HOG MARKET DEMAND MANURE SPREADING TRACE MINERALS JOCELYN KLOPP Focused on Expansion APRIL 2024 $9.50 SOW SURVIVABILITY STOPPING ASF SPREAD Wild Boars CONGENITAL TREMOR Dancing Piglets ‘IT’S NOT JUST OUR JOB’ Up Close with the Klopps JEV ON OUR RADAR Intent to Prevent 14 6 23 19 10
Nursery Feed Program Choices Optimized for Producer Goals! Advanced Animal Nutrition for Improved Human Health OPTIMIZED Feed Conversion Rate MAXIMIZED Average Daily Gain SUPERIOR Nutrition SURGE RESPOND IGNITE 4–6.5kg 5.5–7kg 7–9kg 14–24 20–25 25–33 Days of Age Body Weight BIOSURE™ NURSERY FEEDS, HAVE BEEN IMPROVED TO PROVIDE: BIOFORCE® NURSERY FEEDS, HAVE BEEN CREATED TO PROVIDE: COST Conscious Formulation MAXIMIZED Intake & Palatability SMOOTH Feed Transitioning INITIATE 5.5–7kg 20–29 PROPEL 7–9kg 25–36 Days of Age Body Weight AB/SK: 1-866-610-5770 MB: 1-866-626-3933 fortifiednutritionltd.com 1-877-625-4400 grandvalley.com Enhanced with: Speak to your FNL or GVF Swine Specialist to optimize a nursery feed program that will help you achieve your production goals.
3 The Trusted Source for Canada’s Pork Producers Better Pork | April 2024 Better Pork is published six times a year by AgMedia Inc. 1-888-248-4893 ext 281 Subscriptions@BetterFarming.com ISSN 1497-2271 (Printed) Canadian one-year subscriptions: $22 (six issues; includes $2.53 HST). Two-year: $40 (12 issues; includes $4.60 HST). Single-copy back issues are $12 (including $1.38 HST). U.S. subscriptions: $39.30 annually. International: $66. GST Registration #868959347RT0001 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to AgMedia Inc. 90 Woodlawn Road West, Guelph, ON N1H 1B2 Publications Mail Registration No. 1156 Publications Mail Agreement No. 40037298 Copyright © 2024 by AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any content without written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden. Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement of the advertiser, its products or services, nor do Better Pork, AgMedia or Farms.com endorse any advertiser claims. The publisher shall have no liability for the omission of any scheduled advertising. 1-888-248-4893 90 Woodlawn Road West Guelph, ON N1H 1B2 PUBLISHER & EDITORIAL DIRECTOR PAUL NOLAN ext 202 Paul.Nolan@Farms.com ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER & EDITORIAL DIRECTOR LESLIE STEWART ext 265 Leslie.Stewart@Farms.com EDITORIAL TEAM EMILY CROFT GEOFF GEDDES CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS EDITION MOE AGOSTINO GAVIN BOERBOOM HAYLEY BOWLING BRENT DeVRIES ABHINESH GOPAL JEANINE MOYER AFTON SAWYER LILIAN SCHAER ADVERTISING TEAM GLENN RUEGG JENNY LONGSTREET DESIGN & PRODUCTION TEAM TANYA MYERS GREG MARLOW SHAUN CLARK ANDREA WILLIAMS www.BetterFarming.com LETTER FROM THE EDITOR WILD BOARS & ASF; SWINE CLUSTER 4 In her feature article in this issue, Lilian Schaer looks at prospects for limiting the potential spread of ASF by wild boars. The story explains how Dr. John Webb is researching a genetic solution to help suppress the wild boar population (as populations continue to increase across the country, with the largest numbers in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba). Webb, a swine industry consultant specializing in genetics, has enlisted the help of Ray Lu, an associate professor in molecular and cellular biology at the University of Guelph. As Lilian notes, gene editing has been used successfully in mosquitos to suppress populations by making the insects sterile and to reduce the spread of malaria by modifying how they harbour and spread the parasite causing the disease. “This is done using something called a gene drive, a self-propagating mechanism that scientists can insert into an organism through a gene editing tool called CRISPR. The organism passes the edited gene to its offspring and the offspring do the same. “Gene editing is the technology behind the development of pigs resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV), where scientists have used the tool to disrupt a cell surface viral receptor.” Don’t miss this article. It’s important information for all producers. The federal government, Swine Innovation Porc and research partners have officially launched the Swine Cluster 4 research program. The Swine Cluster program is a cross-Canada collaboration between industry, government and academic partners, to focus on sustainability, resiliency and growth in our sector. The cluster is a five-year with a total allocation of just over $20 million, “and it is important for us to recognize that the Government of Canada is providing $10.6 million,” explains SIP Chair Arno Schober. “The priorities are climate change and environment, economic growth and development and sector resilience and societal challenges.” Cover: Klopp Family photo, Jodie Aldred photo We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. Some 300 pork producers heard many excellent presentations at the 2024 London Swine Conference in London, Ont. in early March. Glenn Ruegg photo
4 The Business of Canadian Hog Farming Better Pork | April 2024 national pork HEADLINES ONTARIO PORK HAS RECORD-BREAKING FOOD & FUNDDRIVE Ontario Pork recently hosted a recordsetting food and fund drive in Kitchener, Ont. to celebrate Canada’s Agriculture Day. The event, held at a Kitchener Rangers hockey game, drew in attendance from pork producers and members of the general public. A total of 1,071 pounds of food and $4,643.90 in cash donations were collected to provide 10,125 meals to those in need through the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. “The Food Bank of Waterloo Region was the real winner,” said Ontario Pork board chair John de Bruyn, in a release from Ontario Pork. “With help from the community we were able to do a great job collecting cash and food donations that will really go a long way to help those facing food insecurity.” This is the second food and fund drive event held at the Kitchener Auditorium this season. The event held on Canada's Agriculture Day broke the record and set a new one for total number of meals provided. “Seeing the food donation bins overflow, and seeing people make financial donations – it really warms my heart,” said Kim Wilhelm, CEO at the food bank. “We often think about donating at the holidays, but the reality is food insecurity happens 365 days a year, so all year-round events like these are important to help remember the more than 58,000 people living right here in Waterloo Region who are struggling to put food on the table.” Ontario Pork also sold copies of their book The Whole Hog to spectators who were interested in recipes, stories, and cooking tips from Ontario’s pork industry. The proceeds from these sales go to Feed Ontario, a food bank network in Ontario. BP New research at University of Manitoba and the Leiden University Medical Centre in the Netherlands may deliver new vaccines to improve health in swine herds. