Complete monitoring of feed intake, water intake, performed procedures and traditional farm recordings are presented real time using Agrovision Dashboard system. Routine weighing of pigs in a few pens serve as sentinel monitoring for daily weight gain for the pigs. Graphs showing trends serve as alarm system (early warning) decision support tool for all sites. When employees start the day, they check the system for alarms and check the curves for obvious issues not detected by the alarm. Employees find the system motivating as production can be followed when the pigs are alive. When detecting errors the farm can still handle the problem and improve/correct the issues at hand. The work with implementing the technology has been underway for 20 years.

Cost benefit: No system can prevent errors from occurring but with this system the farm can detect and act on errors. Additionally, they use the system to monitor health in the pigs. An example is the monitoring of feed intake. If feed intake increases as expected they often delay treatments. After 2 days of reduced feed intake they pay extra attention to disease in the herd/room. They have always used monitoring systems and cannot estimate the effect of using it. The value of the system for others depends on the errors often observed on the farm. With this system it is possible to reduce the economic impact from these errors. Price of monitoring equipment depends the farm but can be installed for approx. 10,000 – 15,000 € on farm level.

Transnational impact: Monitoring of change and marginal gains can have substantial impact across the production process, figures from similar projects have shown that a saving of just 5% efficiency across the whole of the production process can repay the investment at a rate of 3:1

The farm produced standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the care of the piglets throughout the farrowing process. These SOPs give clear uniform instructions as to each stage of the process from biosecurity to cross fostering of animals to ensure the best survival and final weaning weight. The SOPs were constructed in conjunction with Wageningen University as part of the pig vitality project. Farmers, vets and advisors were asked which factors impacted piglet survival and production. These were then ranked and set into the SOPs. The SOPs are presented as checklists, with areas of underperformance easily identifiable for the production staff. Examples of the checklist and SOPs are available from the EUPiG website.

Cost benefit: With this style of farming 2% more piglets are brought up per sow. This was 15,5 per sow and is now 15.8. There are 800 sows on the farm so this was 12.400 piglets and is now 12.640. The cost of the extra employee amounts to 600 euros a week. The euthanasia box costs 3000 euros and the gas costs around 20 euros a month. The cost for the feed stays the same. The farm also introduced extra nesting material and bedding for the piglets. The prices of the piglets does not go up but more piglets surviving means more can be sold.

Transnational impact: Less dead piglets is always positive for the company. Less mortality means more piglets sold. Public opinion is shifting towards more animal friendliness. In this way other countries and respond to it.

Faeces and urine are separated under the slatted floor. The sloped floor makes sure the urine is collected in a urine gutter, while the faeces are scraped with a newly developed scraper towards a collection pit. The immediate separation and the frequent removal result in the prevention of production of ammonia emission. As this is not an end-of-the-line technique, the air inside the barn is lower in ammonia, so the health for farmers and pigs is improved. The fresh faeces are digested in an on farm small scale mono-digester that produces heat and electricity. First Bart reconverted a small existing building in order to experience the technique in practice. He was satisfied with the excellent in house conditions both for farmers and pigs and the practicability of the technique. This gave him confidence to plan and construct a new and bigger building.

Cost benefit: The growth rate of piglets increased by 25%with a finishing daily weight gain increased by 5%. Veterinary costs per slaughter pig are reduced by 30% and a saving of €40,000/year in electricity costs - investment in mono-digester is paid back in 7 years

There have been costs with an 11% increase in labour costs due to the system maintenance. Mono-digester has an initial cost of €270,000 but there are no additional maintenance costs throughout

Transnational impact: Ammonia emissions are impacting production and the environment across the EU with consumers and policy makers concerned on impacts. Practical methods of reduction add benefit to producers in meeting new environmental standards

The sows and their piglets are housed in individual pens. The practice is to cut openings in the panels (20 cm x 30 cm) between the pens so that the piglets can move from one pen to another. Doors are placed on these openings during the first week of life of the piglets, then removed allowing piglets free access between pens. The piglets can thus be mixed during the lactating period, which facilitates the adaptation at weaning. At weaning, pens of 26 piglets are formed. Observations made on these piglets compared to piglets not familiarized during the lactating period show a number of lesions much lower 5 days after arrival in the nursery, especially on the ears and the front of the piglets: 26% of the piglets familiarized have scratches, while 98% of unfamiliar piglets have scratches

