UK: Plant breeder calls for pig industry input
Breeding cereals specifically for pig production will be the focus of a meeting to be held in November.
The aim is to generate new ideas and get a better understanding of how plant breeders and producers can work together to feed pigs in the future.
Chris Tapsell, research director, KWS UK Ltd believes that there are huge opportunities to move away from classifying feed crops as commodities, and instead develop crops that add value and additional benefits for feed producers and farmers alike. He says that feeds that tick the boxes of sustainability, efficiency and nutrition are key requirements.
Outlining his vision at the BPEX Innovation Conference, Chris explained that, “If relationships can be developed between producers, feed companies and breeders, we can then develop plant breeding targets together and establish an added value supply chain.”
He went on to say that the main opportunities for plant breeders and animal feeds appears to lie within maize, wheat and hybrid rye.
The meeting will be held on the afternoon of the 24 and all day on the 25 November at Cocklepark Farm, Newcastle University.
Producers who would like further information regarding the meeting should contact Jean Phillips of the Knowledge Transfer Network via jean.phillips@ktn-uk.org for more event details. “Thoughts and ideas from those who cannot attend are also sought,” said Chris.
“I strongly believe the future of feeding pigs relies on innovation and our investment and proactivity to find new feed solutions, that are not only cost effective but also sustainable.
“In order to find the right solution it’s imperative that we work together across industries and that’s why we’re calling on pig producers to form part of this committee.”
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