Pork Journal March/April 2017 by Rosemary Embery

porkjournal www.primarymedia.com.au

Volume 39 Issue 2

March/April 2017

Victorian Pig Fair 2017 VIV Asia in Bangkok expands in 2017

Testing times for Australian pork producers

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porkjournal www.primarymedia.com.au

Volume 39 Issue 2

March/April 2017

EDITOR:

EDITORIAL & DESIGN

JOURNALIST/PHOTOGRAPHER PRODUCTION EDITOR

Peter Bedwell Alex Bedwell

Rosemary Embery

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Alex Bedwell

ADVERTISING ADVERTISING SALES

Matt Tull from Primegro and Chris Brewster from Rivalea.

COVER STORY Page 4: Victorian Pig Fair 2017 NEWS Page 10: VIV Asia in Bangkok expands in 2017 Page 16: Free ranging discussions at WA Pig Day Out Page 18: Testing time for Australian pork producers Page 19: New staff at Australian Pork Limited Page 21: Novus appoints new Swine Manager Page 23: AusPac expands its warehouse and distribution facilities PRODUCT NEWS Page 22: The importance of early post weaning intake Page 24: Stockyard Industries displays new Osborne feeder at Victorian Pig Fair

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

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Page 25: Vitafarm Piglet Milk Replacer from Total Stockfeeds

Pork Journal consists of a bi-monthly management magazine. Published by C D Supplies Pty Ltd trading as Primary Media (ACN 091 560 557)

Page 25: New concepts in trace mineral nutrition

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Page 26: Multicracker small scale feedmill Page 26: Think Livestock about to introduce self-filling syringe with two separate barrels

NEWS

Victorian Pig Fair 2017 By PETER BEDWELL, Editor The Victorian Pig Fair, held at the Bendigo Exhibition Centre on March 4 and 5, was well supported by exhibitors, plenty of growers, students and industry identities. The mood was a little more subdued this year than at the previous event when returns to growers were firmly on the up whereas in recent months the reverse is the case. Despite the peak of returns having past, a significant fall in grain prices and a continued rise in fresh pork consumption in Australia, means the industry overall is still in a good place. As in years gone by, it’s always the innovative growers that turn up to the trade exhibition and seminar sessions. Also present this year were many students and post graduates whose studies and research have been supported by the Pork CRC. The event commenced with the High Integrity Australian Pork (HIAP) - CRC/ APL seminars on April 4 and the first speaker was Dr Roger Campbell who gave a Pork CRC update and explained the transition to APRIL (Australasian Pork Research Institute Limited). “APRIL will replace the Pork CRC after June 30 2019 and is operational now,” said Dr Campbell. “We need to maintain additional R&D training activity generated by the Pork CRC which finishes in June 2019. “We have trained 20 post graduates and 12 are now employed in the industry and we have introduced an industry placement program. “The $22 million has been invested in R&D programs including sow and piglet welfare, reducing antibiotic use, improving eating quality and reducing carbon emissions,” Dr Campbell said. “There are still 50 active projects and we expect some meaningful further outcomes. “The key differences from the Pork CRC structure are that we have no direct government support, fewer staff (now five), greater freedom to act and we can access other sources of funds. “APRIL involves a different research model, requiring participant investment in projects and there will be further integration with APL. “To finance APRIL we have a number of revenue sources. The inaugural membership cost is $75,000

annually and we have recruited and signed up 14 members for a minimum of three years,” Dr Campbell revealed. “APL will contribute 1 million annually and we will open up other levels of membership ($300,000 p.a) and partners contributions to research projects could add further revenues ($250,000 - $375,000). “Revenue from Pork CRC IP (Intellectual Property) includes Aunir (AusScan) < $270,000 and likely to grow and a licenced patent to improve reproduction to Elanco – $95,000+ annually. “Other revenue sources could be derived from products like Ridley’s Sow Block and BEC’s Piglet Buddy, both developed with CRC input. “Members include APL, Anatara, Windridge and Blantyre Farms, Rivalea Australia, Sun Pork Farms, Apiam Animal Health, FeedWorks, West Pork, Ridley, NZ Pork Board, SARDI, University of Melbourne, University of Adelaide, University of Queensland and Murduch University. “The board with Dennis Mutton as Chair, includes Andrew Spencer (APL) Dr Mel Bridges (Anatara), Dr Rob van Barneveld (Sun Pork), Kenton Shaw (Rivalea) Prof John Pluske (Murdoch), Edwina Beveridge, APL and one more independent member to be appointed. “APRIL held its first board meeting on February 27, 2017, and is preparing its strategic plan and the first round of investment in R&D commences in October or November this year. “It’s a going concern,” Dr Campbell concluded. Dr Robyn Terry from APL spoke about ‘Production and Welfare R&D – where are we at and where are we going? “Our objectives and focus are to be globally competitive, locally resilient and, with production practices exceeding societal and consumer expectations,” Robyn said. “Our key aims are to improve herd feed conversion ratios and to have a proactive welfare agenda and continuous improvement programs. “Our focus is also on increasing the number of females born, optimising gilt progeny performance and applying welfare interventions. “Improving both feed efficiency and

1. Dr Roger Campbell, CEO Pork CRC. 2. Dr Robyn Terry from APL. 3. Enzo Allara, Chairman APL. 4. David Isaac from BEC Feed Solutions.

