Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) is a highly contagious viral disease that poses significant challenges to the swine industry worldwide. To effectively combat PED, a comprehensive approach involving prevention, robust biosecurity measures, effective disinfection practices, and an understanding of potential routes of entry into swine operations is essential.

Insights from the Swine Health Monitoring Project

In 2013, the introduction of PED into the United States brought a heightened awareness of disease transmission. As the first major foreign animal disease in the U.S. swine industry in decades, PED prompted the Swine Health Monitoring Project (SHMP) team, led by Dr. Bob Morrison, to extend its porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) epidemiology initiative to include PED.

Dr. Morrison, a respected swine veterinarian and University of Minnesota professor, had initiated the PRRS project to enhance understanding of the epidemic’s dynamics and seek alternative strategies to combat the disease. The integration of PED into the project meant that this model not only shed light on the PED outbreak but provided invaluable insights into the impacts of introducing new diseases to U.S. animal industries and the evaluation of control strategies.

Today, disease dynamics are reported weekly in the Morrison SHMP report. Below is an example of the PED report that many veterinarians and industry leaders receive.

This report tracks new PED cases from the initial detection of the disease in the U.S. The chart is interpreted as follows:

• “EWMA” signifies the “Exponentially Weighted Moving Average,” where weekly new case numbers, represented by the green dots, influence the movement of the weighted average, represented by the blue line. Enrolled farms update their statuses from negative to positive and vice versa.
• The number of enrolled farms, displayed at the top, affects the movement of the red “Epidemic Threshold” line. When the blue line surpasses the red line, an active outbreak is in progress; as the blue line drops below the red, the outbreak is stabilized.
• The chart also notes the commencement of outbreaks each year, indicated by specific dates. This assists veterinarians and producers in discerning the merits of seasonal versus continuous biosecurity measures.

PED classification scheme

To further understand the disease movement dynamics of PED in the U.S. swine herd, farms use a standardized classification scheme to track changes to further define cases in the U.S. This can be seen in the following chart, and the classifications are as follows:

• Farms in Status 1, “positive unstable,” continue to experience new cases within the herd each day, demonstrating unchecked movement of the virus through the herd. 
• Farms in Status 2fvi, “positive stable, field virus inoculation,” have elected to maintain a protocol of planned exposure to live virus to animals entering their herd, with the goal of producing effectively immunized animals prior to entry into the breeding herd.
• Status 2 farms, “positive stable,” have stabilized the herd from unplanned natural exposure. A “positive stable” status means that, although the virus is still identified on the farm through positive PCR on testing, the number of new daily cases has leveled out and stabilized.
• Status 3, “provisionally negative,” means that there are no longer PCR positive samples identified, but it has not yet been three consecutive months without any new cases.
• Status 4, “negative,” is attained when that threshold of three consecutive months has elapsed.

What does all this mean for producers and their veterinarians?

Bear in mind that PED is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, with little to no evidence of aerosol transmission. For this reason, outbreaks and subsequent control programs must be directed at possible fomite entry into the operation. This could be through contaminated equipment, supplies, animals, feed or personnel. Addressing these routes of entry into the herd becomes critically important, especially when one considers that these same routes of entry are how other foreign animal diseases, such as African swine fever, can enter a herd.

One valuable tool in understanding virus transmission into a herd has been Glo Germ. This product has traditionally been used to demonstrate to children how to properly wash their hands to get all the germs off, but the same principle can be applied to any livestock operation:

• To understand how viruses can infiltrate a facility, generously apply Glo Germ to the floor around any entries, wait a few days, and evaluate the surrounding floors with a blacklight.
• Spread it on the outside of boxes and bags of products coming into the farm to help staff understand how to safely transfer products into the barn.
• Put it on equipment to show how to thoroughly wash and disinfect items before entering the farm.
• Spread it on the floor of livestock trailers prior to backing up to the barn to demonstrate how contaminated trailers can contribute to disease outbreaks.

Glo Germ and hand-held blacklights can be purchased online for very reasonable prices and are excellent assets to employ in improving biosecurity on the farm.

The role of feed in disease transmission

One final concept we learned during the introduction of PED into the U.S. was the role that feed can play in the transmission of disease. Feed mills work incredibly hard to manufacture feed safely, but the sources of feed, and even the unloading methods, can lead to unintentional contamination. Mitigation of viral particles in the feed is a new field of study and another critical component of biosecurity that must be considered when evaluating all methods of viral entry into an operation.

Conclusion

Although not nearly as prevalent in our industry today as it was in 2013–14, PED remains a significant challenge for the swine industry. By adopting a comprehensive approach that includes strict biosecurity measures, effective disinfection practices, and an understanding of potential routes of entry, swine operations can mitigate the risk of PED introduction and safeguard the health and productivity of their herds. The lessons we can learn from today’s PED outbreaks can and will prove valuable as we look to the horizon for the next challenges our industry will undoubtedly face.

I want to learn more about nutrition for my pig herd. 

[HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam] – Twenty-four chief executive officers (CEOs) from across the Vietnamese agri-food sector convened this week at the Alltech Vietnam Agri-food Summit in Ho Chi Minh City to discuss how to sustainably meet the challenges currently facing the industry.

Alltech invited the changemakers and thought leaders in attendance to share their insights on various critical topics, including consumer trends, agricultural technologies and the biggest opportunities for the Vietnamese market. The group also explored how the industry can continue to innovate and work together to nourish both people and the planet.

