Pork Journal January/February 2018 by Rosemary Embery

porkjournal www.primarymedia.com.au

Volume 40 Issue 1

January/February 2018

Glengallen now using Ridley Enrich Sow Block in loose sow housing

German farmer achieves 1000 grams daily weight gain while maintaining good health status Alltech Ideas Conference

includes world class speakers for epic ideas exchange

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porkjournal www.primarymedia.com.au

Volume 40 Issue 1

January/February 2018

EDITOR:

EDITORIAL & DESIGN

JOURNALIST/PHOTOGRAPHER PRODUCTION EDITOR

Peter Bedwell Alex Bedwell

Rosemary Embery

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Alex Bedwell

ADVERTISING ADVERTISING SALES Peter Bedwell Phone: (02) 9797 2406 Mob: 0419 235 288 Email: primarymedia@bigpond.com Rates are available at www.primarymedia.com.au

SUBSCRIPTIONS Jamie Jones, one of the students who received an APL sponsored Industry Placement Award.

FEATURES Page 8: Glengallan now using Ridley Enrich Sowblocks in loose sow housing by Peter Bedwell

Page 12: German farmer achieves 1000 grams daily weight gain while maintaining good health status by Peter Bedwell

NEWS Page 4: Alltech Ideas Conference includes world class speakers for epic ideas exchange Page 6: Butchers sharpen skills for World Challenge Page 16: APL sponsored Piggery Placements expand studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s knowledge of pigs Page 17: Online nutrition database to reduce feed costs Page 18: Pork CRC ponders pig feed efficiency flaws Page 19: Yorke Peninsula Mallee Park Piggery sells to local farming family

AUSTRALIA One Year - $55.00* NEW ZEALAND One Year - NZ$80 OTHER COUNTRIES One Year: Airmail - $A90 Please send payment in Australian dollars. Send payment and full details to: 250 Hawthorne Pde, Haberfield NSW 2045 *Australian subscription rate includes GST

ENQUIRIES OFFICE ADDRESS: 250 Hawthorne Pde, Haberfield NSW 2045 Phone: (02) 9797 2406 Mob: 0419 235 288 Production: 0409 944 472 Email: primarymedia@bigpond.com Pork Journal consists of a bi-monthly management magazine. Published by C D Supplies Pty Ltd trading as Primary Media (ACN 091 560 557) All material copyright (editorial and advertisements) and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. Whilst every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of PORK JOURNAL, the publishers do not accept any responsibility or liability for the material herein.

NEWS

Alltech Ideas Conference includes world class speakers for epic ideas exchange The Alltech Ideas Conference (ONE18) will provide attendees with a unique opportunity to participate in a global conversation about industry innovations, challenges and solutions, according to Dr Pearse Lyons, founder and President of Alltech. “The transformative power of ideas is the underlying focus of more than 50 topics slated for discussion,” he said. ONE18, which will be held from May 20 to 22 in Lexington, Kentucky, will include general sessions with world-class speakers providing insights and inspiration that transcend culture, profession and time. Subject and species-specific breakout sessions with industry experts will give attendees from all realms of agriculture an opportunity to engage in an exchange of ideas relevant to their particular fields. Now in its 34th year, Alltech’s conference is attended annually by nearly 4,000 people from more than 70 countries. David Hunt, co-founder of Cainthus, said of the event “This conference is effectively a nexus of Eastern, Western, African and Middle Eastern agriculture.” Whether attendees are navigating a fundamental change within the agribusiness industry or just need a little inspiration, they’ll learn about real-world opportunities during sessions designed to impart knowledge while provoking the imagination. Some of the sessions and sample discussions that are proposed to be included are: Pig topics: • Prize Pig: Winning Ideas in Feed How do advanced genetics play a role in growth and feed efficiency? Join us as we discuss feeding for optimum health and productivity. • Life Without Viruses: Beyond Vaccines How can we move beyond vaccines to involve new technologies in the battle against diseases such as PRRS? What genetic potential is unlocked when we live life without viruses? Business topics • All Eyes on Ag: Leading the Future of Agribusiness Why are so many mega brands

interested in agribusiness? Join us for a look at why brands such as Microsoft are betting the farm on agriculture. • Does Social Responsibility Sell? As consumers become more interested in what companies stand for, does your public relations strategy convey the right message? The conference experience extends beyond superior presentation content, with attendees invited to embark on area tours throughout the Bluegrass and network with peers from across the globe. They’ll enjoy first-class cuisine in the city that Zagat named one of the “30 Most Exciting Food Cities in America in 2017” and dance the night away at the annual Kentucky Night celebration, held in the Alltech Arena at the world-famous Kentucky Horse Park. In previous years, the ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference stage, has been graced by the world’s most prominent thought leaders and changemakers, including Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, and General Colin Powell, former US secretary of state. At this year’s event Jack Welch, one of the world’s most respected CEOs, will share his groundbreaking management practices with the attendees. The celebrated former CEO of General Electric is highly regarded for his track record of success and his

