Bayer Animal Health: Global commitment to transform livestock production

23-07-2010 | Home | News

Bayer Animal Health revealed their new commitment to the livestock community at the 21st International Pig Veterinary Society (IPVS) Congress in Vancouver, Canada.

“This year’s congress highlights the complex and rapidly changing world pig production operates in and the need for constant innovation from everyone involved. At Bayer Animal Health, we recognise the significant challenges our customers face in this dynamic environment. That is why we are making a global commitment to ensuring our innovation, practical ingenuity and scientific excellence are available to as many pig producers as possible,” commented Jim Gerardot, Bayer’s Global Marketing Head of Food Animal Products and former livestock producer.

“With the objective of transforming livestock production sitting at the heart of our business, we will be supporting the industry by providing full access to Bayer’s global knowledge and resources at a local level. We will be providing the scientific information, educational opportunities, quality products, services and innovative solutions needed to meet the challenges of the changing environment, wherever they may be,” added Jim Gerardot.

The need for continuing innovation and education was reinforced by Dr Dermot Hayes of Iowa State University. “This year’s meeting of international experts shows us the latest developments in international trade, competition for feed grain and the potential for major disruption as a result of disease outbreaks. It is clear that the future of successful swine production will depend on producers staying abreast of the latest developments in the field, and rapidly adjusting their production techniques if they are to remain competitive in this globalised marketplace.”

Data presented at the IPVS 2010 meeting also confirmed that one of the significant issues facing all swine producers remains coccidiosis. This common disease is believed to be present in the majority of swine herds, causes significant financial losses and remains a truly global issue.

In line with their commitment, and embracing the congress theme of ‘Sharing Ideas – Advancing Pig Health’, Bayer Animal Health also presented a wide range of data at IPVS. A key paper was given by Dr Steven McOrist, whose team studied the impact of treatment with Baycox 5% in an on-farm study of a herd of more than 5,000 swine in a grower-finisher facility in Romania.

According to Dr McOrist, “Our study demonstrated the protective effects of Baycox on gut health in treated pigs, with a significant drop in oocyst count in piglets around weaning in the treated group (p < 0.01). There was also a marked improvement in feed conversion in treated weaner-finisher pigs (2.41 vs. 2.63), with weight gains consistently and significantly better through to day 150 and evidence of a protective effect against a late, moderate Lawsonia exposure during the study.”

Dr Bent Nielsen of Bayer Animal Health reinforced the importance of the study stating, “Coccidiosis prevention is a critical piglet health practice. This new information further demonstrates the added value that improving gut health can have throughout the swine production system.”

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