Cost benefit analysis: Familiarized piglets show better growth, 552 g / day compared to 442 g / day for piglets unfamiliar over a period of 12 days after weaning (nursery phase). This practice also made it possible to limit the frequency of arthritis after weaning and thus to reduce the use of antibiotics on this phase

Transnational Impact: System easily adaptable to indoor production systems

With a lot of negative ill-informed information about pig production, the challenge is how to better inform the consumer and general public. McAuliffes have opened their farms with a passion to inform consumers about sustainable pig production. They have featured on many national tv programmes (including a live broadcast from the farm on “Big Week On The Farm”, watched by 1.5million viewers! They have very much an open door policy, but adopt very strict biosecurity but can overcome this with a viewing room where large groups can look in on the pigs and watch CCTV footage on the big tv screen from all over the farm. Shane spends a lot of time giving guest lectures at third level institutions, using videos to give them an interactive tour of the farm, and they also host student placements on the farms. He has a strong presence on social media with almost 10,000 followers across different social media platforms (facebook, twitter, snapchat, Instagram, linkedin).

Cost benefit: The main benefits are to the pig farming sector as it gives them a reasoned voice in an era of much negative press towards farming in general and sometimes pig farming in particular. The consumer and general public also benefit from hearing from the farmer perspective, something not always very evident or accessible. This approach has evolved over time, costs are minimal but it takes a lot of time, which Shane is willing to devote as he is committed to giving a farmer perspective on sustainable pig production.

Transnational Impact: The use of modern social media platforms is available in all consortium countries, the use of industry recognised professionals can be used to inform consumers and re-establish trust within the supply chain.

Broad bean (Vicia faba) was added in the crop rotation. Broad bean cultivation improves the growth of grains, and cultivation cost of beans is low. Earlier barley, wheat, oatmeal, broad bean, liquid barley protein (a by-product of barley starch production from Altia Koskenkorva distillery) and an additional protein concentrate was used in the two-stage feeding of fattening pigs. Due to the ingredient basis with high protein content of the crops the utilization of the broad bean was low. To increase the usage of local grown protein in pig feed, we developed a tailored premix together with a local feed company (Rehux) and HKScan in 2017. In the beginning the viscosity of the premix was too low due to the amount of oil and the accuracy of dosing small volumes was poor. The accuracy of dosing was improved by turning of the mixer while dosing the premix.

Cost benefit: The farm needed to invest in a new mineral dispenser and it’s conveyors. Broad beans are now grown on a larger area (+150 %) which is also more sensible in the crop rotation. The amount of broad bean in feeding could be increased (+ 200 %). The self sufficiency rate of feedstuffs was increased (7 % if calculated of energy content). Production values in 2016 vs. 2018: Feed conversion ratio 2,7 vs. 2,6 Daily weight gain 960 vs. 1050 g/day Lean-% has remained constant, around 59 % The genetics play a more significant role than feeding.

Transnational impact: GMO-free pig fattening Increasing the self-sufficiency rate in protein feedstuff Variegation of the crop rotation No climate impact of soy transport.

Within this trial, the main innovation is cleaning with 70 degree hot water and also adding raw material to hot water to kill all present bacteria after, cold water and the liquid active bacteria are added to reduce temperature and secure a fast growth. The temperature and cleanliness is important to have good acid values. Findings were: The feed stays homogeneous which prevents diarrhea. The lactic acid metabolizes ANF and difficult digestible starch, works as a probiotic and it lowers the pH to reduce the risk from bacteria. Fermented liquid feed stabilizes the intestines and improves the growth of the pigs. For maximum effect it’s fed together with wheat barley mixture and plant based proteins.

Cost benefit: To get the maximum result with the weaned piglets, the sows also should be fed fermented feed as well as the piglets at the sow. This positively influences intestine quality and bacterial life in the intestines. The 3 years test to develop a failure-free system was started together with ForFarmers and Weda Holland. At the moment van Asten is doing research with support of the EU for fermenting Local Proteins. The laboratory test show a strong reduction of ANF in peas and beans meaning they can be fed to piglets without gastric distortion. Investments are apr. €16 per pig-space. Up to 80% antibiotic reduction and 25% reduction in the diet of phosphorus and nitrogen. Savings up to €2,70 per pig.