Above: George Blankenship, former Director of Tesla Motors, Apple and GAP, spoke during the opening plenary session of the Alltech Ideas Conference 2017.

commitment to building leaders and teams. Named as one of the “100 Greatest Living Business Minds” by Forbes magazine in 2017, Mr Welch has been called “The CEO of CEOs.” He began his career with the General Electric Company in 1960 and in 1981 became the company’s eighth chairman and CEO. During his 20-year tenure as CEO, the company’s market capitalisation rose from $13 billion to more than $400 billion. In 2000, he was named “Manager of the Century” by Fortune magazine. Today he serves as Executive Chairman of the Jack Welch Management Institute. Also featured on ONE18’s mainstage will be Professor Robert Wolcott and Dr Rodolphe Barrangou. Professor Wolcott is clinical professor of innovation and entrepreneurship at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He won Teacher of the Year from Kellogg’s EMBA program in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017. He is also a Managing Partner

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NEWS

Alltech has announced its speakers for the One 18 Conference to be held in Kentucky from May 20 to 23, 2018.

with Clareo, a foresight and growth strategy consultancy serving global corporations. The author of “Grow from Within: Mastering Corporate Entrepreneurship and Innovation,” Professor Wolcott is a regular contributor to Forbes on the impact of technology on business, society and humanity. His work appears in MIT Sloan Management Review, strategy+business, the Harvard Business Review (online), the Wall Street Journal, Advertising Age, Businessweek, the Financial Times (European Edition), The New York Times and numerous overseas publications. Professor Wolcott is an angel investor, and he currently serves on advisory boards for ZF, a $40 billion German automotive supplier, and H-Farm, the leading technology ecosystem in Italy. Dr Barrangou is the TR Klaenhammer Distinguished Scholar in

Probiotics Research in the Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences at North Carolina State University, where his work focuses on the evolution and function of CRISPRCas systems and their applications in food manufacturing. Recently, he received the 2016 Warren Alpert Foundation Prize, the 2016 Canada Gairdner International Award, the 2017 NAS Award in Molecular Biology and the 2018 NAS Prize in Food and Agriculture Sciences. He is also the former Chairman of the board of directors of Caribou Biosciences, a co-founder and member of the scientific advisory board of Intellia Therapeutics, and a co-founder and Chairman of the scientific advisory board of Locus Biosciences. Prior to his position at North Carolina State University, Dr Barrangou spent almost a decade at Danisco and DuPont working on research and development as well as mergers and

acquisitions in the food industry. “This is the most impressive lineup of mainstage speakers that we have ever had,” said Aidan Connolly, Vice President of Corporate Accounts and chief innovation officer at Alltech. “If you are ready for ideas that could fundamentally change your business, ONE18 in Kentucky is the only place to be this May. “The transformative power of ideas is the underlying focus of more than 50 topics slated for discussion at ONE18. Twelve sessions, covering all major agriculture sectors, as well as brewing and distilling, business, and health and wellness, will set the stage for an epic exchange of ideas between thought leaders and knowledge seekers.” Held May 20–22 in Lexington, Kentucky, Alltech’s conference has become known as a nexus of global agriculture. The event, now in its 34th year, draws 4,000 people from more than 70 countries.

Butchers sharpen skills for World Challenge Australian Young Butcher representatives have been sharpening their skills for the World Butchers Challenge in Ireland. Caleb Sundqvist, Goodwood, South Australia, and Jimmy Nevill, Corio, Victoria were sent to the William Angliss Institute of TAFE in Melbourne for a pastry making course. Competition judge, Bob Retallick, said the two butchers were sent on the course as part of their win, with the objective of improving their value-added products. “Caleb and Jimmy were selected

to represent Australia at a MINTRAC competition in September 2016,” Mr Retallick said. “They’re both highly skilled young butchers, who will do our country proud when they compete in Ireland,” Mr Retallick said. They’re going to be travelling as part of the Australian contingent, which includes the Young Aussie Butchers apprentices and the Australian Steelers. Caleb Sundqvist has worked at Goodwood Quality Meats in Adelaide since 2009, completing his training in October 2016.

His colleague, Luke Leyson, will also be travelling to Ireland, as a member of the Australian Steelers team. Jimmy Nevill, A Cut Above Family Butcher, in Corio, Victoria, has five years experience and entered the competition on the encouragement of a teacher. “My greatest skill is probably my ability to create complex value-add products and being able to do so quickly and cleanly in a correct manner,” Jimmy said. The World Butchers Challenge will be held in Belfast, Ireland, on 20 March 2018.

PIG & POULTRY Study Tour of Illinois and Kentucky USA 13th - 24th May, 2018 5 days in Illinois, USA  John Deere Headquarters and Factory  Hans Stein Monogastric Lab  Visit Fair Oaks Farms  Feedmill and farmer visits  Baseball game 5 days in Kentucky, USA  Attend ONE18: The Alltech Ideas Conference  Visit Alltech facilities across Lexington

For more information and how to register, please contact your local Alltech Lienert sales representative or call 1800 649 231.

