Inside Ancera's Labs
Step inside Ancera’s lab in Branford, CT, where a team of scientists and engineers are bringing better data to the poultry industry and meet three of those team members who are leading these efforts.
Ancera
November 5, 2024
Publication
June 11, 2024
Data Shows Rise in Coccidia Oocysts After Control Program Change
The US poultry industry spends millions annually on products that support live operations – such as vaccines, coccidiostats, litter amendments, etc. – and their effectiveness has significant implications for poultry health and productivity.
In this case, a poultry complex at a major US integrator was looking for more visibility into their disease management and live operations strategies.
The company partnered with Ancera to monitor the effectiveness of their Coccidia control program. On days 14, 21, and 28 of the grow out cycle, Ancera measured Oocyst Per Gram (OPG) levels in bird feces.
At the start of the study, the complex was using an anticoccidial treatment, Control A. After implementing a scheduled transition to another treatment, Control B, the data revealed a significant rise in Coccidia Oocysts, leading to performance setbacks.
Complex Level OPG Distribution: Control A
Complex Level OPG Distribution: Control B
In Control B, we observed a late cycling pattern that may have continued even past the last monitored interval. Deteriorating production outcomes were also observed, suggesting the possibility that reduced Coccidia control may have been a contributing factor.
The transition to Control B led to unforeseen complications, indicated by increases in OPG levels and correlated performance metrics. The decision to shift their treatment plan cost the company nearly $250,000 in lost pounds sent to the plant and decreased feed utilization.
Without data, it’s a guessing game.
The complexity of a live production system requires a careful balance of animal health, financial performance, and customer requirements. With high quality and timely data, an integrator can do the following:
- Confidently stay on a more optimal control program
- Change to a control program that improves performance
- Determine whether flock performance was or was not impacted by Coccidia
- Implement precise interventions on underperforming farms with the right tools
Ancera is bringing a system of evidence-based procurement to the poultry industry, allowing integrators to test and buy products based on objective third party data.To learn more about Ancera's monitoring program, schedule a meeting with an Ancera expert.
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