LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Gener Romeu Rotecna’s President
Animal welfare: two words which have been frequently pronounced in recent years by many official national and European bodies, as well as by livestock handlers. But what makes this issue so important? On the face of it, it is consumers of meat who demand a high standard of animal welfare in the breeding of animals such as the pig. In reality, however, it is not just a question of consumer taste. Some livestock handlers and processing industry entrepreneurs still have trouble in coming to terms with day-to-day animal welfare, and the truth is that we southern Europeans must awake from our blissful siesta. Whilst you in northern Europe have taken the lead in animal welfare and thus consolidated your position, we complacent southerners have been rather slack in our approach. And as for the new member states of the EU, they now have their own race to run if they are to reach this same goal.
In this edition, animal welfare expert Donald Broom explains what animal welfare means, and the changes in store for European livestock handling. Although few non-European countries still fail to give this issue the attention it deserves, the present evolution of importexport market sindicates that animal welfare practices must be given consideration deyond the boundaries of Europe in the coming years. As well as animal welfare, the current edition also takes an in-depth look at the quantitatively most important pig market in the world. The country in question is China, where a growth rate in production and consumption of 4% had been forecast for 2006. This economic giant continues to grow, and with better prospects that in the past thanks to the level of investment in the slaughterhouse and processing industries. As a result of this development, the EU must strive not to lose its market share to China in the export market to Russian and Japan.
SUMMARY 4
6
14
16
10
12
19
ROTECNA WORLD
8
JANUARY 2007
ISSN: XXXX
EDITION: ROTECNA, s.a.
EDITORIAL STAFF: Montse Palau
DESIGN: Montse Guerrero
PRINT: Imprenta Barnola
Rotecna World’s editors accept no liability for contributors’ opinion
3
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Gener Romeu Rotecna’s President
Animal welfare: two words which have been frequently pronounced in recent years by many official national and European bodies, as well as by livestock handlers. But what makes this issue so important? On the face of it, it is consumers of meat who demand a high standard of animal welfare in the breeding of animals such as the pig. In reality, however, it is not just a question of consumer taste. Some livestock handlers and processing industry entrepreneurs still have trouble in coming to terms with day-to-day animal welfare, and the truth is that we southern Europeans must awake from our blissful siesta. Whilst you in northern Europe have taken the lead in animal welfare and thus consolidated your position, we complacent southerners have been rather slack in our approach. And as for the new member states of the EU, they now have their own race to run if they are to reach this same goal.
In this edition, animal welfare expert Donald Broom explains what animal welfare means, and the changes in store for European livestock handling. Although few non-European countries still fail to give this issue the attention it deserves, the present evolution of importexport market sindicates that animal welfare practices must be given consideration deyond the boundaries of Europe in the coming years. As well as animal welfare, the current edition also takes an in-depth look at the quantitatively most important pig market in the world. The country in question is China, where a growth rate in production and consumption of 4% had been forecast for 2006. This economic giant continues to grow, and with better prospects that in the past thanks to the level of investment in the slaughterhouse and processing industries. As a result of this development, the EU must strive not to lose its market share to China in the export market to Russian and Japan.
SUMMARY 4
6
14
16
10
12
19
ROTECNA WORLD
8
JANUARY 2007
ISSN: XXXX
EDITION: ROTECNA, s.a.
EDITORIAL STAFF: Montse Palau
DESIGN: Montse Guerrero
PRINT: Imprenta Barnola
Rotecna World’s editors accept no liability for contributors’ opinion
3
ROTECNANEWS Argentinian customers, as there is a Rotecna distributor in over 70 countries, meaning that there is at least one livestock farmer in each of these places who put their faith in our capacity for innovation and quality. Participating in or simply attending such fairs is a good way for our company to break into foreign markets. In recent years, our export department has attended fairs in several countries to promote our product range and thus ensure our presence in all markets where pig production is prominent. One such challenges facing us is the case of east European countries such as Poland, whose appeal has grown enormously thanks to political change and EU membership. We also devote our energies to smaller markets such as the Ukraine, where we paid a visit to the Agrihort fair in February of this year. We look forward to seeing you at the forthcoming VIV Asia, or Space World Pork Expo.
rotecna exhibits worldwide: trade fairs, our best shop window 2006 might justifiably be called the Year of Pig Fairs, as several of the most important international pig-sector fairs have been held. This being an even-numbered year, annual and biannual fairs have coincided: Agromek (Denmark), World Pork Expo (the United States), Space (France) have shared the stage with VIV Europe (Holland), Expoaviga (Spain), VIV China (China), Eurotier (Germany), FIMA Ganadera (Spain), and others. Rotecna have been a constant feature of the sector’s most important gatherings, where we have presented our latest products and enjoyed the chance to meet the thousands of clients we have all over the world. Whether it is a local event in Catalonia or a national or
4
international fair, the latest Rotecna products never fail to attract the attention of visitors and participants alike. One of our company’s mostly fondly-remembered fairs is VIV Europe (Utrecht, Holland) in 1998, where we made a spectacular presentation of one of our most popular products on the market; the maternity dispenser, Clutch Dispenser. Indeed, the product won a special award at this edition of the Dutch fair. We have received other awards, including one for the five-mouth weaning hopper, TR-5, at FIMA Ganadera 2000. Among our latest products are the Splaylegstop, the drinker for farrowing pens, sows and piglets, presented at the Expoaviga and VIV Europe fairs. However, nearly all of our slats, hoppers, dispensers, chain and disk feed transport,..., also were showed there. Apart from giving us the opportunity to exhibit our products, fairs enable us to meet our national and international distributors and, in particular, many of the customers who consistently choose our products for their operations. Among them are Danish, French, Japanese, Thai, South African, Chilean, German and
The whole Rotecna’s Department in Expoaviga 2006 (Barcelona)
5
ROTECNANEWS Argentinian customers, as there is a Rotecna distributor in over 70 countries, meaning that there is at least one livestock farmer in each of these places who put their faith in our capacity for innovation and quality. Participating in or simply attending such fairs is a good way for our company to break into foreign markets. In recent years, our export department has attended fairs in several countries to promote our product range and thus ensure our presence in all markets where pig production is prominent. One such challenges facing us is the case of east European countries such as Poland, whose appeal has grown enormously thanks to political change and EU membership. We also devote our energies to smaller markets such as the Ukraine, where we paid a visit to the Agrihort fair in February of this year. We look forward to seeing you at the forthcoming VIV Asia, or Space World Pork Expo.
rotecna exhibits worldwide: trade fairs, our best shop window 2006 might justifiably be called the Year of Pig Fairs, as several of the most important international pig-sector fairs have been held. This being an even-numbered year, annual and biannual fairs have coincided: Agromek (Denmark), World Pork Expo (the United States), Space (France) have shared the stage with VIV Europe (Holland), Expoaviga (Spain), VIV China (China), Eurotier (Germany), FIMA Ganadera (Spain), and others. Rotecna have been a constant feature of the sector’s most important gatherings, where we have presented our latest products and enjoyed the chance to meet the thousands of clients we have all over the world. Whether it is a local event in Catalonia or a national or
4
international fair, the latest Rotecna products never fail to attract the attention of visitors and participants alike. One of our company’s mostly fondly-remembered fairs is VIV Europe (Utrecht, Holland) in 1998, where we made a spectacular presentation of one of our most popular products on the market; the maternity dispenser, Clutch Dispenser. Indeed, the product won a special award at this edition of the Dutch fair. We have received other awards, including one for the five-mouth weaning hopper, TR-5, at FIMA Ganadera 2000. Among our latest products are the Splaylegstop, the drinker for farrowing pens, sows and piglets, presented at the Expoaviga and VIV Europe fairs. However, nearly all of our slats, hoppers, dispensers, chain and disk feed transport,..., also were showed there. Apart from giving us the opportunity to exhibit our products, fairs enable us to meet our national and international distributors and, in particular, many of the customers who consistently choose our products for their operations. Among them are Danish, French, Japanese, Thai, South African, Chilean, German and
The whole Rotecna’s Department in Expoaviga 2006 (Barcelona)
5
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Does present
Legislation Help Animal Welfare? When public demonstrations about animal welfare issues occur, farmers cannot ignore these.
Donald M. Broom Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge * Abstract of the original article: Broom, D.M. 2002. Does present legislation help animal welfare? Landbauforschung Vรถlkenrode, 227, 63-69. Factors which affect the welfare of farm animals Legislation has effects on how people house and manage animals but several other factors also affect this. Codes of practice produced by governments, the animal production industry, or companies which purchase the products from farmers and sell them to the public have an effect. Each of these kinds of influence on the treatment of animals, and hence on their welfare, will be considered together with the consequences of efforts to make animal production more economically efficient and the impact of international trade agreements.
nificantly affected by the frequency and quality of the checks. There are regional and national differences in the extent to which legislation is viewed seriously by those involved in the animal production business. The general direction of movement within the European Union in this respect is towards better enforcement in all member states because it is manifestly unfair for there to be significant differences in the extent of compliance with the laws.
The actual effect of legislation on the welfare of animals depends upon the responses of those owning and managing the animals. This response, in turn, depends upon the nature of any enforcement. Some systems for farm animal production will not continue if they are made illegal because they depend upon large manufacturers who are easily forced to change to a legal system.
Guides to how particular farm animals should be housed, and managed and guides to procedures during transport, in slaughter houses or in relation to particular farm emergencies such as fire or to diseases are produced by some governments. In some countries such codes of practice have a legal status in that they can be referred to in situations where there is a question as to whether a generally-worded law is being broken. However, aspects of codes of practice are sometimes widely ignored by the animal production industry. If there is no enforcement of the statements in the code
of practice, or if there is ambiguity about the legal status of the code, its value is greatly diminished. The effect on the welfare of animals may then be very little. Production-industry-derived codes of practice There can be important improvements in the welfare of farm animals if good codes of practice are devised by the industry and implemented by the majority of farmers, transporters, slaughterhouses, etc. The public image of the industry can be substantially improved and the sales of products maintained or increased if it is perceived by the public that standards are good and are observed. However, in most countries, at present the public has insufficient trust in the animal production industry to take the word of producers that standards are observed. Some independent checking is needed.
