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Eggs, a great natural source of vitamin D

Vitamin D is a nutrient essential for bone development, skeletal health, healthy muscles and regulating the immune system, yet it is estimated that 1 in 8 people worldwide have a vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency [1]. There are lots of reasons to ensure you reach the recommended daily intake of this vital nutrient, and as one of the few natural food sources of Vitamin D, eggs can help you do it.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient with several important functions. Also known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’, vitamin D is produced in your skin in response to sunlight and is also naturally produced in a small number of foods, including eggs.

Good Sources of Vitamin D

The best source of vitamin D is sunlight. However, enjoying foods like eggs, which naturally contain vitamin D, as part of a healthy balanced diet can support you to meet your daily vitamin D requirements.

Vitamin D is only found in a small number of foods including:

  • Egg yolks
  • Oily fish
  • Red meat
  • Liver
  • Mushrooms

Research has found that an average serving of 2 eggs contains 8.2mcg of vitamin D, a substantial portion of the recommended dietary intake of vitamin D [2], making them a great addition to the diet to support the intake of adequate levels of this vital vitamin.

Why is Vitamin D important?

One of the most important functions of vitamin D is the regulation of the amount of calcium and phosphate absorbed by the body, contributing to normal growth and development in children and maintaining our bone, teeth and muscle health as we age. Vitamin D also supports the normal function of the immune system, which is the body’s first line of defence against infection and disease.

In addition to these primary benefits, research suggests that vitamin D may also play a role in fighting disease reducing depression and protecting against some cancers . Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that vitamin D may play a role in helping to reduce the chance of developing flu [6]. While further research suggests vitamin D may play an important role in regulating mood, with one study finding that people with depression who received vitamin D supplements noticed an improvement in their symptoms .

Although vitamin D is commonly called the ‘sunshine vitamin’, in recent years studies have found that even those in sunny climates can have insufficient levels of vitamin D. Changing lifestyle factors, including spending more time indoors, sun avoidance and protection to reduce the likelihood of developing skin cancers, and pollution levels can all impact the level of vitamin D the body is able to synthesise [14]. Therefore, the consumption of foods which naturally contain vitamin D, such as eggs can support the intake of adequate vitamin levels.

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Shortage of raw materials crippling poultry sector — NIAS

Acute shortage of maize and soybean has been identified as the main factor crippling the poultry sector in Nigeria.

The Registrar/CEO, Nigeria Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), Professor Eustace Iyayi, who disclosed this while addressing stakeholders during a collaborative meeting held with Premier Agribusiness Academy (PAA) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Oyo State, said, the unavailability of quality and affordable livestock feed to farmers can be attributed to the shortfall in local production of maize and soybean in the country.

According to him, it became imperative for NIAS to pay attention to livestock feed production in order to avoid livestock starvation, unprofitability, and indebtedness of farmers, especially those still struggling to remain in business.

He pointed out that the solution to this lingering scarcity and the high price of maize and soybean is to increase local production through farmers’ participation.

Iyayi explained that, if farmers can be properly trained on global best practices in feed production, individual farmers will be able to independently make quality feeds needed for their livestock consumption.

The DG, PAA, Francis Toromade said the academy is ready to help train farmers on global impactful practices (MIP) in maize and soybean production with the assistance of IITA.

According to him, IITA is renowned for quality research, which has helped transform and develop agriculture practices all over the world.

Speaking on behalf of IITA, the Head, Capacity Development Office, Sougrynoma Zainatou Soré expressed readiness to work with PAA and NIAS by supplying research documents used by IITA in improving its yield per hectare for soybean production and maize.

Source: The Guardian

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POULTRY MANAGEMENT IN THE RAINY SEASON

The rainy season is usually synonymous with an increase in relative humidity and a reduction in temperature; rainfall affects both the quality and quantity of feeding, while wind speed has an impact on the outbreak of diseases.

With the arrival of the rainy season, farmer needs to give a little bit more care and attention towards his crops along with the livestock. As we know, poultry farming is continuously growing as the most profitable agribusiness across the globe including India. However, monsoon comes as a challenging season for poultry farmers which could be very tormenting. As the rainy and cold season brings changes in temperature and weather conditions, it leaves a deep impact to the poultry farm. You need to know that weather conditions play a vital role in poultry farming as well. Hence, as a poultry farmer, it is very important to learn how to operate a poultry farm during rainy seasons.

