Users can also conveniently track out-of-feed events over time and compare across farms. (Image source: BinSentry)

Leading ag-tech company, BinSentry recently announced Critical Event Management (CEM) – a new software add-on to their leading feed inventory management platform

Bin slide management is critical in maintaining the health and performance of swine and poultry. This is because 80% of out-of-feed outage hours are caused by errors in bin slide management that often go undetected and untracted. These can have a direct impact on livestock health and performance. Although out-of-feed events can happen anytime, timely action is what matters. 

BinSentry provides visibility into what is happening inside these bins, with its new add-on CEM feature allowing producers and mill operators to see and manage slide management issues at any time, from anywhere. Using AI, BinSentry enhances process control, prevents waste, lowers transportation costs, protects workers, and improves animal health and performance. In addition to real-time alerts via SMS text, CEM tracks event time, duration and whether employees have responded to the event.

Users can also conveniently track out-of-feed events over time and compare across farms. This allows producers to make data-based decisions about feed management throughout their operations that help improve feed conversion ratios (FCR) by up to 10 basis points, avoids emergency food deliveries and ensures that their animals reach the market on time and in prime condition. 

“Animal feed represents about two-thirds of the total cost of food production, so obviously anything we can do to improve FCR is going to help producers,” stated BinSentry CEO, Ben Allen. “Improving feed management also helps feed mills and distributors become more efficient and profitable, lowering their costs by delivering the right feed mixes at the right time while putting fewer trucks and fuller trucks on the road.”

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.