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a significant concern for producers globally, and is estimated to cost the Canadian pork industry up to $130 million each year. It was announced recently by the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan that the collaboration between the research institutes has yielded new information about the virus that could be used to improve vaccine quality and protect producers from the costly disease. “This disease in pigs is important worldwide and is economically fairly significant,” said Dr. Marjolein Kikkert, associate professor of virology at Leiden University Medical Centre, in the announcement. “The aim of the project was to improve vaccines for this disease, and it turned out that it was very difficult.” The team, led by Kikkert and Brian Mark, dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Manitoba, focussed on changing the structure of the proteases used by PRRSV to suppress the immune system of its host. This change led to the ability to create altered viruses for the development of new vaccines. USask’s CLS assisted in the visualization of the PRRSV protease structure. This new approach will also be valuable to produce other new vaccines for both the pork industry and human medicine. This team has also used a similar approach in the formation of new vaccines for coronaviruses. “The trick and hypothesis we had for improving the PRRSV vaccine didn’t quite work,” said Kikkert. “However, we did learn a lot about how these viruses work. And it may certainly be a basis for further work into possibilities for improving vaccines against these viruses and coronaviruses.” BP RESEARCH MAY IMPROVE VACCINES Jodie Aldred photo
CIRCUMVENT® C-M-L A Revolutionary 3-in-1 Vaccine CIRCUMVENT® is a registered trademark of Intervet International B.V. Used under license. MERCK® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC. Used under license. © 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved. CA-CRV-230500003 + FEWER INJECTIONS + FEWER BOTTLES TO MANAGE + MORE COMFORT + MORE CONVENIENCE For a singularly easier experience for your staff and your animals, SWITCH TO CIRCUMVENT® C-M-L. Help protect your herd from porcine circovirus type 2, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Lawsonia intracellularis with CIRCUMVENT® C-M-L – the first and only vaccine that covers these three diseases with just one injection. Need more information? Producers: Talk to your veterinarian to determine whether Circumvent® C-M-L is suitable for your herd Veterinarians: Please contact your Merck Animal Health representative, call 1-866-683-7838, or go to www.merck-animal-health.ca
6 Story Idea? Contact Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Pork | April 2024 ASF & WILD BOARS It’s been more than five years since African Swine Fever (ASF) first broke out in China. Since then, hog farmers around the world have been on high alert and the world has watched with bated breath as the virus continues its relentless spread across Asia, into Europe and in the Caribbean. The disease has yet to reach North America, and experts warn of the dramatic impact on the industry if or when it does, particularly in Canada where 70 per cent of hogs are exported as pork or live animals and a confirmed case of ASF will quickly close those export markets. There is no vaccine or treatment currently available for ASF, and the virus is incredibly robust with the ability to remain in the environment for days, in meat products for months, and in vector or virus-transmitting insects for years. The wild pig problem A complicating factor is that wild boars are a reservoir for ASF as well as other pig and human diseases, and ASF can spread rapidly from the wild population into domestic swine production herds. In fact, wild boars are the most prolific invasive mammal in Canada. Dopeyden/iStock/Getty Images Plus photo GENE EDITING COULD AVERT ‘EXISTENTIAL CRISIS’ STOPPING ASF SPREAD BY WILD BOARS By LILIAN SCHAER, FOR LIVESTOCK RESEARCH INNOVATION CORPORATION
7 Story Idea? Contact Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Pork | April 2024 Populations have developed rapidly across the country in the past 15 years, the largest of which are in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. In areas where they’ve settled, they cause extensive crop and property damage, contribute to soil erosion and water contamination, and create ecosystem disruption. But it’s their disease-spreading po- tential that is particularly concerning. “It would be a crisis if we got a case of African Swine Fever in a hog barn, but eventually, we would recover as a smaller, tightly-controlled industry. However, if it is found in wild pigs in Canada it means we would have a permanent reservoir for the disease, leaving the industry in a permanent existential crisis,” says Ted Bilyea, an agri-food consultant specializing in innovation who spent 35 years working for Maple Leaf Foods. Only a few pork operations with highly compartmentalized systems, solid domestic brands, and extensive processed pork lines would survive, he adds, leading to massive industry contraction that would have a falling domino effect on many related industries that service the pork industry from genetics and feed to veterinary services and transportation. New solutions from new technology It’s a problem that led Dr. John Webb, a swine industry consultant specializing in genetics and former colleague of Bilyea’s at Maple Leaf Foods, to wonder about the potential of finding a genetic solution that could help suppress the wild boar population. Gene editing has been used successfully in mosquitos, for example, to suppress populations by making the insects sterile and to reduce the spread of malaria by modifying how they harbour and spread the parasite causing the disease. This is done using something called a gene drive, a self-propagating mechanism that scientists can insert into an organism through a gene editing tool called CRISPR. The organism passes the edited gene to its offspring and the offspring do the same. Gene editing is the technology behind the development of pigs resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV), where scientists have used the tool to disrupt a cell surface viral receptor. Webb approached Ray Lu, an associate professor in molecular and cellular biology at the University of Guelph, for help. “This type of work has not been done in farm animals, but I have a lot of experience working with mice,” says Lu. “I found this to be a very interesting problem and wanted to do something about it.” Feasibility modelling points to success potential Gene editing, he believes, could help address the ASF challenge by making Specialty pellets designed with your pigs and bottom line in mind! Available Sizes • Mini • Regular • Crumbles Quality • Very Few Fines • Piglets Love Them! Price • Very Competitive Baby Pig Pellets CONTACT KENPAL TODAY! Kenpal Farm Products Inc., 69819 London Rd, RR #1 Centralia, ON, N0M 1K0 Tel: 519-228-6444 • Toll Free: 1-800-265-2904 • Fax: 519-228-6560 kpalen@kenpal.on.ca • www.kenpal.on.ca Mini Pellets Regular Pellets ASF & WILD BOARS