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reproduction are vital to our programs. “Where will our current and future initiatives take us?” Terry asked . “New technologies can deliver increased efficiency and thus reduce production costs. “This will lead to increased revenue and better global positioning and safeguard the future of he Australian pork industry,” she said. “The future is already out there with biomarkers, sensing technology, remote monitoring and robotics having the potential to dramatically change our basic operations. “Other developments could be 3D printing of farm infrastructure and the emergence of effective technology to increase female production. “We will see the commercialisation of welfare biomarkers and alternative sources for feed materials,” Terry concluded. Dr Pat Mitchell gave her paper – ‘Stewardship, antibiotics and product integrity’. On the topic of antibiotic useage, though in overall volumes 70% consumed by animals vs 30% humansit is substantially correct on a per head basis to say that useage is x 14 in humans,” Dr Mitchell pointed out. Thanks to research already carried out by industry, our knowledge of the problems and some solutions for anti microbial use and resistance is relatively well known and understood. “When compared with similar studies in Europe and North America, we have no colistin resistance, a cause for some joy. “There are high rates of resistance to AB with a lower importance rating and overall resistance more similar to those observed in North American surveillance programs,” she revealed. “Overall there is a great report card for the industry and generally resistance was not seen to the critically important antibiotics, but we can’t ‘rest on our laurels’. “AMR should be a focus for both human and animal considerations. “Further work could involve rural R&D for profit to automate resistance surveillance and detection of resistance genes to assist with treatment decisions,” Dr Mitchell advised. Dr Mitchell also warned that more care was needed where possible transfer of resistance from companion animals to humans thence to livestock could be a possibility. “The next step is further development of an Industry Antimicrobial Stewardship plan.”

The official opening was conducted by APL Chairman Enzo Allara and then the Trade Fair got really busy. The Networking session was once again sponsored by PIC and this year co-sponsors were the Northern Irish pig housing specialists Finrone – much appreciated by a thirsty crowd. Of special merit was the Pepperjack Shiraz amongst the drinks menu. Thirsts mostly slaked, the APL Pork Pig Out based on a variety of Australian pork products rounded out a productive day. The Bridget Dunn Travel Award was presented by Dr Pat Mitchell to Ben Hawkes. Day two kicked off with a breakfast sponsored by Ridley and the seminars commenced at 9.30 with APL’s Ashley Norval in the chair for the first ‘Industry Partners Session’. Tom Cowper from Zoetis in his address ‘Moving Forward with Zoetis’ explained that, “We understand that while it is important to treat disease, prevention is preferable and we manufacture a range of vaccines that are designed to keep animals healthy. Emalyn Louden explained the importance of ‘On-farm welfare Assessment’. “Every farm should be involved including those involved in a services role, managers, stockhands, vets and an external assessor. “APL supports the project and it is vital that industry adopts recommended welfare protocols,” she said. Dr Kirsty Richards from SunPork Farms Group explained the importance of the ‘Autism and Agriculture’ scheme developed jointly by Sunpork, The Autism CRC, Pork CRC and Specialisterne Australia. “Its purpose is to create career paths for autistic people in animal care

1. Tia and Dee Cowling with Christine Clark, event co-organsier from AusPac 2. Emalyn Loudon, Welfare Meat Consultant. 3. Elzet Vermeulen, APL Communications Manager. 4. Tom Cowper from Zoetis.

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NEWS and employ their diverse skills to build employment capacity in the sector,” Dr Richards explained. “Further we want to optimise animal care systems in Australian agriculture by harnessing the strong empathy and unique skills that individuals on the spectrum possess. These are a strong affinity with animals, attention to detail, desire for routine and ability to follow direction,” she explained. Apart from being a useful resource for the livestock sector, the model developed by SunPork and other scheme partners, provides a template that could be adapted by many other sectors of employment in Australia. Dr David Isaac from BEC Feed Solutions next explained the advantages of his company’s Sow Buddy and Piglet Buddy in his paper, ‘Improving nutrition and feed efficiency in farrowing sows and piglets’. Dr Isaac explained that sows undergo profound physiological changes (from gestation to lactation) during the peripartum period. ‘Sow Buddy is a scientifically formulated blend of raw materials which support sow health and help to counteract problems in farrowing sows,” he said. “Piglet Buddy is formulated to be highly digestible and palatable. “The pork CRC and University of Queensland developed a novel premix that when added to a simplified diet, improves intake, feed efficiency and thus, growth,” he explained. The second Industry Partners Session with Lienert’s Damien Kelly in the chair, started with Colin Wooldridge, Business Manager for Mundigo who explained the key elements of ‘Piggery design for the Australian climate’. “Simply adding more fans does not necessarily mean good air quality,” he stated. “The ventilation or climate control system must be designed in conjunction with the building. “Designing from scratch is best, but there are still many things that can be done to improve existing buildings. “Intelligent design improves productivity and reduces overall costs,” he concluded. Darryl Meaney from Biomin next spoke about his companies’ ‘Mycotoxin Survey Results’. When compared to South East Asia, results of Australian mycotoxin levels seem relatively low. However Mr Meaney cautioned that “although overall risk is low there are some high CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 w

1. National Feed Solutions team hosts the ‘New Breed’ of young scientists. 2. Dr Pat Mitchel presented the Bridget Dunn Travel Award to Ben Stokes. 3. Patricia Condous and Robert Johnson, who are key members of PIC’s management team on the stand. 4. Dr David Elmoutte from BASF spoke at the Victorian Pig Fair.

