As the debate over housing for layers and egg safety continues, the Poultry Science Association (PSA) has put its weight behind those calling for the need for further research. This comes as international pressure grows on the egg industry to shift from conventional cages to non-cage housing systems for layers.

European pig producers are on the crest of favourable exchange rates and enjoying the benefits of good profitability after several years in the doldrums. However, industry experts’ advise that producers should invest profits in improving their businesses to secure their production basis before expanding their herds.

While Denmark is leading the way to allow pig producers to play a bigger role in biogas production to generate electricity and supplement the country’s national gas grid, producers in the UK are close behind in their desire to exploit nature’s resources to help them generate green power.

A group of dedicated UK researchers-cum farmers have just a small herd of pigs, but the results of their studies into pig behaviour have already persuaded fast food giant McDonald’s to change its global advice to suppliers.

A UK feed manufacturing company is well into a major rebranding exercise in a concerted effort to extend its influence and grab a larger proportion of the global animal feed market.

The latest European Union poultry figures reveal that while poultry meat production grew 0.6% in 2009, volume is expected to drop slightly by 0.5% during 2010.

After concentrating on improving its breeding herd for the past seven years, a UK pig breeding company, JSR Genetics, is turning its attention to growth rates and feeding efficiency with a new £2.1 million (US$3.3 million) 8,500-place pig weaning-to-finishing facility.

A new £1.85-million (US$ 2.88 million) project looking at innovative ways to convert farm waste into energy in England could provide some good news for the small to medium-sized pig farmers around the world who want to invest in anaerobic digestion (AD) to generate green power and deal with slurry in an environmentally friendly way.

UK-based poultry company, 2 Sisters Food Group, which already supplies a wide variety of products to retail, food service and manufacturing companies around the world, has acquired a new Dutch base to provide it with a platform to expand further into Central and Eastern Europe.

The largest specialist animal feed company in the UK expands its reach abroad.

While European grain stocks are high, and GM sentiment may be improving, the year ahead may not be plain sailing.

An international collaboration could result in feed that generates less pollution.