8 The Trusted Source for Canada’s Pork Producers Better Pork | April 2024 the boars resistant to the virus, but could also solve the other problems they pose by slowing down the speed at which they reproduce. With support from Swine Innovation Porc, Lu was able to secure a Mitacs grant to fund a gene-drive feasibility study using computer modelling to demonstrate the effectiveness of gene editing solutions. The project confirmed that a gene-drive strategy could be successful and brought forward various safety considerations that will be needed should such an approach move forward. These include making sure edited gene variants can only spread by mating, building in an “off-switch” to turn off the spread of edited genes if needed, and implementing tracing or identification strategies for pigs with edited genes. Lu is now working on the next step, which is research to create the molecular design of an edited gene to insert into cells and evaluate how it behaves inside cell cultures. Ultimately, this will lead to development of gene-edited pigs in a research setting to further evaluate the success of the technology. It’s going well, he says, but what is really needed now is funding to keep the work moving forward in a more substantial way – and so far, those efforts have been without success. Funding roadblocks In 2022, Health Canada announced it no longer requires additional risk assessments on gene-edited crops, but Canada does not yet have a regulatory framework for gene-edited animals. In the United States, for example, the Food and Drug Administration has approved meat from gene-edited pigs from Washington State University for human consumption, but in Canada, the uncertainty around a regulatory framework is a major contributing factor to a reluctance to support research in this field. There’s also the challenge of public perception. The ongoing pushback against GM (genetic modification) technology is another contributing factor, even though the two approaches are not the same. GM technology involves inserting genes from another organism, whereas gene editing focuses on editing an organism’s existing genes, and there is hope that public opinion will evolve as more people come to understand the gene editing technology. “Gene editing and gene-drive is quite new and different but offers a potential solution to a tremendous problem in a practical and economic way,” Lu says. “The concern is around regulatory approval and when we would be able to actually use this type of solution.” Regulatory approval processes take time, however, but so does research and development. Given the urgency of the threat posed by wild boars, Lu and other industry experts like Bilyea believe strongly in the need for ongoing funding from government and industry to help the industry be ready to act once regulatory approvals are in place. “Invasive wild pigs not only present an existential threat to the hog and pork industry, but indeed to human health as they can become a reservoir for zoonotic diseases,” says Bilyea. “Given the similarity in human and pig genomes, inaction on removal of this risk is needlessly endangering human health as well.” BP This article is provided by Livestock Research Innovation Corporation as part of LRIC’s ongoing efforts to report on research, innovation, and issues affecting the Canadian livestock industry. LRIC is funded in part by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a five-year, federal-provincial-territorial initiative. LILIAN SCHAER Lilian Schaer is an agricultural journalist with over two decades of experience in the Canadian agri-food industry. ASF & WILD BOARS
Be Certain. IT’S TIME TO PROCEED WITH CERTAINTY PrevailTM Disinfectants, powered by Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide® technology, offer unique benefits in the fight against African Swine Fever virus. ASFv can have a devastating impact to your livelihood and prevention is the only protective measure. For comprehensive information on preventing the spread of African Swine Fever (ASFv) through effective biosecurity measures, download the guide by scanning the QR code. PrevailFarm.ca *Refer to reference sheets for a complete list of efficacy claims and use directions. You must read and follow the instructions on the label for our product and use the product for the particular applications specified on the product label. AHP® and Design and Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide® and Design are trademarks of Diversey, Inc. Prevail™ is a member of the Virox family of brands. FARM DISINFECTANTS Download the Biosecurity Guide for African Swine Fever
10 The Business of Canadian Hog Farming Better Pork | April 2024 THREAT OF JEV If you thought three letters couldn’t do much damage, you’ve never dealt with the CRA. From PRRS to PED, the pork sector in Canada is full of scary acronyms, and one that recently caught the attention of the industry is JEV (Japanese Encephalitis Virus). This zoonotic pathogen (caused by germs that spread between animals and people) can lead to serious disease in humans and trigger abortions and stillbirths in sows. Though it has yet to reach Canada, the potential for huge economic losses in the pig sector could make it worse than a federal audit. “JEV is known as an arbovirus. An arbovirus by definition is an insect- borne virus that transmits to other vertebrates,” says Dr. Christa Arsenault, manager of the Canadian Swine Health Intelligence Network (CSHIN). “It originated in Asia and affects about 70,000 people per year in the Western Pacific region, especially the very young and very old, with around a 20 to 30 per cent mortality rate.” Though the overall death rate in pigs is lower than for humans, the risk depends on when the animal is infected. “The younger the pig is at that point, including in utero from an infected sow, the higher the mortality,” says Dr. Arsenault. “It is a hard disease to detect, so we may need to look for patterns that could alert swine veterinarians. “Because JEV is mosquito-driven, the majority of cases may be concentrated in a specific area, such as near a body of water.” Jodie Aldred photo ‘THIS IS ONE SWINE DISEASE THAT WE CERTAINLY HAVE ON OUR RADAR.’ COULD JEV LEAVE THE PORK SECTOR DOA? By GEOFF GEDDES Christa Arsenault We appreciate all your comments, along with story ideas on issues you want to see us cover. Paul.Nolan@Farms.com HOW ARE WE DOING?