“Alltech is a connector of people and ideas,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “Through collective leadership and teamwork, we believe we can drive the industry forward with the shared purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™. But to achieve this vision, we will need curiosity, openness to new technologies and ways of working, and, above all, a commitment to positive impact.”

The Alltech Vietnam Agri-food Summit showcased a panel discussion moderated by Jonathan Forrest Wilson, president of Alltech Asia-Pacific. The panelists included Dr. Mark Lyons, Vy Thi Thu Hang, feed & nutrition director and CEO of Feedmill, TH Milk; Tara McCarthy, global vice president for ESG at Alltech; and Michael Joseph Sweeney, partner at Bluegrass Partners and director of strategy for Alltech Asia-Pacific.

The panel discussion delved into identifying and understanding the prominent shifts and hurdles affecting the agri-food industry in Vietnam at present, and key drivers behind these changes. Several attendees shared their viewpoints regarding the outlook for the agriculture and agri-food sector, expressing whether they hold an optimistic or pessimistic stance on its future trajectory globally and locally.

Over recent decades, Vietnam has developed into one of the world's leading agricultural powers, with a modern, efficient and environmentally friendly agricultural processing industry — and based on the most recent feed-production data, the country is demonstrating its potential.

According to the 2023 Alltech Agri-Food Outlook, the company’s annual global feed production survey, Vietnam experienced a significant increase in its feed tonnage in 2022 — which went up 27.72% to 26.72 million metric tons (MMT) — thanks to its strong recovery from African swine fever (ASF). This included a major increase of 3.78 MMT in its broiler feed tonnage and an increase of 3.36 MMT in its pig feed tonnage. As a result of these increases, Vietnam joined the list of the top 10 largest feed-producing countries in the world.

“Vietnam agri-food has a bright future and unlimited possibilities. As a major exporter of agri-food, Vietnam is an attractive market for both local and foreign investment,” said Forrest Wilson. “We will continue to provide local solutions with global resources and technologies for our partners and customers to develop a prosperous future together.”

Alltech began operating in Vietnam in 1994 and officially opened a representative office in Ho Chi Minh City in 2000. In the decades since, Alltech has fostered strong partnerships within the industry and the local community. Alltech Vietnam moved to Dong Nai in 2006, where its operations expanded with the construction of a production plant in Amata IP later that year.

In November of 2022, Alltech continued its investments in Vietnam with the opening of a trace-mineral manufacturing facility in Dong Nai to better serve its local customers and support imports and exports. Next month, Alltech will join the American Feed Industry Association and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in meetings to collaborate with the Vietnam Feed Association and Vietnam Animal Husbandry Association on biosecurity and immune health.

For more information, visit Alltech.com/Vietnam.

If left unchecked, the potential global impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) could result in a tenfold increase in AMR-associated human deaths by 2050. On this episode of the Ag Future podcast, Dr. Jules Taylor-Pickard, director of gut health at Alltech, discusses the primary contributors to AMR — including factors such as antimicrobial misuse in humans and animals, as well as the influence of climate change on animal health. Dr. Taylor-Pickard also explores optimal gut-health strategies that producers can adopt to enhance the resilience of animals to infectious and non-infectious stresses, ultimately reducing their reliance on antibiotics.

The following is an edited transcript of the Ag Future podcast episode with Dr. Jules Taylor-Pickard hosted by Tom Martin. Click below to hear the full audio or listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts.

Tom Martin:           I’m Tom Martin.

And for this episode of Ag Future, we’re joined by Dr. Jules Taylor-Pickard, director of (the) Alltech gut health management (platform).

                               Welcome, Jules.

Jules Taylor-Pickard:         Thank you. I’m delighted to be here.

Tom Martin:           So, let’s — let’s just dig right into AMR. What are the main drivers of antimicrobial resistance in animals?

Jules Taylor-Pickard:         The main driver is — there’s a lot of different drivers, actually. But some of the main ones include the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, both in animals and humans, but also poor husbandry and management, inadequate nutrition, poor biosecurity practices, but also poor infection (mitigation), together with disease prevention and control, in both human health care facilities and farms.

But there’s also a lot to do around awareness and knowledge and enforcement of legislation. So, there’s lots of steps that can be taken, at all levels of society, to reduce the impact and limit the spread of resistance.

Tom Martin:           We’re looking at all of the effects of climate change in so many walks of life, and I’m wondering if it affects this one. Is climate change affecting antimicrobial resistance in animals?

Jules Taylor-Pickard:         Climate change has an impact by creating more environmental stress for animals, such as heat stress, drought, floods and wildfires — which, of course, we’re seeing an awful lot (of) in the present. And this can result in a weakened immune system (for) both animals and humans and can make them most susceptible to infections and less responsive to antibiotics.

                               But what’s also interesting (is that) there’s research that showed that increase in temperatures can increase both the rate of bacterial growth and the rate of spread of antibiotic-resistant genes between microorganisms.

                               And the increased use — and, sometimes, the misuse — of antimicrobials and other microbial stresses, such as pollution, could also create favorable conditions for microorganisms to develop resistance in animals and humans, but also in the surrounding environment.

                               So, for example, bacteria in water, soil and air can acquire resistance following contact with resistant microorganisms.

Tom Martin:           We’ve been seeing a lot of heat extremes this summer. Have you heard of any effects from that?

Jules Taylor-Pickard:         Not directly yet, but I don’t think people are specifically looking at it.

