Feeding enzymes to poultry is one of the major nutritional advances in the last fifty years. It is the culmination of something that nutritionists realized for a long time but until 1980’s it remained beyond their reach. Indeed, the theory of feed enzymes is simple. Plants contain some compounds that either the animal cannot digest, or which hinder its digestive system, often because the animal cannot produce the necessary enzyme to degrade them. Nutritionists can help the animal by identifying these indigestible compounds and feeding a suitable enzyme. These enzymes come from microorganisms that are carefully selected for the task and grown under controlled conditions (Wallis, 1996).

The biggest single expense in any system of poultry production is feed accounting for up to 70% of total production cost per bird. Poultry naturally produces enzymes to aid the digestion of feed nutrients. However, they do not have enzyme to break down fiber completely and need exogenous enzymes in feed to aid digestion. Plants contain some compounds that either the animal cannot digest, or which hinder its digestive system, often because the animal cannot produce the necessary enzyme to degrade them. Nutritionists can help the animal by identifying these indigestible compounds and feeding suitable enzyme. These enzymes come from microorganisms that are carefully selected for the task and grown under controlled conditions. (Creswell, 1994)

Anti-nutritional factors are problematic for normal feed digestion, results in low meat and egg production causes low feed efficiency and digestive upsets. Feed enzymes work to make the nutrient (starch, protein, amino acids and minerals, etc.) available from the feed ingredients. Feed enzymes also help to reduce the negative impact of animal production over environment by reducing the animal waste production. These Enzymes are proteins that are ultimately digested or excreted by the animal, leaving no residues in meat or eggs (Greiner and Konietzny, 2006).

The poultry industry readily accepts enzymes as a standard dietary component, especially in wheat and barley-based rations. But still many questions are partially answered. For example, how do enzymes work? Do growth rates reflect differences in the potency of different enzyme preparations? What is the link between gut viscosity, enzyme action and growth rates? and are enzymes necessary in all poultry rations? (Annison & Choct,1991).

2. Enzyme Supplementation in Poultry Ration

2.1. Enzyme
Enzymes are biological catalyst composed of amino acids with vitamins and minerals. They bring about biochemical reactions without themselves undergoing any change. They are involved in all anabolic and catabolic pathways of digestion and metabolism. Enzymes tend to be very specific catalysts that act on one or, at most, a limited group of compounds known as substrates. Enzymes are not living organisms and are not concerned about viability or cross infection. They are stable at 80-85 degree centigrade for short time. The benefits of using enzymes in poultry diets include not only enhanced bird performance and feed conversion but also less environmental problems due to reduced output of excreta. In addition, enzymes are a very useful tool in the study of physiological and metabolic mechanisms (Panda et al 2011).

2.2. Enzymes in Poultry Nutrition: The use of enzymes in animal feed is of great importance. Consistent increase in the price of feed ingredients has been a major constraint in most of the developing countries. As a consequence, cheaper and non-conventional feed ingredients have to be used which contain higher percentage of Non-Starch Polysaccharides (soluble and insoluble/crude fibre) along with starch. Non Starch Polysaccharides (NSPs) are polymeric carbohydrates which differ in composition and structure from starch (Morgan et al., 1995) and possess chemical cross linking among them therefore, are not well digested by poultry. A part of these NSPs is water-soluble which is notorious for forming a gel like viscous consistency in the intestinal tract (Ward et.al,1995) thus by reducing gut performance.

Poultry do not produce enzymes for the hydrolysis of Non-Starch Polysaccharide present in the cell wall of the grains and they remain un-hydrolysed. This results in low feed efficiency. Research work has suggested that the negative effects of NSPs can be overcome by dietary modifications including supplementation of diets with suitable exogenous enzyme preparations (Creswell, 1994). Enzymes break down the NSPs, decreases intestinal viscosity and eventually improve the digestibility of nutrients by improving gut performance.