12 Story Idea? Contact Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Pork | April 2024 Make it a REALITY Does the future of your operation feel unclear? Let’s connect the dots. Per m . The PIC®800 is proven to sire robust pigs built to thrive against any challenge. His easy-to-handle, efficient offspring deliver a clear economic advantage. Choose PIC®800 to make continuous improvement a reality in your operation. Contact your PIC representative today or visit pic.com. THREAT OF JEV This disease bites The virus is initially passed from certain types of mosquitoes to birds that live near water. If an infected mosquito bites a pig, the latter will replicate and amplify the pathogen. Though JEV has been reported in humans since the 19th century, the ability of pigs to act as amplifying hosts was not known until the 1960s. Still, that was 60 years ago – so why all the fuss today? “About a year and a half ago, JEV landed in Australia and caused clinical disease in both humans and pigs,” says Dr. Egan Brockhoff, veterinary counsellor for the Canadian Pork Council (CPC). “That caught everyone’s attention, sparking risk assessments by the National Pork Producers Council in the U.S. and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), through CSHIN, in Canada.” The prevailing theory is that if JEV arrived on our shores, it would most likely be via mosquitoes on a plane from an infected area such as Australia. “That mosquito would have to survive transport, bite and infect a human or animal, and establish a disease reservoir in North America,” says Dr. Brockhoff. “We have the right birds in Canada to transmit it, though it may be more likely in the U.S. given its favourable climate versus our harsh winters.” As far as the potential impact on the Canadian pork sector, our best guide may be the Land Down Under. “In Australia, we saw the virus move from farm to farm and cause disease,” says Dr. Brockhoff. “That led to abortions and stillborn pigs, neurological disease, and some damage to fertility in both males and females. Should JEV reach Canada, the production loss could be significant, though we can’t put a number on it at this point.” Since JEV is similar to West Nile virus, it could follow a similar path and establish as a seasonal virus in Canada. Given the risks if we let JEV in, the better option is simple, but not easy: Keep it out. An intent to prevent “Prevention is a huge focus for us at CSHIN when it comes to pig disease,” says Dr. Arsenault. “We have established a national surveillance network with experts from across Canada JEV is similar to West Nile virus and could follow a similar path to establish as a seasonal virus in Canada. doug4537/E+ photo Egan Brockhoff
13 Story Idea? Contact Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Pork | April 2024 meeting quarterly to discuss emerging issues in swine health.” As part of the meetings, CSHIN takes input from The Community for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (CEZD). That group is “a virtual network that includes representatives from federal, provincial and municipal governments, academia and the private sector who have an expertise in public, animal and environmental health. “CEZD focuses on emerging international swine diseases of concern that could threaten Canada and North America in the future,” explains Dr. Arsenault. “It gathers the latest data to help us build knowledge and prepare for the worst, and that’s exactly what it did in the case of JEV.” Such early warning activities are critical, as the faster the industry detects a disease threat, the more we can limit the damage. With JEV, this would mean controlling mosquito populations that could carry and transmit the virus. “Similar to West Nile virus, we would want to eliminate areas where mosquitoes breed near pig farms, such as low-standing water sources,” says Dr. Arsenault. “Obviously, producers should avoid having a pond adjacent to their facilities. We could also look at controlling mosquitoes through spraying, though that is the least desirable mechanism given its effect on the environment.” Not all mosquitoes carry JEV, with two types responsible for the bulk of the infection, so industry could also mitigate the fallout by focusing on the main culprits. At the federal level, the Government of Canada is doing its part to prepare. In the event that JEV is detected here, a series of measures, including an epidemiological investigation and control measures, would be implemented to mitigate its impact. According to a CFIA spokesperson, “intensified surveillance efforts would target animals and disease vectors (mosquitoes) to promptly identify and monitor the spread of the virus within the country. Swift response and coordination among various authorities, including the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), provinces and territories, would allow for a cohesive response. PHAC would lead on measures related to public health.” While vaccines have been a gamechanger for both human and animal disease, they might not be the answer with this pathogen. “To date, swine vaccination against JEV has not been widely practised in countries at risk,” says Dr. Arsenault. “The cost is high and there is a limited window to vaccinate effectively, both of which have limited the uptake.” As with many aspects of daily life, climate change could also exacerbate the problem of JEV. “As the climate in North America becomes more favourable to vectors (carriers) of this disease, the risk continues to grow,” says Dr. Brockhoff. “Though there is still much to learn, there is clearly a link between the movement of mosquito-borne diseases and climate change.” In the meantime, the Canadian pork sector will work to stay on top of developments with JEV and continue to assess the threat. “This is one swine disease that we certainly have on our radar,” says Dr. Brockhoff. “In my role with the veterinary council of the CPC, I speak about JEV regularly when talking about potential risks in 2024, ’25, ’26, and beyond. Like the U.S. pork industry, we plan to be ever-watchful and see what happens from here. “At this point, that’s about all we can do.” BP Let her robust genetic nature nurture more pigs and profits for you. NATUREVS.& Camborough® Learn how PIC is strengthening the natural mothering ability of the Camborough® with cutting-edge technologies. PIC.com | 800-661-1543 PIC.ca.info@genusplc.com ©PIC 2024. THREAT OF JEV GEOFF GEDDES Geoff is a freelance writer and editor specializing in agriculture. He is based in Edmonton and has written for farm magazines, blogs, websites and social media.
