EMA approves product use during pregnancy, lactation in sows

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has granted the use of Boehringer Ingelheim’s Ingelvac CircoFLEX® during pregnancy and lactation in sows. The vaccine is registered worldwide for the protection of pigs against Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) related diseases. Ingelvac CircoFLEX reduces mortality, clinical signs and lesions associated with PCV2.
Today, piglet vaccination is the global standard measure for the prevention of PCV2 related diseases in pigs; Ingelvac CircoFLEX is the global market leader in this product segment.¹
George Heidgerken, Head of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, said: “Ingelvac CircoFLEX is the first PCV2 vaccine licensed in the European Union to protect piglets as well as sows. We are proud that we can now offer veterinarians and farmers the means for an even broader protection of pig herds against this fatal virus.”

PCV2 can have a devastating impact on the pigs’ health, causing suffering to the animals and economic damage to the farmers. An infection with this virus may lead to wasting, paleness of the skin, dyspnea or diarrhea in piglets. In breeding herds, PCV2 infection can cause reproductive losses in sows. In both, piglets and sows, PCV2 can also cause medically and economically relevant subclinical infections (infections without evident clinical signs). It has been demonstrated in further studies that sow vaccination with Ingelvac CircoFLEX® has significant positive effects on the reproductive performance, in particular the farrowing rate, the number of piglets born alive and weaned per litter.^2,3,4,5,6
References:
1) Based on local and international market research data (data on file).
2) Misener M. et al. 2014: Impact of Reproductive Performance on a sow herd vaccinated with Ingelvac CircoFLEX®. Proceedings of the 2014 Allen D. Leman Swine Conference, p. 39.
3) Hauray K. and Delisle G. 2013: Effect of mass vaccination of Ingelvac CircoFLEX® on reproductive performance of sows. Proceedings of the European Symposium of Porcine Health Management 2013, p. 113.
4) Menard J. 2011: Vaccinating sows and gilts for PCV2 in PRRS positive herds – a case report. Proceedings of the 2011 ISERPD - International Symposium on Emerging and Reemerging Pig Diseases, p. 241.
5) Grimbeek P. J. 2010: The reproduction and production improvements in a South African commercial piggery after introducing whole herd vaccination against PCV2. Proceedings of the 21st International Pig Veterinary Society Congress, p. 372.
6) Kostuchenko E. et al. 2013: Positive Impact of PCV2 vaccination of gilts and sows on reproductive performance demonstrated in a side by side field observation. Proceedings of the 2013 Allen D. Leman Swine Conference, p. 204.

BRF to phase out gestation stalls

Brazil-based meat and poultry company BRF has entered a partnership with animal welfare organization World Animal Protection (WAP) to phase out the use of gestation stalls for its sows.
According to WAP, BRF has committed to phase out the use of stalls in favor of group housing over a twelve-year period. Once the transition is completed, the Brazilian company is expected to improve its global positioning as it pig production operations would be in line with European Union animal welfare standards.
The partnership between the company and the organization was announced at a recent roundtable event hosted by WAP with the intent of discussing animal welfare in the pig production industry in Brazil. The discussion brought together animal welfare experts, the Brazilian Ministry for Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) and the University of São Paulo.
“We will be working together with BRF to provide technical support and monitor this progressive change,” WAP stated.
BRF ranks tenth worldwide among pork processors with 10 million head slaughtered annually. The company also ranks third in the world among pig producers, with 380,000 sows, according to the WATT Global Media Top Companies Database. The company is also a leading global poultry producer and processor.

New Jersey gestation crate bill vetoed by Gov. Chris Christie

• 

  Tim Larsen/State of New Jersey

  New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has vetoed a bill that would outlaw the use of gestation crates in the state.

  From WATTAgNet:
  New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has vetoed a bill that would outlaw the use of gestation crates in the state.  Christie’s veto of the bill has drawn praise from pig industry leaders and officials in Iowa, but criticism from some in his home state.
  The bill had bipartisan support in the New Jersey legislature, but Christie dismissed the bill, saying the legislation to ban gestation crates was a “solution in search of a problem.” There are only about 300 swine operations in New Jersey, most of which already do not use the crates.
  Christie, who vetoed a similar bill in 2013, stated that the crate issue should be left to experts on the New Jersey Board of Agriculture who better understand how the crates impact animal well-being instead of by elected officials who want to use the issue for political reasons.
  Critics believe the veto may have been done so Christie can gain favor in Iowa, the nation’s largest pork producing state, and also the home of the first presidential caucus. Christie has not officially declared his candidacy for the presidency, but his name has surfaced as a potential Republican nominee.
  Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, praised Christie for his willingness to listen to people outside of the animal rights activist community that are familiar with how the crates can actually improve animal welfare.
  “I give him credit for listening to and understanding that this is something we’re very concerned about and that does impact consumers as well because if these baby pigs are crushed and die, that means there are fewer pigs and that impacts the price of pork,” said Branstad.
  New Jersey  Sen. Raymond Lesniak, a Democrat and animal rights activist, sponsored the bill. He said lawmakers will try to override the veto in 2015.

Adisseo’s Rovabio Excel gets approval from EU for use in sows

The European Union has granted Rovabio Excel, the Non-Starch Polysaccharide enzyme of Adisseo, the authorization for use in sows, from one week before farrowing to weaning.
Employing Rovabio Excel in lactating sows’ diets leads to a decreased loss of body weight, backfat and better feed intake during lactation, according to the company. With an estimated return on investment between 20:1 and 40:1, depending on swine prices, Rovabio Excel is a valuable new tool to benefit the swine industry, constantly operating with tight profit margins.
A meta-analysis was conducted, involving 6 trials, 640 sows run at various university locations all over the world. This meta-analysis demonstrated an average reduction of 3 kg (more than 20 percent) of body weight loss of sows receiving a standard diet including Rovabio Excel across a wide range of environmental and housing conditions, diet formulations and breeds. Similar results were obtained in high NSP diets (wheat, barley) and low NSP diets (corn).
Body loss of sows during lactation is a key indicator used to anticipate the impact on subsequent sow prolificity, longevity and length of weaning to estrus interval.
A trial performed at the Prairie Swine Centre (Canada) with lactating sows confirmed the interest of using an NSP enzyme in the lactating sow’s diet. There was a reduction in weight loss during lactation (-1.7 kg) and backfat loss after weaning (-0.5 mm).
The positive effect was more important on first parity, which would be expected to have a positive impact on future reproductive performance of sows and productive longevity in the herd.

Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientist investigating benefits of glutamate

Texas A&M AgriLife researcher Guoyao Wu has been researching the benefits of glutamate in sow diets.
Glutamate, an abundant amino acid found in milk and meat, is getting a closer look by Dr. Guoyao Wu, a Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientist and distinguished professor in the department of animal science at Texas A&M University. Wu's research suggests a diet containing sufficient glutamate can aid both animals and humans.
Glutamate can aid the production of milk by lactating females (for example pigs and women), while improving breeding success rates of sows and providing nutrition in newborn pigs.
"When I first came to Texas A&M, everyone in the field of animal nutrition knew about amino acids, but there was no data on glutamate," Wu said. "That's why I wanted to develop methods for glutamate analysis and gather data, while conducting my primary research on biochemistry and nutrition of protein and amino acids."
Glutamate was also in the spotlight in October 2013 in Galveston at the 13th International Congress on Amino Acids, Peptides and Proteins.
"There were more than 200 people from 34 countries attending," Wu said. "That's where glutamate really began to be discussed more in-depth among nutrition scientists. We walked away with some great ideas and momentum going forward."
Most recently, Wu discussed the merits of glutamate as a functional amino acid for animals and humans at a conference on December 12 in New York, "Frontiers in Agricultural Sustainability: Studying the Protein Supply Chain to Improve Dietary Quality."
Sow's milk is rich in free glutamine and glutamate. Wu said these two amino acids, together with branched-chain amino acids and proline, are important to stimulate protein synthesis and mammary growth.
The gut plays a key role in determining the provision of dietary amino acids to extra-intestinal tissues in animals, Wu said.
"It's (widely) believed that glucose is the only energy source for the gut, but it is not true," Wu said. "It's glutamate, along with its metabolites glutamine and aspartate. Until recently, Texas approved glutamate as a supplement for animal use, and its benefits are that it aids lactating, weanling and pregnant animals."
Wu said another component of his research will include incorporating glutamate into diets of lactating mothers. He gave a presentation recently at Japan's Kumamoto International Conference on Breastfeeding. He said that worldwide breastfeeding among women with infants is less than 50 percent.
"Glutamate accounts for 10 percent of amino acids in milk protein," he said. "That's why I think it is all tied to diet."
To increase lactation and get more glutamate in the gut, Wu said foods rich with glutamate such as seafood, meat and pork feet can be consumed.
Scientists at Ajinomoto Inc. (Japan) found that glutamate also improves appetite. The human tongue has receptors for glutamate, Wu said.
Meanwhile, in Wu's laboratory in College Station, he has developed new enzymatic methods to determine glutamate in proteins of foods such as meat, milk and plant products. After hydrolysis by digestive enzymes, the samples are run through a High Performance Liquid Chromatography machine to separate and quantify glutamate.
"Glutamate has many benefits for humans, specifically lactating females," Wu said.
Though there are concerns that sodium glutamate in diets is bad for animals and humans, he said, moderate levels of this nutrient from dietary supplementation or protein can be beneficial. Results of recent studies by Wu and colleagues at Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory indicate that dietary supplementation with as high as 4 percent sodium glutamate (4 grams sodium glutamate per 100 grams food) is safe in growing pigs.
Wu said there's also a misconception that dietary glutamate causes brain injury.
"It's not true," he said. "Almost all of glutamate in the diet is catabolized by the small intestine to fulfill its important physiological and nutritional functions. In pigs and humans, very little dietary glutamate enters the blood circulation. This is very different than the direct injection of glutamate into the brain, which bypasses intestinal metabolism."
Wu said he plans to continue his glutamate research with weanling, lactating and gestating swine, and study how glutamate enhances protein synthesis in the small intestine and mammary tissue. He also wants to broaden the work to include human lactation and infant formula.

Sow feeder trial results to be shown live online

Pig producers can find out how new sow feeding systems have been performing on farms in the next BPEX Live online workshop on November 25. Registration can be done online.
Participants can join knowledge transfer managers Richard Bows and Charlotte West, from their own home or office, for videos, photos and live discussion about the different systems being trialled by producers. These systems include computerized ad lib feeding and outdoor electronic sow feeders, which have been trialled using BPEX Innovation Fund grants.

Ireland extends deadline to complete work under sow welfare scheme

The deadline for completion of work under the TAMS Sow Welfare Scheme has been extended from the end of September to February 28, 2014, Ireland Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney TD announced. The minister indicated that he was aware that a small group of farmers had been unable to complete the investment works concerned by the September deadline, therefore he decided to extend the deadline.
All farmers who intend to claim grant-aid under the Scheme must now complete the works and lodge a final payment claim with his department by that February 28, 2014.   The same final deadline will also be applicable to any farmers still completing work under the 2005 and 2007 Sow Welfare Schemes operated by Coveney's department.
Coveney reiterated that this final extension for completion of work under the scheme is not an extension of the deadline for compliance with sow welfare legislation. He also reminded farmers that it is an offense to keep pigs in non-compliant housing after January 1, 2013.

