17 Reasons not to miss SPACE in 2024
Traditionally, September is the time of year that many in the international swine business head for Rennes in France to attend SPACE. Which interesting swine innovations are on show in 2024 between 17-19 September?
48 product innovations got awarded for the 2024 edition. 37 products received 1 star and 11 products received 2 stars. Of that selection, 17 products were aimed at the swine industry according the show organisers. 4 products received 2 stars, and 13 got 1 star.
Device to monitor sow behaviour⭐⭐
INRAE: MoSBReal
The French Institute for Research to Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE) won a 2-star award with its “MoSBReal” – an automated device for monitoring sow behaviour in the farrowing crate. The device consists of 2 cameras and a microcomputer and can monitor 2 sows simultaneously, manage the data flow and estimate the posture of sows in real-time. The software differentiates 8 postures, recording every 30 seconds, day and night. That way, sow behaviour can be determined with 91% precision. The innovation allows studying and including behavioural traits in pig breeding programmes. (Hall 3 – booth C14)
Digital phenotyping for feet and legs⭐⭐
PIC France: Digital phenotyping
Having shown the idea at other events around the globe, breeder PIC now brings digital phenotyping technology to France. Digital phenotyping enables more precise evaluation of locomotion and sow lameness by using high resolution cameras in combination with software of image analysis and specific algorithms developed with the support of artificial intelligence. Data from digital phenotyping (video and AI) helps to identify and improve heritable traits related to feet and leg quality of breeding animals, minimising sow lameness in the breeding herd and enhancing sow longevity. This technology also improves leg structure, animals’ robustness and animal welfare. (Hall 8 – booth C39)
Salmonella raw material decontamination⭐⭐
Vitalac Biotech: Salmotruck
Salmotruck is a comprehensive device to decontaminate Salmonella-positive raw materials. Mobile and automated, the technology allows sanitary bacterial decontamination in feed ingredients (soya cake and whole grains). With a 100 ton/h treatment capacity, this machinery is adapted to harbour warehouses. Invented in France, the novelty is spraying acidifier recipes conform to European regulations. A treated and decontaminated batch can then be released and supplied safely to feed millers. (Open air – booth D51)
Bird deterrent⭐⭐
AgriProTech: LazerTrac LZT1000
The LazerTrac LZT1000 bird deterrent is designed to reduce bird-related damage. The system uses the projection of a light beam to literally sweep the surface to be protected, deterring birds from approaching. The green spot is generated by a laser-based optic mounted on a 360° motorised platform. The device offers features in terms of scheduling illumination periods and zones with its optical range exceeding 400 m, and remote control/monitoring via its integrated 4K camera. It autonomously protects large areas with long-term effectiveness, though its use is restricted to private plots due to laser regulations. New versions under development, based on AI, incorporate pest detection functionalities as well as all the safety features necessary for broader application. (Hall 3 – booth C11)
High quality piglet audit⭐
Ceva Animal Health: Tool to measure neonatal diarrhoea
Ceva Animal Health introduced an audit process for early detection of neonatal diarrhoea after farrowing. The aim is to assess the main risk factors for the occurrence and persistence of neonatal diarrhoea. In total, 47 criteria are evaluated and then weighted to obtain a final score out of 100. The higher this score, the better the level of prevention. The audit is carried out on a visit during the week of farrowing, before the onset of diarrhoea. Then practical corrective actions can be are advised. The tool in its digital form is offering a report supported by observations and photos of the situation and the farm. (Hall 5 – booth D92)
PCV2 diagnostic tool⭐
Zoetis France: Circo-Match
Circo-Match is a tool developed to help vets and farmers improve the diagnostic research of clinical and subclinical forms associated with porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) infection. The tool uses an algorithm to assess the level of immunological coverage expected from vaccines against the viral strain circulating in the farm, based on the sequence of part of its genome. Results are rendered under a simple, visual report using graphics, within a timeframe compatible with the diagnostic approach and decision-making (2 to 4 weeks after necropsy or blood sampling). The tool is the outcome of a partnership with biotechnology company EpiVax. (Hall 5 – booth A28)
Monitoring piglet gut health⭐
Elanco: ColiProgress
ColiProgress is an app for gut health optimisation in piglets. Developed in collaboration with 5 experts, it provides vets, technicians and pig producers an overview of risk factors impacting piglet gut health, following a diagnosis registered on smartphone. A score for the farm is determined for 4 areas. After consultation with a vet and a technician, an overall report is automatically generated, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. An action plan is proposed to the pig producer to improve the risk criteria identified. The app enables the producer to compare his results with national averages. (Hall 4 – booth B61)
Blood analysis and interpretation⭐
DSM-Firmenich: Verax DBS Analytics
Verax DBS Analytics is an all-in-one service, allowing to assess the blood vitamin D3 status of pigs. This status is a biomarker of immunity, muscle tone and bone health. The service is based on a method of collecting a single drop of blood on a special blotting paper: the DBS card. The sample is then sent by post to a reference lab. The traceability system based on a QR code associated with each card allows to communicate it directly to the user via a online application. (Hall 9 – booth D99)
Comparing environmental costs⭐
Institut du Porc (IFIP): GT4E
The French Institute for Pork and Pigs (IFIP) developed the web platform GT4E. Its main objective is to create a national reference chain for investment costs and practices of environmental interest on pig, beef and poultry farms. That way, each farmer is able to compare investment costs and environmental practices with a reference group, and thus identify margins for progress. The main headings concerned are the storage, spreading and treatment of livestock effluent, renewable energy savings and production, the reduction of ammonia emissions, and the cost of impact studies. In addition, GT4E offers free-access calculators for determining the average costs of specific environmental practices. (Hall 8 – booth B31)
Veterinary analysis lab in a container⭐
Fermalab: Labo’Lab
Labo’lab is a small veterinary analysis laboratory designed into a shipping container.
