Wrapping up April: What’s new in the world of pigs?
Pig Progress reports on the latest business news and updates from the global pig industry, including sustainability reporting from Zinpro Corporation, a genetic partnership renewal between Darby Genetics and Nucleus, a new pig identification spray from Nettex, and product innovation from Minitube and QubeDot. This and more.
Zinpro releases 2025 Sustainability Report
Zinpro Corporation, manufacturer of organic trace minerals and animal nutrition solutions, has released its 2025 Sustainability Report, Bringing the Zinpro Effect to Life, highlighting progress in emissions reduction, water stewardship, waste management, innovation and social impact. The report also notes continued investment in manufacturing upgrades, renewable energy and employee wellbeing.
DSM-Firmenich again successfully defends 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 patent
DSM-Firmenich has won a favourable ruling from the Beijing Intellectual Property Court, which upheld CNIPA’s decision to keep its Chinese patent for swine compound premixes containing 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in force. The patent has now withstood a second invalidation challenge from Shandong Haineng Bioengineering, although Haineng has appealed the judgment.
Vion reaches agreement on the sale of 2 German sites
Vion Food Group has reached a deal to sell its southern German sites in Crailsheim and Waldkraiburg, subject to antitrust approval and other closing conditions. Crailsheim is intended to go to Boeser Frischfleisch GmbH and Waldkraiburg to OSI Europe Foodworks GmbH, while Vion continues talks on its remaining German businesses.
Darby Genetics and Nucleus strengthen international partnership
Darby Genetics and Nucleus have renewed their genetic partnership in South Korea, extending their long-running collaboration for another 7 years. The agreement will keep Darby Genetics exclusively sourcing maternal-line genetics from Nucleus and supports the companies’ ongoing role in the Korean pork market.
New spray aims to improve efficiency of pig identification
Nettex will launch PigMark, a new high-visibility pig marking spray, at the 2026 British Pig & Poultry Fair. The UK-made, fast-drying spray is designed to give producers a quick and durable way to temporarily identify pigs during routine management.
WEDA introduces the Be.Fit exercise pen
WEDA Dammann & Westerkamp has launched the Be.Fit exercise farrowing pen, designed to combine animal welfare with practical farm use. It features ergonomic access, easy one-handed operation, customisable dimensions, and a modular design that simplifies management and future expansion.
MiniQube by Minitube wins Red Dot Design Award 2026
MiniQube, the digital microscope from Minitube and QubeDot, has won the Red Dot Design Award 2026 in the Product Design category. The award recognises its clean, minimalist design and its advanced features for standardised computer-assisted semen analysis, including autofocus, a motorised heated stage, and improved accuracy and efficiency.
Alltech Brazil awarded EcoVadis Gold Medal
Alltech Brazil was awarded a Gold Medal from EcoVadis, achieving an overall score of 84/100 and placing it in the 98th percentile of companies globally, across all industries. The company was also the first unit to have 100/100 in all the following environmental indicators: policies, endorsement, measures and certifications.
Feed mill expert joins Novus North America swine team
Michaela Braun has moved into a new role at Novus as Swine Sales Manager after serving since 2023 as Senior Liquid Systems & Sales Specialist. She began this new role on March 1 and will support swine customers in the Midwest U.S., focusing on sow, nursery, and grow-finish operations.
