Dairy Diary: September business update

What’s NEW in the dairy farming world? We report on start-ups that are working on innovations in the dairy sector, a sand flush to collect manure in barns with sand bedding, a solution enabling automatic and individual distribution of concentrate feed to cows during grazing, as well as new expansions and partnerships in the global dairy sector. Read an update on these developments and more on the latest dairy sector news…

dsm-firmenich receives market authorisation for Bovaer in South Korea

dsm-firmenich has announced that its methane-reducing feed additive Bovaer has received market approval for use with beef cattle in South Korea, making it the first product the country has approved for this purpose. The country has 3.6 million beef cattle.

Medgene to test its rapid-response vaccine technology in dairy cattle study

Animal health vaccine manufacturer Medgene has responded to notice from the USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) on testing of vaccines to address H5N1 incidence in dairy cattle. The CVB Notice 24-13, now allows for vaccine studies to be conducted outside of containment facilities. The new notice has potential to accelerate agency licensure of H5N1 vaccines in dairy cows.

19 start-ups to watch at the Animal AgTech Innovation Summit

The Animal AgTech Innovation Summit highlights novel solutions. This year, 19 growing companies will present, pitch and exhibit in Amsterdam from 9-10 October. Of the companies featured, some of specific interest to the dairy sector include Agteria Biotech’s feed additive that reduces cows’ methane emissions by 70%, Dyneval’s mobile semen quality assessments, ExciPlex’s diagnostic technologies for the detection of toxins in animal feed and feed inputs, Lakto Wash’s automatic washing and cleaning machine for mobile bucket milking mechanisms, Phagos’ alternative to antibiotics for animal farming, Rare Earth Global, which is reviving hemp as a feed crop, Rumin8’s pharmaceutical approach to reduce methane emissions, RumenAI’s solution that optimises livestock nutrition, Smartbell’s machine learning/AI startup improving early development of calves, and Virovet, which is working on controlling viral spread in livestock.

DeLaval launches a new autonomous feeding robot

DeLaval has expanded its robotic offering to include the OptiWagon, an electric, autonomous feed distribution robot. The OptiWagon is capable of supplying a variety of animal groups with different feed mixes up to 12 times per day. The recipes and the routes can be set and adjusted via DeLaval’s DelPro farm management system. The system is installed on over 600 farms, mainly in Europe, and is designed for a capacity of up to 1,000 cows.

Lely introduces Zeta for data collection

Lely introduces Zeta, a smart data-driven learning system that uses cameras, LED lighting, artificial intelligence and smart algorithms, enabling farmers to collect even more data to further improve barn operations. By hanging Zeta fixtures in the right place in the barn and linking them together, the system creates an overall view of the herd, from above.

Lely introduces the sand flush to collect manure in barns with sand bedding

Lely has introduced the sand flush, a unique accessory that makes Discovery Collector manure robots suitable for barns with sand bedding. Discovery Collector manure robots use vacuum technology to clean (semi) closed barn floors by collecting manure. This type of floor is seen in approximately 70% of dairy farms worldwide. The Discovery Collector cleans the barn floor by sucking up the manure and dumping it into a pit.

dsm-firmenich opens Animal Nutrition & Health manufacturing plant in Egypt

dsm-firmenich has opened its new Animal Nutrition & Health premix and additives manufacturing plant in Sadat City, Egypt. Formally inaugurated on 12 September 2024, the new facility, covering an area of 10,000 square metres, will serve customers in Egypt, the Middle East, Southern Europe and Africa. The plant will process a diverse range of specialised animal nutrition products, including vitamins, minerals, and innovative feed additives.

