The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) organised Soy Connext 2026 at the Hyatt Regency, Chicago, bringing together more than 800 participants from 60 plus countries around the globe from animal nutrition, feed, food and agribusiness sectors. The flagship summit provided an important platform for international collaboration, market intelligence, sustainability, innovation and discussions on strengthening global food, feed and nutritional security. The program also included interactions with U.S. soybean growers, farm visits in Illinois and States, USA, the Soy Excellence Center (SEC) 2026 Top Achiever Recognition Award Ceremony, a Risk Management and Market Awareness Workshop and a technical visit to Kent Feed Mills, Iowa State University.

Strong Representation from Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) Region at Soy Connext 2026
The delegation from Indian was led by Mr. Franklin Manuel, India Market Lead, U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and included Mr. Sanjeev Asthana, CEO, Patanjali Group and President, The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India; Mr. Angshu Mallick, Executive Deputy Chairman, Adani Wilmar Agri Business Limited, Mr. B. V. Mehta, Ms. Garima Jain, Mr. Vidya Bhushan, Mr. Kanubhai Thakkar, Mr. Kedar Kulkarni, Mr. Vinod Kumar Jain, Mr. Saurabh Singh Mehta, Mr. Pradeep Krishna, Mr. Rishan and Mr. Ricky Thaper.

As part of the program, the delegation visited Jeff O’Conner Farm in Illinois State and interacted with Mr. Jeff O’Conner, a sixth-generation soybean grower and Board Director of the Illinois Soybean Association. The visit provided valuable insights into sustainable soybean production, advanced genetics, precision agriculture, technology adoption and environmental stewardship.

Interactions with members of the Illinois Soybean Association during the Illinois Soy Reception further highlighted the importance of farmer-led institutions, strategic planning and public-private partnerships in developing a resilient soybean value chain.
The Soy Excellence Center (SEC) 2026 Top Achiever Recognition Award Ceremony was another important highlight of the program. Ms. Anne Meis, Chair, SEC Global Advisory Panel (GAP) welcomed participants, followed by remarks from Mr. Brent Swart, SEC GAP Secretary, and Mr. Mike McCranie, USSEC Chair.
Mr. Brent Swart presented the Impact Subcommittee Report, while Mr. Joel Schreurs, SEC GAP Treasurer, presented the Finance Subcommittee Report. Mr. Brent Babb, Executive Director, Soy Excellence Center, provided an update on SEC’s growing global footprint. Regional updates from the Americas, Asia, China, India, Nigeria and MENA demonstrated SEC’s contribution towards professional capacity building across the global protein value chain.

A proud moment for India came when Dr. Vijay Anand E. Pilli, Center Lead, Soy Excellence Center–India, highlighted the achievements of the SEC -India.
The STAR Award was presented to Dr. Pragati Salutgi in recognition of her outstanding contribution. Mr. Jim Sutter, CEO, USSEC appreciated the contributions of SEC Global Advisory Panel and Regional Advisory Council Members.

I feel truly honoured to serve as a Regional Advisory Council Member – India of the Soy Excellence Center – SEC India, an outstanding initiative of U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC). Over the years, SEC has played a transformative role in upskilling professionals across the livestock, feed, aquaculture and food sectors, thereby strengthening the global protein value chain. A heartfelt thank you to Soy Excellence Center and U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) entire teams for their unwavering dedication and visionary leadership in investing in people – the most valuable asset for the future of poultry, dairy, aqua and food industry.

During a special media interaction attended by more than 20 international journalists, Mr. Mike McCranie, Chair, USSEC Board of Directors shared the perspective of U.S. soybean farmers and while reflecting on life as a soybean farmer, he shared a powerful thought “We love to produce crops and watch them grow. But what we really love is seeing our crops feed people around the

world. That is, without question, the most gratifying part of being a farmer.” His words beautifully captured the true purpose of agriculture—feeding the world.

Mr. Jim Sutter, CEO, USSEC, emphasized that Soy Connext 2026 with 800 plus registrations is more than a conference—it is a global platform for collaboration, innovation and sharing scientific insights. Mr. Sutter highlighted that U.S. Soy combines superior feed performance, verified sustainability and a highly reliable supply chain, positioning it to meet the world’s growing demand for protein. With global soybean import demand projected to rise significantly and a record U.S. soybean crop expected this year, the outlook for U.S. Soy remains exceptionally strong. Mr. Jim Sutter added U.S. Soy supply chain is backed by highway, rail, river and barge logistics that buffer supply when a buyer needs it, we deliver it. The world needs more protein and more oil for decades to come and U.S. Soy delivers both reliably, sustainably and at a value buyers can trust.

Post Media interaction, I had Insightful discussions with Mr. Kevin Roepke, Executive Director, USSEC – Middle East, North Africa & South Asia (MENASA), highlighted that SoyConnext2026 once again demonstrated U.S. Soy leadership in enabling sustainable food and feed systems worldwide. Mr. Kevin Roepke added Soy Connext has established itself as the world’s premier globally recognized soy event. Every year, it gets bigger and better and we are proud to see that this year we had over 800 participants join us from across the world. Apart from the stellar agenda and amazing speaker line-up, this conference also gives us the opportunity to network with the industry veterans, customers, U.S. soybean farmers, USSEC members and more. It represents what USSEC stands for: strengthening partnerships, fostering relations and building a preference for U.S. Soy across the world. These in person engagements build trust, emphasize the importance of supply chain resilience. Insatiable demand for both protein and oil is setting an exciting stage for the conversations and discussions being held. To that end, U.S. Soy plays a pivotal role in improving nutrition security across the world, while doing so in an environmentally sustainable and responsible manner.

Mr. Franklin Manuel, India Market Lead, USSEC described the engagement as a truly rewarding experience, emphasizing that the high-level interactions strengthened understanding and relationships across the U.S.–India soy value chain. The discussions opened new avenues for trade, innovation, sustainability and market development, while creating a stronger foundation for future soy cooperation and advocacy.

Mr. Sanjeev Asthana, CEO, Patanjali Group and President, The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India appreciated the depth of discussions at Soy Connext 2026, noting that the event brought critical issues around trade, agriculture and protein to the forefront. He emphasized that the Indian crushing and animal protein industries have valuable lessons to draw from global trends shaping the future of business.

Mr. Angshu Mallick, Executive Deputy Chairman, Adani Wilmar Agri Business Limited, highlighted the opportunity to interact with delegates from across the world and observe how the global soybean industry is increasingly focused on sustainability and critical role of soybeans in food and feed systems.

Mr. Pradeep Krishna, Executive Director, SKM Animal Feeds & Foods (India) Pvt Ltd., said Events like Soy Connext 2026 create meaningful platforms for dialogue, strengthen relationships across the value chain and open pathways for long-term collaboration. During networking reception my discussions with farmer leaders from American Soybean Association (ASA), United Soybean Board (USB) and U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), reinforced one key message: international collaboration is essential to building resilient, sustainable and nutrition-focused food systems.

Global Leaders Share Perspectives on the Future of Soy during Soy Connext 2026 Conference

Soy Connext 2026 – Where Bright Minds Connect, commenced with welcome and opening remarks by Mr. Mike McCranie, Chair, USSEC Board of Directors.

Ms. Colby P., Executive Director, International Strategy, USSEC, introduced Ms. Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, CEO, MCC Global Enterprises, CNBC Contributor, who spoke on “Global Forces at Play: Geopolitics, Trade & the Future of Soy.”

Mr. Tanner Ehmke, Lead Economist, CoBank, presented “The Global Soy Outlook: Supply, Demand & Market Signals.” A panel on “How It’s Growing: Inside the 2026 U.S. Soy Crop” featured Mr. Mike McCranie; Mr. Randy Miller, Director, USSEC; Mr. J. L. Scott Metzger, President, American Soybean Association; and Mr. Brent Gatton, Chair, United Soybean Board.

