The strategic and innovative encapsulation process is a new benefit which enables essential oils to have a longer shelf life by protecting from environmental impacts, partly masking strong odor whilst maintaining key features of enhancement of palatability, stability in ration, improved digestion and, consequently, better performance.
Advances in poultry breeding have provided egg producers with unprecedented increases in egg yield and quality alongside the more cost-effective use of poultry feed.
FAO has urged heightened readiness and surveillance against a possible major resurgence of the H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza amid signs that a mutant strain of the deadly Bird Flu virus is spreading in Asia and beyond, with unpredictable risks to human health.
Merck’s animal health division, formerly known as Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, has now been christened Merck Animal Health. It will be known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada.
“The name change reflects Merck’s commitment to animal health and its complementary role to the overall business,” said Raul Kohan, President of Merck Animal Health. “We are unwavering in our commitment to veterinarians, producers, pet owners and society as a whole. We aim to generate additional value and sustained growth by continuing to provide integrated solutions with innovative animal health products and services to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
Mr. Kohan continued, “With the scientific and business backing of Merck, Merck Animal Health possesses the necessary mix of resources to enhance our position as an industry leader."
Merck Animal Health is a global leader in the research, development, manufacturing and sale of veterinary medicines and vaccines, with a strong presence in biologics and pharmaceuticals. The division generated global sales of US$2.9 billion in 2010.
Hendrix Genetics and Lithgows Limited recently signed a Letter of Intent for Hendrix Genetics to acquire Landcatch & LNS (Landcatch Natural Selection) from Lithgows Limited.
Completion is expected in the first half of 2011 and is subject to various necessary consents.
Thijs Hendrix, Président of Hendrix Genetics, stated, “Aquaculture is a sustainable and valuable protein source all over the world and we are confident we can bring new and innovative ideas to a company with a long and successful track record in aquaculture. Aquaculture breeding is a natural extension to our existing portfolio.”
“Once our discussions started,” commented James Lithgow, Chairman of Lithgows Limited, “it became clear that we share a very similar vision, and we realised that Hendrix Genetics and Landcatch were a natural fit. Landcatch produces its breeding stocks in land-based facilities where they are free from predation and kept in a stress-free environment which ensures high health status. Combining the efforts of our excellent production and R&D teams with those at Hendrix Genetics will make Landcatch and LNS even more effective, and ultimately more successful in supplying superior salmon eggs and juveniles to salmon producers world wide.”