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The hanging Ridley Enrich Sowblock in the Glengallan piggery.

Glengallan now using Ridley Enrich Sowblock in loose sow housing

By PETER BEDWELL

lengallan, arguably Australia’s most famous piggery due to its ex-part owner, the former Prime Minister Paul Keating, is now experiencing happier times as part of the Reilly Pastoral Group.

Pork Journal first visited the property at the opening of its new sow stall free shed equipped by Stockyard Industries and an early adopter of loose sow housing back in 2010. On our second visit to Glengallan, Pork Journal’s specific mission was to enquire how the new Ridley Enrich Sow Block was working in a sow stall free production operation. The block was developed with the assistance of the Pork CRC as part of its welfare program to reduce aggression between sows in loose housing production. “It was developed to address the emerging trend in international markets seeking to advance the welfare of commercially farmed animals through environmental enrichment,” the Ridley Website product information states. “The taste and texture of the molasses based Ridley Enrich Sowblock is designed to attract sows and

provide an outlet to express their natural desire to forage, reducing the incidence of aggressive behaviours which harm sows and productivity,” it says. When Pork Journal arrived on February 13, SE Queensland was experiencing a heat wave of epic proportions and though the temperatures on that particular day were not as high as they had been on previous days, temperatures were in the low thirties. Glengallan Shed Manager Neal Parker took us to the shed which uses the blocks; the same shed we had visited just after conversion to group sow housing. The combination of basket ‘stirrer fans’, the open sided design, and a moderate breeze, made the shed quite comfortable though the sows, having endured the fierce conditions of the previous weekend, were content to rest. We discussed the genetics – PIC on this farm, and Neal was full of praise for w

IMPROVE SOW BEHAVIOUR. ADD A BLOCK TO THE MIX. Increase contentment

The taste, texture and firmness of SOWBLOCK is designed to ensure sows are attracted to it, allowing them to express and satisfy their natural desire to forage. This has been shown to reduce stress and result in more content sows.

“In test pens, sows spent 46% more time laying down and 72% less time chasing.” 1 1. Effect of higher feed levels or addition of SOWBLOCK to group housed gestational sows behaviour in the first four days post mixing (Pork CRC Project 1C-115).

Minimise harmful behaviour

Adding a SOWBLOCK to the pen gives sows an opportunity to forage and explore; time and energy which may otherwise be spent engaged in harmful behaviours. This results in less biting and scratching, particularly while sows are establishing their social hierarchy.

“With SOWBLOCK, injuries have been reduced by up to 44%.” 2 2. Mean number of fresh scratch injuries scored on Day 3 after mixing control sows and sows treated with SOWBLOCK (Pork CRC funded Commercialisation Project).

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the maternal traits of the PIC animals. “In general they exhibit low aggression traits anyway but we were keen to see if the sow blocks improved any potential for fighting. “There will always be the factor of hierarchical order and hopefully the blocks offer a distraction and thus a calming effect. “When we first got the Ridley Enrich Sowblocks we found that if we placed then on the floor they got ripped up pretty quickly. “By hanging them just above the sows, they seem to enjoy the effort to reach and bite the blocks, so in simple terms, it gives the pigs something to occupy them,” Neal said. “By hanging them at the height we do, the sows can access the blocks but not get a full grip,” he added. Pork Journal arrived mid morning after the parity two sows had been fed. This group was in the first week post mating. “Our matings are running at around 160 sows a week,” said Neal. “We will probably need a longer period of use before we can fully assess the effect of the blocks on our shed populations, but now we have perfected the optimal way to present them we are optimistic that they will help to lower aggression at critical periods,” he said. The Glengallan Piggery has had a long and often troubled past having twice been subject to previous operators going into receivership. However, under the ownership of Andrew Reilly’s company, the piggery has been the subject of considerable investment and overall improvement. The 3000-sow operation has survived the effects of drought, increased imports and fluctuating pig prices. Now, like many others in the industry, a shortage of processing

4 1. Neal Parker observes a calm shed. 2. A famous piggery. 3. Neal is full of praise for the maternal traits of the PIC pigs. 4. Big Dutchman feeders. capacity due to recent fire damage, is creating some stocking ‘challenges’. However, as office manager Judy Collins points out, “we’ve solved problems before and will do so in the future. “We have a great and highly experienced workforce and our Shed Managers Neal Parker and Shane Surch have more than 30 years experience

and Brent Rubie has 22 years working at Glengallan,” said Judy (who also has 30 years experience at the farm). After the major innovation of moving to sow stall free operations, Glengallan has made many small but significant improvements to its operation including the early trials of the Ridley Enrich Sowblock.

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LtoR: Clemens Hackstedt, Vito Bernardi and Christian Blocker at Clemen’s family farm near Holtinghausen in northern Germany.