Transnational impact: The system is successfully implemented at 3 of the locations in the Netherlands and Germany of the van Asten group and several other farms in Europe. The use of liquid feeding systems is wide spread in the EU. This system can be easily added and handled by a person who is able to run a liquid feeding system.

The aim was to find a quick and easy tool for early detection of hyperthermia in pigs. Rectal thermometers are not used on farms and fever alerts, about numerous health issues at a very early stage, if detected properly. The IR thermographic camera Flir One was connected to a smartphone and software developed to recognise temperature patterns according to an algorithm. The app is a portable, affordable and trustworthy technology. In development, 4500 cases were analysed from farms in the EU and USA. Degree2act helps to manage disease outbreaks and improve welfare.

Cost benefit: Using degree2act on a daily basis can help you to reduce antibiotic treatment costs up to 50% through individual care. Flir One camera costs between 250€ and 500€. A compatible smartphone, if you don’t have one, starts at 300€. The app offers 1 month free trial, after which is costs either 2,99€ or 4,99€ per month or 29,99€/49,99€ per year, as subscription, usage linked to 1 smartphone.Introducing this practice establishes higher standards of animal health and welfare, which gives value to the final product. Setting a higher standard throughout the entire market becomes welfare for all, consumers and producers included, not just animals.

Transnational impact: Early detection of hyperthermia will be beneficial to every country, especially in times of disease spread, like ASF. It is a useful tool to stop disease outbreak of a farm, through early detection and application of local measures established in each country that can prevent further spread. Fighting global antimicrobial resistance is the ultimate goal of degree2act, we work hard towards preserving the efficacy of existent therapeutic resources, so that both humans and animals can use those.

Due to high losses of suckling piglets better management strategies for loose farrowing system had to be used; Farm is equipped with loose farrowing system Pro Dromi from the Netherlands. Offers a lot of space (7.5m²), possibility for temporary confinement of the sow and a big creep where piglets can be locked. Piglet losses during lactation averaged 25% in the first three years, 50% of losses caused by crushing. End of 20 16 birth-management was improved. Based on following measures, losses were reduced from 25 to 15%: c hanging genetics from Austrian pure large white to Swiss pure large white; optimising feeding; providing s oaked linseed 5 d prior to 3 d after birth; cleaning troughs thoroughly; locking up piglets in creep on day of birth while feeding sows; taking care of piglets during feeding on 2nd and 3rd day by watching sows; providing jute bags and hay as nesting material on floor in addition to a hay rack; using skin drying agents and bedding material in creep and on floor.

Despite the initial investment costs due to the genetics change and the increased workload in the first days after birth, the increased number of weaned piglets results in a cost gain. The main results of the improved birth management were: " Reduction of the piglet loss especially due to crushing " Better nursing performance of the sows " Better milk yield " Lower occurrence of Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome " Higher vitality of the piglets " Higher food intake

Free farrowing system can be implemented in any country. The lesson we learned was that even if you can` t change the pen design of a loose farrowing system you can reduce piglet losses by improving the management including: genetics of the sow, feeding, and intensive care of the piglets on the first days after birth

The farm owner has designed a System to change the type of environmental enrichment in each pen at regular intervals (every day) to promote the sense of novelty for the pigs. It works with a rotatory system of chains attached to the roof which move some hanging enrichment material from one pen to another one. Enrichment materials included are wooden pieces, balls, straw containers, plastic rings, hemp ropes. After a year using this system, the owner introduced new innovations: an extra pen called "playroom" in which the pigs are moved once per week with a combination of different materials in the same room, and another area with deep straw to root in which pigs are moved also at regular intervals. The owners of the farm use different enrichment materials according to the age of the pigs.

Setting up the equipment and its maintenance has an economical cost. There is a labour cost associated with moving pigs to the playroom. However, the owners are collecting data to analyse more objectively the cost-benefits because a better feed conversion ratio has been observed since the change. The owners also report more easiness of handling and less negative interactions between pigs when they were taken to the slaughterhouse. A study is being undertaken at present to try to evaluate a potential correlation of meat ultimate pH and this enrichment strategy.