But one good example is if we look at colistin, which has been bound as an antibiotic. When they first discovered resistance (to it) — which was in a pig farm in China that was using it quite extensively — it wasn’t really found anywhere else, but within a year, it was found globally. And they put that down to the wild birds and the migration, which, I think, we can resonate with avian influenza at the minute — you know, (with) the migratory birds, of course, avian influenza (is able) to move around the world at much faster rate than we’ve ever experienced before.

Tom Martin:           You mentioned that AMR reduction efforts prioritize strengthening the intestinal barrier and gut health strategies. And first, if you would, tell us about the challenges to improving animal gut health.

Jules Taylor-Pickard:         Gut health is really fundamental — optimal gut health is really fundamental — to the whole functionality of the animal. So, it’s the gateway to optimal nutritional health, if you like.

                               So, good or optimal gut health increases the resilience of animals to infectious and non-infectious stresses, and that in itself reduces the requirement to use antibiotics. If you can reduce the requirement, then that will have an impact on antimicrobial resistance.

                               But, as well, some of the work we’ve been doing (shows that) optimal gut health is also critical for optimal and cost-effective productivity. So, we know, for example, that 70% of the immune system is associated with the gut, so it’s logical that, if we can keep gut health in check, then we can reduce antibiotic use.

                               And it’s also important to ensure that our animals have the immune competence to handle any insults or disease that may come along, and that’s all related to gut health.

Tom Martin:           What are some important opportunities for improving animal gut health?

Jules Taylor-Pickard:         Actually, there’s lots of opportunities — it’s a really exciting area to work in.

So, here at Alltech, we’ve researched nutritional strategies to improve gut health extensively. So, for example, we know that one of our technologies, Actigen, can improve the integrity of tight junctions in the gut, which give us better intestinal barrier function. So, if we have better intestinal barrier function, we can help to prevent pathogenic bacteria from actually entering the animal’s system and also making them sick.

                               And we also know that the main multiplication of resistant bacteria are in the gut, which acts as a reservoir for these resistant bacteria and resistant genes. Again, this highlights the importance of good gut health.

                               But I think it’s also important to remember that antibiotics only affect the microbiota. So, if an animal experiences a combination of heat stress, for example, together with an impairment to barrier function, classical antibiotics aren’t effective, as they don’t have any anti-inflammatory effects; they just deal with the bugs and don’t have any impacts on the gut level.

                               So, if we’re trying to approach antimicrobial resistance (and) antibiotic use via gut health, this strategy deals with the intestinal barrier as well as the pathogens.

Tom Martin:           Are there economic and social consequences — and I realize that the two often intersect — but are there economic and social consequences from failing to take action against AMR?

Jules Taylor-Pickard:         Absolutely. So, The Lancet put this to report in 2019. And in that report, they quoted that 5 million human deaths were associated with bacterial antimicrobial resistance. And 1.3 million deaths are directly attributed to bacterial antimicrobial resistance.

                               And they also, in that report, stated that if we don’t do anything, if it’s left unchecked, these numbers are projected to amplify ten times by 2050. That’s ten times by 2050.

                               And they also went on to say that we should expect AMR, which is quite logical, to impact lower-income or less-developed countries to an even greater extent — especially those with poor infection control and prevention measures and inadequate nutrition, for example.

Tom Martin:           Well, how would you suggest we raise awareness and, maybe more importantly, change behavior amongst stakeholders in animal health — and would that call for different approaches in different regions?

Jules Taylor-Pickard:         Yeah, I think so. I think it’s not a one-size-fits-all. So, in terms of raising awareness, I think it’s about education — and education of everyone. And we need to try and bring people with us on this journey.

                               So, for me, first of all, you need to create awareness of the issue, and then, once you’ve got that awareness, then we need to build the desire to do something about it. And then, finally, (we need to create) the call to action and make people realize that we can all do our piece. It’s not just an agricultural issue; we can do a lot from our side, from the human side.

                               You mentioned regional differences. (There can be) massive differences, because if you think about some parts of the world, they have limited access to clean water; they don’t have enough food to feed their families. So, our strategies have to be adapted for what’s realistic and what they can achieve.

So, in those circumstances, we can work with producers to help them to understand how they can raise their animals in the best possible way to keep them healthy — whereas, obviously, in the more developed regions of the world, the fundamentals are the same, but we have more access to alternative feeding strategies, for example, using different genetics that may be more resilient, precision nutrition, better hygiene and biosecurity, health plans, etc., to help us.

And that’s something that we’ve been doing, is making sure that we do have a different approach that is appropriate to the conditions in different parts of the world.

Tom Martin:           Who would you say are the key actors or influencers in promoting alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in reducing antibiotic use in animal health? Who should be driving this conversation?

Jules Taylor-Pickard:         Again, I think everybody has a role to play. It’s not just an agricultural issue; society in general can have a really active role.

                               So, for example, if we consider some of those main drivers of antimicrobial resistance, which we discussed earlier — including the use and misuse of antimicrobials for infection and disease prevention and control on farms — all stakeholders can help. And that’s something that we’ve been doing: trying to work with everybody across the chain.

                               But it’s interesting. The EU Public Health Alliance, in 2022, published four overarching policies and targets to combat AMR. And they were to reduce the levels of antibiotic use on-farm, (which) makes sense; trying to only use antibiotics for individual treatments — so, rather than treating the whole group of animals, just try to treat those that are specifically sick. Because obviously, if our animals are sick, we do need to treat them, because that’s a welfare issue.

                               But also, making better use of data — making sure that we’re recording, quite accurately, antibiotic-use data collected by species and farming system — so that we can really understand what’s happening in terms of, “Is it the antibiotic use on a specific farm or is it some of this environmental resistance that we’re picking up?”