Stallen South Asia Pvt Ltd has developed XZYME, a multi-enzyme formulation designed to optimize poultry feed utilization comprehensively. This innovative product combines various enzymes strategically selected to address specific nutritional challenges in poultry diets.

a) Cellulase
Cellulase is an enzyme complex that breaks down cellulose, a polysaccharide found in the cell walls of plants. Cellulose is composed of long chains of glucose molecules linked together by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds, making it a tough and fibrous substance that many animals, including poultry, cannot digest on their own. Cellulase enzymes help in hydrolyzing these bonds, converting cellulose into simpler, more digestible sugars.
b) Xylanase
Xylanase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes xylan into xylose, a simpler sugar. Xylan is a type of hemicellulose, which, like cellulose, is a polysaccharide present in plant cell walls. Xylanase breaks the β-1,4-glycosidic bonds in xylan, making it easier for poultry to digest plant-based feed ingredients.
c) β-Glucanase
β-Glucanase is an enzyme that plays a significant role in poultry nutrition by breaking down β-glucans, which are complex polysaccharides found in the cell walls of cereals such as barley, oats, and wheat. β-glucans are glucose polymers linked primarily by β-1,3 and β-1,4 glycosidic bonds. These β-glucans can be problematic in poultry diets because they increase the viscosity of the intestinal contents, hindering nutrient absorption and overall digestion. Here’s an overview of β-glucanase and its benefits in poultry nutrition.
d) Phytase
Phytase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of phytic acid (myo-inositol hexakisphosphate), a form of phosphorus that is commonly found in plant seeds and grains. Phytic acid binds phosphorus in a form that is not readily available to poultry because they lack sufficient endogenous phytase activity to break down this compound.
Phytase hydrolyzes phytic acid through a stepwise removal of phosphate groups, resulting in the release of inorganic phosphorus and lower inositol phosphates. This process occurs primarily in the stomach and upper small intestine of poultry, where the pH conditions are favorable for phytase activity.
e) Alpha-Amylase
Amylase acts on the α-1,4-glycosidic bonds within the starch molecule. Alpha-amylase randomly cleaves these bonds along the starch chain, resulting in the production of smaller carbohydrate molecules like maltose, dextrins, and glucose. These simpler sugars are then readily absorbed in the small intestine and utilized for energy.
f) Pectinase
Pectinase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of pectin, a structural polysaccharide in the cell walls of plants, particularly in fruits and vegetables. Pectin consists of a complex set of polysaccharides rich in galacturonic acid. Pectinases include a group of enzymes such as polygalacturonase, pectin lyase, and pectinesterase that break down pectin into simpler molecules like galacturonic acid, arabinose, and methanol which can be more readily absorbed by the poultry’s digestive system.
g) Protease
Protease is a type of enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of peptide bonds within proteins, converting them into smaller peptides and free amino acids. These simpler molecules are more easily absorbed and utilized by the poultry for various physiological functions.
h) Lipase
Lipase enzymes work by hydrolyzing the ester bonds within triglycerides, breaking them down into free fatty acids and glycerol. This process primarily occurs in the small intestine, where lipase from the pancreas mixes with dietary fats, facilitating their breakdown and subsequent absorption by the intestinal cells.

