ROTECNAWORLD NUMBER FIFTY 2022
TECHNOLOGY WALLPAN
GLOBALPIG
A. CABEZAS: “WITH THE NI-2 WE PREVENT ANIMALS SEEKING THE HEAT OF THE SOW AT BIRTH AND DIE BY CRUSHING”
PIGPRODUCTION
50
THE UNITED KINGDOM, A NICHE MARKET FOR EXPORTING COUNTRIES
ROTECNA NEWS FIRST FAIRS OF 2022
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Nº 50 March 2022
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR The pork sector is one of the most competitive in the Spanish agri-food sector. The upward trajectory of the sector that we have seen in the last decade has also been reinforced by the extraordinary rebound in exports. Possibly, we must recognise what we have done well, but we must also analyse what we can improve and where we should go from here. Biosecurity and environmental issues are priorities, as well as knowing how to explain our work to society, effort, and the economic and social impact of all the professionals who work in the sector. On the other hand, in Rotecna we are facing 2022 with optimism and, aware that animal welfare is becoming more relevant every day, we are committed to listening to farmers, as we have always done, to offer them the best possible solutions so that they can adapt to any new regulations that may arise. In this way, we will continue working on the launch of new and innovative products in equipment that improves both the animals’ welfare and the farmers’ day to day. All this must be done by paying close attention to the evolution of the markets and the variability of the costs and prices of raw materials. Finally, this year we will once again attend the most important events in the pork sector. We began 2022 travelling to the Agros fair in Moscow, with outstanding participation and interest in Rotecna. Throughout the year, we will participate in different events, the most prominent of which is EuroTier, which will take place in November in Hannover (Germany). We have a complex year ahead of us, but we face it with great enthusiasm, honesty and professionalism. Please receive a cordial greeting on our behalf. Antonio Pinos, Rotecna’s CEO.
CONTENTS 4. Rotecna News First fairs of 2022.
6. Something About “The Passion of Cervera”.
8. Technology
Wallpan, takes up less space and makes cleaning easier.
10. Global Pig
A. Cabezas: “With the Ni-2 we prevent animals seeking the heat of the sow at birth and die by crushing”.
14. Future News
Pork Sector X-Ray. Where are we at?
18. Pig Production in...
The United Kingdom, a niche market for exporting countries.
Rotecna World Director: Antonio Pinos. Editor: Francisco García, Tamara Lombardo. Images edition: David Mercado. Translation: Sam Smith. Print: Imprenta Barnola. L-41-2007 Rotecna's World's editors accept no liability for contributor's opinion.
DIGITAL VERSION /issuu.com/rotecnapress 3
ROTECNANEWS FIRST FAIRS OF 2022 In the first quarter of the year, we have attended fairs held in Russia, the United States, Mexico, and Lleida.
Rotecna’s stand at Agros with all the novelties. Photo: Rotecna.
From Rotecna, we have opted to be present once again at the most outstanding events in the pork sector, and in the first months of this year, we have already participated in fairs held in Russia, United States, Mexico, and Lleida.
Agros Moscow From January 25 to 27, the capital of Russia hosted a new edition of the Agros fair, an event of great importance for the Russian animal production industry and neighbouring countries. Once again, the fair had a wide range of thematic sections that covered all types of professional livestock (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, etc.) at all stages of the production chain. For the first time, the event had two exhibition halls that brought together a total of 352 manufacturers from up to 26 countries, which presented different solutions in all areas of the fair, to the more than 11,000 visitors who visited throughout the three days. Rotecna participated in Agros with its stand 4
of 56 m² where it showed the public some of its latest products such as the new real-time silo level control system, Silotronic, or the electronic feeding systems for pregnant and lactating sows, Dositronic G and Dositronic M. The commercial manager of Rotecna to the Russian market, Nadia Yureva, highlights that our presence at the fair has been, once again, an exceptional opportunity to present our products and promote our brand in a market as competitive as the Russian market.
Iowa Pork Congress On the other hand, on January 26 and 27 Des Moines (Iowa, United States) was the scene of the Iowa Pork Congress. On this occasion, Rotecna was present thanks to its distributor in the country, American Resources, with a space where a wide sample of the brand’s products were exhibited, including hoppers, plates, slats, the two Dositronic models, the transparent Ni-2 for piglets and the Tecnapur solids separator.
