Poultry business news, tailored real-time data and analysis, business life and economic evaluations
Washington update: “predictably unpredictable” ahead of midterms
Christian Richter, principal at The Policy Group, described the 2026 policy environment as “predictably unpredictable” ahead of midterm elections. Key themes he highlighted included the economy, immigration, trade policy uncertainty and the future of the Farm Bill.
Richter also underscored ongoing challenges tied to tariffs, federal debt and immigration reform, noting their implications for agriculture and labor availability.
The Animal Economics take:
For poultry businesses, policy risk is increasingly operational risk—affecting workforce planning, trade flows and the regulatory outlook that shapes investment decisions.
Phibro Animal Health brought the poultry industry together at its two-day “Poultry Gut Health and Coccidiosis Management” seminar, creating a strong platform where science met field reality.
Internationally known scientist Dr Gonzalo Mateos, who reframed gut health not as a single topic, but as the central system linking nutrition, welfare, and productivity.
At Phibro Animal Health’s “Poultry Gut Health and Coccidiosis Management” seminar, Omer Diker, General Manager of Phibro Turkiye, framed the company’s strategy around one idea: trust built over decades must translate into practical, solution-driven value in the field.
Dr Vasil Stanev delivered a direct warning to poultry producers: relying on a single product is an open invitation to resistance. His core point was that modern coccidiosis control is no longer “medication-only” and must be built as a whole-system strategy.
Prof Dr Mehmet Akan delivered a message that fits squarely into animal health economics: in large-scale poultry production, small invisible losses become large financial outcomes.
Trichothecene mycotoxins are toxic substances that cause serious problems in egg laying hens, causing productivity, health and economic losses. Trichothecene mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi, especially the Fusarium genus, and cause serious adverse effects on animal health. These mycotoxins can easily be found in chicken feeds, especially corn and grain-based feeds. Storing agricultural products in unsuitable conditions or keeping them in a humid environment increases the risk of mycotoxin formation. This causes poultry to be exposed to these toxins through their food sources and thus may negatively affect egg production.
Boehringer Ingelheim brought Turkiye’s poultry industry together in Istanbul on 30 October–1 November for the official launch of Prevexxion RN, its next-generation vaccine developed to strengthen Marek disease protection in breeder and layer operations. Designed as both a scientific and business-oriented gathering, the launch positioned Prevexxion RN as a strategic tool for integrations seeking stronger biological security and more stable production economics.
A Launch Framed Around Sector Needs and Economic Realities
The introduction of Prevexxion RN comes at a time when poultry businesses across Turkiye face increasing pressure to maintain uniformity, preserve breeder value and protect flock performance against evolving field strains. The launch emphasized that while modern integrations have advanced genetics and high-capacity systems, hidden Marek impacts continue to impose significant economic drag—making stronger first-day protection more valuable than ever.
During the Prevexxion RN launch event in Istanbul, global poultry consultant Dr. Tolga Erkus delivered one of the meeting’s most influential scientific sessions, titled “Critical Factors Affecting Post-Hatch Chick Quality and Field Performance.” His presentation underscored a key principle increasingly recognized across modern integrations: the economic success of a flock is determined not at the farm, but in the hatchery — often within the first hours of a chick’s life.
Erkus began by highlighting the importance of egg quality and particularly breeder age, explaining that young breeders produce eggs with proportionally smaller yolks. While these eggs may meet weight standards, their biological composition places chicks at an early disadvantage, reducing robustness and compromising uniformity.
At the Prevexxion RN launch event held in Istanbul by Boehringer Ingelheim, Aviagen TMENA Regional Technical Operations Manager Murat Yakar delivered a data-driven presentation titled “Critical Points in Ross Breeder Production in the Light of Genetic Progress.”
Speaking to an audience of breeder and layer professionals, Yakar highlighted the dramatic global shift in poultry meat production, noting that output has increased 15-fold from 1960 to 2020, with forecasts pointing to over 50% additional growth by 2050. According to Yakar, this expansion is not only fueled by genetic advancement but also by structured management systems, strong field implementation, and continuous professional development.
Inflammation in the intestinal mucosa primarily disrupts the basic physiological functions of the digestive system, thereby limiting its overall capacity.