                               And then, really looking at having restrictions on some of those highest-priority, critically important antibiotics for both humans and animals to make sure that we’re using the most appropriate antibiotics in the most appropriate circumstances.

Tom Martin:           Are there some general practices and recommendations that you would offer for improving animal health, welfare and environmental sustainability, for that matter?

Jules Taylor-Pickard:         Yeah. So, as I’ve said, we need to take a holistic approach to animal production. There are lots of alternatives that can promote health and prevent disease.

                               So, in terms of the general practices, we’re talking about precision feeding — so altering the nutrition and the diets to match the critical phases of life. So, for example, the neonatal period or the transition period or, for example, when birds stress at peak lay.

Quite often, water is overlooked, and we don’t think about the sanitation of the water. (Other factors include) farming management, biosecurity, hygiene. I mentioned genetics earlier in terms of having more resilient breeds. Vaccination programs have a huge part to play, together with working with the veterinarians and the nutritionists.

And, of course, nutritional alternatives; I touched on Actigen earlier. That’s been demonstrated to positively impact gut health, reduce antibiotic use, improve food safety — because you’re reducing some of those pathogens — and reduce the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance.

Tom Martin:           All right. That’s Dr. Jules Taylor-Pickard, director of Alltech gut health management.

                               Thank you so much for joining us, Dr. Taylor-Pickard.

Jules Taylor-Pickard:         That’s great. And thank you very much for having me.

Tom Martin:           And for Ag Future, I’m Tom Martin.

[Serdán, Mexico] – Alltech, a leading global animal health and nutrition company, celebrated 30 years of operations at its production facility in the Mexican city of Serdán, in a ceremony on Tuesday that included Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of the company, guests from around the world, local officials and Alltech team members.

Thirty years ago, Alltech’s research into the benefits of Yucca schidigera extract for animal health, performance and welfare paved the way for the company to establish a Yucca schidigera processor in the city of Serdán. The place was chosen for its semi-desert climate, where the yucca plant grows naturally. Serdán is located 190 kilometres southeast of Mexico City and has access to one of the most important ports in the country: Veracruz; from which two of its most important technologies are exported: De-Odorase® and Allzyme® SFF.

Alltech’s investment in Serdán increased Alltech’s operational footprint and offered new nutritional solutions that improve animal health and production efficiency. However, the resulting partnership between Alltech and the community of Serdán has been even more significant.

“The way the community and our company work together is incredible,” said Dr. Mark Lyons. “From the very beginning, we have been linked, as the success of one builds the success of the other.”

Alltech and the residents of Serdán have worked together on numerous community engagement projects that support underserved families and vulnerable populations. The collaboration began with supporting a local children's home, Casa Hogar, and has now grown to 23 active projects.

“Serdán has served as a template for Alltech’s community involvement activities all around the world,” Lyons said. “We ask our colleagues in 350 communities around the world to ‘make a difference’ as our founder Dr. Pearse Lyons encouraged us, and Alltech Serdán is the best example of this spirit. This is a place where the culture of Alltech is truly alive.”

Making a difference is one of Alltech’s core values — a founding principle of the company.

“Dr. Pearse Lyons would be traveling the world and might call at any time to ask how things were going at the plant,” said Paul Kilgallen, Latin America fermentation facilities director. “A call from Dr. Lyons never ended without him asking, ‘And what are we doing for the community. How are the projects going?’”

Alltech Serdán has received numerous recognitions for its community involvement, including being certified by Empresa Socialmente Responsable (ESR) for the past five years. This award recognizes the company’s commitment to implement socially responsible management practices and promote community projects, including supporting schools, orphanages, health centers and more. Alltech Serdán’s community activities are complemented by the constant application of responsible business practices with suppliers, customers and workers.

“Alltech takes great pride in this manufacturing facility and its 30 years of making a positive impact on the community,” Lyons said. “A visit with our team members in Serdán always reminds me of the meaningful impact we can have when we work together.”

Harnessing the power of yucca — and solid-state fermentation

Since the 1990s, Alltech’s research on Yucca schidigera had shown that the glycocomponents it contains can significantly reduce ammonia emissions from the livestock industry. The company designed De-Odorase, a solution made from an extract of the yucca plant that helps reduce the levels of harmful gases from animal waste. When Alltech Serdán began operations in 1993, the facility had the capacity to process 40 tons of yucca per month. This figure has since grown tenfold.

Years later, in 2000, thanks to a project led by Kilgallen and Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech Serdán also became the company’s first production plant to take charge of the solid-state fermentation process to produce Allzyme SSF. This natural enzyme complex, which maximizes the release of nutrients from the feed, allows agricultural producers to reduce the cost of their diets by making their formulations more flexible.

Replenishing the planet’s resources

Alltech Serdán’s commitment to sustainability aligns with the company’s purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™, which begins locally with the replanting of Yucca schidigera. For every yucca tree harvested for Alltech’s nutritional solutions, the company plants three new trees using seedlings from the facility’s on-site nursery, which has grown more than 200,000 seedlings thus far.

In addition, Alltech inaugurated its first global renewable energy project in Serdán in 2022: a photovoltaic solar energy system that covers 46% of the energy requirements of its operations. With the new system, Alltech has seen energy cost-savings of 22% in the first year the system has been used and a reduction of 650 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions per year. That reduction is equivalent to 11,000 tree seedlings growing for 10 years.

The facility also switched from using liquefied petroleum gas to compressed natural gas, reducing its annual CO₂ emissions by 17%. Likewise, the implementation of an economizer in steam boilers allowed the plant to reduce 240 tons of CO₂ per year.