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NEWS

VIV Asia in Bangkok expands in 2017 The VIV Asia 2017 event was once again held at BITEC Bangkok from March 15-17. When Pork Journal first visited the VIV Asia event many years ago, the focus was purely on pig and poultry production. In 2017 the event covered not only pigs and poultry production but also food technology, aqua, dairy, pets and horticulture. What this expansion into more aspects of agriculture demonstrates, is the change in living standards, not only in Thailand, but throughout the SE Asian region. Dairy products, once a niche market luxury, are now commonplace as kids go to school in Bangkok with their cute little bottles of milk, now almost as ubiquitous as their mobile smart devices. While the exhibition halls at the gigantic Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC) were crammed full of exhibitors, there was less of a focus on pork production as there has been in the past. However the hundreds of exhibitors concentrating on feed additives, animal health and nutrition, in general covered pork production in their product ranges. While pork related exhibitors, such as numerous genetics suppliers, would have little or no chance of gaining entry into Australia due to quarantine issues, many of the animal health products and feed additives might cause more than a little concern to our regulatory authorities. That notwithstanding, there was a number of internationally recognised suppliers of products that do comply with Australian APVMA requirements. What is not in doubt about VIV Asia, is the quality of the turnout on exhibitors booths. In short companies large and small send their ‘A teams’ – not only CEOs directors, and industry ‘hot shots’, but also their best scientists and researchers. On the Alltech stand we met Dr Tugrul Durali, now working with Bromley Park in New Zealand and Tara Tiller (nee Jarman). UK-based MD Steve Bourne told Pork Journal about some interesting new product developments that we should be able to reveal soon. Pork Journal also caught up with Mark Peebles and Mike Pritchard from w

4 1. The Alltech team prepare for the show at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre. 2. Dr Neil Gannon on the Biomin stand. 3. Cemlyn Martin, now with Kemin Asia. 4. Alex Bedwell from Pork Journal with Steve Bourne, UK-based Managing Director of Alltech Biotechnology. 5. Anpario’s CEO Richard Edwards on the stand – the company has announced the aquisition of Cobbett Pty Ltd.

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NEWS Alltech Lienert at the event. Biomin had a big presence. Dr Neil Gannon and Darryl Meaney from Biomin Australia were on the stand and well known pig nutritionist Tony Edwards from ACE Livestock Consulting, presented a paper, ‘Achieving optimum gut health and performance in pigs- a role for phytogenics’ in a conference session on March 16. On the Jefo stand Pork Journal caught up with Jean Fontaine the founder and owner of the rapidly expanding Jefo company, Australian MD, Wayne Bradshaw and Jefo’s Sales Director South East Asia and Jefo latest recruit, Adam Naylor. Adam, who has had a long and successful career in animal nutrition, was appointed by Jefo just before VIV to run its growing SE Asian operations. Pork Journal congratulates both Jefo and Adam on the appointment. Just after visiting the Jefo stand we saw Cemlyn Martin, an ex-colleague of Adam Naylor, who is now with Kemin Asia. Anpario is a UK based manufacturer of livestock feed additives for animal health, hygiene and nutrition and just prior to VIV Asia 2017 announced the acquisition of its Australian, New Zealand and PNG distributor Cobbett Pty Ltd. Pork Journal met Anpario’s CEO Richards Edwards on its stand at VIV. “Cobbett has been Anpario’s distributor for 20 years, supplying the Oceania region with a number of Anpario’s key product brands including Salkil, pHorce, Neutox, Mycostat and Mastercube to animal production and stockfeed customers,” Mr Edwards said. “The business will continue to trade under the Cobbett name and Jenetta Russell will remain in the position of General Manager. “A significant proportion of Cobbett’s business is with the Anpario product range, which drove the logic for the acquisition. However Cobbett also distributes other complementary products which it will continue to do and we look forward to continuing these supplier relationships,” he said. “The acquisition of Cobbett is very much in line with our strategy to strengthen our sales and distribution channels and develop closer relationships with the end users of our products. “Anpario strives to respond and make decisions quickly to ensure our customers receive the best technical support and service possible. w

4 5

1.AP’s Ultradrop Feeder and Farrowing Feeder. 2. Mr Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, President of TCEB speaking at the Opening Ceremony. 3. Jan Wesjohann, Head of EW Nutrition with Bob Nicol, MD of EW Nutrition SE/Asia Oceania. 4. Mark Peebles and Mike Pritchard, Alltech/Lienerts. 5. AGCO had its AG 60, 60-250 KVA diesel powered generator on display.

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“Acquiring Cobbett helps us to better deliver a responsive and proactive customer care ethos. “The Anpario team is very much looking forward to working with the Cobbett team and its customers and suppliers in the region,” Mr Edwards concluded. Amongst the equipment on display for pig farmers at the VIV Asia event, was AP’s Ultradrop Feeder, designed with producer input to meet the needs of both gestating and farrowing sows, also nursery-flooring tiles, and an evaporative cooling unit designed to create the ideal shed conditions for both sows and piglets. Climate controlled sheds need a reliable power source and AGCO, the parent company of AP, had its AG 60 60-250KVA diesel powered generator set on display designed for both back up and primary power. Pork Journal first met Bob Nicol, now Managing Director of EW Nutrition’s SE Asia/Oceania operations, at our first visit to VIV Bangkok more than 10 years ago. The giant family-owned EW operation, probably best known for its poultry genetics, has expanded into other livestock related enterprises including vaccines and nutritional products.

Top: (LtoR) Eric Girard, CEO Jefo; Adam Naylor, Sales Director, South East Asia; Wayne Bradshaw, Managing Director, Jefo Australia and Jean Fontaine, founder of Jefo. Above: (LtoR) Tony Edwards, Ace Livestock Consulting; Hugh Mcmullen, Animal Mineral Solutions and Darryl Meaney from Biomin. On the EW Nutrition stand at VIV Asia 2017 we met both Bob and Jan Wesjohann, the head of the global EW Nutrition company. We were told that EW was making

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good progress with nutrition strategies for the Australian pig industry with numerous customers and projects on going with some of the major producers. In the future we look forward to learning more about the overall EW enterprise. Big Dutchman, VIV regulars were hosting a good crowd on its stand and one of its new developments was the SunFarm and PowerBox system: a power supply solution for livestock housing using renewable energy. As previously stated VIV Asia has changed to reflect a more developed and diverse agricultural activity in the SE Asian region. The increasing prosperity of SE Asia offers great opportunity for our livestock industries and in particular pork. Australia already has a full free trade agreement with Thailand and though price will always be a factor in trading with the region, quality and food safety are just as important to a society that places a high value on good food. Apart from just bulk supplies of pig meat there seems to be opportunities for pre-prepared packaged products. Along with increasing wealth, Thailand with a population of close to 70 million, has developed a sophisticated retail sector supplying an ever increasing range of high quality food products. It would be nice to think that Australian pork based items might find a market.