German farmer achieves 1000 gms daily weight gain while maintaining good health status

By PETER BEDWELL In late September 2017 Pork Journal visited EW Nutrition’s operations at Visbeck Germany and got the chance to speak to two pig farmers in the region. We reported on Christian Deter’s highly efficient and modern farm in our November/December issue. Like Christian Deter, Clemens

Hackstedt purchases weaner pics – Duroc cross bred animals that correctly fed, display a rapid growth rate. His family farm, located near Holtinghausen in northern Germany, is situated on 170 hectares of arable land and benefits from a cropping income as well as the 5000 place pig fattening sheds. Pork Journal travelled to the farm with Christian Blocker, EW’s Global Marketing Manager and Vito Bernardi who now works with EW’s Australian operations. The day before visiting the Clemens farm, we had attended a briefing session at EW’s Visbec offices where Dr Heinrich Kleine Klausing (Managing Director of EW Nutrition) and Dr Thilo Borchardt ( EW’s Senior Manager for Science and Technology) explained how products like Activo, based on plant compounds, actually functioned in livestock production. Dr Borchardt explained the

problems caused by Dysbiosis in intensive livestock nutrition. On the potential consequences of antibiotic overuse, Dr Borchardt introduced the topic of ‘dysbiosis’, that is the change to the composition of resident commensal microbiota relative to the community found in healthy individuals- Eubiosis). “Dysbiosis can result in an altered immune response and metabolism and lead to disease,” he pointed out. “Targeting bacterial virulence is an alternative approach to conventional antimicrobial therapies. “Antivirulence focuses on strategies that inhibit bacterial virulence rather than bacterial viability.” In discussion on the pros and cons of the antivirulence strategy, Dr Borchardt suggested that, “inhibition of virulence without threatening survival of bacteria may offer a reduced selection pressure for drug resistance, and that

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Far right: Dr Thilo Borchardt, EW’s Senior Manager for Science and Technology. Right: Dr Heinrich Kleine Klausing, Managing Director of EW Nutrition, who explained about the product Activo which is base on plant compounds.

antivirulence can supplement antibiotic to increase their efficiency,” he said. “Amongst the ‘cons’ that antivirulence strategies may still have are reduced therapeutic effects when compared with antibiotics,” he admitted. On the subject of bacterial antivirulence targets, Dr Borchardt introduced the topic of ‘Quorum Sensing (QS)’ – Inhibitors offer controls over many central processes including biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance and virulence gene expression. “Quorum quenching is any approach that interferes with QS signaling. “Quorum sensing “involves small diffusible signaling molecules which activate the expression of genes that control diverse processes,” he said. “Approved Quorum quenching compounds include Savirin and secondary plant compounds such as Carvacrol (reduction of biofilm) and Cinnamaldehyde,” Dr Borchardt stated. He then went on to describe, “antibiotics and secondary plant compounds as synergistic drug combinations with the potential advantages of an increase in antimicrobial efficacy, a decrease in probability of resistance development with the combination of antimicrobial and antivirulence mechanisms.” With a better understanding of the Activo product and its development it was interesting to talk to a farmer who had made the product a critical aspect of his feeding strategy. Critical to both Christian Deter’s and Clemens Hackstedt’s operations is the ability to get their pigs to market weight as fast as possible while maintaining healthy animals. Both farmers experienced problems with scouring when new stock was first placed and had to resort to metaphylaxis treatment and though the pigs recovered quickly, digestion

problems, although for only a short period, caused reduced feed intake and weight gain. “My feed supplier recommended a new complimentary feed which was going through trials at the time, and according to his supplier, the product was a natural gut stabilizer that promoted better digestion by creating a well balanced gut flora,” Clemens said. Both Christian and Clemens decided that they had nothing to loose by testing the product, EW Nutition’s Activo NoDys on their farms. Clemens uses a fattening feed concept based on a lower crude protein and phosphorous rate (the RAM concept) which means that rations are lower in nutrient content and the phosphorous content must not exceed 17% or .55% P in the initial fattening phase. In the mid fattening and the finishing from about 60kg live weight, the limits are 14% crude protein and .45%P. Clemens feeds with a four phase system, the weaners he acquires at around 30kg are fed an energy rich adaption feed during the first 7/8 days, then the feed is progressively changed to the next phase. In these rations the energy content amounts to maximum 13MJ. “As the Duroc blood lines have a high feed intake capacity and therefore grow fast, we feed the animals ad libitum via semi liquid feeding at the automatic feeders,” explained Clemens. “The average daily weight gain is between 950 to 1000gm with an FCR of 1:2.75 and an average meat content of 58.5%,” he revealed. The feed for the grow out phases has contained Activo NoDys for a prolonged period and there has been enough time to access the success of the nutritional strategies on Clemens farm. Three kg per tonne of feed is utilised