Government-produced codes of practice Retailer-produced codes of practice
Other aspects of legislation can be enforced only by checks on farm, transport vehicles, markets, slaughterhouses etc. and the extent of law-breaking will be sig-
6
Farmers often sell animals or their production of milk, eggs etc. to single purchasers who represent large retail chains or wholesale distribution companies. The increase in direct selling to supermarket chains has led to considerable power being placed in the hands of these supermarket companies. It is possible for these purchasers to lay down conditions for animal production and to enforce these by inspection. The standards set by the supermarket chains are determined by what people will buy and by their reputation with the public.
The public image of large companies which retail food, including supermarket chains and fast-food companies, is of great importance to them. Bad publicity because of a risk to public health, a risk to the environment or the occurrence of poor welfare at any stage of the production process can be very damaging. Hence it is in the interest of such food companies to avoid any scandal which might threaten their good image. When these companies receive many letters from consumers complaining about a product which they sell, they have to take notice of the points which are being made. As a consequence of consumer pressure, food retail companies are adopting standards which they impose on their suppliers. The enforcement of standards by food retailers has led to substantial changes in the welfare of animals on farms because every producer has to conform to the standards in order to sell their products. The rapid development of such schemes in several countries has, in general, been based on scientific evidence about animal welfare. Effects of builders and designers of animal facilities and equipment It is the people who design and build farm animal facilities and the people who own, manage and work on farms, transport operations and slaughterhouses who have the principal effects on animal welfare. The actions of these people may depend to some extent on expert advice, for example that of veterinary surgeons.
7
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Does present
Legislation Help Animal Welfare? When public demonstrations about animal welfare issues occur, farmers cannot ignore these.
Donald M. Broom Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge * Abstract of the original article: Broom, D.M. 2002. Does present legislation help animal welfare? Landbauforschung Vรถlkenrode, 227, 63-69. Factors which affect the welfare of farm animals Legislation has effects on how people house and manage animals but several other factors also affect this. Codes of practice produced by governments, the animal production industry, or companies which purchase the products from farmers and sell them to the public have an effect. Each of these kinds of influence on the treatment of animals, and hence on their welfare, will be considered together with the consequences of efforts to make animal production more economically efficient and the impact of international trade agreements.
nificantly affected by the frequency and quality of the checks. There are regional and national differences in the extent to which legislation is viewed seriously by those involved in the animal production business. The general direction of movement within the European Union in this respect is towards better enforcement in all member states because it is manifestly unfair for there to be significant differences in the extent of compliance with the laws.
The actual effect of legislation on the welfare of animals depends upon the responses of those owning and managing the animals. This response, in turn, depends upon the nature of any enforcement. Some systems for farm animal production will not continue if they are made illegal because they depend upon large manufacturers who are easily forced to change to a legal system.
Guides to how particular farm animals should be housed, and managed and guides to procedures during transport, in slaughter houses or in relation to particular farm emergencies such as fire or to diseases are produced by some governments. In some countries such codes of practice have a legal status in that they can be referred to in situations where there is a question as to whether a generally-worded law is being broken. However, aspects of codes of practice are sometimes widely ignored by the animal production industry. If there is no enforcement of the statements in the code
of practice, or if there is ambiguity about the legal status of the code, its value is greatly diminished. The effect on the welfare of animals may then be very little. Production-industry-derived codes of practice There can be important improvements in the welfare of farm animals if good codes of practice are devised by the industry and implemented by the majority of farmers, transporters, slaughterhouses, etc. The public image of the industry can be substantially improved and the sales of products maintained or increased if it is perceived by the public that standards are good and are observed. However, in most countries, at present the public has insufficient trust in the animal production industry to take the word of producers that standards are observed. Some independent checking is needed.
Government-produced codes of practice Retailer-produced codes of practice
Other aspects of legislation can be enforced only by checks on farm, transport vehicles, markets, slaughterhouses etc. and the extent of law-breaking will be sig-
6
Farmers often sell animals or their production of milk, eggs etc. to single purchasers who represent large retail chains or wholesale distribution companies. The increase in direct selling to supermarket chains has led to considerable power being placed in the hands of these supermarket companies. It is possible for these purchasers to lay down conditions for animal production and to enforce these by inspection. The standards set by the supermarket chains are determined by what people will buy and by their reputation with the public.
The public image of large companies which retail food, including supermarket chains and fast-food companies, is of great importance to them. Bad publicity because of a risk to public health, a risk to the environment or the occurrence of poor welfare at any stage of the production process can be very damaging. Hence it is in the interest of such food companies to avoid any scandal which might threaten their good image. When these companies receive many letters from consumers complaining about a product which they sell, they have to take notice of the points which are being made. As a consequence of consumer pressure, food retail companies are adopting standards which they impose on their suppliers. The enforcement of standards by food retailers has led to substantial changes in the welfare of animals on farms because every producer has to conform to the standards in order to sell their products. The rapid development of such schemes in several countries has, in general, been based on scientific evidence about animal welfare. Effects of builders and designers of animal facilities and equipment It is the people who design and build farm animal facilities and the people who own, manage and work on farms, transport operations and slaughterhouses who have the principal effects on animal welfare. The actions of these people may depend to some extent on expert advice, for example that of veterinary surgeons.
7
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
industry exist, for example, consumers who do not like some aspect of production may refuse to buy the product (Broom 1994). These costs are often ignored by individual farmers. Attitudes of animal users depend upon early training, traditional practices, acquisition of knowledge from others subsequent to any training, personal experience and general beliefs and philosophy. Training did not, until recently, include much information about animal welfare except where it impinged on profitability. Recent training courses are more likely to have included information about the welfare of the animals and most agricultural trade journals nowadays do cover animal welfare issues. Traditional practices are often deemed by farmers to be right for the sole reason that “this is the way that we have always done it�. Some of these methods are the best ones for good welfare but in a time of changing attitudes to animals, such arguments are untenable.
The architects, builders and equipment companies who provide accommodation and other facilities for those in the food animal production industry, depend upon their customers in the sense that their products would not be bought if they were not economically viable but they also have freedom to be innovative and they are perceived by the public and the farmers to have moral obligations to animals similar to those of the farmers themselves. Some of these moral pressures are not as immediate, however, so these companies are not always ready to acknowledge their responsibilities. Attitudes of farmers, transporters, slaughterhouse staff etc. Public concern about animal welfare has increased in many countries during the last thirty years and especially in the last ten years. Evidence for increased concern about animal welfare. People who run or work on farms are influenced by a variety of factors when they are deciding on their housing and management policies and when they are executing these policies. They are involved in a commercial enterprise and will be endeavouring to make a profit so the monetary costs which they incur and the potential financial returns which they are likely to get for their product will be factors of major importance to them. Some other costs to the
8
Farmers and other animal users have to live with their families, friends and neighbours. If these people are critical of the effects on the welfare of animals of the methods used, the farmer may change these methods. In some cases, the animals are very obvious to all who pass by the farm. Farmers do not like to be thought incompetent or uncaring, so they may respond to such comments by giving the animals veterinary treatment or changing the management system so as to avoid lameness. If the animals are inside a building or otherwise hidden from public view, the number of people who might comment on poor welfare will be smaller and there is a greater chance that the farmer can persuade himself or herself that there are no significant welfare problems. The views of the general public are largely made known to farmers and others involved in animal production via the media. There is frequent coverage of animal welfare issues in newspapers, on radio and on the television and this, by bringing scientific knowledge about animal complexity to the attention of most people, affects the attitudes of people and then comes to represent it. Farmers see themselves portrayed as uncaring in some respects. They are unfairly
portrayed on some occasions but other portrayals are correct and the farmer cannot hide from them by retreating physically into buildings and socially into a farming only society. When public demonstrations about animal welfare issues occur, farmers cannot ignore these. The demonstrations by great numbers of largely orderly and apparently normal people against the shipping of calves to conditions which were illegal within the United Kingdom, had a big influence on farmers and politicians
alike. It is not the most vociferous people, who are sometimes rather extreme in their views, who have the greatest influence on animal users or politicians but the moderate people who represent a groundswell of public opinion. In many recent surveys in Europe, animal welfare has been shown to be an important issue for the general public.
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES Consult the publishers.
Public concern about animal welfare has increased in many countries.
9
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
industry exist, for example, consumers who do not like some aspect of production may refuse to buy the product (Broom 1994). These costs are often ignored by individual farmers. Attitudes of animal users depend upon early training, traditional practices, acquisition of knowledge from others subsequent to any training, personal experience and general beliefs and philosophy. Training did not, until recently, include much information about animal welfare except where it impinged on profitability. Recent training courses are more likely to have included information about the welfare of the animals and most agricultural trade journals nowadays do cover animal welfare issues. Traditional practices are often deemed by farmers to be right for the sole reason that “this is the way that we have always done it�. Some of these methods are the best ones for good welfare but in a time of changing attitudes to animals, such arguments are untenable.
The architects, builders and equipment companies who provide accommodation and other facilities for those in the food animal production industry, depend upon their customers in the sense that their products would not be bought if they were not economically viable but they also have freedom to be innovative and they are perceived by the public and the farmers to have moral obligations to animals similar to those of the farmers themselves. Some of these moral pressures are not as immediate, however, so these companies are not always ready to acknowledge their responsibilities. Attitudes of farmers, transporters, slaughterhouse staff etc. Public concern about animal welfare has increased in many countries during the last thirty years and especially in the last ten years. Evidence for increased concern about animal welfare. People who run or work on farms are influenced by a variety of factors when they are deciding on their housing and management policies and when they are executing these policies. They are involved in a commercial enterprise and will be endeavouring to make a profit so the monetary costs which they incur and the potential financial returns which they are likely to get for their product will be factors of major importance to them. Some other costs to the
8
Farmers and other animal users have to live with their families, friends and neighbours. If these people are critical of the effects on the welfare of animals of the methods used, the farmer may change these methods. In some cases, the animals are very obvious to all who pass by the farm. Farmers do not like to be thought incompetent or uncaring, so they may respond to such comments by giving the animals veterinary treatment or changing the management system so as to avoid lameness. If the animals are inside a building or otherwise hidden from public view, the number of people who might comment on poor welfare will be smaller and there is a greater chance that the farmer can persuade himself or herself that there are no significant welfare problems. The views of the general public are largely made known to farmers and others involved in animal production via the media. There is frequent coverage of animal welfare issues in newspapers, on radio and on the television and this, by bringing scientific knowledge about animal complexity to the attention of most people, affects the attitudes of people and then comes to represent it. Farmers see themselves portrayed as uncaring in some respects. They are unfairly
portrayed on some occasions but other portrayals are correct and the farmer cannot hide from them by retreating physically into buildings and socially into a farming only society. When public demonstrations about animal welfare issues occur, farmers cannot ignore these. The demonstrations by great numbers of largely orderly and apparently normal people against the shipping of calves to conditions which were illegal within the United Kingdom, had a big influence on farmers and politicians
alike. It is not the most vociferous people, who are sometimes rather extreme in their views, who have the greatest influence on animal users or politicians but the moderate people who represent a groundswell of public opinion. In many recent surveys in Europe, animal welfare has been shown to be an important issue for the general public.