3. Benefits of XZYME:

Benefits of using feed enzymes to poultry diets include; reduction in digesta viscosity, enhanced digestion and absorption of nutrients especially fat and protein, improved Apparent Metabolizable Energy (AME) value of the diet, increased feed intake, weight gain, and feed–gain ratio, reduced beak impaction and vent plugging, decreased size of gastrointestinal tract, altered population of microorganisms in gastrointestinal tract, reduced water intake, reduced water content of excreta, reduced production of ammonia from excreta, reduced output of excreta, including reduced N and P (Campbell et al. 1989).
a) Reduction in Digesta Viscosity: (Morgan et al,1995) found that that enzyme supplementation of wheat-based diets significantly reduced foregut digesta viscosity of birds. The reduction in foregut digesta viscosity was achieved primarily by reducing the molecular weight through hydrolysis of xylan backbone by endo-xylanase into smaller compounds and thus reduction in viscous effects of the feed because foregut digesta viscosity is directly proportional to the molecular weight of wheat arabinoxylans (Bedford and Classen, 1993).
b) Increase in Available Energy: One of the main reasons for supplementing wheat- and barley-based poultry diets with enzymes is to increase the available energy content of the diet. Increased availability of carbohydrates for energy utilization is associated with increased energy digestibility (Partridge and Wyatt ,1995). The AME of wheat has been extensively studied and found to have a considerable range i.e 9500–16640 kJ/kg (Mollah et al. 1983). Enzyme supplementation improves this range by enhancing carbohydrate digestibility, reducing gut viscosity, and improving fat utilization (Almirall et al. 1995).
c) Improvement in Nutrient Digestibility: Enzymes have been shown to improve performance and nutrient digestibility when added to poultry diets containing cereals, such as barley and wheat (Fengler et al. 1988).
d) Health improvement: Morgan and Bedford (1995) reported that coccidiosis problems could be prevented by using enzymes. Birds fed a wheat-based diet with and without glycanase supplementation showed vastly different responses to coccidiosis challenge. Growth was depressed by 52.5% in the control group but by only 30.5% in the enzyme group, which also had a much better lesion score. An increase in digesta passage rate and a reduction in excreta moisture are often noted when glycanases are added to poultry diets, which may be detrimental to the life cycle of the organism.
e) Impact on Environment: Enzymes have been approved for use in poultry feed because they are natural products of fermentation and therefore pose no threat to the animal or the consumer. Enzymes not only will enable livestock and poultry producers to economically use new feedstuffs, but will also prove to be environmentally friendly, as they reduce the pollution associated with animal production. As well as contributing to improved poultry production, feed enzymes can have a positive impact on the environment. In areas with intensive poultry production, the phosphorus output is often very high, resulting in environmental problems such as eutrophication.
This happens because most of the phosphorus contained in typical feedstuffs exists as the plant storage form phytate, which is indigestible for poultry. The phytase enzyme frees the phosphorus in feedstuffs and also achieves the release of other minerals (e.g. Ca, Mg), as well as proteins and amino acids bound to phytate. Thus, by releasing bound phosphorus in feed ingredients, phytase reduces the quantity of inorganic phosphorus needed in diets, makes more phosphorus available for the bird, and decreases the amount excreted into the environment.

Conclusion:
XZYME represents a significant advancement in poultry nutrition, offering a tailored solution to maximize feed efficiency and optimize poultry health. With its comprehensive enzyme blend and proven effectiveness, XZYME supports sustainable and profitable poultry production practices.

References:
Almirall, M., M. Francesch, A. M. Perez-Venderell, J. Brufau, and E. Esteve-Garcia. (1995). The differences in intestinal viscosity produced by barley and ß-glucanase alter digesta enzyme activities and ileal nutrient digestibilities more in broiler chicks than in cocks. Journal of Nutrition 125: 947–955.

Annison, G. and M. Choct. (1991). Anti-nutritive activities of cereal non-starch polysaccharides in broiler diets and strategies for minimizing their effects. World’s Poultry Science Journal 47: 232–242.

Bedford, M.R. and H. L. Classen. (1993). An in-vitro assay for prediction of broiler intestinal viscosity and growth when fed rye-based diets in the presence of exogenous enzymes. Poultry Science 72: 137-143.

Campbell, G.L., B. G. Rossnagel., H. L. Classen and P. A. Thacker. (1989). Genotypic and environmental differences in extract viscosity of barley and their relationship to its nutritive value for broiler chickens. Animal Feed Science and Technology 226: 221–230.

