This single-dose product comes in a 30 mL tube and should be administered after the calf has had colostrum. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

With their mission and commitment to care, BioZyme has introduced VitaFerm Sure Start Gel aimed at creating a positive impact on the health and wellbeing on animals, while also maximising efficiencies for producers

The new VitaFerm Sure Start Gel contains AO-Biotics Amaferm, a research-proven prebiotic that supports digestibility by stimulating beneficial microbes and offers several benefits to give newborns a sure start. Furthermore, it delivers IgY antibodies derived from Salmonella, E. coli, bovine rotavirus, bovine coronavirus, and Clostridium and MOS for broad support of the immune system. It also provides nutritional support to maximise calf vigor.  

This single-dose product comes in a 30 mL tube and should be administered after the calf has had colostrum. For best results, it is recommended to be given within the first 24 hours of birth and repeated daily as needed. The bright orange colour allows for distinct recognition of administration.

“Getting calves off to the best start possible is paramount for their long-term health and, ultimately, your profitability. While a year-round VitaFerm programme can improve colostrum quality, Sure Start Gel uses our new Broad-Shield technology to give an additional boost of immunity,” said BioZyme director of Beef Technical Sales, Chris Cassady. “VitaFerm Sure Start Gel is research-proven to enhance the efficacy of the antibodies the cow naturally passes to her calf, giving your calves every chance to develop their immune system and capitalise on healthy, efficient performance.”

The Forum is driven by the latest findings from the Malabo Montpellier Panel. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The importance of effective policies in fisheries and aquaculture was underscored at the 15th Malabo Montpellier Forum, which convened on 30 January 2025

This high-level dialogue, facilitated by AKADEMIYA2063, highlighted the critical role of policies in advancing agriculture and food security, and emphasised the need for innovative and evidence-based policy approaches to unlock the full potential of the aquaculture sector in Africa. The 15th Malabo Montpellier Forum followed COP29 and aligns with the Post-Malabo CAADP Strategy and Action Plan for 2026-2035.

As a vital platform for high-level dialogue among policymakers, the Forum is driven by the latest findings from the Malabo Montpellier Panel, which provides key recommendations for enhancing the aquaculture sector's contribution to Africa's food systems, underscoring the importance of policies in promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices, improving food security, and reducing poverty in Africa. The Forum meets twice a year, and every meeting is guided by a technical report prepared by members of the Malabo Montpellier Panel.

Dr Huyam Salih, director of the African Union - InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) highlighted AU-IBAR's experiences and insights acquired from successfully implementing the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture (PFRS) after its approval in 2014. He also stressed the importance of women in fisheries and aquaculture development, emphasising their contributions to the sector's growth and sustainability. AU-IBAR's involvement at the Malabo Montpellier Forum allowed it to share its experiences and lessons learnt in assisting countries with the implementation of the PFRS, as well as make recommendations for future action.

The panel report focuses on successful approaches, including institutional, policy, and technical innovations and programmatic interventions among African countries including Ghana, Malawi, Morocco, and Mozambique, to enhance the role of the aquaculture sector in the transformation of food systems. These countries have shown significant success and progress in growing their fisheries and aquaculture sector.

Enviva DUO is a direct-fed microbial solution for poultry production. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

IFF recently announced the launch of Enviva DUO, a groundbreaking direct-fed microbial (DFM) solution for poultry production

The solution constitutes innovative blend of two non-spore forming bacterial strains designed to address challenging conditions by supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Moreover, the solution also encourages a favorable nutribiotic state and promotes optimal bird performance. Its direct dosing strategy ensures that challenged birds receive the microbiomeboosting benefits of Enviva DUO, despite a decrease in feed intake.

Scientific research also supports the efficacy of Enviva DUO and demonstrates its ability to restore the bird's microbiome, improve gut conditions, and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. Its stable formulation disperses evenly in water distribution systems, preventing sedimentation or build-up, and ensuring uniform and consistent delivery to the flock, thereby maintaining operational efficiency.

The solution which is currently available to poultry integrators and large farm complexes across the US, will also expand to other regions that are pending regulatory approvals.

This development enables the food industry to keep pace with growing protein demands. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Foodtech innovator Ever After Foods partners with Bühler to help food producers around the world mass produce cultivated meat with the highest efficiency

While Bühler aims to address increasingly complex food system challenges, reduce environmental impact and improve food security through the development of equipment, Ever After Foods provides the technology to deliver commercial-scale production systems specifically designed to meet the needs of the cultivated meat sector. Cultivated meat producers can now reduce production costs by more than 90% while achieving unparalleled production efficiency.

Dedicated to leading a new era of scalability and sustainability for cultivated meat, Ever After Foods is working closely with select cultivated meat companies and top leaders in the food industry to accelerate the development and global deployment of its proprietary edible packed-bed (EPB) technology platform. Ever After Foods is actively creating scalable production solutions for clients, and its collaboration with Bühler will pave the way for dedicated and continued support of production solutions in the sector.

“The cultivated meat industry must move beyond relying on pharma-based technologies and adopt solutions specifically designed for food production,” said CEO of Ever After Foods, Eyal Rosenthal. “Our strategic collaboration with Bühler, a global leader in food equipment, is a critical step toward delivering scalable and efficient technologies that empower cultivated meat producers and food companies to bring their products to market. Together, we are driving the development of tailored solutions to sustainably scale cultivated meat production.”