CCPA Group’s Deltavit brand has introduced the Acaritool mobile app as part of its Acari® program to help farmers manage the risk of poultry red mites.
Red mites are ubiquitous parasites in poultry farming, with significant consequences for hen welfare and farm profitability. In Europe, 83% of poultry farms are thought to be infested, at an estimated cost of 360 million euros to the industry.
To help livestock farmers deal with this scourge, CCPA Group has stated that Deltavit is innovating with the Acari® program, a comprehensive approach combining effectiveness, naturalness and profitability – now enhanced by a new digital management tool: The Acaritool mobile application.
A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME AGAINST POULTRY RED MITES
The Acari® program is based on a dual strategy, combining effective natural solutions with customized digital support. According to the announcement, the Acaritool mobile application, developed to monitor farms, enables each farmer to:
• Monitor changes in the level of infestation,
• Precisely adapt the use of products to the situation in their buildings,
• Secure their zootechnical and economic performance.
Two complementary products form the basis of the program:
• Acariflash, a plant- and aromatic-based complementary feed or water additive that supports laying performance in the presence of poultry red mites. Acariflash® UAB is also available for organic farms.
• Acaritec, a drying agent in a powder form that can be used during downtime or in the presence of animals to maintain hygiene in your buildings. Acaritec can also be used on organic farms.
The impact of red mites on hen behaviour and egg-laying depends greatly on the level of infestation. The company has stated that, “Thanks to the Acaritool application, we can guide farmers towards the rational and economical use of products, so that the poultry red mites have no respite.”
Convincing results have been observed in various breeding situations in France, Ukraine and Mexico:
• 3-point increase in egg-laying rate,
• 1 point reduction in the rate of downgraded eggs
• Decrease in the presence of mites observed
• Reduction in aggressive behaviour observed
“With the Acari® program and its mobile application Acaritool, Deltavit offers a complete, natural and connected solution to help breeders regain control of poultry red mites over the long term,” the company concludes.