14 The Trusted Source for Canada’s Pork Producers Better Pork | April 2024 Sow Survivability Genetic improvement for sow prolificacy has been very successful. Unfortunately, sow survivability has inadvertently been decreasing. This has become a growing challenge in the global swine industry. Not only are there large economic impacts related to the loss of a productive sow, but herd performance, staff morale, animal welfare, and resources used for production are also negatively affected. Underlying causes of sow mortality can be categorized as either infectious or non-infectious. Infectious causes can be reduced through a high health status via strict biosecurity protocols and proper individual animal care. Non-infectious causes, in which genetics can play a role, are primarily lameness, pelvic organ prolapse, and factors leading to sudden death. Sow mortality often involves multiple risk factors and various bacterial agents. Genetics and effective management strategies can help solve this challenge. This article will delve into an overview of sow mortality causes and management strategies to help minimize losses. Sow mortality causes Sow mortality rates across the industry were estimated at 11 to 14 per cent in 2022, depending on the database used. They have all had a clear upward trend over the last decade and the first reports for 2023 are not showing any signs of improvement. The main reported causes of sow mortality from one large recent study were sudden death (31.2 per cent), lameness (28.8 per cent), and prolapse (28.0 per cent), followed by other causes (12.0 per cent). (Fig. 1.) Underlying these causes are primarily non-infectious types of risk factors, many of which are consistently reported in the literature. These include heat stress, housing systems, locomotive problems, body condition, and gastrointestinal complications that A BALANCED AND SUSTAINABLE BREEDING APPROACH IS CRITICAL. UNDERSTANDING & ADDRESSING SOW MORTALITY By BRENT DeVRIES & AFTON SAWYER, For HYPOR Martin Schwalbe photo
15 The Trusted Source for Canada’s Pork Producers Better Pork | April 2024 can lead to ulcers and torsions. Infectious causes, commonly associated with sow mortality in diagnosed dead sows, are urinary tract infections, endometritis (uterine infections), pneumonia, and chronic diseases. In addition, disease outbreaks, like PRRS, are known to increase sudden death and weaken sow immunity, exposing them to secondary infections. There are two high-risk periods of sow death during the production cycle. The highest occurs in the first 10 days postpartum, and the other in prepartum, right at the end of gestation. These two periods together are called the peripartum period. Most sudden deaths (53 per cent) and the increasing incidence of pelvic organ prolapses occur during this short period. Thus, the time shortly before, during, and after farrowing is critical. Young sows (until Parity 3) are the main susceptible group, particularly P1 and P2, as they account for about 40 per cent of total sow mortality. This is unfortunate as it is commonly accepted by the industry that a sow needs to wean three litters to pay off her investment. These premature sow removals are costly and do not provide the opportunity for voluntary culling based on age or performance. General management practices Food, water, and air are undoubtedly three important pieces to raising healthy sows who will continue to provide multiple litters throughout their lifetime. Water has many important roles, such as temperature regulation, movement of nutrients into cells, removal of waste products, lubrication, and is part of almost every chemical reaction occurring within the body. Requirements for sows vary depending on stage of production, age, temperature, and diet. The amount consumed varies in literature, but it is advisable that water be supplied ad libitum. To deliver sows with enough fresh, cool, and clean water to optimize biological processes, drinkers should supply a minimum of 2.5 to three litres per minute. Along with water, feed requirements can vary and may need to be adjusted. Regular checking of sows’ body condition is a great way to ensure Resilient Ag funding is here! The new Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program supports Ontario farmers’ efforts to make their land more productive and resilient. The Program provides funding to support projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon. More details at ontariosoilcrop.org Water Retention Perennial Biomass & Warm Season Pastures Wetlands Natural Grassland Establishment Reduced Tillage Tree and Shrub Planting Sow Survivability CAUSE OF DEATH Sudden Death Lameness Prolapse Other Causes 31% 29% 28% 12% Fig. 1: Cause of Death
16 The Business of Canadian Hog Farming Better Pork | April 2024 a sow is in the proper condition to maintain herself, her litter, and is well-suited for the next phase. Refer to Table 1 as a guideline for sows in the first phase of gestation (first 34 days). Factors which can lead to pelvic organ prolapse are poor body condition, inadequate feed intake pre-farrowing, constipation, poor water quality, and farrowing assistance, among a few others. Therefore, routine monitoring of sow body condition, food, and water is essential. It is also important to move sows, ideally four to seven days before their natural due date, so there is enough time for acclimatization to the room’s feed and watering system. Monitoring of the farrowing process will help with determining the need or type of farrowing assistance. At the time of farrowing, if assistance is necessary, the sleeving process should be clean, gentle, and not done in a systematic way. As previously mentioned, lameness can account for over a quarter of sow death. While this can be influenced by genetics, nutrition, and selection, this can also occur from the environment. Simple adjustments and validation of ventilation and room settings can keep excess wetness out of pens or influence where manure is built up. Overall, this can help prevent sows from slipping and injuring themselves. Regular maintenance of pens and equipment can also prevent the possibility of injuries. An example of this is inspecting the bottoms of feed tubes in gestation stalls. These can deteriorate, leading to sharp edges, which can injure sows and cause infections or prevent them from eating normally. The role of genetics Historically, swine breeders have