Poultry birds and poultry production are generally affected by seasonal climatic or weather changes. For instance, in the wet or cold season, chickens eat more feed, drink less water and huddle together to generate heat and keep themselves warm. On the other hand, chickens and other livestock birds consume less feed and drink more water in the hot season or weather in order to cool their body. These changes affect the production of birds, most especially laying birds, as egg production is reduced in extremely cold or hot weather. This reduction in egg production occurs because when there are extreme cold or hot conditions, these birds are stressed, and their ability to withstand diseases or immune system is seriously affected.

It is always better to repair the house before the arrival of the rainy season and to clear the drainage ditch around the chicken house. When it rains, close the doors and windows or let the curtains open to prevent rain from entering the house and prevent the chickens from getting cold or other problems

One should reserve enough dry padding. The thick padding should be turned over and keep the padding dry. The wet agglomerated padding should be cleaned out of the house and reduce the ammonia concentration in the house.

Prevent the feed ingredients from getting wet, and the amount of feed should not be too much. The compound feed in the house should be placed on the platform above the ground to prevent the feed from regaining moisture and mildew in your battery cage for sale.

Under the influence of the rainy season of battery cage for layers, the humidity in the chicken house is increased, the litter is moist, the feed is mildewed, some production units cannot obtain clean drinking water, etc., which may lead to coccidiosis, E. coli outbreak, and elevated ammonia concentration. The risk of mycotoxin poisoning and respiratory disease infection increases.

Birds usually increase their level of feed intake to generate heat and stay warm during the rainy season/winter. However, for a farmer, increasing the level of feed provision raises the cost of production besides wastage of nutrients that are not needed for heat generation. To reduce costs and avoid wastage, energy-rich sources like oil/fat should be added to the diet or the level of other nutrients may be reduced keeping the energy at the same level.

In a free-range system, provide supplementary feeding to the birds to meet their nutrient deficit. Consider providing your birds with warm water periodically during this rainy season to encourage consumption and help them keep warm without using up energy reserved in the process.

With the rain, birds may encounter standing water (mostly in free-range) and end up drinking from the ground leading to parasitic infestation from intestinal worms.


De-wormers administered after every three months help in the management of worms but you should remember the product withdrawal period as specified by the manufacturer.

Poultry house should be designed in such a way that it provides all the comfort required by birds during cold season while considering ventilation as well. In regions where it rains heavily, the floor should be raised with a generous roof overhang, particularly over the entrance.

The raised floor can be a solid platform of the earth to prevent floods. Orientation of a building with respect to wind and sun consequently influence temperature and light on different external surfaces. With better management, your flock will remain healthy and productive throughout the cold season.

Wet litter condition may arise due to overcrowding, diarrhoea and excessive salt in the diet besides seepage from the roof. Wet litter condition should be prevented as it may lead to burnt hock condition, E.coli infection, coccidiosis etc. 

Hence proper housing space or stocking density along with proper ventilation should be ensured. Excessive caking of the litter should be prevented as it may lead to abrasions in the extremities and hock joint. Wet litter can be prevented by the frequent stirring of the litter.

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Young Egg Leaders discuss the opportunities and challenges of the future

The IEC Young Egg Leaders Programme brings together highly motivated future leaders from egg businesses around the world to support their professional development. In our final article in the series, current YEL’s Michael Griffiths, New Product Development Manager at Oakland Farm Eggs, UK, and Opeyemi Agbato, Executive Director Animal Health and Husbandry at Animal Care, Nigeria, share their views on the future challenges, threats and opportunities the egg industry may face.

What is the biggest untapped opportunity for the egg industry?

Michael: I believe there are lots of untapped opportunities for our industry. On the go and convenience products have witnessed significant growth in recent years as people look for convenience in their day to day lives. Although COVID will have impacted this in the short term, as less people commute to the office, it has also made people re-evaluate their health, and I believe there is a huge opportunity for eggs and egg products to provide a healthy and convenient source of nutrition.