Alltech Serdán’s anniversary reinforces the company’s global commitment to continue seeking the success of local producers, promoting animal welfare, and having a positive impact on the communities in which it is present.

For more information, visit alltech.com/es-mx.  

Feed efficiency is one of the most crucial aspects of successful pig production. In the pursuit of sustainable and profitable production, it is essential to understand how genetics, pig nutrition and feeding management influence the way pigs convert feed into body weight.

What impacts feed efficiency, and what practical strategies can we implement to maximize productivity while minimizing environmental footprint?

Let’s find out.

An improvement in the feed efficiency of pigs will deliver three key benefits to pig producers:

1. Cost savings: Feed represents up to 70% of the total costs of production in pig farming. Improving feed efficiency means that pigs will convert feed into body weight more efficiently, requiring fewer resources to reach market weight. As a result, feed costs are reduced, leading to higher profit margins for producers.

2. Increased productivity: Efficient feed conversion allows pigs to grow and reach market weight faster, shortening the production cycle and increasing the number of pigs that can be raised and sold in a given period. As a result, farmers can achieve higher productivity and optimize production capacity.

3. Sustainability: Inefficient feed utilization leads to more feed wastage and greater environmental impact. This includes increased nutrient excretion in manure, which can contribute to pollution if not managed properly. By improving feed efficiency, farmers can minimize the environmental footprint of pig production, promoting sustainable and responsible agricultural practices.

Factors influencing feed efficiency

Feed efficiency in pigs is shaped by several factors, from the genetic makeup of the animals to the intricacies of their nutrition and the management practices employed. By unraveling these factors, we aim to equip pig producers with the knowledge to make informed decisions, enhance production practices, and contribute to a more efficient pig industry.

1. Genetics

Genetics plays a significant role in determining pig feed efficiency. The genetic makeup of pigs influences their growth rate, body composition, metabolism and nutrient utilization, all of which determine how efficiently they convert feed into body weight. For example:

• Feed conversion ratio (FCR): FCR is a key metric for feed efficiency and is influenced by genetics. Pigs with favorable genetics for feed efficiency require less feed to produce a unit of weight gain. Selective breeding can help identify and propagate lines of pigs that exhibit superior FCRs, leading to more efficient feed utilization.
• Lean-to-fat ratio: Genetic selection can also impact the lean-to-fat ratio in pigs. Leaner pigs generally have better feed efficiency, as lean tissue growth requires less energy compared to fat deposition. Leaner pigs convert feed more efficiently into muscle, making them more desirable for meat production.

2. Pig nutrition

Nutrition plays a crucial role in determining pig feed efficiency. The quality and composition of the pig’s diet affect its growth rate, nutrient utilization and overall health, all of which are key factors in feed efficiency. Here are some major ways that nutrition affects pig feed efficiency:

• Nutrient balance: Providing a well-balanced diet that meets the specific nutrient requirements of pigs at different stages of growth is essential for optimal feed efficiency. When their diet contains the right proportions of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, pigs can efficiently convert feed into body weight.
• Water availability: Access to clean and fresh water is crucial for pig feed efficiency. Dehydration can lead to reduced feed intake and hinder nutrient utilization.

3. Feeding management

Feeding management plays a critical role in determining pig feed efficiency. Proper feeding practices influence the amount of feed consumed, nutrient utilization, and overall growth performance. Examples in which feeding management affects pig feed efficiency include:

• Feed space and accessibility: Sufficient feed space is critical to avoid competition during feeding. Each pig should have enough space at the feeding trough to access the feed without being excluded by more dominant pen-mates. This ensures that all pigs have equal access to feed, supporting uniform growth and better feed efficiency.
• Feed form: The physical form of the diet can impact feed efficiency. Pelleted or extruded diets are generally preferred over mash diets, as they enhance digestibility and reduce feed wastage.

Exploring alternative feed ingredients that can improve feed efficiency while optimizing pig health and performance

There is wide interest in incorporating natural nutritional technologies in pig diets as a viable means to promote their lifetime growth and development and to minimize environmental damage.

Alltech has over 40 years of research and technical expertise in monogastric nutrition and has created comprehensive feeding programs designed to support pig performance and efficiency by ensuring optimal gut health and development and maximizing nutrient release from feed.

The gut health of pigs plays a significant role in the digestion and utilization of nutrients in feed and is strongly linked to performance parameters such as feed efficiency. Incorporated in Alltech’s nutritional programs for pigs are natural feed materials such as Actigen®, which have been demonstrated to significantly improve the intestinal structure of piglets post-weaning when supplemented in creep and starter diets (Figure 1). When the gut environment is enhanced, nutrient absorption and utilization increase, leading to better feed efficiency and an improvement in piglet weight gain.

Figure 1. Actigen improves the intestinal structure of the piglet intestinal tract post-weaning to boost nutrient absorption and utilization. The villi are taller and have a thinner wall to absorb nutrients.

Approximately 25% of the available nutrients in feed ingredients cannot be fully utilized by the animal, so it’s crucial to implement nutritional strategies focused on maximizing nutrient release. The Alltech nutritional programs utilize natural complexes, containing a unique blend of proprietary ingredients, that are designed to promote nutrient release and optimize feed digestibility. As such, these programs are proven to contribute to enhanced feed efficiency and overall growth performance in pigs (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Alltech’s natural complex Synergen® maximizes nutrient release from feed, resulting in improved weight gain and FCR in pigs.

