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Welcome to this week's newsletter
Editorial - A New Solution to Boar Taint?
It was reported last week that a company based in Wales has made a scientific breakthrough that will enable livestock breeders to pre-select the sex of pigs.
Ovasort Limited has discovered sex-linked proteins on the surface of sperm cells of pigs, and has developed a prototype product to identify and separate the male and female cells for each sex. It is the first time that semen sexing has been commercially possible in pigs, the company says.
The technology is to be field-tested in the coming months to optimise the product for commercial use. The company explains that female pigs are preferred by consumers as males can produce boar taint unless castrated. However, castration is increasingly being banned to improve animal welfare and avoid unnecessary suffering. Using its new product, the company says pig farmers will be able to produce mainly females to meet market demand.
If the product passes safety and efficacy tests, it may offer the industry an alternative to castration, light slaughter ages and immunocastration although average performance may be adversely affected as gilts perform less well than entire boars.
The 21st International Pig Veterinary Society (IPVS) Congress will take place in Vancouver, Canada, this week and I will have the pleasure to be there to report on the event for ThePigSite.
Jackie Linden
We have 3 new features this week:
PRRS Regional Elimination Project – Michigan
Barbara Straw, DVM (extension swine veterinarian) Jerry May (pork educator in Ithaca, Gratiot County) and Beth Ferry (pork educator in
Cassopolis, Cass County) explain how a project to eliminate Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is progressing in Michigan in MSU Quarterly Pork Quarterly.
Finnish Agriculture and Rural Industries 2010 - Pig Meat
Pig meat production in Finland in 2009 was around five per cent below the record output achieved the year before but the volume has increased significantly since the country joined the European Union in 1995, according to Jyrki Niemi and Jaana Ahlstedt of Agrifood Research Finland.
US Feed Outlook - July 2010
US feed grain production in 2010 is expected to be down from last month reflecting lower planted acreage as forecast in the June 30 Acreage report, according to the USDA Economic Research Service.
Pig Health Scheme Heads for Target
UK - The Eastern Pig Health scheme is on target to get 80 per cent of the region's sow herd signed up by 6 August 2010.
Sows Kept in Groups Produce Heavier Litters
NETHERLANDS - Topigs research shows that sows in groups produce heavier piglets.
Carbon Dioxide Sensor Saves Heating Costs
GERMANY - Big Dutchman recently announced a successful launch of their new carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor, DOL 17 CO2 sensor.
New Pig Yearbook Published
UK - A more positive attitude to pork coupled with high profile support from TV chefs and food writers have given the English pig industry a real boost in the last year.
Biolex and Merial Broaden Collaboration
US - Biolex Therapeutics, Inc and Merial Ltd have announced that they have entered into a new, broad-ranging research and development collaboration to produce innovative veterinary vaccines.
BIVI US Swine Team Targets Female Influencers
US - Recognising the growing number of women who influence and shape the swine industry, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI), recently hosted an event to bring key female leaders together.
» May Pork Exports Up Compared to a Year Ago
» Expectations Change on Supply and Consumption
» Tips on Keeping Animals Comfortable, Safe
» 2010 International PRRS Symposium
» Pew Pushes Congress to End Overuse of Antibiotics
» Weekly Roberts Report
» US Pork Exports Post Solid Gains in May
» Market Preview: GIPSA Rule Creates Unintended Consequences
» NPPC: Antibiotics Indirectly Improve Human Health
» Groups Call for End of Ethanol Subsidies
» US Corn Expected to Drive Feed Costs Up
» EU Pig Prices: Prices Decline Across Much of Europe
» Blue Ear Epidemic Makes Farmers Wary
» Livestock Review: Viet Nam
» Producers Advised to Consider Least-Cost Rations
» Movement Needed on Canada/South Korea Trade Deal
» Disparity in Ammonia Measuring Methods
» US Corn Expected to Drive Feed Ingedient Costs
» DDGS, Zero-Tannin Faba Beans in Swine Rations
» Pork Commentary: Prices Profitable But Not Great
» In Vitro Test Shows Gut Flora Changes in Piglets
» Carlyle Takes Share of CP Feed Interest in China
» European GM Proposals Add to Confusion
» Making Better Use of the 5th Quarter
» UK Slaughter Statistics - July 2010
» Sex Selection Takes Step Forward
» IAH Director Receives Award from Royal College
» Pigs May be Rolled Next Week
» Russian Exporters Have High Ambitions
» Four More Outbreaks of African Swine Fever
» Irish Minister Meets EU Commissioner on CAP
» Farmers' Views Sought on Sow Stalls
» Farmers Fear Possible Sow Stall Ban
» New Appointment by Termotecnica Pericoli
» NZ Pork Products Still Not Kosher
» No Danger of African Swine Fever in Azerbaijan
That's all for this week!
Ed.
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