On the last day of Soy Connext 2026, Mr. Daniel Whitley, Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA, addressed the delegates, followed by Mr. Juan Luciano, CEO, ADM, who highlighted the importance of an integrated soy value chain covering origination, processing, logistics and merchandising. This was followed by break-out session and there were insightful presentations from other distinguished leaders across the global soy value chain.

The summit concluded with remarks by Mr. Jim Sutter, CEO, USSEC, who emphasised the value of bringing U.S. soybean farmers, processors, traders, agribusinesses and international trade teams together to exchange knowledge and explore new opportunities. Mr. Sutter said attendees will depart with a clear perspective on the opportunities ahead and a look forward to what’s next. Mr. Sutter announced that Soy Connext 2027 will be held in New York, USA, from August 16–18, 2027.

Soy Connext 2026 was sponsored by several associations and companies; Illinois Soybean

Association, Indiana Soybean Alliance, Iowa Soybean Association, Ohio Soybean Council and South Dakota Soybean Council were the Platinum Sponsors. Cargill, Frey, The Delong Company, Nebraska Soybean Board, SOYLEIC and The Russell Marine Group were the Gold Sponsors. Kansas Soybean Association, Kentucky Soybean Board, North Dakota Soybean Council, Northern Soy, Tennessee Soybean Promotion Board and Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board were the Silver Sponsors and SGS, Blue Grass Farms of Ohio Inc., CHS Inc., Insta-Pro International, US Identity Preserved

Alliance, International Feed Corporation, ADM, AGP, Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board, Bunge, Consolidated Grain & Barge, Fornazor, Hawkeye Gold Lcc, Minnesota Soybean Research, Perdue Agribusiness LLC, Poet, Ray-Mont Logistics America, Stone Arch Commodities, The Scoular Company, Trans Globe, US Nisshin Shokai Inc., Wheaton Grain Inc., were the Bronze Sponsors of Soy Connext 2026.

Market Intelligence and Risk Management
Following Soy Connext, the USSEC MENASA Trade Team participated in a “Risk Management and Market Awareness” Workshop on August 8 at the Hyatt Regency, Chicago.

Mr. Kevin Roepke, Executive Director, USSEC–MENASA, welcomed participants from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia and introduced Mr. Guy H. Allen, Senior Economist.The workshop covered global agricultural commodity markets, soybean trade dynamics, supply-demand fundamentals, price discovery, market volatility, forecasting and practical risk-management strategies.

For India’s poultry, livestock, dairy and aquaculture sectors, such knowledge is increasingly important for managing feed ingredient availability, price fluctuations and long-term feed security.

From Iowa Soybean Fields to Feed Technology
Post conference, the delegation visited Grubbs Lands & Cattle Farm in Iowa State, and had good interaction with Mr. Brock Grubbs, a sixth-generation farmer producing soybean and corn across approximately 4,200 acres. The visit provided insights into precision agriculture, advanced genetics, technology and sustainable farming. Ms. Karen Long, Project Coordinator, Iowa Soybean Association, briefed the delegation on farming and sustainability practices.

Later the Trade Team visited the Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex at Iowa State University, a modern facility integrating education, research, analytical laboratories and pilot-scale feed manufacturing. Dr. Dirk Maier, Professor and Director, Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex, Dr. Camille Schroeder, Associate Director and Mr. A S M Younus Bhuiyan Sabbir, Assistant Manager of Grain Center, briefed the delegation on advancements in feed technology, grain science, research and industry-academia collaboration.

Strengthening U.S.–South Asia Partnerships
Thanks to Mr. Kevin Roepke, Executive Director (MENASA), U.S. Soybean Export Council, Mr. Franklin Manuel, India Market Lead, USSEC Ms. Deeba Giannoulis, Regional Food and Nutritional Security & Trade Strategy Leader–MENASA, Ms. Hibah Ameer, Regional Communications Lead–MENASA, Dr. Vijay Anand E. Pilli, Dr. Ashesh Bhattarai, Nepal Market Lead, Mr. Saram Bokhari, Pakistan Market Lead, Mr. KhaBiBur RahMan, Bangladesh Market Lead, Dr. Khurram Shahbaz, Regional Special Projects Facilitator, South Asia, Ms. Nikita Sharma, PMP, Ms. Dhanu Basavraj, Mr. Tara Singh Rawat, and all other members of the USSEC team for organizing this highly educational and informative program and for providing members of the MENASATrade Team with this valuable learning opportunity. Initiatives like these play a vital role in enhancing industry knowledge, strengthening international partnerships, and fostering sustainable growth across the global agricultural and animal protein sectors.

From soybean farms in Illinois and Iowa States to global

discussions during Soy Connext 2026 in Chicago and advanced feed and grain research visit at Iowa State University, offered valuable insights into the U.S. soybean value chain.

As India, the United States and other countries work to meet the growing global demand for affordable and nutritious protein, collaboration in feed security, technology, sustainability, research and trade can play an important role. The journey through the U.S. soybean and feed ecosystem therefore offered much more than an understanding of American agriculture. It provided a broader perspective on how innovation, farmer leadership, scientific research, market intelligence and international cooperation can come together to build more resilient, competitive and sustainable food and feed systems for the future.

Cyanosis (purple head) is observed in breeder males, typically around 35–40 weeks of age, and is sometimes used as a management indicator (Figure 1). The condition is not limited to one breed or line and may be transient, with color changes throughout the day; cyanosis appears after feeding, then disappears during the day. Affected birds show no respiratory distress, and necropsy reveals few gross lesions except occasional flaccid hearts. Echocardiography has detected aortic insufficiency (AOI) in a significant proportion of affected males, and laboratory findings show elevated hematocrit and hemoglobin concentrations, suggesting increased blood viscosity and potential compensatory polycythemia, a condition where an overproduction of red blood cells compensates for a lack of oxygen. This information is intended to provide physiological context and support practical management decisions, rather than to imply differences between breeds or genetic lines. There is no evidence of a genetic basis for this condition; therefore, management should be the focus to reduce field incidence.

FIGURE 1: An example of affected (left) and unaffected (right) broiler breeder males.

AVIAGEN Brief: Cyanosis (Purple Head) in Broiler Breeder Males | © 2026 Aviagen

PRACTICAL MANAGEMENT OF MALE CYANOSIS

FEEDING AND PHYSICAL STRESS
Cyanosis typically occurs during periods of peak physical stress, such as feeding or mating, when oxygen demand spikes and the heart may struggle to keep pace. For this reason, feed distribution should be completed within three minutes to prevent uneven gorging and panic. Male exclusion grills must be intact to prevent males from stealing hen feed, which increases their body mass and oxygen demand while physically restricting their air sacs. In addition, verify water quality, drinker space, and water line flow rates to ensure they meet the requirements for broiler breeder males. Field observations have also suggested that behaviors such as litter consumption may contribute to transient episodes in some flocks, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

BODY WEIGHT AND CONDITION CONTROL
Rear males to a body weight profile that meets or slightly exceeds current breed standards, as these higher profiles help prevent conditions such as Valgus-Varus Deformity (VVD), also known as ‘X-legs’. Achieving and maintaining good body weight and uniformity in male populations is as critical as it is in females, because cyanosis occurs less frequently in well-managed, well-fed males. Over-fleshed males (with a Dimpled U-shaped breast; score 5) are at higher risk since muscle tissue is oxygen-expensive. Therefore, target a fleshing score of 2.5–3 (a Standard V or Standard U-shaped breast; score 2-3) to minimize risk (Figure 2).

FIGURE 2: Scoring system to assess bird body condition (fleshing).

VENTILATION
Oxygen demand peaks during feeding, regardless of temperature. Increase ventilation 10 minutes before and during feeding to maximize oxygen availability. Maintaining good air quality and effective air exchange is important, as suboptimal ventilation, elevated ammonia or carbon dioxide levels, and reduced oxygen availability may add to physiological stress and contribute to symptom expression, even in open-sided housing systems.