XVIII Congress AMVECAJ Mexico The Association of Veterinary Doctors Specialists in Pigs of the Altos de Jalisco organised from February 9 to 11 the 18th edition of its annual congress, this year focused on the new challenges and opportunities for the pork sector. Rotecna was present through its distributor in the country, NS Group.
Porciforum In March we participated in one of the main events of the Lleida pork sector, Porciforum. The congress that addresses the current situation of the pork sector, returns to the Llotja in Lleida with a programme that includes topics on biosecurity, animal health, markets, etc., and that counts on the attendance of different personae within the pork sector. Rotecna, as a sponsor of the congress, is present with its own space where it shows some of its solutions for pig farms.
Future events In a few months, in June, we will return to the United States, where the World Pork Expo is held, and in August we will travel to Vietnam, where we will participate in Ildex Vietnam. Finally, we are already immersed in the preparations for our presence at the most important European event for the meat industry, Eurotier.
American Resources stand at Iowa Pork Congress. Photo: Rotecna.
5
SOMETHINGABOUT “THE PASSION OF CERVERA”
The performances of the “Passion of Cervera” take place every year throughout different weekends of March and April, and Good Friday. Image of a representation of the “Passion of Cervera”.
The “Passion of Cervera” is a theatrical representation of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. A tradition that began more than 500 years ago and has been continuously renewed to adapt to different eras. However, it was in 1969 when, given their historical and social importance, the representations of the “Passion of Cervera” were declared a treasure of the intangible cultural heritage of Catalonia and Andorra.
The show The first references found of the representations of the “Passion of Cervera” date back to the year 1477 in some books, preserved in the Regional Archive of the Segarra, where the original manuscripts of the passion of the year 1534, “Mystery of the passion”, written by Pere Ponç i Baltasar Sança in mediaeval Catalan, are also kept. Initially, the text was written to be performed only on Good Friday, but over the years it was extended with more scenes to fill 6
the entire Holy Week with liturgical acts so that the parishioners better understood the suffering of Jesus and the meaning of the celebration. In the nineteenth century they began to use the text written by the monk of the Montserrat abbey Fray Anton de San Jeroni, “The Holy Passion”, and in the years to come, different Catalan authors created other texts that would also be interpreted. After the break, the show suffered because of the Civil War (1936 – 1939), the text “Christ, Mystery of the Passion” was created, written by Emili Rabell and Josep Mª Sarrate. This text would replace the original one of 1534. Years later, in 1999, a new show was born, “La Pasión de Cervera”, completely renovated and adapted to the XXI century. In addition to the text, the scenography of the show has also included different improvements over the years such as the professionalisation of its artistic direction, and the inclusion of two
side stages to the “Gran Teatro de la Pasión”, which offer a spectacular view. In addition, the construction of corporeal sets in 90% of the scenes offers a realistic spectacularity to all areas, which are combined with old paper sets, still visible in some scenes. On the other hand, the lighting section renovation offers a specific environment in each of the scenes, together with the sound, also digitised, which enhances the sound quality. The costumes are also important, as they are realistic and true to the story, while the music, captivating and original, has been recorded by the Julià Carbonell Symphony Orchestra of the lands of Lleida.
The Grand Theatre of the Passion Several stages in Cervera have hosted this show: the church of Santa María, the Main Square, the “Casal” theatre, until reaching the “Gran Teatro de la Pasión”, one of the largest theatres in Europe, built expressly for these performances and with a capacity for 1,700 people and three stage accesses that give the show a certain dexterity and cinematographic rhythm.
The “Passion of Cervera” shows life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
the public life of Jesus from his baptism to his entrance into the city of Jerusalem, the second explains his last days, from the Last Supper to his death and subsequent resurrection.
The performances of the “Passion of Cervera” take place every year throughout different weekends of March and April, and Good Friday. More than 300 people, including actors, technicians, local entities and groups, make this unique show possible.
It is worth mentioning that, in “La Pasión de Cervera” a special staging is given to the female characters, something that is not found in any other passion, and that attributes a differentiating and unique character. In addition to the main roles of Mary and Mary Magdalene, Cervera’s stage also features characters such as Claudia, Pilate’s wife, Martha, Magdalene’s sister, and the temple maids. In addition, the audience can enjoy scenes such as Claudia’s dream, Pilate’s wife, or Mary’s suffering. This relevant role of female characters stands out as a very positive value that the Passion wants to maintain to contribute to the debate on the historical function of women in popular traditions.