Vitamins may help sows reach third parity

Vitamin supplementation for sows to maintain strong structure and enable maximum reproductive capabilities is more important today than ever before. Due to changes in facilities, fewer ration ingredients and increased production capabilities, vitamins must be supplied to sows through the ration.[1]
"On average, sows don't have enough litters to reach their break-even point financially until the third parity, so we have a big opportunity for increasing profitability in the industry," says Jon Bergstrom, senior technical support manager for DSM Nutritional Products. Citing research that shows the average breeding sow achieves only 2.5 litters in her lifetime with nearly 30 percent of replacements gilts failing to produce a single litter.[2]
Vitamins play an integral role in creating and maintaining bone, muscle, internal organs, blood, and other tissues and fluids of the body; however, the optimum levels of essential vitamins needed for growth and performance are not often found in commercial swine rations. The National Swine Nutrition Guide recommends adding 11 vitamins to sow diets, which are divided into two groups: fat soluble (vitamins A, D, E and K) and water soluble (riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, choline, biotin, vitamin B12, and folic acid).[3]
Bergstrom says that it is a combination of these essential vitamins that helps sows perform to their full potential. In particular, Vitamin D₃ can help build and maintain strong skeletons which prevent lameness and promote reproductive capabilities; Vitamin E is essential for an effective immune system; and Vitamin A can help sows return to estrus and produce healthier piglets.
"In the past, vitamin requirements have been primarily based on studies designed to determine levels which would prevent deficiencies," he says. "In order to have optimum production, you need to provide vitamins at levels far above what's required merely to prevent nutritional deficiencies and diseases."
Several industry groups have updated their recommendations for vitamin feeding levels to help sows reach their full potential.
"We need to feed vitamins that are high-quality and that maintain their stability, so the vitamins haven't deteriorated and provide the intended levels of supplementation when the animal consumes the feed," he says. "Talk with your nutritionist to determine which vitamins best fit your operation. Feeding the vitamins at the optimum levels will enable sows to more closely achieve their genetic potential for lifetime reproductive performance and productivity."
[1] "Vitamins." North Carolina State University. http://www.ncsu.edu/project/swine_extension/nutrition/nutritionguide/vitamins/vitamins.htm. 14 August 2013.
[2] "Breeding performance in swine." DSM Nutritional Products. http://www.dsm.com/markets/anh/en_US/species/species-swine/species-swine-breedingperformance.html. 14 August 2013.
[3] "Trace minerals and vitamins for swine diets." National Swine Nutrition Guide. http://www.usporkcenter.org/FileLibrary/External/USPCE/NSNG/NSNG-Vitamins%20and%20Trace%20Minerals%281%29.pdf. 14 August 2013.

JSR Genetics new sire lines lower production costs

The pig production arm of the JSR Farming Group, a 4,000 sow operation producing 2,000 pigs per week, has increased the dead weight of its slaughter pigs and cut its overall cost of production by 2.5 percent by switching to two new sire lines developed by JSR Genetics.
Against a backdrop of rapidly rising feed prices (up by 40 percent in the last three years) James Christian, Chief Operating Officer at JSR and his team were looking very closely at the performance of their four breeding sites and 12 finishing units. The search was on to find new ways to maximize output and minimize cost.
Faster growing pigs, which can be taken to heavier weights within their production time frame, could provide the answer. Of course, it would need to do that efficiently, with no negative impact on feed conversion ratios.  And the resulting quality, measured against a comprehensive set of metrics including back fat ratios, would have to be equal or better than that which was currently being achieved. Last but not least, the new pigs would need to be sufficiently robust to thrive in any one of JSR's production units, which are located in areas of varying disease challenge.
"We discussed our ideas with JSR Genetics and challenged them to develop new sire lines for our business which could produce rapidly growing, high quality, robust pigs without compromising feed efficiency, quality or resilience," says Christian.
Twelve months ago, JSR identified the importance of increasing the slaughter weights of their pigs and during the last year have increased the carcass weight by 3kg. JSR now has contracts in place which will allow them to work towards a target slaughter weight in excess of 83kg. The pigs are also delivering good carcass yields whilst maintaining low back fat levels of an average of 10.2mm. This suggests of course that heavier weights can be achieved with these sire lines without compromising quality. The new pigs are also proving to be robust and easy to manage.
In terms of their growth they are, on average, gaining an additional 122g per day from 30kg to slaughter. However they are also making exceptional progress in the critical, early stages of their development, increasing JSR's average weaning weight by an average of 0.75kg. This, together with enhanced natural resistance to a range of widespread diseases including scour, is helping the business to achieve impressive low mortality and high average weaning rates. These are currently running at over 11.5 per litter, right across the business.
"We have made good progress in our efforts to take our pigs to heavier weights, without compromising quality or efficiency and we've reduced our overall cost of production by 2.5 percent, he says.  "This is great news for our business and we will continue to increase slaughter weights up to 90kg."

Bayer receives approval for pig reproduction product

Animal health company Bayer HealthCare received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration to market its reproduction management product, ProstaMate. Bayer acquired ProstaMate after the acquisition of Teva Animal Health.
ProstaMate (dinoprost tromethamine) is indicated for use in cattle, pigs and horses. In pigs, its suggested use is for inducing parturition. Federal law restricts the drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
OvaCyst, a sterile solution that treats cystic ovaries in cattle, was also approved.
"Efficient reproduction is the cornerstone of successful dairy production and cattle herd management," said Dr. Milo Wiltbank, professor of reproductive physiology at the University of Wisconsin. "The proper use of reproductive hormones provides veterinarians and producers effective options that will help reduce labor costs, increase the productivity of their cows and improve the efficiency of their operations."
Dr. Dirk Ehle, global head of the Bayer HealthCare Animal Health Division, said, "With the launch of these two products we want to support veterinarians and producers who need them. Bayer HealthCare is now active in most major therapeutic areas of the animal health field, with a strong portfolio to support the health of both farm and companion animals."

