Flies, flavours and foraging pigs in Pig Progress 7

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Pigs flock to the Spanish sun

Pig farming in Spain has accelerated rapidly in recent years and the country has become a destination of choice within the EU for several companies. A combination of factors has contributed to this successful growth, as reported by Kees van Dooren on pages 6-8.

A Spanish pig farm in the municipality of Lleida, Catalonia, in north-eastern Spain. Expansion is no longer an option in that area. – Photo: Ronald Hissink

Treating E. coli in the era of prudent use

Regulations, consumer demand and the need to prevent resistance are limiting the use of antibiotics as a treatment for livestock. This article by Huvepharma’s Ulrich Klein, on pages 10-11 focuses on the importance of better understanding the mode of action in various antimicrobial products to prevent overuse.

A case of diarrhoea in a neonatal piglet. – Photo: Huvepharma

China taking steps to reduce antibiotics usage

Over the last decade, the Chinese agricultural sector has made tremendous strides in biosecurity and feed formulation to enhance animal health. In doing so, it has also drastically reduced its reliance on the use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine. Read the details in this article by Rebecca Kwakman on pages 12-13.

Between 2014 and 2018, the consumption of antibiotics in the Chinese agricultural sector has dropped by 57%. – Photo: Henk Riswick

PCV3 – is it a virus to worry about?

This article on pages 15-17, explores recent research by CReSA-IRTA in Spain into Porcine Circovirus 3 (PCV3). Although the virus may not be as potent as PCV2, there is still cause for concern. Pig Progress’ editor Vincent ter Beek investigates.

At least five studies were devoted to PCV3 at the European Symposium of Porcine Health Management. – Photo: Cresa-IRTA

High-rise piggeries at Alltech ONE

The annual Alltech One Ideas conference is a platform for industry thought-leaders to come together and share perspectives on a range of topics. On pages 18-19, correspondent Chris McCullough explores new developments in pig housing and technology, driven by the increased demand for pork products worldwide.

China is home to some 400 million pigs and there is a growing demand for high-rise piggeries. – Photo: Henk Riswick

Column: Reducing ileitis in summer

In this column on page 20, Dr Francesc Molist, who holds a PhD in animal nutrition, discusses several feeding strategies that can be used in an effort to limit outbreaks of the highly prevalent ileitis bacteria, particularly in summer months.

“Pigs are like the ultimate tractor”

Angus McIntosh is practising regenerative agriculture on Spier Wine Farm in South Africa. His pasture-based farming system advocates for the benefits of using foraging pigs to regenerate the soil back into production on marginal land, as detailed by Chris McCullough on pages 24-26.

According to Angus McIntosh, pigs are like the ultimate tractor, except they fertilise the soil while loosening it and don’t have any breakable parts. – Photo: Angus Mcintosh

Black soldier fly larvae as edible enrichment

A recent exploratory study investigated whether introducing small amounts of live black soldier fly larvae to weaning piglets could ease their transition process to solid feed and improve their overall welfare and performance. A review of the key findings and results Dr Allyson Ipema are on pages 28-29.

Black soldier fly larvae are high in moisture, fat and protein with an amino acid profile suitable for inclusion in pig feed. – Photo: Shutterstock

Flavours: A versatile, cost-effective solution

From masking off-putting smells to assisting with the successful substitution of more cost-effective feed inputs, the article by Pancosma’s Joëlle Faugeron, Clémentine Oguey and Mario Roman on pages 30-31 explores the many benefits that can be gained from adding flavours to feed, as determined by recent trials in China.

The smell of raspberry spreads more easily into the air, attracting the piglet’s interest. – Photo: Peter Bakker

Is iron the missing link for robust weaners?

Although iron is an essential nutritional element in the diets of newly weaned piglets, too much iron can result in several adverse health issues during this important developmental phase. On pages 32-33, Zinpro’s Dr Christof Rapp looks at ways of achieving just the right balance for optimal results.

Iron plays a key role in animal health, but an overload raises the risk of diarrhoea, poor growth performance and may also increase the need for antimicrobials. – Photo: Zinpro

EU lifts ban on animal by-products in pig feed

This article on pages 34-35 by correspondent Melanie Epp examines the proposed change in EU legislation which allows processed animal protein from pigs to be used in poultry feed and from poultry to be used in pig feed – a move welcomed by farm interest groups.

More on the menu! It is expected that the ban will be lifted in October this year. – Photo: Bert Jansen

Reducing ammonia emissions with nutrition

Currently, animal farming accounts for almost 15% of human-derived carbon emissions and in the context of pig production, ammonia is a leading contributor. Nutrition can help tackle this challenge whilst improving profitability for producers. Read the article by DSM’s Carlos Saviani on pages 36-37 to learn more.

Lowering ammonia emissions can improve animal welfare and contribute to sustainable profits. – Photo: Theo Kock

Welfare: Enabler of animal performance

There are numerous and complex factors to consider when assessing the welfare and performance of piglets. This article by Rosalie van Emous, Cargill, on page 38 examines how the use of a risk assessment tool and specific nutrition can reduce stress levels in young piglets.

High welfare standards for piglets can be achieved with the right feeding plan and good health and housing management. – Photo: Bart Nijs

Column: Boar stud welfare

In this column on page 42, Dr Monique Pairis-Garcia discusses the importance of boar welfare and touches on 3 critical factors most relevant to boars, namely housing, social behaviour and euthanasia.

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