Th Summit aimed to share insights with over 450 industry representatives into the latest international scientific research on swine production and nutrition.

ABCA, a division of AB Agri, the agricultural group of Associated British Foods plc, is focused on optimizing the use of and developing new applications for specialist feed ingredients and materials derived from the food and drink industry.

Working together with TOPIGS, a global leader in pig breeding and artificial insemination, to draw on an extensive international network, this joint roadshow aimed to provide an opportunity to exchange the latest in practical knowledge to assist the swine industry in China.

In the last few years, the hardware within China’s swine production industry has noticeably improved, however, productivity remains well behind the world average. Although the introduction of new genetics into China is on the increase, breeding still remains the obvious priority, difficulty and even weakness for domestic swine farmers to improve production performance. High raw material costs for feed ingredients, concerns as to feed product safety, increasingly complex infectious diseases and outdated farm management methods makes it challenging for Chinese suppliers to meet the market’s demand for safe, healthy food.

The three city roadshow covered a wide range of topics on swine production, including:

• The latest developments in swine genetics and their applications for the Chinese market, as well as how to optimize management for large-scale farms.
• Research on senior piglet nutrition and its applications.
• Research and applications of new raw materials and additives in swine nutrition.
• Research on the relationship between seasonal periods and swine productivity.
• Cause and treatment of diarrhea in piglets.
• Effective management of mycotoxin risks in swine production.

James Charteris-Hough, ABCA Managing Director, commented: “China’s swine industry is growing very fast and shows much promise for development in different areas such as breeding, nutrition, disease control and farm management. ABCA and TOPIGS are well positioned to support this development.”

Glen Illing, TOPIGS President Asia-Pacific and Africa added: “I am really pleased with what we have achieved. I look forward to doing more together with ABCA in the future.”

This was the first time ABCA and TOPIGS had come together in China to organise a series of events covering such a wide range of topics. This was a great start for both companies in delivering sustainable, innovative ways to improve swine genetics, nutrition, feed and food safety in China.