Sow heat stress app available for smartphones

Purina Animal Nutrition introduces the Heat Stress Manager for Sows application for smart phones. This free tool provides heat stress prevention tips and resources to producers, helping them to avoid seasonal production lulls.
"Sows can become heat stressed at temperatures lower than producers may think," says Vern Pearson, Ph.D., swine nutritionist for Purina Animal Nutrition. "Producers need to look at both the temperature and the humidity inside the facility to determine the potential for heat stress."
The Heat Stress Manager for Sows app features a heat stress calculator for inputting the current temperature and humidity readings. Purina Animal Nutrition recommends producers install a thermometer and hygrometer in the sow barn to read these temperatures at the location of the sows. After inputting these readings into the app, the temperature and humidity are translated into a Temperature-Humidity Index reading that shows the severity of heat stress, ranging from mild to extreme risk. Research shows that sows can begin to feel the impact of heat stress at a Temperature-Humidity Index of 80.
"Sows that are heat stressed have a greater potential to experience seasonal infertility, smaller litter sizes, decreased embryo survival rates and death losses," Pearson said. "But the most common impact of heat stress is decreased feed intake; therefore, ration changes that promote feed intake may be needed as Temperature-Humidity Index levels increase."
In addition to the heat stress calculator, the mobile app offers management and nutrition tips to mitigate heat stress. The Heat Stress Manager for Sows mobile app is available to download for Android phones at the Google Play website, and for iPhones at the iTunes website.

Are 30 pigs per sow feasible?

Producers and industry representatives discussed the feasibility of the U.S. pig industry reaching 30 pigs per sow per year at the Feeding for 30 Forum at World Pork Expo. Pig farmers highlighted areas that have helped them move closer to 30 pigs per sow per year.
Areas of focus include: full-feeding sows through lactation, increased attention to birth weights and colostrum, and piglet care immediately after farrowing. The producer panelists have current pigs per sow per year rates between 26 and 30.4 and together manage close to 30,000 sows. The panel was comprised of three producers nearing 30 pigs per sow per year and three industry representatives involved with sow nutrition and management.
"The panel discussion and the success of these producers in the field show that 30 pigs per sow per year is a goal that we can achieve," says Dan McManus, DVM, young animal specialist-swine for Purina Animal Nutrition. "When you're trying to hit that goal, it's a package deal. You need good genetics and you need good nutrition. Beyond those pieces, the farms that are the most successful also have a very good, motivated team of people through all stages of production."
Panelists of the Feeding for 30 Forum included:


• Dan McManus, DVM, young animal specialist-swine for Purina Animal Nutrition
• Jon Bergstrom, Ph.D., market development manager-swine for DSM Nutritional Products 
• Derald Holtkamp, DVM, associate professor of veterinarian diagnostic and production animal medicine for Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine
• Steve Huegerich, national director of swine operations for GSC Agribusiness in Coon Rapids, Iowa
• Dave Hansen, owner/operator of Hansen Haven and Hansen Hog West in Coleridge, Nebraska
• Steve Stitzlein, production supervisor at Heimerl Farms in Johnstown, Ohio

Seven ways to avoid sow heat stress in hot weather

Heat stress can have a major impact on sow performance and longevity and sows may feel heat stressed as temperatures surpass 70 degrees F. Depending upon humidity[1], sows can start to experience adverse effects from heat stress, such as reduced feed intake.
Changes in the ration can help sows continue to consume the nutrients they need to maintain performance and body condition levels. Sows are most comfortable between 45 and 70 degrees F, with 60 to 65 degrees F being optimal,  according to Vern Pearson, PhD, swine nutritionist for Purina Animal Nutrition.
"The combination of hot temperatures and humidity results in a high heat stress index and can cause problems for the sow if we don't account for it," Pearson says, explaining that heat stressed sows have a greater potential to experience seasonal infertility, smaller litter sizes, decreased embryo survival rates and death losses. Heat stress can also impact boars, resulting in lower libido, lower sperm counts, abnormal sperm and smaller litters. [2]
Heat stress can be minimized by adjusting the temperature in the facility. Strategies for adequate air movement and cooling include: ventilation systems, air conditioning units, drip cooling, fresh-air inlets, cool cells, nose coolers and water sprinkler systems. No matter the system selected, Pearson advises producers to measure temperatures at the sow's level and to keep temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees F.
In addition to environmental controls, sow nutrition plays a key role in sow productivity through the summer.
"There's a direct correlation between heat and reduced feed intake," Pearson says. "Heat stressed sows will eat less because digestion gives off body heat and makes the sows even warmer.
"Lactating sows will first maintain their litters and then use nutrients from their feed for body condition; sows that are not eating can lose body condition quickly," he adds. "An under-conditioned sow will be less likely to breed back, so we need to keep the sows eating and in good condition."[1]
The following seven sow nutrition tips keep sows eating consistently throughout the summer:
1. Promote consistent feed consumption.
In the summer, the biggest issue is reduced feed consumption in lactation. Adjust the ration to avoid those decreases by feeding sows so they maintain a body condition score (BCS) of 3 on a 5-point scale through all stages. Summer feed additives, like True Appetizer^® Feed from Purina Animal Nutrition, can be added to the sow diet to help maintain dry matter intakes.
2.  Feed sows according to stage.
BCS is important for all sows, so an ad libitum ration is suggested during lactation with limit-feeding during gestation. Don't over-feed during gestation; feed to maintain condition. Sows that are over-fed in gestation may eat less during lactation. Over-conditioned sows have even more stress during hot weather.
Lactation feed intake is critical as sows need greater nutrient levels. Adjust lactation rations in the summer to help sows receive the nutrients needed to maintain condition.
To compensate for reduced intake potential, feed a palatable, concentrated source of energy to sows. A dense source of energy, fed with a summer sow feed additive, can help the sow consume the nutrients needed to support milk production and maintain body condition.[1]
3. Increase feeding frequency.
Feed breakdown generates heat; therefore, larger meals cause the sow's body temperature to increase. Feed sows smaller meals throughout the day to decrease the heat generated by the body when breaking down the feed.
Pearson recommends feeding 2 to 3 smaller meals throughout the day and to feed sows in the night or in the early morning when it's cooler to prevent significant body temperature increases.
Switching from two large meals to three small meals has been shown to increase sow feed intake 10 to 15 percent.[2] Account for this additional feed when formulating summer rations.
4. Provide calories through fat vs. fiber.
Include higher levels of fat, such as choice white grease or vegetable oil, at 2 to 6 percent of the diet in place of fibrous ingredients such as soybean hulls, wheat middlings, distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and alfalfa. Adding fat at a rate of 50 to 100 pounds per ton of complete feed increases the energy density of the ration, helping the sow to receive necessary nutrients at a lower heat increment than protein.[2]
5. Evaluate trace mineral levels.
Make sure that vitamins, minerals and amino acids are balanced with the energy you are providing the sows. These levels may need to be increased during times of heat and humidity.
6.  Provide access to quality water.
Make sure the sow has access to fresh, quality water at all times. In the summer, a lactating sow can consume up to 16 gallons of water per day, with 5 to 10 gallons of water consumed per sow per day on average.
Supplying fresh, clean water at constant rates can help sows meet their water requirements. If using nipple waterers, adjust the water flow rate for at least 0.5 gallon of water flow per minute.
7. Keep feed fresh.
Feed is more likely to spoil in warm temperatures. Increase the feeding frequency, feed slightly smaller meals and routinely clean the feeding area to keep feed fresh through the summer.


