Adding value, protecting against disease threats and boosting efficiencies are at the top of many pig producers’ agendas.
These topics and more will be firmly in the spotlight at this year’s British Pig & Poultry Fair, with expert speakers taking to the stage to explore how farmers can make the most of their breeding and finishing units.
Pig Forum
In the specialist Pig Forum, there will be two sessions on African swine fever (ASF), encompassing both practical, on-farm measures and wider supply chain approaches to protect against the disease.
Mandy Nevel, AHDB’s head of animal health and welfare, will provide an update on work to prevent and prepare for ASF, while Jordi Mora, global director at Eco Animal Health, will offer lessons learned from the recent outbreak in Spain.
At farm level, Lauren Turner and Francesca Green, AHDB animal health and welfare scientists, and Dr Paul Talling, biosecurity adviser at Livetec, will discuss contingency planning and how digital tools can reduce disease risk.
“From controlling movements to improving hygiene practices, these practical measures are designed to safeguard your farm and support the wider industry’s resilience,” said fair organiser Alice Bell, from the Royal Agricultural Society of England. “Producers will go away equipped with resources and sources of ongoing support.”
On the market front, as well as hearing the latest national and global outlooks, visitors can gain insights into adding value by making best use of the whole carcase. Bringing together AHDB experts, producer experiences and a butchery demonstration, this session will explore how exports underpin British pig prices.
It will be followed by a look at how modern recipes are transforming the way consumers cook pork, moving it from an occasional choice to an everyday staple. “We’ll unpack consumer shifts and behaviours, and opportunities for producers and processors alike,” Ms Bell added.
Show information
The British Pig and Poultry Fair is free to attend and takes place on May 13-14 at the NEC, Birmingham- For more information and to register for your free ticket, visit
pigandpoultry.org.uk
Innovation theatre
Meanwhile, in the Innovation Theatre, producers can hear more about the steps to reduce disease risk, all year round.
“Farmers are under increasing pressure to strengthen biosecurity, improve preparedness and make more data-driven decisions,” explained Julian Sparrey, technical director of Livetec.
“This panel brings together vets, producers and biosecurity specialists to explore practical, year-round approaches to managing disease threats, covering cross-sector learnings and improvements in predictive modelling.”
Phileo by Lesaffre will be leading a seminar on how managing the gut microbiome can help maintain animal health, productivity and profitability as part of the ‘new normal’ – with fewer traditional inputs available to farmers.
“The gut microbiome is a central driver of immunity, reproduction and lifetime performance,” said Georgina Phillips, monogastric specialist at Phileo UK & Ireland.
Using recent research, the session will highlight management tips and new tools that can improve litter size/weight, lactation length and weaned piglet performance.
Still on nutrition, Jefo will explore how second-generation micro-encapsulation technology is helping to deliver precise intestinal nutrition while starving pathogens of key nutrients. This session will include case studies of proven performance improvements through greater metabolic efficiency and animal health.
Animal health is also intrinsically linked to the housed environment, and a team of experts will consider how to both design new buildings and retrofit existing sheds to improve air quality, energy efficiency and animal welfare.
Renewable energy is a key part of achieving this, and producers can also learn all about the economic viability of pairing solar panels with battery storage.
Exchanging ideas
With more than 340 exhibitors set to attend, the fair will give visitors the chance to explore the latest thinking, technology and practical solutions.
“The whole industry will be under one roof, making it a great chance to exchange ideas, explore opportunities and take home insights that could make a real difference to your business,” said Jonny Lester, general manager at event partner ABN.