TRIAGE AND CULLING
If cyanosis is observed, monitor the bird’s recovery post-feeding. Persistent cyanosis indicates heart failure and warrants culling.

MORPHOMETRIC DOCUMENTATION OF CARDIAC ABNORMALITIES
STUDY OVERVIEW
Research by Floyd D. Wilson et al (2016) documented a high prevalence of left ventricular dilated cardiomyopathy in mature broiler breeder males, both cyanotic and clinically normal. To better contextualize these findings within commercial production, the study also incorporated comparisons to market-age broilers.

KEY FINDINGS
Both cyanotic and normal broiler breeder males showed extensive left ventricular chamber dilation, with no significant difference between groups. Older males (average 42 weeks of age) had significantly higher left and right ventricular weight-to-total heart weight ratios compared with market-age broilers (average 7 weeks of age).

Morphometric data indicated that the left ventricle chamber area-to-total ventricle area ratio increased from 3.2% in broilers to 10% in broiler breeder males; 33% of males had left ventricular volume ratios above 10%, with 13% above 20%. The right ventricle-to-total ventricle weight ratio (RV/TV) increased from 0.18 in broilers to 0.25 in males, and 36% of males exceeded the threshold for right ventricular hypertrophy, although ascites was not observed. Left ventricle wall area-to-body weight ratios were similar between age groups.

Histopathology revealed only minimal endocardiosis, with no substantial changes suggestive of dilated cardiomyopathy.

Collectively, these findings suggest that left ventricular enlargement in broiler breeder males is primarily due to dilation rather than hypertrophy, possibly linked to systemic hypertension and aortic insufficiency, and they highlight the need for further research into the relationship between cyanosis, cardiac dilation, and breeding performance.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The combined evidence from pathological and morphometric studies underscores the complexity of health challenges in broiler breeder males. Cyanosis and cardiac dilation are prevalent and multifactorial, impacting both flock management and productivity. Management strategies should prioritize rapid feed distribution, strict control of body weight and uniformity, sufficient drinker space and flow rates, and enhanced ventilation during feeding. Continued research and vigilant health monitoring are essential for optimizing breeder welfare and performance.

Yet despite the widespread use of organic trace minerals (OTMs), one important misconception continues to exist in the industry: that all organic trace minerals are the same.

Looking Beyond Inclusion Levels
When evaluating trace mineral programs, discussions often focus on inclusion rates, mineral concentration, and cost per ton of feed.

However, the true value of a trace mineral is not determined simply by how much is added to a formulation. Rather, it is determined by how much of that mineral is available for absorption and utilization by the bird. This distinction becomes increasingly important in modern poultry production.

Many producers experiencing challenges like, inconsistent performance, reduced meat quality, or variability in the flock focus on nutrient inclusion. Yet nutrients can only contribute to biological functions if they successfully reach the absorption sites where they are needed.

As poultry genetics continue to advance, nutritional efficiency has become just as important as nutritional adequacy. This shift is causing nutritionists to move beyond a simple question of: “How much mineral is in the feed?” to a more important question: “How much mineral is actually available to the bird?”

Understanding the Challenge: Mineral Antagonism
Trace minerals perform important functions throughout the bird’s body. Zinc, copper, and manganese act as cofactors for numerous enzymes involved in bone formation, connective tissue development, collagen synthesis, skin integrity, antioxidant defense, and immune function.

However, the digestive tract is a highly complex environment. As minerals move through digestion, they encounter changes in pH and interactions with dietary compounds such as phytate, fiber components, and even other minerals. These interactions can reduce mineral availability before absorption occurs.

This phenomenon, referred to as mineral antagonism, helps explain why increasing mineral inclusion does not always result in improved mineral utilization. Simply feeding more minerals does not necessarily mean the bird receives more minerals. In many situations, the challenge is not supply. The challenge is bioavailability.

Dietary antagonisms can reduce mineral availability before absorption occurs, limiting nutrient utilization despite adequate inclusion levels

Organic Trace Minerals: A Category, Not a Chemistry
To help improve mineral bio-availability, the industry increasingly adopted organic trace minerals. However, the term “organic trace mineral” can create confusion. Some assume that all OTMs provide similar benefits because they belong to the same category. In reality, organic trace minerals represent a broad group of products that may differ substantially in:
· Ligand type
· Ligand-to-mineral ratio
· Molecular structure
· Bonding characteristics
· Electrical charge of the molecule
· Stability in Upper Digestive Tract
These differences influence how minerals behave in the gastrointestinal tract and how effectively they remain available for absorption. In other words, two products may both be labelled as organic trace minerals while functioning very differently inside the bird.

Why Chelation Matters
Among organic trace minerals, one class stands out from the others: bis-chelates. The word chelate originates from the Greek word chela, meaning crab claw or pincer. Similar to two crabs holding a metal securely giving it the maximum protection a Chelate forms when a ligand connects to a metal atom at more than two points. A 2 five member rings connected to the metal with two points of contact is the most stable complex found in nature. This structure helps provide protection compared with less defined mineral associations. However, not all organic trace minerals are true chelates. True chelates require a neutral charge to protect the mineral and enhance stability. Not all organic trace minerals (OTMs) provide a neutral charge; therefore, not all OTMs are true chelates. Some products are better described as complexes, proteinates, or other association forms. While they are still classified as organic trace minerals, they can differ significantly in chemical stability and behavior during digestion. The degree of protection provided by the mineral structure ultimately determines how vulnerable the mineral may be to antagonistic interactions.
Differences exist among chelates, too. There are chelates where one ligand is bound to the metal and then there are bis-chelates where two ligands are bound, creating a neutral charge and making the molecule less susceptible to antagonism. (see image)

Why Molecular Structure Matters
Research continues to demonstrate that mineral structure influences stability and bio-availability. When minerals dissociate during digestion, they become charged ions that are more likely to interact with negatively charged compounds such as phytate, fiber complexes and other minerals. These interactions can reduce availability before absorption occurs.

For this reason, increasing attention is being given to mineral structures specifically designed to maintain stability throughout digestion. One such approach is bis-chelation technology.

Bis-chelated trace minerals are characterized by a defined molecular structure consisting of one mineral ion bound to two ligands, creating two stable chelate rings. This unique architecture helps maintain structural integrity while moving through the digestive tract.
An equally important feature is their neutral molecular charge. Because neutrally charged molecules are less likely to participate in unwanted interactions, the structure helps protect the mineral, reducing opportunities for antagonism and supporting mineral availability until absorption occurs.

Bis-chelated trace minerals feature a defined molecular structure designed to support stability and mineral availability during digestion.

The Future of Trace Mineral Nutrition
As poultry production evolves, mineral nutrition must evolve with it. The industry’s next opportunity may not come from increasing mineral inclusion rates but from improving how effectively minerals are utilized by the bird. This requires looking beyond product categories and focusing on the scientific characteristics that influence mineral availability. Organic trace minerals can provide significant advantages over traditional inorganic sources. However, not all organic trace minerals are created equal. Their molecular structure matters. Their stability matters. And ultimately, their ability to deliver minerals to the animal matters.

As nutritionists continue searching for ways to improve performance consistency, skeletal integrity, meat quality, and return on investment, bis-chelated trace minerals are an increasingly important technology because they combine defined structure, enhanced stability, and optimized bioavailability into a scientifically designed mineral solution.

Contact your local NOVUS representative to learn more about bis-chelated trace minerals from the company that brought the technology to the animal agriculture industry over 20 years ago.

