ARTICLE 76 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE June 2025 A REGION FULL OF CHALLENGES However, increasing production of broiler meat and number of eggs per hen is not simply a matter of adding more birds. Poultry farming across the Middle East faces a unique and complex set of challenges. For starters, part of the region has been marked by conflicts and crises for many years, which can lead to a lack of support and focus from the governments to the farmers, and trade and market disruptions. Furthermore, all feed materials must be imported, pushing up production costs and being reliant on suppliers. Next to price, there is quality. The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Red Sea conflict have even increased the risks of mycotoxin contamination in animal feed. With extended shipping times and prolonged storage becoming more common, increasing the risk of mycotoxin formation and nutrient degradation. The housing systems used for layers and broilers also have an influence on the performance and health of the birds. In Lebanon for example, the layer industry consists of a lot of small to medium-sized farms that operate open-house systems. In these open-sided layer houses, high ambient temperatures are the primary factor contributing to reduced feed intake, as ammonia build-up can result in increased disease outbreaks. Most of the broiler production in countries like Lebanon is controlled by integrated, automated closed systems. Yet even these setups struggle with ventilation management during colder months, again leading to ammonia build-up and associated problems. GETTING FEED QUALITY IN ORDER As these obstacles are there, and maybe even intensify when we talk about heat stress for example, it is becoming increasingly clear that poultry farmers need tailored and effective support to increase egg quality, performance, broiler meat yield and quality, animal health and overall farm efficiency. At the same time, poultry farmers in this challenging region are resilient and eager to learn and grow their business. Powered by innovative, forward-looking companies like UTRIX, this mind-set is reshaping poultry management and nutrition across the region. According to the company, it is about awareness, building skills and knowledge and applying fresh and tailored animal diets. Realizing the full genetic potential of broilers and layers in challenging regions start with getting the basic things in order first, such as feed quality and mycotoxin control. Analysis from the UTRIX Mycotoxin Laboratory (2022–2024) revealed that 37% of tested feed samples exceeded the regulatory limits for Deoxynivalenol, 34% for Fumonisins, and 22% each for Aflatoxins and Zearalenone. As mentioned earlier, this is often the result of long shipping times and prolonged storage of batches of feed ingredients at the ports (and warehouses). While alarming levels of mycotoxins are often seen, there is often a lack of regulation (maximum regulatory limits) and governmental support / laboratories to test feed on a regular basis. Also, large integrators are more often taking control themselves, visiting the field and harvest of the crops (in Romania for example for corn) and arrange the shipments themselves. Liquid feed additives, intended for addition to drinking water, are often used by farmers in the MEA region. Photo: Shutterstock
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