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Free ranging discussions at WA Pig Day Out By BRENDON CANT, BCA PR Free ranging discussions on everything from pig reproduction to pig health management, pig welfare, pig transporting, pork prices, pork marketing and global competitiveness highlighted a lively 2017 WA Pig Day Out. Attended by about 100 people at Technology Park, Bentley, it was hosted by West Australian Pork Producers Association (WAPPA) and sponsored by Pork CRC, APL, MSD Animal Health, Elanco and Zoetis. After a revealing presentation on post cervical artificial insemination by Dr Vanessa Morris of Portec Veterinary Services, Portec Principal Dr Kim Nairn built on his 2016 talk on biosecurity by running through a list of emerging onfarm health issues. He warned of the threat posed by unwanted waterbirds, especially ducks, when their faeces could contaminate pig feed and subsequently infect pigs with salmonella. The risk was magnified in the increasingly popular free range and ecoshelter systems, which offered unwanted intruders relatively easy access to pig feed and pigs.

Avian influenza and swine dysentery were other threats, along with mycotoxins from grain and straw harvested in wet conditions. Having just returned from animal science meetings in Des Moines, USA, Pork CRC CEO Dr Roger Campbell revealed that the six million sow US industry was growing quite rapidly in terms of production and packing plants, with domestic demand increasing slower than population growth, which meant additional production had to be exported. Currently about a quarter of production is exported. “Trends apparent during my visit were continual improvement in reproduction, more judicious use of antibiotics, largely being driven by veterinarians and piggery disease loads remaining high for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome and swine influenza virus and, to a lesser extent, porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus,” he said. Turning his attention to Australia, Dr Campbell said the position for Australia’s pork producers was changing and challenging, with their future

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dependent on how much further price slipped and how well they managed cost of production. General Manager Policy with Australian Pork Limited, Deb Kerr, updated attendees on a range of industry statistics, including: national slaughterings up 11% in January 2017 on January 2016, resulting in national meat production rising by 14% on January 2016; breeding herd and fresh pork per capita consumption continuing to increase. She also announced that an additional $964,000 had been committed nationally to market the versatility of pork, with WA’s share commencing with a roast promotion in April and the WA campaign concluding at the end of June. WAPPA Executive Committee member Dean Romaniello, a Senior Manager with Linley Valley Pork, generated a spirited debate when he introduced and addressed his agenda topic ‘Fit to load and abattoir protocols’. A few producers vigorously debated perceived issues surrounding the new meat notice issued by the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. Covering animal welfare concerns at export registered pork slaughtering establishments, it was, effectively, unveiled at the Pig Day Out by veterinarian Dr Ran Tal, Area Technical Manager, Meat Exports Branch, with the Department. Dr Tal did his best to answer the many queries fired at him, as did DAFWA Senior Compliance Officer Alex Stewart, a 38 year DAFWA veteran based at Narrogin. Much less controversial was an update on the research activities of Pork Innovation WA delivered by Emalyn Loudon, PIWA’s secretary/treasurer and a WAPPA Executive Committee member. Aside from finalising Pork CRC and APL projects PIWA inherited from DAFWA in June last year, its most significant new project hopes to establish WA as the Australian centre for the production of high quality free range pork. The two and a half year project will specifically tackle cooling system design for farrowing huts and nutrition protocols for supplementing essential fatty acids and betaine in lactating sows and develop a management toolkit for

NEWS free range operatives. PhD candidate Karen Moore of PIWA addressed the topic of optimising production of male pigs using Improvac, admitting that summarising six years work into six minutes was difficult. Her key take-home messages were: most fat deposition occurs in the second two week period after the second dose of Improvac; Improvac males should be fed the same level of SID lysine as entires for two weeks after the second dose and following this the SID lysine should be decreased; light entires can still have boar taint; mineral salts reduce feed intake and improve FCR, but have no effect on backfat or whole carcase fat; albus lupins may reduce feed intake, improve FCR and reduce backfat. Pig Day Out final speaker, Crawford Taylor, WA Manager, Food and Agribusiness with Rabobank, unveiled his crystal ball to deliver a measured commodity outlook: world economy to improve in 2017; grains, oil and freight see price improvement, but only limited recovery due to significant stock and capacity overhang. Mr Taylor said the USA was expanding pork production, with a forecast three per cent growth and, in the process, bringing five new plants online in next two years. China’s domestic pork production was expected to rebound by two per cent in 2017, while the EU’s was tipped to decline by 1.5 per cent. Speaking after a very successful Pig Day Out, WAPPA President and Popanyinning producer Dawson Bradford said highlights were the robust discussions on all topics, but especially the hot button issues of animal welfare and codes of practice and the attendance of Year 11 students from Bindoon Catholic Agricultural College. “As we continue to grow our industry in WA, our future is increasingly dependent on developing, nurturing and accessing an available pool of quality, committed piggery staff,” Mr Bradford said. “We therefore encourage secondary and tertiary students to seriously consider making their careers in WA’s pork industry and WAPPA commits to helping ensure pathways are both accessible and attractive.” WAPPA’s Executive Committee comprises Dawson Bradford (President) of Popanyinning, Graeme Dent (Vice President) of Cuballing, Torben Soerensen (Treasurer) of GD Pork, Dean Romaniello of Craig Mostyn Group and Emalyn Loudon, consultant to the pork industry.