Kuhn adds film binding to FB 3130 baler

Kuhn Farm Machinery has extended the option of its Twin-reel film binding technology to its FB 3130 baler. The Twin-reel system was already available for the larger FB 3135 – the addition means both models in the fixed chamber FB 3100 range now feature the option. The system uses 2 x 750mm stretch film rolls to bind the bale as opposed to a single, wider conventional unit. This means operators are handling lighter rolls, which makes them easier to load into the mantle. The film features a higher pre-stretch ratio compared to conventional films, offering the potential to reduce binding costs by up to 37%.

Vet Tech conference opens doors to farmers

A conference to develop knowledge for veterinary technicians and approved TB testers is being held at Six Ways stadium in Worcester on 9 October 2024. The British and Irish Vet Tech Association ‘Vet Tech and ATT event’ is open to all, with the organisers keen for a wider agricultural audience to come and hear from expert speakers from across the livestock and veterinary sectors. Conference tickets including the pre-conference farm visit can be purchased here.

Orffa expands in Asia

Founded in Belgium in 1967, Orffa is now expanding its presence in Asia with the appointment of Ramakanta Nayak as the new managing director for the Asia-Pacific region. Nayak will spearhead initiatives to provide science-driven feed solutions that address the specific needs of Asian livestock producers, with a focus on gut health an immunity, feed efficiency and mineral nutrition.

VIV Africa 2024 introduces dairy pavilion

VIV Africa 2024 takes place from 2-3 October 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda, bringing together global leaders, innovators, and industry professionals for an unparalleled opportunity to explore the latest trends, innovations, and solutions in the livestock sector. This year’s edition also sees the introduction of a dairy pavilion and a practical workshop, with the support of Global Dairy Farmers.

Timac Agro launches new range of granular feed supplements

Timac Agro UK has launched a new range of feed supplements based on the formulations of its livestock nutrition blocks, designed to aid feed efficiency in cows, sheep and goats. Now available, Spadea Rumen G and Spadea Fix’N G are 2 micro-granulated mineral supplements, formulated specifically to buffer the rumen and enhance the efficiency of feed utilisation.

Novus partners with Ginkgo Bioworks to develop new feed additives

Novus International and Ginkgo Bioworks, involved in cell programming and biosecurity, have partnered to develop advanced feed additives designed to meet the evolving needs of the animal agriculture industry. Novus will utilise Ginkgo Enzyme Services to build more efficient enzymes that can be produced cost-effectively.

Hanskamp launches the FeedStation Mobile

Hanskamp has introduces the FeedStation Mobile, a solution enabling automatic and individual distribution of concentrate feed to cows during grazing. This sustainable and mobile system is designed to improve the health and welfare of cows while reducing feed costs and optimising milk and meat production. The FeedStation Mobile can also be used in the barn by simply connecting it to a power source, allowing the station to be utilized year-round, both indoors and outdoors. The company will present the FeedStation Mobile at the EuroTier this November (hall 13, stand 13C15).

Mazoon Dairy receives FSSC 22000 V6 certification

Mazoon Dairy, a dairy producer in Oman, has received FSSC 22000 V6 certification, a globally-recognised food safety standard that integrates ISO 22000 standards with additional food safety requirements. Mazoon Dairy Company, established in 2015 and spanning 15 square kilometres, aims to boost self-sufficiency in dairy production, enhance the nutrition of the community of Oman through increased milk consumption, and stimulate high-quality food manufacturing.

Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. confirms strong start to 2024

Jan Derck van Karnebeek, CEO of Royal FrieslandCampina N.V., notes that in the first half of 2024, the company had a strong start with a recovery in profit margins and improved market positions. Meanwhile, the company will make a €30 million investment in the expansion of the whey processing capacity in the Netherlands. The whey supplied by the adjacent cheese factory will be converted into high-quality protein products for sports nutrition, medical nutrition, and infant formula. The project is expected to be completed by 2026.

Novus appoints associate director of innovation and business development

Sybren Attema, chairman of the board of Zuivelcoöperatie FrieslandCampina U.A, has been asked to extend his chairmanship of the cooperative’s board and supervisory board of Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. by 2 years.