Creswell, D.C. (1994). Upgrading the nutritional value of grains with the use of enzymes. Technical bulletin, American Soybean Association, 341 Orchard Road No.11-03 Liat Towers, Singapore.
Fengler, A.I. and R. R. Marquardt. (1988). Water-soluble pentosans from rye. II. Effects on the rate of dialysis and on the retention of nutrients by the chick. Cereal Chemistry 65: 298–302.

Greiner, R., Konietzny, U., 2006. Phytase for food applications. Food Technol. Biotechnol., 44(2): 125-140.

Mollah, Y., Bryden, W.L., Wallis, I.R., D. Balnave and E. F. Annison. (1983). Studies on low metabolisable energy wheats for poultry using conventional and rapid assay procedures and the effects of processing. British Poultry Science 24: 81–89.

Morgan, A.J. and M. R. Bedford. (1995). Advances in the development and application of feed enzymes. Australian Poultry Science Symposium 7: 109–115.

Panda A.K., S. V. Rama Rao, M. V. L. N. Raju, M. R. Reddy and N. K. Praharaj. 2011. The Role of Feed Enzymes in Poultry Nutrition.

Partridge, G. and C. Wyatt (1995). More flexibility with new generation of enzymes. World Poultry 11(4), 17–21.

Wallis, I. (1996). Enzymes in poultry Nutrition. Technical Note, SAC.West Mains road, Edinburgh.

Ward, N.E. (1995). With dietary modifications, wheat can be used for poultry. Feedstuffs 7 Aug, 14-16.

The veterinary healthcare sector in India is experiencing significant growth, with the market size estimated to be USD 1.25 billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 1.89 billion by 2029, indicating a robust CAGR of 8.63% during the forecast period. This growth is particularly notable in the poultry industry, which has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors among livestock species. The poultry sector has evolved into a key supplier of affordable protein sources, driving the development of value chains that cater to consumer demand.

Stallen South Asia: Leading by Change and Setting a Standard
In response to this market dynamic, Stallen South Asia Private Limited has emerged as a key player, offering indigenous solutions and expertise in animal health. By bridging the gap between global standards and local requirements, companies like Stallen are not only contributing to the growth of the poultry industry but also fostering a resilient and sustainable ecosystem for animal health management in the country.

Stallen stands out as a leading name in India’s animal health sector, offering a diverse range of products tailored for poultry and cattle across four distinct divisions. These divisions encompass feed additives, biosecurity solutions, formulations, and vaccines, showcasing Stallen’s comprehensive approach to animal health management.

Stallen’s new Therapeutic Facility

Strategic Collaborations and Industry Partnerships – 25 Years in the Marking
The company’s journey traces back to its inception in 1997. Since inception, Stallen has constantly developed to stay in line with the industry standard – in 2010 Stallen entered a JV with FATRO from Bologna, Italy. This JV enabled Stallen to import and distribute a wide range of killed and live vaccines, further solidifying its position in the market.

Dedicated Storage at the Palghar Facility

Global Reach and Market Presence
Over the 25 years, Stallen has expanded its footprint and capacities. Today, Stallen’s export operations span more than 50 countries across 6 continents serving as a testament to our product quality and service.

In an attempt to completely self suffienct, Stallen has backward integrated and control the end-to-end supply chain. As a result, they currently operate 5 different manufacturing locations in addition to the 2 supply plants of FATRO:
1) Feed Additives Manufacturing Unit in Palghar, Maharashtra
2) Feed Additives Manufacturing Unit in Sajjanpada, Maharashtra
3) Feed Additives and Cattle Feed Premix Manufacturing Unit in Alexandria, Canada
4) Therapeutics/Formulations Manufacturing Unit in Nandore, Maharashtra
5) Halquinol API Manufacturing Unit in Vatva, Gujarat

Focus on Quality and Regulatory Compliance
All of Stallen’s plants are certified and regularly audited by ISO, GMP, and FDA, along with approvals from international regulatory bodies, attestesting to their adherence to rigorous standards in manufacturing and product safety.