Opeyemi: New research continues to showcase the reasons that eggs should be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet. I believe there are more opportunities for this to be done on a regional level, which would enable producers to showcase the health benefits of eggs based on local populations and demographics.

What are the top business issues on your mind?

Michael: One of the biggest business issues on my mind at the moment is the implications of the move to cage free production in the UK and the future of enriched colonies. These decisions will have a huge impact on egg production businesses in the UK, and I believe it is important that we are able to have open and honest conversations about the environmental and welfare impact of all systems to enable consumers to have the option to make their own informed choices.

Opeyemi: One of the biggest business issues on my mind is how we maintain year-round sales of eggs to avoid large gluts which impact prices. I believe it is important for us to look at new opportunities to reduce fluctuations, whether that be through promotions, exportation or potential preservation techniques, such as freezing, which could be used to support a more consistent price throughout the year.

What are the key threats for the egg industry?

Michael: Avian disease remains a key threat to our industry, particularly Avian Influenza. As we continue to face pressure in the UK to move away from enriched colony production to free range systems this threat becomes even larger, which is often overlooked. The health of our birds continues to remain the top priority for egg producers around the world, and I believe it is important that considerations such as disease threat are taken in to account when decisions made outside of the industry impact our production systems.

Opeyemi: Feed Input price instability and unavailability has been a major threat. Low yield of vital grains such as maize and soy beans compared to industrial demand, driving production costs very high which is transferred to egg prices. This has been due to insecurity in the rural farming areas which has also discouraged investment in mechanization and other efficient farming practices that could improve productivity. Farm lands are underutilized during the planting seasons, leading to scarcity. Another threat to the industry is the misguided perception of the role of eggs on our health. Historic claims around cholesterol continue to circulate in some regions, despite more recent scientific evidence showing that eggs do not negatively impact cholesterol levels. I believe as an industry we all have a role to help promote the value of the eggs, and showcasing the high standards eggs are produced to can aide this.

Dr Opeyemi Agbato is the current PRO of Poultry Association of Nigeria Ogun State

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Tackling maize shortage

Insecurity, border closures and restrictions following the COVID-9 pandemic contributed to the challenges maize farmers are facing to get seeds as the planting season kicks in across the country. The situation has raised fears that productivity will decline and threaten food security, as seed shortages are predicted for most staple crops.

Several parts of Africa are facing challenges of producing quality seeds for farmers as a result of the pandemic. Analysts have noted that unless a swift action is taken to facilitate producers’ access to seeds, the disruptions caused by the pandemic would lead to a decrease in agricultural production.

Last month, the Central Bank (CBN), through its Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP), released about 300,000 metric tonnes of maize into the market, to help reduce the prices of the product.

Earlier, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) facilitated waivers for four agro-processing firms to import 262,000 tonnes of maize to bridge the shortfall in production. The National President, Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN) Bello Abubakar, blamed insecurity in the major maize producing belt of Niger, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and some parts of Kano for the insufficiency of the product in the market. He explained that the planned dry season farming which is first of its kind in the country, timely distribution of inputs to farmers and improved security would significantly enhance production and ensure stability in price.

As part of the bank’s financing framework, the CBN has facilitated the funding of maize farmers and processors through the ABP Commodity Association, Private/Prime Anchors, state governments, Maize Aggregation Scheme (MAS), and the Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS).

Confirming the release of credit to its members by the apex bank, Abubakar said over 200,000 farmers were planning to produce more than 25 million metric tonnes of maize in the 2020/2021 planting season.

According to him, the credit is disbursed to members along the maize value chain, located in different states of the country.

On the CBN’s gesture, the National President, Federation of Agricultural Commodities Association of Nigeria (FACAN), Dr. Victor Iyama, noted that though the measure was short-term, it would go a long way to ameloriate the situation.

Iyama said since maize was one of the nation’s major grains and efforts should be focused on boosting production through continued support of famers with higher-quality seed at subsidised prices to farmers. Also, that the government should encourage farmers to increase maize cultivated areas across the states.

An Executive Director, Animal Care and the Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Chapter, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Dr. Opeyemi Agbato, said the allocation and release of maize to key feed millers under the CBN’s Strategic Maize Reserve programme was a much-needed intervention.