A solution for no tail docking pigs is needed for proper compliance of EU legislation. Routine tail docking is reported to be over 90% in pigs in Spain, because risk of tail biting outbreaks is considered to be too high to stop tail docking. EU 2016 recommendation on the avoidance of tail docking has a special emphasis on finding a proper environmental enrichment strategy as a first step for the compliance of the legislation.

De Hoeve Innovatie has developed a system that removes fresh manure from the stables every day. This results in a healthier stable climate and has advantages for animals, humans and the environment. The animals are healthier, grow faster and you have less costs for feed and veterinarian. This results in higher animal health and the possibility of keeping antibiotics-free pigs. In addition, fresh manure delivers up to 40 m3 of biogas per cubic meter. By reducing the manure every day, less ammonia is produced. Emission reduction is tackled at the source by collecting the manure in pits or gutters. The Ammonia level is therefore much lower in the barn. As a result, more ventilation can be provided, which further improves barn climate (including CO2 content). By applying day disinfection there is no need for air scrubbers with high energy costs and unusable residual flows.

Costs and benefits: In particular, results in animal health, faster finishing which your accommodation costs per animal are lower, less feed. Healthy good animals deliver good results. In addition, a potentially higher yield in the fermentation of the fresh manure, because you get 40m3 of biogas from 1m3 of manure with daytime disinfection instead of 10m3 of biogas from 1m3 of old manure. The company can work energy-neutral.

In the Netherlands, there are strict standards for emissions and emissions from companies. System is installed at 4 locations. Current stables have been adapted to this, but it is also being implemented in new-build stables.

General description: Second parity sows performance below target. Managing gilt body condition to avoid over-fit at farrowing and under-conditioned weaners identified. Needed to understand changes in body condition. Purchased £400 back fat tester. Weigh scales allowed the following to be introduced for each batch of 8 gilt s: weigh/measure back fat at P2 position of gilts at service; P2 entering farrowing house; P2 after 18-days lactation - before final week of lactation, period for greatest demand on milk production & nutritional stress; weigh and P2 on exit from farrowing house. This added approx 1hr every 3 weeks to measure maiden gilts. Recommendations in gilt management practices to be widely disseminated via media. Recalibrating feeding system important to ensure feeding correct amount. Introducing control measures to gilt management practices to demonstrate processes at strategic points during first cycle will improve gilt/young sow performance & retention in herd.

Costs and benefits Performance: Ongoing Single cost items: Back fact test £400 plus labour Prices: As measured by improved herd productivity via pigs weaned / sow / year. Ongoing.

Transnational impact: Retaining more gilts and young sows in the herd will improve herd productivity and sow lifetime output, whilst reducing replacement rate and cost of introducing gilts.

Duroc d'Olives meat is the combination of a white Landrace sow, that is known for her excellent meat quality with a brown-red Duroc boar with more intramuscular fat and darker, more tender meat with extra flavour. The result is a light brown red cross that ensures delicious, tender and juicy meat. Together with specialists from the University of Ghent, pig farmers developed the composition of the feed for our pigs after a thorough study. They have chosen olive oil as a source of fat in the feed, because it improves the taste of the meat and makes it even more tender. Olive oil contains few saturated fats that are harmful to our health, and many mono-unsaturated fatty acids. Because the pigs take this oil with their feed, they get a similar fatty acid composition in the pork fat, which is good for the health of the costumer. The basis of the feed is a mix of pure grains (wheat, barley, maize), fibres and proteins.

The feeding cost are a little bit higher, the price for the meat can be found on the website. This practice can be easily applied in other countries.

http://www.durocdolives.com/nl-BE/contact/9.html

A new barn was built for 3,000 pigs. They have chosen to raise pigs in groups of 375 and manage them with the Nedap Pig Sorting system. This system consists of a weighing unit with individual animal identification and three exits. The combined feed and sorting station weighs and identifies each pig and automatically leads it to the right feed type or to the separation area. This allows optim feeding and deliver his pigs to slaughter at the right weight. The system ensures that the heaviest 40% of the pigs receive growing-finishing feed, while the lightest 60% get starter feed. When this group reaches a specific weight, the feeding station will adjust automatically. This way the group remains as uniform as possible. The third exit is used to separate pigs. The system can also sort gilts from barrows. Rick keeps track of the activity and health of the animals in records of growth and number of visits to the feeding station.

