Livestock

The event brought together more than 30 guests. (Image source: Aviagen)

Aviagen South Africa officially celebrated the opening of its expanded facilities at Schikfontein Farm in Heidelberg, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued investment in South Africa and its commitment to strengthening the country’s poultry sector

The event brought together more than 30 guests, including customers, industry colleagues and government representatives. Among those in attendance were Aviagen South Africa’s distributors – Astral Foods (Ross Poultry Breeders), Arbor Acres South Africa and Rainbow Chickens – underscoring the strong relationships that continue to drive the growth and resilience of South Africa’s poultry industry.

Guests were welcomed by Duard Kleynhans, General Manager, Aviagen South Africa, followed by an opening address from Sergio Illán, President, Aviagen TMEA, before officially opening the facility and touring the expanded operations.

During his speech, Sergio acknowledged Aviagen South Africa’s customers and industry colleagues for the trust they have placed in the business for many years. He highlighted that while the industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience despite disease challenges, rising production costs and global market pressures, continued success will depend on ongoing investment, innovation and collaboration.

Duard highlighted that the expansion reflects Aviagen’s long-term commitment to South Africa and the customers it serves: “This opening represents much more than an expansion of our facilities. It reflects our long-term commitment to supporting our customers with reliable supply, world-class genetics and the expertise they need to grow their businesses. By investing in our facilities, our people and our capabilities, we are strengthening our ability to support sustainable poultry production and contribute to food security across South Africa.”

Representatives from Aviagen South Africa’s distributors also welcomed the investment.

“This investment demonstrates confidence in the future of South African agriculture and reinforces the importance of continued investment in local production, biosecurity and innovation. As a long-standing customer, we value Aviagen South Africa’s commitment to strengthening local breeding capacity and supporting a sustainable and resilient poultry industry,” shared Robert Roszkopf, Managing Director, Agriculture, Astral Foods.

Arno van der Nat, General Manager, Arbor Acres South Africa added: “The level of thought and planning that has gone into the design of these new facilities reflects Aviagen’s long-term commitment to the South African market. This investment provides an important foundation for the continued growth, resilience and sustainability of our poultry industry.”

“The scale of investment, technological sophistication and attention to detail evident throughout the new facilities are truly impressive. Aviagen has created a world-class operation that combines high standards of biosecurity, animal welfare and responsible breeding practices. These facilities strengthen the South African poultry value chain and reinforces the country’s ability to sustainably meet the growing demand for high-quality poultry ”, commented Mbusi Dlamini, Breed & Agriculture Director, Rainbow Chickens.

Senegal has partnered with FAO to address livestock theft.

As part of National Integrated Livestock Development Programme (PNDIES), Senegal will be initiating a digital identification and traceability network pilot for farm animals 

The approximately US$1.7mn programme will involve the use of electronic chips, ear tags and connected collars to establish a strong livestock network, informed PNDIES coordinator, Dame Sow. 

This is anticipated to bring about a positive change in Senegal's livestock scene which has been frequently dealing with theft challenges. Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reveals that between 22,000 and 30,000 animals are stolen annually, driving financial losses to roughly $3.2 million every year. 

With the support of FAO, Senegal addressed the challenge by setting up community intelligence networks alongside a validated National Livestock Identification and Traceability System. The project saw the involvement of local tech start-ups for the deployment of IoT monitoring tools and a costed execution plan. 

Identifying that the reach of the problem extended beyond borders, Senegal partnered with FAO in February to host delegates from 15 West African nations in Dakar. The outcome of the session was a proposal for a cross-border initiative focused on digital tracking, early warning networks, and unified judicial frameworks.

In April 2026, the Regional Veterinary Committee adopted a roadmap to standardize digital identification systems across member states—aiming to curb theft while simultaneously smoothing regional trade, managing transhumance routes, and easing pastoral conflicts.

Moving forward, Senegal's primary hurdle will be executing these legal frameworks and digital tools effectively on the ground.

Intraco has collaborated with Prognosis for rapid mycotoxin detection.

In a move to strengthen its Detect & Protect mycotoxin management strategy, Intraco has added two new offerings to the Intra Toxinbind Xpro range -- Intra Toxinbind Xpro Plus and Intra Toxinbind Xpro Premium

The company has also collaborated with Prognosis for rapid mycotoxin detection. These developments equip Intraco to support faster identification of mycotoxin risks before it can adversely affect animal health and performance.

