Good advice is always undated Episode 2: maximizing productivity of sows, peculiarities of insemination and group housing of gestating sows

Dr. Dirk Hesse, independent pork industry consultant, director of consulting company AGRIKontakt

If you were asked what a sow needs to give birth to a big number of piglets, I am sure you would at once start talking about providing optimal conditions of environment, balanced feeding, peculiarities of genetics and so on. Of course it’s true and very important. But among this “global” aspects we often forget about the main thing — the process of insemination itself.

Control points of the farm efficiency

Simon Grey, international consultant on management of pig farms, director of Checkfarm Consulting Ltd

Farm efficiency can’t be a matter in question if the owner does not understand their business. Why do we produce pigs? To make profit, there are no other reasons! And what is profit? This is sales minus production costs. What is really important for pig production business — number of kilograms a farm sells. Everything is very simple! You don’t need to be lost in in masses of meaningless numbers and complicate a very simple process. How to achieve this target? There is an infinite number of ways. Let’s concentrate on the control points of the farm efficiency.

State Support of Pig Producers in EU: Dispelling Myths!

Somehow it became the custom that we strongly believe that it can’t be worse than in Ukraine and better than abroad. It also concerns pig production, particularly the questions of state support. However, as it turned out: grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. After speaking to experts of EU countries it emerged that there are also a lot of «hidden rocks» there and the situation differs from country to country. So let’s clear up where pig producers have better relations with government!

Optimizing pig flow

Dr. John Carr, independent pork industry consultant

It is very easy to convince yourself that your farm is productive and yet you are still not making money. There can be only one reason — you have not realized that there are only two aspects of production that can be proven. The amount of pig meat you have been paid for and the physical size of your farm. Pig farming is not only about 30 pigs per sow per year or any other per sow parameter for that matter. While these numbers are useful in telling you where on the farm performance is suboptimal they say nothing about the potential of the farm. When you accept the truth about productive pig farming you ask the other question: «How to sell the maximum kilos of meat from the space I have? The answer is easy — you have to optimize Pig Flow.

Аgrokombinat “Slobozhanskyi”, PJSC — the one, that has risen from the ashes

— A meeting with one of the current coowners of Slobozhanskyi stimulated to make the decision. In 2011, they came to Galychyna-Zahid, where I worked at that time, at the invitation of Big Dutchman to see how the equipment of this company operate. I gave a tour and got a proposition to work with them at once. I didn’t give it a serious thought. However, when I got to know that Yaroslav Kebal had taken an offer I agreed to visit the enterprise to see everything with my own eyes and evaluate the amount of work. I still remember: on 8th March I came there and decided to accept an offer while returning home. In several weeks I plunged into work!

Petro Labazyuk: Vitagro — living on the land: business phylosophy in one word

Today Agrarna kompaniya 2004, PC is a part of the vertically integrated structure GC VITAGRO — one of the leaders of commercial pig production of Khmelnytsky region. Just in short years ago a forward-looking dream was to enlarge number of sows to 600. That’s why it was a real pleasure to talk to the representatives of the holding company, that got the reword “Agricultural elite of Ukraine” in 2012 as one of the biggest agricultural producers, about the targets and mission on the Ukrainian market. 

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae: correct diagnostics and wise prophylaxis

Familiarity with clinical signs, knowing what questions to ask your veterinarian and recognizing that no one test by itself gives a definitive answer are all important aspects of diagnosing Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae-associated disease.

Despite advances in diagnostics and a wealth of new information about disease-causing organisms, accurate diagnosis of mycoplasmal pneumonia is challenging for both swine veterinarians and pork producers because no one set of clinical signs and no single test can provide a definitive diagnosis.

Delicate problem - worms

The sickness rarely leads to death, but causes considerable discomfort, painful symptoms and sensations in pigs, and high costs for the economy. We suggest you a folder of the major worms, which can be found on worldwide pig farms.

Many are not taking the problem of worms seriously, but in vain. In the U.S., for example, the annual pig losses from these pests are estimated at $250 million (RO Myer, JH Brendemuhl, 2012). They weaken the animals, stealing essential nutrients and damaging vital organs. As the result – we have atrophied and sick pigs, which effects the farm profits. Therefore, the task of each pig-tender - to know about the main helminths and methods of dealing with them. Here's threadworms (nematode) dossier that are often found on pig farms.

Rye in the pig’s diet: Do not be afraid to break stereotypes!

Despite the many advantages of rye with comparison to other forage crops, it’s often considered as a «stepson». The attention of farmers is concentrated most on wheat and corn. They are skeptical about the use of rye in animal diets and accept it only with the reason to reduce the cost of production. But the results of the last trials show that rye is a valuable feed ingredient, which is equal to grain leaders and can easily be their alternative.

Good advice is always undated

Episode 1: feeds, feeders, water and drinkers

The books are very wise but practice is often more important. That’s why it’s very useful to meet the experts who have seen a lot of mistakes and know their reasons, so they can give a valuable advice. Our magazine had an opportunity to get to know such an experienced expert — Dirk Hesse — during two-day seminar, organized by German Agrarian Centre. He didn’t grudge to share his knowledge and experience, which he’s got on the best German and Danish farms. The first piece of advice — in the article.