feedstuffs in focus

Globally pork production continues to grow.  Improvements in management and genetics have enabled a significant improvement in the production efficiency of sows through increases in the number of piglets born alive and weaned and consistent litter performance across parities. Unfortunately, a concomitant steady rise in sow mortality. One of the major reasons for sow mortality is pelvic organ prolapse (otherwise known as POP).

Joining us today to talk about some recent research findings related to POP are Dr. Jack Dekkers of Iowa State University and Vishesh Bhatia, a Ph.D. student of Dekkers. They along with Dr. Jason Ross, also of Iowa State University, investigated the genetic basis of uterine prolapse with the assistance of Topigs Norsvin. The main finding of their work has been that uterine prolapse appears to be even more genetically influence than what was previously realized. 

This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is sponsored by Topigs 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.

For additional background on the topic: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2023.1154713/full

For more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

The US turkey industry continues to battle costly protozoal diseases such as coccidiosis, blackhead disease and more. While there are vaccines, medications and alternative products available for managing coccidiosis, there are few dependable options for managing the others. Little also is known about how these protozoal diseases interact. 

To help the turkey industry get a firmer grip on protozoal diseases, a roundtable was recently held featuring three experts from research, production and industry. Each panelist shared experiences and provided ideas on how to address protozoal diseases and maintain the health, well-being and productivity of turkeys today. 

Joining us today to discussion the roundtable and protozoal disease in turkeys are Dr. David Rives, senior technical services veterinarian with Zoetis, and Dr. Olivia Wedegaertner, US turkey account manager, also with Zoetis.

Interested in reading the entire roundtable discussion? It is available here: https://poultryhealthtoday.com/pht-perspectives/managing-protozoal-diseases-in-turkeys/. 

For more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

The U.S Supreme Court  this week rejected an appeal filed by the National Pork Producers Council and American Farm Bureau Federation challenging California’s controversial Proposition 12. That law, which passed in 2018, requires pork meat sold in the state to come from pigs born to a sow housed in at least a 24-square-foot-pen.

In response to the law, the NPPC and AFBF filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn Proposition 12. They claimed it violated the U.S. Constitution’s Commerce Clause, which gives Congress the authority to regulate interstate commerce. After the case was thrown out by a lower court, they appealed to the Supreme Court.

While the Supreme Court ruled that the case was properly dismissed by lower courts, the decision leaves many unanswered questions about industry-wide changes, pork prices, exports and future legal challenges.

In this episode, our Ann Hess talks with NPPC President Scott Hays and Michael Formica, NPPC’s chief legal strategist, about the Supreme Court ruling and what’s next for the US pork industry. 

This episode 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

For more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

A new effort to better connect food and agriculture leaders with real-world field experience has kicked off in the Chicago area. Farm Foundation, an accelerator of practical solutions for agriculture, recently started the 2023 planting season by sowing three acres of oats on its new farm in Libertyville, Illinois. The farm is the future site of the Innovation and Education Campus, which will host a range of Farm Foundation programs, including the newly introduced AG 101 Bootcamps.

Joining us in this episode to tell us more about the farm and the plans for the farm/innovation campus is Shari Rogge-Fidler, president and CEO of the Farm Foundation.  Shari has a long career in business and agriculture. She is a fifth-generation farm owner from Nebraska and hods a MBA from Harvard Business School. Her bachelor of science degree is in business administration from the University of Kansas with an emphasis on international finance. 

For more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

 

For the hog industry, the fight with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) continues, but perhaps there are things that hog producers can do to get the upper hand on the disease. 

What can be done on the farm to start taking control of your own destiny? Feedstuffs Ann Hess caught up with Dr. Clayton Johnson of Carthage Veterinary Service Ltd. during the recent American Association of Swine Veterinarian annual meeting in Denver to get an update on PRRS and what he sees as the belt and buckle opportunity to minimize PRRS. They also dig into on-farm monitoring, the value of air filtration systems and other tools for minimizing disease risk. 

For more information, on this and other topics including additional coverage from this year's AASV annual meeting, we invite you to visit our website. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

Hollis Williford was an American artist known for his remarkable versatility and creative range. He excelled in drawing, sculpting, painting and etching. His work earned him esteem among collectors and institutions alike. 

The genius of Williford's work is how it often occupied two spaces and two points in time at once.  He also was a master at capturing the peak of action, leaving one wondering the outcome.

