Poultry business update: What did you miss this November?
We’re keeping our finger on the pulse and bring you a summary of the latest business updates from the global poultry industry from November, including Aviagen UK’s first-ever combined breeder-broiler tour across the UK, the launch of new poultry performance enhancers by Utrix, AHV International securing a patent for quorum-sensing inhibition technology, Biochem’s acquisition agreement for BASF’s global glycinate business, Hendrix Genetics’ FAO recognition for their sustainable livestock transformation program in Africa, and a collaborative avian influenza vaccination project in Singapore. This and more from the global poultry industry.
Utrix launches a poultry performance enhancer
Utrix S.A.L. has launched BactiCid NG, a next-generation feed additive to improve gut health, enhance the microbiota balance, and optimise poultry performance. The formulation combines tributyrin with encapsulated essential oils for a synergistic effect on gut health and performance. It comes in a powder, antibiotic-free premixture. The company also introduced 6 new liquid drinking-water solutions for poultry in the Lebanese market: UtriCool, UtriRespi, UtriCalm, UtriShell L, UtriCid DW and KleenTox DW.
Aviagen Live hits the road for first-ever breeder-broiler tour
The Aviagen UK customer service team brought a fresh format to its long-running roadshow this autumn, combining Ross 308 breeder and broiler audiences for the first time in the Aviagen Live events. Over 5 days, the speakers, panelists and UK technical service managers travelled more than 800 miles/1,200 km across the country joining customers and sector representatives in open discussions focused on flock welfare, sustainability and productivity.
Cobb donates over 11,000 pounds of protein
Cobb-Vantress has donated more than 11,000 pounds of protein to The Manna Center in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, as part of Cobb’s Miles That Matter programme, which turns team members’ physical activity – walking, running, biking, swimming, etc. –into meaningful impact. For every mile logged, Cobb donates a pound of protein to hunger relief efforts. The Manna Center of Siloam Springs provides essential food and clothing assistance for up to 800 families each week, and this donation will help feed thousands across Northwest Arkansas and Northeast Oklahoma.
Evonik showcased enhanced Ecobiol probiotic at Poultry India 2025
At Poultry India 2025 in November, Evonik introduced the updated Ecobiol probiotic for poultry, now with an optimised outgrowth profile for faster activation. Ecobiol, based on Bacillus CECT 5940, is a natural spore-forming probiotic that germinates up to 46% faster than competitors thanks to advanced fermentation technology. This rapid growth increases active probiotic cells in the upper small intestine, supporting gut health, enhancing feed efficiency, improving nutrient absorption, and ensuring consistent performance across production systems.
Evonik upgrades logistics infrastructure for MetAmino in Antwerp
Evonik used the September-October shutdown of its Antwerp methionine facilities to modernise MetAmino (DL-methionine) logistics. A new filling installation and expanded big-bag storage boost packaging flexibility, occupational safety, and global supply security. AHV International secures patent for QSI technology
Quorum-sensing-powered technology has received a patent, marking a significant advancement in animal health. AHV International’s patented QSI Technology Extract helps maintain animal health by modulating microorganism quorum sensing, enhancing resilience against biofilm-related disorders. This innovation reduces chronic disease incidence in ruminants, swine, poultry, and aquatic animals.
Aviagen Kft awards Kekava Foods
Kekava Foods, with European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) scores ranging from 460 to 480 across 15 flocks, has become the first member of the newly-established Ross 460 Club, being recognised for the exceptional welfare, sustainability and performance of its Bauska Farm flocks in Latvia. At a special event held on 11 November, Aviagen Kft celebrated the teams behind these achievements.
Agreement reached for Biochem’s acquisition of BASF’s global glycinate business
Biochem and BASF have entered into a binding agreement on Biochem’s acquisition of BASF’s global glycinate business. By acquiring this business, Biochem gains enhanced market access and a well-established network of distribution partners from BASF, guaranteeing a seamless transition for all customers worldwide. The transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of 2026.
Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health increases micronutrition production capacity
Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health has announced the completion of a major expansion at its Engerwitzdorf facility in Austria, increasing current production capacity by 50% to meet the growing customer demand for micronutrition solutions. The facility has been operating with 2 large silos for raw materials since it opened in 2020. By adding 6 additional silos, the facility is now able to produce up to 30,000 mt per year, enough to fortify up to 200 million mt of feed.
