Nuance Biotechnology, a rapidly emerging player in the feed additives industry, has made significant strides in 2024 by acquiring two prominent French companies—Global Nutrition International and NutriConcept. This strategic move has bolstered their global footprint, expanded R&D capabilities and facilitated their entry into key markets, including India. Poultry Creations, along with other poultry media, had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Nemanja Todorovic, Chief Business Officer and Mr. Joginder Singh Uppal, Business Director, South Asia, during the 35th AGM of the Poultry Federation of India in Gurugram to discuss their vision, innovations and plans for the Indian market

Entering the Indian Market and Expansion Strategies:

When did Nuance Biotech enter the Indian market and what are your strategies for expansion?
Dr. Nemanja Todorovic: India is not just a country; it is a continent in itself with immense potential in biotechnology and livestock. Recognizing this, we have appointed knowledgeable professionals like Mr. Uppal to lead our initiatives. Our key strategies include:
1. Forging strategic partnerships with key industry players.
2. Expanding distribution networks for broader market penetration.
3. Collaborating with research institutions to localize our products.
4. Educating farmers on the benefits of postbiotics and other innovations tailored to Indian conditions.”

Joginder Singh Uppal: “We launched our South Asian operations in June 2024 with a strong focus on poultry and dairy. Our flagship products, Nu.biom Aves for poultry and Nu.biom Bos for dairy, enhance resilience, performance and farm profitability. Our goal is to empower farmers through innovative solutions backed by scientific research and technical expertise.”

Understanding Postbiotics

Question: Can you explain the difference between postbiotics and other types of biotics?
Dr. Nemanja Todorovic: “Biotics are broadly categorized into prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics:
1. Prebiotics serve as a nutrient source for beneficial gut bacteria.
2. Probiotics are live microorganisms that improve gut health.
3. Postbiotics are metabolic byproducts of probiotics, offering stable and targeted benefits without the viability concerns of probiotics.

Our postbiotics enhance gut microbiota balance, optimize nutrient utilization and contribute to immune modulation. Imagine prebiotics as soil, probiotics as rice growing in the field and postbiotics as rice noodles ready for consumption.”

Tailoring Solutions for the Indian Market

Question: How does Nuance Biotech cater to the unique needs of the Indian market?
Joginder Singh Uppal: “We offer tailored solutions to address challenges in poultry and dairy farming, such as:
Postbiotics: A novel concept with proven benefits for immunity, egg quality and overall productivity.
Global Biotics: Products like mycotoxin binders (e.g., Global Fix) and acidifiers that address vital industry concerns.

Our goal is to support farmers with innovative products backed by research, while also educating them about sustainable and profitable farming practices.”

Market Strategy and Customer Engagement

Question: Who is your primary target in the market—feed mills, breeders, GP operators, commercial broiler farmers or integrators?
Joginder Singh Uppal: “Our primary focus is on feed mills since our products are predominantly feed additives. About 60-70% of the industry relies on feed, making this our initial target. Our secondary focus is integrators and large-scale farmers, including layer farmers who produce their own feed. Products like NutriGut and Globacid DW are designed for these segments.”

Unique Selling Proposition and Market Entry

Question: With several toxin binders and acidifiers in the market, what makes your products stand out?
Dr. Nemanja Todorovic: “Our precision production technology sets us apart. From raw material selection and fermentation to production and quality control, every step is meticulously executed. Our R&D-driven approach ensures high efficacy. Global Nutrition, part of our portfolio, has been a trusted name since 2002, exporting to over 40 countries. This global presence underscores the reliability and effectiveness of our products.”

Question: Have your products been introduced to the Indian market yet?
Dr. Nemanja Todorovic: “We commenced operations in mid-2024, focusing on key partnerships and collaborations. Our first consignment is scheduled to arrive next month, allowing us to engage with clients and initiate trials. Discussions with several companies are already underway.”

Future Innovations and Long-Term Vision

Question: Can you share upcoming innovations or product launches for the Indian poultry sector?
Joginder Singh Uppal: “Our focus extends beyond product launches—we provide integrated solutions. Enhancing animal resilience is at the core of our philosophy. By leveraging our expertise in microbial metabolites, we develop solutions tailored to specific market needs. While poultry and dairy remain our primary sectors, we are continuously evolving to address industry challenges.”

Question: What are your long-term plans for the Indian market?
Dr. Nemanja Todorovic: “Our strategy is structured around three key phases:
1. Establishing Partnerships – We have made significant progress in forging valuable collaborations.
2. Regional Expansion – In addition to India, we are targeting Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
3. Direct Sales and Marketing – While working with distributors for outreach, we also plan to engage directly with key accounts representing 50-60% of the poultry industry.”

Sustainability and Industry Challenges

Question: What steps is Nuance Biotech taking to ensure product sustainability?
Dr. Nemanja Todorovic: “Sustainability is at the core of our innovation strategy. We focus on enhancing nutrient utilization, reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact. For example, our solutions target ammonia control in poultry and aquaculture. Additionally, our postbiotic solutions have shown promise in reducing methane emissions in dairy cattle, and we plan to conduct further trials in India with leading research institutions.”

Question: Unlike poultry, the Indian dairy sector consists largely of unorganized small farmers. How does Nuance Biotechnology plan to support them?
Dr. Nemanja Todorovic: “About 80% of India’s dairy farmers operate at a small scale. We aim to reach them through a three-pronged strategy:
1. Strengthening our distribution network to enhance accessibility.
2. Focusing on large dairy operations that drive significant market influence.
3. Leveraging veterinary shops as a direct channel for small-scale farmers, a model that has succeeded in similar markets.”

In conclusion, Nuance Biotech is positioning itself as a pioneering force in the feed additives sector, committed to innovation, sustainability and farmer education. As they expand their presence in India and beyond, their solutions promise to enhance efficiency, profitability and resilience in the livestock industry.

ZAGRO SINGAPORE Expands Manufacturing with New Facility in India

ZAGRO Singapore, along with its subsidiary PL Agro Technologies Ltd is seen to be bringing a revolution in animal nutrition. PL Agro Technologies Ltd. India, located in Chennai was acquired by ZAGRO Singapore in 2023.

ZAGRO Singapore, a renowned leader in animal health and nutrition, is reinforcing its commitment to providing innovative and high-quality solutions across the global animal nutrition market. Through its strategic acquisition of PL Agro Technologies Ltd. in 2023, ZAGRO has solidified its presence in India, where it now operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chennai, further enhancing its pan India footprint and product offerings.

The partnership between ZAGRO Singapore and PL Agro Technologies Ltd. marks a pivotal moment in the company’s journey, enabling it to expand its capacity for production while ensuring that the products are locally relevant and cost-effective for the Indian and global markets. At the heart of this expansion is the PL Agro facility, which now serves as the dedicated production hub for a comprehensive range of animal nutrition products designed to support the poultry industry and other animal health sectors.

The facility manufactures a variety of important products, including mineral premixes (both organic and inorganic), mycotoxin binders, Halquinol, oral liquids, Tiamulin 80% and customized products. These offerings are crafted to meet the diverse and evolving needs of the industry, providing solutions that not only enhance animal health but also ensure performance consistency and cost-efficiency.

ZAGRO Singapore’s decision to produce at the PL Agro facility is rooted in its unwavering confidence in the operational excellence of the plant, which boasts cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities and world-class quality control measures. The strategic importance of this facility is amplified by its ability to meet the increasing demand for high-quality animal nutrition solutions, all while maintaining local production standards and ensuring compliance with international regulations.
ZAGRO remains steadfast in its commitment to its core philosophy: “Global Technology, Local production and effective Solutions.” This guiding principle drives the company to deliver high-quality products tailored to local needs while adhering to global standards. Through sustainable practices and innovation, ZAGRO focuses on building long-term, reliable relationships with customers, distributors, and industry stakeholders across the globe.

The establishment of the PL Agro facility as the main production hub underscores ZAGRO’s long-term vision for India as a strategic market and a vital part of its global operations. With this move, Zagro aims to increase its market penetration, reduce product lead times, and enhance its responsiveness to customer needs.

Furthermore, ZAGRO Singapore is keen on engaging more directly with the poultry and animal health industries. The company’s goal for 2025 is to further strengthen its connections with poultry farmers, veterinarians, feed millers, and other industry professionals throughout India. This initiative aims to create stronger bonds, understand customer demands better, and offer even more tailored solutions.
For further inquiries or more detailed information, please contact:

Mr. Manas Mitra
Head of Business Operations, Zagro India
Email: manas.mitra@zagro.com

For Technical Assistance / Product Information
Mr. Raja Vadivel
R&D Project Manager, Zagro Singapore
Email: raja.vadivel@zagro.com

Visit our company websites for more information about us.
www.plagro.in
www.zagro.com

Dr Jeevan Sonawane | Director, Novelvet Farmsolutions

India is one of the fastest growing countries in terms of population, economy, infrastructure, information technology and other segments, yet grappling with persistent challenges like poverty, malnutrition, and nutritional insecurity. Among these, protein malnutrition is a silent crisis affecting millions. Despite being the world’s second-most populous country, over 80% of Indians fail to meet their daily protein requirements. While 75% of the population identifies as non-vegetarian, most consume meat only occasionally—on weekends, festivals, or special occasions. A survey by IMRB revealed that 73% of Indians are protein deficient, and a staggering 93% are unaware of their daily protein needs.

