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Welcome to this week's newsletter
Editorial - Pig Producers Embrace New Technology
The Australian pork industry achieved a first last week as producers from all over the country took the opportunity to participate in a Town Hall teleforum to discuss the industry's use of gestation stalls as part of the 'Shaping our Future' initiative.
The teleforum communication tool is cutting-edge technology that is capable of involving thousands of people, simultaneously, in a live and interactive meeting undertaken over the phone of each participant.
Almost 1,000 producers elected to take part in the teleforum with industry leaders to discuss issues including the use of gestation stalls and consumer perceptions, pork imports, labelling and labour.
Australian Pork Limited (APL) CEO Andrew Spencer said: "It was an excellent opportunity for our most important stakeholders – pork producers – to have their say on the challenges confronting our industry long and short term."
On the other side of the world, the enthusiasm of those involved in the Scottish red meat chain to embrace new technology augurs well for the future of the industry, according to Donald Biggar, Chairman of Quality Meat Scotland.
He said of the ready adoption by the industry of new technology: "The good news is this is making a real difference to both the bottom line and sustainability at a time when our industry's green credentials are under intense scrutiny."
This sends out a positive signal about the future of the industry, he added.
And finally, reports are coming from the Philippines that more than 300 pigs have died of suspected Blue Ear disease (PRRS) in the province of Kalinga on the island of Luzon.
Jackie Linden
We have 4 new features this week:
EU Study Does Not Recommend End to Castration in the Short Term
A report for the European Commission's DG SANCO concludes that there should be no ban on pig castration in the EU in the short-term but that a combination of different strategies is required to find a solution to balance aspects of animal welfare with the risks of boar taint in pig meat.
Comparison of Performance of Radiant and Forced-Convection Heaters in Swine Grow-Finish Rooms
No major differences in overall energy use (natural gas and electrical energy) were observed between rooms with infrared radiant heater and forced-air convection heater systems, according to research pulbished by B. Predicala and colleagues in the Prairie Swine Centre Annual Report 2009.
Tryptophan-Enriched Diet Reduces Pig Aggression
Supplementing the diet of young gilts with amino acid, tryptophan, made them less aggressive and easier to manage, according to new research from the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS).
Italy - Livestock Outlook 2010
Beef production and consumption held up in 2009 but are expected to fall to some extent in MY 2010, while both pork production and consumption increased slightly in MY 2009, according to Stefano Baldi in the latest GAIN report from USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.
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.
New Appointment by Big Dutchman China
CHINA - Big Dutchman is pleased to announce the appointment of Charles F. Strong, Ph.D. as Technical Sales Director in 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.
New Technical Director for TOPIGS USA
US - TOPIGS is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr John Eggert as Technical Director of TOPIGS USA effective from 16 August 2010.
Alpharma Invites Students to Give Farmers 'High Five'
NEW JERSEY, US - Alpharma Animal Health encourages people to give farmers a 'high five' through their ag student video contest kicking off in early September.
Figuring out Improvements
UK - Good information is essential for running a good pig business and BPEX has just launched a new section on its web site that offers just that.
Subclinical Ileitis Reduces Productivity
US - Deceptive and persistent, subclinical ileitis is more common in grow/finish barns than many realise.
 » NADIS BPEX Commentary – August 2010
 » First Farms Apply for Pig Health Funding
 » Comments Invited on Medicines Regulation Changes
 » Think Carefully Before Expanding
 » Evaluation of Assurance Schemes Commissioned
 » CAST Publishes Sustainability Report
 » Weekly Outlook: Corn Yield Potential Reduced?
 » Market Preview: Cutout Values Break More Records
 » Pig, Cattle Producers Rally Against GIPSA Rule
 » Producers Embrace Efficiency-Improving Technology
 » Weekly Roberts Report
 » New Information on Feeding Wheat to Pigs Out
 » Tyson's Waterloo Plant Temporarily Stops Production
 » Consumers Key Focus of Proposed 2011 NPB Budget
 » Japanese Biotech Media Team Tours Maize Farms
 » Maize Lines Bred to Resist Fungal Toxins
 » Corn Crops Protected by Afla-Guard
 » A Profitable Summer for Hog Producers
 » Govt Needs Positive Outcome of Nitrates Review
 » Irish Pig Farmers Worry as Grain Prices Rise
 » Study: Agri-Food Industry’s View on Animal Cloning
 » EU Pig Prices: Inconsistent Trend for Quotations
 » There's More Than Enough Grain, Says Brussels
 » EC Rules on Health Certificates for Egg, Embryo Trade
 » A/H1N1 Flu Outbreak Reported in Finnish Swine
 » China Opens Doors to More Danish Crown Imports
 » Increased Alley Width in Swine Barns Recommended
 » Stability in Canadian Swine Inventory
 » Animal Health Regulations Amendments Expected
 » Progress Dealing with Fusarium Head Blight in Wheat
 » Pork Commentary: Eastern Europe Road Trip Week 2
 » Sindirações Has New President
 » Brazil's Pork Exports Rise in Value Again
 » Dutch Producers Will be Higher-Welfare Challengers
 » Zhongpin Completes Pork Plant Expansion in Anyang
 » A First for Australia's Pork Industry
 » Animal Production, Climate Change and Diseases
 » French Angered by Burger Chain's Pork Ban
 » Heat Wave Kills Cows, Pigs and Poultry
 » Joint Research on Iberian Pig Genetics
 » Pig Disease Spreading in Tabuk
That's all for this week!
Ed.
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