Dr. Partha P. Biswas, Former Associate Professor & HoD,

Because more poultry meat and eggs are being produced worldwide, people are asking for better, more sustainable ways to farm. This means finding new and better ways to feed animals in the future. From 2000 to 2020, global egg production went up by more than 41%, increasing from 51 million to 87 million tonnes, with an average annual growth rate of 3%.In 2023, poultry meat production hit 145 million tonnes and is still rising. With 6.29 million tonnes produced in 2020, India is fast approaching the level of production in the USA (6.29 million tonnes) produced in 2020. With an average egg size slightly lower than that in the USA (average weight of a standard large chicken egg 56.7 grams (2 oz) in the USA as against 50 to 55 grams in India), the Indian egg sector estimated that they have already overtaken the USA in terms of the number of eggs produced. India produced 149.11 billion eggs in the 2024–25 period, while the United States produced approximately 105 billion eggs in 2025. This growth is making it more important to find sustainable ways to feed animals.Even though raising poultry is less harmful to the environment compared to other types of animal farming, it still has some negative effects, such as increasing global warming, making water too rich in nutrients (eutrophication), and making soil too acidic. Low-carbon poultry feed is now moving from just an idea to real, practical use. Feed is responsible for about 70% of the total carbon footprint in poultry farming, so it’s the biggest area where we can cut down on carbon emissions. To make poultry farming more sustainable, we need to change how we get, mix, and use feed. Soybean meal and fishmeal have been the main sources of protein for animals, used in everything from chicken farming to fish farming. But keeping on using them at the same levels is bad for the environment. The reason we’re looking for alternatives isn’t because these materials don’t work well for animals—they are very effective. It’s because they cause serious environmental and economic problems, especially for systems that try to be sustainable and manage fish resources properly.

CIRCULAR AND ALTERNATIVE INGREDIENTS
Producers are actively moving away from relying entirely on conventional corn and deforestation-linked soy. Feed formulations are increasingly incorporating agro-industrial by-products, former foodstuffs (circular feed), and alternative protein crops like rapeseed and peas.
Life Cycle Assessments show that feeds formulated with these by-products can have a carbon footprint nearly 40% lower than traditional raw material feeds.

THE “BIG THREE INGREDIENTS” OF POULTRY FEED
Poultry sector consumes ~60% of India’s maize (~20+ million tonnes annually).Soybean meal demand: ~6-7 million tonnes domestically. In commercial broiler and layer operations, dry fish meal is rarely used When added at strategic levels, typically 3-8% in starter feeds and 2-5% in grower phases, fish meal enhances palatability, encouraging birds to consume more feed during critical early stages. This increased intake, paired with high digestibility, results in superior weight gains and improved FCR. In the layer segment, specialized demand exists for producing enriched eggs. The long-chain n-3 fatty acids (like DHA) in marine lipids transfer efficiently into the yolk.

1. SOYBEAN MEAL (THE PROTEIN BASE) : Soybean meal is the main source of protein in chicken feed around the world, but it has a big impact on the environment. The protein in soybean meal is high in lysine, which is first limiting amino acid in most chicken diets. This makes it a great match for grains like corn and wheat. India does not allow growing or bringing in raw genetically modified (GM)soybeans or seeds. India’s soybean production fell a lot during the 2025-2026 growing season, reaching about 11 to 12.7 million tons, which is much lower than before, causing a serious shortage of supply. When there are not enough non-GM soybeans locally, they get them from certain African countries. Non-GM soybeans are more expensive than GM ones. Even though GM soybean meal has been allowed sometimes to meet the protein needs for animal feed, there are worries about the effects on the environment. These worries include carbon emissions from cutting down forests in important areas like the Amazon and Cerrado, more risks for climate change, loss of wildlife, and pollution from farm chemicals running into water.

2.CORN / MAIZE (THE ENERGY SOURCE) : Corn provides the bulk energy in most poultry diets. While corn generally has a lower carbon footprint per kilogram than soy, birds eat much more of it. The primary carbon issue with corn is its heavy reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. Manufacturing these fertilizers is extremely energy-intensive, and applying them to fields releases nitrous oxide (N₂O),a green house gas nearly 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Tractor fuel for plowing is another important issue.

3.FISH MEAL (THE SPECIALITY PROTEIN) : Though used in far smaller amounts (typically for young chicks or breeder birds), fish meal has a complex environmental footprint. The issue of TMA accumulation leading to a fishy flavor in brown-shelled eggs arises from a genetic defect in up to 10% of brown-feathered hens. Normally, TMA is oxidized in the liver into a harmless compound by the action of the enzyme trimethylamine oxidase. The synthesis of this enzyme depends on the expression of the FM03 gene, located on chromosome 8. In the case of anon-synonymous mutation in the FM03 gene (designated T3295),hens cannot oxidize TMA, which then accumulates in the yolk. Poultry diets restrict fish meal to 5-10% of total feed due to ecological inefficiencies. Fishmeal is sourced from small forage fish like anchovies and sardines, which are crucial to the marine food web. Overfishing these species endangers higher trophic levels, leading to decline predatory fish, marine mammals, and seabirds.Moreover, forage fish populations are vulnerable to climate change, causing unstable fishmeal supplies and significant price volatility.India is the third-largest producer and exporter of fishmeal. Fig.1:

Fig.1: Typical poultry feed mix

ECONOMIC HURDLES TO TRANSITION OF CIRCULAR PROTEINS
The transition to circular proteins, such as microbial biomass, insect meal, or fermented agro-industrial waste, is essential for stabilizing ecosystems and is crucial for a sustainable livestock industry. However, commercial feed mills face significant economic barriers due to scale, commodity pricing, and supply chain maturity, making it challenging to replace traditional soybean meal. Here are the primary economic hurdles commercial mills face today:

THE PRICE PARITY GAP
Decades of agricultural subsidies, optimized supply chains, and massive economies of scale keep their prices relatively low and stable (historically ranging from $600-$750 per ton for soy, and $1,500 to $2,000 for fishmeal). In contrast, alternative proteins like Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) or microalgae carry immense initial capital expenditures (CapEx) to build high-tech bio-manufacturing or fermentation facilities.
Although insects like Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) raised on organic waste represent the ultimate circular protein, converting low-value biomass into high-value feed with a minimal land and water footprint. BSFL defatted protein meal and de-oiled powder generally trade between ₹110 and ₹250 per kg in Indian market & wholesale price roughly between $1,320 and $3,000 USD per ton.

SCALE AND VOLUME CONSISTENCY
Commercial feed mills produce feed continuously, requiring tens of thousands of tons of standardized ingredients every single month. Currently, very few alternative protein manufacturers can guarantee that volume without interruption. If a mill alters its highly specific formulation to include 5% insect meal, and the supplier falls short on delivery, the mill has to halt production, re-calibrate its software, and reformulate the diet using different ingredients. This downtime is extraordinarily expensive.

HIDDEN COSTS OF NUTRITIONAL REBALANCING
Soybean meal and fishmeal are highly dependable. Nutritionists have a clear understanding of how these ingredients function within the digestive systems of fish and birds. When a mill uses insect meal or a plant-based alternative to fishmeal, the amino acid profile changes. As a result, the mill needs to purchase additional synthetic amino acids, such as L-methionine or L-lysine, along with specific feed enzymes to compensate for the missing nutrients. This helps maintain the animals’ growth rates. Even if the base alternative protein is priced competitively, these added ingredients increase the overall cost of the final feed formulation.

RETROFITTING MILL INFRASTRUCTURE
Feed mills are designed to handle, grind, and pellet traditional grains and meals. However, alternative ingredients often have very different physical properties. For instance, some insect meals contain significantly more fat than solvent-extracted soybean meal. High levels of lipids can cause blockages in extruders, reduce the quality of feed pellets (making them prone to breaking during transport), and damage machinery. To effectively use these new ingredients at high levels, mills usually need to invest heavily in upgrading their equipment, such as adding new vacuum liquid-coating systems for fats. Many mills are reluctant to make these costly investments due to financial concerns.