The misconception that protein is essential only for bodybuilders and athletes has left the general population unaware of its fundamental role in overall health. This lack of awareness has far-reaching consequences for individuals and the nation.

How Serious Is Protein Malnutrition in India?
Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a significant public health issue in India, with devastating effects on children and adults alike:
– Global Hunger Index: India ranks 101 out of 116 countries.
– Undernourished Population: India has the highest number of undernourished people globally.
– Child Malnutrition: 35% of children under five are malnourished, and 48% suffer from stunted growth.
– Infant Mortality: 33 of every 1,000 children born in India die before their first birthday.
– Anaemia: 68% of children and 66% of women are anaemic.
– Protein Deficiency: 73% of Indians lack adequate protein intake.

Double Burden: Alongside malnutrition, obesity and non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart disease are rising due to poor dietary habits.

How Much Protein Are Indians Eating?
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommends 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, but the average Indian consumes only 0.6 grams per kilogram. Globally, average protein consumption stands at 68 grams per day, while India lags behind at 47 grams per day.

A survey across 16 Indian cities found that 85% of people believe protein causes weight gain, highlighting the widespread misinformation. Moreover, cereals, which are poor protein sources, dominate Indian diets, contributing 60% of protein intake. Pulses, legumes, meat, and poultry, the richer sources of protein, account for only 11% of dietary energy.

Protein deficiency

Why Are Indians Protein Deficient?
Several factors contribute to protein deficiency in India:
1. Cereal-Dominant Diets: Poor digestibility and incomplete amino acid profiles of cereals make them inadequate protein sources.
2. Shift in Food Habits: Increased consumption of fast foods and processed foods has reduced dietary quality.
3. Poverty and Food Insecurity: Many families cannot afford protein-rich foods.
4. Social Misconceptions: Myths about certain food categories lead to reduced protein intake.
5. Lack of Awareness: Misinformation and myths, especially among women who are key decision-makers in household nutrition, exacerbate the problem.
6. Inadequate Infant Feeding Practices: Poor early nutrition has lifelong consequences.

The Impact of Protein Deficiency
Protein is vital for growth, development, immunity, and repair. Its deficiency has severe consequences:
– For Children: Stunted growth, poor cognitive development, and reduced school performance.
– For Adults: Loss of muscle mass, impaired metabolism, and increased susceptibility to illnesses.
– For the Economy: Reduced productivity, poorer educational outcomes, and long-term economic losses.

How to Mitigate Protein Malnutrition in India
The Indian government has launched programs like the Public Distribution System (PDS), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and mid-day meals. However, these largely focus on cereals. To combat protein malnutrition effectively, we need:
1. Increased Awareness: Massive campaigns to educate the public on protein’s importance and daily requirements.
2. Inclusion of Protein-Rich Foods: Adding affordable protein sources like eggs, milk, and chicken to government nutrition programs like mid-day meal in schools
3. Affordable Protein: Subsidizing protein-rich foods to make them accessible to all.
4. Dietary Education: Promoting balanced diets that include pulses, legumes, and animal proteins.
5. Focused Intervention: Prioritizing nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life, from conception to a child’s second birthday.

How Eggs and Chicken Can Help
Eggs and chicken are among the most affordable and accessible protein sources, offering immense potential to combat malnutrition:
1. Abundance: India is the world’s third-largest egg producer and fourth-largest chicken producer.
2. Complete Protein: These are high-quality protein sources containing essential amino acids not found in many plant-based foods.
3. Nutritional Powerhouses: Eggs are rich in vitamins, minerals, and good fats, while chicken supports muscle strength, immunity, and stress relief.
4. Versatility and Affordability: Easy to prepare, eggs and chicken can fit into any meal plan.

Need for Collective Action
To overcome protein malnutrition, we must act together. Poultry producers, government agencies, social influencers, medical practitioners, and organizations like NECC, Vets in Poultry, PFI, CLFMA, INFAH, IPEMA, ICMR, IMA and NIN must join hands. By promoting chicken and eggs through awareness campaigns, partnerships with health organizations, and inclusion in nutrition programs, we can:
– Educate Consumers: Bust myths and promote protein-rich diets.
– Drive Demand: Inspire families to make eggs and chicken regular dietary staples.
– Strengthen Programs: Enhance government initiatives with animal protein sources.

Fighting protein malnutrition is not just a health issue; it is a mission to secure India’s future. Let’s ensure every child has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and contribute to a healthier, stronger nation. Together, we can make protein malnutrition a challenge of the past.

Introduction
The poultry industry has seen exponential growth over the last few decades, driven by the demand for high-quality protein sources such as chicken. However, the intensification of poultry production has also brought challenges, particularly in managing the health of broilers, which are reared under conditions that can predispose them to stress and diseases. Among these, gut health is a critical area of focus because it directly influences the overall health, performance, and productivity of the birds.

Traditionally, antibiotics have been used extensively to manage gut health issues and prevent diseases. However, the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and global consumer demand for antibiotic-free poultry has necessitated a shift toward non-antibiotic solutions. Phytomolecules, bioactive compounds derived from plants, have emerged as a promising alternative for maintaining gut health in broilers. This article delves into the significance of gut health in broilers, explores the role of phytomolecules and highlights their effectiveness as a sustainable solution in modern poultry operations.

Understanding Gut Health in Broilers
Gut health refers to the optimal functioning of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which is essential for nutrient absorption, immune response, and overall well-being of broilers. In poultry, the gut is not only responsible for digestion but also acts as a key barrier against pathogens, playing a critical role in the immune system. (Image 1)

(Image 1) Source: Guillermo Tellez-Isaias et al 2023, Engormix

A healthy gut consists of a balanced microbial population (microbiota), an intact intestinal barrier, and a well-regulated immune response. Any imbalance in these components can lead to gut dysfunction, manifesting as poor nutrient absorption, diarrhoea, increased susceptibility to infections, and reduced growth performance.

Common gut health challenges in broilers include:
1. Dysbiosis: An imbalance in the gut microbiota, often caused by stress, poor nutrition, or infections, can disrupt gut function.
2. Enteric diseases: Diseases like necrotic enteritis (caused by Clostridium perfringens) and coccidiosis (caused by Eimeria species) can severely damage the intestinal lining.
3. Leaky gut syndrome: Increased intestinal permeability can allow harmful substances to pass into the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and immune responses.
4. Poor nutrient absorption: Impaired gut function can reduce the efficiency of nutrient absorption, affecting growth rates and feed conversion ratios.

Source: Self Field observations

Maintaining optimal gut health is, therefore, essential to achieving high productivity, reducing mortality, and ensuring efficient feed utilization in broilers.

The Role of Phytomolecules in Gut Health
Phytomolecules are bioactive compounds derived from plants, including essential oils, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenes. These molecules possess a wide range of biological activities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, making them effective in maintaining and improving gut health.

Over the years, research has demonstrated the potential of phytomolecules to support gut health in poultry. Several studies have shown that these plant-derived compounds can modulate the gut microbiota, strengthen the intestinal barrier, and enhance immune responses, thus promoting better growth and health in broilers.

1. Antimicrobial Properties
One of the primary benefits of phytomolecules is their ability to exert antimicrobial effects. Many essential oils and plant extracts contain compounds like carvacrol, thymol, and eugenol, which have been found to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Clostridium perfringens. These antimicrobial properties help maintain a balanced gut microbiota, reducing the risk of infections and dysbiosis. (Image 2)

A study by Burt (2004) demonstrated that essential oils containing carvacrol and thymol are effective in inhibiting the growth of Salmonella and Campylobacter in broilers. Similarly, Liu et al. (2012) found that phytogenic compounds such as oregano and thyme oils can significantly reduce the colonization of pathogenic bacteria in the poultry gut.

2. Antioxidant Effects
Oxidative stress is a common challenge in modern poultry production, especially under intensive farming conditions. Excessive oxidative stress can damage the intestinal lining, leading to inflammation and compromised gut integrity. Phytomolecules such as flavonoids and phenolic acids have strong antioxidant properties, which help neutralize free radicals and protect the intestinal cells from oxidative damage. (Image 3)

Flavonoids, such as quercetin and catechins, have been shown to enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes, reduce inflammation, and promote gut integrity. In a study conducted by Rehman et al. (2020), supplementation with flavonoid-rich plant extracts improved the gut health of broilers by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing the intestinal barrier function.