The digestive system plays a central role in breaking down, absorbing, and metabolizing nutrients essential for sustaining life. However, this complex system can be compromised by various factors, many of which negatively impact both animal health and performance. Among these, inflammation has emerged as one of the most critical capacity-limiting factors, particularly in high-performing farm animals with advanced genetics.
The intestinal mucosa is one of the body’s largest contact surfaces. It not only absorbs nutrients but also acts as a selective barrier against external pathogens. A balanced interaction between mucosal and immune cells is crucial for efficient digestion. Yet, various stressors can trigger inflammation in the intestinal lining, damaging its fundamental functions and reducing capacity.
Scientific evidence on how climate change will affect poultry diseases remains limited, yet early insights highlight growing concerns.
With a “Farm to Fork” approach for healthy generations and efficient use of resources, Gedik Pilic has been using Hemicell for the past seven years. Eda Akyuz, Feed Mill Manager at Gedik Pilic, shares her detailed experience with The Animal Economics.
Boehringer Ingelheim Poultry Business Unit launched the BIBA 2025 (Boehringer Ingelheim Broiler Academy) program, focusing on the professional integration of field and laboratory services in broiler health. Supported by Ankara University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, and Avitek R&D Veterinary Diagnosis and Analysis Laboratory, the two-day program addressed the importance of laboratory services in diagnosing major broiler diseases and the correct application of necropsy techniques, with participation from technical managers of poultry integrations.
The first day covered a theoretical approach to broiler diseases that cause significant economic losses. The second day was dedicated to hands-on training.
Opening the program, Boehringer Ingelheim Poultry Business Unit Manager Bulent Cakan said they had designed a program where science, field practice, and the private sector come together in a more integrated way: “As Boehringer Ingelheim Poultry Business Unit, we are happy to hold the Broiler Academy for the first time, alongside the sixth edition of our Hatchery Academy. It is a source of pride to organize these two important events in cooperation between universities, the private sector, and industry. Working with Ankara University’s Agriculture and Veterinary Faculties and TeknoKent Avitek R&D is especially valuable for us.” He thanked Prof. Dr. Okan Elibol, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Serdar Ozlu, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Akan, and Dr. Akin Unal for their support, stressing the importance of understanding the contributions of science, enhancing the experience of sector partners, enriching the knowledge of newcomers, sharing experiences, and ensuring sustainability.
This autumn, poultry professionals will have the chance to deepen their expertise through a series of specialized training programs in Izegem, Belgium.
Yakar stressed that sustained breeder performance is directly tied to the economic value of production.
Erkus underlines success in hatchery management is the foundation of long-term, sustainable production.
Cowieson emphasized that in the past 2–3 years, feeding strategies have undergone a major transformation.
Chantziaras emphasized that while the importance of biosecurity is now widely recognized across the industry, critical errors continue to be made in key areas of implementation
Dr. Rafael Hermes, Business Development Manager – Phytogenics at Phytobiotics, shared compelling field data that positions Sangrovit® as much more than a feed additive
BESD-BIR President Naci Kaplan proudly declared the success of the 7th International State Conference, the result of nearly two years of dedicated planning and collaboration.
According to Hicham Fathi, Regional Technical & Marketing Manager for Poultry in Europe, CIS, Africa, and the Middle East at HIPRA, the economic sustainability of livestock production—especially poultry—hinges on a proactive, preventive health approach.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Phytobiotics delivered a forward-looking message to the poultry industry at UBEK 2025
In our interview with Alper Keskiner, Elanco’s Regional Director for TMEA, conducted during UBEK 2025, we explored the company’s regional vision and future plans.
According to Petracci, chicken meat remains one of the healthiest animal protein sources globally.
During his presentation at the UBEK 2025 event, Ben Dehaeck, Global Marketing Director for Poultry Health at Huvepharma, highlighted the ongoing efforts to combat coccidiosis—a disease that causes significant economic losses in poultry.
Beypilic General Manager Dr. Sait Koca emphasized that Turkiye’s growth in the poultry sector over the past 15 years is no coincidence.
Thanks to its sustainable growth and high productivity in both meat and egg production, the poultry sector remains the most dynamic segment of the global livestock economy in 2025. Data from institutions like the FAO, USDA, and Rabobank provide a clear picture of the sector’s current scale and future prospects.
