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The Myco'Kingdom platform gathers seven functionalities for identifying, assessing, preventing and managing mycotoxin risk. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Agriculture

Global livestock and crop farming solutions company, Olmix has recently launched its new platform MycoKingdom.net, dedicated to managing and understanding mycotoxin risk

The initiative aims to address a growing concern involving the presence of mycotoxins in a wide variety of crops such as corn and wheat. This can pose a major threat to animal nutrition since mycotoxins can have a detrimental impact on animal health if not appropriately controlled.

In order to minimise economic losses linked to contaminationhe, the Myco'Kingdom platform gathers seven functionalities for identifying, assessing, preventing and managing mycotoxin risk. Among the tools on offer is Myco’Essential, now available in a digital version, a real guide containing general information on the nature of mycotoxins (around 30 different molecules studied belonging to 9 families) and more specific information on their effects on animals and the level of toxicity of the most common mycotoxins. In addition, the Myco’Simulator provides an in-depth understanding of mycotoxins. It shows the structure of the six main mycotoxins to learn about their physico-chemical behavior, which gives them th eir toxicity.

It is important to keep in mind the need for correct sampling since it accounts for 80% of laboratory analytical errors. To avoid errors, the Myco'Kingdom platform comes with a sampling procedure outlining the best practices for collecting feed samples to ensure accurate mycotoxin studies. The Myco’Screen service offers different types of analysis, including rapid methods and full screenings (up to 44 mycotoxins per sample) using chromatography.

The following tools have been used to build the reputation of the platform in recent years:

1. Myco'Evaluator: A diagnostic tool.

2. Myco'Calculator: Optimises the use of the platform's solutions.

In the event of a proven risk, Olmix offers two solutions:

1. MT.X+: In powder form, this is suitable for feed mills and premix producers.

2. MMi.S: The microgranulated version of this is particularly suitable for direct use on farms.

“Thanks to this platform of interactive tools, designed for simple, intuitive navigation, Olmix is extending its range of services to support livestock professionals on a daily basis: nutritionists, formulators, technicians, veterinarians and breeders,” explained Marie Gallissot, head of the mycotoxin solutions range at Olmix.

 

Body AI Score is a camera-based system. (Image source: SCHAUER Agrotronic)

Pig

SCHAUER Agrotronic GmbH has launched Body AI Score that ensures automated condition assessment and condition-adapted feeding 

Body AI Score is a camera-based system that can be used in the feeding station, selection station or as a stand-alone device during stabling. The animal is recorded by camera from several positions, analysed and the condition of the animal determined. The artificial intelligence (AI) supported analysis of the animal is based on a specially created standard, which has been developed and calculated through countless practical measurements. It can be installed in the feeding station itself or in CID Selection. This enables continuous measurement of the condition curve and early adjustments to the feed curve. However, it is also possible to equip a separate stand-alone station, which is positioned in the raceway, with which all animals are assessed before being driven into the holding pen.

Until now, the condition of the animal could only be evaluated by measuring the thickness of the back fat. This is extremely time-consuming and difficult to reproduce, as this measurement has to be carried out at specific, precisely measured points. Automation is not possible due to the high individuality of the animals. Another approach is to record the animal's weight. However, this method only allows limited conclusions to be drawn about the condition of the animal, as the animals can be of different lengths and heights and therefore their weight is of little significance.

Furthermore, the weight also fluctuates greatly depending on whether the sow has just consumed water or feed, defecated or urinated. This leaves only the trained eye of the operator. External staff are often not qualified to correctly assess the animals. With Body AI Score, it is possibl to automate the condition assessment and assignment of the correct feed curve, thereby optimising performance and costs.

It is not sufficient to assess the condition of pregnant sows based solely on weight. This requires a correct assessment either by the trained eye of the barn staff or, for example, by measuring backfat thickness, However, this method often produces inconsistent results. The barn staff judge the animals according to criteria such as ‘not too lean’ or ‘not too fat’. The amount of feed required depends on the condition of the sows. This is significantly influenced by the sow's condition. However, as the barn staff often change on larger farms, the sows are often fed the same amount.

If the animals are not fed properly, they become fat, waste feed or are too thin. Automatic control helps to avoid this. The animals are fed in the way that is best for them. This saves money and makes the animals more fertile. 

 

Monarch MK-V tractor demonstrating V2G through Borg Warner DCFC and Gridtractor CMS. (Image source: Gridtractor)

Equipment

Gridtractor, Monarch Tractor, and Borg Warner have achieved a significant milestone by successfully demonstrating Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities utilising a Monarch MK-V tractor, a Borg Warner 60 kW DC fast charger, and Gridtractor’s cloud-based charge management system employing the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) 

The new solutions aim to help growers maximise crop production and optimize their use of resources, thus minimising the impact on the environment. (Image source: Bayer)

Machinery & Equipment

Orbia’s Precision Agriculture business Netafim, along with Bayer recently began their expansion, starting with new digital farming solutions for fruit and vegetable growers

The new solutions aim to help growers maximise crop production and optimise their use of resources, thus minimising the impact on the environment. Although the adoption of digital tools has increased in recent years, those currently available in horticulture are not addressing growers' needs holistically. For instance, switching between multiple software applications has proved challenging and the siloed nature of today's solutions is making daily activities more complex.

Therefore, in order to simplify primary data collection and sharing for the cultivation of fruits and vegetables, Bayer, as part of its collaboration has developed a new digital platform called HortiView that enables growers to benefit from an ecosystem of connected agronomic services that support data-driven decisions and market access.

Orbita Netafim has simultaneously developed irrigation insights that will be available through HortView's platform. These irrigation recommendations with be generated to uniquely cater to each grower based on the primary data provided by them in HortiView. Orbia Netafim's all-in-one irrigation operating system called GrowSphere features optimised irrigation, crop protection, and fertigation applications. The collaboration will also expand to include this operating system. These new solutions are already in use by some grower advisors, who are providing feedback to ensure broader availability in the future. 

Ofer Oveed, SVP Technology and Crops at Orbia Precision Agriculture (Netafim) expressed his delight to be collaborating with Bayer on combining their agronomic and technological expertise. "By leading the digital farming revolution together, we can deliver food security through sustainable agriculture,” said Oveed.

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