(Image 3) Source: Yammine, Jina et al. Heliyon, Volume 8, Issue 12, e12472

3. Anti-inflammatory Action
Chronic inflammation in the gut can lead to poor nutrient absorption, tissue damage, and increased susceptibility to infections. Phytomolecules possess anti-inflammatory properties that can mitigate gut inflammation and support tissue repair. Compounds such as curcumin (found in turmeric) and gingerols (found in ginger) are well-known for their anti-inflammatory effects. A study by Khaleel et al. (2021) demonstrated that dietary supplementation with curcumin significantly reduced gut inflammation in broilers and improved their overall performance. Similarly, ginger extract has been found to decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhance gut health in poultry.

4. Enhancing the Intestinal Barrier
The intestinal barrier is the first line of defence against harmful pathogens and toxins. Phytomolecules, particularly tannins and essential oils, can strengthen the intestinal lining by promoting the production of tight junction proteins that seal the spaces between intestinal cells. This helps reduce intestinal permeability (leaky gut) and prevents the translocation of harmful substances into the bloodstream. (Image 4)

In a study by Yang et al. (2015), tannin-rich plant extracts were found to enhance the expression of tight junction proteins in the intestinal mucosa of broilers, resulting in improved gut integrity and reduced incidence of leaky gut.

5. Modulating the Gut Microbiota
Phytomolecules have prebiotic effects that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, while inhibiting pathogenic bacteria. A balanced gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health by enhancing nutrient absorption, stimulating the immune system, and protecting against infections.

Research by Windisch et al. (2008) found that phytogenic feed additives, including essential oils and polyphenols, can modulate the gut microbiota by promoting beneficial bacteria and reducing pathogenic bacterial populations. This microbiota modulation helps maintain gut homeostasis, which is essential for optimal growth and performance in broilers.

Phytomolecules in Commercial Broiler Production
The use of phytomolecules as feed additives in broiler production is gaining popularity as a natural and effective alternative to antibiotics. Various commercial phytogenic products containing essential oils, plant extracts, and other bioactive compounds are now available for use in poultry diets.

Benefits of Phytomolecules Supplementation
1. Improved Growth Performance: Several studies have shown that phytomolecules supplementation can enhance growth rates, feed conversion ratios, and overall performance in broilers. For example, Yang et al. (2015) reported that broilers supplemented with a blend of essential oils and polyphenols exhibited higher weight gain and better feed efficiency.

2. Reduced Mortality and Morbidity: By promoting gut health and enhancing the immune system, phytomolecules help reduce the incidence of enteric diseases and lower mortality rates in broilers. A study by Ciftci et al. (2010) found that broilers fed with a diet containing thyme and rosemary essential oils had a lower incidence of necrotic enteritis and improved survival rates.

3. Enhanced Feed Efficiency: Phytomolecules improve nutrient absorption by maintaining gut integrity and supporting the activity of digestive enzymes. This leads to better feed efficiency and reduced feed costs, which are critical factors in commercial broiler production.

4. Sustainability and Consumer Acceptance: The use of phytogenic feed additives aligns with the growing consumer demand for antibiotic-free poultry products. As these additives are derived from natural sources, they are perceived as safe and environmentally friendly, contributing to the sustainability of poultry production.

Challenges and Considerations
While the benefits of phytomolecules in poultry production are well-documented, there are some challenges associated with their use.
These include:

– Variability in Efficacy: The efficacy of phytomolecules can vary depending on factors such as plant source, extraction method, dosage, and the overall diet composition. Standardization of phytogenic products is essential to ensure consistent results.

– Cost: Phytogenic feed additives can be more expensive than traditional antibiotics. However, the long-term benefits, including improved bird health and performance, can offset the higher initial costs.

– Regulatory Approval: Globally in some regions, the use of certain phytomolecules in animal feed may be subject to regulatory approval. Producers should ensure that the phytogenic products they use comply with local regulations.

Conclusion
Gut health is a cornerstone of successful broiler production, influencing not only the health and welfare of the birds but also their growth performance and profitability. As the poultry industry continues to shift toward antibiotic-free production systems, phytomolecules offer a natural and effective solution for maintaining gut health in broilers.
By leveraging the antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and microbiota-modulating properties of phytomolecules, poultry producers can improve gut integrity, reduce the incidence of enteric diseases, and enhance the overall performance of their birds. The multiple mechanisms through which phytomolecules support gut health, such as promoting beneficial microbial populations, protecting the intestinal barrier, and mitigating oxidative stress, make them a valuable tool in the pursuit of sustainable poultry production.

The growing body of research supporting the efficacy of phytomolecules in improving broiler gut health underscores their potential as a reliable alternative to antibiotics. Studies have consistently demonstrated that these plant-derived compounds can improve growth performance, reduce mortality, and enhance feed efficiency, all while aligning with consumer demands for natural, antibiotic-free products.

In conclusion, phytomolecules represent a promising, natural solution for enhancing gut health in broilers, offering benefits that extend beyond disease prevention to improving overall flock performance. As the poultry industry moves toward more sustainable and consumer-friendly practices, phytomolecules will likely play an increasingly important role in maintaining the health and productivity of broilers in antibiotic-free production systems.
The future of broiler production lies in sustainable practices that prioritize animal health and welfare without relying on antibiotics. Phytomolecules offer a natural and scientifically backed solution to the challenges of maintaining gut health in broilers, making them a critical component of the next generation of poultry feed additives.

References:
References are available on request.

Maintaining product quality during the slaughter and defeathering stages is vital for profitability and brand integrity. Damage to carcasses can lead to expensive downgrades and yield losses.

Efficient Stunning for Immediate Unconsciousness
Proper handling of live birds is key to ensuring high carcass quality while prioritizing animal welfare. Utilizing effective stunning methods, such as electrical water-bath stunning or Controlled Atmosphere Stunning (CAS), is crucial to render birds unconscious and pain-free prior to slaughter. The BAADER Water Stunner 032 excels in delivering high stunning efficiency, allowing birds to be quickly stunned as they enter the electrified water bath. Optimizing the relationship between current, voltage, and resistance achieves immediate unconsciousness.

Effective electrical water-bath stunning

Unconscious birds are easier to shackle and experience no stress or discomfort

The BAADER Killing Machine 2320 offers a variety of adjustment options

Controlled Atmosphere Stunning (CAS) for Improved Welfare
CAS is becoming increasingly popular for enhancing both animal welfare and meat quality. In this method, birds are stunned in their transport equipment using gas mixtures that induce an anaesthetic state, ensuring they remain unconscious throughout shackling and slaughter. The commercial appeal of CAS lies in its ability to minimize pre-slaughter stress, thereby reducing the risk of quality loss. Stress-related issues like wing flapping can cause injuries that lead to downgrades, whereas CAS significantly reduces these risks, including damage that may occur with electrical stunning.

BAADER offers two CAS systems: above ground and below ground. Both are designed to stun birds effectively while minimizing discomfort. In the CAS Pit System, birds are gently lowered into a pit where CO2 levels gradually increase. The Above Ground CAS features a dual-lane tunnel divided into chambers that slowly expose birds to elevated CO2 levels, with oxygen and clean air introduced to keep them calm until they are unconscious.

Adjustable Equipment to Ensure Quality
To maintain top quality, slaughter and defeathering equipment must be easily adjustable. This adaptability allows for precise control over processing times and product positioning, enhancing processing accuracy and profit margins.

The BAADER Killing Machine 2320 is designed with multiple adjustment options to optimize neck positioning and cutting, minimizing the risk of costly errors. Its design maximizes bleed-out and ensures rapid brain death, accommodating various flock sizes and line speeds.

Effective Scalding and Picking Techniques
Adjustable temperature control allows for precise regulation of the scalding water, considering factors such as stunning method, feather characteristics, local market requirements, and processing conditions. The flexibility and easy access to scalding setup enable processors to adapt to different products, ensuring an optimal scalding environment at all times. BAADER Turbo Scalder 1070 and Air Jet Scalder 1050 are both equipped with touch panels to maintain control of the scalding process, including water level and temperature control. Additionally, a timer function allows for programming daily production.

Turbo Scalding is a highly efficient scalding technique that protects product quality


The Tunnel Picker 284 is equipped with multiple adjustment features to best target the picking process

Wavy ridges on the rubber fingers optimize the picking process

Adjustability also plays a crucial role in effective picking. The BAADER Tunnel Picker 284 offers multiple adjustment features to ensure optimal picking performance while preserving product quality. Each picking row can be individually angled, and picking banks can be adjusted in terms of height and separation, allowing the picking fingers to follow the bird’s shape. Configuring various picking machines on the line enables different targeting approaches as picking progresses. This high degree of targeted picking also allows for dry picking.