His words: “For it, we sincerely applaud their initiative. They made true to their words and pronouncements of release. It was unfortunate that the release coincided with a time when the prices of soy beans seeds (whose by-product a critical source of protein in poultry feed) experienced an astronomical increase mostly due to rapid exportation. Even though there is a dire need for foreign exchange in the country, Soy is insufficient for local use, current exportation is at the detriment of local livestock farmers, particularly poultry farmers. We hope that in the future, more strategic holding and release facilities for maize would be made available in all regions for ease of accessibility and reduction in the cost of transportation.”

With skyrocketing prices of some essential foods, he hoped that the price of subsequent maize release would be further reduced to as low as N135-145,000/ metric tonne (MT) or about 35 per cent lower than prevailing prices to the consumers to force the drop in prices of maize and cost of producing animal feed and food.

The Chief Executive, AFEX, Ayodeji Balogun, said his organisation was providing a roadmap to high-yield growth opportunities in the aggregation, storage, and marketing of maize in Nigeria.

AFEX provides storage warehouses with a warehouse receipt system to enable the market viability of the crops and a fair price share for farmers.

Since Maize remains an indispensable staple role in the food processing and feeds industry, Balogun said the organisation was happy to be associated with the release to aid increased maize production and productivity.

“By facilitating the release of the 300,000MT Maize, leveraging support from credible players in the ecosystem including our team at AFEX, the CBN will offer over 35,000 farmers and agro-processors a channel through which they can trade maize at a subsidised rate, and thereby reduce the adverse effect of the maize price hike, increase local demand, and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

“With maize being a core food basket, the allocation of the commodity to smallholder farmers, prime anchors such as Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Flour Mills, Livestock and Feeds processors, will create a sustainable availability and pricing structure in the market, reducing maize prices and bridging the supply gap and scarcity in the national and local market regions,” he added.

Courtsey: The Nation

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OFFER FOR MAIZE ALLOTMENT

PANOG eventually got allocation of 2,200 metric tons maize allocation from the 10,000 metric tons allocated to PAN South West from CBN.
After due deliberation, the Central Executives hereby propose guidelines below as modalities for sharing within our members:

  1. Payment of 2021 and 2020 (where relevant) annual due by the farmer. Amended annual dues as shown below.
  2. Zonal Chairman’s approval of the farmer
  3. Minimum order per allottee of 30tons for ease of logistics (2 or 3 farmers can be encouraged to merge together but payment shall be made by only one farmer and the mergers shall be at the discretion of the farmers)
  4. Payment for the maize shall be made directly to CBN account with evidence made available to the Zonal Coordinator and the State Secretariat ( This is subject to ongoing discussion with CBN/SWPAN).
  5. Payment of agreed logistics and subcharges shall be made directly into PANOG’S current account.
  6. A payment window of not later than 5 days after announcement of maize allotment
  7. Past activities of member with the association.
    Zonal Chairmen should take the above as an invitation for their member’s application.

All applications from zones should be collated and submitted to the state Secretariat through the General Secretary or the Admin Secretary not later than noon of Monday, 22th February while final allocation will be announced from the Central Executives later same Monday

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Press Release

Poultry farmers Ijebu Zone, on egg prices.

All of us the executives of PANOG IJEBU ZONE as farmers are as troubled by the circumstances around us as you the members.

We are currently facing intense threat that might force farms to go underground, as a result of the serious challenges confronting our industry.

The rising cost of poultry feeds which cut across all the species and ages is one of the factors responsible.
Irregular prices and underpricing of our products is also a very big factor.

During the last festive season, large number of the farmers have closed-shops, while those still operating are either struggling to remain in business at zero profit or incurring huge debts to stay afloat.

As an association with a vision, the executives at the Zonal, State and South-West level held a press conference to appeal and send an SOS to the Federal Government of Nigeria to save the poultry industry from imminent collapse.

As we all wait for the outcome of the engagement between the state executive, SouthWest and the FG before trying ‘other options’, the Chairman and other executives of the zone are working round to clock to provide a solution to these problems.