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES Consult the publishers.
Public concern about animal welfare has increased in many countries.
9
TECHNOLOGY
Heated plates: The Hydraulic plate
ADVANTAGES: o o o o o o
Non-slip grooves. Adjustable temperature. Greater comfort for piglets. Greater welfare for the sow. No difficult corners for cleaning. Total thermal transmission.
several parts. The ROTECNA heating plate is solded from a single unit, which is free of corners where dirt can hide.
The interchanger unit should be installed at the highest point of the installation, so that air from the equipment is released through the air vent. Regulating the temperature Regulating the temperature of the plates is a question of selecting the water temperature in the plate circuit. The temperature selected will be between 40 and 50º C (38-40º C in the plate), depending on the room. If we programme a temperature which exceeds the optimum level, the piglets will gather at or near the edges of the plates. Likewise, if the temperature is set too low, the piglets will crowd together too much on the thermal plates.
Functioning The ROTECNA hydraulic heated plate operates basically on a system of plates in constant recirculation. A thermostat controls the entry of water into the plate circuit from a secondary circuit, at a higher temperature. This water enters only after the detection of a temperature lower than that selected by the thermostat.
The design of the plates and the operating equipment allows suitable control for the needs of each room, as each of them can be equipped with an individual collector unit. (the Heatcontrol). Maintenance Once the plates are in operation, you will get the best out of the equipment by following the recommendations below: Check periodically the pressure in the circuit. Drain the system when not in use for a long period. Fit a drainage valve in each of the circuits for draining.
Comfort for piglets The comfort of newborn piglets depends to a large extent on the warmth they receive from a good heating system, such as plates. In any porcine production system, it is important to ensure that the animals are comfortable. In the case of newborn piglets, this takes on even greater importance. Heating plates are a good way of keeping piglet losses to a minimum and ensuring the faster growth of piglets. A few months ago, ROTECNA presented two versions of its heating plates: one of them operates with water while the other is powered by electricity. The first model is based on an internal circuit which provides the right temperature for the piglets, while the second provides warmth by means of an electronic resistor system. Recommendations before installation The plates should be installed and distributed only after careful consideration, as these zones will serve as rest areas for the piglets and should therefore be as com-
10
fortable as possible. It is also important to follow the instructions in the assembly manual to ensure that the equipment works properly.
Owing to their low thermal irradiation – as they are made of polypropylene- these plates offer big advantages.
When the whole circuit is assembled in a room, the plates should be placed near each other to make it easy to connect the circuit. The first consideration is that the location of the plate must be easily accessible to both the operator and the piglets. We should also make sure that we have chosen a spot which is free of draught. In addition, the plate should be far enough away from the mother to avoid piglets being crushed by her when they group together. Secondly, the zone must be clean, so the plate should not be installed near the back of the mother’s pen to prevent contact with her excrement. It should be noted that any accumulation of material on the plate such as excrement or foodscraps will reduce its efficiency.
With regard to safety, the equipment has a mechanism which disconnects the pump if the temperature exceeds the default safety limit of 60º C, thus preventing reheated water reaching the plates. The interchanger
The hydraulic plate: features
It is recommended that the hydraulic plate should be installed with the interchanger unit, an element which separates the plate circuit from that of the boiler, in order to prevent rapid rusting of the boiler. The interchanger thus protects the plate circuit from any leakage or mechanical fault in the plate circuit.
The ROTECNA water-powered heating plate has a capacity of approximately 3.3 l. It is based on an internal water circuit which provides the right temperature for piglets. One of its key characteristics is the fact that the water circuit and the plate form a single piece, unlike other plates on the market, which are manufactured in
The heat interchanger heats up the water in the plates without mixing it with the water in the boiler or another main installation, and ensures the immediate availability of hot water for the plates, while keeping it recirculating.
11
TECHNOLOGY
Heated plates: The Hydraulic plate
ADVANTAGES: o o o o o o
Non-slip grooves. Adjustable temperature. Greater comfort for piglets. Greater welfare for the sow. No difficult corners for cleaning. Total thermal transmission.
several parts. The ROTECNA heating plate is solded from a single unit, which is free of corners where dirt can hide.
The interchanger unit should be installed at the highest point of the installation, so that air from the equipment is released through the air vent. Regulating the temperature Regulating the temperature of the plates is a question of selecting the water temperature in the plate circuit. The temperature selected will be between 40 and 50º C (38-40º C in the plate), depending on the room. If we programme a temperature which exceeds the optimum level, the piglets will gather at or near the edges of the plates. Likewise, if the temperature is set too low, the piglets will crowd together too much on the thermal plates.
Functioning The ROTECNA hydraulic heated plate operates basically on a system of plates in constant recirculation. A thermostat controls the entry of water into the plate circuit from a secondary circuit, at a higher temperature. This water enters only after the detection of a temperature lower than that selected by the thermostat.
The design of the plates and the operating equipment allows suitable control for the needs of each room, as each of them can be equipped with an individual collector unit. (the Heatcontrol). Maintenance Once the plates are in operation, you will get the best out of the equipment by following the recommendations below: Check periodically the pressure in the circuit. Drain the system when not in use for a long period. Fit a drainage valve in each of the circuits for draining.
Comfort for piglets The comfort of newborn piglets depends to a large extent on the warmth they receive from a good heating system, such as plates. In any porcine production system, it is important to ensure that the animals are comfortable. In the case of newborn piglets, this takes on even greater importance. Heating plates are a good way of keeping piglet losses to a minimum and ensuring the faster growth of piglets. A few months ago, ROTECNA presented two versions of its heating plates: one of them operates with water while the other is powered by electricity. The first model is based on an internal circuit which provides the right temperature for the piglets, while the second provides warmth by means of an electronic resistor system. Recommendations before installation The plates should be installed and distributed only after careful consideration, as these zones will serve as rest areas for the piglets and should therefore be as com-
10
fortable as possible. It is also important to follow the instructions in the assembly manual to ensure that the equipment works properly.
Owing to their low thermal irradiation – as they are made of polypropylene- these plates offer big advantages.
When the whole circuit is assembled in a room, the plates should be placed near each other to make it easy to connect the circuit. The first consideration is that the location of the plate must be easily accessible to both the operator and the piglets. We should also make sure that we have chosen a spot which is free of draught. In addition, the plate should be far enough away from the mother to avoid piglets being crushed by her when they group together. Secondly, the zone must be clean, so the plate should not be installed near the back of the mother’s pen to prevent contact with her excrement. It should be noted that any accumulation of material on the plate such as excrement or foodscraps will reduce its efficiency.
With regard to safety, the equipment has a mechanism which disconnects the pump if the temperature exceeds the default safety limit of 60º C, thus preventing reheated water reaching the plates. The interchanger
The hydraulic plate: features
It is recommended that the hydraulic plate should be installed with the interchanger unit, an element which separates the plate circuit from that of the boiler, in order to prevent rapid rusting of the boiler. The interchanger thus protects the plate circuit from any leakage or mechanical fault in the plate circuit.
The ROTECNA water-powered heating plate has a capacity of approximately 3.3 l. It is based on an internal water circuit which provides the right temperature for piglets. One of its key characteristics is the fact that the water circuit and the plate form a single piece, unlike other plates on the market, which are manufactured in
The heat interchanger heats up the water in the plates without mixing it with the water in the boiler or another main installation, and ensures the immediate availability of hot water for the plates, while keeping it recirculating.
11
TECHNOLOGY
Heated plates: Electric Heating plate
The main purpose of the Rotecna electric heated plate, like the hydraulic version, is to create rest areas for piglets which are free of ground-level draughts and have a comfortable temperature to foster faster growth in the animals. One of the biggest advantages of the Rotecna electric heating plate is that it offers a range of possibilities for adapting the equipment to any situation.
o o o o o o o
Plates may be disconnected individually. Even distribution of temperature. Energy savings: 20-50% less consumption. Plate is comfortable for piglets. No tricky corners for easy cleaning. Highly resistant, even to sow treading on it. Non-slip grooves.
and the air in the room. This chamber prevents the air circulating in the room from coming into direct contact with the plate, thereby reducing heat loss and wasted energy in zones which do not need to be kept warm.
Comfort for piglets The second option for heating mothering pens is the electric heating plate, notable for its low consumption.
ADVANTAGES:
Functioning
A further consideration is the location of the plate, which must be easily accessible to both the operator and the piglets. It should also be placed far enough away from the mother to avoid piglets being crushed by her when they group together. In addition, we should make sure that we have chosen a spot which is not exposed to draught. When the whole plate circuit is assembled in a room, the plates should be placed near each other to make it easy to connect the circuit.
The unit is installed in the same way as standard plates, though attention should be paid to the electricity connections of all the plates. The regulator is responsible for controlling the electricity power supply to the plates: the greater the power, the higher the temperature.
Regulator, which has a gauge marking percentages. At the start of the heating process, it should be set at 100%, and later turned down to a lower percentage, depending on the temperature required. The ideal temperature selected for the plate surface is around 36-38 ÂşC. When this temperature is reached, the regulator percentage should be lowered. By regulating temperature in each box on the regulator, it is possible to provide suitable temperatures for the needs of each room or zone heated by each of the units. The way the animals crowd too closely together or spread out too much is a good indicator of the suitability of temperatures chosen. Either reaction would signal that the temperature needs to be altered. We should also look to see if piglets are grouping on top of the plates, without doing so in excess.