Importance of Picking Fingers
The condition of picking fingers significantly affects feather removal efficiency. Regular inspections and timely replacements of rubber fingers are crucial to maintain performance. A mix of new and used fingers can enhance results, as worn fingers can reduce efficiency and foster bacterial growth. Prompt replacement of damaged fingers is essential for maintaining hygiene standards.

Poultry processing facilities can ensure an efficient and hygienic picking process by prioritizing the use of quality rubber fingers. Specially designed rubber fingers with wavy ridges, such as the Rubber Finger WAVE, facilitate multi-directional feather contact during picking, resulting in effective feather removal. Furthermore, the rubber’s special formula ensures long-lasting durability, providing optimal performance over an extended period.

Collaborate with BAADER
Given the complexities of slaughter and defeathering, investing in solutions that prioritize animal welfare, product quality, and efficiency is essential. Reach out to your local BAADER team for more information on how our slaughter and defeathering solutions can protect quality at every stage or visit www.baader.com.

We also invite you to visit the BAADER booth no. CC7 Hall 6 at Poultry India!

Dr. Narahari, Project Consultant – Meat and Poultry
Founder, NH ProPOWER Consultancy Services,
Bengaluru, Karnataka, +91 96633 76040, drnarahari@nhpropower.com

Introduction
The poultry industry makes significant contributions to our economy. It was the first livestock sector to industrialize. India is currently the third-largest producer of eggs (122 billion eggs) and the fifth-largest producer of chicken (4.4 MMT) (Gulati and Juneja, 2023). In the early days of the poultry business, the various stages and components, like feed manufacturers, hatcheries, grow-out farms, processing plants, and logistics, were functioning independently in markets while depending on each other to sell their products or services. Eventually, these related businesses within the poultry industry began to integrate and function as a single system. Vertically integrated poultry farming is a comprehensive approach that unifies all stages of poultry production (breeding, hatching, feed production, farming, processing, and distribution) under one umbrella.

Figure 1. Schematic representation showing typical operation of a vertically integrated poultry system+

Figure 1 shows the typical operation of a vertically integrated poultry farm and processing unit. The vertical integration model, which incorporated large industry players and small farmers through a contract farming approach, emerged in the middle of the 20th century. This type of contract approach catalyzed the sudden growth of the poultry industry. Integrating different stages of poultry production through strong and modern processes and technologies promotes sustainability, affordability, and economic growth while ensuring quality throughout the supply chain. Streamlining every stage of the supply chain, fostering innovations and technologies, and reducing reliance on external suppliers are the key components of a successful vertically integrated poultry farming system. This article discusses the significance and potential of vertical farming in providing high-quality animal protein at affordable prices to meet the increasing demand for protein sources without compromising sustainable production practices.

Promoting Ethical Standards
Promoting ethical standards in a vertically integrated poultry system is crucial for humane and eco-friendly practices. Adopting and maintaining ethical standards entails supervising each phase of production, from breeding to processing, to assure compliance with improved welfare standards. Humane treatment covers sufficient space, appropriate feed, and healthcare for chickens. Specifically, in the vertically integrated poultry business, large organizations are instrumental in various levels of interconnected activities. With corporations’ business-oriented approach, the rearing conditions of poultry at breeder farms and commercial farms will be more sophisticated, ensuring humane and environmentally friendly practices. In addition, these corporations adopt ethical standards as promotional tools for selling their processed products. Here, cage rearing of birds shifted to floor-rearing practices, keeping poultry birds in more spacious ground areas rather than in cages. This practice provides the birds ample space to express their behavioral needs, like stretching wings, foraging, dust bathing, and ample time to move around. This shift in rearing space improves the birds’ health. It reduces their stress, increasing the productivity of good-quality meat and eggs  . Maintaining bird density following European Union norms (33 kg broilers/m2) or Bureau of Indian Standards (floor space allocation, 0.3 to 1.0/square feet) reduces the risk of overcrowding and ensures the welfare of birds (Giersberg, Hartung et al. 2016).

Furthermore, ensuring ample feed and water availability at all points in a poultry system is critical for maintaining the birds’ optimal health, growth, and productivity. According to standards set by organizations such as the National Research Council (NRC) and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), poultry feed should be balanced with the necessary nutrients. The diet typically contains 18-20% crude protein for broilers during the starter phase (0-3 weeks) and 16-18% during the grower phase (4-6 weeks).
Additionally, the quantity of feed provided differs according to the age and type of rearing. It is observed that during the initial six weeks of the rearing period, broiler chickens typically consume around 1.8-2.2 kg of feed, while layers consume about 110-120 grams of feed per day once they begin laying (Pal, Prakash et al. 2020). Importantly, feed should be stored properly to ensure that it is free from contaminants and toxins, particularly mycotoxins, which are secondary metabolites produced by fungi, and can be detrimental to poultry health. Additionally, a vertically integrated poultry system ensures residue-free and microbiologically safe meat by adopting stringent prophylactic and therapeutic measures at both breeding centers and farm units. Also, regular biosecurity protocols, such as footbaths, controlled access to facilities, and stringent sanitation practices, are essential to prevent pathogen introduction and spread. Besides, it is crucial to provide nest boxes for natural egg laying in breeder rearing to maximize egg production and ensure the well-being of the birds. Nest boxes provide a regulated setting that promotes hygienic and secure egg laying, enhancing the quality of eggs and their potential to hatch successfully. Nest boxes must be at least 12 x 12 inches per hen and should be placed at a suitable height to prevent floor laying (Graham 2024). These boxes for laying eggs relieve stress, encourage innate instincts, and simplify the process of harvesting eggs. In addition, they enhance egg cleanliness and enable more effective health monitoring, hence increasing productivity and adhering to humane standards. Collectively, adoption of above-mentioned standards/measured ensure the health and productivity of chickens and pay way for the sustainable and ethical farming practices.

Streamlining Resource Allocation
Optimizing resource allocation in a vertically integrated poultry system improves operational efficiency, lowers expenditures, and enhances productivity.
The adoption of this system maximizes resource allocation by optimizing the utilization of feed, water, and energy, hence decreasing wastage. Centralized planning and a coordinated supply chain are integral parts of a vertically integrated poultry business. These allow better forecasting and a seamless flow of materials into and from the system, reducing bottlenecks and delays in delivery. Further, integration ensures efficient utilization of floor space in rearing units, by optimizing designs of poultry houses and layouts, while adhering to animal welfare guidelines. Feed management (nutritious feed in the right quantity at the right time) using advanced automated feeding systems with appropriate designs reduces feed waste and improves the feed conversion ratio (FCR). Furthermore, waste products from one stage of production can be repurposed for another use (byproduct utilization). Generation of biogas and fertilizer from poultry litter and animal feed ingredients (meat and bone meal) from all non-edible poultry offal from slaughter plants can be well utilized to reduce waste and create additional revenue streams. For instance, eggshells can be processed into calcium supplements for animal feed or as soil conditioners (Gul, Shoqer et al. 2024) , dead chicks and birds may be converted into protein meal for animal feed, or biogas can be produced using strict biosecurity protocols. Interesting, innovative practices such as in-ovo sexing can reduce the number of male chicks hatched, and those that are hatched can be used in feed production or other industries (Jia, Li et al. 2023). Appropriate treatment of effluents from poultry operations using advanced wastewater systems, and water recycling are inevitable in vertically integrated poultry firms.

Further, during chicken processing, sludge can be processed into organic manure, providing a valuable agricultural resource, and reducing waste disposal issues. Moreover, transitioning from water-based chilling systems to air-based ones considerably lowers water use. Air chilling preserves meat quality by minimizing the uptake of water. Previous reports suggests that air chilling potentially delay the dominance of spoilage organisms Pseudomonas spp as it pays way for diverse microbiome (Belk, Duarte et al. 2021). Additionally, implementing water-saving technologies and practices such as high-pressure, low-volume cleaning systems reduces the use of water resources in vertically integrated poultry farming. Besides, incorporating water-saving technology and techniques, such as high-pressure, low-volume cleaning systems, decreases the use of water resources during chicken processing. Thus, integrated systems push for energy-efficient technologies and invest heavily in securing those technologies, which reduce overall energy consumption. For example, radiant heaters, which deliver direct heat to birds, and Heat recovery systems that capture and reuse waste heat from ventilation, reducing the unit’s energy needs. Also, rooftop solar panels provide a renewable energy source, decreasing reliance on non-renewable electricity. Also, automated feeding and drinking systems ensure precise feed and water delivery, reducing waste and energy consumption. Next, the utilization of centralized collected data, predictive analyses, and internet technologies facilitates data-driven decision-making, hence enhancing the business intelligence of a vertically integrated business model. The utilization of centralized collected data, predictive analyses, and internet technologies facilitates data-driven decision-making, hence enhancing the business intelligence of a vertically integrated business model. In addition, staff skill upgradation and education play a critical role in sustainable farming and production. Thus, educating staff on proper bird, product handling, and hygiene improves resource efficiency. Additionally, bulk purchasing, shared infrastructure, quality standards, traceability, and sustainability initiatives lower capital and revenue costs. Therefore, the adoption and upgradation of energy efficient technologies, data-driven decision-making, and waste management contribute to more eco-friendly and cost-effective poultry operations.