Designed to perform veterinary analysis for big breeding farms in Africa, it can also be used to check animal foodstuff, water quality, etc. The aim is to get results quickly in order to better manage its farm. For example, in case of suspicion of disease in a breeding farm, it will allow very quickly to make or confirm a diagnosis, and to implement an adapted treatment without undue delay: this will considerably improve the performance in animal health and farming productivity. It is very easy to install and designed to be ergonomic; the design can be adjusted as needed. (Hall 10 – booth B44)
Water consumption recording system⭐
Aquadis: Aqua’conso
Aqua’conso is an automated system that monitors water (consumption, temperature, and pressure), maintains records, sends history and alerts the farmer in case of any errors. The system records and displays water consumption as well as its temperature and pressure, sends these records in an Excel spreadsheet format at a defined frequency (daily, weekly, or monthly). It measures the network pressure and alerts in case of errors, e.g. pump failure, closed valve, pipeline breakage, water hammer to name a few). The device can identify a leak and close solenoid valves, send an alert message by email and SMS. The system can also schedule automatic line flushes. (Hall 4 – booth B58)
Rain water treatment solution⭐
Ocene: Ekorain Ultra
Ekorain Ultra is a membrane treatment system capable of treating rain water so that it can be used for animal watering in complete safety. It produces water that poses no health risk to livestock, whatever the quality of the rainwater, and also secures the water supply during periods of drought, thereby preserving the resource. It is a plug and play system adaptable to any site and it can be integrated into a technical room or delivered in a fully-equipped modular room containing all the equipment. The system offers dual bacteriological protection for the water produced: membrane disinfection followed by chlorination to ensure bacteriological quality right up to the point of distribution. (Hall 4 – booth A36)
Solution to treat industrial waters⭐
Zeni: Photobioreactor
Zeni is a company with an impact, offering a sustainable, nature-based solution for treating industrial water, particularly from livestock farming, the food industry and aquaculture, using microalgae. The company enables its customers to deal primarily with problems of nitrates and phosphates, and to reuse water, preserving natural resources and producing reusable algal biomass. (Hall 3 – booth B06)
Water disinfection generator⭐
Konax: Konax Agridos-M
Company Konax guarantees continuous healthy water with the Konax Agridos. The strategy eliminates (human) errors through automation, both for the preparation of the water disinfectant, and for correct dosing. It guarantees continuity and correct application of water treatments, via on-line and real-time monitoring. (Hall 4 – booth B68)
Emergency response aid sheet⭐
Prévi’link: Prévi’link
In partnership with firefighters in the Finistère department of France, Prévi’link aimed to create sheets to facilitate emergency services in reading farm buildings before departing dealing with a fire. As it is a farm identity card, it can be consulted in advance to prepare for an intervention or in the field to obtain information quickly. (Hall 3 – booth B06)
Managing sale of raw materials⭐
Kemeva Conseil: Giica Strategy
To support producers with decision-making, Kemeva Conseil has created a digital business tool comprising 4 modules (crops, quotations, purchases/sales, strategy). The Giica Strategy module is the latest development. It provides producers with a personalised strategy for selling raw materials, based on indicators specific to their farms. (Hall 3 – booth B06)
Project to draw attention to disabilities⭐
Agricultural Chamber of Britanny: Handi-Cap towards agriculture
The “Handi-Cap towards agriculture!” project aims to break preconceived ideas related to handicaps using various actions, including testimonials, podcasts, practical sheets, a photo exhibition and links. The idea is to raise awareness for real inclusion of people with disabilities in the sector. (Hall 5 – booth B35)