successfully identified and selected key sow conformation traits over many generations. This has been possible because most conformation traits have moderate heritability, although with some variation from less than 0.1 (little genetic influence) to more than 0.4 (substantial genetic influence). Structurally sound animals are more robust and can thus thrive in various housing systems over many parities. The genetic impact on sow survivability is evident in an industry benchmark using standardized data. Commercial farms using one particular genetic line had a 22 per cent lower female death loss rates versus the industry average since 2017. Interestingly, this difference is not due to the longevity of the older sows, but rather in the early deaths of the more valuable young sows (see Fig. 2). Even a one percentage point improvement in sow survivability can have a large economic impact. Indepth analysis at Iowa State University found such an increase translates to savings of $15.40 CAD/sow/year. This equates to $38,460/year on a 2500head farm. Or, in other words, each dead sow costs $1,540. A similar cost of $1,340 CAD per dead sow was reported by Ron Ketchem in 2021. The primary underlying costs are loss of piglets, loss of cull sow value, and gilt replacement. Neither of these calculations considered two other costs associated with increased sow mortality as pointed out by Dr. John Deen: A higher proportion of P1 sows and removal of dead sows. P1 sows have poorer farrowing and nursing performance, and their progeny have poorer growth performance along with higher mortality. Secondly, physical removal of a dead sow is labour-intensive (especially from a stall) and can be emotionally wearing on the workers. Our labour force is already stretched thin. So much so that proper individual animal care is being neglected and is contributing to the rise in sow mortality. This trend needs to reverse. Start by accurately recording the reasons for female death loss. This will help identify the underlying key factors. From there, review your management practices and target areas to improve. Consider the genetic foundation of your herd. Is it appropriate for your current and future environment? A balanced and sustainable breeding approach is critical not only for economic reasons, but also for our social responsibility. BP Hypor is the swine genetics brand of Hendrix Genetics, a leading multi-species breeding company headquartered in The Netherlands. Sow Survivability AFTON SAWYER Afton Sawyer is the technical services sow specialist for Hypor in North America. She is based out of Manitoba. BRENT DeVRIES Brent DeVries is the product manager for Hypor in North America. He is based out of Ontario. Item Unit 1 2 3 4 5 Back Fat Measurement (P2, 3-4 rib) mm <11.0 11.0-13.9 14.0-15.9 16.0-19.0 >19 Body Weight Loss kg >20 10-15 5 Increase/Decrease in Feed Amount kg +20% +10% 0% -10% -20% Table 1: Guidelines for Adjusting Sow Body Condition Body Condition Score at Mating Young Sows (P0-P3) Older Sows (P4+) 3.6% 4.1% 4.7% 6.5% Genetic Line 1 Average Industry (SMS) Average Fig. 2: Female death loss rates by age from 2017-2022
17 The Business of Canadian Hog Farming Better Pork | April 2024 Trace Minerals The grow-finishing period in commercial swine production represents the phase of production with the longest time frame (ranging from 80 to 180 days) and therefore the greatest opportunity to improve pig health and welfare, as they are tightly correlated. Improving the health and resilience of grow-finishing pigs improves overall efficiency, ensures a more homogenous herd, and lowers the need for antibiotics. As feed intake is also highest in this period of production, any improvement in feed conversion can lead to substantial economic benefits. Minerals can play a very important role here, given their involvement in inflammatory responses and the anti-bacterial effects they can have. Zinc, for example, is involved in over 300 enzymes and 2,000 transcription factors, and has the greatest impact on growth rate of all micronutrients, making nearly every metabolic pathway zinc-dependent. The animals’ requirements for these trace minerals are not static, as they are defined largely by both external as well as internal factors. The animal’s age, health status and sex are examples of internal factors, whereas temperature, humidity, disease pressure, and stocking density are examples of external factors. Heat stress, for example, increases the animals’ requirements for minerals as there is an increased need for electrolyte balancing and oxidative responses. To ensure animal requirements for these minerals are met, the animal nutrition industry includes trace minerals OPTIMIZING PERFORMANCE AND UNIFORMITY IN GROW-FINISHING PIGS. TRACE MINERAL NUTRITION By GAVIN BOERBOOM, PhD, PROGRAM MANAGER, TRACE MINERALS, TROUW NUTRITION Jodie Aldred photo Figure 1. Effect of different copper sources on the percentage of non-hydrolyzed phytate in vitro after 60 minutes at 40 to 41 C. Phytate can form complexes with minerals such as copper, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, making them less bio-available for absorption in the digestive tract. 100 80.0 60.0 40.0 20.0 0.0 0 100 200 300 400 500 CuSO4 vs. IntelliBond C % Non-Hydrolyzed Phytate Cu level (ppm) CuSO4 IntelliBond Cu y = 0.1787x R = 0.9021 y = 0.0241x R = 0.94 FOR SALE 600 sow Farrow to Finish hog farm with feed mill near Eatonia, Saskatchewan. Price $2,750,000 plus stock. For viewing contact: David Resch 306-967-2308 or email chesterfield@sasktel.net