Delivering production efficiency and nutritional excellence
Vertical integration in poultry farming and processing promotes the production of superior animal protein that is accessible to consumers at reasonable prices. Here, the approach greatly reduces the life cycle of chicken products, reducing the time from breeding to market-ready chicken. This acceleration is essential for satisfying consumer demand, maintaining a steady supply, and preserving product freshness. Basically, it facilitates efficient resource management, shortens the life cycle of poultry, reduces overhead charges, achieves economies of scale, ensures consistent quality control, enables the adoption of new technologies and processes, and streamlines the distribution channels. This approach controls all stages of production, where it reduces bottlenecks and the wastage of resources like feed, water, and energy. Also, its centralized planning, efficient operations, and the procurement of inputs in large quantities result in reduced production costs, enabling the protein to be offered to customers at a more affordable price. For instance, vertical integration ensures that chickens reach market weight more quickly, typically within 35 to 42 days, compared to longer periods in less integrated operations (Wilcox, Sandilands et al. 2024) . Also, FCR can be improved to as low as 1.5 to 1.7 (Gulati and Juneja 2023 . Further, organizations with vertical integration can efficiently process up to 13,000 birds/hour. This efficient processing capability guarantees that chickens are slaughtered and processed promptly upon reaching their optimal weight, decreasing the time it takes them to go from the farm to the table. This type of shorter life cycle allows for more frequent production cycles and faster response to market demand. Moreover, the vertically integrated approach is defined by large-scale operations, which allows it to take advantage of economies of scale, reducing the cost per unit of production. This comprises reductions in expenses related to feed, equipment, labor, and other associated costs. Besides, it eliminates the obstacles of multilevel middlemen and assists in streamlining logistics (Begum 2005, Bamiro and Shittu 2009).

Nutritionally, poultry products are rich in high-quality proteins with fewer calories than red meat products. They contain essential vitamins like A, D, E, K, C, and B and minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, and Selenium. These nutrients are readily absorbed by the body, enhancing the nutritional value of the poultry products. Proteins in chicken products are easily digestible animal protein compared to other livestock proteins. It contributes to muscle growth and overall health in humans. Vertical integrated companies maintain consistency in their products by overseeing breeding, feeding, processing, and distribution, thus increasing consumer trust and satisfaction. Moreover, precision nutrition by adequate feed formulation based on the specific needs of poultry at different growth stages and environmental conditions enhances feed efficiency, reduces waste, and ensures products are rich with nutrients. Vertically integrated firms effectively oversee their existing distribution networks, allowing direct delivery to a large number of retailers and direct customers. Comprehensive supply chain management minimizes distribution expenses, lowers the price increases linked to middlemen, assures a consistent flow of products, and improves the effectiveness and dependability of the supply chain. Therefore, implementing vertical integration within an existing business offers chicken products of exceptional quality at competitive prices.

Catalyst for local economic development, job opportunities and investment
The poultry industry began evolving in the 1930s and adopted a vertically integrated style of contract farming in the 1950s. Later in the 1980s, horizontal integrations were introduced, resulting in regional monopsonies in the poultry business (Constance, Francisco et al. 2013) . However, by integrating the different stages of production, the integrators reduced costs by coordinating the production capacity of each stage or component of the production system. The chicken industry has grown to a higher magnitude today by combining production stages into large vertically integrated firms that can take advantage of rapidly changing technologies and innovations. Generally, vertical integration involves contract farming or breeding, where large organizations contract local farmers to breed/raise chickens, providing them with chicks, feed, veterinary support, and technical guidance. This system creates a stable income source for farmers, who benefit from reduced market risk and guaranteed prices for their produce. By reducing the need for farmers to invest in costly infrastructure, such as feed mills or processing plants, vertical integration makes poultry farming more accessible and profitable for local communities. In India, 70% of poultry farmers engaged through contract farming are small farmers with a flock size of 3,000-10,000 birds; 20% are medium-scale farmers with 10,000- 50,000 birds, and only 10% are large-scale farmers with 50,000-400,000 birds (Khire and Ryba 2024). Additionally, the presence of vertically integrated poultry companies stimulates local economies through job creation. These companies require a workforce for hatcheries, feed mills, processing plants, and distribution networks, creating employment opportunities beyond the farm level. Investment in local infrastructure, such as roads and utilities, often accompanies these operations, further benefiting the community. This significantly increases the cash flows to rural areas. This provides a stable and profitable source of income within their communities, where individuals can maintain their agricultural heritage while incorporating poultry farming. This dual income stream enhances financial stability for rural families, encourages the retention of agricultural knowledge, and sustains the social fabric of rural areas. The poultry industry is characterized by shorter cash flow cycles, ensuring farmers receive timely payments. This reliable income stream supports the day-to-day financial needs of rural families, enhancing their quality of life and enabling them to invest in education, healthcare, and other essential services. Income predictability also allows for better financial planning and reduces economic uncertainty for rural households. Additionally, jobs in transportation and logistics, further boost the rural economy. Other support services such as laboratories, workshops, warehouses, professional training, and other ancillary services create a diverse range of jobs in rural areas. Thus, vertical integration in poultry farming and processing significantly enhances the economic resilience and prosperity of rural areas.

Production sustainability
The concept of sustainability in a vertically integrated poultry business is regarded as multi-dimensional. The term sustainability encompasses economic, environmental, social, and institutional governance aspects  . The output of sustainable production is maximizing the delivery of safe and nutritious food per unit of input resource without increasing pressure on land  . Implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices at every production stage reduces overall energy consumption. For example, LED lighting, energy-efficient ventilation systems, and high-efficiency heating systems can lower the energy required for poultry housing and processing. Renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, wind energy, biogas, etc., can provide a significant portion of the energy required in the poultry industry. Installing solar panels on farm buildings and processing facilities, installing wind turbines to generate electricity for farm operations (in areas with consistent wind patterns), and utilizing agricultural by-products and waste materials as fuel for boilers and heating systems reduces waste and reliance on conventional fossil fuels. Apart from these, space utilization is optimized by setting up advanced housing systems, including multi-tiered aviaries. These systems enable the housing of a greater number of birds in a single location without compromising animal welfare, thereby reducing the overall land footprint of poultry operations. On the other hand, adoption of nipple drinker system reduces water wastage by preventing spillage and evaporation. Additionally, the transition from immersion to air chilling during refining enhances energy efficiency and reduces water consumption. Additionally, air chilling offsets the risk of cross-contamination and improves the quality of the final product by preserving a more natural flavor and texture. Similarly, vertical integration involves adopting water reclamation systems to decrease water consumption and heat recovery systems that harvest waste heat produced during processing and redeploy it to heat water and power equipment or maintain facility temperatures. Together, these practices in vertically integrated units reflect the organization’s commitment to environmental stewardship while maintaining high productivity and economic sustainability (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Schematic representation of sustainable practices employed in vertically integrated poultry farms and processing units. The figure highlights solar and wind energy use to meet energy needs across poultry farms, breeding units, hatcheries, and processing plants. Litter from poultry farms is converted into bioenergy and byproducts like manure, feather meal, and meat and bone meal, reducing environmental pollution. In processing, sludge is managed through organic composting, biogas production, and animal feed creation. Water management includes using nipple drinker systems and water reclamation, while energy-efficient processing methods like shifting from immersion to air chilling and introducing HVAC systems are employed to conserve energy and water resources.

Conclusion
In conclusion, implementing a vertically integrated poultry business model offers a sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective strategy for producing high-quality animal protein and products according to consumer preferences. This strategy involves centralized control over all phases of poultry production, from breeding and raising birds to processing and packaging the final products. By maintaining oversight at every step, companies can ensure that resources such as energy, water, and feed are used efficiently, minimizing waste throughout the production chain. Moreover, it integrates ethical practices and ecologically sustainable methods into production. Ethical practices include providing humane living conditions for the birds, such as adequate space, proper nutrition, and veterinary care, which collectively enhance animal welfare. Sustainable practices involve reducing the carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources like solar and wind power and recycling waste products into bioenergy or organic fertilizers. By focusing on these ethical and sustainable procedures, the poultry sector improves the overall health and well-being of the animals and enhances the quality of the products. Consumers receive higher-quality poultry products that are produced in an environmentally responsible manner, supporting both animal welfare and the health of the planet.

References are available on request.