From the studies presented here, supported by further trials around the globe, it can be concluded that Alltech’s nutritional technologies maximize nutrient utilization, resulting in better feed efficiency and higher growth rates. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, feed efficiency is a fundamental aspect of pig production that impacts the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the industry. Emphasizing and optimizing feed efficiency through genetic selection, proper nutrition, and the use of novel feeding technologies and effective feeding management can lead to more sustainable, profitable pig farming productions, benefiting farmers and consumers alike.

Successful farrowing and pig livability are vital for the overall profitability and sustainability of swine production. However, numerous challenges can impede these goals, such as farrowing difficulties, postpartum disorders, reduced milk production, and piglet mortality. Traditional approaches often fall short of addressing these issues comprehensively, so alternative solutions are needed.

Nutritionally, we can help provide the sow with solutions to help her mobilize the necessary nutrients to offset some of these challenges. Calcium is one nutrient that is required during late gestation and lactation, as it’s used to maintain fetal skeletal development, milk production, and muscle contractions during parturition. Feeding methods that maximize calcium stores and utilization are vital to aid in challenges around farrowing and piglet survival.

The dairy cattle industry has developed a feeding method known as a dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) diet. DCAD acidifies the cow’s bloodstream, which triggers the release of calcium from the bone into the bloodstream for the cow to utilize. This mechanism is especially important around calving, when the demand for calcium is extremely high. The same thing occurs in sows. If sows are not able to maintain blood calcium during farrowing, it can result in prolonged farrowing time, which may increase the rate of piglet mortality.

Building on this knowledge, we conducted a study investigating the manipulation of dietary calcium and electrolyte balance in periparturient sows, with the goal of promoting uterine muscle contraction and inducing a mild compensatory metabolic acidosis. As a result, Alltech and Hubbard developed Triad™, a proprietary blend of ingredients and flavors encapsulated in a fat matrix. 

Materials and methods

This trial was conducted by Dr. Andrew Bents, Hubbard Swine Technical Veterinarian, at a 300-sow farrow-to-finish operation. On Day 112 of gestation, 60 gilts and sows were transferred to the farrowing house, blocked by parity, and randomly assigned to one of two pre-farrow dietary treatment groups. One group received a control diet consisting of 6 lb. of a corn-soybean meal-based lactation diet containing 1.05% SID Lys and 18% CP, while the other group received the same diet with an additional 25 g of Triad top-dressed. The Triad was top-dressed in the morning, starting with Day 112 of gestation and continuing until farrowing. Sows fed Triad were treated for an average of 3 days. On Day 114 of gestation, samples of blood and urine were collected to assess urine pH, urine bacterial load, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. Additionally, litter performance was recorded. The group’s average parity and body condition scores were 3.7 ± 2.6 and 3.3 ± 0.8 respectively.

Results and discussion

Generally, a normal urine pH range for sows is between 6 and 7.5. In this study, sows that received Triad supplementation exhibited lower urine pH levels (5.57 vs. 6.30 [P < 0.001]). The decrease in urine pH in response to the Triad supplementation demonstrates that the sows were undergoing a mild metabolic acidosis. This metabolic shift can help to alleviate maternal fatigue during the farrowing process, allowing sows to maintain their energy levels and actively care for their piglets.

Sows supplemented with Triad also showed reduced urine bacterial load (6.02 vs. 6.82 CFU log10 [P = 0.018]) compared to the control group. Due to the nature of the sow’s reproductive and urinary tract anatomy, we could hypothesize that a reduction in urine bacterial load offers potential benefits for the general health and survival of piglets before weaning.

Additionally, there were no significant differences in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels between the Triad-supplemented and control groups (9.55 vs. 9.75 mg/DL [P = 0.717])

Litter performance was also recorded during the study. The Triad-supplemented group displayed a numerically lower stillborn rate compared to the non-supplemented group (7.98 vs. 9.78 [P < 0.0001]). Triad supplementation promoted stronger, more effective contractions of the uterine muscles, aiding in the delivery process and in turn reducing the risk of prolonged labor and the associated complications that can negatively affect piglet health and survival. Dr. Bents described that his farm staff could visibly see the difference in farrowing ease and recovery with the Triad sows.

The total number of piglets born, piglets born alive, or pre-wean mortality between the dietary treatments was also recorded and showed no numerical difference.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Triad has been shown to minimize stillborn piglets, aid in farrowing ease, and support piglet survivability. These results emphasize the potential value of Triad as a resource to promote overall productivity on sow farms.
 

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[PALM SPRINGS, Ca.] – During the 2023 Ag Media Summit (AMS), held in Palm Springs, California, Jul. 30–Aug. 2, agricultural communications students were honored for their excellence, professionalism and leadership. The Livestock Publications Council (LPC) Student Award Program, sponsored by Alltech, provides travel scholarships for four students to attend AMS. This year’s finalists were Molly Biggs, Kansas State University; Tessa Erdmann, South Dakota State University; Maddy Rohr, Kansas State University; and Carlye Winfrey, Texas Tech University.

Following a competitive application and interview process, Carlye Winfrey from Texas Tech University was awarded the LPC Forrest Bassford Student Award. She is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications with a minor in political science.

“This award is more than my name or college receiving recognition but showcases the contributions Forrest Bassford made so agricultural communications students like me can achieve success,” Winfrey said. “I am thankful to the faculty at Texas Tech for encouraging me to apply and am grateful for the countless mentors I have in this field.”