Thanks to the three stages available in the “Gran Teatro de la Pasión”, the action never stops. This dynamism means that the viewer does not disconnect from what is happening on stage, and remains attentive throughout the two acts that the show has. While the first act shows
For all that has been explained, “The Passion of Cervera” has been the object of study by many historians. Without going any further, studies carried out by the University of La Sorbonne in Paris have recognised the staging of “The Passion of Cervera” as the oldest in Europe.
The “Passion of Cervera” today
7
Technology
WALLPAN, TAKES UP LESS
SPACE AND MAKES CLEANING EASIER
One of the most delicate and stressful moments of piglets in farrowing is to prepare them for the change of feeding in the weaning phase. The transition from liquid to solid feed is a challenge that farmers must manage correctly to ensure the growth of piglets and avoid casualties. Facilitating the consumption of initiation feed in farrowing improves the adaptation of animals to feed after weaning. For this reason, Rotecna expands its range of first-age dishes with the Wallpan, a wall feeder that takes up little space, it is easy to install and handle, which allows one to give piglets in farrowing initiation feed. The main innovation of this product is its placement on the side of the farrow instead of on the ground, and a lever that facilitates the emptying and cleaning of the dish, without corners and with rounded edges that prevent the accumulation of food. Rotecna’s new firstage plate can be assembled and disassembled horizontally or vertically quickly and without the need for tools or locks. 8
FEATURES : •
Number of spaces: 2. Plate capacity: 0,9 L. Width: 23 cm. Height: 14 cm. • • •
ADVANTAGES :
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•
•
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It takes up less space. Release wall mount and quick coupling without the need for tools or locks. Easier to empty, clean and dry. Rounded edges and no corners. Easy piglet adaptation.
9
GLOBALPIG A. CABEZAS: “WITH THE NI-2 WE PREVENT ANIMALS SEEKING THE HEAT OF THE SOW AT BIRTH AND DIE BY CRUSHING” The Industrial Farm, located in Artesa de Segre (Lleida) and owned by the Premier Pigs group, has 3,000 sows and 6,800 weaning places.
Álvaro with the person in charge of the Industrial Farm, in Artesa de Segre (Lleida). Photo: Rotecna.
Since the acquisition in 2010 by the Premier Pigs group of the Industrial Farm located in Artesa de Segre (Lleida), Álvaro Cabezas, head of the group’s team of sow and fattening veterinarians, has lived through the evolution of this farm. After the last improvement in farrowing pens done last year, Premier Pigs decided to install the Ni-2 of Rotecna for the good results obtained with this product in a newly built farm. Cabezas highlights its handling ease, a lower number of crush casualties, the creation of a comfort zone for piglets and energy savings. When did you decide to go into farming? I studied veterinary medicine in Córdoba, and in the third year, I decided that I wanted to get into livestock production professionally. So, I started doing internships and working in nearby farms, first in Andalusia, and then I moved to Catalonia, where I settled. 10
What are the origins of this farm located in Artesa de Segre? This farm was bought by the Premier Pigs group in 2010, with 900 sows and 7,000 fattening places. Since then, it has been renewed and transformed little by little to remove the fattening places and reach the current capacity of 3,000 sows and 6,800 weaning places. How is the farm distributed? Taking advantage of the old and newly built warehouses, the farm has a quarantine area for gilt rearing, an adaptation and coverage area for gilts, a multiparous covering area, the confirmed gestation zone, the calving warehouses and a transition zone. How many people work here? There is a team of 13 people; the person in charge of the farm, the person in charge of farrowing, the person in charge of gestation, the person responsible for weaning and the rest of the team, which act as a reinforcement in the different areas. In addition, there is a veterinarian who supports the farm every week and carries out a follow-up control of the technical and sanitary data.
