Take a look inside 3 Chinese pig farms
In Asia especially, Pig Progress travelled around to inform readers about the latest developments on pig farms. We took a look around on 3 different Chinese facilities and tried to capture the dazzling developments. We also explored another 7 farms, come and take a look with us.
To embark on a journey with Pig Progress, just click on the links below and we’ll take you to a German pig farmer using PigPorts, learn how a professional organic pig farm is run, know the latest into data gathering on-farm and of course what the benefits are of using local genetics.
Interested to see which farms Pig Progress reported on in 2015? Then just read ‘Around the world in 10 pig farms’.
Coldest pig farm visit ever
The moment of this visit was unfortunate, at -10°C and a blizzard, but the pictures and the story to be found there were a lot stronger. This breeding project near Chaoyang, Liaoning province, China is built for 5,000 sows, as part of the growing network of the Wens Group. The farm applies all kinds of Dutch technology.
Algae, no antibiotics
Antibiotics are on their way out in many countries across the globe. At the 1,900 sow farrow-to-finish facility Balusson farm in France, the owners aim to reduce the usage of antibiotics by adding algae product lines (Olmix) in the production process.
Denmark’s embassy in China
You would surely think you are in Scandinavia when taking a look at the Dan Yu Breeding Farm near Lianyungang in Jiangsu province, China. The farm is managed by Danes and Danish equipment, biosecurity and welfare regulations are everywhere. The 1,600 sow GGP and GP farm in only part of a larger complex, serving the Chinese market.
Feeding exact amounts
When pig farmers need to know exactly how much they feed their pigs, computerised pig feeding systems might be an option. Roxell had several Multifast systems installed at Harper Adams University’s pig unit in the UK, which is a 230 sow commercial, education and research unit. Now trials run with the highest kind of efficacy.
Good genetics for Asia
What are good genetics for Europe or North America may not be good genetics for South East Asia. That, in short, was the philosophy of SiamPigs, an approach that is applied by Limpaiboon farm in Prachinburi province, a breeding facility currently growing from 4,000 to 7,500 sows. The farm also grows tilapia and pangasius, by the way.
Data, data and more data
If pig farmers really want to know everything that is going in and out of their farm, then it is worth taking a look at the Swine Research Farm (CEP), driven by Carlos Piñeiro of PigChamp Pro Europa, located near Segovia in Spain. Read all about metabolism cages and infrared photoacoustic field gas monitors.
Money, check; inspiration… no?
Pig farming isn’t as profitable everywhere in the world. For Matteo Sbarra, making money doesn’t particularly enhance his enthusiasm. He inherited his father’s facility for 12,000 finishers for Parma ham production in 2015, but prefers to play golf. Nevertheless, his farm is top-notch.
Trend in Germany: Open air houses
Finisher pigs in Germany are increasingly kept in what is called ‘PigPorts’, partly open-air pens with a higher welfare status. Pig Progress took a look at this 1,500 finisher farm near Neuenkirchen in the German state of Loxer Saxony and learned all about this way of finishing pigs.
Pigs happy with silage
Pigs can be perfectly happy – we observed that at the organic farm Ekovar of the Wennekers family in Schagen, just north of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. At this 190 sow commercial organic facility, all pigs have the opportunity to walk outside – and finishers are supplied with silage. The farm is top-notch, comes with ESF and automatic feeding for the finishers.
Breeding farm on the move
Back to China! Being too close to Beijing can be a danger as sometimes farming area is just needed for new building blocks. That Victor Zu found out when his otherwise prospering Tai Xin Fu Min breeding farm (1,600 English Large White sows) had to be relocated. What are his new plans?