The regulator shows the ideal percentage of temperature on the plate’s surface, which should be noted when the temperature is adjusted, and depends on room temperature. When the plates are switched on, they must be correctly regulated. During the first hours of operation, their temperature levels should be monitored to ensure that they are set to provide the required room temperature.
The electric plate: features To get the best out of the plates, here are some recommendations on installation and use. Recommendations before installation The plates should be installed and distributed only after careful consideration, as these zones will serve as rest areas for the piglets and should therefore be as comfortable as possible.
Regulating the temperature The electric plate unit consists of: 1 - A red top lid. 2 - An electronic resistor attached to the inner side of the top lid. 3 - The body of the plate: with a top side (airtight chamber) and a bottom side (air chamber between bottom lid and body).
The temperature of the Rotecna heating plates may be regulated by means of two regulators: the HF20S and the HF20C. The former regulates the whole set of plates in a room, while the latter performs this function and also permits the plates to be disconnected indivdually if, for example, there are unoccupied places in the mothering pens. This leads to big savings on energy.
The bottom lid. First of all, the zone must be clean and it should be noted that any accumulation of material on the plate such as excrement or foodscraps will reduce its efficiency.
12
The main function of the bottom lid is to create an intermediate air chamber between the body (hot) of the plate
Once the electric plates are installed, we should set them at a comfortable temperature for the piglets. To do this, the right temperature is selected using the Electronic
13
TECHNOLOGY
Heated plates: Electric Heating plate
The main purpose of the Rotecna electric heated plate, like the hydraulic version, is to create rest areas for piglets which are free of ground-level draughts and have a comfortable temperature to foster faster growth in the animals. One of the biggest advantages of the Rotecna electric heating plate is that it offers a range of possibilities for adapting the equipment to any situation.
o o o o o o o
Plates may be disconnected individually. Even distribution of temperature. Energy savings: 20-50% less consumption. Plate is comfortable for piglets. No tricky corners for easy cleaning. Highly resistant, even to sow treading on it. Non-slip grooves.
and the air in the room. This chamber prevents the air circulating in the room from coming into direct contact with the plate, thereby reducing heat loss and wasted energy in zones which do not need to be kept warm.
Comfort for piglets The second option for heating mothering pens is the electric heating plate, notable for its low consumption.
ADVANTAGES:
Functioning
A further consideration is the location of the plate, which must be easily accessible to both the operator and the piglets. It should also be placed far enough away from the mother to avoid piglets being crushed by her when they group together. In addition, we should make sure that we have chosen a spot which is not exposed to draught. When the whole plate circuit is assembled in a room, the plates should be placed near each other to make it easy to connect the circuit.
The unit is installed in the same way as standard plates, though attention should be paid to the electricity connections of all the plates. The regulator is responsible for controlling the electricity power supply to the plates: the greater the power, the higher the temperature.
Regulator, which has a gauge marking percentages. At the start of the heating process, it should be set at 100%, and later turned down to a lower percentage, depending on the temperature required. The ideal temperature selected for the plate surface is around 36-38 ÂşC. When this temperature is reached, the regulator percentage should be lowered. By regulating temperature in each box on the regulator, it is possible to provide suitable temperatures for the needs of each room or zone heated by each of the units. The way the animals crowd too closely together or spread out too much is a good indicator of the suitability of temperatures chosen. Either reaction would signal that the temperature needs to be altered. We should also look to see if piglets are grouping on top of the plates, without doing so in excess.
The regulator shows the ideal percentage of temperature on the plate’s surface, which should be noted when the temperature is adjusted, and depends on room temperature. When the plates are switched on, they must be correctly regulated. During the first hours of operation, their temperature levels should be monitored to ensure that they are set to provide the required room temperature.
The electric plate: features To get the best out of the plates, here are some recommendations on installation and use. Recommendations before installation The plates should be installed and distributed only after careful consideration, as these zones will serve as rest areas for the piglets and should therefore be as comfortable as possible.
Regulating the temperature The electric plate unit consists of: 1 - A red top lid. 2 - An electronic resistor attached to the inner side of the top lid. 3 - The body of the plate: with a top side (airtight chamber) and a bottom side (air chamber between bottom lid and body).
The temperature of the Rotecna heating plates may be regulated by means of two regulators: the HF20S and the HF20C. The former regulates the whole set of plates in a room, while the latter performs this function and also permits the plates to be disconnected indivdually if, for example, there are unoccupied places in the mothering pens. This leads to big savings on energy.
The bottom lid. First of all, the zone must be clean and it should be noted that any accumulation of material on the plate such as excrement or foodscraps will reduce its efficiency.
12
The main function of the bottom lid is to create an intermediate air chamber between the body (hot) of the plate
Once the electric plates are installed, we should set them at a comfortable temperature for the piglets. To do this, the right temperature is selected using the Electronic
13
SOMETHING ABOUT …
traditional slaughter of the pig The
A living tradition The traditional slaughtering (“matanza” in Spanish) of the pig is a custom which is still very much alive not only in Catalonia, but also in Mallorca and many other of Spain’s Communities. An example of these festive occasions is that which takes place in Burgo de Osma (Soria). Even today, there are many families and groups of friends who come together between October and March to kill a pig. In the past, it was customary to slaughter pigs to stock up the larder for a few months, and as every part of the pig could be used, the list of provisions was a long one: hams, chorizo sausage, loins, pork belly, streaky bacon and so on. Nowadays, these gatherings of family and friends to slaughter pigs are incorporated in the popular festivities of many villages around Catalonia. Now that it has been made illegal to
14
bleed the pig to death in the village square, it is slaughtered previously and brought along to be cut up, before the process of “mandongo” begins. This is the phase when the intestines and offal are extracted and used to prepare the various sausage meats. Animal welfare regulations now demand a more dignified death for the pig in the slaughterhouse. This ritual slaughter was traditionally one of the greatest family and social events in the calendar. Each family organised its own slaughter with the help of neighbours and relatives, who also joined in to enjoy the delicious dishes to be had from it. Carrying out the slaughter was a basic requirement to cover the household’s needs for the whole year; not celebrating it was a sign of a bad year or extreme poverty. Families used to buy a suckling pig to fatten it at home. They fed it on food scraps and grain, whenever the family budget would allow it. Wealthier families would slaughter more than one pig and in some places – particularly in mountain areas where they were snowed in during the long winter months – the most well-off families would also slaughter an ox. Once the pig has been slaughtered and cut up, slaughter day is devoted mainly to preparing ‘morcillas’ and
‘chorizos’, two varieties of blood sausage, which are hung up to dry. Every corner of Spain has its own speciality of blood sausage, and a spicy, reddish variety called ‘sobrasada’ is typical in the Balearic Islands. December seems to have been the most typical month for slaughtering. Indeed, popular wisdom speaks of pigs being slaughtered in the run-up to Christmas, with December 21st being the date most commonly chosen. Those who have documented this tradition claim there was no special reason for this, but the insistence on choosing this month suggests that the festivity is likely to have formed part of the great winter sowing festival. Some time ago in Catalonia, it was customary to conserve certain bones from the slaughtered pig, specifically from the area of the backbone, burn them and mix the ashes with the grain to be sown. This ritual, which was believed to aid a good harvest, was also typical in north European countries like Sweden. Indeed, pork dishes like ham and sausages accompany fish on the Swedish Christmas dinner table Many Spanish villages currently celebrate the slaughter of the pig as a popular festival between February and March, and it holds great appeal for tourists in areas where pig rearing is prevalent.
15
SOMETHING ABOUT …
traditional slaughter of the pig The
A living tradition The traditional slaughtering (“matanza” in Spanish) of the pig is a custom which is still very much alive not only in Catalonia, but also in Mallorca and many other of Spain’s Communities. An example of these festive occasions is that which takes place in Burgo de Osma (Soria). Even today, there are many families and groups of friends who come together between October and March to kill a pig. In the past, it was customary to slaughter pigs to stock up the larder for a few months, and as every part of the pig could be used, the list of provisions was a long one: hams, chorizo sausage, loins, pork belly, streaky bacon and so on. Nowadays, these gatherings of family and friends to slaughter pigs are incorporated in the popular festivities of many villages around Catalonia. Now that it has been made illegal to
14
bleed the pig to death in the village square, it is slaughtered previously and brought along to be cut up, before the process of “mandongo” begins. This is the phase when the intestines and offal are extracted and used to prepare the various sausage meats. Animal welfare regulations now demand a more dignified death for the pig in the slaughterhouse. This ritual slaughter was traditionally one of the greatest family and social events in the calendar. Each family organised its own slaughter with the help of neighbours and relatives, who also joined in to enjoy the delicious dishes to be had from it. Carrying out the slaughter was a basic requirement to cover the household’s needs for the whole year; not celebrating it was a sign of a bad year or extreme poverty. Families used to buy a suckling pig to fatten it at home. They fed it on food scraps and grain, whenever the family budget would allow it. Wealthier families would slaughter more than one pig and in some places – particularly in mountain areas where they were snowed in during the long winter months – the most well-off families would also slaughter an ox. Once the pig has been slaughtered and cut up, slaughter day is devoted mainly to preparing ‘morcillas’ and
‘chorizos’, two varieties of blood sausage, which are hung up to dry. Every corner of Spain has its own speciality of blood sausage, and a spicy, reddish variety called ‘sobrasada’ is typical in the Balearic Islands. December seems to have been the most typical month for slaughtering. Indeed, popular wisdom speaks of pigs being slaughtered in the run-up to Christmas, with December 21st being the date most commonly chosen. Those who have documented this tradition claim there was no special reason for this, but the insistence on choosing this month suggests that the festivity is likely to have formed part of the great winter sowing festival. Some time ago in Catalonia, it was customary to conserve certain bones from the slaughtered pig, specifically from the area of the backbone, burn them and mix the ashes with the grain to be sown. This ritual, which was believed to aid a good harvest, was also typical in north European countries like Sweden. Indeed, pork dishes like ham and sausages accompany fish on the Swedish Christmas dinner table Many Spanish villages currently celebrate the slaughter of the pig as a popular festival between February and March, and it holds great appeal for tourists in areas where pig rearing is prevalent.