Among the products that you have installed, there is the Ni-2 Corner from Rotecna. Why did you choose this equipment? We installed them last year on a new farm and we were very happy with the results, so we decided to also install them in the restructuring we did here of the farrowing pens. In the end, you are always looking for products that allow you to create a comfort zone for the piglet when it is born and that facilitates colostrum intake. With Ni-2 we achieve that synergy between what the sow needs and what the piglets need. How is the handling with Ni-2? When we prepare the rooms to enter the sows at calving, we also leave the Ni-2 prepared with the light bulbs ready in case we need them. From there, when we assist the birth, the piglets are placed under the nest with the heating plates and are heated in turns. As the animals grow, the lamps are turned off, the nests are raised and the temperature of the plates is reduced. What are the advantages of working with Ni-2 in farrowing? The main advantage is that it allows you to have the room a little cooler for the sow and give the animals inside the nests the temperature conditions they
Image of one of the reformed farrowing pens with the Rotecna Ni-2 Corners installed. Photo: Rotecna.
need. In this way, you do not need to have the room so hot, which would harm the wellbeing of the sow, and you can count on a comfort zone for the piglet, where it is also protected from the air currents that could be generated. Are there benefits in the productive field? Undoubtedly, at a productive level, it is much better to work with nests and to be able to offer the piglet the optimal conditions necessary in its first days of life. In terms of the number of piglets per delivery, we save more animals at birth, since with the nests we prevent the animals from seeking the heat of the sow at birth and dying by crushing. In addition, we can also work on the
colostrum intake better, which guarantees ideal conditions for piglets to start well. What are the energy savings of being able to work in two climates in farrowing wards? Working with nests and being able to create a microclimate inside helps you reduce the energy consumption of the rooms, because you do not have to be heating the room to a higher temperature and allows you to adjust, along with ventilation and heating, the temperature of the room with that of the Ni-2 to achieve the comfort that both sows and piglets need. In this sense, we are carrying out a comparative study between farms with nests and without nests and, although we are in the measurement 11
GLOBALPIG In the health field, what are the main concerns on this farm? As in all of them, to remain free of PRSS, that no outbreaks enter, and we work conscientiously towards this. We have controlled the issue of diarrhoea in calving quite well, we have worked since May 2016 without zinc in weaning, and we have removed amoxicillin in starter since January, following the plan to reduce the use of antibiotics, and we are quite happy. We administer the necessary vaccines, perform controls and make sure that no outbreaks arise. The weaning pens are equipped with Rotecna products. Photo: Rotecna.
phase, we do see, for example, that of the farms where we have biomass, consumption is lower in those farms in which we work with nests compared to those in which we only have the plates. Therefore, energy consumption with nests must be lower. Do you have any other Rotecna products installed on the farm? 90% of the products on this farm are from Rotecna. Apart from the Ni-2, we have the farrowing and weaning floors with Rotecna slats, the dispensers, the PVC separators, first-age dishes, the TR-5 feeder in weaning, the distribution system of farm feed, etc. The truth is that Rotecna offers very good value for money, the products are easy to use and handle, and, in addition, it is a nearby company, which always gives you the guarantee of receiving good service. Specifically, of the TR5 feeder, what benefits would you highlight? We like this weaning feeder because it is easily adjustable to the requirements we need for the starting and continuous growth of piglets, it is easy to clean and also to handle because it does not weigh much. 12
To reduce health risks, what biosecurity measures are in place on the farm? We have the entire farm fenced, well-separated areas of the corpse, slurry collection, and truck access with a disinfection arch. At the entrance to the farm, we have the changing rooms with mandatory showers for anyone who enters the facilities and, in addition, other measures such as birdhouses, rodent control, etc., to make sure nothing makes it in. In addition to external biosecurity, in terms of internal biosecurity, taking into account that it is an old farm that has been renovated, great care is taken in the personnel movements between areas, so the boots disinfection is monitored when moving from one area to another. What are the future challenges this farm faces? Last year the growth ended before the current count of 3,000 sows and now the challenge is to continue maintaining the production we have above 30 piglets per sow per year and to increase the number. On the other hand, at the sanitary level, to keep the farm stable and working as it has been doing until now.
13
FUTURENEWS PORK SECTOR X-RAY. WHERE ARE WE AT?
The successful figures that the Spanish pork sector has recorded are the result of a business model, a benchmark worldwide.
The pork sector has become one of the key sectors for the economy of Spain. Photo: Rotecna.