LtoR: Megan Trezona, Ingunn Stensland, Diana Turpin, Karen Moore, PIWA; Vanessa Morris, Portec; Taya Clarke, Westpork; Emalyn Loudon, PIWA and Brendan Howard.

• • • • • • •

NEWS

Testing time for Australian pork producers By BRENDON CANT, BCA PR Despite Australian pork producers achieving commendable productivity gains and consistently good herd feed conversion (HFC) rates, it might not be quite enough to offset the downside of an internationally uncompetitive cost of production (COP). This was the blunt warning delivered by CRC for High Integrity Australian Pork CEO, Roger Campbell, in his opening address at the 2017 South Australia Pig Industry Day. ‘The marked decline in our global competitiveness compared to 2014 is due to our feed costs going down slightly and those of all other countries going down substantially, resulting in the biggest differences in COP we’ve seen for 10 years,” Dr Campbell said. “The recent disparity in grain prices and feed costs is unusual and may only be a blip in the usual pattern, which is generally consistent across the globe. With a bumper 2015/16 grain harvest in Australia, our grain costs will fall in 2017, but all other countries will also enjoy price falls. “While actual feed costs remain unknown, they might not be as low as some anticipate, especially considering that while grain prices have fallen substantially they only make up half of our pig

Above: After addressing the 2017 South Australian Pig Industry Day, Pork CRC CEO Dr Roger Campbell (right) happily caught up with Dr Nishchal Sharma, trainee nutritionist employed by ACE Livestock Consulting under the Pork CRC’s SA Government supported Industry Placement Program. diets, so the decline in feed costs will not be as large. “Potentially, this makes Australia’s pork sector more vulnerable to imports and price falls, but we have an edge in terms of the high integrity pork we produce, our emphasis on high welfare and enhanced providence,” Dr Campbell said. This was also being backed up by significant increases in investment in Pork CRC grower-finisher research and development. “I think 2017 will be a challenging and potentially uncertain year, with evidence emerging of unexpected pressure on price and this is clearly a concern to producers, as was clearly evident at the SA Pig Day. “On an optimistic note, given the quality of pork we produce and the providence behind it, processors and retailers recognise the inherent value of high integrity Australian pork. “I therefore hope buyers and ultimately consumers, will acknowledge the higher COP in Australia and continue to support the industry, as they’ve done for the past several years while our pork producers initiated and delivered a globally recognised and quite remarkable industry transition,” Dr Campbell said.

Country Australia USA Canada Brazil Dnk* NL** GB*** COP ($AUD/ /Kg carcass)

2.80

1.60

1.80

1.71

2.10 2.23 2.63

*Denmark, **The Netherlands, ** Great Britain

NEWS

New staff at Australian Pork Limited Two new staff appointments have recently been appointed at APL. Johanne McKiernan has joined APL as Environment Officer – Policy Jo has joined APL as the Environmental Officer, having worked across Local Government and NSW State Government sectors in collaboration with industry. Jo has work experience across both the agricultural and environmental portfolios delivering information and programs to producers as well as contributing to large industry based projects. “Having access to relevant, accurate information and support has been really important in decision making for me personally as part of a farming family. “I am looking forward to working with producers and the community involved in pork production, by identifying and addressing environmental and planning issues impacting the industry.” Jo is located in the APL offices in

Canberra and can be contacted on 02 6270 8820 or at johanne.mckiernan@ australianpork.com. au. Damien Howse has been appointed as General Manager – Corporate Services Division. Damien joined APL as General Manager Corporate Services and Company Secretary a little over twelve months ago. Damien is supported by the Corporate Services Division (CSD) team. CSD is responsible for delivering various functions to the organisation and producers including financial & administration responsibilities, governance, membership, events support, and information and communication technology.

As a member of the executive team supporting both the organisation and the Board, Damien contributes to the achievement of APL operational outcomes, liaison with industry and organisational stakeholders and development of organisational strategic objectives which add value to the Australian pork industry. You are welcome to contact Damien on 02 6270 8805 or at damien.howse@ australianpork.com.au.

IMPROVE SOW BEHAVIOUR. ADD A BLOCK TO THE MIX. Adding a SOWBLOCK to the pen gives sows an opportunity to forage and explore. 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%.” 1 1. Mean number of fresh scratch injuries scored on Day 3 after mixing control sows and sows treated with SOWBLOCK (Pork CRC funded Commercialisation Project).

For more information or to add a BLOCK to your mix please contact your local Ridley representative on 1300 666 657.

“In test pens, sows spent 46% more time laying down and 72% less time chasing.” 2 2. 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).

RID16336

Minimise harmful behaviour

NEWS v

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

values. Early 2017 harvest and pastures should be monitored carefully given weather conditions,â&#x20AC;? he said. Dr Avril Grieve from Elanco explained the significance of Hemicell in pig diets. â&#x20AC;&#x153;How do we quantify the cost of innate immunity?â&#x20AC;? she asked in the presentation â&#x20AC;&#x153;Research indicates that unnecessary innate immune response can consume as much as 3% of the feed energy consumed by the animal. This loss can be equivalent to $0.040 per pig in financial losses,â&#x20AC;? she said. Dr David Elmouttie is a technical development specialist at BASF. and he presented a quick but comprehensive â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Rodenticide Program Updateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.â&#x20AC;&#x153; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Commercial pork production facilities provide he ideal location for rodents to flourish,â&#x20AC;? he stated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In setting up a baiting program, it will only be effective if the correct baiting points have been established based on, rodent activity, rodent species and behavior, site constraints, risks and the surrounding environment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Using bait stations is essential in a rodent management