Winfrey is currently interning in Washington, D.C., through her college’s congressional internship program. She was previously editor for The Agriculturist, a student-led publication produced by the Department of Agricultural Education and Communications at Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Winfrey also completed internships with the United States Department of State in their Global Public Affairs Bureau and with the Merck Animal Health Public Policy Team, and she was a student assistant on campus for the Texas Tech University System.

“In my future career, I want to help shape policy to best serve the people of rural America,” Winfrey said. “My agricultural communications degree will allow me to walk through the halls of the U.S. Congress and share the stories that rural America is so desperately needing to be told. The narrative of agricultural communications is changing, and I am responsible to help change it.”

“Alltech is proud to support the next generation of agricultural communicators as the ambassadors and voice of our industry,” said Jenn Norrie, Alltech’s communications manager for North America and Europe. “These young leaders are playing an instrumental role in sharing stories of farmers and ranchers and helping to educate the urban population on where and whom their food comes from.”

The Forrest Bassford Student Award was established in 1992 to honor Bassford’s contributions to the Livestock Publications Council and passion for supporting young people in the agricultural communications field. To learn more about this award and past recipients, click here.

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] — One of Alltech’s mycotoxin research papers has been recognized by Toxins, a prestigious international research journal, as one of three winners of their 2022 Best Paper Awards. The paper, “Co-Occurrence of 35 Mycotoxins: A Seven-Year Survey of Corn Grain and Corn Silage in the United States,” was written by Alltech Mycotoxin Management team members Dr. Alexandra Weaver, global technical support; Nick Adams, global director; and Dr. Alex Yiannikouris, research group director; along with an independent researcher Dr. Daniel Weaver.

“Research and innovation are at the core of our business at Alltech, and we are proud of this recognition of the innovative work being conducted by our global mycotoxin management team,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “Mycotoxins are ever-present on the farm, and they pose a real threat to the productivity of even the best-run livestock production operations. Mycotoxin management should be on every feed producer and farmer’s radar.”

Alltech’s winning paper describes how mycotoxins contaminate corn grain and silage in the United States with frequent co-occurrence of fusaric acid with deoxynivalenol, fusaric acid with 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol, and fusaric acid with fumonisin B1, highlighting the importance of assessing multiple mycotoxins, including emerging mycotoxins and mycotoxin metabolites, when developing risk management programs.

Mycotoxins contaminate crops worldwide and play a deleterious role in animal health and performance. Multiple mycotoxins can co-occur, which may increase the negative impact on the animal. To assess the multiple mycotoxin profile of corn, Alltech conducted a seven-year survey of new crop corn grain and silage in the United States. A total of 711 grain and 1117 silage samples were collected between 2013 and 2019 and analyzed for the simultaneous presence of 35 mycotoxins using ultraperformance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry at the Alltech 37+ Analytical Laboratory.

The study showed that multiple mycotoxins were often present in both corn grain and corn silage in the U.S. In fact, 90.2% of grain and 96.5% of silage samples contained at least two types of mycotoxins. Fusaric acid was the most frequently detected mycotoxin in 78.1 and 93.8% of grains and silages, respectively, followed by deoxynivalenol in 75.7 and 88.2% of samples. The greatest co-occurrence was between fusaric acid and deoxynivalenol in 59.1% of grains and 82.7% of silages, followed by fusaric acid and fumonisin B1, deoxynivalenol with 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol, and fusaric acid with 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol.

The research also discovered that some of the more frequent mycotoxins they found were ones that may not be routinely analyzed by many programs, such as fusaric acid and deoxynivalenol, underscoring the importance of testing for multiple mycotoxins when developing management programs.

Mycotoxin challenges have risen in recent years along with the incidence of extreme weather conditions, such as droughts, floods and heat waves. In the U.S., 100% of samples contained two or more mycotoxins, according to the 2022 Alltech Harvest Analysis. In Europe, 79% contained two or more mycotoxins.

“Being selected for this award shows the interest in and importance of testing for multiple mycotoxins,” said Dr. Alexandra Weaver. “When we better understand the full mycotoxin profile of a feedstuff or ration, more informed decisions on mycotoxin management can be made.”

The winning paper was published by Toxins in July 2021, and can be accessed here. For more information about the Alltech Mycotoxin Management program, visit knowmycotoxins.com.

[CALGARY, Canada] – Calgary, Canada, was host today to the third stop of the Alltech ONE World Tour (ONE), a series of international events bringing the ideas and inspiration of the annual Alltech ONE Conference to the world. ONE Calgary welcomed more than 300 attendees from across Canada to explore collaborative solutions to the greatest challenges facing the agri-food industry, especially as they relate to the Canadian marketplace. Changemakers and thought leaders throughout the ag value chain united at the event to explore opportunities for agriculture to innovate and take a leading role in nourishing both people and planet.

The Alltech ONE Conference has been held in Lexington, Kentucky, home of Alltech’s global headquarters, for the past 38 years. In 2023, the global leader in agriculture is bringing the conference to its partners, customers, suppliers and friends across the globe, providing the opportunity for more people than ever to experience the power of ONE.

“As our customers and partners continue to face many challenges and uncertainties, we determined that 2023 would be dedicated to meeting them in their market,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO. “This special edition of the ONE endeavors to deliver global expertise to locally relevant issues. In the midst of economic and political uncertainties that fuel regionalization, this ONE reflects the responsibility we have as a global company to be a connector of people and ideas, ever advancing our purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™.”

