Poultry

Cost-effective formulation for broiler chickens in Tanzania.

In a relief for farmers when it comes to tackling huge feed expenses, White Frank of Afrimix Animal Feeds has developed a locally-sourced poultry feed formula that can cut production costs by 20 per cent

The innovation comes after a decade-long experiment that resulted in a cost-effective formulation for broiler chickens to reach market weights.

While established poultry feed brands currently retail for between 80,000 and 110,000 Tanzanian shillings per bag, depending on category and quality, Afrimix is aiming to launch its products in the price range of 70,000 and 75,000 shillings per bag. The strategy centers on maintaining quality while making feed more affordable for both small-scale and commercial producers.

Comprised largely on locally sourced ingredients, the feed formula empowers farmers by eliminating expensive commercial and imported inputs. Coming at a time when rising costs pose a challenge, this is a win for the industry as a whole.

Frank’s research has received scientific acknowledgement as product development was supported by an initial grant of US$5,700 through the MAKISATU programme coordinated by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

Researchers from Sokoine University of Agriculture were also involved in developing the new formulation, which helped broiler chickens reach market weights of between 1.5 and 2 kilograms within commercially acceptable periods, declining production costs by approximately 20 per cent compared to conventional feeding systems. 

According to Frank, weight-based pricing would motivate farmers to adopt innovations that enhance productivity.

The Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Ambassador Bashiru Ally recently announced that the country now operates 27 poultry breeding farms, including 25 parent-stock farms and two grandparent-stock farms, alongside 28 hatcheries.

Afrimix's next goal is to attain commercial production in collaboration with the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology. Frank has identified that more than half of Tanzania’s poultry feed market remains untapped, which can be leveraged by local manufacturers. The company plans to begin distribution in Dar es Salaam, Coast Region, and Morogoro before expanding to Dodoma, Singida, Kilimanjaro, and Arusha.

Murat Yakar, General Manager of Aviagen Arabia. (Image source: Aviagen)

Aviagen has announced the promotion of Murat Yakar to General Manager of Aviagen Arabia, marking a strategic step forward as the company continues to expand its footprint across the Middle East and surrounding regions

This appointment highlights Aviagen’s long-standing commitment to developing talent from within its own ranks. Murat was selected following a comprehensive internal process, reinforcing the company’s focus on identifying, nurturing and advancing high-potential leaders. His progression reflects a broader corporate philosophy centered on sustainable growth, leadership continuity and investment in people.

Since joining Aviagen in 2016, Murat has played a pivotal role across Türkiye, the Middle East and Africa. Over the years, he has taken on increasing levels of responsibility, contributing to key initiatives and playing an instrumental role in driving regional performance. His experience across diverse markets has equipped him with a strong understanding of both operational demands and customer needs, positioning him well for his new role.

Within his role, Murat will lead the establishment and development of Aviagen Arabia’s operations, a critical component of the company’s broader regional strategy. His leadership will play a pivotal role in driving growth, strengthening customer relationships and ensuring that Aviagen’s global standards are effectively implemented at a local level.

The timing of the appointment is particularly notable, as the poultry sector across the Middle East continues to evolve, shaped by rising demand, technological advancement and increasing focus on food security.

As Aviagen continues to build momentum in the TMEA region, the promotion of Murat Yakar represents more than a leadership change – it underscores a clear direction of growth, stability and confidence in the future. His appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for Aviagen Arabia, with a strong emphasis on expansion, customer collaboration and delivering long-term value across the region.

Natasha Hall as Vice President VIV Worldwide. (Image credit: VIV WORLD)

VIV Worldwide is entering a new phase of global development with the appointment of Natasha Hall as Vice President VIV Worldwide by Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs | VNU Group.

The move signals a renewed focus on expanding the international reach of the VIV brand and strengthening its role as a leading platform for the global livestock and agrifood industry. The announcement also comes at an important time as preparations gather pace for major upcoming VIV events around the world.

The appointment arrives just months ahead of VIV Europe 2026, which will take place from 2 to 4 June at Koninklijke Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. This edition is particularly significant as it marks the 25th anniversary of the event, one of the most recognised trade gatherings for professionals across the feed to food chain. At the same time, the organisation is also preparing to launch VIV Select India, which will make its debut from 22 to 24 April in New Delhi, opening new opportunities in one of the fastest growing livestock markets.

Hall’s promotion reflects the organisation’s confidence in her leadership and international outlook. Jeroen van Hooff, President and CEO of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs, emphasised the impact she has already made within the organisation. "From the very start of her time at Jaarbeurs in 2025, Natasha has made a clear mark on the development of VIV Asia, where her international work experience and strategic vision contributed to growth, positioning and market connection. Her new role sets her up for the next step within the organisation and for further developing VIV as a globally leading B2B platform for the poultry and livestock sector."

In her new role, Hall will oversee the complete global VIV portfolio across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East and Africa region. Her responsibilities include the international VIV trade shows along with VIV Connect and the VIV Trade Forums. A key priority will be expanding the global network of exhibitors, visitors and industry partners while strengthening the international visibility of the VIV brand.

With more than a decade of experience in the exhibitions industry in Dubai, Hall brings strong international expertise to the role. "I see VIV as a unique global platform that brings together the entire feed to food chain, and I consider that integrated approach to be an important differentiating strength," said Hall.

Her appointment also comes during a milestone year for the brand. VIV Europe 2026 will celebrate its 25th edition and will also mark the decision to move the event to a biennial schedule from 2028 onwards. "VIV Europe has grown into a reliable and forward-looking platform where strategy, technology and business come together. The anniversary edition in June will once again bring hundreds of international exhibitors and thousands of professionals from the global feed to food chain to Utrecht — a recognised hub for agrifood innovation, science and sustainable chain development."

Getting Feed Transitions Right.

Feed transitions are often underestimated on the farm, yet few decisions carry as much weight when it comes to how well a flock performs at the end of the cycle.

From the moment chicks arrive to the point they reach processing weight, broilers move through several distinct feed phases, each with its own nutritional profile and physical form. Managing these shifts well is what separates a high-performing flock from one that struggles to hit its targets.

As birds grow, their diet moves through starter, grower and finisher specifications, and with each change comes an adjustment in feed texture too, progressing from mash through to crumb and eventually pellet. These are not minor tweaks. Each phase is designed to match the bird's changing biological needs, and any disruption to that process can set the flock back in ways that are hard to undo.

The changeover from starter to grower feed tends to be the trickiest. It brings both a nutritional shift and a change in feed form at the same time. Offering the first batch of grower feed as a crumb or mini pellet rather than a full-sized pellet makes the adjustment far easier for the birds. When this step is skipped, intake tends to drop, growth slows and uniformity across the flock takes a hit.

The simplest and most effective way to handle any transition is to blend the outgoing feed with the incoming one, layering the new on top of the old so birds ease into the change naturally rather than encountering it all at once.

Done properly, feed transition management keeps intake steady, limits wasteful flicking behaviour, protects carcass quality and supports consistent flock health throughout the cycle. These are not just welfare considerations. They translate directly into better returns for the producer.

Planning feed transitions carefully is not optional. It is fundamental to running a productive, profitable broiler operation.