 [1] Whitney, Mark. "Minimizing heat stress in pigs during the summer." University of Minnesota Extension. http://www.extension.umn.edu/swine/components/pubs/Whitney-MinimizingHeatStress.pdf. 5 May 2013.
[2] Rozeboom, K.J., M. Todd See and W. Flowers. "Management practices to reduce the impact of seasonal infertility on sow herd productivity." North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Publication No. ANS00-8138. http://www.ncsu.edu/project/swine_extension/publications/factsheets/813s.htm. 5 May 2013.

Feed ingredient producer organizes pig symposium

On April 17, Orffa Additives, a feed ingredient producer, organized its yearly Benelux Symposium. Among the highlights for this year were amino acid nutrition in piglets and a completely new type of trace minerals for all animal species. Hydroxy trace minerals were recently approved in the European Union and the interest for monogastrics as well ruminants were discussed during the symposium.
Orffa hosted nutritionists, researches and other interested people from the animal nutrition industry. In total around 100 people attended the symposium, which was held in Etten-Leur in the Netherlands. Chairman of the day was Professor Geert Janssens from the University of Ghent in Belgium.
Further research on amino acid nutrition in piglets
The first presentation was held by Dr. Mathieu Gloaguen from the French National Institute for Agricultural Research. He presented the conclusion of his long term research on amino acids nutrition in piglets. Today, piglet diets are formulated with a low crude protein level to support gut health and to lower feed cost. Reducing the level of crude protein is possible, but the levels of essential amino acids should be controlled. Much is known about the first limiting amino acids but data of other essential amino acids, like phenylalanine et tyrosine, is often lacking. Gloaguen presented the latest update from his Ph.D. and post doctoral work in this field.
Meta-analysis for tryptophan in growing pigs
Last year, the tryptophan meta-analysis for piglets was discussed on the Orffa symposium. This year, Aude Simongiovanni from Ajinomoto Eurolysine S.A.S. presented a new meta-analysis for tryptophan, this time focusing on growing pigs. She also presented new trial work with results that were perfectly in line with her meta-analysis. The tryptophan requirement in growing pigs is confirmed in new trials.
Valine nutrition in sows
Dr. David Sola from Universitat Autonoma in Barcelona gave a presentation on amino acid nutrition in sows. Nutritionists are researching the requirements of sows and so also on amino acid usage. Sola shared his knowledge with focus on Valine with the audience.
Feedipedia, a worldwide reference on animal feed resources
Dr. Gilles Tran from the association Française de Zootechnie presented an internet database for animal feed resources. It can be used freely and gives qualitative and quantitative information.
Impact of trace elements on nutrient stability in feed and optimized trace element supply in monogastric animals
Last year, Orffa introduced a new form of trace minerals: hydroxy trace minerals. Meanwhile IntelliBond C (copper) and IntelliBond Z (zinc) are approved in the EU for use in all animal species. Dr. Detlef Kampf from Orffa Additives gave a presentation on this new form of trace minerals. Hydroxy trace minerals are used in the U.S. and have shown benefits both from technical and nutritional point of view. Kampf emphasized the benefits of IntelliBond in piglet and poultry nutrition, by showing the latest results from different studies.
Importance and solutions for an optimal trace mineral supply in ruminants
Jerry Spears from the North Carolina State University gave a very interesting presentation on the trace mineral supply in ruminants. Spears is a researcher in the field of trace elements. He gave an overview of trace elements in general and discussed intestinal behavior and uptake by the animal. He presented his research and experiences in general with hydroxy trace minerals in ruminants in comparison with inorganic and organic trace minerals.

Managing sow reproductive performance through genetics, nutrition and health

Improving the performance of sow reproduction requires attention to health, genetics, nutrition and management factors, according to speakers at the fifth Merial Swine Forum, held in Budapest in April.
Speakers from around the world addressed a range of topics from understanding herd performance to disease management, from issues of feed contamination to managing large litters. The common theme was to understand the challenge and plan ways forward across a wide range of disciplines.