18 Story Idea? Contact Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Pork | April 2024 as part of a premix that is added to complete feed. The most commonly used trace minerals are inorganic minerals, coming either from a sulphate or oxide form. These are used mainly for economic purposes, as they are cheaper than better-quality minerals. The uncertainty that exists in the bioavailability of these minerals when included in commercial diets is compensated by using a worst-case scenario bioavailability. What people tend to forget are the other drawbacks this has, as they can increase overall nutrient inefficacy, vitamin stability and phytase activity. This is due to the unstable nature of the inorganic trace minerals, especially sulphates. Sulphate trace minerals are comprised of weak ionic bonds that are more soluble in water (pH 7), increasing the presence of reactive free minerals. These free minerals can then negatively affect other essential nutrients, like vitamins, lipids, and phytate, and hinder the availability of the mineral (Figure 1). The effects of this are strongest with copper, as copper is one of the more reactive minerals in the diet. Feeding a diet containing a well-mixed inclusion of trace minerals from an improved source can help animals make better use of all nutrients included in the diet (not only the minerals) and allow them to better respond to any stressors they may experience. Examples of these types of mineral sources are organic or hydroxy trace minerals. In the organic trace minerals, the mineral is attached to an organic ligand, providing a more stable bond to the mineral, thereby reducing the likelihood of interaction with other feed ingredients, and ensuring proper availability. The strength of the bond determines the consistency of the availability. The hydroxy type minerals have a similar type of bond as the organic trace minerals, but also have a metal complex present in a crystalline structure, which further reduces the chances of reactivity, especially in neutral pH water. As a result, the in-feed stability of essential nutrients such as vitamins can be improved, as well as the efficacy of phytase, as can be seen on Page 17 in feeds containing vitamin E (Figure 1). In some recent animal trials, results showed that the use of hydroxy trace minerals can lead to increases in individual animal performance, but also improve overall uniformity of the herd. A trial comparing hydroxy copper, manganese, and zinc to sulfate mineral sources demonstrated that hydroxy minerals (IntelliBond™) decreased the expression of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines following an acute (LPS injection) immune challenge (Figure 2). This led to a lower impact on performance, leading to a more uniform herd (Figure 3). Altogether, using hydroxy trace minerals ensures that performance is sustained and economic uncertainty is reduced. BP TRACE MINERALS GAVIN BOERBOOM Gavin Boerboom, PhD, is the global program manager for trace minerals for Trouw Nutrition. Figure 2. Effect of the use of IntelliBond, a unique hydroxy trace mineral, on serum levels of TNF-α in piglets at Day 35 post-weaning, three hours post-LPS injection and FCR for the entire period. TNF-α is a signalling protein involved in inflammation and immune response. Lower levels may indicate reduced inflammation in the body. Hr 3 - d35 726 626 526 426 326 226 126 26 b 85 a 598 ab 359 a 509 TNFα, pg/mL FCR 0-42 c 135 ab 1.42 bc 1.38 a 1.44 1.46 1.42 1.38 1.34 1.30 Control - No LPS ZnSO4 IBZ ZnO Figure 3. Effect of the inclusion of unique sources of hydroxy trace minerals on herd uniformity at slaughter in grow-finishers fed throughout the entire period in Canada. IBC: IntelliBond C; IBZ: IntelliBond Z; ZnO: Zinc oxide IBC + IBZ 10% reduction in variation IBC + ZnO IBC + IBZ 80 100 120 140 160 Body Weight
19 Story Idea? Contact Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Pork | April 2024 UP CLOSE With some pork producers, a new sow barn might be big business news. If you ask TJ and Jocelyn Klopp, however, it’s business as usual. At their farm near Zurich, Ont., they tend to 3,600 sows in the main barn, another 350 in a second facility where they produce their own breeding stock, 8,500 acres of cash crops and a 60-head Angus cow-calf herd. While TJ is a seventh-generation farmer, Jocelyn was focused on sports management before they were marrried in 2012, earning a degree in human kinetics. “I’ve always been focused on expansion,” says TJ. “When I returned to the farm in 2005 with my diploma in agriculture, I started to grow the business, building up the cash-crop side, and constructing a new beef barn when my parents’ pig barn burnt.” In 2016, Jocelyn quit her management job at a nursing home and started on the farm full-time. Work on the new sow barn commenced in 2022, which replaced the two rented sow barns that TJ and Jocelyn started with when they got back into pigs six years prior. The first sow was farrowed exactly one year from the first day of moving dirt for the new barn. Between work and family – the Klopp children are 9 (Brinley), 8 (Carson), and 4 (Andie) – the parents have their hands full. But they wouldn’t want it any other way. What are your roles on the farm? TJ: I’m focused on the logistics of the operation, dealing with where the pigs go, what’s happening with the land, and overseeing workers in the shop. Jocelyn has the harder job of dealing with all the paperwork while also acting as our human resource person and accountant. My dad has stepped back from the day-to-day decision-making, yet he still tends to the cattle every day when he’s not serving as Mayor of Bluewater. How many people do you employ? TJ: Between the land and the barns, we have 20 staff members. Describe your office or workshop. TJ: We have two offices at the back of the house. Jocelyn uses the one with the closed door for privacy, and the other is more of a reception area. Attached to that in our garage is a walk-in freezer where we store pork and beef that we sell at local farmers' markets and here at the farm. What's always on your desk? TJ: A pile of papers! Although we are very electronic, the papers manage to accumulate somehow. Messy or neat? Jocelyn: It depends on the day. I try to keep things tidy, but if I’m in the middle of a job and I have to go pick up ‘ALWAYS FOCUSED ON EXPANSION’ For this couple, the status quo is a no-go. By Geoff Geddes Jocelyn and TJ Klopp in their loose housing pen. Klopp Family photo
20 The Trusted Source for Canada’s Pork Producers Better Pork | April 2024 June 19 & 20, 2024 www.porkcongress.on.ca Have a passion for the swine industry? Interested in volunteering? Please contact us at admin@porkcongress.on.ca UP CLOSE the kids, I just leave things where they are. It’s not always neat, but I like to think of it as “organized chaos.” What’s your favourite thing about working with pigs? TJ: There is always something to challenge us, and we’re constantly learning. Plus, pigs are smart, so that makes them interesting to deal with. Any novel ways you protect your herd’s health? TJ: We haven’t really invented anything special that the industry is not already doing, but we are big on biosecurity. Both sow barns have showers for in and out, and items are disinfected coming in. We work closely with our swine veterinarian to ensure vaccinations are done promptly and that we are keeping up with different strains of viruses and diseases that are ever changing in our industry. How do you keep your records? TJ: We use PigKnows in the barn to TJ and Jocelyn with children Brinley, Carson, and Andie. Klopp Family photo
