Space for sows and a circular economy in Pig Progress 1
The latest edition of Pig Progress is now available online. The pages of this edition highlight the dynamics of the meat industry in the ASEAN zone, considers new frontiers in pig feed efficiency, and visits a Dutch couple who enjoying good result at their spacious sow farm in Germany. This and much more.
The dynamics of the meat industry in the ASEAN zone
In 2022, it is estimated that the population in the ASEAN economic area was 636 million, contributing only 5.3% to the world’s meat production in that year. The 10 countries that make up the region differ regarding the volume and importance of various meat types. This article on pages 6-10 zooms in on the decade from 2012 to 2022 – years with ASF, AI and Covid-19.
Column: New frontiers in pig feed efficiency
Throughout her career in product development, improving feed efficiency or ADG had always been a clear measure of success. These metrics, which once defined innovation, paved the way for the widespread adoption of feed enzymes in swine diets. However, the landscape of animal nutrition is evolving, writes nutrition technology expert Dr Casey Bradley. So what’s new? Page 11.
US pig industry may feel the effect of new tariffs
Donald J. Trump is once again residing in the White House in Washington, D.C. A number of things will most certainly change – one of them includes tariffs, which may not be good news for the US swine industry, as can be seen on pages 12-13.
Spacious sow farm for starting couple
Dutch couple Sarah van den Berg and Dirk Thijssen have owned a sow farm in eastern Germany since mid-2023. They have enjoyed a very positive start with many more piglets and much more profit than they had dreamt of. ‘Spacious’ is the way one can describe Thijberg Agrar in this farm visit on pages 14-15.
Can we do without livestock? A plea for a circular economy
Some say that, in order to save the planet, mankind had better focus on becoming totally independent of livestock. Pigs, poultry and cattle, however, have an important role to play in achieving a truly circular economy. Pages 18-21.
EuroTier seminars on sows, gut health and sustainability
Pig Progress was well represented at the recent edition of EuroTier, hosting 3 seminars addressing topical issues in the global pig industry, namely sow management, gut health, and sustainability & welfare. This overview on pages 22-25 looks back at who presented what.
Column: What to do with cull sows?
Around one-third to half of the sow population gets replaced, meaning millions of sows are going to be slaughtered every year. Cull sows are often in a poor condition when they are sent to slaughter. On page 28, pig welfare expert Dr Irene Camerlink asks at what point it is better to euthanise the sow on-farm rather than to put her on a truck.