1) Feed Additives and Premix Factories in Maharashtra
Stallen South Asia Pvt. Ltd., based in Nandore, Maharashtra, India, specializes in manufacturing a wide range of feed additives and supplements. Their product portfolio includes antibacterial solutions, treatments targeting mycoplasmal infections, deworming agents, performance enhancers, anthelmintics, mineral supplements, toxin-binding formulations, antidiarrheals, growth promoters, anticoccidials, water sanitation products, fly control solutions, and disinfectants. These products are meticulously crafted and made available in various convenient forms such as tablets, boluses, powders, oral liquid solutions.

GMP Standard Manufacturing Layouts

1. Manufacturing Process: The factory has specialized equipment and facilities for the manufacturing process. This includes mixing and blending equipment for creating formulations, granulation machinery for solid products, liquid mixing and filling lines for liquids, and packaging lines for various forms of products.
2. Quality Assurance: Quality control measures are integral to the manufacturing process. Raw materials are tested for purity and quality before use. During production, in-process checks are conducted to ensure consistency and adherence to specifications. Finished products undergo rigorous quality testing for efficacy, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards.
3. Regulatory Compliance: The factory operates in compliance with regulatory requirements set by local and international regulatory bodies, with approvals from China, Iran, Australia and more. This includes adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and documentation of processes to ensure product quality and safety.

2) Formulation Unit in Palghar, Maharashtra, India.
It is a crucial facility for manufacturing pharmaceutical products that range between regular therapeutic drugs as well as beta-lactam formulations.
1. Facilities and Equipment: The formulation unit is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and machinery required for the formulation and production of pharmaceutical products. This includes equipment for mixing, blending, granulation, drying, and packaging. The capacities are built for effervescent tablets, liquid form (oral and topical), oral powder, bolus and ointment.
2. Quality Control: Throughout the formulation process, rigorous quality control measures are implemented to ensure that the final product meets regulatory standards and specifications. This includes testing the raw materials, in-process samples, and the finished product for purity, potency, stability, and safety.
3. Regulatory Compliance: The formulation unit operates in compliance with regulatory requirements set by authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in India. This includes adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), documentation of processes, and regular inspections to ensure quality and safety standards are maintained.

3) “Stallen Unveils Cutting-Edge API Facility for Halquinol Production!”
To maintain its commitment to quality, affordability, and timely delivery, Stallen has commenced the production of Halquinol, a non-antibiotic growth promoter classified under hydroxy-quinolines. This compound comprises 5-chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline, 5,7-Dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline, and 7-Chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline, with the product Halquinol 98% manufactured in accordance with BP 80 (British Pharmacopeia 1980) specifications. Stallen offers Halquinol 98% as a chemical API for use in veterinary formulations and feed additives, alongside the commonly available 60% and 12% variants. With its adherence to BP specifications and increased monthly production capacity, Stallen is well-equipped to cater to global demand, holding valid registrations for Halquinol in over 15 countries.

Stallen’s strategic vision includes gradually introducing a range of APIs from its Vatva facility, aiming to reduce reliance on imported products from China in the animal health sector. The Vatva plant marks the fifth addition to Stallen’s manufacturing infrastructure, complementing its existing feed additive and veterinary formulation facilities in Palghar, Maharashtra, as well as a feed premix and additive manufacturing unit in Canada. This strategic expansion underscores Stallen’s commitment to self-sufficiency and quality assurance in delivering essential solutions for animal health and nutrition.

Stallen Cutting-Edge API Facility for Halquinol Production!

“It is very important to maintain core competence and never forget the origins – always focus on one vision and build around that instead of attempting to dabble in several different avenues.”

Aniket Parikh

In our February 2024 issue, we are excited to present an insightful conversation with Mr. Aniket Parikh, a visionary leader and the driving force behind Stallen South Asia Private Limited.

