For poultry processors seeking to optimise their anatomic leg processing operations, ALPINE offers unparalleled efficiency, consistency and ease of use. (Image source: Marel)

Given the high demand for deboned leg meat, the Anatomic Leg Processor Innovative New Evolution (ALPINE) represents a significant leap forward in anatomic leg processing

By maintaining top-level performance while handling a wide range of weights and reducing labor dependency, ALPINE addresses processors' needs for increased production volumes while also maximising yield and quality. A number of advanced technologies such as the Hip Dislocation Wheel have been used to realise ALPINE's high performance. This unique feature allows for precise control of the hip tilting movement─needed to achieve an anatomical cut─without exerting excessive force or removing the leg from the shackle. It results in improved performance and virtually inexistent leg loss. 

In an attempt to further enhance accuracy and minimise errors, ALPINE incorporates advanced back piece separation and detection technology which prevents incorrectly cut legs. Optionally, processors can integrate a special module to remove groin skin automatically, meeting specific market demands while saving considerable manual trimming labour.

Easy operation

ALPINE is equipped with a user-friendly HMI touchscreen, making it easy to enter a recipe that matches the specific characteristics of the incoming flock. This automatically engages the proper machine settings to provide the highest possible leg yield. 

The screen also shows performance data, enabling processors to monitor key metrics such as backpiece detection, leg loss, and unprocessed legs. Built-in machine software provides this real-time and historical performance data. Such proactive insights minimise the need for manual intervention and prevent downtime. ALPINE’s data-driven approach enables processors to maintain peak performance with minimal need for maintenance.

Wide weight range with consistent results

Designed to process high-yield anatomic legs across an unprecedented range of bird weights without requiring major adjustments, ALPINE's versatility is valuable for processors handling diverse flock weights. This enables them to optimise operations even in big bird processing markets. 

Regardless of weight fluctuations, the result will always be consistent: a high-yield leg. Compatible with both water-chilled and air-chilled lines, ALPINE easily integrates into existing setups and pairs excellently with Marel's Thigh Fillet System, at a capacity of up to 7,200 products per hour.

Saving labour

Keeping legs within the shackles at all times enables ALPINE to practically eliminate product drops and minimise rework, downtime and labour. Digital operation, automated settings, reduced need for adjustments and precise performance monitoring further highlight its labor-saving advantages. Touchscreen control and the broad weight range further contribute to ALPINE’s efficiency, ease of use and consistently high yield.

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

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. 

The strategic location of the new factory allows De Heus to serve customers in Central Java and nearby regions more efficiently and effectively, providing tailored solutions for livestock farmers. (Image source: De Heus)

Global leader in animal nutrition, De Heus has further strengthened its presence in Indonesia with the successful acquisition and launch of its fifth production facility in Purwodadi, Central Java

This strategic expansion underscores De Heus' unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable livestock farming and empowering local communities. The new Purwodadi factory further strengthens De Heus’ already strong position in the Indonesian market, enabling the company to better serve its customers and meet growing demand for high-quality animal feed in Central Java and surrounding areas.

The factory in Purwodadi, Central Java, has expanded its production capacity to 15,000 tons per month, contributing to De Heus' overall growth and reinforcing its position as a leading animal feed company in Indonesia. The strategic location of the new factory allows De Heus to serve customers in Central Java and nearby regions more efficiently and effectively, providing tailored solutions for livestock farmers.

President director of De Heus Indonesia, Kay De Vreese was thrilled to expand their operations in Indonesia and contribute to the growth of the livestock sector. "The new Purwodadi factory is a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality livestock feed and supporting sustainable livestock farming practices to the independent Indonesian farmers,” said De Vreese. “Indonesia holds vast potential in livestock farming, and our goal is to support the industry's growth by providing dependable feed solutions that are tailored to the needs of local farmers. This new facility allows us to make a meaningful contribution to both the community and the environment," he added.

As the Purwodadi facility enhances its production capacity, De Heus reaffirms its dedication to supporting local farmers by ensuring their consistent access to high-quality feed. The facility is committed to producing animal feed that meets global standards, with a strong emphasis on practical and sustainable farming solutions.

Monitoring estrus intensity in cattle helps optimise reproduction and can be done efficiently with visual estrus detection aids. (Image source: ESTROTECT)

Although all estrus cycles are not the same for individual females within a herd, it is one of the most important indicators of whether a cow or heifer will be successfully bred

Animal reproduction professor at the University of British Columbia in Canada, Ronaldo Cerri, PhD is carrying out research work to improve cattle fertility by identifying which cows and heifers are the best candidates to breed using tactics like artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET), with estrus intensity as the deciding factor.

Cattle have typical baseline activity when they aren’t in estrus. When they start to enter estrus, their activity rises as the intensity of the estrus increases. Pinpointing when estrus is about to peak is crucial to a successful pregnancy. 

After analysing extensive data from estrus detection sensors, Cerri and other researchers have pinpointed patterns based on what’s occurring during estrus. Cows exhibiting low estrus intensity tend to have lower concentrations of progesterone during the growth of the ovulatory follicle and fail to ovulate more often than those with high estrus intensity. Similarly, ET recipients that show high estrus intensity have more consistent pregnancy results.

“The patterns are very consistent in many of the studies we do,” said Cerri. “Cows with lower estrus intensity always display less physical activity, but they also have lower pregnancy rates. On the flip side, cows with high estrus intensity display more activity and have higher pregnancy rates.”

Evaluating estrus intensity

Using heat detection tools to evaluate estrus intensity can help to pick and choose which cows are the best candidates to breed at a particular time. While implementing a mass breeding protocol, offers the option to use estrus intensity to direct choices on what type of genetics to use.