 During 2009 Pig Progress's Jubilee year PigProgress.net will publish a series of blogs taking a look at the future of the International pig industry: |
Are we prepared for new pig diseases in the future? 28 Sept 2009
Author: Dr Ernest Sanford
Over the last few decades we have had several new diseases descend on the pig world threatening its very existence. National/ Federal Governments in most countries have well laid-out plans to deal with foreign animal diseases (FADs) or the various 'listed' diseases that are a threat to the national livestock or animals within that particular country. What we do not usually have is an action plan for 'new' or emerging, non-listed diseases.
Hyperprolificacy and the 'shattered sow syndrome' 25 Aug 2009
Author: John Gadd
The Oxford English Dictionary defines hyperprolificacy as 'super-abundant production of offspring'. Quite so. Thanks to the geneticist and the increasing skill of the ordinary producer, the 25 weaners/ sow/ year of ten years ago is now considered an acheivable target for anybody, and even passé by some.
Agriculture in 2018 28 July 2009
Author: Vincent ter Beek
Earlier this year, I wrote a weblog with the title 'Agriculture in 2017'. The general idea, quoting several scientific projections, was that the future looked very optimistic for pork production. What do projections for 2018 look like?
The future of the global pig industry - hit or bust? 29 June 2009
Author: David Burch
Overall, the global pig industry must be a hit. It is a complex but well-structured industry with an end product that is wanted, needed and is a going to be a growing staple diet in many parts of the world. However, there are some bumps foreseen along the road.
A future urban lifestyle for pigs 22 June 2009
Author: Emmy Koeleman
Agriculture is changing. Fuelled by altered views on the way we should produce our food in combination with growing human population we see farms grow bigger and become more efficient. The basic principle for this expansion has always been: more production! However, buzz words such as sustainability, green and carbon footprints force us to re-evaluate the way (and moreover where!) we produce our daily food. In contrast to single farms getting bigger, initiatives such as "urban farming" - that integrate multi systems at one urban location seems to be gaining interest.
Should future pigs roll in the mud again? 25 May 2009
Author: Emmy Koeleman
Increased hygiene and a lack of exposure to various microorganisms may be affecting the immune systems of many populations – particularly in highly developed countries like the USA – to the degree that individuals are losing their bodily ability to fight off certain diseases.
The future is here: in-house nutrition 27 Apr 2009
Author: Dr Ioannis Mavromichalis
Several years ago, I read a report by a major international bank specialising in the agro-industrial sector, in which it was predicted that in the very near future the pig production chain (from the pig producer to the consumer) will be made up of only three vital partners: pig producers (genetics and commercial), slaughterhouses, and retail stores. Everything else would be auxiliary or even not necessary at all.
Different breeds, different needs 30 Mar 2009
Author: Emmy Koeleman
Huge improvements in lean meat production of pigs have been made over the last 30 years. For example, since 1972, backfat depths have nearly halved in 60-80 kg carcasses. And still, the quest goes on to produce a pig that has a 'perfect genoytpe', which can deal with environmental factors, diseases and most of all can deal with feed very efficiently!
Perimeter biosecurity 24 Feb 2009
Author: John Gadd
I've been asked to forecast what a pig farm perimeter might look like a couple of decades into the future. Starting from a a excellent suggestion by the PIC company that it should be divided into 'clean' and 'dirty' sectors, I have taken things somewhat further.
Agriculture in 2017 27 Jan 2009
Author: Vincent ter Beek
Somewhat later in the year, you will most probably find similar blogs to this one, called 'Agriculture in 2018'. I daresay that these blogs might be slightly less positive than this one. Why?
