Hamlet Protein, multinational producer of soy-based protein ingredients for young animals co-hosted a technical seminar in Guangzhou, China, together with USSEC and Vland. The seminar focused on how to prepare for the expected ban of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) and use of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) in animal diets in China. The program was well received by the large group of nutritionists and veterinarians from integrators, feed mills and premixers, as well as academics that attended the conference.
The Chinese government has announced its intention to eliminate the use of antibiotics in livestock feed by 2020. The implementation of this new policy will directly impact the feed industry. As producers are looking to improve on feeding, health and livestock farming practics, there is a clear desire to understand how the feed industry in other countries has addressed these challenges. In a series of presentations and panel discussions industry professionals and consultants engaged with attendees to discuss possible solutions.
Dr. Yu Feng, Regional Director Asia for Hamlet Protein commented, “Interacting with industry professionals at these kind of events is very important for us, as it allows to better understand the challenges our industry faces and how we can jointly work towards providing alternatives for long standing practices without compromising the quality or profitability of the production process. We were very happy to welcome technical management from industry leading companies such as Haid, Wens, Contifeed, TRS, Jiahe, and Zhengbang among others, as they are drivers of change in the Chinese market.”
Prof. Georg Dusel from Bingen University presented “The new challenges in pig nutrition – a practical approach in formulation diets for piglets and sows.” Sharing detailed trial data, he concluded that choosing a high SID protein source is essential in implementing low-protein diets as well as reducing oxidative stress in piglets.
Lars Andersen, Hamlet Protein Nutritionist from Denmark, talked about the formulation of piglet feed under the restrictions of antibiotic and ZnO use. He presented various trial results to show how careful selection of the protein sources in the piglet diets can have a huge impact on formulating diets without AGP and ZnO.
“In Europe we have been working with a restriction on AGP use for many years and are currently facing the ban on ZnO as well. At Hamlet Protein we have developed a range of products that can provide practical solutions when formulating diets with these restrictions.”