“The major happening is that farmers have been selling below their cost price due to individualistic behaviour of some of our farmers. To further minimise our losses the Executives have directed all farmers to have a *minimum* selling price of a crate of egg to be *₦1200*

Also on the long and medium-term, the PANOG IJEBU ZONE is happy to inform our members that we are kick-starting our cooperative society which in future will help in terms of feed price regulation, price control, access to cheap and quality feed and raw materials and soon.

Our telephone number :
+234(0)8075444840 – Secretary Ijebu Zone
+234(0)8038826321- PRO Ijebu Zone

Don’t let the muggles get us down… Poultry farming shall rise again.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

The Executives.
Poultry Association of Nigeria.
Ogun State.
IJEBU ZONE.
POULTRY ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA. OGUN STATE. IJEBU ZONE.
10, CHRIS’ OGUNBANJO WAY, OPPOSITE COCA-COLA DEPOT, IJARI. IJEBU-ODE.*
Ogun state.
Nigeria.

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Press Release

IMMINENT COLLAPSE OF POULTRY INDUSTRY: OVER 5MILLION JOBS THREATENED – SAVE OUR SOUL

The Poultry Industry in the South West Geo-Political Zone is over 6 decades growing consistently and steadily to a population of 30million a number representing more than 60% of the National Poultry Population. In investment, this sector is worth over N2 Trillion Naira. In job creation, it employs over 10 million people, directly and indirectly, using its wide value chain from farm to field.  It is worthy of note that this sector is almost 100% private driven.

However, if urgent attention is not given to the lingering crisis of Grains especially maize and Soya, we fear that an industry with such enviable statistics may suffer a total collapse.

About July 2020, the price of maize due to inadequate supply against the huge demand by the Poultry Sector and other users rose from a price of 105000 – 165000.   In the midst of this hike in price, the Central Bank of Nigeria announced a ban on Forex for the importation of maize which further drove the price too as high as 185000/TON.

Principal among the reasons for the BAN was to encourage local production.  Currently, the jobs of maize and soya beans growers are not in any way threatened because they cannot even meet the huge local demand for the products. Yet the acute scarcity and astronomical prices of soya beans and maize threaten additional five million poultry jobs in the short term except Your Excellency intervenes.

After much public outcry by the Poultry farmers, a concession was given to some Poultry Stakeholders to import 262000MT. This had long been done and in the onset of harvest which was November 2020, it was obvious that our local production was grossly inadequate to support the Poultry Industry through 2021 given the following reasons:

  • Shortfall in Rainfall and still being largely dependent on rain fed agriculture
  • Insecurity and Herdsmen Challenges which implied that most farmers did not plant
  • Higher demand for Maize in the Poultry Sector due to the Broiler Anchor Borrower Program of the FGN through CBN/NIRSAL
  • Export Activities some illegal

As at today, Maize is 210,000/MT in most states of the South West, Soya Meal 240000/MT. Due to the fact that these two items form about 75-78 % of an average poultry ration, the price of poultry feed has continuously been on the increase from about 2750 -3000 in April 2020 to 4850-5300 today.   In December, most farmers from small to large were unable to sell their broiler because the cost of production was even higher than what an average Nigerian can afford.   Presently, egg is going out of the reach of an average family with ideal price at 1300 per crate but the farm gate price is still at 1000-1100 a price that will force farmers to close down.

OUR PRAYERS

  1.  The Government to approve urgent importation of Animal Feed Grade of Maize to Sustain the over 50million layers, 100million broilers, 1million breeders, and other classes of poultry until the next harvest season.
  2. In the interim, Government to enforce a ban on export of Soya both seed and the Processed Meal.
  3. The Governors in the Southwest to put as much efforts to the cultivation of maize as they have done with rice. 
  4. A strong Collaboration between Maize Farmers Association of Nigeria, Soya Farmers Association of Nigeria and PAN to determine the body’s actual yearly need and assessing the later Yield Vis a Vis her need for proper planning.
  5. To save the current 10million jobs in the Poultry Value Chain of the Nigerian Economy.

Yours faithfully,

For: Poultry Association of Nigeria, South West

Dr. Olalekan Odunsi

General Secretary