Roadmap to better animal welfare and its impact

The pork industry took a proactive step to protect animal health and producers’ livelihoods this week with the approval of a resolution aimed at enhancing the country’s live swine traceability system. The goal of the new standards is that of better controlling the spread of a foreign animal disease and lessening the economic impact of an outbreak should one occur. 

Joining Feedstuffs’ Ann Hess in this episode to discuss the importance of controlling foreign animal disease in our nation’s swine herd is Dr. Anna Forseth, Director of Animal Health for the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). In her role, Anna is the liaison between the pork industry and the government on pre-harvest animal health and public health issues. We caught up with Anna at this week’s National Pork Industry Forum. 

This episode is being brought to you by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.com

If you would like to hear more conversations about some of the big issues affecting the livestock, poultry, grain and animal feed industries, subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast channel. For daily news, visit us at feedstuffs.com; nationalhogfarmer.com and beefmagazine.com 

For those farms that became Prop 12 compliant, the industry is eager to learn about the challenges, opportunities, production considerations and lessons encountered along the way.

Joining Feedstuffs’ Ann Hess in this episode to discuss Country View Family Farms’ journey to become Prop 12 compliant is Dr. Carlos Roudergue, a veterinarian in the company's Production Department.  CVFF includes more than 300 family farms throughout Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Maryland and North Carolina.  All CVFF farms are create-free during gestation.  It is one of the top 11 hog production companies in the US, producing some 2. 7 million pigs per year.  

For more information on this and other topics, visit Feedstuffs.com; NationalHogFarmer.com and BEEFmagazine.com.

The American Egg Board has a number of strategic priorities in place for 2024. They include the assessment of new revenue streams, food chain outreach and engagement as well as the development of new farmer support resources. Big things also are already in the works around this year’s Easter Egg Roll at the White House, including taking it beyond Washington, D.C.

This episode is being brought to you by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.com

Joining us to give us an updated on AEB and all of its efforts to promote US eggs and expand market growth on a global basis is Emily Metz, President & CEO of AEB. We caught up with Emily during this year’s IPPE in Atlanta. 

Sustainable livestock systems can contribute to climate action in several ways, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, improvement of resource efficiency, enhancement of carbon sequestration and minimization of environmental impacts.

At the same time, there needs to be recognition of the role of livestock in meeting the public’s dietary needs. 

What is at stake? How important is collaboration when it comes to reducing emissions from livestock globally? 

Joining us on this episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is Dr. Frank Mitloehner of the University of California-Davis and the CLEAR Center. We caught up with Dr. Mitloehner during the International Production and Processing Expo in Atlanta, to get the lastest update on climate-related discussions in regard to the animal agriculture.

 

Amid narrow views about cows and climate change, there is an important conversation to be had. A conversation about the role cows play in our daily lives and world around us. A conversation about the what if … what if there were no more cows? 

Joining us on this episode is Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech president and CEO. 

We caught up with Dr. Lyons during the International Production and Processing Expo in Atlanta where we got the first scoop on a new feature-length, 90-minute documentary that Alltech is working on that explores the true impact of cattle and the potential consequences of their removal. We also get a preview of the 2024 Alltech ONE World Tour and discussed several recent acquisitions by the company, including: 

• Agolin - In May 2023, Alltech acquired majority interest in the Swiss-based company, Agolin developed and produced plant-based nutrition solutions that has been scientifically proven to improve herd performance, profitability and sustainability in beef and dairy cattle, including milk and meat production.
• Ideagro - This partnership joins two leading companies to accelerate soil and crop research, and to enhance biological and other microorganism-based offerings to producers around the world.

For more information the World Without Cows documentary, visit www.worldwithoutcows.com.
For more information on Alltech, visit www.alltech.com

The U.S. in recent years has seen some of the worst hatchability numbers since the late 1980s. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture in January 2024 reported average hatchability at 79.6%. There are many factors in play, in the barn and the hatchery, that can impact hatchability. Some blame poor fertility and embryo mortality, while others consider more management-related issues. Regardless, the cause of this phenomenon is unclear.

