PEDv and pig pens in Pig Progress 4 

PEDv and pig pens in Pig Progress 4 

The latest edition of Pig Progress is now available online. This edition considers long-term strategies to manage PEDv, explores a farm in Sweden where pig houses are being transformed into low-emission facilities, and asks the question: could veterinarians stay at home? This and much more.

The path towards PEDv elimination in Manitoba

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea virus (PEDv) has impacted the North American swine sector for more than 10 years. Outbreaks fluctuate over time, consistently causing significant challenges. In response, several US states and Canadian provinces are developing long-term strategies to manage the disease. Manitoba, Canada, stands out by implementing an elimination plan. Pages 6-8.

Column: Manipulating feeding behaviour

Adequate feed intake by piglets is generally welcomed on most farms, but excessive eating is undesirable as it may lead to negative outcomes. Therefore, a moderate and balanced feed intake is ideal. On page 9, pig nutrition expert Dr Francesc Molist offers his insights on achieving this balance.

Interview: “This acquisition strengthens our market position”

Danish company Novonesis recently announced that it has acquired DSM-Firmenich’s share of the Feed Enzyme Alliance. Novonesis will take over DSM-Firmenich sales and distribution activities. Tina Sejersgård Fanø, executive VP, planetary health biosolutions, Novonesis, discusses the impact of the acquisition on pages 12-13

Farm visit: Clean pig pens, no manual labour required

By using the Moving Floor concept, pig housing can be transformed into low-emission facilities. Currently, three standard-sized pen types are available. Originally developed for dairy farms, this concept is now showcased in a demonstration pig house in Sweden, as can be seen on pages 14-17.

Photo: Mark Pasveer
Photo: Mark Pasveer

Review: Experts discuss mycotoxins, AI and climate change

Salzburg, Austria, hosted the 15th World Mycotoxin Forum from 7-9 April. More than 400 scientists, industry experts, and policymakers from around the globe gathered to share insights and discuss the latest research, innovations, and regulatory developments surrounding mycotoxins. Read the review on pages 18-19.

AI every day could keep the doctor away. Or not?

Artificial intelligence could revolutionise the pig industry. Yet how exactly it can be reliably applied is often relatively unclear and perhaps also a touch intimidating. However, areas such as ‘telehealth’ and ‘telemedicine’ present accessible opportunities for progress. This raises the question: could veterinarians stay at home? Find out on pages 20-21.

Column: Pork consumption in the US

Pork consumption in the US has changed dramatically over the last 3 decades. There, the swine industry has seen a dramatic decrease in the overall amount of pork consumed by individuals with drastic variation of pork consumed by generation. Health and welfare expert Dr Monique Pairis-Garcia discusses this on page 26.

Kinsley
Natalie Kinsley Freelance journalist