DSM-Firmenich launches Verax for layers
DSM-Firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health has launched its Verax machine learning-based precision service for layers, designed to transform how egg producing farms can manage their animal health, welfare, and productivity by enabling producers to predict performance drops, stress events, and health challenges. Scott Cavey, head of Precision Nutrition & Health: “Smart farming demands more than technology – it requires insight from inside of the bird.”
Hendrix Genetics earns FAO recognition and strengthens global sustainability efforts
Hendrix Genetics received FAO Technical Recognition in Sustainable Livestock Transformation during the organisation’s 80th anniversary and World Food Forum in Rome in mid-October 2025. The award spotlights their SAPPSA program, co-funded with the Gates Foundation since 2018, which develops resilient dual-purpose chicken breeds for African smallholders. It has reached 31 million farmers, including 8 million in 2025.
Agreement reached for Biochem’s acquisition of BASF’s global glycinate business
Biochem and BASF have entered into a binding agreement on Biochem’s acquisition of BASF’s global glycinate business. By acquiring this business, Biochem gains enhanced market access and a well-established network of distribution partners from BASF, guaranteeing a seamless transition for all customers worldwide. The transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of 2026.
Collaborative effort to strengthen Singapore’s preparedness against avian influenza
Ceva Wildlife Research Fund, Ceva Animal Health, the National Parks Board, and Mandai Wildlife Group have signed a MoU to jointly conduct a pilot of an established avian flu vaccination programme for zoological birds in Singapore. The programme aims to enhance the resilience of threatened and at-risk bird species, and to expand the vaccine’s effectiveness across a broader range of species against the threat of high pathogenicity avian influenza.
DSM-Firmenich launches Sustell carbon value program
DSM-Firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health has announced the launch of its Sustell Carbon Value Program, designed to help the agri-food value chain reduce carbon footprints at low cost – or even at a profit. This program enables companies to decarbonise their value chains, meet sustainability targets, comply with reporting requirements, and benefit financially from the achieved emissions reductions. The program package includes ISO-assured footprint measurement via the Sustell life cycle assessment platform, the prerequisite protocols to credibly transfer emission reductions across the value chain, and expertise on animal nutrition and sustainability to deliver impact from farm to fork.
Novus refreshes logos
Novus has unveil its refreshed product logos, designed to improve visibility and align with the nutrition company’s corporate identity. The new logos and colors can be seen on company brochures, trade show booths, and the website. Senior director of Global Strategic Marketing, Laura Muñoz, says the new look is in service of the company’s diverse customer base, which includes nutritionists, poultry, swine, and cattle producers, veterinarians, as well as feed mills and distributors.
Novus presents first-ever International Teaching Award
Novus presented the company’s first-ever International Teaching Award to Professor Jiangxia Zheng, Ph.D., during the Poultry Science Association’s Pacific-Rim Scientific Conference. The award honours exceptional educators outside of the US who are shaping the future of poultry science through excellence in teaching, research, and mentorship. A faculty member at the Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology at China Agricultural University, Zheng has dedicated 18 years to advancing poultry education and innovation in the full range of poultry production. Zheng, who has published over 40 peer-reviewed journal papers, currently leads a research program in egg quality and safety.
Chloe Alexander wins Zoetis-NFU Poultry Trainee Award
Chloe Alexander received the 2024 Zoetis–NFU Poultry Trainee Award from Will Raw, NFU poultry board vice chairman, at the Egg & Poultry Industry Conference in Newport, Wales. She was awarded a £1,000 training grant sponsored by Zoetis. Runner-up Oladele Onada also attended the conference with expenses covered. Based in County Fermanagh, Chloe holds an agriculture degree from Greenmount College and began her career at Moy Park before joining Greenfield Foods in 2023. She manages nearly 100 farms as a field officer and is currently pursuing a 2-year Applied Poultry Science course with SRUC/University of Edinburgh. Entries for the 2025 award are open via Poultec Training, Scotland’s Rural College, or BHR Communications.