in the first phase and according to Clemens, “our problems with diarrhea after stocking have almost entirely disappeared, therefore we can eliminate metaphylaxis use during the stocking period. “Also the animals look better and seem to be much more vital,” he said. Now the use of Activo NoDys is a fixture in the Hackstedt farming operation. He applies it by default during the pre- fattening and considers the cost on the supplementary product more than justified by the results. Now he wants to test the results when reducing the application at the rate of 2kg per tonne during the grow out phase and 1kg/tonne in the finishing phase and this data is currently being acquired. Other critical features of Clemens farm are the adoption of state of the art feeding and environmental control systems. Though the buildings are quite old and in many ways a contrast to Christian Deters farm (also visited by Pork Journal), Clemens’ investment has certainly gone into state of the art shed technology. With advanced ventilation, automated semi liquid feed systems and energy saving solar panels on the roof, and of particular interest to Pork Journal an interesting cooling system. Whilst northern Germany is well known for cold winters it is also a fact that in the summer it can get quite hot. The stirrer fans in Clemens’ sheds are equipped with a water spray system that can drop temperatures quickly by up to 5 degrees C; a simple and relatively inexpensive initiative to improve the pigs environment on hot days. The Kormatec automated feeding system is interesting too. The Kormatec company that

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manufactures a wide range of livestock automated systems, is based in Visbec near both EW Nutrition’s HQl. The products are of German design with some of the manufacturing process taking place in Germany but much of the components are sourced from both Russia and China. According to information on Kormatec’s website this overall strategy makes the company’s products more cost competitive without sacrificing either quality, longevity or efficiency. Kormatec has achieved considerable sales volumes in Russia and other EU locations. Another feature of the overall loose housing and feeding systems is the Agrosort system in the pens that allows the pigs access to the feeder pans. Overall, the buildings may be a little older than is typical in this part of Germany but the equipment and production strategies are absolutely 21st century and leading edge for the weaner/finisher growing system. However to be commercially successful the weaner/finisher production cycle is dependent on using an effective nutritional strategy that maximises the fast growing potential of the Duroc Cross genetics. Even a few days loss of the 1000g a day weight gain could be costly so if that risk through scouring can be reduced, as Clemens’ use of Activo Dys in some seems to demonstrate it can, that advantage alone seems to justify its inclusion in his feed regimes. That’s the conclusion Clemens Hackstedt has reached anyway.

NEWS

APL sponsored Piggery Placements expand student’s knowledge of pigs Five Animal Science students enrolled at Adelaide University’s Roseworthy Campus received APL-sponsored Undergraduate Industry Placement Awards (UIPAs) in November, 2017 enabling them to complete two week piggery placements during their 2017/18 summer break. UIPAs are designed to expose undergraduate students to commercial pork production by enabling them to apply ‘hands-on’ the principles of livestock management covered within their study programs. Within SA, the UIPA program is supported by Pork SA and Graeme Pope Consulting through assistance with their applications to APL, selection of their placement farms and farm staff introductions prior to commencing their placements. Piggeries adopting batch farrowing programs are usually approached for placements, as they offer students concentrated experiences with mating, farrowing and weaning tasks over a concentrated time period. Piggery staff also benefit in having a student on their farm through having to explain or demonstrate how and why various routine work practices are completed within their production system. Since inception of the APL UIPA program, more than 80 Roseworthyenrolled students have completed UIPAs on SA farms, with around 70% either returning to further pig-focused post-graduate study, or seeking careers within the pork industry after their graduation. This success is due to the time and effort farm staff across these sites have devoted to ensuring the placements are made as educational and practical as possible. Student Katelyn Tomas completed her placement at Myora Farm, Mt Gambier. “I came into the placement wanting to learn more about the livestock industry, especially reproduction and post-parturition management in a hands-on, interactive way and to put principles into practice,” she said. “I have learnt more than I could have dreamed of and have come away with a keen interest in the pig industry

Student Jamie Jones at the Blenkiron family’s Gumshire Stud. and hope to continue with it. “I have had the opportunity to make contacts within the industry that I hope could lead to my future employment,” Katelyn added. Sheridyn Cargill completed her placement with Damien and Emma Amery at Freeling, on a batch-farrowed farm using some Berkshire genetics. “I found the whole experience very eye opening,” she said. “You get to hear all about livestock production, and not within the lecture room but when you’re actually there. You experience and understand how much time, effort and care goes into these animals. “I got to be very hands-on at my placement and have heard from some of my second/now third year vet colleagues that I have experienced more in my two weeks of placement than they have in all their placements. “I’m definitely walking away from

this experience knowing a lot more about livestock/pig production and just some of the pathways my degree can take me,” Sheridyn said. Jamie Jones completed her placement at the Blenkiron family’s Gumshire Stud, Keyneton, another SA farm using batch farrowing, along with purebred Hampshires. “From my two weeks at Gumshire Stud, I have been lucky enough to learn and experience the day to day activities required in commercial pig production, especially during farrowing and mating. I didn’t have a lot of knowledge starting this placement but with Shaun and Michael I have learnt a tremendous amount about the logistics behind farming and the tasks required for farming pigs,” Jamie said. “I think this new knowledge will be incredibly useful to have as I come upon the end of my degree and start looking at employment options,” she said.