15
FUTURE
Getting to 30 pigs/sow/year George Foxcroft Canada Research Chair in Swine Reproductive Physiology, Swine ReproductionDevelopment Program Source: Londos Swine Conference 2005 Bearing in mind the physiological limitations discussed in our earlier paper, gilt development programs can be refined to match the individual needs of the producer (i.e. “in house” or outside source), to identify the potential fertility of the gilt and provide opportunities to improve fertility and retention through gilt “conditioning” and pre-breeding management. Three key aspects of a good gilt management program should include: 1. Implementing a strict selection program that identifies 75-80% of the most fertile animals. 2. Achieving appropriate weights at first breeding to sustain maximum lifetime performance. A minimum body weight after farrowing of 175 kg (135 kg at breeding) may be necessary to protect against excessive loss of protein mass in first lactation. 3. Minimizing accumulated non-productive days (NPD) in the gilt pool. Low growth rate, unnecessary delays in stimulating pubertal estrus and breeding gilts, and
16
inefficient allocation of gilts to breeding groups, are the largest contributors of NPD’s in the herd. Identifying “select” gilts at an early age is a critical part of a successful gilt development program. Gilts should undergo a strict selection process before being chosen to be a part of the breeding herd. This selection process will involve three steps. Pre-Select 1. Occurs at the time the gilts leave the nursery. At this time gilts must have good conformation, 1214 teats and be free of hernias or ruptures. As more data becomes available, it may also be appropriate to exclude gilts with inadequate growth rate at this stage. After gilts leave the nursery an opportunity exists to “condition” gilts to achieve adequate weights and body condition at puberty to sustain lifetime performance. Available data consistently show that at commercially acceptable growth rates (0.55 – 0.80 kg/d) (birth to 100 days of age), growth rate does not limit age at puberty. Experience in commercial practice suggests that modified, high energy, “conditioning” diets can be used to increase body fat stores in very lean gilts. In studies in which we attempted to slow growth in gilts with high fibre diets from 50 kg until puberty induction, we had very little impact on bodyweight at first estrus. Pre-Select 2. Pre-Select 2 will occur at 140 days of age, at which time gilts will be weighed to determine weight, growth rate and backfat depth. At this stage, gilts must achieve a lifetime growth rate of at least 0.6 kg/d. It is
important to remove gilts with low growth rates, because a slow growing (< 0.6kg/d) and early maturing gilt (first estrus at 160 days) would weigh approximately 96 kg at first estrus. If this gilt was bred in the appropriate weight range (135 – 150 kg body weight), she would need to be bred at 4th or 5th estrus and would accumulate nearly 84 days in the gilt stimulation/pre-breeding area. Similarly, a slow growing (<0.6 kg/d) and late maturing (190 days) gilt would accumulate 30 days in stimulation and an additional 42 days to reach the minimum breeding weight. Therefore, at Pre-Select 2, gilts not achieving a growth rate of 0.6 kg/d at 140 days of age would not be permitted to enter the stimulation phase. Instead, they would be considered ”Non-Select” gilts and become a market animal. In a study conducted at the University of Alberta, 13% of 228 gilts would have been culled because they did not meet the minimal growth criteria. At “Pre-Select 2” gilts will be further examined to ensure that all gilts have good conformation, locomotion, 12-14 teats and are still free of hernias, ruptures and other ailments. Again, conformation data obtained at “Pre-Select 2” can be used to set up gilts on “fattening” diets if needed. The number of gilts required to enter the stimulation phase will depend on the breeding requirements of the herd. In a trial recently completed at Prairie Swine Centre, the results indicated that approximately 125% of breeding gilt requirements should enter the stimula-
tion phase (expecting 22% not to cycle and 3% to be culled) to obtain the required number of gilts cycling within 40 days. However, if the target number of gilts needed to enter the gilt pool cannot be met with gilts that meet minimal growth targets at “Pre-Select 2”, an appropriate number of “Non-Select” gilts can enter the puberty induction phase, as a last resort, accepting that these gilts will either tend to be bred below target breeding weight, or will accumulate excessive NPDs before breeding. Final Selection – Puberty Induction The age to begin puberty stimulation will depend on a number of factors. Generally, a younger age at stimulation corresponds to a decreased age at puberty, but requires more days in stimulation; and vice versa, older gilts at stimulation are typically older at puberty, but require fewer days of stimulation. If a large proportion of gilts are required to reach a synchronous puberty, commencing boar exposure at an older age is desirable. This is also probably most efficient in terms of labour and space utilization. However, stimulating gilts at an earlier age has several benefits. • Stimulating gilts at a young age enables the producer to identify gilts that are most sexually mature. • Stimulating gilts early would permit a producer to cull non-cycling gilts as market animals, reducing the number of gilt NPDs and the financial cost to the producer.
17
FUTURE
Getting to 30 pigs/sow/year George Foxcroft Canada Research Chair in Swine Reproductive Physiology, Swine ReproductionDevelopment Program Source: Londos Swine Conference 2005 Bearing in mind the physiological limitations discussed in our earlier paper, gilt development programs can be refined to match the individual needs of the producer (i.e. “in house” or outside source), to identify the potential fertility of the gilt and provide opportunities to improve fertility and retention through gilt “conditioning” and pre-breeding management. Three key aspects of a good gilt management program should include: 1. Implementing a strict selection program that identifies 75-80% of the most fertile animals. 2. Achieving appropriate weights at first breeding to sustain maximum lifetime performance. A minimum body weight after farrowing of 175 kg (135 kg at breeding) may be necessary to protect against excessive loss of protein mass in first lactation. 3. Minimizing accumulated non-productive days (NPD) in the gilt pool. Low growth rate, unnecessary delays in stimulating pubertal estrus and breeding gilts, and
16
inefficient allocation of gilts to breeding groups, are the largest contributors of NPD’s in the herd. Identifying “select” gilts at an early age is a critical part of a successful gilt development program. Gilts should undergo a strict selection process before being chosen to be a part of the breeding herd. This selection process will involve three steps. Pre-Select 1. Occurs at the time the gilts leave the nursery. At this time gilts must have good conformation, 1214 teats and be free of hernias or ruptures. As more data becomes available, it may also be appropriate to exclude gilts with inadequate growth rate at this stage. After gilts leave the nursery an opportunity exists to “condition” gilts to achieve adequate weights and body condition at puberty to sustain lifetime performance. Available data consistently show that at commercially acceptable growth rates (0.55 – 0.80 kg/d) (birth to 100 days of age), growth rate does not limit age at puberty. Experience in commercial practice suggests that modified, high energy, “conditioning” diets can be used to increase body fat stores in very lean gilts. In studies in which we attempted to slow growth in gilts with high fibre diets from 50 kg until puberty induction, we had very little impact on bodyweight at first estrus. Pre-Select 2. Pre-Select 2 will occur at 140 days of age, at which time gilts will be weighed to determine weight, growth rate and backfat depth. At this stage, gilts must achieve a lifetime growth rate of at least 0.6 kg/d. It is
important to remove gilts with low growth rates, because a slow growing (< 0.6kg/d) and early maturing gilt (first estrus at 160 days) would weigh approximately 96 kg at first estrus. If this gilt was bred in the appropriate weight range (135 – 150 kg body weight), she would need to be bred at 4th or 5th estrus and would accumulate nearly 84 days in the gilt stimulation/pre-breeding area. Similarly, a slow growing (<0.6 kg/d) and late maturing (190 days) gilt would accumulate 30 days in stimulation and an additional 42 days to reach the minimum breeding weight. Therefore, at Pre-Select 2, gilts not achieving a growth rate of 0.6 kg/d at 140 days of age would not be permitted to enter the stimulation phase. Instead, they would be considered ”Non-Select” gilts and become a market animal. In a study conducted at the University of Alberta, 13% of 228 gilts would have been culled because they did not meet the minimal growth criteria. At “Pre-Select 2” gilts will be further examined to ensure that all gilts have good conformation, locomotion, 12-14 teats and are still free of hernias, ruptures and other ailments. Again, conformation data obtained at “Pre-Select 2” can be used to set up gilts on “fattening” diets if needed. The number of gilts required to enter the stimulation phase will depend on the breeding requirements of the herd. In a trial recently completed at Prairie Swine Centre, the results indicated that approximately 125% of breeding gilt requirements should enter the stimula-
tion phase (expecting 22% not to cycle and 3% to be culled) to obtain the required number of gilts cycling within 40 days. However, if the target number of gilts needed to enter the gilt pool cannot be met with gilts that meet minimal growth targets at “Pre-Select 2”, an appropriate number of “Non-Select” gilts can enter the puberty induction phase, as a last resort, accepting that these gilts will either tend to be bred below target breeding weight, or will accumulate excessive NPDs before breeding. Final Selection – Puberty Induction The age to begin puberty stimulation will depend on a number of factors. Generally, a younger age at stimulation corresponds to a decreased age at puberty, but requires more days in stimulation; and vice versa, older gilts at stimulation are typically older at puberty, but require fewer days of stimulation. If a large proportion of gilts are required to reach a synchronous puberty, commencing boar exposure at an older age is desirable. This is also probably most efficient in terms of labour and space utilization. However, stimulating gilts at an earlier age has several benefits. • Stimulating gilts at a young age enables the producer to identify gilts that are most sexually mature. • Stimulating gilts early would permit a producer to cull non-cycling gilts as market animals, reducing the number of gilt NPDs and the financial cost to the producer.
17
FUTURE
• A producer is able to manage gilts so that at breeding, gilts have achieved a target weight. (135 – 150 kg) and body condition.
However, be aware that puberty stimulation at a delayed age (> 160 days of age) will be reflected in the high body weight of “Non-Select” gilts (gilts that did not exhibit first estrus within 30 days). In our recent study, even when puberty induction began at 140 days of age, nearly 80% of “Non-Select” gilts at 180 d were over market weight (120 kg), creating financial penalties to the breeding unit if these gilts were then culled.
