Thirty-six innovations across species were recognized in this year’s innovation awards Innov’Space organized by French agricultural trade show SPACE.
The awards are now in their 25th year, with entries judged by an independent multi-disciplinary jury. Winning entries are awarded either one or two stars and, of the 36 winners this year, 11 can be used in the poultry industry.
Two stars
Two products were awarded two stars at this year’s Innov’Space, one being exclusively for use in poultry production, the other applicable to various species.
The Ultraflush System, from Lubing International, has been developed to aid the cleaning of drinking water systems. It has an ultrasonic transducer, which is fitted onto the main water pipe, and is connected to an autonomous controller. This generates imperceptible ultrasonic pulses that have no impact on equipment or other treatments, but that permanently remove solid particles that may have built up within pipework. Combined with its rinsing system, Lubing says, all particles are removed and carried out of the water network.
AA: Origin Matters! is the result of a study carried out by Metex Noovistago that looked at lifecycle analysis for amino acid production. The study was carried out in compliance with IS 14040/14044 quality norms and LEAP/PEF methodological guidelines, and its findings include 16 official lifecycle analysis indicators for seven amino acids produced in countries that supply the European market, including for those produced at its own factory in France. Metex Noovistago says that the data is new for the animal nutrition sector, and that variability from one production area to another is high. Using the analyses offers amino acid purchasers the opportunity to reduce their environmental impacts through better understanding what they are purchasing.
One Star
Ten products of value to the poultry industry were granted one star this year, with four being for exclusive use in the poultry sector.
Fancom’s Fantura tunnel air inlet offers a constant flow of fresh air, even at low ventilation levels, thanks to a V shape on its upper edge. The inlet can be opened gradually, from the top, resulting in better tunnel management during times of high temperatures.
Its four mobile slats can be moved down, starting from the top, one after another, without dislodging. The slats can be moved using a motor, which is able to control eight inlets. The Fantura air tunnel inlet is made from insulated polyurethan, and the slats are fitted with Qlon seal. Fantura tunnel is delivered in kit form.
ECS’ Multi-Avic Electric is an electric, multifunction self-propelled cart. It is very easy to guide and has been designed to allow the rapid attachment of implements. It has hydraulic forward and reverse and an adjustable working speed. Multi-Avic Electric makes a number of tasks less arduous, including spreading litter, starter feed and chick paper distribution and turning litter.
Smart from Nectra is an egg tray refilling technology, part of an innovative system to process, sort and place hatching eggs directly into the incubation tray, and doing away with rolling which can damage eggs in a variety of ways. Eggs are manipulated only once or twice, and trays are filled in one go. Eggs can be sorted by weight, correctly repositioned and positioned for early candling or in-ovo sexing. This not only results in better hatchability, less cross contamination, fewer cracks or dirty shells, but also results in energy and labor savings.
The Digikerg system, developed by the Chambers of Agriculture of Brittany, is a digital and interactive learning tool that links farmers, advisors or students via an experimental farm. Each participant is given a tablet through which they can participate in interactive learning activities and games, with this first Digikerg version focusing on agroecology and comprising 100 activities. The program gives access to the work of the Chambers of Agriculture of Brittany at the Kerguehennec Agronomy Station. Once registered, groups can access knowledge that can be applied on the farm. Programs from other experimental stations will be developed.
Inneus from Metex Noovistago is an additives range that mixes amino acids with polyphenols to boost the defenses of animals facing stress. The range boosts the health of young monogastrics through exploiting the role of amino acids in metabolic pathways related to immunity, oxidative stress and the correct function of the intestinal barrier, as well as muscle deposition. Additionally, the synergistic effect of combining amino acids with polyphenols allow them to reach the hindgut and positively modulate the microbiota.
The web application Hygi’Check, from Synthese Elevage, can be used to make cleaning and or disinfection of livestock buildings easier and optimized to local conditions. Using a few specified parameters, along with the floor area of the building, the tool can generate a specific cleaning/disinfection protocol and that can be displayed on-farm. The protocol details the steps that should be taken for effective disinfection/cleaning and suggests appropriate products and the quantities to be used. This not only ensures that disinfection and cleaning are correctly recommended but also reduces cost and environmental impacts. Technical data and safety sheets for recommended products are also available.
The Ministar 2.5m3 is a new, environmentally friendly silo made from woven flax fibers rather than fiberglass, while the polyester resin used to bind the fibers comprises 39% renewable raw materials.
Opti’Soins is a phone app that facilitates contact between farmers and veterinarians. Its developers, Adventiel, note that veterinary care in rural areas is becoming ever harder to access due to there being fewer veterinarians. Both farmers and vets are suffering from full schedules and delays, and this can be harmful to animals in need of care. The economic and environmental costs of traveling long distances to visit rural areas are also hampering veterinarians’ visits.
Addressing these problems, the Opti’Soins app offers a route optimization module for veterinarians, a notification system for delays, a remote assistance function with video and chat, and an emergency call function that connects producers to an on-duty veterinarian. The app is suitable to access veterinary care for a variety of species.
Ro’Peek is an autonomous monitoring robot developed by Copeeks. It continuously monitors animal or plant production in covered areas, giving real-time data on atmospheric conditions and animal distribution. The robot can be quickly and easily installed, is self-calibrating on its suspension cable and continuously moves to map the space below. Rotating cameras capture information from both sides of the cable day and night. Using image analysis and sensor data, an in-depth spatial and temporal report is produced.
French agriculture trade show celebrates 35th year
