ASF, acid binding capacity and Asia in Pig Progress 8
The latest edition of Pig Progress is now available online and includes the use of enrichment materials in pig houses, an update on the ASF situation in Germany, and an interview with DanBred CEO. Also, how can low buffering capacity (ABC) diets improve piglet gut health and growth? This and much more.
Germany “celebrates” 5 years of ASF
Germany is definitely making progress in combating African Swine Fever (ASF). Now, 5 years after the first confirmed infection, the initial states Brandenburg and Saxony are well on the way. Yet it would not be true to suggest that Germany has the situation completely under control: the virus also moved on to other states. Pages 6-9.
A targeted approach can reduce sow mortality
Sow mortality cannot be reduced to zero, but a targeted approach on a farm-by-farm basis can certainly help reduce the percentage of sow deaths, save costs and increase job satisfaction on breeding farms. Pages 10-12.
Column: Acid binding capacity or calcium solubility?
In this column, animal nutrition expert Dr Francesc Molist of Schothorst Feed Research shares his knowledge on how low buffering capacity (ABC) diets improve piglet gut health and growth by lowering stomach pH. Page 13.
Farm visit: Fewer greenhouse gases by treating slurry
Pig slurry comes with various obnoxious gases, such as methane and ammonia. What if a decent part of those compounds would not evaporate but instead stay put inside the slurry? That approach is patented by an Irish company – and a first set-up is being run on a farm in the south of Ireland. Pages 14-18.
Sustainable protein is a job for the livestock industry
For several years, the livestock industry appeared to face serious competition from alternative protein products. However, some of those developments now seem to have been hype. This became clear at a recent congress in Madrid, Spain, celebrating 25 years of Huvepharma. For genuine progress in making protein production more sustainable, all eyes are on the livestock industry. Pages 20-21.
Interview: Asia is at the heart of DanBred’s future strategy
As Danish pig breeding company DanBred is looking ahead to the future, it is looking towards Asia – and particularly China – to continue to grow. In addition, the company is in the process of hiring more customer service representatives in the future, says Torben Aarris, the company’s CEO. Page 23.
Column: Enrichment for nest building
The use of enrichment materials in pig houses is becoming more commonplace all over the planet, says pig health and welfare expert Dr Monique Pairis-Garcia. In Brazil she encountered promising nest building enrichment materials for sows that are about to farrow. Page 26.