To overcome the problems associated with large variations in weight, a stricter selection program should be implemented, stipulating that all gilts weigh between 135 – 150 kg at breeding. If 1), during Pre-Select 1 and Pre-Select 2 the slowest growing gilts were already culled, and 2), an upper limit of 3rd estrus for breeding was stipulated, the number of non-productive days can be dramatically reduced. It was predicted that 10, 32 and 58% of gilts would be bred at their first, second and third estrus, respectively. As the average cost of one NPD is believed to be greater than $2.00 per day ($1.70 - $2.25), these will be considered cost benefits if NPD could be reduced through efficient gilt management strategies. Our recent studies suggest that if a producer was to implement a gilt management program that incorporated such a strict selection program, a puberty induction phase that removes “NonSelect” gilts, and a breeding program that requires gilts to be bred between 135-150 kg or 3rd estrus, on a 600 sow unit, expected savings of $11,426 in NPD could be recognized.
BREEDING GROUP MANAGEMENT
CONCLUSIONS
The results of the ongoing study at Prairie Swine Centre indicate that early exposure (135 140 days of age) of gilts to boars resulted in a large variation in weights and ages at puberty, ranging from 75.8 to 151.4 kg, and 132 to 190 d, respectively. Because all gilts were bred at third estrus, this variation in weight at puberty resulted in weights at breeding ranging from approximately 100 to 190 kg. These large ranges present several problems to the producer.
PigCHAMP 2002 data shows that on Canadian farms the average herd female inventory is 1046 (range 2402740) with an average replacement rate of 58.7% (range 33.4-74.4%). From these data, it is evident that an excessively large pool of cycling gilts is needed to meet these replacement requirements. Apart from the extra costs of maintaining a large gilt pool, the bias of production towards lower parity females places major constraints on breeding herd performance. Therefore, it is essential that a producer adopt a gilt management program that will meet replacement targets from a smaller pool of gilts with improved lifetime breeding potential. This will ultimately result in improved production through reducing animal replacement rates to a target of <45%, improving sow “fitness”, decreasing sow death losses and increasing labour efficiency and space utilization.
• Early stimulation also allows a producer to synchronize estrus in gilts and thus meet breeding requirements from a smaller pool of select (service eligible) gilts. • Finally, early stimulation of gilts permits producers to take advantage of the increased productivity of gilts bred at second or third estrus.
It is also important to emphasize that even if these gilts are bred, their expected fertility would be low. It may be good management practice to already designate these “Non-Select” gilts at parity 1 culls, if they are included in the herd to meet initial breeding targets.
It is important to understand that stimulation of early onset of puberty does not mean that these gilts have to be bred at first estrus, or at an early age or light weight. Historically, age at puberty has been shown to be normally distributed when growth rate is not limiting. The full extent of this variation in age at first estrus is most apparent if gilts are exposed to mature boars at an early age (say 140 days as in the studies discussed earlier). As previously mentioned, puberty induction at an early age serves to identify the precocious animals. In a recent experiment, out of 508 gilts stimulated with direct daily boar contact from 140d of age, 75% of gilts were pubertal within 40 days of stimulation. When stimulation is delayed to at least 160 days, it is possible to identify 33, 16 and 7% of gilts that do not respond to boar stimuli within 20, 30 or 40 days, respectively. It is becoming increasingly important to identify the 75 – 80% of gilts that respond best to boar stimuli, because there are sound biological reasons, and increasing amounts of production data, to support the suggestion that late maturing gilts will have reduced lifetime fertility. An ongoing study being conducted at Prairie Swine Centre, Saskatoon is examining the relationship between age at puberty and lifetime performance in Camborough 22 and L42 gilts.
18
The gilts were housed in groups of twenty and received 20 min direct exposure to an epididimectomized boar daily, starting at 140.0 ± 4.7 d of age. Gilts attaining puberty by 180d of age were deemed to be “select” gilts and classified as Early (EP), Intermediate (IP) and Late (LP) with respect to age at first estrus. Gilts were deemed to be “Non-select” (NP) if first estrus was not shown by 180 days of age. “Select” gilts were bred at third estrus, regardless of age or weight. “Non-select” gilts were added to the gilt pool by production staff using available techniques (i.e. treatment with PG 600). To determine sow lifetime performance, data on sow body weight, loin and backfat depth at farrowing and weaning, total litter size born alive, dead and mummies, weaning to estrus interval and reason for culling are being collected over three parities. As a percentage of the total number of gilts on inventory at the start of stimulation in each group, fewer “Non-Select” gilts were bred than any of the classes of “Select” gilts. Consequently for NP gilts, pregnancy rate, farrowing rate, weaning rate and the percent rebred after weaning after first parity (expressed as a % of gilts originally on inventory) were lower than for EP, IP or LP gilts. Furthermore, considering only those gilts successfully weaned as parity 1 sows, class of gilt affected (P < 0.02) the percentage of animals pregnant as parity 2 sows (EP: 94.2; IP: 87.2; LP: 91.0; and NP: 76.6 %). Similarly, breeding herd efficiencies (NonProductive Days/pig born) declined as age at puberty increased, when gilts were bred at third estrus irrespective of weight or age. Taken together, these data lead to the obvious suggestion that response to a standardized protocol of boar stimulation can be used to identify the 7580% of gilts that are likely to be most fertile. As illustrated in Figure 1, to meet breeding targets, or in start-up situations, it may be necessary to retain Non-Select gilts as part of the breeding herd. However, retention of “Non- Select” gilts within the herd would; • Incur costs of unknown numbers of additional NPD. • Represent less efficient use of pen space within the gilt pool. • Still not guarantee that gilts would eventually cycle.
Taking these factors into account, and considering cost-benefits of efficient use of space and time, we recommend that the puberty induction phase begins when gilts reach 160 days of age and continue until they exhibit their first estrus or until 190 days of age, whichever comes first.
• Gilts that are heavyweight at breeding increase feed costs and may cause welfare problems because of potentially larger increased physical size of mature sows. • Conversely, gilts that are lightweight at breeding may lack the necessary body reserves to sustain body condition through several parities. Recent studies at the University of Alberta, and elsewhere, suggest that a minimum body weight after farrowing of 175-180 kg may be necessary to protect against excessive loss of protein mass during the first lactation. A body weight of 135-140 kg at breeding, assuming a 35-40 kg weight gain during the first gestation, would theoretically result in body weight after farrowing being 175 kg or greater. Development and implementation of gilt management strategies that ensure that all gilts achieve adequate body tissue reserves at farrowing are necessary.
19
FUTURE
• A producer is able to manage gilts so that at breeding, gilts have achieved a target weight. (135 – 150 kg) and body condition.
However, be aware that puberty stimulation at a delayed age (> 160 days of age) will be reflected in the high body weight of “Non-Select” gilts (gilts that did not exhibit first estrus within 30 days). In our recent study, even when puberty induction began at 140 days of age, nearly 80% of “Non-Select” gilts at 180 d were over market weight (120 kg), creating financial penalties to the breeding unit if these gilts were then culled.
To overcome the problems associated with large variations in weight, a stricter selection program should be implemented, stipulating that all gilts weigh between 135 – 150 kg at breeding. If 1), during Pre-Select 1 and Pre-Select 2 the slowest growing gilts were already culled, and 2), an upper limit of 3rd estrus for breeding was stipulated, the number of non-productive days can be dramatically reduced. It was predicted that 10, 32 and 58% of gilts would be bred at their first, second and third estrus, respectively. As the average cost of one NPD is believed to be greater than $2.00 per day ($1.70 - $2.25), these will be considered cost benefits if NPD could be reduced through efficient gilt management strategies. Our recent studies suggest that if a producer was to implement a gilt management program that incorporated such a strict selection program, a puberty induction phase that removes “NonSelect” gilts, and a breeding program that requires gilts to be bred between 135-150 kg or 3rd estrus, on a 600 sow unit, expected savings of $11,426 in NPD could be recognized.
BREEDING GROUP MANAGEMENT
CONCLUSIONS
The results of the ongoing study at Prairie Swine Centre indicate that early exposure (135 140 days of age) of gilts to boars resulted in a large variation in weights and ages at puberty, ranging from 75.8 to 151.4 kg, and 132 to 190 d, respectively. Because all gilts were bred at third estrus, this variation in weight at puberty resulted in weights at breeding ranging from approximately 100 to 190 kg. These large ranges present several problems to the producer.
PigCHAMP 2002 data shows that on Canadian farms the average herd female inventory is 1046 (range 2402740) with an average replacement rate of 58.7% (range 33.4-74.4%). From these data, it is evident that an excessively large pool of cycling gilts is needed to meet these replacement requirements. Apart from the extra costs of maintaining a large gilt pool, the bias of production towards lower parity females places major constraints on breeding herd performance. Therefore, it is essential that a producer adopt a gilt management program that will meet replacement targets from a smaller pool of gilts with improved lifetime breeding potential. This will ultimately result in improved production through reducing animal replacement rates to a target of <45%, improving sow “fitness”, decreasing sow death losses and increasing labour efficiency and space utilization.
• Early stimulation also allows a producer to synchronize estrus in gilts and thus meet breeding requirements from a smaller pool of select (service eligible) gilts. • Finally, early stimulation of gilts permits producers to take advantage of the increased productivity of gilts bred at second or third estrus.
It is also important to emphasize that even if these gilts are bred, their expected fertility would be low. It may be good management practice to already designate these “Non-Select” gilts at parity 1 culls, if they are included in the herd to meet initial breeding targets.
It is important to understand that stimulation of early onset of puberty does not mean that these gilts have to be bred at first estrus, or at an early age or light weight. Historically, age at puberty has been shown to be normally distributed when growth rate is not limiting. The full extent of this variation in age at first estrus is most apparent if gilts are exposed to mature boars at an early age (say 140 days as in the studies discussed earlier). As previously mentioned, puberty induction at an early age serves to identify the precocious animals. In a recent experiment, out of 508 gilts stimulated with direct daily boar contact from 140d of age, 75% of gilts were pubertal within 40 days of stimulation. When stimulation is delayed to at least 160 days, it is possible to identify 33, 16 and 7% of gilts that do not respond to boar stimuli within 20, 30 or 40 days, respectively. It is becoming increasingly important to identify the 75 – 80% of gilts that respond best to boar stimuli, because there are sound biological reasons, and increasing amounts of production data, to support the suggestion that late maturing gilts will have reduced lifetime fertility. An ongoing study being conducted at Prairie Swine Centre, Saskatoon is examining the relationship between age at puberty and lifetime performance in Camborough 22 and L42 gilts.