Daniel Parker, Veterinary Consultant and member of the British Poultry Council, was one of the most closely followed experts at UBEK 2025.
Held in Antalya between April 16–20, 2025, the 7th International Poultry Meat Congress (UBEK) brought together more than 1,100 participants from 33 countries, creating a major platform for scientific dialogue, sustainability practices, and innovation in the poultry industry. The event took place at the Titanic Deluxe Hotel Congress Center and attracted researchers, industry leaders, public officials, and NGOs.
The 7th International White Meat Congress (UBEK 2025) has once again proven to be a critical hub for innovation in poultry production, and Elanco took the stage to highlight its growing role in shaping the future of sustainable animal health.
2024 marked a year of intense disruption in global poultry markets, as High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) became not only a veterinary crisis but a full-blown economic and logistical disruptor. According to Alltech’s Agri-Food Outlook 2025, the outbreak had far-reaching consequences—from mass depopulations to trade bans—altering protein markets and reshaping global feed flows.
Speaking to The Animal Economics, Phytobiotics Global Sales Director Kurt Wegleitner expressed appreciation for the growing trust the brand has earned in Turkiye’s animal health and nutrition market.
Tolga Erkuş is a highly respected consultant in Turkiye’s poultry industry, known for his expertise across all stages of production—from breeder farms to hatcheries, broiler operations, and performance optimization. In this exclusive interview for The Animal Economics, we spoke with him during the 7th International Poultry Meat Congress. He shared valuable insights on key management challenges, critical success factors in hatchery operations, and his reflections on this influential event.
A Salmonella outbreak across seven U.S. states has prompted the recall of 1.7 million cage-free and organic eggs, raising questions about the operational vulnerabilities in even the most carefully marketed tiers of animal-based food products.
In an exclusive interview with The Animal Economics during UBEK 2025, Embion founder Georgios Savoglidis highlighted the urgency of developing natural alternatives to antibiotics in poultry production. At the heart of Embion’s approach is PREMBION, which he described as a “key product” in promoting health and sustainability in the sector.
Turkiye’s poultry meat industry is preparing for a significant leap in export revenue, potentially reaching $1.5 billion with expanded access to the European Union and Middle Eastern markets. According to Müjdat Sezer, President of the Istanbul Aquatic and Animal Products Exporters’ Association, eight Turkish poultry producers have recently undergone EU inspections. If approved, these firms will be able to supply one of the world's most tightly regulated and high-demand markets.
In a timely response to the ongoing supply chain disruption caused by avian influenza outbreaks across the United States, Turkiye has launched a major egg export operation aimed at stabilizing the U.S. market. A total of 15,000 tons of table eggs are being shipped from Turkiye to the U.S., under a strategic trade agreement that will run until July 2025. The move underscores Turkiye’s growing role as a reliable agricultural exporter and provides a critical buffer for American retailers and consumers facing spiking egg prices.
In a strategic move to modernize and revitalize the traditional goose farming industry in Eastern Anatolia, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has initiated a promising international collaboration. A delegation of agricultural experts, veterinarians, and local goose producers from the Turkish province of Kars recently completed a knowledge exchange mission to Hungary, one of Europe’s leading nations in waterfowl farming.
Keskinoglu Continues Its Rise in Turkiye’s Industrial Power Rankings According to data released by the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO) for 2024, Keskinoglu has risen 18 places in the “Top 500 Industrial Enterprises of Turkiye” list, reaching the 146th position. This impressive advancement highlights the company’s consistent growth and resilience in the industrial sector.
In response to growing discussions about the potential for poultry vaccination against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), Aviagen® CEO, Jan Henriksen, has outlined the company’s position, firmly advocating for science-driven, sustainable solutions that prioritize the health of poultry flocks and the safety of the global food supply.
The recent surge in attention around the issue of poultry vaccination, particularly in light of the H5N1 strain of avian flu, has led to significant debate. While the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) initially considered vaccination as part of its strategy to combat the spread of HPAI, Secretary Brooke Rollins recently reversed this stance. In a statement, Rollins clarified that mandatory poultry vaccination would not be pursued now or in the future, a decision that Henriksen and Aviagen support wholeheartedly.