In recent years, pigs have become one of the key sectors for the economy of our country, positioning itself as the most relevant sector for Spanish livestock with more than 40% of the Final Livestock Production and around 16% of the Final Agricultural Production, only surpassed by fruits and vegetables. Its activity accounts for 1.4% of the national GDP and 14% of the Gross Industrial Domestic Product. To see what have been the factors that have contributed to achieving these figures, we have spoken with different professionals in our sector to offer a wider perspective of where we are and where we are going. The successful figures that the pork sector has registered in recent times are the result of a business model, a worldwide reference, based on important pillars such as innovation and professionalisation. This was stated by Miguel Ángel Higuera, director of the National Association of Pig Producers (ANPROGAPOR): “We are one of the sectors that have invested 14
the most in innovation and technology at all levels, which has spectacularly improved our sector. These pillars are making us increasingly competitive and efficient.” This competitiveness is what has allowed us to advance and open new markets abroad. According to Albert Vidal, director of Animal Production of the Vall Companys group, the pork sector exports more than 8,000 million euros, which places us as one of the main exporters at the European and worldwide level. “With a very positive trade balance, Spain consolidated itself as the second-largest pork exporter in the EU, only behind Germany, dramatically increasing exports to other countries, especially to China and other countries in Southeast Asia,” he explains, adding: “Achieving a position of international leadership has forced us not only to be efficient but also to be better in biosecurity, animal welfare, sustainability, circular economy, etc. All without ceasing to reflect, self-criticise and try to continue progressing”.
On the another hand, the recovery of China, is one of the issues that most worries the sector since the Asian giant is returning to the productive levels of the years before the entry of ASF into the country, making it necessary to adjust exports. In this sense, Higuera assures that “the strength of the pork sector is that the volume of meat produced and its variety of cuts makes us open to export many types of products to markets such as Japan, Korea or Thailand”. However, the European Union is being the one who assumes the volumes that previously went to China. Thus, it is returning to the starting point in terms of external trade, where the EU is the main market. Everything mentioned so far has contributed to the Spanish pig being one of the main performers in the EU and the world, and to be a reference. On this subject, Vicenç Brieba, director of animal feed at Bon Área, believes that, although much remains to be done, cost competitiveness compared to the rest of European countries has been key to the success of the sector. “This competitiveness is mainly due to the integration system, which has allowed small farmers to make investments in their farms without taking market risks, which are assumed by the integrating companies. We must not forget that Spanish slaughterhouses have been modernised and have achieved markets with a large number of customers in many countries, attaining great international prestige for Spanish pork, “says Brieba. In addition to what has been said so far, we must bear in mind something that Óscar Toledano, commercial director of Rotecna, comments, and that is that “the economic and social importance of the sector is a fact, especially in areas with serious problems of depopulation, where it plays a vital role in generating quality jobs that help young talent and promote female employment”.
The sector exports worth more than 8,000 million euros. Photo: Rotecna.
Costs The pork sector closed in 2021 in the red, a situation that contrasted sharply with that experienced at the beginning of the year when there was a high demand for pork from China, and with it, the prices rose. As Vidal explains, “we started 2022 with a live price stagnant at historic lows and it seems that now it is beginning to grow to the extent that it did in previous years.” Given this panorama, it is essential to monitor cost control closely, because “since July 2020 the raw materials sector has been experiencing an unprecedented price increase and this affects the competitiveness of the entire meat and livestock value chain,” Vidal warns. In 2022 there have not been many changes compared to the end of 2021, and farmers live in a significant shortage situation. “The costs are high, both in energy and food and, therefore, the results of the producers are negative,” says Rossend Saltiveri, responsible for the pork sector at “Unió 15
FUTURENEWS
Spain is the world’s third largest producer of pork. Photo: Rotecna.
highest levels of productivity in the world. As Vidal explains, “the existing legislation attempts to satisfy the five freedoms of animals: the comfort of the animal in the global ecosystem of the farm and its pen; the pleasure of the animal to access and choose its food and also to have at its disposal enrichment material; health; trust, with positive interactions with humans and other pigs without fear or stress; and the permissibility of innate behaviours of free interest or expression of the animal”, and adds: “The main meat-livestock companies have very high animal welfare and food safety certifications”. All this has contributed to being able to improve on farms and produce a better quality product more efficiently.
Environment de Pagesos”. Higuera expects an improvement on this issue, although he expresses his concern about the production costs of raw materials: “The prices of raw materials are rising strongly. Political conflicts do not help contain these prices and contribute to their volatility. In addition, there is a high degree of speculation, which translates into an increase in the feed price.” To deal with the disproportion between the cost of feed and the animals’ sale price, ANPROGAPOR works with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and with the autonomous communities in actions such as the development of a structural plan to improve the efficiency of the supply, both of imported raw materials and national ones, and thus compensate for price volatility. On the other hand, it is also necessary to readjust supply with demand at the European Union level.
