Poultry Farmers Face Dim Prospects for Relief in Maize Prices

The global maize market has witnessed a notable surge in prices and the reasons are not confined to India alone. The prevailing scarcity in supply is evident both domestically and internationally, instigating concerns over the sustained escalation of maize prices. Within the poultry sector, there is a mounting apprehension regarding the rates and scarcity of maize. Presently, maize is being traded at prices exceeding the Minimum Support Price (MSP) by 400 to 500 rupees per quintal. The Poultry Association, i.e Poultry Federation of India, has consistently communicated its concerns to…

Early Stages of Dialogue: Poultry Stakeholders Consider Egg Exports to Russia from Namakkal, India

Poultry owners in Namakkal district are in the early stages of discussions about exporting eggs to Russia. The decrease in egg production in Russia due to the war with Ukraine and other factors has prompted considerations about importing eggs from other countries, including India. This presents an opportunity for Namakkal to explore potential exports to Russia. Valsan Parameswaran, the secretary of the All India Poultry Products Exporters Association (AIPPEA), mentioned that talks with Russia are at a preliminary stage. Various aspects, such as trade policies, certification processes, quality standards, and…

Flavor is as Important for Animals as for Humans

Dr Medha, Associate Product Manager, Kemin Industries Introduction Flavor or flavour is the sensory impression of a food or other substance and is determined mainly by the chemical senses of taste and smell. The smell is the main determinant of a food item’s flavor. While the taste of food is limited to sweet, sour, bitter, salty, umami, and other basic tastes, the smells of food are potentially limitless. We usually experience that a certain flavor triggers memories of a distinct event or location that we associate with. So why is…

Largest Hatchery Planned for Kathua in J&K to Amplify Chicken Production

In a significant development for the India’s Jammu and Kashmir region, the district of Kathua is poised to become the epicenter of a major transformation in poultry production. The imminent establishment of the largest chicken hatchery, valued at a staggering Rs 5 crores, is anticipated to revolutionize the monthly output of chickens throughout the Jammu Division. Official sources have disclosed that the forthcoming hatchery in Kathua will play a pivotal role as the primary generator of chicks, employing a low-tech system aimed at augmenting both egg and meat production in…

Vaccination Measures Tested: Breakout of Bird Flu Found in Ducks Despite Immunization Efforts

FRANCE, EUROPE Bird flu has been found on a duck farm in the Vendee region of France. This is the first outbreak since France began vaccinating against the virus last year, reported Reuters. The highly contagious avian influenza was detected on a farm with 8,700 ducks in Notre Dame de Riez. Despite the ducks being vaccinated, the virus was still present. Bird flu, often carried by migrating wild birds, can spread between farms, causing widespread damage to flocks globally. To combat this, France initiated a vaccination campaign in October, focusing…

Brazil and Mexico collaborate on avian flu strategy to safeguard regional trade routes

Brazil and Mexico are collaborating on a strategic initiative to facilitate the continuous flow of poultry and egg trade between the two nations, even in the face of potential avian flu outbreaks. This joint effort was announced by Mexico’s agriculture ministry , as reported by renowned news agency Reuters. The primary objective of the plan is to identify specific regions in each country that remain unaffected by potential avian flu outbreaks. The aim is to establish a comprehensive map, ensuring that trade can persist from those disease-free areas. This information…

The Declining Landscape of Free-Range Eggs in Kerala, India

The poultry market in Kerala is facing a severe shortage of free-range country eggs. Despite heightened demand, the availability of these eggs, known for their quality, has diminished significantly, leaving both consumers and retailers struggling to meet requirements. These farms typically yield a modest 100 to 120 eggs annually per chicken, pricing each egg between Rs 10 to Rs 15. Free-range eggs are renowned for their superior nutritional profile and ethical production practices, as hens are allowed to roam freely, engage in natural behaviors, and consume a diverse diet. However,…

Avian Influenza Vaccination: why it should not be a barrier to safe trade – WOAH

Since 2005, avian influenza has had a staggering toll, with over 500 million birds lost to the disease worldwide.   Its devastating impact extends beyond domestic and wild birds, threatening livelihoods, food security and public health. The recent shift in the disease’s ecology and epidemiology has heightened global concern as it has spread to new geographical regions. It has also caused unusual die-offs in wild birds and led to an alarming increase in mammalian cases. The rapidly evolving nature of avian influenza and changes in its patterns of spread  require a review of existing prevention…