REGULATORY APPROVAL COSTS
The global feed industry has strict rules to stop harmful substances from getting into the food chain. To get approval for a new type of protein, like microbial biomass or insect protein, used in animal feed, companies must do many expensive and time-consuming tests. These tests check for safety, look for heavy metals, and measure how well the protein is digested. This process can take many years.The cost of these tests ends up being passed on to the feed producers, which raises the cost of the ingredients. Unless these alternative proteins can be made in large amounts and sold at prices that are as good as soy or wild-caught fish, they are probably only used in special, high-end, or environmentally friendly feed products, not in regular, mass-produced feeds..Fig.2:

Fig.2: A picture showing how to raise chickens in a way that is good for the environment, people, and the poultry industry. It shows how being efficient with resources, taking care of the chickens’ health and happiness, keeping the farm safe from disease, making sure the chickens are productive, and making the whole food system strong and able to handle challenges are all connected and important.

THE GLOBAL RACE TO DECARBONIZE LIVESTOCK DIET

CIRCULAR INGREDIENTS & CARBON REDUCTION
Upcycling Waste: Using agricultural and slaughterhouse by-products (like DDGS, fruit pomace, and rendered fats) reduces reliance on land-intensive virgin crops and prevents landfill methane. The sustainable use of fruit and vegetable residues (FVRs) in poultry feed formulations has gained considerable attention due to their potential in advancing animal health However, certain challenge such as anti-nutritional factors, palatability issues, and processing techniques are also associated while incorporating these residues into poultry diets. Fermentation technologies create new opportunities to recover nutrients from agricultural residues and improve their value in poultry diets.

Carbon-Optimized Formulation: Modern feed software integrates Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data to dynamically select ingredients based on their carbon footprint, not just cost and nutrition. LCA is a measurement of the emissions generated during its cultivation, processing, and transport. The software can calculate the exact environmental cost of using raw protein crops (like soy) versus supplementing with synthetic amino acids. It optimizes the diet to prevent protein overfeeding, which simultaneously lowers the feed’s initial GWP (Global Warming Potential) and reduces the nitrogen output (and offensive odors) in the poultry droppings.

THE SHIFT TO DDGS (DISTILLERS DRIED GRAINS WITH SOLUBLES)

Cost Advantage: Maize-based DDGS (₹17-₹20/kg) is significantly cheaper than soymeal (~₹40/kg), driving rapid adoption in the poultry industry.
Substitution Limits: DDGS can replace 25-30% of maize demand. Insect protein and algae can replace small portions of soy (5-10%).
Ongoing Conventional Reliance: Despite these alternatives, conventional ingredients will still make up 60-70% of overall feed requirements.
PRECISION NUTRITION
Targeted Diets: Formulating feed to match exact amino acid and energy needs improves the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR).
Lower Emissions: Preventing protein overfeeding reduces nitrogen in manure, which directly lowers harmful nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions downstream. Fig.3

Fig.3: Alternative protein sources for animal feed in a circular bioeconomy could include things like leftover materials from farming and food processing, meals made from insects and worms, leftovers from biorefineries, proteins made by microbes, and by-products from aquatic sources.

BETWEEN REALITY AND RHETORIC: LOW-CARBON POULTRY FEED
Moving from using a wide variety of ingredients in poultry feed to providing exactly what the birds need at each stage of growth is key to creating real low-carbon feed. While some talk about replacing soy with new ingredients, the actual science is about making tiny, precise changes. It’s about giving birds exactly the right nutrients they need, in the right amounts, so nothing is wasted. Real reductions in carbon emissions from poultry feed don’t come from using popular or fashionable ingredients. They come from making sure every part of the feed works as efficiently as possible. Ensuring every gram of feed is used well is the best way a farm can help the environment. Instead of providing too much crude protein, experts can use specific synthetic amino acids like L-Methionine, L-Lysine, and L-Threonine.This helps reduce the total amount of crude protein in the birds’ diets. By cutting crude protein by just 1.5%, farms can lower their carbon footprint by about 70 kg of CO₂ equivalent per ton.

CONCLUSION
Despite having significant potential, incorporating insects, algae, fermented products, and agricultural and industrial by-products into chicken feed continues to face multiple challenges. These challenges include scientific, technical, economic, and legal difficulties. For insects, key issues include variability in their nutritional content based on their diet, high chitin content that complicates protein digestion for chickens, higher production costs compared to traditional protein sources, and the absence of established international safety and quality standards. Consumer acceptance of chicken products derived from insect-based diets remains uncertain, which may hinder large-scale adoption. The effort to reduce the carbon footprint in chicken feed presents a mix of real benefits and exaggerated claims. While some measurable progress is achievable, the extent and impact of these improvements often fall short of what companies assert. Reducing the carbon footprint in chicken feed is neither a complete solution nor a total myth; it represents incremental steps within a broader system that is not sustainable. The true advantages come from the following areas:

– Integrating a circular bioeconomy into feed production
– Minimizing reliance on imported protein
– Utilizing waste materials effectively
– Developing better alternative ingredients

The industry must shift from making grand promises to achieving tangible improvements. This involves recognizing and celebrating small achievements, such as 5-10% reductions, while also being honest about limitations and working towards broader changes that extend beyond mere feed modifications. This conclusion reflects both the actual progress being made and the gap between marketing claims and real-world outcomes, offering a balanced assessment of the industry’s current position regarding sustainable feed promises. Hybrid feeding systems that combine commercial and alternative feed sources generally provide the most consistent results, although maintaining mineral balance is essential during the laying phase.

REFERENCES
1.Vincent Guyonnet (2025) : Chapter 2 World Egg Production and Marketing Trends, In book: Handbook of egg science and technology (pp.9-26) Publisher: CRC Press. DOI:10.1201/9781003254430-3.
2.Hairui Yu et al (2025): Sustainable poultry farming: mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions in poultry farming through nutritional and environmental modulations. World’s Poultry Science JournalVolume 81, 2025 – Issue 4: Pages 1081-1141.
3.Dheeraj Kumar et al (2025): Alternative feed ingredients in poultry diets: A review of nutritional potential, processing technologies, and challenges. International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry 2025; SP-10(9): 16-19.
4.Yadi Oktariansyah*& Mustafa Kamal (2026): Alternative Feed Use in Poultry Chickens: Impacts on Feed Efficiency and Physiological Parameters—A Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Natural Sciences ISSN 2721-5571 (Online) Vol.7, No.1 March 2026: 41-53.

The 10th edition of the Global Talks Series features an insightful conversation with Mr. Franck Vaillant, Commercial Director at IDENA, a renowned French company specializing in animal nutrition and feed additive solutions. With more than 30 years of experience in the animal production industry, Franck Vaillant has been actively involved in international business development across global markets. Throughout his professional journey, he has focused on advancing science-based nutritional solutions that support animal health, performance, and sustainable livestock production. In this edition, he shares his perspectives on the evolving global poultry industry, including key challenges such as antibiotic reduction, gut health management, feed efficiency, and sustainability. He also discusses how IDENA is helping poultry producers through innovative nutritional strategies designed to improve bird resilience and production performance under modern commercial farming conditions. The discussion further highlights the growing potential of the Indian poultry industry and the increasing demand for natural and functional feed additive solutions in the years ahead.

Career Journey in Animal Nutrition
Franck Vaillant is currently Commercial Director at IDENA, a position he has held since 2023. Prior to this, he served for 12 years as Managing Director of a French animal nutrition company specialized in feed supplements. He began his career in the animal production sector in 1994. Throughout his professional journey, he has focused on driving international business development across all continents.

IDENA’s Vision for Poultry Nutrition
IDENA’s core vision is to support animal production through science-based nutrition while actively contributing to demedication in livestock. Our main focus is to provide natural and functional alternatives to traditional medicinal approaches, helping producers maintain performance through nutrition rather than treatment. In poultry, we focus on gut health, mineral balance, feed efficiency, and resilience of birds under commercial conditions. Our solutions combine R&D, field validation, and practical formulation expertise to ensure both technical efficiency and economic viability.