Animal welfare and health The EU has one of the most demanding legislations in the world in terms of animal welfare, which has led the Spanish pork sector to achieve one of the 16
Since 2022, Spain has applied even more restrictive regulations regarding the emission of polluting gases and the application of slurry, to achieve maximum efficiency, have minimum nitrogen losses and achieve the maximum use of nutrients for slurry. About the criticism received in recent times, it should be clarified that, according to the Spanish emissions system, those derived from pork production represent only 2% of the country’s total GHG emissions, a fact that is not very relevant if one takes into account that Spain is the third-largest producer in the world, and that, as mentioned above, the activity of the pork sector accounts for 1.4% of the national GDP and 14% of the Gross Industrial Domestic Product. In addition, as Toledano explains, “we have made significant progress in the total reduction in emissions per kilogramme of meat produced, including those of atmospheric pollutants such as ammonia, as we have the means to continue doing so and we continue working on the development of new techniques to go even further.”
Some of these techniques are BAT, which Saltiveri tells us about. “On the farm nowadays, we apply the available technical improvements (BAT) through ways such as feeding, offering the amount of protein that the pig needs in each of the growth phases, in housing, or the storage,” he explains. We must also bear in mind that any co-product from droppings can be valued and returned to the agricultural cycle providing usefulness: valorising them as fertiliser reduces chemical synthesis and extractive origin fertiliser dependence, and their use improves soil structure. In this sense, Vidal recommends keeping in mind two relevant aspects: “The need to always use it per environmental parameters and continue working towards feed that allows droppings with less nitrogen”. Nor should we forget that having a solid-liquid separator, in addition to giving a good image in terms of droppings management, will allow an optimal liquid fraction to pass it through fertigation, and have a solid fraction more easily transportable to those lands that need it, and can also serve as a raw material for other treatments such as composting or biogas.
“The main challenge of the sector is to give meat exposure”. ASF threat In 2022, the situation regarding ASF has become highly worrying due to the proximity of the disease and its entry into Italy. As Higuera assures, “the concern of seeing how this disease is developing and the difficulties that are being seen in many countries to contain its spread puts in check the entire European pork sector and the countries that are still negative in ASF”. In this sense, Saltiveri says that it is essential to strengthen biosecurity:
“One of the things we must do is reduce the wild boar population, as marked by the regulations so that in case ASF enters, it can be controlled more easily because with the density of wild boars that exist in some territories it would be very difficult to control it. On the other hand, it is very important to have maximum control of imports and achieve regionalisation, as France has done. This negotiation will be vital so that the market impact is not as great as it is happening to Germany.”
Challenges One of the most important challenge is that of communication, giving a stronger image as an essential, structural and strategic sector of the Spanish economy. “We believe that its clear for us, but that is not enough, and we must project that image outwards, transfer everything we know and know that we are a competitive sector and provide rationing at a reasonable price,” says Higuera, who agrees with Vidal to ensure: “The main challenge of the sector is to give meat exposure. In the large ends of consumption, such as metropolitan areas, we must work so that they know livestock breeding and see the meat product as food that generates value beyond the table, without forgetting the rural environment”. On the other hand, Saltiveri insists on the need to face environmental challenges, but especially health challenges, which he considers the most important. “We must work with less and less medication, which implies more biosecurity on farms to prevent the entry of diseases. Another challenge is to avoid ASAP as much as possible because it can have important economic consequences,” he says. In this sense, the future of the sector goes through the professionalisation of it, and this line of work constitutes a strategic work axis. 17
PIGPRODUCTIONIN THE UNITED KINGDOM, A NICHE MARKET FOR EXPORTING COUNTRIES
Competing in this market is both an opportunity and a challenge.
Farrowing pen on a farm in United Kingdom. Photo: Rotecna.
About 60% of the pork consumed in the United Kingdom comes from other countries, which makes it a country that imports pork, something that contrasts with the rest of the countries of the European Union. Even though in recent years pork consumption has decreased in the United Kingdom, it is still the most consumed animal after poultry, and maintains great potential, so, despite Brexit, different countries struggle to place their pork in this market.
Production According to the latest data from AHDB, the total pig production in 2018 (latest data available) was 927,000 tonnes. That same year, there were more than five million 18
heads registered in the United Kingdom and almost eleven million pigs were slaughtered in the country, a figure that represents a value of 1,054 million pounds (1,173 million euros). More than 80% of these pigs were raised in England.