Eric Grant of Grant Company has put together a 330-page masterpiece that explores the life, work and creative processes of the artist. Grant joins us in this episode of Feedstuffs in Focus to talk about the motivation and backstory behind his new book, Hollis Williford: The crossing at the river. If you are interested in learning more, or to order a copy, visit www.holliswilliford.com. 

This episode 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

Balancing the roles of being a parent and an industry professional is possible, but it can, at times, be challenging. As our guest shares, it's okay to step back and not feel guilty that nothing got scratched off that to-do list today. It’s okay to have everything delivered to your doorstep. Likewise, it’s okay to say no thanks to the negative influences of say, social media. 

Joining us on this episode of Feedstuffs in Focus to talk about how she approaches a work / life balance is Dr. Amber Stricker. Dr. Stricker is a swine veterinarian with Suidae Health & Production clinic out of Algona, Iowa. She has a demanding career as a swine veterinarian along with four children at home to care for.

This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus  is sponsored by Topigs Norsvin, a swine genetics company known 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 TopigsNorsvin.US

Proposition 12 in California continues to be a top-of-the-mind issue for pork producers across the nation. A ruling by the US Supreme Court on Prop 12 is expected by no later than this June. Under Prop 12, producers in California would be required to comply with the new space requirements even if their pigs are not being raised in California. The industry is hopeful the court will rule in its favor, putting care decisions back into the hands of those that know what’s best, including that of the producer, their veterinarian and their state last-grant university.

Lauren Davis, Chief Operating Officer and director of global operations for CloverLeaf Animal Welfare Systems, joins us  to discuss Prop 12 from the standpoint of audits and certification.  Davis holds a bachelor's degree in animal science from Kansas State University and has worked with two of the largest protein harvest companies in the world, serving in various roles from food safety to animal welfare manager and livestock operations. She also has served on the animal welfare committee for national organizations and holds several certifications in training and auditing. 

The President and CEO of CloverLeaf is Jason McAlister,  one of the world's leading experts on meat animal welfare from the beginning to harvest. He has been in the industry since the early '90s, working in all areas of production from his start in a small mom and pop shop in rural Iowa. He founded CloverLeaf on the belief that animal welfare should be based on science and what the science shows is best for the animal.

For those wanting more information on CloverLeaf and Prop 12 certification, the company will be hosting a webinar on Feb 28 at 2:00 PM Central Time on the topic of its Animal Welfare Systems  Prop 12 pre evaluation  and certification. To register:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Owv5AM9-Ql2VmLNZ13doVQ

Thank you for tuning into Feedstuffs in Focus. For 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 including Apple and Google podcast. You can also follow us www.Feedstuffs.com.

For the past 12 years, Alltech has taken a look at the global feed industry on an annual basis. The latest snapshot was released last week as part of the 2023 Agri-Food Outlook.

Overall, the numbers show world feed production remained steady in 2022 with a slight decrease of 0.42% to 1.266 billion metric tons. 

Feed production increased in several regions, including Latin America (1.6%), North America (0.88%) and Oceania (0.32%), while Europe decreased by 4.67%, Africa by 3.86% and the Asia-Pacific region also dropped 0.51%.

Globally, increases in feed tonnage were reported in the aquaculture, broiler, layer and pet food sectors, while decreases were reported in the beef, dairy and pig sectors.

Although it experienced a narrow reduction in feed production, China remains the largest feed-producing country in the world, followed by the United States and Brazil, according to the survey.

Joining us today is to provide his insight on the current global situation related to agriculture and to provide his perspective on 2023 Agri-Food Outlook is Alltech CEO and President Dr. Mark Lyons. Dr. Lyons also shares an update on this year’s ONE Conference which will be taking on a more global approach. 

This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is sponsored by Alltech, where the focus is on working together for a planet of plenty.  To learn more about the One Conference visit https://one.alltech.com.

In the US swine industry, the thinking has long been that the feeding of high zinc levels offers health and productivity benefits to pigs. In fact, research has confirmed the positive effect of elevated dietary zinc. However, zinc can have negative effects for the environment and public health.

Today, we talk with Dr. Jerry Shurson, professor of swine nutrition at the University of Minnesota, to find out more. Dr. Shurson, along with Dr. Yuan-Tai Hung, swine research manager with Devenish, have taken a deep dive into zinc levels in diets and believe the time is now to rethink zinc use.

This episode 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 their website UnitedANH.com.

