ThePigSite Newsletter - 31 August 2010

ThePigSite Weekly Newsletter

Tuesday 31st August 2010

Our Sponsors Helping keep you updated for free!

ON-LINE SHOP News Company News Whole Hog Events Photos Jobs Bibliography PCVAD Recipes SEARCH

Welcome to this week's newsletter

Editorial - Pig Diseases Hit the Headlines

As the holiday month of August comes to an end in much of Europe, last week was a quiet one for news of the pig industry except for three health issues: H1N1 flu, PRRS and swine fever all reached the headlines – in Finland, Viet Nam and Russia, respectively.

A fattening herd of 1,500 pigs showed symptoms of being unwell at the start of last week on a farm in the south-west of Finland. No treatment was given and the pigs all recovered but PCR tests subsequently confirmed that the pigs had been infected with the H1N1 influenza A virus. The authorities say that the situation has been resolved and that the country is now back to being H1N1-free.

Blue ear disease (PRRS) is continuing its rapid spread in Viet Nam, particularly in the south-eastern provinces. Already a week ago, 50,000 pigs were known to have been affected.

And finally, a further eight cases of African swine fever have been reported in Russia.

Jackie Linden

This Week's Feature Articles

We have 4 new features this week:

Research Helps to Understand Variation between Pigs
The variable weight of pigs creates a major challenge for pig producers and research continues to investigate ways to both reduce and manage this variation, writes Elizabeth Magowan of AFBI Hillsborough.

Gilts: Rearing for Maximum Protein Gain or Back Fat?
It is important to meet the protein requirements of the gilt to prevent a delay in reaching puberty or a reduction in ovulation rate, according this BPEX publication in the series Research into Action.

Application of Computer Simulation to Evaluate Potential Measures for Improving Energy Efficiency in Hog Production
Modifications to lighting and the use of a heat exchanger were more effective at decreasing energy consumption than insulation of the house walls and ceiling. These are the preliminary conclusions of B. Predicala and L. Dominguez from the Prairie Swine Centre Annual Report 2009.

Viet Nam - Growth in Pork Meat Consumption Leads to Opportunities for US Exporters
Vietnamese pig producers need to become more efficient to meet growing domestic demand for pork, and there are opportunities for US companies to export pork and feed ingredients, according to Danielle L. Brewer in the latest GAIN Report from USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.

Company News

New Addition to Pfizer Animal Health Team Pork
US - The Pfizer Animal Health US Pork Business Unit welcomes Aubrey L. Schroeder, PhD, to its staff as meat scientist.

Montana Prepares for Arrival of 36 ESF Stations
US - More and more large US hog farms are planning to switch from conventional (single animal) gestation crates to group housing.

World Nutrition Forum: Getting to the Forefront
AUSTRIA - Less than two months to go before the 4th World Nutrition Forum opens its doors, this time in Salzburg, Austria, to welcome more than 700 delegates from over 60 countries around the world.

Meriden to Launch Orego-Stim Range in Brazil
BRAZIL - The launch of the Orego-Stim® range in Brazil will take place at Stand G13 at the Pork Expo & 5th International Forum on Swine Production. Meriden will be attending this event along with the distributor, Imuvet Comercial Ltda.

ACMC Tip: Light Up for Fertility
UK - As day length shortens, many producers notice a fall in sow productivity, with increased returns to service.

Big Dutchman Strengthens Foothold in China
CHINA - Big Dutchman is pleased to announce the establishment of its new sales office in Beijing to expand its sales opportunities throughout China.

Farrowing Checks Made Easy
UK - Monitoring sows’ progress at farrowing has just got easier with a simple, free tool. BPEX has designed the 2TS Farrowing Disc to put beside sow pens during farrowing.

Global Pig Industry News