Alltech ONE Calgary featured global and Canadian experts discussing agricultural trends, animal nutrition and business, including keynote presentations from Dr. Mark Lyons and renowned motivational speaker, Chris Koch, and a Sustainability Insights panel discussion. Moderated by Dr. Kayla Price, Canadian technical manager for Alltech, panelists included Tara McCarthy, global vice president of ESG at Alltech; Melissa Downing, director of regulatory and sustainability for the National Cattle Feeders Association; John Barlow, vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Parliament; and Al Mussell, research director of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI).

“Our industry is navigating unprecedented disruption yet remains confident and committed to evolving toward a more sustainable food system,” said McCarthy. “The key to success will be the development of innovative solutions, but even more critical is the capacity of the industry to work together across the value chain.”

Alltech recently launched a global value chain engagement study seeking industry input. Though the complete Alltech Sustainability Insights report will be released later this summer, the initial findings include:

•           There is a world of shifting and, depending on geography, quite divergent priorities. There is a very real series of crises facing the agri-food industry and, for the most part, an acknowledgement and realistic view of the gravity of those challenges. In the face of all that, there is a strong level of optimism and positivity with 85% of respondents agreeing that the food system can rise to the challenge.

•           Respondents were similarly realistic about the need for support for the primary producers of the food that the 8 billion people on this planet eat. 66% agree that unless the farmer is incentivized, things will never change.

•           There is recognition that we won’t be able to resolve the challenges ahead without a huge degree of innovation and harnessing technology to enable us to feed ourselves sustainably, with 92% of respondents believing that technology and innovation are key to more sustainable food systems.

•           There is a near-universal recognition that we need a collaborative conversation and effort across the value chain, with 93% of respondents agreeing that we all have to work together to create a better food system for the future.

Dr. Mark Lyons presented the 2023 Alltech Canada Planet of Plenty Award to Laurie Stanton, owner of Stanton Farms in Ilderton, Ontario. This award recognizes Canadian farmers, producers and ranchers across the country and their efforts of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty.

“Alltech Canada is proud to honor and thank the people and organizations that work hard every day to feed our country while implementing innovative and sustainable practices for the future of Canadian agriculture,” said Lyons.

The Alltech ONE World Tour will continue with stops in the U.S., Asia, South America and the Middle East. For more information and to register for an Alltech ONE World Tour stop, visit one.alltech.com.

-Ends-

Download photos from Alltech ONE Calgary: 2023 Alltech ONE World Tour - Calgary, Canada | Flickr

(Editor's note: This is the final blog in our three-part series on feed efficiency in pigs.)

Feed represents most of the cost of producing a marketed pig and it can be affected by a variety of factors, including genetics, health and management. One factor that is often overlooked is the manufacturing of the feed. It may seem simple, but there are several areas to consider and various measures available to improve feed efficiency.

Before making the feed

Feed that is designed for best feed efficiency starts with the use of high-quality ingredients. Alternative ingredients are often used to lower feed costs, but they may increase the variation in quality going into the feed. Ingredients should be visually evaluated for damage before using them. A hidden concern is mycotoxins, particularly in corn and distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Corn should be tested for mycotoxins in geographic areas where mycotoxins are known to be present. (Alltech's regional harvest analyses and Mycotoxin Management program are good sources for that information.) If DDGS are used as a feed ingredient, always test them for mycotoxins.

The formulation software should contain correct nutrient values for ingredients and correct nutrient specifications for each phase of production, so that accurate feed formulas can be created. This includes using nutrient values for digestible amino acids, available/digestible phosphorus and net energy. The use of enzymes should be considered as a method to increase digestibility of feedstuffs and improve feed efficiency in swine production.

Making the feed

One of the largest impacts on feed efficiency is the particle size of the grain. Typically, corn is processed to be 500–700 microns in size, with a standard deviation of less than 2.2, to help ensure consistency of particle size. Both roller and hammer mills can achieve this, but roller mills usually provide a more consistent grind with fewer fine particles. Research has shown that for every 100-micron decrease in grain particle size, feed efficiency improves 1.0–1.2% in grow-finish swine. The goal of maximizing feed efficiency with a uniform, finely ground feed must be balanced against the energy cost, feed flowability and increased risk of gastric ulcers.

A mixer efficiency test is a good way to ensure that all ingredients are being mixed correctly to make a uniform final feed. Improperly mixed feed can result in poorer feed intake, growth and feed efficiency.

Pelleting feed will improve feed efficiency if the pellets have good durability. Research has shown that as the percentage of fines increases, the feed conversion improvement decreases, and with 60% fines, there is no benefit of pelleting over mash.

After making the feed

A good quality assurance program, including retained feed samples, will help with evaluation of feed quality as well as providing samples for later analysis if needed. Feeds should be analyzed for at least protein, calcium, phosphorus, salt and one trace mineral on a regular basis to ensure that an accurately formulated and manufactured diet is delivered to the pigs.

A major potential source of decreased feed efficiency is poor feeder management that allows for increased feed wastage. The feed pan should have about 50% coverage with feed to balance easy intake with decreased feed wastage. If pelleted pig diets are used, the variation in percentage of fines can create a situation where more time management is needed in the barn to minimize feed wastage.

A feed budget that accurately prescribes the amount of feed for each phase of production will balance desired feed efficiency with feed cost per pig. Perform a closeout evaluation to compare the actual intake of each diet phase with the projected amount and then adjust as needed to move the pigs to the lower-cost diets.

Feed manufacturing for economical feed efficiency is an important part of an overall pork production plan. The number of factors involved in accurate, high-quality feed being delivered to pigs reminds us that diligence to the details can help improve profitability.

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