Orffa Belgium NV Seminar: Exploring “One Health” in the Animal Feed Industry

Orffa Belgium NV organizes first seminar, a well-anticipated event for Flemish customers after a hiatus of few years of absence due to COVID restrictions.

This follows emerging issues that have become paramount in light of global concerns about sustainability and animal welfare.

The issues include numerous challenges animal feed industry has faced in recent years including methane reduction, feed cost reduction, alternatives for antibiotics, reduction of ecological footprint, reduced energy costs during production, battling diseases through additives, and improving worker’s health.

Themed “One Health”, a concept that aligns perfectly with Orffa’s values and the pressing concerns of the animal feed industry for this year’s seminar, the term underscores the interconnectedness of animal and human health, emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches to address these challenges effectively.

In this, Orffa invited several experts in their respective fields to shed light on different aspects of the “One Health” concept, providing valuable insights into the industry’s evolving landscape.

The Presentations

Dr. Ir. Alfons Jansman, a senior researcher at Wageningen Livestock Research, delved into the intricacies of reducing nitrogen excretion by making adjustments to the feed of pigs and poultry. His research offered promising solutions to mitigate environmental impact while maintaining livestock health.

Shannon Groen, a researcher at Delft Solids Solutions, focused on the crucial matter of dustiness in feed additives and feeds. She presented various techniques for testing dustiness and highlighted solutions to improve it, thus safeguarding the health of workers in the industry.

Katrien D’hooghe, the Managing Director of the Belgian Feed Association, provided valuable insights into the association’s efforts to bridge the gap between farmers and policymakers. Her discussion of the association’s 12 goals to make the feed-producing sector more sustainable by 2023 resonated with Orffa’s commitment to maintaining its Ecovadis Gold recognition.

In-House Expertise

In addition to external speakers, Orffa leveraged its in-house knowledge by featuring two Central Technical Management members. Lien Vande Maele emphasized the importance of selenium, an essential trace element, in human health. She emphasized the significance of maintaining a healthy daily intake of selenium, which can be achieved through products like Orffa’s Excential Selenium4000.

Aurélie Montagnon, a French colleague, presented in perfect Dutch on the various products within the Orffa portfolio that contribute to reducing feed costs (Excential Energy Plus) and improving worker’s health (Excential Selenium4000 and Elovitals MIKU).

Networking and Nourishment

After these insightful presentations, attendees had the opportunity to refuel both their minds and bodies with an excellent lunch. This interlude provided a valuable chance for approximately 50 attendees to network, share ideas, and forge new connections.

In conclusion, Orffa Belgium NV’s seminar on “One Health” not only marked a triumphant return but also underscored the company’s commitment to addressing pressing challenges in the animal feed industry. With a focus on sustainability, worker health, and holistic solutions, Orffa continues to be at the forefront of innovation and excellence in this ever-evolving field.