VIV EUROPE: Netherlands

This text however, could be seen on a number of empty booths throughout the Jaarbeurs complex. Many exhibitors from overseas could not make it to Utrecht, or had not yet been able to reach the Netherlands due to a eruption of the volcano Eyjafjallajokull, Iceland, effectively closing down European airspace for most of last week.

Chinese booths for instance, often remained empty during this first day; about 120 companies could not make it in time to Utrecht - and hallways were not as buzzing as may have been expected.

Nevertheless, Gerard Leeuwenburgh, director international exhibitions at VNU Exhibitions, kicked off the opening session hoping the show's visitor numbers would catch up as the week progresses - an expectation that turned out to be correct.

Ton Otten, managing director for VNU Exhibitions Europe, then mounted the platform explaining about the days' programme.

This year's Personality award winners, flanked by Ruwan Berculo (VNU Exhibitions, left) and Nigel Horrox (Positive Action Publications, right). Henry Kuhl is this year's European Poultry Personality of 2010; Marleen Moerjan was chosen to be this year's European Poultry Breeding Personality of 2010; and Dutch pig producer Erik Thijssen was named to be European Pig Personality of 2010.

Next, Prof Dr Ir Bas Huirne, Wageningen University and Research Centre, the Netherlands, briefly introduced the theme of sustainability in livestock production, outlining the challenges facing future generations when it comes down to feeding the earth. Key areas of attention, he said, are climate change and the use of fresh water.

Prof John Hodges, animal geneticist, was invited to speak on 'The Foundation of Quality Life'. He launched a plea for visionary leadership, as he said the current tradition of overuse is unsustainable and will lead to breakdown. "These future leaders are like animals before an earthquake. They start running - they hear it, they feel it, they have to feel the tremors of what's coming - and take action."

On behalf of Rabobank International, Dirk Jan Kennes summarised the bank's view on international agriculture until 2030. In the bank's view, the share of global poultry production will continue to grow; pork will consolidate and 'stomach shares' for beef will shrink. He mentioned Brazil becoming more important as a feed supplier for China's livestock industry.

Lastly, Gerda Verburg, Dutch minister for Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, mounted the stage and spoke about her endorsement of research into sustainability - and mentioned recent successes, like the introduction of more various animal welfare friendly housing concepts in the Netherlands.

Having been introduced to VIV Asia in 2009, the Eggs! pavillion was introduced to VIV Europe as well.

Several nutrition companies introduced new developments at VIV Europe. In its Pops range for younger pigs, Belgian feed additives company Vitamex presented its sweet and palatable weaning feeds Crespina (21-24 days) and Safina (21-28 days).

Dutch animal nutrition company Provimi launched its new one brand strategy one day earlier and curious visitors could learn more about the company's new corporate identity.

Austrian feed additives company Biomin introduced Biomin P.E.P. MGE, a phytogenic feed additive, which includes heat-sensitive phytogenic compounds to enhance essential oil encapsulation. This way, the company says ingredient bioavailability and efficacy are enhanced.

French animal nutrition company Invivo NSA, which emerged after a takeover of Evialis by InVivo, introduced three new products to its range. In a special press conference, the company introduced Evimix, a premix brand; Paralice - a product against red lice in poultry; and Philippe Mazerolles, technical marketing manager talked about Youpig - a new range of prestarter feeds.

The new range includes three different types of prestarters, for pigs varying from 10-28 days.

Italian ventilation company Termotecnica Pericoli introduced its new EOS53 exhaust fan having blades of 53 inch (1.35 m), taking care of a higher air flow and lower energy use, to be used in pig and poultry houses.

Dutch housing management company Fancom introduced eYeScan, an automatic growth monitor for fattening pigs. The system uses camera technology in pig houses, making an image scan every time a pig starts eating.

Apart from all serious business, VIV Europe offered a lot of diversion for all visitors as well - although a poultry suit can be quite itchy sometimes.

Music always does the trick, meat processing machinery manufacturer Marel Stork must have thought. The company invited three violin players to attract many visitors to its booth.

It's in the air! Stepping up its efforts on respiratory diseases in pigs, animal health company Intervet/Schering-Plough offered visitors a shot of pure air at an oxygen bar.

But for those looking for all there is to know on pig, poultry and feed production, what better place to go to than booth 10A011 - here Reed Business presents its titles of Pig Progress, World Poultry, AllAboutFeed and Vetsweb. Welcome to come and have a look!

Animal health and nutrition company Alltech celebrated its 30th year anniversary at VIV Europe and is looking forward to the FEI Equestrian Games, to be held later this year in Kentucky, USA. The company is the event's name sponsor.

German pig and poultry equipment manufacturer Big Dutchman is traditionally present in Utrecht with a booth uniting various aisles. At VIV Europe, the company focuses on poultry innovations - later this year, at EuroTier in Hanover, Germany, the company will present pig innovations.

One of the innovations at the Big Dutchman booth was equipment for converting poultry manure into energy after having it pelletised first. The company's system may also find its way into pig production in the future.

German company Henke-Sass, Wolf introduced the HSW Safe-Matic, a new type of injector, which responds to the needs of having safer injectors as some injectables can also be harmful for users. This device has three safety mechanisms before a pig can be vaccinated.

Belgian hygiene company CID Lines introduced various innovations, including a nice 100-page book on pig hygiene - a guide which helps producers from A to Z into stepping up on-farm hygiene and what to do to prevent the occurrence of infections. An introduction to the book can be found in Pig Progress later this year.