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Producers Kylie Davis and Damien Wilson. program for safety, to keep baits fresh, to keep baits away from non target species and to provide rodents with a safe feeding area. Bait stations must be used when using Selontra.â&#x20AC;? Dr Kate Vallance from Chris Richards & Associates spoke about Weaning Right with EZ-Lyte. An Electrolyte wish list, she said, was that it be â&#x20AC;&#x153;quick to dissolve, easy to measure, reduce spoiling of water, increase water intake, can be used in an automated doser systems and for piglets to like the taste,â&#x20AC;? she explained. One of the more amusing aspects of the productâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development was that the proof of effectiveness was tested on humans â&#x20AC;&#x201C; i.e. the speaker! The outcome of the end product was that it is â&#x20AC;&#x153;an easy to use solution, it reuduces bacterial growth and spoilage, improves water intake, is automatic doser ready, offers water acidification and is scientifically balanced to match blood osmolality,â&#x20AC;? Dr Vallance explained. Damien Kelly, Key Account Manager with Lienerts Australia, spoke about â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Start of a lifetime, using Blueprint for lifetime performanceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Genetics gives us better animals and gene expression drives the animals performance,â&#x20AC;? he stated and then explained the concept of nutrigenomics â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a concept developed over many years by Lienerts parent company Alltech. Explaining â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nutrigenomics in actionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Damien spoke about pre-natal nutrition where fetal programming sets the animal up for lifetime performance, and then post-natal diets, where a selection of ingredients that target specific gene expression patterns, deliver better performance. A key aspect of the Blueprint nutrition program is that ,â&#x20AC;?our experts will work with you to implement the Blueprint Nutrition program as well as monitor its success and overall return on investment,â&#x20AC;?Damien explained. Neil Sammons from MSD Animal Health gave an update on the continued growth of the Bendigo based operation. He also spoke about Porcilis PCV for the active immunisation of pigs to reduce the virus load in the blood and lymphoid tissues and to reduce mortality/weight loss associated with Porcine Circovirus type 2 related infection (PCVD) occurring during the fattening period. All in all the view of both participants and visitors to the event was positive. The trade stands were all busy and one exhibitor, Rod Martin from Polytex, commented that their attendance had been very worthwhile and felt that the industry was still positive about its future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have had a lot of good enquiries from both days,â&#x20AC;? he told Pork Journal.

NEWS

Novus appoints new Swine Manager Novus Nutrition Pty Ltd recently appointed Tom McCutcheon as its new Swine Business Unit Manager and Pork Journal caught up with Tom at the Victorian Pig Fair. Tom first became known to Pork Journal when he was involved with odour management, hygiene advice and products for pork producers. He has had a long career in food production and animal health. His first major management role was as Production Manager for Chapman Smallgoods (George Weston Foods). “As Operations Manager for Auspork, I was there for the first pig that was processed at Big River Pork. “During this role my interest in pig production really took hold,” Tom told Pork Journal. “Later as Category Sales Manager for Animal Health Combined Rural Traders/ Ruralco, I moved away from pork production into large animals, mainly cattle and sheep, but I never lost my interest in pigs. “During this time my interests centered around farm hygiene and assisting farmers in implementing programs. “I am thrilled to be back in the Industry but sadly at a time when cost of production is well and truly in the spotlight with the pork price rapidly reducing and farm profitability is now

the major focus. “There is no better time than now to be investigating what we can offer! The Novus philosophy is matched by mine and that is, that if we cannot help improve your productivity unique to your farm then we wont sell to you just for the sake of it!” Tom went on to tell us all about how he plans to reduce feed costs for farms with the application of Novus’s protease

enzyme product Cibenza DP100. “It is just a no brainer! Particularly when all our products are backed by science!” he added “Of particular interest in these tough times is to offer solutions that complement the ongoing challenges of reducing the reliance on antibiotics and I am confident that we have the suite of products to do just that!” Tom concluded.

Stockyard now stocks Big Wheel Feeders •Reduces feed waste – Feed available on demand with mechanical flow mechanism •Built to last- Feeders are fibreglass not plastic •More feeding spaces for increased floor space – uses less floor space than rectangular feeders •Available in nursery, finisher, bulk and outdoor models •Set and forget!

Contact: Stockyard Industries 54 King Street, Clifton QLD 4361 Ph: 07 4697 3344 sales@stockyardindustries.com

Tom McCutcheon from Novus Nutrition Pty Ltd.

PRODUCT NEWS

The importance of early post weaning intake By Dr DAVID ISAAC, BEC Feed Solutions In the previous edition we discussed the stressful experience of weaning for a piglet. When a piglet is weaned, it must adapt abruptly from highly digestible and palatable liquid milk from its mother that is equally spaced throughout the day, to a solid dry diet that is less digestible and palatable (J. Campbell, 2013). Some farms use creep feed to mitigate the change to solid feed. This may reduce the impact on feed intake but generally, feed intake is reduced initially after weaning and the piglet becomes malnourished with reduced transient growth rate. As reviewed by Le Dividich and Sève, the extent and duration of reduced feed intake is variable. It is estimated that by the end of the first week post-weaning, metabolizable energy (ME) intake is about 60-70% of the pre-weaning milk intake and that it takes approximately two weeks postweaning to achieve full recovery to the pre-weaning ME intake level. Spreeuwenberg et al. evaluated the relationship between low feed intake with different diet compositions (lactose/protein ratios) and small intestinal barrier function.