Global Poultry Industry Trends and Challenges
According to Franck Vaillant, the poultry industry is currently shaped by strong pressure on antibiotic reduction, feed cost volatility, and increasing genetic potential of birds. One of the major challenges is maintaining gut stability and performance in a context of reduced medication use. This drives a global shift toward preventive nutrition, functional additives, and precision feeding strategies that improve nutrient efficiency and animal robustness.

Supporting Sustainability and Antibiotic Reduction
Sustainability, gut health, and reduced antibiotic use are central pillars of IDENA’s nutritional approach.
The company develops feed additive solutions that support intestinal health, microbial balance, digestion efficiency, and oxidative stress management, helping poultry producers reduce their reliance on antibiotics while maintaining productivity.

IDENA’s solutions are backed by extensive R&D, laboratory studies, in vivo trials, and field validations conducted under different farming conditions worldwide. In addition, the company works on optimizing mineral and nutrient utilization to reduce environmental impact and improve sustainability at the farm level.

“The future of poultry production will
depend on our ability to combine
performance, sustainability,
and reduced medication use through
science-based nutrition and
innovative feed solutions.”

— Franck Vaillant, IDENA

Perspective on the Indian Poultry Industry
Franck Vaillant views India as one of the world’s fastest-growing poultry markets, driven by rising demand for affordable animal protein and rapid industry modernization. At the same time, he recognizes that the Indian market remains highly competitive and price-sensitive, requiring nutritional solutions that deliver both technical performance and strong economic returns.

He believes there are significant future opportunities for IDENA in India, particularly in supporting poultry producers with natural feed additive solutions focused on gut health improvement, feed efficiency optimization, and reduced medication use under local production conditions.

PL Agro Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is Now ZAGRO India Pvt. Ltd.

Strengthening the ZAGRO Group’s Commitment to Animal Health, Animal Nutrition and Crop Care in India

Chennai, India — July 2, 2026

PL Agro Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of ZAGRO Singapore Pte. Ltd., has officially rebranded as ZAGRO India Pvt. Ltd. The change deepens the company’s integration with the ZAGRO Group — a global provider of Animal Health, Animal Nutrition, Crop Care, Public Health, and Industrial Chemicals with over 70 years of international experience.

The new identity aligns the Indian business with ZAGRO’s global brand, giving customers access to stronger R&D, global manufacturing standards, and a broader product portfolio — while preserving the same trusted relationships, service, and quality customers rely on today.

Investing in India’s Growth

India remains one of the world’s fastest-growing agricultural and livestock markets. As ZAGRO India, the company is expanding across three core segments:

• Animal Nutrition — vitamin & mineral premixes, specialty feed additives, toxin binders, functional nutrition solutions
• Animal Health — poultry, swine, dairy and aquaculture solutions, plus farm biosecurity programs
• Crop Care — crop protection, plant nutrition, specialty agri-chemicals, and sustainable production technologies

The company continues to invest in its Chennai, Tamil Nadu manufacturing facility and technical teams, maintaining stringent international quality standards while tailoring solutions to local farming conditions.

A Message from Management

“This transition represents far more than a name change. It reflects our commitment to becoming an even stronger partner for Indian agriculture by leveraging ZAGRO’s global expertise, innovation, and quality standards — delivering solutions that improve animal health, farm productivity, and sustainable agriculture across India.”

 What Stays the Same

• Ownership under the ZAGRO Group
• Existing contracts, commitments, and customer relationships
• Product quality and service standards
• Our experienced management and technical teams

Looking Ahead

With the full strength of the ZAGRO Group behind it, Zagro India is positioned to become a leading provider of integrated animal health, animal nutrition, and crop care solutions — supporting poultry, dairy, beef cattle, swine, aquaculture, companion animal, and crop production customers nationwide with technical consultancy, product support, and training.

About ZAGRO India Pvt. Ltd. A wholly owned subsidiary of ZAGRO Singapore Pte. Ltd., ZAGRO India delivers innovative Animal Nutrition, Animal Health, and Crop Care solutions, combining global expertise with local market knowledge to enhance livestock productivity, crop performance, and sustainable agriculture.

About ZAGRO Singapore Established in 1953, ZAGRO Singapore Pte. Ltd. is a leading agribusiness group operating in over 70 countries, developing, manufacturing, and marketing Animal Health, Animal Nutrition, Crop Care, Public Health, and Industrial Chemical products worldwide.

Contact
ZAGRO India Pvt. Ltd.
(Formerly PL Agro Technologies Ltd.)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Manas Mitra, Commercial Head -India
manas.mitra@zagro.com
Website: www.zagro.com

FERMNUTRAL: A POSTBIOTIC INNOVATION TO MAXIMIZE GUT HEALTH AND EFFICIENCY IN POULTRY PRODUCTION

Gut Health: The Key to Modern Poultry Production
The expression of the genetic potential of poultry largely depends on intestinal health. The gastrointestinal tract houses nearly 70% of the immune cells and constitutes the primary barrier against enteric pathogens. However, during the early stages of life, immune immaturity increases susceptibility to infections and microbiota imbalances, particularly under intensive production systems.

Traditionally, antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) have been used to improve productive performance and reduce health-related challenges. However, their continuous use has been associated with antimicrobial resistance, intestinal dysbiosis, and concerns regarding food safety and public health.

In this context, postbiotics have emerged as a sustainable alternative. They are defined as preparations of inanimate microorganisms and/or their bioactive components, including short-chain fatty acids, bacteriocins, exopolysaccharides, peptides, and cell

wall fragments. Unlike probiotics, postbiotics offer greater stability, safety, and consistency, making them an effective alternative to AGPs (Zhong et al., 2022).

Postbiotics vs. Probiotics: A Real Competitive Advantage
The probiotics most commonly used in poultry production, such as Lactobacillus spp. and spore-forming Bacillus spp., present certain limitations when compared with postbiotics.

Lactobacillus species are heat-sensitive microorganisms; therefore, their survival during feed pelleting and storage may be compromised. In addition, factors such as chlorination of drinking water can reduce their viability and, consequently, their biological efficacy.

In contrast, Bacillus spp. exhibit high resistance to elevated temperatures due to spore formation. However, their beneficial effects may depend on successful intestinal germination and on the physiological and microbiological conditions of the host. Furthermore, these bacteria do not permanently colonize the gastrointestinal tract, meaning that their biological impact may depend on continuous administration through feed or drinking water.

Postbiotics exhibit high stability during feed processing and storage, as well as in chlorinated drinking water, because they do not rely on cell viability. Moreover, their bioactive compounds can exert their effects immediately upon ingestion, without requiring germination or intestinal colonization. This allows for a faster, more reproducible, and more consistent response (De Marco et al., 2018).

FermNutral: Bioactive Profile of a Full-Spectrum Postbiotic
FermNutral is a postbiotic developed and manufactured by CPBIO through the controlled biological fermentation of the Clostridium butyricum CPBIO3000 strain using natural raw materials. (Figure1)

The product is supplied as granules with demonstrated stability at temperatures exceeding 80°C (simulating the feed pelleting process). The recommended inclusion rate for poultry is 300–500 g/t of feed. FermNutral is produced under FAMI-QS, FDA-cGMP, and ISO 9001/14001/18001 certifications, which have been maintained since 2001.

FermNutral contains a diverse range of bioactive compounds generated during the fermentation process, including teichoic acids, lipoteichoic acids, butyricin, antimicrobial peptides, and exopolysaccharides.

Within its short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) fraction, butyric acid represents approximately 40% of the total SCFAs. Other SCFAs are present at lower concentrations, including acetic acid (21.6 mg/kg) and propionic acid (81.6 mg/kg).
The vitamin fraction includes vitamin E (13.9 IU/kg), vitamin B1 (17.2 mg/kg), vitamin B2 (5.08 mg/kg), vitamin B5 (57.3 mg/kg), vitamin B6 (98.3 mg/kg), vitamin B12 (0.34 mg/kg), folic acid (30.9 mg/kg), and vitamin K3 (1.97 mg/kg). The mineral profile provides calcium (15.2%), total phosphorus (0.76%), iron (760 mg/kg), zinc (42 mg/kg), magnesium (3,600 mg/kg), and chromium (11.67 mg/kg). Additionally, FermNutral contains 17 amino acids, including glutamic acid (1.37%), alanine (0.59%), valine (0.46%), leucine (0.50%), and lysine (0.29%). Altogether all amino acids are between 10-12% in product.

