Brazilian industry facing economic pressure
Brazil’s poultry industry faces “the greatest challenge in its history” as prices start to fall and exports falter. This comes at a time when some leading companies have been seriously weakened by financial operations that have turned sour.

Gut health is a critical factor for litter quality
The quality of chicks, feed and water are all of great concern to broiler producers. However, the quality of litter in broiler houses is seldom given sufficient emphasis. This is unfortunate as birds are in continuous contact with litter. Recently, a survey among nutritionists and veterinary professionals showed that 90% of the participants witness the problems associated with wet litter on a daily basis.

Clay minerals to fight footpad lesions
Footpad lesions in poultry are an indication of animal welfare standards. Footpad burns often indicate that the animals are not properly housed and fed. Here we look at how clay minerals in the diet can help prevent these painful foot conditions.

Critical mass is essential in breeding
Cobb-Vantress and Hendrix Genetics became partners in business. They both emphasise the need for critical mass in animal breeding. As a result, they agreed to move the Hybro broiler division from Hendrix to Cobb. Moreover, both companies entered into a massive joint R&D project in genomic selection. Cobb-Vantress CEO Jerry Moye and Hendrix Genetics CEO Antoon van den Berg explain their common strategy.

VIV China 2008 is increasing
The 5th edition of VIV China was a great success. This edition was bigger than ever and provided many opportunities for visitors to gather ideas for business. The show has become more professional and has attracted more sectors of the Chinese animal food business.

Managing males to maximise hatchability
The male growth profile is the single most important factor affecting flock fertility and, in fact, one that we can greatly influence with proper management.

Understanding Elisa results for effective IBV vaccination
The use of ELISA serology in poultry health management has been widely accepted for many diseases, including Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV). It is a useful tool to monitor the immune response following vaccination, and to diagnose the disease. However, this is only effective if the data obtained is well understood.