They reported during the first four days post-weaning, that diet composition was not as important a factor to maintain intestinal barrier function, but that continued low feed intake was more important to predispose the pig to intestinal barrier dysfunction. McCracken et al. determined that low feed intake during the postweaning period may contribute to intestinal inflammation and adversely affect villous height and crypt depth. Regardless of weaning age, pigs lose about 100–250 g body weight (BW) on the first day after weaning, and recover this loss in BW by about four days post-weaning. Tokach et al. reported that weight gain in the first week after weaning impacts the total days to market (at approximately 110 kg BW). When pigs were gaining greater than 227 g/d during the first week after weaning, days to market was reduced about 6–10 days compared to pigs gaining 0 g/d to 150 g/d the first week. This demonstrates the importance of getting pigs eating and

Trace minerals

growing as soon as possible after weaning. The palatability of weaner feed plays a major role in improving feed intake post weaning. BEC Piglet Buddy, which is a synergistic blend of taste active compounds, would trigger sensory specific appetite in young pigs. This can lead to earlier feed intake and reduce the loss of body weight on the first day post weaning. The benefits of BEC Piglet Buddy when added to a simplified weaner pig diet is not only limited to improved feed intake, feed efficiency (FE) and growth but also a reduction in feed cost. A recent trial in a commercial piggery in Queensland compared the performance of a simplified diet with BEC Piglet Buddy with their standard weaner diet. During the 18 days trial period, it was seen that average weight gain was higher in the group with BEC Piglet Buddy – leading to 400g heavier pigs. The savings from the simplified diet also brought a cost savings of $1500 per month to this piggery.

NEWS

AusPac expands its warehouse and distribution facilites Left: The new AusPac storage and distribution facility which has been completed at Laverton in Victoria. Containers of products are unpacked and stored in batch rows. Below: Jonothon Doubleday, AusPac Director and Philip Lambeth, AusPac’s Executive Director, Operations at the new warehouse.

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The tasty new approach to premix *A portion of the profits from the sale of Piglet Buddy goes back into future pig research.

En route to the Victorian Pig Fair, Pork Journal visited AusPac’s new storage and distribution facilities located at Laverton in Victoria. AusPac, established originally as the Australian/NZ distributor for Trouw/ Selko has grown dramatically and evolved into a ‘one stop shop’ for not only a range of leading feed additives but also as a supplier of many of the basic bulk products (apart from grains) including macro minerals, commodities and a range of technical speciality products. Apart from the growing Trouw/Selko distribution, AusPac has added products from Norel and Biorigin. “Containers of products are unpacked and stored in batch rows which gives us good visibility over sample, lab testing in compliance with FIAAA feed ingredient accreditation,” explained Christine Clark, AusPac’s Sales and Marketing Director. “Inventory management of the warehouse is by batch number and listed in a ‘live system’ to enable efficient traceability. “Due to the geographically wide spread of AusPac’s end users, we need our new facility to enable faster organisation and dispatch of our wide livestock feed industry product range,” she added. “The move to our expanded storage and distribution facility has involved considerable investment in both the warehouse itself and our greatly expanded product stocks,” said Philip Lambeth, AusPac’s Executive DirectorOperations. “In a competitive industry the ability to not only supply the best nutrition products but do so efficiently, is vital to our company’s continued expansion,” he concluded.

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Stockyard Industries displays new Osborne feeder at Victorian Pig Fair 2017 Stockyard Industries now has the Australian agency for the US designed and manufactured Osborne feeder range. An example of that product range was on display at the Bendigo Pig Fair (April 4/5, 2017) and Brian Strobel, the North American sales representative, was on the Stockyard stand to explain the unique features of the feeder to growers at the event. On April 5 in the ‘Industry Partners Presentations’ he explained the product and its advantages in some detail. The feeder combines a simple but brilliant idea with some clever engineering to make it fit for purpose. The robustly constructed feeder is based on a circular pan rather than the square linear design of other feeders. This difference, Brian pointed out, creates the space for ‘the extra pig’. In his presentation there was a diagram that clearly demonstrated this advantage. There is a ‘paddle wheel’ in the feeder trough, that when pushed by the feeding pig actuates a drop of feed into the circular trough. The feeder is constructed from tough Osborne engineered RTM Glas fiberglass reinforced plastic that is abrasion and corrosion resistant, reinforced with steel ensuring durability. Project4:Layout 1 21/03/14 12:22 PM Page 1

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Above: Marcus Jones from Stockyard Industries with Brian Strobel from Osborne on the stand. Below: Diagram demonstrating the paddle wheel. Different sizes in the range of the Osborne feeders suits all growth phases from weaner through to finisher pigs. “There is a specific design, the Ad-Lib Sow feeder included in the product range which includes nursery, finishing and an outdoor bulk unit. “The Osborne feeder is ideal for all types of production systems from outdoor to conventional sheds,” Brian pointed out. Features and benefits outlined by Brian included, “increased feed conversion as the feed goes into the pigs, not on the ground or in the pit. Our studies show a 0.045-0.091 (kg) improvement in the feed-to-gain. “The mechanical flow feed delivery reduces waste and the feed flow rate can be adjusted for specific feed types. “The pigs, (not gravity) control feed delivery and when the pigs stop eating, the feeder stops feeding. “The round trough design is self cleaning, so fresh feed is always available,” Brian explained. Stockyard Industries is the Australian agent for the Osborne feeders and Pork Journal noticed the considerable interest the feeder on their stand at Bendigo Pig Fair generated.

NEW PRODUCTS

Vitafarm Piglet Milk Replacer from Total Stockfeeds on show at Bendigo Queensland based Total Stockfeeds recently attended Bendigo Pig Fair 2017 promoting their Vitafarm Piglet Milk Replacer. Mark Moylan and Tiffany Gordon were on their stand to explain the benefits of Vitafarm to growers “Vitafarm Premium Piglet Milk Replacer has the combined benefit of carefully selected milk powders, fortified with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, specifically designed to deliver the high nutritional needs of young piglets and to enhance their

health and wellbeing during their critical growth period,” Mark told Pork Journal. “Our Premium Piglet Replacer is of the highest quality, specifically formulated for piglets, and boosted with Formi Acids, Betaine, Fibosel, Lysoforte and Bio-mos, to support animal performance whilst consistently providing a great source of energy and protein. “For superior weight gain and a vital start to Life, Vitafarm Piglet Milk Replacer is a companion to your litter,” Mark concluded.