This unique combination of bioactive metabolites, nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids supports intestinal integrity, microbial balance, immune function, and productive performance in poultry.

Figure 1: A postbiotic product derived from biological fermentation of Clostridium butyricum CPBIO3000 using natural raw materials

FermNutral: Bioactive Compounds
FermNutral contains a wide range of bioactive compounds generated during the fermentation process, with butyric acid being the predominant short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), representing approximately 40% of the product. Butyrate serves as a major energy source for enterocytes and promotes epithelial renewal, mucin synthesis, and the expression of tight junction proteins. These effects contribute to maintaining intestinal barrier integrity and reducing intestinal permeability.
In addition, butyrate exhibits immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties through its ability to regulate epigenetic processes, promote goblet cell differentiation, and stimulate the activation of regulatory T lymphocytes. It may also enhance intestinal serotonin release, which has been associated with the gut-brain axis and productive performance. Acetic and propionic acids complement these effects by regulating the intestinal environment and inhibiting undesirable microorganisms.

FermNutral also provides teichoic acids and lipoteichoic acids, which are recognized by Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) on the intestinal mucosa. These components modulate both innate and adaptive immune responses, promoting a balance between immune defense and tolerance while helping to control intestinal inflammation (Pasquina et al., 2013; Muhammad et al., 2021).

Furthermore, FermNutral supplies butyricin (a bacteriocin), bioactive peptides, and antimicrobial peptides produced during fermentation, which contribute to the control of undesirable microorganisms and the modulation of intestinal microbiota. Exopolysaccharides are also present and have been reported to stimulate secretory IgA production and strengthen the mucosal barrier. In addition, the product’s vitamin and mineral profile acts synergistically to support immune function, antioxidant status, intestinal integrity, and productive performance.

FermNutral in poultry production
Several experiments conducted in China and Thailand have demonstrated the efficacy of FermNutral in poultry production. In a study at Guizhou University (China) comparing a control diet with additives such as FermNutral, Clostridium butyricum, protected sodium butyrate, and tributyrin in broiler chickens, the postbiotic (FermNutral) was confirmed to improve weight gain (+13%) and reduce feed conversion ratio (-11.68%) compared with the control and other experimental treatments.

In addition, another experiment carried out in a commercial broiler farm in China found that FermNutral reduced the feed conversion ratio (1.73 vs 1.77) and improved viability (+1.94) and the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF; 338.70 vs 315.30) in relation to the control diet.
Likewise, in a commercial broiler farm in Thailand, the use of FermNutral increased weight gain (+4.2%) and EPEF (+11.70%) and reduced feed conversion ratio (-7.69%). Furthermore, other trials conducted at Guizhou University (China) showed that FermNutral increased villus height in the duodenum (+9%), jejunum (+4%), and ileum (+8%), and improved the villus height to crypt depth ratio (V/C) in the duodenum (6.92 vs 6.27) and jejunum (5.71 vs 5.04).

Figure 3 : FermNutral effect on Immunoglobulins

Additional results from this experiment reported that FermNutral decreased the population of Escherichia coli in the duodenum (0.014 vs 0.234) and jejunum (0.0004 vs 0.013). Moreover, it promoted the growth of Lactobacillus in different intestinal segments, as determined by the relative abundance of microorganisms through 16S rDNA sequencing. (Figure 2) Finally, the inclusion of FermNutral in the diet improved the concentration of IgA (+13%), IgG (+19%), and IgM (+24%) compared with the control diet. (Figure 3)

Figure 2 : 16S rDNA sequencing to determine relative abundance of microorganisms in Poultry Intestine

Other trials conducted on a commercial farm in China with 48-week-old laying hens showed that FermNutral improved laying rate (+1.4) and shell thickness (+0.05 mm), while reducing feed conversion ratio (-0.06) and broken eggs (-2.6%), without affecting other productive performance parameters.

Likewise, in an experiment carried out at Henan Agricultural University, China, using 50-week-old laying hens, FermNutral increased egg weight (61.63 vs 59.77 vs g) and improved feed conversion ratio (2.08 vs 2.11 vs), while reducing dirty eggs (0.17 vs 0.45 %), broken eggs (0.32 vs 0.47 %), and unfit eggs (0.15 vs 0.28 %). These results demonstrate that FermNutral is an innovative and differentiated alternative within the new generation of postbiotics.

References
De Marco S, et al. (2018). Probiotic cell-free supernatants exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Liu H, et al. (2023). Postbiotics modulate gut health and laying performance in laying hens. Animal Nutrition, 14, 244–256.
Muhammad I, et al. (2021). Lipoteichoic acid from Bacillus subtilis improves immune function of broiler chickens. Antioxidants, 10(9), 1414.
Pasquina LW, et al. (2013). Teichoic acid biosynthesis as an antibiotic target. Current Opinion in Microbiology, 16(5), 531–537.
Zhong R, et al. (2022). Gut microbiota and its interactions with postbiotics in animal production. Frontiers in Microbiology, 13, 831495.
About CPBIO – A Global Biotech Company, Based on the global practice of Charoen Pokphand Group in the agricultural, animal husbandry and food industry chain, CPBIO has extensively and deeply participated in the health cause of animals, the earth and human beings with the thinking of the whole industry chain. Organizations and individuals in large-scale validated products and solutions.

About CPBIO – A Global Biotech Company, Based on the global practice of Charoen Pokphand Group in the agricultural, animal husbandry and food industry chain, CPBIO has extensively and deeply participated in the health cause of animals, the earth and human beings with the thinking of the whole industry chain. Organizations and individuals in large-scale validated products and solutions.

A Positive Step Towards Ease of Doing Business in Poultry – Ranpal Dhanda, President, Poultry Federation of India

Government officials and poultry sector representatives during the productive meeting

It was a privilege for the Poultry Federation of India delegation, led by PFI President Mr. Ranpal Dhanda, to meet Shri Mahipal Dhanda, Hon’ble Education Minister, Govt. of Haryana, to discuss key issues impacting the growth and development of the poultry sector in the state.

PFI Team extends the sincere gratitude to Hon’ble Minister Shri Mahipal Dhanda Ji for his proactive support and for facilitating a high-level meeting with Mr. Anurag Rastogi (IAS) Chief Secretary, Government of Haryana and other senior officials Mr. Arun Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. Vinay Kumar, Chairman, Pollution Control Board and Dr. Prem Singh, Director, Animal Husbandry, Government of Haryana.

The delegation highlighted Haryana’s vital contribution to India’s poultry industry and submitted several recommendations aimed at improving the ease of doing business for poultry farmers. Poultry Federation of India Team is pleased that the Hon’ble Chief Secretary responded positively and directed the concerned departments to take action on several important reforms, including:
Simplification of Pollution Control Board guidelines for poultry farms.
Removal of Market Committee Fee on maize and bajra procured from other states, with an assurance of resolution within 10–15 days.
Exemption from Change of Land Use (CLU) requirements for poultry farms.
Promotion of egg consumption through the Sports Department and other government departments.
Formation of a Poultry Development Committee with representation from the poultry industry to strengthen policy formulation and address sectoral challenges.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ranpal Dhanda, President, Poultry Federation of India, expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Education Minister, the Hon’ble Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, Director Animal Husbandry and other Government officials for their positive and constructive approach. These initiatives will reduce unnecessary regulatory hurdles, improve the ease of doing business, encourage investment, create employment opportunities, and further strengthen Haryana’s poultry sector.