Innovation is a given in the food industry as companies look for new ways to meet the always changing demands of consumers. Our Sarah Muirhead was on the trade show floor in Chicago this past week at IFT First to learn about some of the products that are under development and to talk with the experts involved in moving new products from concept to the dinner table.

 One of the experts she caught up with was Dr. Ray Matulka with the Burdock Group, who provided insight into food regulation and labeling on novel food ingredients and processes, including alternative meat and dairy products.

 

In this segment of Feedstuffs in Focus, we talk with Chad Gregory, president and CEO of the United Egg Producers, and recently named Ag Association Leader of the Year by the National AgriMarketing Assn. We caught up with Gregory this week in Kansas City to talk about what it takes to lead in challenging times and to get an update on some of the issues the egg industry is currently facing and what’s likely ahead.

One such topic of discussion what that of how COVID-19 changed the industry overnight, shutting down foodservice and causing major disruptions in the retail sector. 

Proposition 12 in California and other state initiatives that are set to mandate such things as cage-free production was also explored. The egg industry is ready for the transition that goes into play within the next few months but stands to face insurmountable obstacles if those requirements expand to other states. 

Other topics discussed were the United Nation’s upcoming Food Summit, truthful labeling regulations and where the industry stands in regard to environmental sustainability. 

Finally, Gregory shared how having a good team in place and being proactive are critical to weathering any crisis. 

This episode 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 their website UnitedANH.com.

Initial research in the U.S. on African swine fever started in the 1970s when the viral disease was spreading through Spain and Portugal. In the 1990s, USDA’s Agricultural Research Service started looking for a vaccine.

After years of work, sometimes was a bit sporadic due to funding, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced that it has a new vaccine for African swine fever that is headed toward commercialization. 

What potential might it have for the hog industry? Feedstuffs' Krissa Welshans catch up with USDA researchers Dr. Douglas Gladue and Dr. Manuel Borca to find out more. Dr Gladue and Dr. Borca are the agency’s experts and head researchers for the  vaccine. They work out of the Plum Island Animal Disease Center.

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 their website UnitedANH.com.

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When it comes to imported feed ingredients, it is important for feed manufacturers and livestock producers to have as much information as possible related to that ingredient and its origin. At stake is the health of our nation’s herds as unapproved ingredients can introduce significant disease risks. 

Unlike in Canada and now in Australia, the U.S. lacks any requirement that a supplier or trader confirm each imported biological ingredient is approved for animal feed use. 

Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead recently caught up with Dr. Scott Dee of Pipestone Veterinary Services to talk about how some countries are taking biosecurity to the next level and what needs to be done here in the U.S. to put in place those same safeguards.

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 their website UnitedANH.com.

For more information on this and other stories, visit  Feedstuffs  online.
Follow Feedstuffs on Twitter @Feedstuffs, or join the conversation via Facebook.

Feed ingredients imported into the U.S. from countries with known foreign animal disease risks, such as African swine fever (ASF), present a threat to the U.S. pork industry. But just how great is this risk and where exactly does it originate when it comes to entry into the U.S.?

To answer those questions, Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead catches up with Dr. Scott Dee of Pipestone Veterinary Services for this segment of Feedstuffs in Focus. They discuss a recent analysis of soya-based feed ingredients from ASF-positive countries focused on identifying the most common entry points via our nation’s seaports. 

Dee believes that access to current and future information on this topic will enhance the accuracy of risk assessments and drive the continual development of efficacious feed-based mitigation strategies that will ultimately bring the health status of the country of origin into the forefront of philosophies regarding the global trade of feed ingredients. 

Take a listen. 

RELATED STORY: Analysis evaluates ASF risk through U.S. ports

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The “Wienermobile” is that hot-dog-on-a-bun-shaped vehicle long used by the Oscar Mayer company to promote and advertise its products in the U.S. The first Wienermobile was created by Oscar Mayer’s nephew Carl G. Mayer in 1936. Today, there are six such giant hot dog vehicles that travel the nation promoting the brand and creating miles of smile.

The Wienermobile concept has evolved over the years, so much so that in June 2017, the company added several new hot-dog-themed vehicles to its line, including the WienerCycle, WienerRover and WienerDrone.

Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead caught up with a couple of “Hotdoggers” while they were in the Chicagoland area recently to find out more about this long-standing marketing initiative by Oscar Mayer and to learn more about the Wienermobile and what it takes to be a hotdogger. In this segment, she is joined by Zach Chatman, professionally known as Zach n Cheese, and Maggie Thomas, otherwise known as Mustard Maggie.

Of course, the question of Ketchup or Mustard had to be asked. Grab a hot dog and take a listen! 

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 their website UnitedANH.com.

For more information on this and other stories, visit  Feedstuffs  online.
Follow Feedstuffs on Twitter @Feedstuffs, or join the conversation via Facebook.

 

The coronavirus pandemic resulted in delays and extended shutdowns at numerous packing plants, all the while straining the pork industry as market hogs had to be held in facilities longer than expected.

To minimize sorting losses and keep as many pigs in market condition as possible, the feed industry stepped up to help hog producers adjust their rations. The goal was that of reduced growth rates and feed intakes. 

In this episode of Feedstuffs in Focus, Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead talks with Dr. Jim Smith, senior technical swine nutritionist at Kent Nutrition, to discuss how amino acid imbalances can aid in the slowing of pig growth. Specifically, they discuss the reduction of DL-methionine in rations of late finishing pigs.

This episode is sponsored by Hog Slat; from cleanup to startup, we're here to supply the products you need.  As close as your local Hog Slat store or order online at www.hogslat.com.  

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What has COVID-19 meant for the dairy checkoff? Where is the dairy industry and dairy checkoff heading in these pandemic times? In this episode of Feedstuffs in Focus, Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead talks with Barb O’Brien, president of DMI and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. 

We are more than seven months into a pandemic that has interrupted the daily operations of schools, food services/restaurants as well as some dairy producers as they have struggled to keep their team members on the farm safe and healthy. Pizza has been a category of strength for the dairy industry. DMI and the dairy checkoff have worked hard to leverage corporate and regional relationships to eliminate in-store signs that limited milk purchases. What about the school meal programs? What adjustments have been necessary there? Has COVID-19 had an impact on the sustainability and the environmental goals that the dairy industry is pursuing? Take a listen as we talk about this and more.

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Fluid milk consumption among children is vital, as adequate consumption of dairy products, especially during childhood, has beneficial health outcomes later in life. These benefits include reduced risk of osteoporosis, hypertension, obesity and cancer in adulthood.

Milk consumption among children has been declining for decades, so understanding and fulfilling the needs of children is crucial to reverse the decline. In an article appearing in theJournal of Dairy Science, scientists from North Carolina State University and Cornell University studied key contributors to increasing milk consumption among children. Factors evaluated in the study included food trends, nutritional and school meal program requirements, children’s perceptions and preferences, and environmental influences. Among these influences, flavor and habit were the primary drivers for long-term milk consumption. 

In this episode of Feedstuffs in Focus, Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead talks with senior author MaryAnne Drake, PhD, department of food, bioprocessing and nutrition sciences, North Carolina State University, and Dr. David Barbano, professor of food science at Cornell University about their ongoing research.        

“Making milk more appealing to children, having schools include milk in their meal plans, and increasing the types of milk available in schools are all positive options to encourage children consume fluid milk and receive those health benefits,” said Drake. “The findings in this study, however, reveal critical insights that will aid in efforts to increase milk consumption among children.”

This episode is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health – join Balchem for their Real Science Lecture series, a weekly webinar series featuring ruminant nutrition experts discussing vital topics for today’s dairy industry. You can learn more at BalchemANH.com/RealScience.

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The University of Idaho’s Center for Agriculture, Food & the Environment – or CAFE – took a major step forward this spring with the launch of design and planning for a $22.5 million research dairy near Rupert. The dairy is scheduled for completion in 2023 and to begin milking cows by 2024.

The dairy will house 2,000 cows and allow researchers to better integrate animal and plant agriculture, said Michael Parrella, University of Idaho College of Agricultural & Life Sciences dean. Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead recently talked with Parrella to find more about the dairy and a related demonstration farm. The research dairy and its related farm will address the connection between plant and animal agriculture, Parrella said. The 640-acre site near Rupert will be among the best equipped sites in the nation to find solutions.

The dairy is the largest of four components that make up the center. It includes a discovery center and offices near Jerome and expanded food processing research and education with the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls.

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 their website UnitedANH.com.

For more information on this and other stories, visit  Feedstuffs online.
Follow Feedstuffs on Twitter @Feedstuffs, or join the conversation via Facebook.