Economic competitiveness of the broiler industry

A comprehensive approach to maximizing the potential of feed for broiler chickens

Feed represents the main cost (60 to 80%) of broiler chicken production costs in all regions of the world. Controlling feed costs is therefore a major driver of competitiveness in the livestock sector and requires a comprehensive approach: selection of the nutritional strategy, industrial control of manufacturing processes, benchmarking of feed utilization, and the use of additives to ensure performance.

Identifying the winning nutritional strategy

To achieve expected performance levels in livestock farming, the challenge lies in identifying the most cost-effective nutritional strategy amid fluctuating raw material prices. The ADN prediction tool, developed based on ten years of research at our MRC research center, allows us to propose nutritional strategies best suited to the feed manufacturer’s specific context. To take it even further and address specific needs such as controlling yield or uniformity, we can apply the results of our latest research on protein nutrition by utilizing, for example, the bioactive properties of amino acids.

Mastering the manufacturing process to maximize farm performance

Modern broiler strains require a very well-formulated feed to maximize their genetic potential. Even the best recipes will not deliver fully satisfactory results in the flock if the feed is too hard or too crumbly. The goal is therefore to meet the birds’ expectations in the feed. To this end, Mixscience offers its customers the TEC+ approach. This approach identifies the strengths and limitations of feed mills to ensure the best possible alignment between the manufacturing facility’s capabilities and the animals’ needs.

Drawing comparisons to make progress

Comparing oneself to others is the first step towards making progress. Positioning oneself relative to a common benchmark allows one to identify strengths, but above all, areas for improvement. This is the context in which the ADN tool really comes into its own: it measures how effectively a group of farmers leverages the feed’s potential through a key indicator called Feed Potential Utilization (FPU). This indicator provides an objective basis for comparison between different feed manufacturers. Based on this, targeted action plans can be suggested to improve the FPU. These plans are customized using the Farmscope assessment, which identifies detailed areas for improvement at the level of each farm.

Securing performance

Animal health and consistent feed intake are essential factors in achieving performance goals in livestock farming. A judicious choice of feed additives helps maximize the chances of achieving these goals. Mixscience therefore conducts scientific research to guide its customers’ choice of enzymes and also develops products designed to ensure animal performance. In addition to feed, drinking water can also be a valuable vehicle for delivering innovative nutritional solutions, making it possible to respond rapidly to observations made on the farm.