In the last five years, the agriculture sector has grown at an average growth rate of 4.18 percent per year. According to the Economic Survey (2023-24) presented to parliament, the allied sectors of Indian agriculture are steadily emerging as robust growth centres and promising sources for improving farm incomes. From 2014-15 to 2022-23, the Livestock sector grew at an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.38 per cent. The contribution of Livestock to the total Gross Value Added (GVA) in agriculture and allied sectors also increased. In 2022- 23, the Livestock sector contributed 4.66 per cent of the total GVA, significantly boosting the per capita availability of milk, eggs and meat, according to the economic survey.

The Livestock sector is an important sub-sector of agriculture which plays a significant role in generating gainful employment in the rural sector, particularly among the landless, small and marginal farmers. Poultry production in India valued at $ 30 billion has taken a huge-leap in the last four decades, emerging from conventional farming practices to commercial production systems with state-of-the-art technological interventions. Currently the sector is estimated to employ more than 6 million people either directly or indirectly. The small and medium size farm (5000 birds onwards) mostly engaged in contract farming systems under larger integrators or companies.

A report titled ‘Vision 2047’ Indian Poultry sector by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has stated that the growth in the poultry sector in the country has been attributed to the commercial poultry industry which accounts for 85% of production while the rest of 15% of the output comes from the traditional backyard poultry.
India has transformed their poultry farming industry through major investments in breeding, hatching, rearing, and processing of chicken. India, as the third-largest producer of eggs (129.60 billion) and the fifth-largest producer of poultry meat (aprox. 6 million tonnes) globally. As per the FAOSTAT 2, the USA has 17% share in global poultry meat production followed by China (12%), Brazil (11.7%), Russia (3.8%) and India (3.5).

According to a latest Reserve Bank of India (RBI) working paper on ‘Livestock and Poultry Inflation in India’, within livestock, poultry meat production (from broiler industry) has grown steadily with the emergence of vertically integrated poultry producers. However, the annual per capita consumption of poultry meat aprox. 6.5 kg in India, is low by global standards. Broilers bird placement in India is about 5-5.5 billion annually while the layer placement is estimated at around 300 million.

India ranks fourth globally in terms of livestock feed (poultry, dairy, aqua) production at 52.83 million tonne (MT) in 2023, which is an increase of more than 13% compared to 46.58 MT in 2022. India’s soybean production is estimated around 12.2 MT against Brazil (169 MT) and USA (120 MT) in 2023. However, according to feedback received from various poultry associations, broiler feed demand was 16 MT in 2022-23 and projected to increase to 18.6 MT in 2025-26. Layer feed demand is currently projected at 11.9 MMT which is likely to increase to 15.9 MMT by 2025-26. Cattle feed demand is expected to rise from 16.03 M to 19.64 MT in the next couple of years. Aqua feed is likely to rise from 2.43 MT to 3.1 MT. Overall feed demand is set to rise to 57.24 MT by 2025-26. Soymeal consumption for broiler, layer, cattle and aqua feeds is projected to increase from 6.6 MT to 7.33 MT.

Recently, there has been increasing reports of adulteration in soybean meal, which could adversely impact the growth of the poultry sector. The adulteration reduces the nutritional value of the poultry feed and may result in severe health implications of birds, yield and can cause mortality of birds which can hit farmers’ income through loss in output. At present there are no strict measures initiated for dealing with the issue.

Creation of a Bureau of Indian Standard certification for soybean meal would result in the poultry farmers getting access to quality and nutritionally enriched feed which would be vital for maintaining the health of poultry and ensuring optimal productivity in the rising poultry sector.
With rising demand for feed, the output has to increase in comparison to increase in demand. To sustain the growth in the livestock sector, Import Liberalization for corn and soybean /soybean meal is must. Soybean meal is a key protein source for poultry feed and directly impacts the health, growth, and yield of birds. According to SOPA reports, soybean production in the 2023-24 oil year (October-September) is estimated at 11.87 million tonne (MT) while carry forward stock was 2.4 MT and imports were 0.6 MT. Out of these, 1.3 MT has been retained for seed purpose while total stock available for crushing is 13.58 MT.

In the case of soybean meal output, 9.46 MT was produced in 2023-24 oil year and there was carry forward stock of 0.11 MT and imports were 0.25 MT. Out of the total availability of soybean meal, 2.1 MT were exported while around 0.8 MT was used as domestic consumption for food purpose in 2023-24 oil year. Around 6.6 MT of soymeal used for feed last oil year.

The government recently substantially hiked import duties on both refined and crude edible oil – palm, soybean and sunflower. This move is expected to boost market prices of soybean. The government has just approved the national mission on edible oils-oilseeds with an outlay of Rs. 10,103 crore aimed at boosting edible oil production from the current level of 12.7 million tonne (MT) to 20.2 MT by 2031. Area under oilseeds will be increased to 33 million hectare from the current level of 29 million hectare. The mission aims to increase oilseed production from 39 MT (2022-23) to 69.7 MT by 2030-31. The edible oil mission will focus on enhancing the production of key oilseeds– rapeseed, mustard, groundnut, soybean and sunflower. In addition, the program aimed at increasing collection and extraction efficiency from secondary oilseeds like cottonseed and rice bran.

Despite such considerable growth in the livestock and poultry sector, the feed prices have remained volatile. Stating that there has been increasing diversion of maize towards industrial use and ethanol production, the CII’s report had stated that the current growth level of maize and soybean production in the country will be insufficient to meet the demand of the poultry industry. The CII has urged the government to allow imports of Genetically Modified (GM) maize and soybean because of ‘unprecedented increase’ in prices while adding that interest of the domestic producers should be protected too.

In August, 2021, the government had relaxed import rules to allow the first shipment of 1.2 MT (million tonne) of Genetically Modified soybean meal to support the domestic poultry industry after a record spike in prices. The composition of animal feed is 65% is energy source mostly from maize, bajra and broken rice while rest is protein source mostly from soybean meal and groundnut extraction. There is an urgent need to formulae strategy for meeting the demand supply gap for corn and soybean meal in livestock feed – poultry, dairy and aqua for sustaining growth in the sector. Several south Asian countries including Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka have allowed imports of GM Soybean / Soybean Meal.

About the Author

Mr. Ricky Thaper is Treasurer, Poultry Federation of India and in his career of more than 35 years in Poultry, has attended several specialized courses and programs on Poultry around the world. Mr. Thaper has attended prestigious international events including the International Poultry Exposition in Atlanta, USA, the International Exposition for Food Processors in San Francisco, USA, World’s Poultry Congress in Montreal, Canada, VIV Turkey in Istanbul, Turkey, SPACE Poultry and Livestock Exhibition in Rennes, France, VIV EUROPE in Utrecht, The Netherlands, ILDEX Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam and many more. Through the prestigious Cochran Fellowship Program, Mr. Thaper had attended poultry and aqua feed preparation short course at Texas A&M University, USA in 2000. Additionally, he completed courses on extrusion processes at the Food Protein Research and Development Centre, Texas Engineering Experiment Station, Texas A&M University, in 2005, and on soybean processing at the National Soybean Research Centre, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA in 2008.

Mr. Thaper actively connects and collaborates with global poultry communities, promoting industry advancements. His dedication to animal care and enthusiasm for the poultry sector has earned him multiple awards at national and international events in last three decades. Mr. Thaper is also Regional Advisory Council Member of the Soy Excellence Center-India. Mr. Thaper provides inputs to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Inflation Analysis Team on future price movements and food price outlook of poultry meat and feed at regular intervals. Mr. Thaper is on Editorial Board of several Journals and has contributed several write-ups on the poultry sector which have been published in several national and international journals. He has also delivered several lectures on various global platform.

 CLFMA OF INDIA, a non-profit organization and the apex chamber representing the “One Voice” of the livestock industry, proudly announces its newly elected leadership team for the term 2024-2026. Established in 1967, CLFMA has played a pivotal role in promoting the animal husbandry sector, focusing on balanced animal nutrition to enhance productivity. Since 2002, it has grown to represent a diverse membership of over 250 stakeholders, including dairy, poultry, and aqua sectors, as well as feed additives manufacturers, breeders, integrators, and vaccine producers.

On 20th September 2024, the new Managing Committee and Office Bearers of CLFMA OF INDIA officially took the charge following the Election. The newly elected Chairman for the period 2024-2026, Mr.Divya Kumar Gulati, Managing Director of Nurture Technology, leads the association along with the other newly elected office bearers, an experienced and capable team, committed to driving innovation and growth in the Indian livestock sector.

A Legacy of Leadership

The outgoing Chairman, Mr. Suresh Deora, Director of S.A. Pharmachem Pvt. Ltd., has been an instrumental force in CLFMA’s recent success. Under his stewardship, CLFMA has grown in stature, building stronger government engagement and hosting numerous impactful seminars. Mr. Deora’s expertise in human and animal nutrition, coupled with his significant influence in industry forums such as the Indian Red Cross Society and the India-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, set a high benchmark for the association. His dedication has been deeply appreciated, and his legacy will serve as a guiding light for future leaders.