The Poultry Federation of India looks forward to working closely with the Government of Haryana to translate these commitments into meaningful reforms that will benefit poultry farmers and contribute to the sustainable growth of one of the state’s most important agricultural sectors. Together, we are building a stronger, more progressive, and farmer-friendly poultry industry.

The 27th edition of World Poultry Congress (WPC) 2026 organised by the World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA) at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Canada, from July 13–17, 2026 was recognised as the world’s premier gathering for poultry science and technology, WPC 2026 had brought together a good delegates comprising poultry scientists, researchers, academicians, veterinarians, industry leaders, production specialists, policymakers, and students from more than 85 countries. The congress served as an exceptional platform for exchanging knowledge, showcasing cutting-edge innovations and strengthening international collaborations that will shape the future of the poultry industry.

The scientific and technical program covered a wide spectrum of critical topics including genetics and breeding, poultry nutrition, health and disease prevention, animal welfare, sustainability, precision production technologies, processing innovations and global food security. At a time when the poultry sector is addressing evolving challenges related to disease management, climate resilience, sustainability and feeding a growing global population, forums like WPC continue to play a pivotal role in driving science-based solutions and technological advancement.

Held once every four years under the auspices of the World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA), the World Poultry Congress remains one of the most influential international platforms dedicated to advancing poultry science and industry worldwide.

The success of WPC 2026 was made possible through the support of leading global organizations, including Elanco and Cargill Animal Nutrition and Health as Platinum Sponsors, Merck Animal Health and Zoetis as Gold Sponsors, Anitox, Evonik, Novus International, Inc, Huvepharma; Trouw Nutrition, Novonesis Animal Health and Nutrition, Nor-Feed, Insighter Biotechnology, JBT Marel, Adisseo, Jefo Biotechnology, Olmix Biotechnology Research and Vtagro as Bronze Sponsors and was supported by Jamesway, Hendrix Genetics Layers, Egg Farmers of Canada, Chicken Farmers of Canada, Turkey Farmers of Canada, Canadian Hatching Egg Producers, Alternative Design Manufacturing and Suply, Inc., Allix3, US-RSPE, JRS Livestock Applications and Hy-line International. WPC-2016 was further supported by esteemed media partners including Canadian Poultry Magazine, WATT Poultry, Agri Insight, Poultry Creations, Gulf Poultry, Modern Poultry, and aviNews International.

The exhibitors displayed their promotional material in Exhibit Hall and the seminars / presentations were in various session rooms. The poster and oral presentation sessions represented the cutting edge of global poultry research. Forty plus speakers from six continents, hundreds of abstracts across every major area of poultry science. During World Poultry Congress 2026, it was my privilege to meet distinguished poultry leaders, scientists, researchers, innovators and industry colleagues from around the world and explored new opportunities for collaboration that will contribute to the sustainable growth and future of the global poultry sector.

My sincere congratulations to the World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA), the organising committee, sponsors, exhibitors, and everyone who worked tirelessly to make WPC 2026 an outstanding success.As one memorable chapter comes to an end, we now look forward to the 28th World Poultry Congress, which will be held in Tokyo, Japan, from July 21–25, 2030.

Moisture Optimization and Mold Control:
An Integrated Approach to Improving Feed Quality,
Shelf Life, and Feed Mill Profitability in Tropical Climates

Dr. Maloshrie Bora, Senior Program Manager – Feed Safety, Trouw Nutrition South Asia

Across India and South Asia, feed manufacturers today face a common challenge: producing safe, stable, high-quality feed while navigating increasingly variable climate conditions, fluctuating raw material quality, rising production costs, and greater demands for feed efficiency.

Among the many factors that influence feed quality, moisture management remains one of the most underestimated. Yet moisture directly impacts pellet quality, nutrient preservation, feed hygiene, shelf life, production throughput, and overall profitability. Improper moisture management can result in shrinkage, spoilage, mold proliferation, nutrient losses, increased fines, and reduced mill efficiency. Conversely, optimized moisture control can generate significant economic returns while improving feed quality throughout the supply chain.

The Hidden Economics of Moisture Loss
During feed manufacturing, moisture is lost at several stages, including grinding, conditioning, pelleting, cooling, storage, and transportation. Industry observations indicate that feed mills can lose between 0.5% and 1.5% moisture during production, resulting in direct shrinkage and reduced profitability. A feed mill producing 500 tonnes per day can lose approximately 5 tonnes of saleable product for every 1% moisture reduction. In an industry where margins are constantly under pressure, minimizing process losses represents a substantial opportunity for value creation.

Why Adding Water Alone Does Not Solve the Problem
A common industry practice for compensating moisture losses is the addition of water during feed processing. While this may appear straightforward, water possesses high surface tension and does not distribute uniformly throughout the feed matrix. Instead, free moisture often remains on the surface of feed particles, increasing water activity and creating favourable conditions for microbial growth. The challenge for the modern feed industry is therefore not simply increasing moisture content, but ensuring moisture is effectively distributed and retained throughout the feed while maintaining microbial stability.

Mold Growth: A Feed Quality and Profitability Threat
Molds are among the most significant biological threats to feed quality. Beyond visible spoilage, molds consume valuable nutrients, reduce energy content, affect feed palatability, shorten storage life, and create conditions favourable for mycotoxin production. The economic implications can be significant. Raw materials often constitute up to 80% of total feed production costs. Any reduction in nutritional value, shelf life, or feed volume directly impacts both manufacturers and producers downstream.

Emerging Scientific Approaches to Mold Inhibition
Advances in feed preservation technology have moved beyond conventional organic acid applications. Modern solutions increasingly combine multiple modes of action to optimize efficacy under practical feed manufacturing conditions. These technologies typically integrate:
Organic acids
– Buffered acid systems
– Moisture management agents
– Surfactants and emulsifiers
– Synergistic bioactive compounds
Such approaches improve moisture distribution, enhance contact between active ingredients and microbial cells, and prolong preservation effectiveness throughout storage. This scientific evolution reflects the industry’s transition from simple preservation strategies toward integrated moisture and microbial management systems.

Commercial Validation: Integrating Moisture and Feed Hygiene
Research and commercial evaluations have demonstrated that moisture management and mold control must work together. In one reported study, the addition of plain water alone reduced feed shelf life by approximately 33%. However, when moisture was combined with an integrated mold inhibition program, shelf life improved compared to untreated feed while preserving feed quality and stability. Additional commercial applications have shown benefits including:
– Improved feed mill throughput
– Enhanced pellet durability
– Reduced reprocessed fines
– Better moisture retention
– Improved production efficiency
– Greater feed stability during storage
These findings highlight that effective moisture optimization depends on simultaneously managing microbial risks

A Modern Approach for South Asia
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by feed manufacturers in tropical climates, Trouw Nutrition has developed integrated solutions specifically designed to optimize moisture management and feed hygiene.

Among these solutions is the Fylax® portfolio, which combines organic acid technology, moisture management agents, surfactants, and the proprietary ActiProp® technology platform. The objective is to improve moisture distribution, enhance mold inhibition, preserve nutrient value, and support feed mill efficiency within a single integrated program. ActiProp® technology works by increasing mold cell wall permeability and improving access of active ingredients to microbial targets, resulting in enhanced preservation performance compared with conventional approaches. At the same time, moisture-management components facilitate more uniform distribution of moisture within the feed matrix, helping improve operational efficiency and shelf-life outcomes.

In today’s feed industry, moisture management can no longer be viewed simply as a processing parameter—it is a critical driver of feed quality, feed safety, and profitability. As feed manufacturers across India and South Asia face increasing challenges from humidity, raw material variability, and shelf-life pressures, an integrated approach that combines moisture optimization with effective mold control is becoming essential. By preserving nutrient value, reducing shrinkage, improving pellet quality, and enhancing microbial stability, modern feed hygiene solutions can help mills achieve greater operational efficiency while delivering safer, more consistent feed to livestock producers. Ultimately, successful feed preservation is not just about preventing spoilage—it is about maximizing value throughout the feed-to-food chain.