Imports The United Kingdom is a strong importer of pork. About 60% of the meat consumed by the British comes from another country. This figure contrasts sharply with the production of the European Union, which has self-sufficiency rates of 112%. According to Eurostacom data, the total amount of imports had slight growth in value (4.7%) in the last six years, although it registered a slight decrease (1.8%) in volume.
The importing nature of the country makes competing in the British market both an opportunity and a great challenge. In this sense, there is a large concentration in this niche market, where five countries account for more than 70% of pork imports to the United Kingdom, both in value and volume: these are Germany, Ireland, Denmark, the Netherlands and Poland. Spain occupies the sixth position in the ranking of the main world exporters of pork to the United Kingdom, both in volume and value, with a very positive progression of its exports and an increase of 17.3%. Thus, the main Spanish exports to the United Kingdom are fresh, chilled or
frozen meat (33,796 tonnes) sausages (12,376 tonnes) and cured hams (1,041 tonnes). It is worth mentioning that, while the import volume has remained relatively constant over time, and in eight years has only increased by 5.2%, the export volume has grown to 52% due to British pork producers increasingly trying to optimise the product, and there are certain pork cuts, such as viscera, which are not in demand and are placed in other countries.
Consumption Pork is one of the main sources of meat protein in the UK. Pork is the second most consumed animal (516.1 tonnes in 2019) after poultry (1.16 million tonnes) While poultry consumption increased by 7.2% in the period 2014/2019, pork experienced a decrease of 7.5% as did beef and veal, which fell by 7.9%. This can be attributed to the consumer’s perception of red meat as a product with lower beneficial health properties. On the other hand, consumption habits also affect the volume of pork sales. Breakfast is the time of day where more pork is consumed (38%), due to the British custom of having the popular “English breakfast”, which consists of bacon and sausages, two of the most consumed pork products by the British. Lunch (24%) and the aperitif (27%) represent significant figures, in contrast to dinners, where hardly any pork is ingested (10%).
Consequences of Brexit Over the past few months, the British pork sector has already felt the consequences of Brexit, and many industries in the Anglo-Saxon country are suffering delays in their pork shipments caused by the excessive paperwork required after Brexit. Containers with goods from the meat industries have been held for long periods without being able to set sail to their destinations and, given
this premise, industrialists in the sector are already questioning whether it is convenient to continue exporting product since many buyers could reject the merchandise because of its possible bad condition due to waiting. Pork prices in the UK are also currently going through a period of unease due to Brexit. It should be noted that the meat market is especially susceptible to change, as the United Kingdom is not a self-sufficient country in terms of meat production and the imposition of rates for a country that depends heavily on what it imports will increase prices and, in turn, reduce pork consumption.
The UK offers a series of commercial opportunities as a market. The future of the British pork sector The pork market in the United Kingdom is characterised by being very mature, saturated by some very strong competitors within the sector, and where profit opportunities arise from the small market niches in which it is possible to enter. The country consumes less and less pork, although it is expected that higher-quality meat will be in demand. In this sense, companies that focus on producing premium meat will have more prospects in the long term. Despite everything, the United Kingdom offers a series of commercial opportunities as a market that makes it a very interesting space for export: 66.65 million consumers with a high purchasing capacity, a strong currency and a stable, organised market with high technological and marketing capacity. With this in mind, it is clear that, despite Brexit, it remains an attractive market for any exporter. 19