Banvit BRF transforms its breeders into stakeholders of an ecosystem digitally with its innovative application that revolutionizes the operational ecosystem. We listened to the details of the amazing application in Banvit BRF and the latest developments from Banvit BRF Live Activities Coordinator Veterinarian Erdal Elmas.
The U.S. is currently facing an egg crisis as avian influenza (bird flu) rapidly spreads through poultry farms, severely disrupting egg production. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have been working tirelessly to contain the outbreak, but millions of chickens have already been culled, and egg prices are soaring.
Poultry farming is one of the fastest growing areas in Turkiye’s agriculture and livestock sector. Chicken, turkey and duck farming both meet domestic demand and contribute significantly to exports. Chicken meat and egg production, in particular, play a critical role in meeting Turkiye’s food security and protein needs.
VIV ASIA 2025, one of the world’s leading trade shows in animal husbandry and animal-based production, took place in Bangkok, Thailand from March 12–14, 2025, drawing a record-breaking international turnout. This year’s VIV ASIA set a new benchmark in the global livestock industry, drawing more than 51,000 professionals to explore innovation, exchange knowledge, and establish international partnerships. The event welcomed farm managers, veterinarians, feed manufacturers, food processing experts, and investors in animal-based production from 129 countries.
Beypilic has gained the authority to export to European Union (EU) countries. With the approval of the Republic of Turkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry dated February 11, 2025, Beypi Beypazarı Agricultural Production Marketing Industry and Trade Inc. has been officially authorized to export “Heat Treated Poultry Meat” to the EU.
Genetic resistance studies in poultry have shed light on avian influenza. The ANP32A gene in the chicken genome plays a key role in the development of resistant breeds. The global agriculture and livestock sector has been facing the threat of avian influenza more frequently in recent years. This deadly virus, which affects poultry, causes production losses and economic losses worldwide. However, scientists are demonstrating the power of genetics in the hope of developing natural resistance in chickens. According to research, certain genetic characteristics can enable chickens to develop resistance to this disease
Balancing the intestinal microflora in poultry is vital for optimal health and performance; a balanced microbiota is a key factor in improving productivity. Some feed ingredients and additives have been reported to modulate the intestinal microbiota and the host immune system. Antibiotics have been used to modify the intestinal microbiota and have attracted considerable interest from farmers because they promote growth performance in poultry. However, concerns about antibiotic resistance and other adverse effects of the use of antibiotics as growth promoters have forced poultry producers to discontinue or limit their use. Feed additives and supplements such as probiotics, prebiotics, phytosubstances, organic acids, and exogenous enzymes are used as alternatives to antibiotics in modulating the intestinal microbiota.
Since its founding in 1992 by two veterinarians in Ankara, MISTAV has established itself as one of Turkiye’s most trusted and dynamic names in the veterinary health sector. With a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification and a commitment to meeting international standards, MISTAV plays a leading role in poultry health and exports to over 20 countries worldwide. The company’s global momentum continues to grow, driven by a vision that prioritizes animal welfare, innovation, and sustainability.
It is an indisputable fact that nutrition has a significant effect on the development, performance, immune system and intestinal health of broiler chickens. Recently, discussions have been initiated on early period feeding methods other than known feeding methods and extensive scientific studies are being conducted on this subject.
A research team from the China Agricultural University in Beijing has developed artificial intelligence-based models to analyze the feed consumption behavior of broiler chickens in detail. A research team from the China Agricultural University in Beijing has developed artificial intelligence-based models to better analyze the feed consumption behavior of broiler chickens.
Bacterial resistance is rapidly developing; therefore, many critically important pharmaceuticals have begun to become obsolete. It is necessary to know that if these pharmaceuticals are not used cautiously, devastating results await us. In April 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) called the fight against antibiotic resistance an “important action” and strongly warned authorities against unconscious approaches; it explained how antibiotics should be produced and what new approaches are needed in terms of prescription and use.
Trichothecene mycotoxins are toxic substances that cause serious problems in egg laying hens, causing productivity, health and economic losses. Trichothecene mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi, especially the Fusarium genus, and cause serious adverse effects on animal health. These mycotoxins can easily be found in chicken feeds, especially corn and grain-based feeds. Storing agricultural products in unsuitable conditions or keeping them in a humid environment increases the risk of mycotoxin formation. This causes poultry to be exposed to these toxins through their food sources and thus may negatively affect egg production.
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