'The temperature is sky high' - an upbeat feed sector meets at VIV Europe to look at capacity, competitiveness and feed chain integration

The feed industry seemed to be in a positive frame of mind in Utrecht this week, with plenty of footfall and hand shaking occurring around the 600 exhibitors at the VIV Europe show.

We caught up with Ruwan Berculo, VIV International project manager, to hear how the sector is meeting rising animal protein consumption demand head on through improving feed quality and safety and fostering innovation in feed efficiency.

Berculo said a central theme throughout VIV Europe 2014 was the need for better performing feed for the fast-growing pig and poultry sectors.

There was also a conversation developing, he said, around further integration of the feed chain to avoid any future contamination scandals.

Other hot topics on the supporting conference program were animal welfare and responsible livestock production, strategies to support antibiotic reduction and mycotoxin risk management.

There were a huge number of attendees, said Berculo, from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, with over 20,000 meat and feed specialists set to come through the show doors during the three days.