New concepts in trace mineral nutrition Selko IntelliBond is the first line of hydroxy trace minerals for use in animal feeds. Traditionally, minerals have been categorised as either organic or inorganic, based on whether or not they had a carbon-containing ligand. Selko IntelliBond Trace Mineral has a unique OH group that is covalently bound to the metal. This is what differentiates hydroxy trace minerals from other organic or inorganic minerals. These ‘smart bonds’ create minerals that avoid unwanted interactions, which can either oxidise or bind to other ingredients. Hydroxy trace mineral sources have a crystalline structure (like a 3D matrix). This delivers many beneficial characteristics compared to other mineral sources. Trouw Nutrition’s Trace Mineral Seminar – New Concepts in Trace Mineral Nutrition discussed the benefits of using Selko IntelliBond. Dr Ramesh Selvaraj, spoke about ‘Trace minerals impact on immune function’. He is an Associate Professor, Animal Sciences, College of Food Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Ohio State University, USA. “Minerals and immune responses – all minerals are important for ‘optimal’ immune responses. What is unique to the immune cell? And the form of the immune response?” he asked. In his presentation he focused on iron, selenium, and copper/zinc/manganese and iodine.

“We should not limit the scope. We should talk about not just nutrition but immunology as the focus. Dr Selvaraj also discussed Iodine. “The mainstream idea is that the thyroid gland is the only organ that needs iodine but it has a large role in the immune function and ties into mineral importance. “Trace minerals are integrative components of antioxidant defense which is critical for immune cell survival and function. Trace mineral requirements for immune cells is shown and proven. Professor Leo Den Hartog’s subject was ‘A holistic approach for antibiotic reduction and the role of trace

minerals. Dr Den Hartog is Director R&D, Nutreco, in The Netherlands. . “It is the responsibility of all those involved in animal production to reduce the reliance on AGPs. “We need to face the challenge together and there are a variety of feed additives to assist in this,” he said. “A better understanding of the modes of action and targeted effects is required to continue to move forward together. “Nutreco has developed a way to run in-vitro screening methods. Microbial activity screen, Cell integrity screen, Immunomodulation screen are the in-vitro methods to test a range of functional additives.

Supplying the Piggery Industry with tarpaulin • Shelter covers • Blinds • Liners • Thermal Covers Phone: 1300 059 003 Fax: 1300 858 626 Email: info@polytex.net.au www.polytex.net.au

NEW PRODUCTS

Multicracker small scale feed mill on show at Victorian Pig Fair Pork Journal couldn’t help noticing on the AFSystem’s stand at Victorian Pig Fair, there was a Multicracker small scale feed mill. Carl Wolf, whose company is the Australia agent for the German made Multicracker range of feedmills, recommend the 3.6 ton/hr unit powered by a 5.5 kW motor, for small to medium sized operations. According to information available from the manufacturer, the compact (H 1200mm x W700mm x L700mm-Weight 220kg) is an energy efficient machine when compared to conventional hammer and disc mills. “Through variable grinding settings, a more uniform structure in the crushed material is achieved,” the information states. The machine is capable of milling a wide range of grains, oilseeds,

legumes and tubers as well as other feed materials. Wolf Engineering is a family company with a proud 60 year history and has manufactured and refurbished many roller mills in use on Australian farms over the years that can be powered by either electric motors or tractor PTO shafts. AFSystems, formerly known as Australian Feeding Systems, has been in operation for more than 30 years specialising in material conveying and is well known throughtout the country for supplying livestock industries in Australia with a wide range of feeding requirements. The company’s wide product range includes the Falcon Chain and Disc System, Cablevey Cable & Disc, motors and gearboxes, flat chain, flex auger (125MM) and parts supply.

Above: Andrew Kimball from AFSystems with Carl Wolf from Wolf Engineering with the feedmill.

Think Livestock about to introduce self filling syringe with two separate barrels Recently Dave Roberts, who runs Think Livestock, told Pork Journal about a revolutionary new syringe the comapny was about to introduce into the animal healthcare market The HSW Eco-Matic Twin is an automatic self filling syringe with two separate barrels performs two key functions. “The first advantage is labour saving where there is a need to deliver separate vaccines to livestock,” said Mr Roberts. “The second advantage is that the product avoids any problems with mixing vaccines for delivery in a single needle device as the separate barrels are designed to contain a specific vaccine. “The dose capacity is 0.5 ml, 1ml, and 2ml and the needle distance can be adapted to the age, size and species of animal, 20mm to 21.mm; 1mm to 24mm; 28mm; 34.9mm and 36mm,” he said. According to the manufacturers information the product is “ergonomic being of light weight and thus very easyto handle and use.

“It deliver simultaneous vaccination of two products independently, and has either a bottle mount or tubing connection.” Dave Roberts who has long experience in the pig industry and now in all species of commercial livestock says that his company, Think Livestock, has always been on the lookout for the latest developments in on farm practical vaccination technology. This new twin barrel single action vaccination gun from HSW is a typical example of his company’s innovative attitude to commercial livestock health care. “The German company Henke-Sass, Wolf (HSW) GmbH is one the leading manufacturers of high quality, durable and relaible apllication and injection systems,” Mr Roberts said. “The products are innovative, userfreindly and are especially designed

for their intended application in the veterinary field. “The comapny’s outstanding, high quality product solutions are very well known and popular with veterinarians, farmers and breeders,” he said. For more information about this prduct please contact Dave or Brodie Roberst at Think Livestock on telephone (03) 5448 8942 or go to the website www.thinklivestock.com

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www.primegro.com.au Results are based on typical progeny growth performance achieved using Primegro Genetics grown under a high health environment and fed using the Rivalea Nutritional Program.

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