Wrapping up January: What’s new in the world of pigs?

Enzyme trial shows potential for Elanco’s feed additive

A trial testing Elanco‘s enzyme feed additive Hemicell XT on 216 piglets has shown potential for reductions in feed costs while maintaining pig performance. The additive is used to break down beta-mannans, a type of polysaccharide found in the cell walls of plants, which are prevalent in many raw materials used in swine diets. The research revealed how the enzyme is capable of consistently supporting pig performance in both post-weaning and grower-finisher diets.

New omega 3 supplement made from algae

British animal supplement company UFAC-UK has developed a vegetable source of omega 3 fatty acids, originating from native algae. The Algi40 Omega 3 supplement is designed to enhance dietary intake of these essential fatty acids in livestock. The supplement has been shown to increase litter size and piglet vitality, and also enriches pork and meat with the omega 3 fatty acids.

Upgrade of Evonik’s MetAmino production in Singapore reaches first milestone

Evonik’s MetAmino (DL-methionine) production facility upgrade at its Singapore site is progressing after a 3-month shutdown in the 4th quarter of 2023. Production on Jurong Island is again running at full capacity. A shutdown of the second MetAmino production plant will be necessary in the 2nd quarter of 2024. The upgrade will reduce the product carbon footprint of MetAmino from the plants in Singapore by 6%.

Jimdi acquires Duraplas swine flooring assets

Pennsylvania, US-based swine flooring company Jimdi has announced the acquisition of the swine floor assets of DuraPlas (formerly Southwest Agri-Plastics), including the Dura-Tuff and Dura-Lock product offerings. Jimdi will market the portfolio under the brand names Top-Tread and Lunar-Lock. DuraPlas will then focus on serving a range of different industries including poultry and grain.

2024 Grants programme opens call for proposals

Proposals are being accepted for the 2024 cycle of the Growing Research and New Technology for Swine (Grants) programme sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Veterinarians, producers, researchers and academics can apply for 1 of 3 US$35,000 awards for research related to swine health and production. The submission period is open until 15 March, 2024.

Vion reviews German business portfolio

Meatpacker Vion Food Group is reviewing its operations in Germany, including downsizing through divestments and closures. The pig processing plant in Perleberg, Brandenburg state, is set to be sold to meatpacker Uhlen. Vion has been unable to identify a prospective buyer for the pork facility in Emstek, Lower Saxony state, and so the site will close by the end of March 2024.

Agrisys and AgriHub continue Nedap Pig Division

Danish agricultural automation company Agrisys, have officially confirmed to be continuing the worldwide pig division activities of Nedap. In 2023, the Dutch company had already announced to be focusing more on its dairy activities. The pig division activities will be carried out in cooperation with AgriHub, In a press announcement, Agrisys wrote: “Together we are going to support customers and partners globally and we look forward to continuing to develop innovative solutions based on the strong heritage of Nedap.”

Collaboration for animal welfare at Grüne Woche

In January 2024, the annual International Green Week took place in Berlin, Germany, serving as the meeting point for the international agriculture and agri-food sector. In the Dutch pavilion, DNA TraceBack from MSD Animal Health and Vion Food Group demonstrated, together with animal welfare organisations, their joint commitment to sustainable livestock farming, animal welfare, food safety and traceability of meat products. Representatives presented their joint innovations for more animal welfare and a price for everyone in the chain where additional costs for the farmer are reimbursed.

Farm Health Guardian now integrated with Motive GPS System

Motive is the latest GPS system that Farm Health Guardian’s biosecurity software now links with to give customers access to real-time data that will help strengthen biosecurity. Customers can get real-time alerts if biosecurity protocols are breached, validate adherence to downtime requirements and confirm truck wash visits.

MOU signed to use satellite tech for soy traceability

Bangkok Produce Merchandising (BPM), a subsidiary of Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF), and Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC), processor of agricultural goods, have signed an memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the use of satellite mapping solutions and traceability data points for sustainable and deforestation-free supply chains. Efforts will include shared traceability data points, systems and satellite mapping verification along its supply chains and covers soy products from LDC in Brazil destined for several Asian countries where BPM and CPF produce and sell feed and food.

Hamlet Protein predicts growth at a slower pace for 2024

In its market outlook for 2024, Hamlet Protein predicts that animal protein production and the production of animal feed will keep growing in 2024 but at a slower pace, adding that south American and Asian markets are better positioned for growth than mature markets in Europe and North America. Animal diseases and geo-political matters can potentially strongly impact the industry, and ESG regulation will play a more prominent role in business decisions. Feeding a growing world population in an efficient and sustainable manner will be the main focus for all market segments, while the labor market is expected to remain tight in industrialized markets, the company believes.

EuroTier 2024 guiding theme, ‘We innovate animal farming’

This year’s EuroTier being held from 12-15 November in Hanover, Germany, will focus on current challenges in livestock production under the theme “We innovate animal farming.” Under this theme, approaches and strategies will be highlighted that can be used to improve the efficiency, sustainability and ethical standards of animal husbandry. At the show, for the second time, the Inhouse Farming – Feed & Food Show will offer solutions for self-contained food systems like indoor farming and vertical and urban farming, from feed to food. The focus is on alternative proteins.