Dairy Diary: May business update

What’s NEW in the dairy farming world? We report on dsm-firmenich’s methane-reducing feed additive’s entrance into Japan, smaXtec patent-pending micromechanical device integrated into the bolus, and the launch of an organic mineral bolus by Nettex. Read an update on these developments and more on the latest dairy sector news…

dsm-firmenich’s methane-reducing feed additive Bovaer entering Japan

dsm-firmenich and Meiji Holdings, based in Japan, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance the sustainability of Japanese dairy farming through the implementation of Bovaer. This is the first such agreement in Asia. According to DSM-Firmenich, through the implementation of Bovaer, methane emissions can be reduced by approximately 30% for dairy cows.

A-Insights to host webinar on the shift to alternative proteins

On 13 June (16.00 CEST, 10.00 EDT), A-Insights is hosting a free online webinar that will offer foresights into the alternative proteins market. The company’s CEO, Jeroen Lustig, will be accompanied by Fred Nijland (director of strategy and innovation at Deloitte), Robert van Ballegooijen (CEO of Van Loon Group) and Kobus de Klerk (VP of Alternative Proteins at Kerry Group), and will cover topics on the effects of the alternative protein revolution on traditional sectors, R&D staffing trends and risks of product shifts, silent replacement of animal proteins in ingredients, and the role of hybrid products in sustainability. Register for the webinar here.

smaXtec’s unveils patent-pending development

At the heart of smaXtec technology lies the ‘bolus’, a sophisticated sensor measuring directly inside the cow’s reticulum. The latest patent-pending development from smaXtec is a ‘closed-loop’ mechanism – a micromechanical device integrated into the bolus, which reacts dynamically to the cow’s needs. When demand arises it releases medication or feed supplements as required. This individualised approach in real time ensures optimal and automated health management for each individual animal. The company is now also seeking partners to explore applications for this innovative drug and feed additive release system.

Nettex launches organic mineral bolus

Nettex has announced the release of the first organic EnduraBol bolus, which it says offers 6 trace elements in a resin coated formulation, providing up to 6 months of supplementation with a measured release rate. The new bolus is approved by Organic Farmers and Growers and is suitable for those farming under Soil Association guidelines. The formulation provides high levels of iodine, copper, selenium, cobalt, zinc and manganese to help balance potential deficiencies.

Nuqo expands into India

Nuqo, a feed additives company headquartered in Europe, has announced the opening of its new affiliate in India. The company develops technologies based on the micro-encapsulation of metabolites from plants and seaweed (phytogenics and phycogenics). In recent years, Nuqo has expanded its distribution network globally and established regional hubs, including affiliates in Thailand and, more recently, in Mexico.

Lallemand’s journey to more resilient selenized yeast production

Lallemand is making significant investments in one of its selenized yeast plant in Felixstowe in the UK. This is one of the company’s main production sites for selenium-enriched yeast, Alkosel, for which a specific production process has been developed. Alkosel is produced by fed-batch culture: nutrients, including selenium, are supplied incrementally to the growing cells.

The National Farm Management Conference will focus on intelligent management

The National Farm Management Conference will return to the QEII Centre in London on 7 November 2024. Run by the Institute of Agricultural Management, this year’s conference will explore intelligent management for the future, covering innovations in intelligent farm systems and how people management and a range of new technical and business skills, including automation and artificial intelligence, remain vital to success. The event includes an opening session from Máximo Torero, chief economist at the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation. He will share set the global scene with a view on commodity prices, input costs and outline the challenges of scarcity of supply and cost inflation.

Announcing Fortiva – ingredients for pig/poultry/dairy health

Fortiva, formerly PMI Additives, serves large integrators and producers, veterinarians, independent nutritionists, feed manufacturers, co-ops and dealers throughout the US by offering the dairy, cattle, pig, and poultry industries a portfolio of non-medicated feed additives designed to work with an animal’s physiology to support animal resilience. The company combines feed technologies, such as Ambitine, FloMatrix and Vitacy FeedLock and is also launching new technologies within the monogastric and ruminant spaces, including Fortiva, Amulet, a unique feed technology designed to support gut health during times of stress for dairy calves and transition cows.

2024 IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism Award recipients announced

The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) and Alltech have since 2006 partnered to support the Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism Awards that recognise the leadership potential of young (under 35 years of age) members. On offer are 10 scholarship opportunities to attend the IFAJ Congress, held this August in Switzerland. The winners also participate in a 3-day professional development workshop prior to the congress. The 2024 Young Leaders are Alex Black (UK) Emma Davies (Ghana), Courtney Girgis (US), Kristina Hansén (Sweden), Wiebke Hermann (Germany), Brooke Littlewood (Australia), Duncan Masiwa (South Africa), Daniel Plaisu (Romania), Michaela Sandmayr (Austria), and Carola Urdangarin (Argentina).

British Friesian Herd of the Year announced

The Scottish Barncluth herd has been awarded the British Friesian Herd of the Year Award. As a result of a combination of classification and production, the award recognises the most productive British Friesian herd from across the UK. The farm comprises 100 acres, with a further 85 acres rented, and is home to 85 pedigree British Friesians who give an average yield of 7,800 kg. The herd also has 50 followers.

Coloured breed judges announced for 2024 UK Dairy Day

The judges for the Dairy Shorthorn, Guernsey, and Jersey classes will complete the final lineup of cattle show judges at UK Dairy Day. They will cast their eyes over the breeds during the 10th anniversary annual event on 11 September at the International Centre in Telford. The Dairy Shorthorn judge is second-generation dairy farmer in Northumberland, Paul Harrison. The Guernsey judge is owner and breeder of the Churchroyd herd, Ian Collins. The Jersey judge, who runs the Jaytee Jersey herd alongside Harras Holsteins on the 250-acre farm, is Willie Taylor.

Novus names new business director in Asia

Rajeev Murthy has joined Novus as senior director and managing director of Asia Pacific. Originally from Bangalore, India, Murthy brings with him over 25 years of industry experience and will focus on steering the intelligent nutrition company’s strategy in this vital market. He will be based at the company’s office in Bangkok, Thailand. Before joining NOVUS, Murthy held regional leadership roles at DSM-Firmenich in its Animal Nutrition & Health business unit, and Eli Lilly & Company in the Elanco Animal Health division. He also served as CEO of the feed business for Godrej Agrovet Ltd., an Indian livestock and agribusiness company.