With a distinguished academic background in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University, USA, Mr. Parikh’s journey reflects a dynamic blend of strategic consulting for Fortune 500 companies in the United States and a dedicated commitment to the family business. Under his stewardship, Stallen has emerged as a global player in the veterinary industry, showcasing a diverse portfolio and a significant international footprint. Let’s delve into the insights and experiences that have shaped Mr. Aniket Parikh’s impactful role in the industry.

Poultry Creations: Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers, sharing your professional background and key experiences that have led to your current role?

Aniket: I worked for Accenture Strategy, out of their Washington DC office as a management consultant to their Fortune 500 clients across the country. After a 2 year stint, with roles spanning several industries I returned to the family business fray, initially looking after the international markets and business development for Stallen. In 2017 I took over in the capacity of CEO at Stallen, looking after the entire domestic business as well as the international factories and sales. My global experience with different cultures, ability to speak several international languages coupled with my Indian work experience allowed me to shape Stallen into a true Indian multi-national providing the global quality and commitment in terms of product quality as well as service and brand ethos across our different organizational groups.

Poultry Creations: How did your academic background in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology influence your approach to innovation in the poultry industry, and what drove your decision to transition from a Fortune 500 strategy consulting role in the US to join your family business, Stallen, in India?

Aniket: I wanted to be a part of the India growth story, which I believe has now truly picked up pace and I am glad I get to be right in the midst of it.
My technical education allows me to better understand the product and the manufacturing behind it – we have 4 manufacturing facilities, and it is this background that helps me better understand the flow rate between reactors, or capacities of our closed transfer systems. At a time during which our industry is seeing a lot of mergers and acquisitions, I am trying to emulate the organization and growth structures of those Fortune 500 companies to ensure Stallen can outpace the competition and is prepared for the future and continuity.

Poultry Creations: How do owning manufacturing facilities in Canada and the USA contribute to Stallen’s international footprint and expansion strategy, and how does the company effectively manage the challenges associated with regulatory frameworks and market dynamics across its diverse range of global operations?

Aniket: Having facilities abroad for one helps us access local talent and regional customers – but in addition during difficult times like COVID or the Suez Canal crisis, help us in still offering competitive products by minimizing the freight costs and shipping times. Having cross border facilities fosters innovation and the sharing of R&D helps us in introducing newer products and standardizing our products across the board. Today, we may be one of the only pure-play veterinary firms out of India with such a model globally and exports in all 6 in habited continents of the world. With approvals from the USDA, CFIA, Health Canada, APVMA, Russia, China and more, we offer a product and technical file that is thorough and internationally approved. We believe that our customers, be it in India or in the USA – should have access to the same product with the same quality.

Poultry Creations: Could you share insights into the key features and significance of the new therapeutics manufacturing facility that aligns with US FDA standards? How does this facility contribute to Stallen’s vision of being a global leader in veterinary pharma?

Aniket: Stallen is known to be strong in its offerings of feed additives, vaccines and certain bio-security products; however we have not been able to make an impact as strong as we would like in the therapeutic segment. It is part of our 2030 goal to ensure that a Stallen therapeutic product is available at every veterinary retailer in the country. We have the salesforce, the manufacturing capabilities, but we were lacking in this particular segment – we hope to launch a slew of new products over the next couple of years from generics to novel combinations to help fulfill this gap. With that Stallen can offer more to it’s current customers and also help tap into some of the smaller and household farms.

Poultry Creations: How does Stallen plan to position itself as the primary supplier of generic and branded veterinary drugs from India to the global market, aligning with Prime Ministers directive of India ‘Pharmacy to the World’?

Aniket: India is popularly known and accepted globally as a renowned supplier of medial drugs and formulations – generics and novel alike. However this repertoire has never carry forwarded to the veterinary side – there is no large veterinary drug manufacturer with extent of operations like the human counterparts. This opens up a large opportunity for our company and facility to obtain international approvals like the US FDA to then supply our products in developed markets through our brand name as well as in a CDMO capacity.

