Study to Influence Pen Configuration and Group Size
CANADA - Research conducted at the Prairie Swine Centre is expected to assist hog producers in deciding penning configurations and group sizes, writes Bruce Cochrane.

New Assignment for 'Virtual Walk the Pens'
US - The latest assignment for Pfizer Animal Health's 'Virtual Walk the Pens' simulator has just been released. In the third scenario, the players' wean-to-finish operation is experiencing sudden deaths,...

Agriculture Minister Outlines Pig Scheme
IRELAND - Pig farmers have welcomed the €13m scheme for converting sows to loose housing - a scheme recently announced by agriculture minister Brendan Smith.

£100M Boost for Animal Health Research
UK - The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Institute for Animal Health (IAH) today welcomed the announcement by the Government of over £100 million investment by the...

Virtual Walking the Pens - Software Update
US - If you missed the earlier news, you can now access the "Virtual Walking the Pens" game on ThePigSite.com.

Help Sought on EU GM Zero Tolerance Policy
SCOTLAND, UK - NFU Scotland has written to the Scottish and UK Governments seeking their assistance in addressing the damage being done to its livestock sector by Europe’s zero tolerance policy for as...

NZPork: Vote to Give Consumers Clarity and Choice
NEW ZEALAND - New Zealand Pork announced a three-pronged strategy focused on consumer choice, confidence and continuing action on animal welfare following its AGM in Christchurch yesterday.

AMI Continues to Oppose Animal Antibiotics Ban
US - In a follow up to last week’s hearings, AMI, as a member of the Coalition for Animal Health, is asking Congressional leaders to ensure that H.R. 1549, the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment...

Compassion in World Farming Opposes Trade
UK - Compassion in World Farming says it welcomes the National Pig Association’s campaign to prevent a trade in imported piglets which threatens to bring diseases such as MRSA from Belgium and Holland...

Research: Pigs Raised in Large Groups Handle Easier
CANADA - Bruce Cochrane writes that research conducted at the Prairie Swine Centre indicates pigs raised in large groups are much easier to handle than those raised in small groups.

New Zealand Industry Challenged over Welfare
NEW ZEALAND - Consumers have genuine concerns about the way their food is produced, and the New Zealand pig meat industry needs to pay attention to their concerns.

NPPC: Resolve Issues Before Passing Food-Safety Bill
US - While a food-safety bill making its way through the US House largely exempts livestock and poultry farms, US pork producers still have some concerns with the legislation, the National Pork Producers...

Pork Industry Urged to Act on Animal Welfare
NEW ZEALAND - The pork industry should address consumer concerns about animal welfare and reductions to the length of time sows can be kept in dry stalls need to kick in sooner, Agriculture Minister David...

AMI: Voicing Opposition to Animal Antibiotics Ban
US - AMI, as a member of the Coalition for Animal Health, is voicing its opposition to H.R. 1549, "Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2009," which was the subject of a hearing in...

Potential Advantages from Straw Based Sow Housing
CANADA - Research conducted at the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment indicates the adoption of certain animal welfare measures has the potential to increase profitability, writes Bruce...

Quick Response to Transition Plan Proposal Urged
CANADA - The Canadian Pork Council is appealing for a timely government response to it's proposed Strategic Transition Plan for the Canadian hog industry, writes Bruce Cochrane.

Removing Boar Taint Roulette May Mean Higher Sales
UK - In a survey of attendees at a recent Pig Veterinary Society meeting, 70 per cent claimed they could detect boar taint and 68 per cent agreed with the statement "Boar taint has a negative impact on...

FDA Seeks Ban on Unnecessary Animal Antibiotics
US - A top US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) official has opposed the practice of routinely feeding antibiotics to pigs, cattle and chickens to promote growth.

New Tool to Evaluate Swine Housing Costs Expected
CANADA - Scientists with the University of Manitoba hope to have a simulation model available this fall that will assist swine producers in comparing the economics of different breeding sow housing systems,...

Big Dutchman Pig Division at World Pork Expo
US - In spite of all negative circumstances, such as economic downturn in pig farming, the financial crisis in general and the H1N1 influenza, Big Dutchman USA recently experienced a successful World Pork...

Straw Based Sow Housing Offers Economic Benefits
CANADA - Research conducted at the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment indicates the switch from conventional slatted concrete floors to straw based group housing of sows offers certain economic...

ROYAL SHOW - UKECP Boosting Livestock and Meat Exports
UK - A livestock and meat export initiative launched at the Royal Show last year has now seen health certificates granted for products and animals to be traded around the world.

New Research Looks at Farrowing Crate Alternatives
UK - The practical stage of a major new research project looking at welfare-friendly alternatives to the farrowing crate has just got under way with the building and evaluation of prototype designs.

NFU Applauds USDA Disaster Program Regulations
US - National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson yesterday commended US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack following publication of the final rule on the Livestock Indemnity Program...

RSPCA Speaks Out Against Live Export Trade
AUSTRALIA - The Live Export Shipboard Performance Report revealed that more than 36,000 sheep, cattle and goats died while being transported overseas for slaughter in 2008.