Processing
Expanding and structurizing feed benefits pig performance
An "expanded structurized feed" is a compound feed which has been exposed to hydrothermal treatment by an expander and has been produced as a granulate, without pelleting. Due to its different e.g. better physical and nutritional properties it can be an alternative to mash, pellets and crumbles.

Quality control
Fefac cuts yardstick for European quality assurance system
European compound feed manufacturers, united by Fefac, are working hard to create a harmonised Quality-Assurance System at European level. A recently carried out benchmark study compared GMP codes in eight EU countries. The outcome showed that there were many points of agreement, but also some important differences.

NuTrace makes a difference
Nutreco introduced their NuTrace system for the agribusiness sector at AgriVision in the Netherlands. NuTrace is a total quality philosophy in which all quality aspects known as critical quality points (CQPs) are collected. The NuTrace starting point is quality as a whole. Other criteria dedicated to food safety will be added.

Nutrition
A user's guide to value-added vitamins
How do premix manufacturers make the right choice of vitamins for each feed application, whilst optimising production parameters and maintaining premix quality? A few helpful guidelines from Eric Paillard of Adisseo make adding value much more coherent.

Antimicrobial properties of dietary potassium diformate in pigs
In-feed antibiotics have a considerable effect on the productivity and profitability of pig production and their withdrawal has led to a need for safer alternatives. Organic acid has received much attention as an alternative. Formic acid is one of the most effective organic acids against pathogenic bacteria. Specialists from BASF have the details.

Research
Pig feed reviews
In this column, swine nutritionist Dr Ioannis Mavromichalis reviews recent research on pig nutrition and feed technology of practical importance to the global feed industry. This time he focuses on maize in pig diets.

Market
Risks of growing GM crops next to non-GM overstated New legislation designed to meet concerns expressed about the use of GM crops is approaching finalisation. One of the main subjects of current debate is the economic and market implications of GM and non-GM crops being grown in close proximity (i.e., co-existing). Graham Brookes explains what implications these issues have from an economic perspective, drawing on existing evidence and market developments.

Aquaculture
Low cost shrimp feed, a threat for the environment In extensive shrimp culture the use of so-called low cost feed is very common. However, this type of feed is not very eco-friendly. Why? Aquaculture specialist Joachim Hertrampf tries to answer this question.

 
September 29, 2003