Many new products and services were present at this year's agricultural trade show SPACE, held in Rennes, France, in mid-September. To encourage innovation, the event's organizers run Innov'Space, offering recognition via a ranking system of one to three stars.
This year saw a record number of products entered into Innov'Space -- 178. Of recognized products, 15 were exclusively for use, or can be used, in poultry production.
Three Stars
NeXcell -- IMV Technologies. NeXcell is an antibiotic-free conservation medium allowing storage of turkey semen at 4C for longer than achievable via other media. Use of the medium does not impact sperm cell integrity or fertilization. Female turkeys inseminated using the medium at six hours post-collection showed the same rate of fertility as those inseminated within 30 minutes of semen collection.
Two Stars
Emily Connect -- Emily. Emily Connect is a selector box, which brings the functions of various selector boxes into one. The company says that it is the first to be able control various equipment, such as straw blowers and feed mixers, with one control box. This not only saves wiring but economizes electricity and space.
One Star
Climwell -- Tuffigo Rapidex. Climwell ventilation equipment can overcome problems that may be associated with housing using a heat exchange system. It works with ventilation flow rather than against it, and it contains a removable cartridge facilitating easy cleaning and disinfection. It can be easily installed without specific engineering requirements, and it is operated by computer, ensuring accuracy and responsiveness.
Combi Pullet -- Farmer Automatic. With the Combi Pullet rearing system, birds decide when they wish to leave the system or re-enter it. Day-old chicks are placed into the upper deck, which is half closed. Once big enough, chicks start to leave the system but are also able to get back in for food and water. The system brings maximum performance with minimal out-of-nest lay. When the system's doors are completely closed, it can be used for rearing.
Elector -- Elanco. A treatment for red mites, one Elector application can give total control for up to 12 weeks. The product works on two mite nerve sites making survival difficult. It has a continuous effect, firstly through spraying into hiding places and secondly via surface contact where mites migrate. The product is welfare friendly and eggs produced during spraying do not need to be discarded.
Execo -- Michard-Apic. Execo is a feed distribution system that fills all pans at the same time with the same quantity of feed. Feed can be dispensed on demand, can be restricted or can be released sequentially, allowing precision and even distribution.
Galli-Luxmeter -- Hato BV Lighting. Regular lux meters do offer information that corresponds with the vision sensitivity of poultry, the manufacturers say. Using the Galli-Luxmeter, however, allows the correct light levels for housing to be determined, and this can help with welfare regulation compliance.
Greenglove -- Polysem. The first biodegradable and compostable veterinary glove, made from materials of agricultural origin. The glove composts within 45 days without releasing pollutants.
Inlet Inzi'air -- Sodalec Distribution Sodis. Inlet Inzi'air is a modular air inlet permitting more controlled airflow management. It offers three settings, facilitating management of flow and speed, all managed by a single winch.
Inline Cropper -- Bayle. This evisceration equipment is for use on low-speed lines (below 1,000 birds/hour). It conducts an operation normally carried out manually or by carousel and saves space. The equipment works inline parallel to the conveyor, is particularly suited to low-capacity operations and can be installed in narrow spaces.
Itrans-Feeder -- Dussau Distribution. The feeding robot automates feed distribution and use and can be operated remotely. The positioning of the robot maximizes available feeding space, and it can spread feed in the trough accurately, equally and consistently. The device is mechanically simple, thus needing less input and maintenance from operators.
Palmatrap -- San San Prodesing/Koppert France. Palmatrap is a trap for the lesser mealworm. It consists of a robust cone, into which lesser mealworms can climb but from which they cannot escape, which can be fixed onto a collecting bow. Lasting for several years without maintenance, Palmatrap is made from 100 percent recyclable plastic and operates without insecticides or chemicals.
Ronozyme Hiphos -- DSM Nutrition Products France. A phytase additive for use in pig and poultry diets, its main advantage is that it releases 25 percent more phosphorous than other marketed phytases. Its rapid action reduces the anti-nutritional effect of phytate, and it reduces the amount of phytate, amino acids, calcium and trace elements reaching the small intestine. The product is highly thermostable and dust free.
Separator V3000 -- GMMI. Designed for use in hatcheries, the stainless steel equipment separates the shell from infertile eggs. It is small in size but has a capacity of 30,000 eggs per hour. Much quieter than centrifuge systems, the V3000 is completely washable, robust and maintenance free.
Wisebox -- Wisecon France. The Wisebox rat and mouse exterminator is poison free, automatic and works with rodent behavior. On entering the Wisebox, rats and mice are electrocuted and deposited into a plastic bag meaning that upon emptying, contact with the dead animals is avoided. Kill numbers can be monitored via the Internet, with the boxes located by GPS. Messages are sent when the box is full. A solar panel option extends the device's lifetime battery.