What to measure
The most basic challenge is defining a meaningful measure of the performance of a breeding unit. Metrics can range from the number of piglets born at a single farrowing to number of piglets weaned across a sow’s lifetime. Too often metrics can provide a false impression, claimed Dr. Sasha Gibson of the Fairmont Vet Clinic in Missouri, US.
“You cannot manage, what you cannot measure,” she stated. In her view, the key was pigs produced per sow per lifetime.
However, this measure must be comprehensive, taking account of gilts that have failed to ever breed and empty sows kept in the herd before culling. The average for herds in the Northern United States between the years 2000 and 2010 was 34.

Sow reproduction
Dr. Enric Marco Granell, Marco Vetgrup, from Spain spoke about the importance of reproduction performance for pigs. Key factors include the high price of feed and the low level of margins for producers. However, he made the point that hyperprolific sows alone do not guarantee high productivity. Dr. Marco’s preferred method of measuring reproductive performance is the number of Non Productive Days (NPD) and he demonstrated how this can relate to increased profitability.
Professor Hans Nauwynck from Ghent University spoke about viral reproductive problems in sows. He described the mechanism of the normal process of gestation and birth, and the changes that take place in the sow to ensure that this process proceeds successfully. He explained that different virus can affect these processes and induce reproductive problems. Viruses may affect normal gestation in two ways. They may cause reproductive problems in an indirect way when they replicate in distant areas, or in a direct way by replicating in the genital tract and/or embryonic or fetal tissues. He also presented an approach to diagnosing viral reproductive failure.
Professor Nauwynck explained that, depending on the condition of the foetuses, abortion at different stages of gestation can be indicative of either SIV, or ADV or CSFV; stillbirth, Mummification at birth, Embryonic Death and Infertility (SMEDI) is indicative for PPV, PCV2 and PEV; and late abortion or early farrowing is typical for PRRSV.

Pig breeding
Improving performance begins with selection of breeding stock. Dr Thierry Solignac brought revolutionary thinking to the Merial Swine Forum. A vet and nutritionist with Brittany-based Triskalia, Dr Solignac has been studying the impact of back lean, rather than the conventional back fat, measurements. The past 25 years have seen a significant reduction in back fat in the French herd and a corresponding increase in back lean. While attention has been paid to reducing back fat, the implications of highly muscled sows has not been given so much consideration.
Taking ultrasound readings of the back fat and back lean of hyperprolific sows, Dr Solignac’s studies show that high levels of back lean can lead to extended farrowing periods and increased piglet loss. His studies continue, but he believes a good understanding of the back fat: back lean dynamics can decrease many problems like mortinatality, sow mortality; shoulder sores …and increase weaning efficiency.
Management of gilts entering the breeding herd was a topic covered by Dr. Kazimierz Tarasiuk of PIC. Long-term performance will be affected at this stage and the PIC aim is to retain at least 75% of animals to parity 3. Nutrition is important and feed intake should be maximized with a view to attaining body weight of 136-145kg for PIC genotypes by breeding. Service at the second heat for gilts aged 200 to 210 days is the target.
Much of the data presented at the Merial Forum reflected short longevity of sows in the herd, with many failing to survive beyond the third parity. This impairs herd performance which is why Dr. Giovanni Loris Alborali of Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna - Brescia focused his paper on reproductive disorders. He described four types of disorders. The first can happen at any stage, the next occurs at non-reproductive stages, the third in early pregnancy and the fourth in late pregnancy. Effective diagnosis from field observations and laboratory tests of likely causes is crucial to address the challenge. It is also important to review data over time to look for underlying trends in disorders and performance.

Reproductive disorders and mycotoxins
One increasing cause of reproductive disorders is the rising incidence of mycotoxins in feed supplies, an issue addressed by consultant Professor Maximilian Shuh, from the University of Veterinary Medicine of Vienna, Austria. He reviewed the range of potential problems that various infections can cause at very low concentrations. For instance, zearalenone can mimic oestrogen and lead to false pregnancies; while zearalenone and DON (Deoxynivalenol) together can lead to abnormalities such as splay legs.
It is important to know both the components of any feed and the countries from which they are sourced, as different mycotoxins occur in different parts of the world.
A range of viruses threaten reproductive performance, especially PCV2 and PRRS. Danish vet Dorte Risum from the Porcus Swine Practice explained how the use of Circovac had improved herd performance. In 2009 she was seeing stillbirths rising and a reduction in viable new born piglets on a 220 sow herd. The unit began vaccination at six and three weeks before breeding gilts, and at six and three weeks before farrowing in sows. Live born piglets increased from 14.85 to 15.78; still births fell from 1.95 to 1.46 and piglets/sow/year rose from 28 to more than 30. An added bonus was a significant reduction in the use of microbiological treatments.
Italian vet Dr. Roberto Bardini, from Trouw Nutrition, also addressed virus management, especially using Progresis to help in acclimatising gilts to the challenge of PRRS. He stressed the importance of checking PRSS levels in gilts before moving them to breeding units. Defending the costs associated with analysis and treatment, Dr Bardini pointed out that each abortion equated to a loss of €544.
Dr. Eveline Willems from Topigs in the Netherlands described the efforts to raise health status across the national herd. Topigs, which produces around 210,000 replacement gilts a year, have a four stage vaccination programme. At 12-14 weeks for erysipelas; at 16-18 weeks, an erysipelas injection plus Gripovac® 3; at 20-22 weeks a second Gripovac3 plus PRRS vaccination and finally after 27 weeks a further erysipelas and parvo virus treatment.
Comparing 2009 to 2011, this approach has raised live births from 13.3 to 13.8 and piglets weaned/sow/ year from 27.7 to 28.8.
The effect of abortion on herd performance was addressed by Dr. Juan Luis Ubeda, Global Technical Manager of Magapor in Spain. Hyperprolific sows demand high care and where abortions occur in a herd it is important to understand the nature of the abortion. Although he recognized it is not that easy and in Spain a recent study showed that no cause was found for almost two thirds of abortions. Where foetuses abort, it is important to examine whether the piglets are mummified – indicating early death within the womb, or born still fresh indicating death near to parturition.
Increasing fertility leads to increased litter size and Danish expert Dr.Flemming Thorup of the Danish Agriculture and Food Council reflected on his country’s experience. Denmark has some of the largest litter sizes in Europe. This presents a challenge of keeping as many as possible alive to weaning.
In his view, all piglets should remain with the sow for the first 12 hours to maximise opportunities to receive immunoglobin from colostrums. Then a decision has to be made on how many piglets the sow can rear, which is dictated by the number of viable teats. Then both runts and large piglets should be removed in separate groups and put on to nurse sows, ideally animals at second parity. Dr. Thorup believed increased productivity could be achieved by paying attention to runts.
Commenting on the Forum, Merial Animal Health's Swine Technical Director (EMEA), Dr. Thais Vila said what had become clear was the complex challenge of managing reproduction in swine.
“We recognize reproduction performance is the key to profitability, but our speakers have highlighted how many different factors need to be considered. To bring all these experts together has been helpful to bring together different strands of research and practical experience. Our delegates will be taking back a significant amount of new information to their research centres and veterinary practices, which we hope will help to raise performance for the industry which Merial is committed to.”