Introducing CLFMA OF INDIA Chairman Mr. Divya Kumar Gulati

Bringing over 30 years of invaluable experience in healthcare, nutrition, and the food industry, Mr. Divya Kumar Gulati is well-poised to lead CLFMA into its next chapter. As a pioneer of probiotic culture in Indian shrimp farming and a champion of sustainable farming technologies, Mr. Divya Kumar Gulati has a proven track record of introducing innovative solutions that have transformed industry standards. His ability to merge modern technologies with traditional ayurvedic herbal ingredients has yielded groundbreaking results in poultry and dairy farming.

For over 12 years, Mr. Divya Kumar Gulati has played a key role within CLFMA OF INDIA, most notably as Deputy Chairman. His participation and expertise in navigating government relations, especially with the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, has been instrumental in shaping policies that benefit the livestock industry.

CLFMA’s New Leadership Team 2024-2026

Following Office Bearers were elected for the period 2024 – 2026:

1. Chairman: Divya Kumar Gulati, Nurture Aqua Technology Pvt. Ltd.
2. Deputy Chairman: Sumit Sureka, Shivshakti Agro (India) Pvt. Ltd.
3. Deputy Chairman: Naveen Pasuparthy, Nanda Feeds Pvt. Ltd.
4. Deputy Chairman: Abhay Parnekar, Godrej Tyson Foods Ltd.
5. Deputy Chairman: Abhay Shah, Spectoms Engineering Pvt. Ltd.
6. Honorary Secretary: Nissar F. Mohammed, Coastal Exports Corporation
7. Treasurer: R. Ramkutty, Niswin Enterprises
8. Immediate Past Chairman: Suresh Deora, S.A. Pharmachem Pvt. Ltd.

The other members of the Managing Committee 2024-2026 comprise of:

15. Rajneesh KR Jha : Anmol Feeds Pvt. Ltd.
16. Balaram Bhattacharya :  Avitech Nutrition Pvt. Ltd.
17. Vijay D. Bhandare :  Bhavani Agrovet Pvt. Ltd.
18. Prashant Shinde : Cargill India Pvt. Ltd.
19. Saikat Saha : Evonik India Pvt. Ltd.
20. (Dr.) A.Y. Rajendra : Godrej Agrovet Ltd.
21. Anushrav Gulati : Herbs & Health Biotech Pvt. Ltd.
22. Devender Hooda : Huvepharma SEA (Pune) Pvt. Ltd.
23. Vijay Makhija : Intervet India Pvt. Ltd.
24. K A Sujit Chandan : Komarla Feeds & Foods Pvt Ltd
25. Anil M. : KSE Limited
26. R. Lakshmanan : Shanthi Feeds Pvt. Ltd.
27. Jaison John : U. S. Soybean Export Council, Inc.

With this new leadership team in place, CLFMA OF INDIA is poised to continue its mission of strengthening the livestock industry and fostering innovation, sustainability, and collaboration across sectors. Together, they aim to create a robust ecosystem that nurtures growth and addresses the evolving challenges of the industry.

The poultry market has indeed experienced strong growth recently, with significant increases projected for the near future. Specifically, the market size is expected to grow from $360.5 billion in 2023 to $385.37 billion in 2024, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. The poultry market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $494.55 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rise in consumption of protein, increasing government support, rapid urbanization and increasing population. Major trends in the forecast period include technology advancements, organic poultry, camerabased weighing systems, use of artificial intelligence, increasing investments and strategic partnerships and acquisitions. Absolutely, poultry farming is a crucial sector within agriculture. It plays a significant role in ensuring food security by supplying a steady source of protein through meat and eggs. Innovations and advanced technologies in this field are continually being developed to improve efficiency, animal welfare, and sustainability. In India, poultry consumption has been on the rise, driven by factors such as rapid population growth, changing consumer dietary preferences, urbanization, and inflating disposable incomes. Chicken meat is the most popular choice among the masses due to its affordability, versatility in various cuisines, and widespread availability. Poultry refers to domesticated birds such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese, which are kept by humans for their eggs, meat, or feathers. This report covers the entire poultry market, including both chicks and eggs. Poultry products come in various forms, including fresh or chilled, frozen, ready-to-cook, and ready-to-eat, with options like organic and conventional classifications. These products are distributed through several channels, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, e-commerce platforms, and other distribution methods. The poultry research report is part of a new series that provides comprehensive statistics on the poultry industry. It includes data on the global market size, regional shares, competitors and their market shares, detailed poultry segments, market trends, and opportunities. This report offers an in-depth analysis of both the current and future state of the industry, giving you a complete perspective to help you succeed in the poultry sector.

Key Global Poultry Brands
JBS,Tyson Foods and Sanderson Farms are the top three companies collectively hold a market share of approximately 6%. Regional Market Distribution Asia-Pacific: The largest market, holding about 41% of the global market share. North America and Europe

Major companies operating in the poultry market report are JBS S.A, Tyson Foods, Inc., Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, BRF S.A, Sanderson Farms, Charoen Pokphand Foods, Hormel Foods Corp, New Hope Liuhe Co. Ltd., Koch Foods, Perdue Farms, Japfa Comfeed Indonesia, Suguna Foods Private Limited, Sneha Group, Jumonji Chicken Company Ltd., Zennoh Feed Mills of the Tohoku District Co, Ltd., Koyu Shokucho KK, Grow-A-Duck Pty Ltd., Arranmore Operations Pty Ltd., Koreaduckherd Co. Ltd., MS Food, Wens Foodstuffs Group Co Ltd., Wellhope Foods Co., Ltd., Fujian Sunner Food Co., Ltd., Jiangsu Lihua Animal Husbandry Co., Ltd., Jiangsu Yike Food Group Co., Ltd., LDC, Fileni Group, PHW Group, Veronesi Holding S.p.A, 2 Sisters Food Group, Noble Foods, Sprehe Gruppe, Lambert Dodard Chancereul Group, HYZA a.s, Res-Drob, Cherkizovo group, AO Prioskolie, SC Avicola Slobozia SA, Vitall SRL, Vodňanská drůbež, a.s, Sinyavskaya Poultry Farm, Ovostar Union, Maple Leaf Foods Inc., Foster Farms, Sysco Corporation, Smithfield Foods Inc., Agro super S.A, Perdigao S.A, Pif Paf Alimentos, Globoaves, Group Arcor, Cresta Roja, Noelma S.A, Arab Company For Livestock Development (ACOLID), Al-Watania, Al-Fakeih Poultry Farms, Keskinoglu, Emirates Modern Poultry Company (Al Rawdah), RCL Foods Ltd., Astral Foods, Cairo Poultry Company, Country Bird Holdings, Sovereign Food Investments, Arab Poultry Breeders Co, Maruben

Major Trends Driving the Market
1. Technology Advancements: Including blockchain, AI, and optoelectronic sensors for better traceability, efficiency, and health monitoring.
2. Organic Poultry: Growing consumer preference for organic and sustainably raised poultry.
3. Camera-Based Weighing Systems: Enhancing accuracy and efficiency in monitoring poultry growth and health.
4. Artificial Intelligence: Applications in predictive analytics, health monitoring, and feed optimization.
5. Increased Investments: From both private and public sectors to enhance infrastructure and integrate advanced technologies.
6. Strategic Partnerships and Acquisitions: Companies expanding market reach and capabilities through partnerships and mergers.
Market Segments Product Segments: Chicks: The largest product segment, accounting for about 56% of the market share.

Eggs Application Segments: Fattened Poultry: The largest application segment, representing about 72% of the market.These factors and trends are propelling the poultry market forward, leading to innovations and efficiencies that benefit both producers and consumers.

The impact of COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war on the poultry sector
The pandemic disrupted global supply chains, leading to challenges in production and distribution. It also caused shifts in consumer demand, with reduced patronage in foodservice sectors. Concurrently, the Russia-Ukraine War has exacerbated issues by affecting the supply of essential feed ingredients and increasing feed costs. This combination of factors has led to higher production costs and market volatility in the poultry industry.

Global Poultry Market – Regional Analysis
Geographically, this report is divided into several key regions, providing insights into sales, revenue, market share, and growth rates of the poultry market in these areas:
– North America: United States, Canada, and Mexico
– Europe: Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, Turkey, and others
– Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam
– South America: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and others
– Middle East and Africa: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa

Asia-Pacific is expected to maintain its dominance with an estimated market share of around 40%, followed by North America and Europe with shares of about 30% and 20%, respectively. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are anticipated to significantly contribute to market growth, each holding an estimated share of 5%

Optimizing Poultry Processing With 3D Imaging Technology for Enhanced Yield and Efficiency
Poultry processing companies are increasingly incorporating 3D imaging systems to enhance yields. These systems use sensors and actuators to create a model of each poultry bird, determining where cuts should be made.

