Dairy diary: January’s business update

Interdamo launches backpack tank

At the recently held EuroTier Latina America, Italian/US-based veterinary tool manufacturer Interdamo launched the ‘Dose & Go’. This is a backpack tank connected to a doser pump. The tank’s capacity is 2.5 litres. The device is doser-pump compatible and matches with all dosers made by the company. Using the backpack tank instead of a bottle allows users to work with autonomy and practicality. It can be used on large farms with pigs/piglets or cows/calves.

Photo: Interdamo

DRI Rubber granted US patent

DRI Rubber, the global leader in circular rubber products and solutions, announced that it has been granted a United States Patent (US 10,512,350) for its invention of a fastener system for securing agricultural rubber mats for livestock. The rubber fastener is a game changer for the industry being characterised as unbreakable and animal friendly.

The fastener for livestock rubber mats on slatted concrete floors (i.e. slat mats) is unique for its design as well as its all rubber composition with DRI Rubber’s fiber reinforcement technology. It provides strength, durability and animal comfort.

Photo: DRI Rubber

Ceva helps improve preventative health strategies

Ceva Santé Animale signed several agreements with the Vietnam Department of Animal Health (DAH) to accelerate the implementation of preventive health strategies, including the research and development of new vaccines for Vietnamese livestock sector. Aided by strong growth in both income and population, Vietnam’s livestock sector has grown rapidly over the last decade. Ceva has had operations in Vietnam for over 12 years. The agreements signed illustrate Ceva’s commitment to support the MARD, Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development, in its disease control initiatives.

Photo: Ceva Santé Animale

Zinpro Corporation announces leadership changes

Zinpro Corporation announced that effective since 1 January2020, Bill Scrimgeour, chief executive officer (CEO) has retired and Rob Sheffer (president) has been promoted to president and CEO of Zinpro Corporation. Scrimgeour served as CEO, and Sheffer as president, since January 2019.

Scrimgeour joined Zinpro in 1995 and at that time was responsible for creating, implementing, influencing and growing the international reach of the organization. In 2008 Scrimgeour was promoted to chief operating officer, a position he served in for almost 10 years. In 2017, Scrimgeour was promoted to president and CEO.

Photo: Zinpro

Dr Eckel study on the rumen microbiome

A Dr Eckel study investigated the extent to which the phytogenic feed additive Anta^®Phyt affects the rumen microbiome of heifers. For this purpose, the heifers were fed a high-starch diet, which induces SARA. The heifers (initial weight: 556 kg) were divided into two groups: the TMR of one group included Anta®Phyt while that of the control group contained no feed additive. Analysis of the rumen showed that Anta®Phyt significantly increased microbial diversity and richness in comparison to the control group. The number of observed species and Fisher’s alpha (P < 0.10), Chao1 and ACE indices (P < 0.05) all increased. This could be due to Anta®Phyt stimulating microbial competition. An accompanying study also showed that the ruminal pH increased with Anta^®Phyt, significantly improving the rumen microbiome environment despite high-starch feeding.

Photo: Dr Eckel

Royal DSM completes acquisition of Royal CSK

Royal DSM announced the completion of the acquisition of a 100% interest in specialty dairy solutions provider Koninklijke CSK Food Enrichment C.V. (“CSK”) for a cash consideration of about €150 million. The acquisition of CSK was first announced on 18 November. The highly complementary combination of DSM’s dairy business and CSK’s business greatly strengthens DSM’s ability to serve the needs of dairy industries worldwide, and makes the company well-placed to address the fast-growing and attractive dairy cultures markets.