By installing additional PEM electrolysers, Hy2gen plans to upgrade the facility by the end of 2025. (Image source: Hy2gen)

Hy2gen’s ATLANTIS facility, located in Werlte, Germany, has been certified by CertifHy as the first site in the country to produce RFNBO-compliant e-methane under the EU’s sustainability framework for renewable fuels

This certification confirms that ATLANTIS meets all EU criteria for Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO), including sustainability, traceability, and lifecycle emissions. By installing additional polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysers, Hy2gen plans to upgrade the facility by the end of 2025, to meet the growing demand for renewable hydrogen and its derivatives. 

As part of its strategy, Hy2gen has also signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with a German hydropower plant to supply additional renewable electricity to the ATLANTIS plant in the future. This will enable Hy2gen to expand the facility’s electrolysis capacity, increasing its ability to supply certified fuels to the European and international markets.

Managing director of Hy2gen Deutschland GmbH, Matthias Lisson expressed pride in the company being one of the first RFNBO hydrogen and e-methane molecules producing site in the world. “Our team at the ATLANTIS plant in Werlte are pioneers in the production of e-methane. Right now, we are operating the biggest e-methane production site in the world,” said Lisson. With the RFNBO certification, we increase the value of our molecules, as it offers our clients the security that our products are 100% renewable and can be used to decarbonise industrial sectors to comply with EU regulations.”

Results from the study showed that SNPs found in the HNMT gene significantly increased carnosine levels in chickens. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Poultry meat is one of the most sought-after foods worldwide, valued not only for the nutrition it provides, but also for its palatability

Besides being popular for its protein, vitamin and mineral content, poultry meat also contains bioactive compounds, particularly carnosine and anserine that determine its palatability. Both these compounds contribute to the umami taste, known to be a key component of meat flavour, with their quantities primarily being influenced by genetics. Moreover, their levels tend to vary among breeds and are often used to determine meat quality.

Besides breed, the carnosine levels in meat tend to depend on a variety of other factors including muscle fibre type and whether the meat is raw or cooked. Meat from the breast and thigh muscles are usually found packed with carnosine, with concentrations being greater in Korean native chickens and Thai indigenous and hybrid native chickens.
On the other hand, anserine is generally found in the skeletal muscles of chickens, cattle and certain species of fish. Its levels are often higher in breast meat compared to thigh meat, given its function in buffering proton production in breast muscle. Moreover, similar to carnosine, the levels of this compound in meat can be determined by the type of meat and chicken line.

A recent study conducted at Chungnam National University aimed to explore the genetic and environmental factors that affect carnosine and anserine content in meat in Korean native chicken red brown line (KNC-R). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in the histamine-N-methyl transferase (HNMT) and histamine-N-methyl transferase-like (HNMT-like) genes and their association with the carnosine and anserine content was studied.

Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods were used to genotype one synonymous SNP (rs29009298C/T) of the HNMT gene. On the other hand, PCR allele competitive extension (PACE) genotyping technology was used to genotype four missense SNPs (rs734406537G/A; rs736514667A/G; rs15881680G/A and rs316765035T/C) of the HNMT gene, and one missense SNP rs737657949A/C of the HNMT-like gene.

Results from the study showed that SNPs found in the HNMT gene significantly increased carnosine levels in chickens. Moreover, breeding methods were also found to influence carnosine content to a great extent, with female chickens showing comparatively higher levels than males.

Two associations could be identified between the genotypes of the synonymous SNP: rs29009298C/T, missense SNP rs736514667A/G of the HNMT gene and the content of carnosine. Given its efficiency and precision, PACE technology was therefore regarded as a useful and reliable tool that could be used for the improvement of livestock systems.

Two species namely Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) are pathogenic for chicken. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Respiratory diseases in chickens are generally caused by a variety of bacteria belonging to the genus ‘Mycoplasma,’ that possess certain distinctive features that set them apart from typical bacteria

While a total of 20 Mycoplasma species have been isolated from avian hosts, according to the MSD Veterinary Manual, only four species are considered pathogenic in poultry. Out of these two particular species namely, Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) are pathogenic for chicken.

In broiler chickens, MG is a primary cause of chronic respiratory disease that can have detrimental impacts on both egg production and meat processing. The most notable impact includes a sharp drop in the number of eggs laid per hen over the production cycle. In case of large commercial operations, MG can cause increased condemnation in the processing plant. This means that a large number of carcasses may need to be discarded after being deemed unsafe for human consumption. Common symptoms of MG include coughing, sneezing and breathing difficulties, as well as the presence of nasal discharge and conjuctivitis with frothiness around the eyes. Severity may vary from mild to severe, with some cases occurring alongside E coli infections.

MS on the other hand, is transmitted through the egg and often causes subclinical infection of the upper respiratory tract. Infection rate is reported to be low, with some progeny even being free of infection. The infection affects layer flocks of various age groups, resulting in a decrease in egg production and significant abnormalities in egg shells. First signs of MS, also known as infectious synovitis include discolouration of head parts and difficulties in walking, mainly due to the occurrence of inflammation in their hocks and footpads. Morbidity of the disease is considered moderate, with the overall mortality rate ranging from 1-10%.

Controlling both MG and MS involves administering antibiotics. Treatment options for MG involves using tylosin or tetracyclines to reduce egg transmission. For MS, a live, temperature-sensitive vaccine (MS-H) is available in many countries.

Ambassador Josefa Sacko during the launch event in Ethiopia. (Image source: WOAH)

Under the guidance of the Global Strategy for the Control and Eradication of PPR, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has collaborated with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), with the aim of eradicating peste des petits ruminants (PPR) by 2030

The strategy lays emphasis on disease surveillance, targeted vaccination campaigns, managing animal movement and adopting safe trade practices. Moreover, it focuses on boosting veterinary services and controlling other priority diseases such as foot and mouth disease (FMD). Effective PPR control involves identifying high-risk animal populations and transmission zones, while also carrying out targeted intervention strategies through the consistent monitoring of disease patterns.

African countries that have felt the impact of these outbreaks have made a significant contribution to food security by investing heavily in surveillance and vaccination programmes. The official launch of the Pan-African Programme for the Eradication of PPR and Control of Other Priority Small Ruminant Diseases in February has marked a US$599.6mn investment into PPR prevention. The programme highlights the critical role that veterinary services play in PPR eradication, thus emphasising the need to strengthen these services in not only the affected countries, but also their neighbours.

During the formal launch event held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ambassador Josefa Sacko, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), reasserted the AU’s commitment to PPR eradication. She also linked the initiative to Agenda 2063, highlighting the programme’s US$599.6mn budget and the necessity for synergised partnerships.