NEWS

Online nutrition database to reduce feed costs A new online nutrition database promises to deliver increased accuracy and flexibility in formulating least-cost feed and increased precision when using supplemental feed enzymes. The interactive database contains the non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) content of all feed ingredients fed to poultry in Australia and has been developed at the University of New England, in partnership with PoultryHub Australia and Australian Pork Ltd. This database contains approximately 1300 individual feed ingredient samples from across Australia, including both conventional and unconventional ingredients. Dr Natalie Morgan, Post Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of New England has been developing the database for the past two years. ‘“This is the first database of its kind in the world and has huge potential to be developed further,” she said. The database enables members from PHA and Australian Pork Ltd to access the NSP values online and include them in their diet formulations. Fibre is a highly variable and complex component of plant-based

feed ingredients and is perhaps the most poorly understood constituent of poultry diets. ‘Crude fibre’ measurements are currently used to indicate dietary fibre content and develop feed formulations,

but the analytical methods used to characterise crude fibre are unable to adequately represent fibre utilisation in the animal. It is imperative for future efficiency gain, and hence viability of productive farms, that a more accurate system of estimating true fibre levels is used. This is possible by determining the soluble and insoluble NSP content of feed ingredients. The database includes the soluble and insoluble NSP and free oligosaccharides content of all the ingredients, including the sugar composition, allowing nutritionists to gain in-depth understanding of the types of NSPs arising from the use of different ingredients and the best strategies to deal with them. Dr Natalie Morgan explains that the database “will enable the industry to make accurate predictions about the true fibre values in diets and allow new technologies to be developed and evaluated. “Currently the database features Australian feed ingredients, but we have plans to expand it to include grains from across the globe,” Dr Morgan said. To request access to the database please go to https://my.une.edu.au/ nspdb.

Top: Commercially prepared grains. Above: Dr Natalie Morgan from the University of New England.

NEWS

Pork CRC ponders pig feed efficiency flaws In his latest report to stakeholders, CRC for High Integrity Australian Pork CEO, Roger Campbell, said Australian pork producers were making good progress in reproduction and they matched their overseas competitors for herd feed efficiency, but they came a long way last in volume, or kilogram carcass weight sold per sow, per year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The latter is reflected in Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s much higher costs, other than feed, than our global competitors and this must be addressed through better sow productivity and potentially heavier carcass weights,â&#x20AC;? he said. Dr Campbell acknowledged that the issue of heavier weights was market driven and largely up to individual businesses working with their customers. Â While Pork CRC research had positively impacted born alive and number weaned, he expected further enhancements through Australasian Pork Research Institute Limited (APRIL),

Above: CRC for High Integrity Australian Pork CEO, Dr Roger Campbell reports to stakeholders.

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which had now called for research proposals to markedly enhance the competiveness and sustainability of the Australasian pork industry. Â That APRIL call closed February 16, with successful projects expected to begin July 1. Â Dr Campbell said Australian pork producers were competitive for feed efficiency, but it was a key performance indicator that unfortunately had remained static for some time and was well below the capability of available genetics. Â For example, the average feed: gain between weaning and sale for producers in Pork CRCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s benchmarking project was 2.4 The desired target was 2.0 from wean to sale. Â In a commercial study on grind size (Pork CRC Project 4B121), nutritionist Tony Edwards reported an average feed: gain of 2.38 across three studies, using female pigs between 38 and 97 kg. In earlier work on lysine requirements of modern genotypes at WAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medina Research Station, Dr Bruce Mullan and his DAFWA colleagues reported feed: gain values for 50 to 100 kg group housed female and male pigs of 2.55 and 2.25 respectively. Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;Recognising we are missing out on a lot of the pigâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potential, we need to determine the major factors robbing us of feed efficiency in commercial herds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That could be whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fed and how itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fed, or pigs per unit of air space,â&#x20AC;? Dr Campbell concluded.

If you would like to advertise in Pork Journal Magazine please contact Peter Bedwell on 0419 239 288 or 02 9797 2406. Email: primarymedia@bigpond.com

NEWS

Yorke Peninsula Mallee Park piggery sells to local farming family A commercial piggery in South Australia has generated significant interest among private investors and local grain producers. The sale of the Mallee Park piggery, a 360-sow farrow to finish operation located at Port Vincent on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula indicates long term confidence in the Australian pig industry. The property’s consistent cash flow, existing management structure and productive cropping land were key drivers for interest in the property which sold for in excess of $4 million to a local farming family. “Mallee Park piggery is a quality intensive livestock operation boasting a very good supply contract with one of Australia’s major supermarket chains,” Jesse Manuel from selling agent Collier’s International said. “It is located within South Australia’s premier cropping district and includes more than 300 hectares of its own quality cropping country. Piggeries are rarely traded in the area and the chance to acquire an operation that is fully managed and with such strong cashflow was a great opportunity. Mallee Park comprises breeding and grow-out facilities, including climatecontrolled farrowing sheds, multiple dry-sow sheds, porker sheds, a finisher shed, extensive eco-shelters and a and weighing shelter. “The property received a lot of interest from predominantly private investors seeking a consistent cashflow agri investment and local farmers looking to add value to their cropping enterprise through grain production for livestock consumption,” Tim Altschwager from Colliers said. A handful of existing pork producers looking to expand were also in the mix.

