Vitamins are usually provided in premixes. Although vitamins are only required in small amounts in the diet, they are considered essential and their effects on animal performance are huge. Vitamins are not just building blocks or energy-yielding compounds but are also involved in many of the biochemical pathways in […]

In June 2017, the Department of Agriculture in South Africa announced the suspension of all trade in poultry meat and eggs from Zimbabwe after news of a bird flu outbreak in the east of Harare.   Many other Southern African countries followed suit and have also implemented bans on  poultry […]

Cleaning and disinfection are an essential part of any biosecurity program. Follow this 10 STEP program to achieve a healthy environment in the poultry house and minimize performance challenges.   STEP 1 – START WITH A PLAN Any good program starts with a plan. Set dates and times and establish […]

A chicken utilises various behavioural and metabolic mechanisms to maintain a homeostatic internal environment and ensure normal physiological function. A deviation from this homeostatic condition is called “stress”. Commercially farmed chickens are subjected to conditions that constantly challenge their ability to maintain this homeostatic state and chicken stress has a […]

Urban Farmer appoints young vet in Zambia to support its health and hygiene business.   Urban Farmer is committed to enabling livestock production in Africa and to offering holistic solutions to its clients focused on nutrition, health, hygiene and management.   The demand for its range of health and hygiene […]

A feed additive is a supplement used in animal nutrition for purposes of improving the quality of the feed and ultimately the quality of our food from animal origin.   Why do commercial diets require feed additives? Animals need to consume a nutritious diet to maintain good health and achieve […]