Poultry Creations: As a second-generation leader, how do you envision Stallen empowering the next generation of poultry entrepreneurs, both within your family and in the broader industry?

Aniket: It is an exciting time to be a part of Stallen and lead its change through the industry – we have observed that a majority of our customers and stakeholders are also going through a similar transition to the the second generation.
This change benefits all in terms of changed buying patterns, increased interest in quality, change from relationship-based procurement to quality-based procurement, to more professional management, cleaner business practices and a shared vision to move forward and offer a cleaner, greener and healthier end product to our general population.

Poultry Creations: In light of Stallen’s growth, how does the company integrate sustainability practices into its operations, especially concerning poultry healthcare?

Aniket: Stallen has always been to know to innovate and be ahead of its peers in the veterinary industry – taking a page out of the auto-makers hand book, Stallen moved its entire operations on to SAP S4 HANA – a move that helped standardize our quality benchmarks and procurement patterns. All our facilities are ISO 140001 (environmental standards) approved and we are constantly investing in our waste management programs to minimize our contributions. We are moving a variety of our promotional and marketing materials to a digital format to help minimize the carbon footprint and optimize product packaging to reduce the amount of paper consumed.

Poultry Creations: How has Mr. Amit Parikh, your father and founder of Stallen South Asia Private Limited, influenced and supported your entry into the veterinary industry?

Aniket: 2024 will close out an entire 360 in terms of our company’s growth cycle. My father, Mr Amit Parikh, entered the veterinary industry as a contract manufacturer to Novartis (now Elanco), for their poultry products in India. As a family, we used to focus purely on contract manufacturing for large pharmaceutical companies, and the veterinary business was an offshoot of the same. Today this offshoot has carved its on niche employing more than 400 people as a group with presence across the globe. We aim to use the standards and vision that he laid out in in 1990 while entering the industry to further enlarge our position within this space.

Poultry Creations: What do you see as the most significant challenges and opportunities in the veterinary pharmaceutical industry, and how does Stallen plan to navigate and capitalize on them?

Aniket: The current barrier to entry in India for new manufactures, especially in the feed additive segment is extremely low, or almost non-existent – this opens up an opportunity for a lot of unorganized players and adulterated products in the marketplace. These low cost products pose a temporary risk, disrupting the pricing models of more established and quality based firms. Standardization and government regulation will help ‘clean-up’ the number of companies and put Indian manufactured products in line with their international counter parts. Fortunately Stallen is already heavily invested in this cap-ex and is future proofed and ready for any such regulations – this will allow us to outpace our competitors and give the customers the products they deserve.

Poultry Creations: Based on your journey with Stallen, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the veterinary pharmaceutical or related industries, especially those from the next generation of family businesses?

Aniket: It is very important to maintain core competence and never forget the origins – always focus on one vision and build around that instead of attempting to dabble in several different avenues. Building on core competence helps the internal structure and invariably affects the positioning of the company – like the old saying – better to be a master of one then a jack of all.

Poultry Creations: What strategies do you consider essential for achieving sustainable growth and success in navigating the evolving trends and challenges within the poultry industry in India?

Aniket: The Indian business landscape is one for business schools – with various language and cultural barriers – it is very important to not have a standard template to your approach but instead customize and adapt to the situation. Hence our handling of customers, timely deliveries, pricing structures and marketing efforts all are constantly adapted region to region to ensure we are being all inclusive. At the end of the day, the most important formula for India is competitive price + quality product = long term loyalty.

Poultry Creations: What specific improvements or additions would you suggest to make Poultry Creations Magazine more valuable and relevant to its readers in the poultry industry?

Aniket: I think the magazine’s dynamic approach is going to position It well amongst the historical publications which somewhere have been diluted with way too many advertisements. The magazine should encourage and foster.