6 silver medals for the pig industry at EuroTier 2024

At the 2024 edition of EuroTier, none of the pig innovations managed to obtain a gold medal. The 4 gold medals that will be awarded went to the dairy and poultry industries. Of the 21 silver medalists, 6 were awarded to pig innovations.

The 2024 edition of EuroTier will be held in Hanover, Germany, from November 12-15. At a press conference in Offenbach, Germany, the organising German Agricultural Society (DLG) said that the show will feature over 2,165 exhibitors from 52 countries. In total 665 exhibitors will be from Germany (35%), whereas the other 1,389 exhibitors hail from outside the host nation (65%).

The show will be held on 22 ha of showground; and the expected attendance is around 120,000 visitors from the international agricultural world.

255 innovations were submitted to the EuroTier jury for obtaining an award. Prof Heinz Bernhardt of the EuroTier Innovation Commission pointed to various trends, including AI in animal farming, animal welfare, robotics, emission reduction and barn climate improvement. The following 6 pig innovations won a silver medal.

Exoskeleton for high pressure cleaning

Aufratech: Hall 24, A23

Aimed at reducing physical discomfort, French company Aufratech developed an exoskeleton for high-pressure cleaning work: the Exon Dual and the Exon Mini. A lightweight, adjustable and comfortable tubular chassis and corresponding harnesses result in advantages in distributing the weight of the lance over the shoulders, as the reaction forces of the cleaning lance are transferred to the torso. It is also possible to attach the supply hose in the waist area. A 2-hand control module, which is positioned in front of the user, also results in a low trigger force.

Heat conductor for pig nests

ATX Suisse: Hall 16, C03

Especially in free farrowing pens, the challenge is to guide newborn piglets to warm nests as soon as possible. Swiss company ATX therefore developed the ATX Thermonest Eco, a heat conductor for pig nests. The patented curtain locking mechanism can be folded over very easily with one hand. The curtain is folded over upwards when the lid is lowered, making operation easier. It comes with a multifunctional board for conducting the heat and sealing off the nest. Only 7-10 seconds are required per pen to set up the heat conducting function before farrowing.

Lowered heated piglet nest

Nooyen: Hall 15, B03

Dutch pig equipment company Nooyen developed the Lowered Heated Piglet Nest – a slightly lowered and inclined nest, which simulates a depression. The piglet nest is accepted more readily by the animals and reduces the risk of crushing losses. Litter or bedding powder can be introduced into the depression without causing excessive losses. The slightly perforated surface removes fluids and the nest remains dry and hygienically clean. The nest heating system installed in the piglet nest can be operated with hot water or electricity and ensures consistent heat from below. The piglet nest is compatible with every farrowing pen and can be easily integrated into existing systems.

Flexible pig flooring system

Asbo: Hall 15, E19

Dutch manufacturer Asbo introduces a concept called the FlexiPigFloor system. In the company’s own words the system “enables a simple, durable, quick and inexpensive repair and needs-based adaptation of existing slatted concrete floors to changed slot width, slot ratio and surface design specifications.” The system consists of aluminium profiles that are flexibly manufactured according to requirements and a cement-based coating. The coated profiles can be used to repair existing concrete slats as well as to adapt the slot widths to changed statutory requirements or to convert existing concrete slats into a lying area with a low degree of perforation.

Holistic system for rodent control

MS Schippers: Hall 11, A11

HyCare Digital from MS Schippers in the Netherlands is a holistic system for rodent control on farms without the use of rodenticides. This system combines natural methods of rodent deterrence, such as the colonisation of predators and habitat management, with digital surveillance and trap systems. The individual surveillance points and traps can be monitored via an app. The app reports corresponding observations directly to the producer’s smartphone so that he/she can implement measures. The triggering of traps is also reported so that they can be quickly checked and reactivated. The control measures are also documented at the same time.

Sensor ear tag

Big Dutchman Hall 17, D20 & BioCV: Hall 15, E15

German-based livestock equipment manufacturer Big Dutchman, in combination with German livestock monitoring company BioCV introduce the BioTag+. The sensor ear tag makes it possible to record the movement and temperature data of pigs, with technology that isn’t unlike earlier novelties with Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) technology. Using algorithms, it is also possible to register individual parameters such as noises or imminent farrowing. Data communication is carried out via Bluetooth and analysis is ensured via a cloud with the aid of AI. Even in the farrowing area, the system enables sows to be kept in groups until shortly prior to birth. This generally leads to increased animal welfare, less stress and easier births.