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NEWS

D’Orsogna set to move to the east Iconic Western Australian company, D’Orsogna Limited, has begun construction of a $66 million state-ofthe-art 10,858m2 food manufacturing facility at Merrifield Business Park, 30km north of Melbourne, which will employ 240 people and establish D’Orsogna as a national market leader in the smallgoods and meat protein food sector. Managing Director, Brad Thomason, responding on behalf of the company after the launch and sod turning on the three hectare greenfield site by Victorian Minister for Industry and Employment, Ben Carroll, said D’Orsogna had a taken a strategic approach to making such a substantial investment after first establishing a manufacturing footprint at Mt Waverley, Victoria 10 years ago. “On behalf of the D’Orsogna Board and family members, including two of my fellow directors, Eugene and Marco D’Orsogna, who are here today, it gives me great pleasure to now see the D’Orsogna name, brand and products so firmly establishing on the east coast,” he said. The D’Orsogna family first had a presence in Melbourne in 1947 when Eugene’s father, Tommaso and Marco’s father, Giovanni worked there in the food and hospitality industry for two years before returning to Perth to open a small family butcher shop in West Perth in 1949. In 2018 D’Orsogna employs more than 550 people and is one of the most recognisable brands at Woolworths, Coles, Metcash and food service businesses across Australia. “D’Orsogna has consistently experienced year on year growth and the new facility will provide a larger production capacity and greater product development opportunities,” Mr Thomason said. “The new Melbourne site will double our production capacity and manufacture a range of innovative ham, bacon and other meat protein products.” Currently headquartered in Perth, WA market leader D’Orsogna produces a range of cured and cooked whole and sliced hams, gourmet continental goods, bacon and cooked and fresh sausages. The landmark WA premises at Palmyra, near the port of Fremantle, has been D’Orsogna’s home since 1973. It will retain its head office status, staff and production. “That said, we anticipate a large

LtoR: Ben Carroll, Eugene D’Orsogna and Marco D’Orsogna. percentage of our expanded production capacity will be produced out of the new Victorian facility, due to its proximity to major markets and its streamlined manufacturing processes,” Mr Thomason said. The company has finalised the design of the green-field facility, which will incorporate the latest energy and water conservation technology. A focus on sustainable and efficient processes has driven the design, ultimately increasing production capacity. “The throughput, or productivity per square metre of floor space, will be leading edge, allowing D’Orsogna to stay competitive and satisfy growing consumer demand for fresh, conveniently packaged, modern meat protein products,” Mr Thomason said. D’Orsogna currently supplies Woolworths, Coles and Metcash stores around Australia. The new facility will far exceed the standards for export approval and the south-east Asian market will become a focus in the medium term. “There’s the opportunity to expand the facility in planned stages. “Convenient access to transport arteries and major markets in Victoria, NSW and Queensland will mean we can deliver D’Orsogna products quicker and

at a lower cost than current logistics allow,” Mr Thomason said. “We chose Victoria for its competitive operating environment, reputation in foods, access to key transport infrastructure and rapidly growing local and export markets and we appreciate the support of the Victorian Government and City of Hume in helping us establish and expand our presence here. “We’re thrilled to be calling Merrifield our eastern states home and proud to partner with MAB Corporation and Gibson Property Corporation (GPC) as developers of Merrifield Business Park. “Merrifield is partnering with leading Melbourne industrial construction company Qanstruct to design and deliver a highly specialised manufacturing facility, just for us. “There are many synergies between our businesses – D’Orsogna is a proud Australian, family-owned businesses with a focus on quality, growth and local investment. “We have ambitious expansion plans for the business over the next few years. “The scale and flexibility of Merrifield provides us with an opportunity where we can essentially double our manufacturing footprint,” he said.

PRODUCT NEWS

EW Nutrition launches new website EW Nutrition is inviting visitors to explore the topic of antibiotic reduction in the context of animal welfare and performance on its new website www.antibiotic-reduction.net Briefly presented facts, editorial content and feed solutions will provide information and support to this important field. The platform, the content will be updated, developed on a continuous basis with background information, latest findings, data as well as scientific results. The website offers comprehensive information in a structured informative way that is easily transferable know-how. “We are striving developing and then presenting much more than only product application” explained Dr Heinrich Kleine Klausing, “as we must bring down the volumes of non-curative antibiotic treatment in animal production. “It is a matter of fact that every time antibiotics are used we increase the risk of developing resistance.” “The reduction of antibiotic usage in animal husbandry, is the company vision and mission of EW Nutrition. Globally this can be achieved with many products in the actual current portfolio as well in the development pipeline of future innovations. “There a multitude of management factors that animal producers have to consider in order prudently reduce all applications of antibiotic treatment.” “Hygiene control, farm construction, biosecurity, health management program and of course not just nutrition, feedmill management too,” said Daniel Tepe as Managing Director Business Development and R&D. “Over the last number of years, we have put emphasis, knowledge and investment to identify solutions for animals that can increase gut health. “Our area of expertise at EW Nutrition is animal nutrition and husbandry and a balanced gut and optimal digestion are key to animal welfare and of course performance,” he concluded. “Increasing risk from antibiotic resistance, bacterial insensitivity to effective antibiotics factored into global human health management problems, prudent use of chemotherapeutic treatments is knowledge better shared for all on the planet.,” said Dr Klausing. “The South East Asia Pacific region has in some situations already been