Proper sow body condition score key for profitability

A sow’s reproductive success and longevity potential are often measured through her body condition score. Proper body condition can impact short-term production and long-term profitability potential, so feeding sows to maintain adequate BCS through all production stages is an important part of an operation’s success. To aid producers, Purina Animal Nutrition offers its Feeding for 30 program.
“A sow’s body condition score is an indicator of her current productivity potential and a forecast of her future,” says Gawain Willis, director of nutrition services for Purina Animal Nutrition LLC. “Gestating sows should be fed to maintain a BCS of three on a five-point scale. Maintaining this BCS through all production stages is ideal.”
According to Purina, the sow should be fed so she is at a BCS of 3.0 at farrowing. Sows that farrow with adequate body condition have a greater potential to produce larger birth weights in the litter, greater milk production and a shorter return to estrus post-weaning.
An ideal BCS at farrowing begins during gestation. Producers can help sows to regain body condition from the last litter early in gestation and then provide nutrients to keep BCS steady through farrowing. If sows are bump-fed in late gestation, producers are encouraged to allow for extra weight gain and condition prior to farrowing by feeding for less condition in early gestation.
Temperature also plays a role in BCS. During the winter, additional feed may be needed to support the sow’s extra nutrient demand for body heat. Industry recommendations show that up to an additional 2,500 kilocalories of metabolizable energy per head per day may be needed to promote consistent BCS through winter.
On the flip side, less energy may be required during warmer periods. Overfeeding sows during gestation may result in over-conditioned sows entering the farrowing facility. These sows have a higher probability for farrowing difficulties and excessive weight loss in lactation.
To ensure that sows are in the proper condition, producers are encouraged to body condition score sows on a regular basis.
“Sows should be scored at least quarterly,” Willis recommends. “If sows are under- or over-conditioned, ration and management changes can be made to keep condition consistent. To promote consistency, employees should be trained and a standardized scoring practice should be followed.”
Another indicator of condition during gestation is weight gain. Research from North Carolina State University states that a sow should ideally gain 75 to 100 pounds and a gilt should gain 100 to 125 pounds during gestation.
This condition is required by the female after farrowing – helping her to not quickly lose body condition when nutrient requirements increase. Because lactating sows produce 15 to 25 pounds of milk per day, daily nutrient requirements are nearly three times higher in lactation than during gestation.
“Nutrient demands on lactating sows grow as sows in the U.S. continue to produce historically large litters,” Willis says. “If sows are not fed properly in gestation and lactation to support these litters, nutrients will be drawn from the sow’s body reserves and her body condition will be sacrificed. Over-conditioned sows may lose extra weight quickly and under-conditioned sows can fall to an even lower BCS.”
Research from the University of Minnesota shows that excessive body weight loss during lactation can lead to future problems including an extended weaning-to-estrus interval, smaller subsequent litter sizes and lower conception rates. The researchers also found greater probability for bone and spine issues as minerals are mobilized from bones during lactation of over- or under-conditioned sows.
According to Willis: “Well-conditioned sows are our best bet for reaching 30 pigs per sow per year. To meet the industry goal, we need to provide the nutrients that our sows require. Without adequate nutrients to care for larger litters, parity levels could suffer.
“On the other hand, the proper level of nutrients during each maternal stage can position the litter and the sow to reach their full potential. Success with sows often begins with a proper ration and a consistent body condition scoring program,” he says. 

Exercising sows during gestation could affect future fertility

Swine fetuses showed significant ovarian development after their mothers exercised and may improve future fertility, according to research presented by Samantha Kaminski, a graduate student at North Dakota State University.
Kaminski and fellow researchers already knew that uterine blood flow could affect blood flow to the ovaries of developing fetuses. To further study the relationship between uterine blood flow and ovary development, researchers designed an experiment to increase blood flow through exercise.
The team selected 15 female pigs and bred them to a boar. They then exercised the pregnant sows between days 40 and 105 of gestation. For exercise, the sows were walked for 30 minutes a day, three times a week. The researchers used this exercise regimen with two generations of pigs.
With the first generation, researchers studied ovaries from neonate piglets, adolescent piglets and gilts at six months of age. They looked at ovarian weight, cell proliferation and types of developing cells to compare how exercise might affect ovarian development.
They found that the effects of exercise seemed to decrease as the female pigs grew. In an analysis of heavier weight neonates, Kaminski saw more cell proliferation in the group from the exercised sows.
The adolescent pigs showed no differences in ovarian weight or overall cell proliferation. Kaminski did find a difference in the types of cells in the ovaries between treatment groups. The pigs from exercised sows had a greater proliferation of cells in the antral healthy follicles. The proliferation of antral healthy follicles has been used in previous studies as an indicator of healthy ooyctes and follicles.
With the second generation, the researchers studied the ovaries from developing fetuses on day 94 of gestation. Though she found no difference in fetal ovarian weight, Kaminiski did see more cell proliferation in the ovaries of fetuses from the exercised sows.
Kaminski acknowledged that it would be impractical to walk individual sows in a production setting. She said the exercise regimen of 30 minutes of exercise three times a week could be compared with any “moderate” amount of movement.
“This would be very similar to what a group house setting would be like for sows,” said Kaminski.
Kaminski recommended future studies to determine if cell proliferation is a good indicator of future fertility. She would also like to know why there were not significant differences in ovarian weight or cell proliferation in neonatal and adolescent pigs.
Kaminski’s abstract was titled “Impact of maternal exercise on ovarian development in the pig.” 