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The gilts were housed in groups of twenty and received 20 min direct exposure to an epididimectomized boar daily, starting at 140.0 ± 4.7 d of age. Gilts attaining puberty by 180d of age were deemed to be “select” gilts and classified as Early (EP), Intermediate (IP) and Late (LP) with respect to age at first estrus. Gilts were deemed to be “Non-select” (NP) if first estrus was not shown by 180 days of age. “Select” gilts were bred at third estrus, regardless of age or weight. “Non-select” gilts were added to the gilt pool by production staff using available techniques (i.e. treatment with PG 600). To determine sow lifetime performance, data on sow body weight, loin and backfat depth at farrowing and weaning, total litter size born alive, dead and mummies, weaning to estrus interval and reason for culling are being collected over three parities. As a percentage of the total number of gilts on inventory at the start of stimulation in each group, fewer “Non-Select” gilts were bred than any of the classes of “Select” gilts. Consequently for NP gilts, pregnancy rate, farrowing rate, weaning rate and the percent rebred after weaning after first parity (expressed as a % of gilts originally on inventory) were lower than for EP, IP or LP gilts. Furthermore, considering only those gilts successfully weaned as parity 1 sows, class of gilt affected (P < 0.02) the percentage of animals pregnant as parity 2 sows (EP: 94.2; IP: 87.2; LP: 91.0; and NP: 76.6 %). Similarly, breeding herd efficiencies (NonProductive Days/pig born) declined as age at puberty increased, when gilts were bred at third estrus irrespective of weight or age. Taken together, these data lead to the obvious suggestion that response to a standardized protocol of boar stimulation can be used to identify the 7580% of gilts that are likely to be most fertile. As illustrated in Figure 1, to meet breeding targets, or in start-up situations, it may be necessary to retain Non-Select gilts as part of the breeding herd. However, retention of “Non- Select” gilts within the herd would; • Incur costs of unknown numbers of additional NPD. • Represent less efficient use of pen space within the gilt pool. • Still not guarantee that gilts would eventually cycle.
Taking these factors into account, and considering cost-benefits of efficient use of space and time, we recommend that the puberty induction phase begins when gilts reach 160 days of age and continue until they exhibit their first estrus or until 190 days of age, whichever comes first.
• Gilts that are heavyweight at breeding increase feed costs and may cause welfare problems because of potentially larger increased physical size of mature sows. • Conversely, gilts that are lightweight at breeding may lack the necessary body reserves to sustain body condition through several parities. Recent studies at the University of Alberta, and elsewhere, suggest that a minimum body weight after farrowing of 175-180 kg may be necessary to protect against excessive loss of protein mass during the first lactation. A body weight of 135-140 kg at breeding, assuming a 35-40 kg weight gain during the first gestation, would theoretically result in body weight after farrowing being 175 kg or greater. Development and implementation of gilt management strategies that ensure that all gilts achieve adequate body tissue reserves at farrowing are necessary.
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SWINE PRODUCTION IN
swine and pork in china increases due to continued urbanization and wealth. Also, pork is the cheapest meat among all red meats. It is still the first choice of many lower-income consumers for animal protein. Improved processing has contributed to pork production and consumption as well. There were 2,232 meat-processing plants at the end of 2004, each with an annual sales’ value above RMB 5 million. Most of them are pork-processing plants. Investment in the slaughter and processing sector has increased considerably. Foreign investment through joint ventures using international health standards and HACCP management has helped improve pork quality. Commercial sales of domestic pork inside China in 2004 reached 20.8 MMT, accounting for 44 percent of total pork production, a 2.5 percent increase over the previous year. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, GAIN Report 2005 China’s pork production during 2006 forecast to increase 4 percent to 509. MMT
China is the world’s largest pork producer and consumer. Post forecasts China’s end-of-year swine inventory in 2006 at 519 million head, a 3.7 percent increase from the estimated 500 million head in 2005. Slaughtered swine in 2006 are forecast at 692 million head, a 5.9 percent increase from the estimated 653 million head in 2005. Pork production for 2006 is forecast to increase 4 percent to 509 million MT from the estimated 489 MMT in 2005 due to an increase in slaughter driven by high prices.
20
China’s swine production has benefited from efficiency gains due to improved breeds and feed. This is reflected by increased imports of breeding swine. Regarding China’s feed improvements, please refer to the poultry annual report (CH5064). The sow ratio in 2006 is forecast at 8.8 percent of the total beginning swine stock, slightly higher than 2005. In main swine production areas like Hunan, Henan, Shandong and Hebei provinces, the sow ratio reached 10, 11.8, 11.6 and 11.4 percent respectively in the first quarter of 2005, far above the normal ratio of 8 percent. This will translate into a continued strong swine production in both 2005 and 2006. The steady growth in pork production is driven by China’s population growth and by slight average consumption
Like the broiler industry, China’s swine and pork production is mainly constrained by limited feed resources, water and energy (please refer to poultry annual report CH5064 for more details). Disease control is a huge challenge, but China is making huge efforts to strengthen its veterinary system—supported by significant USDA collaboration.
not an unusual disease in swine, though the rapid infection of humans has surprised world health experts. Insufficient management of swine on small-scale, family farms in Sichuan would explain the spread of the bacterium in the swine population. The last outbreak of Streptococcus in swine occurred in China in 1998. This incident demonstrates the critical importance of timely, public information and education on destroying sick animals, in addition to the need for proper management of swine. Sichuan is the largest swine producing province and a swine and pork exporter to Hong Kong. Hong Kong market accounts for one-third of China’s total pork export markets. Trade was suspended for a short period, but shipments started moving again after the disease was brought under control. As a result, China’s pork exports will not suffer significantly. Pork consumption for 2006 forecast to grow 4 percent to 50.4 million MT China’s pork consumption in 2006 is forecast at 50.4 MMT, a 4 percent increase from the estimated 48.4 MMT in 2005. The pace of growth in consumption for 2006 is forecast slightly higher compared with 2005 due to the above-mentioned reasons (see production).
Pig-born disease, Streptococcus suis From May to August, a pig-borne bacterial disease, Streptococcus suis, spread to 32 counties and 10 cities in Sichuan Province, killing 40 humans and affecting over 200 people. Over 600 pigs died of the disease. Streptococcus suis is
Pork is consumed widely in China, especially in northern and central China (for example, Sichuan), while beef, sheep and goat meat is heavily consumed in West, Southwest and Northwest China for cultural reasons of religion and food diet. Northern consumers like fresh or frozen pork, while southern consumers eat a lot of prepared salted or smoked pork. Pork fillet is popular for
21
SWINE PRODUCTION IN
swine and pork in china increases due to continued urbanization and wealth. Also, pork is the cheapest meat among all red meats. It is still the first choice of many lower-income consumers for animal protein. Improved processing has contributed to pork production and consumption as well. There were 2,232 meat-processing plants at the end of 2004, each with an annual sales’ value above RMB 5 million. Most of them are pork-processing plants. Investment in the slaughter and processing sector has increased considerably. Foreign investment through joint ventures using international health standards and HACCP management has helped improve pork quality. Commercial sales of domestic pork inside China in 2004 reached 20.8 MMT, accounting for 44 percent of total pork production, a 2.5 percent increase over the previous year. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, GAIN Report 2005 China’s pork production during 2006 forecast to increase 4 percent to 509. MMT
China is the world’s largest pork producer and consumer. Post forecasts China’s end-of-year swine inventory in 2006 at 519 million head, a 3.7 percent increase from the estimated 500 million head in 2005. Slaughtered swine in 2006 are forecast at 692 million head, a 5.9 percent increase from the estimated 653 million head in 2005. Pork production for 2006 is forecast to increase 4 percent to 509 million MT from the estimated 489 MMT in 2005 due to an increase in slaughter driven by high prices.
20
China’s swine production has benefited from efficiency gains due to improved breeds and feed. This is reflected by increased imports of breeding swine. Regarding China’s feed improvements, please refer to the poultry annual report (CH5064). The sow ratio in 2006 is forecast at 8.8 percent of the total beginning swine stock, slightly higher than 2005. In main swine production areas like Hunan, Henan, Shandong and Hebei provinces, the sow ratio reached 10, 11.8, 11.6 and 11.4 percent respectively in the first quarter of 2005, far above the normal ratio of 8 percent. This will translate into a continued strong swine production in both 2005 and 2006. The steady growth in pork production is driven by China’s population growth and by slight average consumption
Like the broiler industry, China’s swine and pork production is mainly constrained by limited feed resources, water and energy (please refer to poultry annual report CH5064 for more details). Disease control is a huge challenge, but China is making huge efforts to strengthen its veterinary system—supported by significant USDA collaboration.
not an unusual disease in swine, though the rapid infection of humans has surprised world health experts. Insufficient management of swine on small-scale, family farms in Sichuan would explain the spread of the bacterium in the swine population. The last outbreak of Streptococcus in swine occurred in China in 1998. This incident demonstrates the critical importance of timely, public information and education on destroying sick animals, in addition to the need for proper management of swine. Sichuan is the largest swine producing province and a swine and pork exporter to Hong Kong. Hong Kong market accounts for one-third of China’s total pork export markets. Trade was suspended for a short period, but shipments started moving again after the disease was brought under control. As a result, China’s pork exports will not suffer significantly. Pork consumption for 2006 forecast to grow 4 percent to 50.4 million MT China’s pork consumption in 2006 is forecast at 50.4 MMT, a 4 percent increase from the estimated 48.4 MMT in 2005. The pace of growth in consumption for 2006 is forecast slightly higher compared with 2005 due to the above-mentioned reasons (see production).
Pig-born disease, Streptococcus suis From May to August, a pig-borne bacterial disease, Streptococcus suis, spread to 32 counties and 10 cities in Sichuan Province, killing 40 humans and affecting over 200 people. Over 600 pigs died of the disease. Streptococcus suis is
Pork is consumed widely in China, especially in northern and central China (for example, Sichuan), while beef, sheep and goat meat is heavily consumed in West, Southwest and Northwest China for cultural reasons of religion and food diet. Northern consumers like fresh or frozen pork, while southern consumers eat a lot of prepared salted or smoked pork. Pork fillet is popular for
21
SWINE PRODUCTION IN
In the first half of 2005, China’s average imported pork price increased 34 percent.