The bird passes through a vision system that captures images and measurements to determine its shape. Near-infrared sensors assess the meat and bone composition. The vision analysis enables precise cuts tailored to each bird’s unique size and shape. This data-driven approach boosts yield and reduces per-unit processing costs. Leading the way in this technology are companies like Gainco, known for their meat and poultry equipment, and Midwest Machine LLC.

Strategic partnerships are significantly reshaping the poultry market
Strategic partnerships have become a significant trend in the poultry industry. Such alliances also facilitate the sharing of resources and expertise, enabling participants to address market challenges more effectively. Overall, these strategic partnerships are crucial in shaping the future of the poultry industry by enhancing productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness. Major players in the sector are growing their market presence, increasing production capabilities, and innovating to address consumer needs. For example, in July 2022, Tyson Foods Inc., a US food processing company, partnered with Tanmiah, a food company based in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration seeks to jointly invest in expanding the processing capacities of Supreme Foods, aiming to improve the availability of high-quality poultry protein products both in the MENA region and worldwide ollaborations between companies, research institutions, and technology providers are driving innovation and enhancing production efficiency. These partnerships often focus on integrating advanced technologies, such as automation, data analytics, and sustainable practices, which help streamline operations and improve product quality.

Market Drivers and Challenges: Analyze the factors driving the growth of the poultry market, including government regulations, environmental concerns, technological advancements, and changing consumer preferences. It also highlights the challenges the industry faces, such as infrastructure limitations, range anxiety, and high upfront costs.

Competitive Landscape within the poultry market. It includes profiles of key players, their market shares, strategies, and product offerings. Additionally, the emerging players and their potential impact on the market. Latest technological developments in the poultry industry, including advancements in poultry technology, new market entrants, new investments, and other innovations shaping the future of the industry.

Downstream Procurement Preference: It sheds light on customer procurement behavior and adoption trends in the poultry market, including factors influencing purchasing decisions and preferences for poultry products.

Government Policies and Incentives: The impact of government policies and incentives on the poultry market, assessing regulatory frameworks, subsidies, tax incentives, and other measures aimed at promoting the market. Evaluates the effectiveness of these policies in driving market growth. Assessment of the environmental impact and sustainability aspects of the poultry market.

Market Forecasts and Future Outlook: Based on the analysis conducted, provides market forecasts and outlooks for the poultry industry, including projections of market size, growth rates, regional trends, and predictions on technological advancements and policy developments.

Recommendations and Opportunities: for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and investors. It highlights potential opportunities for market players to capitalize on emerging trends, overcome challenges, and contribute to the growth and development of the poultry market.Analysis of historical data and future prospects to provide a global perspective on market trends, volume, and value, ultimately addressing the overall poultry market size.

The veterinary healthcare sector in India is experiencing significant growth, with the market size estimated to be USD 1.25 billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 1.89 billion by 2029, indicating a robust CAGR of 8.63% during the forecast period. This growth is particularly notable in the poultry industry, which has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors among livestock species. The poultry sector has evolved into a key supplier of affordable protein sources, driving the development of value chains that cater to consumer demand.

Stallen South Asia: Leading by Change and Setting a Standard
In response to this market dynamic, Stallen South Asia Private Limited has emerged as a key player, offering indigenous solutions and expertise in animal health. By bridging the gap between global standards and local requirements, companies like Stallen are not only contributing to the growth of the poultry industry but also fostering a resilient and sustainable ecosystem for animal health management in the country.

Stallen stands out as a leading name in India’s animal health sector, offering a diverse range of products tailored for poultry and cattle across four distinct divisions. These divisions encompass feed additives, biosecurity solutions, formulations, and vaccines, showcasing Stallen’s comprehensive approach to animal health management.

Stallen’s new Therapeutic Facility

Strategic Collaborations and Industry Partnerships – 25 Years in the Marking
The company’s journey traces back to its inception in 1997. Since inception, Stallen has constantly developed to stay in line with the industry standard – in 2010 Stallen entered a JV with FATRO from Bologna, Italy. This JV enabled Stallen to import and distribute a wide range of killed and live vaccines, further solidifying its position in the market.

Dedicated Storage at the Palghar Facility

Global Reach and Market Presence
Over the 25 years, Stallen has expanded its footprint and capacities. Today, Stallen’s export operations span more than 50 countries across 6 continents serving as a testament to our product quality and service.

In an attempt to completely self suffienct, Stallen has backward integrated and control the end-to-end supply chain. As a result, they currently operate 5 different manufacturing locations in addition to the 2 supply plants of FATRO:
1) Feed Additives Manufacturing Unit in Palghar, Maharashtra
2) Feed Additives Manufacturing Unit in Sajjanpada, Maharashtra
3) Feed Additives and Cattle Feed Premix Manufacturing Unit in Alexandria, Canada
4) Therapeutics/Formulations Manufacturing Unit in Nandore, Maharashtra
5) Halquinol API Manufacturing Unit in Vatva, Gujarat

Focus on Quality and Regulatory Compliance
All of Stallen’s plants are certified and regularly audited by ISO, GMP, and FDA, along with approvals from international regulatory bodies, attestesting to their adherence to rigorous standards in manufacturing and product safety.

1) Feed Additives and Premix Factories in Maharashtra
Stallen South Asia Pvt. Ltd., based in Nandore, Maharashtra, India, specializes in manufacturing a wide range of feed additives and supplements. Their product portfolio includes antibacterial solutions, treatments targeting mycoplasmal infections, deworming agents, performance enhancers, anthelmintics, mineral supplements, toxin-binding formulations, antidiarrheals, growth promoters, anticoccidials, water sanitation products, fly control solutions, and disinfectants. These products are meticulously crafted and made available in various convenient forms such as tablets, boluses, powders, oral liquid solutions.

GMP Standard Manufacturing Layouts

1. Manufacturing Process: The factory has specialized equipment and facilities for the manufacturing process. This includes mixing and blending equipment for creating formulations, granulation machinery for solid products, liquid mixing and filling lines for liquids, and packaging lines for various forms of products.
2. Quality Assurance: Quality control measures are integral to the manufacturing process. Raw materials are tested for purity and quality before use. During production, in-process checks are conducted to ensure consistency and adherence to specifications. Finished products undergo rigorous quality testing for efficacy, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards.
3. Regulatory Compliance: The factory operates in compliance with regulatory requirements set by local and international regulatory bodies, with approvals from China, Iran, Australia and more. This includes adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and documentation of processes to ensure product quality and safety.

2) Formulation Unit in Palghar, Maharashtra, India.
It is a crucial facility for manufacturing pharmaceutical products that range between regular therapeutic drugs as well as beta-lactam formulations.
1. Facilities and Equipment: The formulation unit is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and machinery required for the formulation and production of pharmaceutical products. This includes equipment for mixing, blending, granulation, drying, and packaging. The capacities are built for effervescent tablets, liquid form (oral and topical), oral powder, bolus and ointment.
2. Quality Control: Throughout the formulation process, rigorous quality control measures are implemented to ensure that the final product meets regulatory standards and specifications. This includes testing the raw materials, in-process samples, and the finished product for purity, potency, stability, and safety.
3. Regulatory Compliance: The formulation unit operates in compliance with regulatory requirements set by authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in India. This includes adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), documentation of processes, and regular inspections to ensure quality and safety standards are maintained.

3) “Stallen Unveils Cutting-Edge API Facility for Halquinol Production!”
To maintain its commitment to quality, affordability, and timely delivery, Stallen has commenced the production of Halquinol, a non-antibiotic growth promoter classified under hydroxy-quinolines. This compound comprises 5-chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline, 5,7-Dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline, and 7-Chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline, with the product Halquinol 98% manufactured in accordance with BP 80 (British Pharmacopeia 1980) specifications. Stallen offers Halquinol 98% as a chemical API for use in veterinary formulations and feed additives, alongside the commonly available 60% and 12% variants. With its adherence to BP specifications and increased monthly production capacity, Stallen is well-equipped to cater to global demand, holding valid registrations for Halquinol in over 15 countries.

Stallen’s strategic vision includes gradually introducing a range of APIs from its Vatva facility, aiming to reduce reliance on imported products from China in the animal health sector. The Vatva plant marks the fifth addition to Stallen’s manufacturing infrastructure, complementing its existing feed additive and veterinary formulation facilities in Palghar, Maharashtra, as well as a feed premix and additive manufacturing unit in Canada. This strategic expansion underscores Stallen’s commitment to self-sufficiency and quality assurance in delivering essential solutions for animal health and nutrition.

Stallen Cutting-Edge API Facility for Halquinol Production!