Jyga Technologies, Kansas State partner on lactating sows feed monitoring

Quebec City, Canada-based manufacturer Jyga Technologies has signed a collaboration alliance with Kansas State University, where Jyga Technologies will provide its experience on lactating sows feed delivery and data collection to the Kansas State University Swine Teaching and Research farm. The university farm has recently implemented the gestal solo lactating sows feeding system in its farrowing house.
Kansas State University said it is thrilled about this collaboration with the pork industry's leader in lactating sow feeding. "The gestal solo system will allow us to more closely track feed intake patterns for lactating sows and determine how nutrient levels and management procedures influence intake and productivity" said Dr. Mike Tokach with Kansas State University.
For Jyga Technologies, this collaboration is an important step towards a deeper understanding of lactating sows feeding, a crucial segment of pork production. "We are proud to have reached a collaboration agreement with the most recognized educational institution there is, when it comes to swine feeding," said Stephan Clement, vice president of business development for JYGA Technologies. "We're also thrilled to start working with KSU's solid swine research team." 

Vitamin D essential for sow and piglet health, milk production

The changing of seasons may result in seasonal Vitamin D deficiency in sows, according to research, which shows that supplementation of the “sunshine vitamin” becomes especially important in sow performance as the hours of natural sunlight dwindle into winter.
According to Dennis Short, Ph.D., swine nutritionist for Purina Animal Nutrition LLC, Vitamin D is one of the essential vitamins in sow rations year-round. Though the typical requirement for this micronutrient is only 0.004 pound of a vitamin D 500,000 International Units (IU) per gram premix per ton of swine finishing feed, adequate levels are necessary to promote herd health. As natural sunlight becomes less prevalent, ration supplementation of Vitamin D becomes even more important.
“From October through February, we don’t see as much Vitamin D available to the sow because of reduced photochemical conversion from the sun,” said Short. In addition, UVB (ultraviolet B, which converts 7-dehydrocholesterol in the animal’s skin to Vitamin D3) does not readily pass through glass for sows housed indoors even if windows are present.
As a result, sows are more prone to Vitamin D deficiencies in the winter months. Without proper levels of Vitamin D, sows can experience osteomalacia, higher levels of lameness, decreased feed intake, reduced nutrient absorption and produce lower quality colostrum. Meanwhile, pigs raised by Vitamin D-deficient sows may have more significant levels of lameness and locomotive disorders and a greater potential for hypocalcemia, rickets and mortality.
When it comes to locomotion issues, Short said he has seen numbers increase steadily within the industry. In fact, the Iowa State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory saw 10 cases of metabolic bone disease in 2003. The number grew to 40 in 2011. Mineral deficiencies may be a contributing factor to increased levels of sow lameness.
“Many cases of metabolic bone disease are caused by low dietary mineral levels,” said Short. “To prevent metabolic bone disease, sows must be fed a mineral mix that provides the proper levels of calcium, phosphorous and Vitamin D.”
Vitamin D is also a key driver of colostrum quality. Because pigs are born with relatively low levels of the vitamin, high quality colostrum produced by the sow can help the pigs better reach their full potential. “Colostrum is a fairly rich source of Vitamin D,” said Short. “When we have larger litters, each pig receives less colostrum and may experience lameness and/or health issues later in life. Supplementing sows with Vitamin D can improve nutrient levels provided to the pigs through colostrum and through lactation.”
Many industry groups and researchers have recognized the need for additional attention to Vitamin D. The National Research Council of The National Academies recently increased their Vitamin D requirement fourfold for gestating and lactating sows to 800 international units per kilogram (IU/kg) (90 percent dry matter). When selecting vitamin and trace mineral supplementation, Short said he encourages producers to work with a nutritionist to create the proper combination and mixture of Vitamin D and other essential vitamins.

USDA develops new method to help reduce piglet mortality

To help increase the survival of newborn piglets, U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists have developed a new method that predicts animals' mortality and nursing ability.
Physiologist Jeffrey Vallet and his colleagues at the Agricultural Research Service Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center call the measuring technique the "immunocrit," which determines whether preweaning piglets receive adequate colostrum from the sow. The immunocrit measures newborn piglet serum immunoglobulin in blood samples. These measurements indicate piglets' mortality and nursing ability, according to Vallet, who is also the research leader of the research center’s reproduction unit. Immunocrit results also show that the average measurement of piglets in a litter reflects the sow's ability to produce colostrum.
In addition, scientists have found a connection between immunocrit measurements, piglets' weight and mortality. Pigs that weighed more were more likely to survive the challenge of not getting colostrum within the critical timeframe, as opposed to those that weighed less, said the researchers.
Because test results are obtained so quickly, it is possible to identify compromised piglets while they're still alive, according to Vallet. The immunocrit recognizes piglets within a litter that have not eaten or had the chance to nurse. This provides an opportunity to save at-risk piglets by using intervention strategies.