21 The Trusted Source for Canada’s Pork Producers Better Pork | April 2024 track all of our breeding and farrowing. For feeding in loose housing, we have Nedap Livestock Management (farming automation using individual animal identification). Pigs in the nursery and finisher barn are almost all cared for and housed by contract growers who we work closely with. They use paper records that include any medical treatments, mortalities, shipping or receiving, and they send those records weekly to us via email. The best thing about farming? TJ: I love that you get to perform different tasks all the time and can enjoy the flexibility of being your own boss. Jocelyn: Farming is not just our job; it’s our lifestyle. We have a chance to show our kids what we are passionate about and give them insights on the business. What do you like least? TJ: Having your own operation is a double-edged sword, as it adds a lot of stress. It can also be hard to get away at times. We have a good team in place, but at the end of the day it comes down to us, and that is always top of mind. Jocelyn: The market price for hogs is not always the best and is marked by fluctuations, so that can be a challenge. What’s your current farm machinery lineup? Planning any acquisitions? TJ: We have a full line of fairly new, modern equipment that includes a sprayer, combines, tractors, and planters, with a couple of new tractors on the way. We can do everything on our own, so we’re totally self-sufficient. What sort of livestock technology do you use in your barn? TJ: The big one in the sow barn is electronic sow feeding. We also have GENIUS smart controllers for things like ventilation and heat, allowing us to track everything on our phones. Jocelyn: I can be lying in bed at night and get a text from our GENIUS showing me exactly what’s going on. I then either clear it if there are no major problems or go and attend to any issues as they arise. Most important lesson you’ve learned? TJ: Expect the unexpected. Guiding management principle? TJ: I’m always looking for the next opportunity to grow the farm. What are the biggest farming challenges you face? TJ: Pig health is a constant challenge. We try to have proper biosecurity protocols in place to help minimize those issues, but in the Ontario hog industry, health problems seem inevitable. Once they arise, the next priority is keeping staff morale high, as dealing with sick or dying pigs can take its toll mentally and emotionally. Jocelyn is UP CLOSE
22 The Business of Canadian Hog Farming Better Pork | April 2024 very good about supporting workers at those times, taking them to lunch or just being available to chat when they are feeling drained. Jocelyn: Training staff – especially new staff, and workers, like electricians and repair people – on biosecurity and why we do it is very important. What are the most exciting opportunities in the industry? TJ: Our new barn allows us to provide pork from open pen gestation housing, and the packer we supply has a market that wants that product, so we can help fill the demand. It’s exciting to think about the opportunities this can present going forward to supply a good, healthy product in North America and around the world. How do you define success? TJ: For me, it’s not just financial. Longterm success is about building a business to support our family and contribute to the local community in the process. We also employ 20 workers who represent 20 families that are counting on a paycheque, so that’s very satisfying. Ultimately, although we aren’t forcing our kids to be farmers, we are building something that they can come back to in the future if they so choose. Jocelyn: Having happy workers who want to be part of our team is important to me. We can’t do it alone, and the fact that our staff is content and even recommends us to their friends tells me we’re on the right track. If you weren’t a farmer, what do you think you’d do for a living? TJ: I have no idea! I was one of those kids who was always going to farm, and I wasn’t good enough to make the NHL, so it all worked out for the best. Jocelyn: Before farming, I worked in long-term care. I love working with people, and body mechanics intrigue me, so I guess that would be my fallback if farming wasn’t in the picture. How do you support your mental health during challenging times? TJ: It helps that we are both part of the business, as we can relate to each other’s struggles and bounce ideas back and forth. That said, we’ve agreed that when we lay down at night, there is no more business talk until morning. Jocelyn: I get up at 5 a.m. every day (not a misprint!) for a 30- to 40-minute workout before anyone else is awake. Following that, I take the time to get lunches and items ready for the day, usually with earbuds in, to listen to a podcast. Having a couple of hours of quiet time before the kids get up helps me clear my mind and get ready for the day. What’s your top goal personally and professionally? TJ: Personally, I don’t like conflict or confrontation, so I want to better myself in dealing with staff and others in that regard. On the professional side, I want to keep improving production in all aspects of the operation. Jocelyn: I want to be more confident in myself. Even with more women entering the business, farming is still a very male-dominated field, and I don’t always feel comfortable speaking up in a room full of men. That is something I want to change, both in business and from a personal standpoint. If you could send a message to non-farmers, what would it be? TJ: Don’t believe everything you see in the media. As farmers, we are producing safe, healthy food, and some of the rules and regulations don’t make it safer or healthier. We don’t claim to know it all, but sometimes you need to trust that we have the knowledge and experience to make the right call. Jocelyn: We really care about our animals. We only do things like giving them antibiotics if it is necessary to make them feel better. Pigs are our livelihood, and we treat them like family. That will never change. BP UP CLOSE
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc0MDI3