China’s swine production has benefited from efficiency gains due to improved breeds and feed.
making all kinds of fried dishes at home or in restaurants. Pork offal is popularly used for soup, hot pot or cold dishes. Pigs’ ears and tongues and other offal are for cold dishes.
cent to 50,000 MT due to domestic production increases, higher international prices and import policy changes
up to 155,000 MT multiplied by 1.3, except carcass and bone-in products, to convert from product weight to carcass weight.
China’s pork imports for 2006 are forecast at 50,000 MT, a 28.5 percent decrease from the estimated 70,000 MT in 2005, and pork offal imports for 2006 are forecast to decrease 20 percent to 145,000 MT. Pork and pork offal imports in 2005 are estimated to decrease considerably as well. Imports are falling, instead of rising as forecast in the previous semiannual report (CH5010), due to domestic production increases, higher international prices and import policy changes.
Import policy change affects China’s imports and challenges U.S. exports
Consumers particularly like pigs’ trotters, especially the front feet because they are shorter and meatier, and the tendons are not destroyed by hooking on trails like those of the hind legs during slaughter. Pork prices forecast from steady to weak in the second half of 2005 In the first half of 2005, China’s average retail pork price was $1.63, a 7 percent increase over the same period of 2004. Average retail prices in the first quarter increased 13.5 percent. Overall production costs rose for feed grains, water, electricity, transportation and animal disease control, putting upwards pressure on prices. Seasonal demand for pork during the calendar New Year and the traditional Chinese Spring Festival contributed to higher prices. Prices started falling during the second quarter, and the average retail price in June dropped to almost the same level in June 2004. Increased domestic swine slaughter, driven by high profit and increased poultry imports after China lifted its ban on U.S. poultry, combined with decreasing feed grain prices due to a domestic grain production increase and large imports of soy bean for soy meal in feed, pushed prices downwards. Pork prices are forecast to remain steady in the second half of 2005. Pork imports in 2006 forecast to decrease 28.5 per-
22
In the first half of 2005, China’s average imported pork price increased 34 percent over the same period of 2004, while the price for most popular unboned hams and shoulders increased 48 percent, from $0.71 to $1.04 per kilogram. The average price for China’s imported popular pork offal went up 16 percent, while U.S. origin pork offal increased 23.5 percent, from $0.81 to $1.00 per kilogram. U.S. direct pork shipments to China decreased 79.8 percent, from 20,616 MT to 4,217 MT and indirect shipments through Hong Kong decreased 96 percent, from 7,390 MT to 266 MT during the same period. U.S. direct pork offal shipments to China decreased 41.7 percent from 64,408 MT to 37,564 MT and indirect shipments decreased 82.9 percent from 20,343 MT to 3,482 MT during the same period. When HK re-export numbers became available for 2004, post revised the import number in the PSD table for 2004
Effective from July 1, 2005, China no longer issues import quarantine permits for imported meat used for processing. Exporting plants in countries of origin must be audited and registered upon their application before July 1 in order to be eligible (except the U.S.). The already issued permits for processing are valid until the end of the year. Once registered, plants in third countries will also be eligible to export meat to China’s retail market, which was not allowed in the past when processing was permitted. The U.S. operates the only national meat safety system accepted by China. As long as U.S. plants comply with USDA’s health requirements, they are eligible to export to China. Plants in other countries have to be audited and registered one by one (see list below). The new regulation permitting a plant-by-plant approval in these third countries will lead to less gray channel trade through Hong Kong. In the past, meat from other countries was often smuggled into China under forged USDA health certificates or mixed with U.S. products to enter China’s retail market. The new policy will result in new competition for U.S. suppliers in China’s retail meat sector. As of May 2005, all meat transshipments to the mainland through Hong Kong are subject to pre-inspection in Hong
Kong. The additional cost of pre-inspection, costing $300-500 per container, has made China’s indirect imports less competitive. This will further encourage direct shipments to China in the future. China’s pork exports during 2006 forecast at 584,000 MT, a 4.8 percent increase from 2005 Post forecasts China’s pork exports for 2006 at 584,000 MT, a 4.8 percent increase from the estimated 557,000 MT in 2005, mainly due to export market demand increases, especially Japan and Russia. Exports are forecast to increase for 7 years’ running from 73,000 NT in 2000 to 584,000 MT in 2006. Asian countries are China’s main export markets. Most of the export increases lies in cooked or prepared pork. Frozen carcass or frozen carcass of sucking pigs decreased considerably due to Russia’s TRQ Regime. Russia’s imports of processed pork are not subject to the TRQ limit, and Russia’s importers have shifted to more boneless meat from other countries to maximize the use of their import licenses for better profit. Live cattle exports in 2006 are forecast to increase 5 percent to 2.2 million head Post forecast China’s live swine exports for 2006 at 2.2 million head, a 5 percent increase from the estimated 2.1 million head, due to Hong Kong and Macao demand increases. Hong Kong and Macao account for 99 percent of China’s total live swine exports. This trend will continue into the next couple of years, as long as China can control pig-borne diseases.
23
SWINE PRODUCTION IN
In the first half of 2005, China’s average imported pork price increased 34 percent.
China’s swine production has benefited from efficiency gains due to improved breeds and feed.
making all kinds of fried dishes at home or in restaurants. Pork offal is popularly used for soup, hot pot or cold dishes. Pigs’ ears and tongues and other offal are for cold dishes.
cent to 50,000 MT due to domestic production increases, higher international prices and import policy changes
up to 155,000 MT multiplied by 1.3, except carcass and bone-in products, to convert from product weight to carcass weight.
China’s pork imports for 2006 are forecast at 50,000 MT, a 28.5 percent decrease from the estimated 70,000 MT in 2005, and pork offal imports for 2006 are forecast to decrease 20 percent to 145,000 MT. Pork and pork offal imports in 2005 are estimated to decrease considerably as well. Imports are falling, instead of rising as forecast in the previous semiannual report (CH5010), due to domestic production increases, higher international prices and import policy changes.
Import policy change affects China’s imports and challenges U.S. exports
Consumers particularly like pigs’ trotters, especially the front feet because they are shorter and meatier, and the tendons are not destroyed by hooking on trails like those of the hind legs during slaughter. Pork prices forecast from steady to weak in the second half of 2005 In the first half of 2005, China’s average retail pork price was $1.63, a 7 percent increase over the same period of 2004. Average retail prices in the first quarter increased 13.5 percent. Overall production costs rose for feed grains, water, electricity, transportation and animal disease control, putting upwards pressure on prices. Seasonal demand for pork during the calendar New Year and the traditional Chinese Spring Festival contributed to higher prices. Prices started falling during the second quarter, and the average retail price in June dropped to almost the same level in June 2004. Increased domestic swine slaughter, driven by high profit and increased poultry imports after China lifted its ban on U.S. poultry, combined with decreasing feed grain prices due to a domestic grain production increase and large imports of soy bean for soy meal in feed, pushed prices downwards. Pork prices are forecast to remain steady in the second half of 2005. Pork imports in 2006 forecast to decrease 28.5 per-
22
In the first half of 2005, China’s average imported pork price increased 34 percent over the same period of 2004, while the price for most popular unboned hams and shoulders increased 48 percent, from $0.71 to $1.04 per kilogram. The average price for China’s imported popular pork offal went up 16 percent, while U.S. origin pork offal increased 23.5 percent, from $0.81 to $1.00 per kilogram. U.S. direct pork shipments to China decreased 79.8 percent, from 20,616 MT to 4,217 MT and indirect shipments through Hong Kong decreased 96 percent, from 7,390 MT to 266 MT during the same period. U.S. direct pork offal shipments to China decreased 41.7 percent from 64,408 MT to 37,564 MT and indirect shipments decreased 82.9 percent from 20,343 MT to 3,482 MT during the same period. When HK re-export numbers became available for 2004, post revised the import number in the PSD table for 2004
Effective from July 1, 2005, China no longer issues import quarantine permits for imported meat used for processing. Exporting plants in countries of origin must be audited and registered upon their application before July 1 in order to be eligible (except the U.S.). The already issued permits for processing are valid until the end of the year. Once registered, plants in third countries will also be eligible to export meat to China’s retail market, which was not allowed in the past when processing was permitted. The U.S. operates the only national meat safety system accepted by China. As long as U.S. plants comply with USDA’s health requirements, they are eligible to export to China. Plants in other countries have to be audited and registered one by one (see list below). The new regulation permitting a plant-by-plant approval in these third countries will lead to less gray channel trade through Hong Kong. In the past, meat from other countries was often smuggled into China under forged USDA health certificates or mixed with U.S. products to enter China’s retail market. The new policy will result in new competition for U.S. suppliers in China’s retail meat sector. As of May 2005, all meat transshipments to the mainland through Hong Kong are subject to pre-inspection in Hong
Kong. The additional cost of pre-inspection, costing $300-500 per container, has made China’s indirect imports less competitive. This will further encourage direct shipments to China in the future. China’s pork exports during 2006 forecast at 584,000 MT, a 4.8 percent increase from 2005 Post forecasts China’s pork exports for 2006 at 584,000 MT, a 4.8 percent increase from the estimated 557,000 MT in 2005, mainly due to export market demand increases, especially Japan and Russia. Exports are forecast to increase for 7 years’ running from 73,000 NT in 2000 to 584,000 MT in 2006. Asian countries are China’s main export markets. Most of the export increases lies in cooked or prepared pork. Frozen carcass or frozen carcass of sucking pigs decreased considerably due to Russia’s TRQ Regime. Russia’s imports of processed pork are not subject to the TRQ limit, and Russia’s importers have shifted to more boneless meat from other countries to maximize the use of their import licenses for better profit. Live cattle exports in 2006 are forecast to increase 5 percent to 2.2 million head Post forecast China’s live swine exports for 2006 at 2.2 million head, a 5 percent increase from the estimated 2.1 million head, due to Hong Kong and Macao demand increases. Hong Kong and Macao account for 99 percent of China’s total live swine exports. This trend will continue into the next couple of years, as long as China can control pig-borne diseases.
23