There is a clear insight for improvement, by improving their return on investment by using automation to manage their sows and pigs e.g. managing individual animals within large groups helps him to minimize feed waste by feeding pigs based on individual weights and performance. Nedap's smart technology adjusts the feed type and dosage to the weight of each pig. This saves the farmer 20 percent on the costs of starting feed.

In Europe every country has its own demand and preferences for the pig weight. The Nedap Pig Sorting automatically sorts and feeds finishing pigs based on weight. This can be realised in all countries. The sorting station weighs and identifies each pig and automatically directs it to the feed ration you want it to have based on its performance. In all countries they have the possibility to quit wasting pig feed on heavy pigs.

Kris Gois´s farm is free of AB since 2012. Before Sep ’17, he used a feed containing 2000 ppm of zinc oxide to prevent weaning diarrhea. The feeding company was tasked to come up with an alternative without zinc oxide. They came up with a feed containing herbs like oregano and other natural products. This feed is given to the piglets 7 days before weaning (3 mg herbs/kg) until 7d after weaning. From 7d to 28d after weaning the dose is 1,5 mg herbs/kg. His farm is still free of AB and he has eliminated high doses of zinc oxide, without sacrificing the health status of his farm. He compares both feeds within his barn and keeps close tracks of the KPI’s like growth and feed conversion. He makes 3 exact groups of the same size (one with normal feed, one with the herbs, and one with the inert fibers). Every day he weighs the piglets, tracks amount of feed given so he can closely monitor what the effects are for each feed formulation, so he can determine what the best feed will be for him in the future. Both feed formulations seem to work properly.

The use of oregano and herbs allows the full substitution of zinc oxide in the feed ration of weaners. The price of this feed is only 2.3% higher, generates a higher and better ADG and FCR and reduces the weaners mortality rate by 50%. The total impact is a reduction of the production costs of weaners by 3.1% and a 0.1% reduction of production costs per kg of pig meat.

Compared to oregano and herbs the use of addition of inert fibres is more costly. The average price of weaner feed increases by 8.1%. ADG and FCR improve with 5.5 and 11.4%. Mortality rate of weaners with inert fibres declines from 4 down to 2%. The overall effect generates a reduction of the production costs of weaners of 2.4% and of the production costs of pig meat of 0.7%.

In 2015, 13 farms (piglet rearing, sow farms and finishing farms) in the same region decided to work towards a stable and healthy farm. The aim was to share information and work out a common strategy regarding PRRS and health status of the farms. This is intended to improve the farms production. After consultation with the internal and external partners, a joint vaccination strategy was implemented in combination with an improved biosecurity status at the individual farms and information exchange about diseases and other relevant problems. PRRS strains are typified so that biosafety leaks can be detected. Based on the individual results of the audits an individual plan or approach for each farm was set up.

There has been an increase of awareness of the importance of biosafety and continuous monitoring by the farmers. Awareness that solving health problems like PRRS requires a total approach. All farms now have the same veterinarian. All farms use the same vaccines and the same vaccination scheme. 30% less problems than in 2015.

PRRSV is one of the most economically significant pathogens in swine, in many countries. It is reported that annual economical losses due to PRRSV are $664 million in USA. The spread of the virus is the biggest challenge of PRRS control, so an area regional approach on control/elimination has been initiated in more than 25 regions in North America, the Netherlands and Japan. So far, all those programs are totally swine producer-driven at voluntary basis, along with collaborations of universities or industrial partners. This best practice has been selected by the thematic group members since area regional control programs for PRRSV are used in the US but are not widely distributed in Europe.

The best practice ‘Clean and accessible water’ from Danish Clean Water (DCW) focuses on the provision of clean water to newly weaned pig in a trough, which are systematically cleaned at least once a day or more frequent deemed if necessary. Two drinking cups are present in each pen, which is twice as much as recommended. Although precision management of water is hardly done in practice, because costs of water are very low, availability of water is a vital production factor to support physiological processes in the pig.