OWN DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE 30 YEARS DEVELOPING HIGH RESISTANCE PLASTIC (POLYPROPYLENE) FEEDERS
FEEDERS GROW FEEDER MAXI
Fattening, WTF
TR5 FEEDER
Weaning
GROW FEEDER MINI
Weaning
TR2 FEEDER
Fattening
SOW FEEDER
Farrowing
TR3D FEEDER
Fattening
SWING R3 DUO SWING R3 WET
Weaning, Fattening, WTF Weaning, Fattening, WTF
SF3D FEEDER
Fattening, WTF
SOW BOWL
Farrowing, Fattening, Gestation
SWING R3 TUBE
Weaning, Fattening, WTF
FEEDING BALL
Farrowing, Gestation
TR7D FEEDER
Weaning
ANTI-STRESS FEEDER ANTI-STRESS CHAIN
PANS MAXI PAN
Adaptation pan - Weaning
MAXI HOPPER PAN
Adaptation pan - Weaning
MAXITAINER para MAXI PAN
Tank for liquids
TECNA PAN Plato 1ª edad
Adaptation pan - Farrowing
EASY PAN Plato 1ª edad
Adaptation pan - Farrowing
MINI PAN
Adaptation pan - Farrowing
MINI HOPPER PAN
Adaptation pan - Farrowing
MINITAINER
Tank for liquids
Rotecna, s.a. Polígono Industrial, s/n, nave-3 · 25310 Agramunt (Lleida) SPAIN · Tel: +34 973391267 · Fax: +34 973391232
COVERS AND NI-2 NI-2 CORNER
Farrowing
NI-2 MOBILE
Farrowing
NI-2 WEANING 5W LED LAMP
ELECTRONIC FEEDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS DOSITRONIC M
DOSITRONIC G EVOFEED
Farrowing
Gestation Transition
SILOTRONIC
DRINKING BOWLS & VRH-3 VALVE VRH
Gestation and farrowing
VRH-3D
Gestation and farrowing
SWING DRINKER
Weaning and fattening
EASY DRIKER MINI
Farrowing (piglets)
EASY DRIKER MIDI
Weaning
DISPENSERS CLUTCH DISPENSER DOSIMATIC SIMPLEX D-2 FOUR FIVE SIX-D SIX-S
Gestation and farrowing
THE MOST EXTENSIVE RANGE OF PRODUCTS FOR PIG EQUIPMENT
DOWNPIPES 60 2 x 60Ø / 75Ø mm 60Ø / 63 - 70Ø mm
CHAIN AND DISK SYSTEM • • • •
Shock absorbing teeth system. Easy adjustable chain tensioning system with graduation scale. Corners with easy aperture system. Silo extraction system with an agitator.
CORNER 50Ø / 60Ø
CARBONITRIDED CHAIN 38Ø / 44Ø mm
ZINC PLATED CHAIN 38Ø / 44Ø mm
ULTRA-RESISTANT CHAIN 38Ø / 44Ø mm
GEAR MOTORS
AUGER SYSTEM
The silo outlet system consist of a silo boot, a transfer unit and a slide gate assembly that allows horizontal and inclined installation.
EXTRACTION SINGLE / DOUBLE
TRANSFER UNIT
SPIRALS 55Ø / 75Ø / 90Ø mm
www.rotecna.com
DOWNPIPES 50 - 60 - 90 63Ø mm
SLATS
measurements in cm
WEANER 10
10X40
WEANER
10x50
20X40
BLIND
60X40
60X50
60X60 60X80
60X40
60X50
60X60
10% OPEN
60X60
PARTIAL BLIND
60X50 A 60X50 B
SOW
60X20 60X30 60X40
20X60 60X80
TRAP SLAT
60X40*
WEAN TO FINISH
20X60
60X40
60X50
ELECTRIC PLATE
60X40 120X40
120X50
120X60
WATER PLATE
60X40 120X40
120X50
120X60
CAST IRON
60X40
60X60
FERROCAST LEVEL BED
60X60 120X60
FERROCAST RAISED
100X60
120X60
PANELS BLIND PANEL 1200X1000 VENTILATED PANEL 1200X1000 PANELS MADE TO SIZE PROFILES FOR PANELS DOORS POLIAMID UNION BRAKETS FOR PANELS
FLOOR PVC PVC PROFILES (50,25,10 cm) CLOSE PVC PEN DIVIDERS OPEN PVC PEN DIVIDERS DOORS FAST LOCK BRACKETS U BRACKETS SOLID GRIP
DELTA BEAM PROFILE T PROFILE
135 / 120 Perfil 120 / 90
DELTA NET SYSTEM
Raisable flooring system
ERGOFIX
Bracket for plastic and concrete grills
BASIC POST BEAM
Stand for pig grill support beams
CLICK-IN
Insert to blind concrete grills
THE MOST EXTENSIVE RANGE OF PRODUCTS FOR PIG EQUIPMENT
www.tecnapur.com COMPONENTS OF THE TECNAPUR SYSTEM
ELECTRONIC FLOW METER
SOLIDS SEPARATOR TP-01
AGITATOR
PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL REACTOR
SUBMERGIBLE VORTEX PUMP
TECNAPUR is a product by Rotecna, S.A. Pol. Ind. N-3 · 25310 Agramunt (Lleida) Spain • Tel. (+34) 973 39 12 67 • www.rotecna.com • rotecna@rotecna.com
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CONTROL PANELS
