Despite the current challenges being faced by the South African pig industry, including African swine fever (ASF), high raw material and low pork prices, we believe the future is bright if we can capitalise on the opportunities in front of us by working together. The complex challenges we face in today’s production environment call for…
05
Oct
Oct
Heat stress in pigs is defined as a physiological response to high environmental temperatures, where an animal is out of its thermoneutral zone and can no longer effectively regulate its body temperature. As a result, animal health, well-being, and performance are negatively affected. The effect of heat stress in pigs When pigs are exposed to…
11
May
May
This is Part 1 of a two-part series. The aim of Part 1 is to explain the importance of, and the link between, gut health and pig performance, while Part 2 will detail some practical tips for achieving optimum gut health. Piggery owners and managers make a host of decisions every day. Some of those…
30
Apr
Apr
In the March/April issue of Porcus we talked about the importance of gut health for pig performance. This follow-up article will detail some top tips on managing gut health for optimum pig performance. Producers and veterinarians alike are being challenged to reduce antibiotic use in pig production, although we know there will be health challenges…
03
May
May
The South African pig industry is no different from other pig industries in the world when it comes to sow lameness. The prevalence of sow lameness typically ranges from 6% in problem-free herds to up to 30% in problem herds. Lameness costs pig producers millions of rands in lost productivity. The prevention of lameness is…
15
Jan
Jan
Dietary betaine acts both as an osmolyte, reducing the pig’s energy demands to maintain cellular water and ion balance, and as a methyl donor. This can save on dietary methyl donors such as methionine and choline, both providing opportunities to reduce feed cost. Reducing animals’ maintenance requirement through improved osmo-protection effectively frees some feed energy…