Until a firm cause is discovered and addressed, what can producers do to support hatchability and better ensure those chicks make it onto dinner plates? 

Joining Feedstuffs in Focus host Sarah Muirhead is NOVUS executive manager and poultry technology lead Hugo Romero-Sanchez, a poultry expert with a comprehensive understanding of the physiological, nutritional, environmental, and economic variables that affect broiler and layer performance. Dr. Romero presented a TECHTalk on the topic of hatchability during the 2024 International Production and Processing Expo this week. 

To learn how NOVUS is using intelligent nutrition to help poultry producers do more, visit www.novusint.com

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a significant disease and cost the swine industry some $660 million annually. For multiple decades, the industry has had its hands tied when it comes to PRRS but new research out of Pipestone shows that may no longer be the case, and in fact, producers may now the ones in charge of the virus

Joining us to share newly released details on a study looking at whether the application of a comprehensive, science-based approach to breeding herd biosecurity, known as next-generation biosecurity, could reduce the PRRS risk across a large commercial production company is Dr. Scott Dee.

For more information: javma-javma.23.08.0437.pdf

This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.com

The International Production & Processing Expo, also known as IPPE, is held annually in Atlanta, Ga. This year’s event is set for Jan. 30-Feb. 1 and will offer the largest trade show floor space ever and more than 80 hours of dynamic education sessions focused on current industry issues. 

Joining  Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead in this episode of Feedstuffs in Focus to talk about IPPE and everything it has to offer this year’s attendees is Sarah Novak, chief operating officer of the American Feed Industry Assn.  AFIA is one of the hosting organizations of IPPE.

This episode is brought to you by the International Production & Processing Expo, a collaboration of three shows representing the entire chain of protein production and processing. Make your plans today to join the feed, meat and poultry industry in Atlanta, Ga., on Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2024. To learn more at ippexpo.org. 

The National Pork Board collaborates with third-party experts to analyze both micro and macro-economic implications related to the challenging business landscape that American pig farmers confront. Accordingly, NPB’s producer-led board of directors allocates Pork Checkoff funds judiciously, focusing on short- and long-term demand creation strategies to enhance the value of pork and overcome barriers to consumption. 

Joining Feedstuffs in Focus host Sarah Muirhead to discuss the hog industry's current economic challenges and demand growth for pork are Dr. Steve Meyer, economist with Partners for Production Agriculture, and Bill Even, CEO of the National Pork Board.

The National Pork Board firmly believes that all stakeholders in the pork industry, and ultimately consumers, will benefit from a better overall understanding of the economics of pork production. That said, it is always advisable to seek independent advice from a professinal before making any economic decision.

Pork Checkoff funds are being used to make this podcast possible, with the primary purpose of facilitating the understanding of publicly available economic information.  Stay connected with Pork Checkoff by signing up for the checkoff’s weekly email at porkcheckoff.org/email

Any economic analysis, projections or opinions presented are solely those of Dr Meyer and do not represent the views or opinions of nor are they endorsed by the National Pork Board. All producers should seek independent advice from a professional before making any economic decisions.  

Today's hog market is challenging, making profitability even more critical. Under such conditions, robust, full-value pigs can make all the  difference. So how best to navigate to ensure your herd has the advantage of profitability? 

Joining Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead to talk pig survivability and efficiency among the TN Duroc line is Matt Schulte, meat scientist with Topigs Norsvin. Among other things, Matt shares details of a recently completed experimental study that looked specifically at how several Duroc lines stack up. 

This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus  is sponsored byTopigs Norsvin.  Swine genetics company Topigs Norsvin is renowned for its innovative approach to implementing new technologies and its continuous focus on cost-efficient and sustainable pig production.  Research, innovation, and dissemination of genetic improvements are the cornerstones of the company.  For more information, visit www.TopigsNorsvin.US.