records, feed intake, rumination activity, body condition scores, and health events are all tracked daily across many operations. Yet despite the abundance of data, many dairy farms still struggle with the same challenges — inconsistent milk production, heat stress, poor fertility, mastitis, and underperforming herds. The issue is often not a lack of

Asia’s aquaculture industry is facing a new level of complexity. Ingredient markets are volatile, traditional raw materials such as fishmeal and fish oil are becoming less predictable, and sustainability expectations continue to shape feed development decisions. Many companies are adjusting formulations to control costs — but without a solid, species-specific nutritional foundation, cost reduction efforts can unintentionally reduce performance and create long-term inefficienc

By Eduardo Souza, Geneticist at Aviagen In a world working to feed a growing population while minimizing environmental impact, balanced genetic selection is essential. The core of our approach is to balance bird productivity, welfare, environmental sustainability, and economic success. We do so through innovative genetic selection practices enriched with genomic tools. In a world working to feed a growing population while minimizing environmental impact, balanced genetic sele

Ecolex Animal Nutrition is committed to a holistic One Health approach, advancing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mitigation by translating new insights into the mode of action of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) into sustainable nutritional solutions that maintain animal performance without AMR risks. This article summarizes emerging science on how AGPs function and how nutrition-based, anti-inflammatory strategies can mimic their benefits without relying on antibiotics. AG

At the recent Advanced Poultry Nutrition Forum , a clear shift in industry thinking emerged from the insights shared by Dr. David C. Pintado and Dr. Xabier A. Ugalde : the way we define productivity in layers is changing. For years, performance has been measured by early egg output, peak production, and short-term efficiency. But with the rapid advancement of modern genetics, that definition is no longer sufficient. Today’s layer birds are capable of sustaining high producti

Dr. Niwat Chansiripornchai, Faculty of Veterinary science, Chulalongkorn University Respiratory disease remains one of the most common health challenges in modern broiler production. Coughing, nasal discharge, reduced growth rate, and secondary bacterial infections are frequently observed in affected flocks. In many cases, infectious bronchitis (IB) or Newcastle disease is initially suspected. However, another viral agent continues to circulate in poultry populations and dese

Jolien van Soest – Global Solution Manager – Mineral Nutrition Producers are under pressure to deliver more chicks, better chick quality, and more predictable broiler performance. Optimizing performance of broiler breeders and ensuring a good life-start of their broiler offspring is a multi-factorial issue, involving genetics, management and nutrition. One of the solutions lies in optimal trace mineral nutrition, where selenium has been shown to play an important role. In two

Modern layer genetics offer extraordinary potential. Yet across commercial operations worldwide, a consistent reality remains: actual performance often falls short of genetic capability. Where does this performance gap begin? Applied research and field experience from H&N International GmbH indicate that the gap frequently originates during one of the most biologically sensitive phases of the hen’s life — the transition from rearing to laying. The Critical Window: Light Stimu

One Health integrates human, animal, and ecosystem health to prevent diseases at their source. This integrated approach fosters collaboration across multiple sectors, disciplines and communities to optimize health outcomes, like diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and food safety, through evidence-based policies and practices. For Ecolex Animal Nutrition, this holistic approach not only fuels feed additive innovations for better gut health, immunity, and productivity—but

Quality control is essential for feed manufacturers striving to ensure ingredients and finished products meet expectations and deliver consistent performance. Good specification design, continuous feedback, and effective formulation software all play critical roles in minimizing risks—from poor performance and animal harm to reputational damage and lost profitability. In this article, Ian Mealey, Product Marketing for Formulation at Datacor Inc, discusses how modern formulati

In modern egg production, success is often judged at peak lay or later in the cycle. Yet mounting evidence from applied research shows that the most decisive period for lifetime performance occurs much earlier — during the transition from rearing to laying. The onset of egg production represents one of the most biologically demanding and economically sensitive phases in a hen’s life. Within a short timeframe, the bird must complete structural growth while activating a highly

Understanding the Importance of Pellet Cooler Design The design of a pellet cooler plays a crucial role in the overall efficiency of the manufacturing process. An effective cooler not only preserves the quality of the pellets but also contributes significantly to operational costs. By focusing on the cooler's design and operation, manufacturers can unlock substantial savings. The Financial Drain of Inefficient Airflow Cooling is essentially a process of air-based heat exchang

By Yiannis Christodoulou/ Progressus Investing in employee training and development is more than a workplace benefit; it’s a strategic decision that shapes your organization and its future. Employee development initiatives should not be entirely separated from other company activities; rather, they should be an integrated part of a company's overall strategy and culture. This approach ensures that development is relevant, continuous, and aligned with business goals, making it