The company taps the growing demand for reliable detection and targeted mitigation tools as a result of increased mycotoxin pressure on livestock production. The Prognosis and Toxinbind offerings make up a complete package to address mycotoxin risks, with rapid screening solutions ensuring quick decision making when it comes to feed ingredients and raw materials assessment.

"Our customers tell us that mycotoxin challenges are becoming increasingly complex and less predictable, with a growing negative impact on animal performance, health, and profitability,' said Julie Feyaerts, global portfolio manager.

"Based on customer feedback, we see that the most important factors in assessing mycotoxin risk are the origin of raw materials, climatic conditions during cultivation and harvest, and the subsequent processing and storage conditions. Together with flock observations such as reduced growth performance, increased mortality, or gut health challenges, these factors help determine the most appropriate mycotoxin management strategy.

"To support our customers, we have strengthened our mycotoxin management approach in three ways. First, we help customers evaluate their mycotoxin risk based on raw material sourcing and flock observations. Second, we now offer rapid mycotoxin screening of raw materials through our partnership with Prognosis, providing a valuable quality check of suppliers and an additional decision-making tool. Third, we have expanded the Intra Toxinbind range with the introduction of Intra Toxinbind Xpro Plus and Intra Toxinbind Xpro Premium, completing our portfolio and allowing customers to select the most appropriate strategy for their specific mycotoxin risk and animal needs.

"By combining rapid detection, technical expertise, and a graded portfolio based on adsorption, bioprotection, and detoxification, we help customers apply the right level of protection locally, safeguarding animal health and performance while optimizing return on investment," Feyaerts said.

With this expanded offering, Intraco provides customers with practical tools, proven protection solutions and expert guidance, delivering a comprehensive Detect & Protect strategy tailored to local challenges and customer needs.

Cagemax considers quality the key to success. (Image source: Cagemax)

Cagemax from the Netherlands fulfills an important role as supplier of high-quality animal proteins and fats

In recent years, Cagemax hasn’t only grown its own worldwide business, but also its clients in the aquafeed, compound feed, fertilizers, bioenergy and pet food sectors. Growth is an important theme for Cagemax.

Contributing to the healthy development of many animals worldwide through an assortment of proteins and fats. The company is recognised as a flexible partner that easily adapts to both changing legislations and dynamic market demand. Because one thing never changes: the market calls for quality, competitive pricing and optimal delivery reliability.

Reliable

Where the needs remain the same, the dynamics are constantly moving. Cagemax is the stable factor in a market that’s always changing. Constantly deploying its expertise and extensive network to offer a good price and exceptional quality. Logistics have been mastered down to the last detail and proprietary storage and transshipment facilities are in place. Enabling the team to always meet the fluctuating market demand.

Cagemax stays in direct and continuous contact with many manufacturers so they can always offer customers the choice between different qualities and origins. Tailor-made. Not just in its product range, but also in advice.

The experts are always on top of industry trends and know their products like no other.

Dynamic

This knowledge and expertise were initially limited to ingredients for the pet food industry. Over the years, the business has also expanded its scope to the compound feed, aquafeed, fertiliser and bioenergy industries. On the supply side, Cagemax is able to purchase large volumes. On the demand side, customers can count on an attentive service and high-quality raw materials. The company can cope with the dynamics of the market and has thus managed to bind customers worldwide. Because of the understanding that if you want to be irreplaceable, you must continue to distinguish yourself.

Cagemax understands like no other that quality is the key to success and the continuity of the business. That’s why the company is GMP+ certified and operates in full compliance with the HACCP principles and practices.

Every market has its own quality requirements. For the supply of raw materials for the bioenergy industry, Cagemax has been certified to meet the strict ISCC-EU standards with a SKAL-certificate that guarantees that the delivered biological or bio-organic products are produced under the European and production directives.

We stand for constant product quality. That’s why every incoming load is carefully analysed in an accredited laboratory.

With an eye for quality, delivery, reliability, flexibility and the will to think along with relations, Cagemax has grown out to be the biggest supplier of high-quality animal proteins and fats in Europe.