successful with reduced usage of antibiotics and in other situations been able to remove coccidiostats too. “In more recent years total legislative bans and more prophylactic use is legitimately being introduced a unanimous view across the region, where EW Nutrition has established local companies and directly developing supportive projects across the region.” Bob Nichol and Jurek Grapentin in Singapore added that the team across SEAP have all had first-hand experience and provide knowledgeable support for its customers. Above: Daniel Tepe, Managing Director Business Development and Research and Development at EW Nutrition. Left: The new website recently launched by the company – Ask EW Nutrition.

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APL REPORT

The effect of a gilt’s birth litter sex ration her breeding value The pork industry currently faces issues with gilt retention, with a high turnover of gilts selected and then culled before giving birth to a single litter. A gilt’s breeding value is determined by her reproductive productivity and her behaviour, with poor performers and highly aggressive animals being more likely to be culled. Currently, the gilt selection process does not allow us to consistently select high performers due to a variation in reproductive performance and behaviour. Current selection is based on genetics, weight, and conformation. Another factor that can affect breeding value is the environment- whilst the environment during a pigs life is generally consistent across a herd the prenatal environment while the pig is developing in utero is currently not controlled, monitored, or accounted for. This could be an area that contributes to variation in gilt quality within a herd. One factor that could contribute to variation in the prenatal environment is the sex ratio of the litter, as this would affect the steroid levels that the fetuses are exposed to during development. Males secrete androgens for their own masculine development but androgens can cross fetal membranes and therefore females in the litter could also be exposed to excessive levels of androgens when there is a high percentage of males in the litter. As a result, gilts that are born into male biased litters may have a different breeding value to those born into female biased litters even if they have similar genetics and the same living conditions. A biased litter is one that consists of 60 % or more of one sex over the other in the total born litter (including stillborn piglets as they also contribute to the uterine environment). The hypothesis of this project was that females that develop in a male biased litter will be more masculine and, therefore, have impaired reproductive performance and be more aggressive than those born into female biased litters. This was explored over the course of four experiments covering behaviour, reproduction, and commercial application. The first experiment looked at the difference in behaviour for gilts from

male biased litters compared to female biased litters. A behavioural test called a resident intruder test was used to assess aggression and we found that gilts from male biased litters were more likely to fight and, therefore, were considered as more aggressive. We also looked at another behavioural test, a novel arena test, and found gilts from a female biased litter took longer to explore a novel environment than those from a male biased litter suggesting they may be more anxious. While these findings do not have direct commercial implications at this point it does highlight a difference in behaviour between gilts from the two biases. This is an area that can be explored further in an attempt to lower aggression in group housing. The second experiment involved administering PG600 to gilts at 18 weeks of age to induce ovulation. Gilts from male biased litters had a higher ovulation rate than those from female biased litters. This means there is a

Jemma Seyfang from the University of Adelaide.

difference in the reproductive axis that controls ovulation and therefore has the potential to impact commercial productivity. The next experiment aimed to understand what happens during a natural oestrus. Blood samples were collected during oestrus to look at the levels of luteinising hormone as this hormone is vital for ovulation. We saw a difference in the overall concentration of the luteinising hormone during the preovulatory surge which can impact the quality of ovulation. While we did not see an effect on ovulation rate in this experiment our findings may suggest an effect on ovulation quality and pregnancy maintenance. This will be an interesting future area of research. For the commercial aspect we wanted to look at a marker of sex ratio that could be used in the gilt selection sheds as the birth sex ratio cannot always be used on farms for various reasons such as different sites for farrowing and gilt selection. The anogenital distance is the distance from the anus to the opening of the vulva that we measured with callipers and its length may be affected by a gilt’s birth litter sex ratio. We measured the anogenital distance of gilts at selection on a commercial facility and found that it does have the potential to be used commercially and we are completing this area of investigation at the moment. Our initial findings show this is a promising area of research for gilt selection, minimising gilt wastage with no additional product costs to producers and minimal extra labour required. There is more research required to better understand the mechanisms that control these differences between gilts from male biased and female biased litters, as well as the effect these differences will have commercially. The sex ratio of a gilt birth litter and/ or the anogenital distance at selection can be added to our data collection systems to help long-term tracking of the effects on production and they both have a strong potential as selection tools on commercial facilities. This research was performed by Jemma Seyfang (pictured), Roy Kirkwood, Cameron Ralph and Alan Tilbrook from the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at The University of Adelaide. This research was funded by Australian Pork Limited, Project: 2015-017 – A new predictor of lifetime reproductive performance and behaviour in pigs, as well as Pork SA.

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