Although water can have also functions in cleaning and climate control, this best practice focusses on the water consumption of a pig. Water provided should be consumed and not spilled, otherwise it contributes to an increase of manure costs. The water footprint for pigs is 5989 litre per kg of pig meat.

The DCW “best practice” provides clean water without any contamination of bacteria, algae, viruses, faeces etc. and it ensures adequate access to water. A biodegradable disinfectant NEUTHOX® is added to the water purification system which prevents formation of a biofilm in storage facilities, pipelines and drinking troughs. It inactivates e.g. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and salmonella spp, and use on surfaces or equipment showed good results in reducing Salmonella and E. coli in pig barns. It reduces the presence of pathogenic bacteria and thereby diminishes the use of antibiotics. Little evidence is present on the effect of additional water for piglets, but one study showed that pigs weaned at 35 days of age grew faster, when they drank from trough instead of nipple drinkers and when sufficient trough length were available. More water related data can increase awareness amongst farmers.

The Danish best practice ‘Systematic routine weighing’ improves feed efficiency of finisher pigs. Since feed provided to the pigs is a major contributor to production costs (up to 70%) it is worthwhile to optimize feed efficiency. Although there are a large variety of factors that impact feed efficiency (e.g., breed, environment, health, body composition, individual variation in maintenance requirements, etc.), body weight of the animals is arguably the most important factor driving pigs’ nutritional requirements during the growing period. Despite the simplicity of its definition, feed efficiency is a complex parameter to manage in commercial pig farms.

The best practice consists of a weighing system that allows the farmer to record growing/fattening pigs’ live weight on a daily or weekly basis, and a decision support system that is used to monitor pigs’ growth (to compare it with the expected growth) and to choose the right feed mix to be offered to the pigs. Feeding pigs a mixture of two feeds, blended according to their weight, is a practice that has the potential to optimise performance by reducing lysine intake and nitrogen excretion more than 20% thanks to a more precise feeding. Weight information can be used for testing different feed mixes and for selection of the large pigs that are send to slaughter earlier. Pig weighing in a regular basis also offers the possibility for more accurate early warning of upcoming diseases or veterinary interventions (dosing of medicaments is linked to the animals’ body weight in almost all of the cases), resulting in diseases having a lower impact on feed and growth efficiency.

Spain has traditionally produced a noticeable percentage of male piglets without castration among those not aiming at heavy pigs market. It’s estimated that 80% of male piglets are not castrated. Advantages are the better efficiency, healthier meat with less fat content and the avoidance of castration which has raised welfare concerns. This farmer is aware of the risks of producing entires: boar tainted carcasses and increased aggression and sexual behaviours. For those reasons, hygiene levels are taken into consideration and pigs are slaughtered at 105kg. Surveillance of behaviour is regular, to detect potential problems of increased aggression.

The benefits of producing entire males are better production efficiency, no need of castration and avoidance of the welfare side effects of the practice or other problems such as scrotal hernias or risk of mortality in some cases. From economical point of view, farmers save the associated costs of surgical castration: hand-work, materials, anaesthesia and/or analgesia. However, the risk of boar tainted carcasses and increased levels of aggression and sexual behaviours need to be properly addressed to ensure that entire male production is a proper alternative to surgical castration both on meat quality and welfare grounds. Producing entire males requires proper hygiene and health status on the farms, and proper management and supervision skills from the farmers to foresee and solve if necessary behavioural problems.

Sikana Oy farm has intact tails because docking is banned in Finland. The farm has 2980 finishers, 10 pigs/pen with 1/3 slatted floor and 2/3 solid with heating. There are heating pipes at the wall and negative pressure ventilation. Pens have two wood pieces as enrichment material and provided wood shavings 2 times/day. The liquid feed consists of grain, barley, whey and supplements. It is supplied 5 times/day and the trough (30 cm/pig) is never totally empty. Feed consumption is checked daily and supply adjusted as needed. Pigs have always access to water that is quality analysed regularly. Water pressure is adjusted for finishers. Compartments are preheated and pens have some bedding material and electrolyte solution in troughs when piglets arrive. Health status is high, SPF for enzootic pneumonia, atrophic rhinitis, mange, salmonella, PRRS and swine dysentery. The piggery is divided in two compartments with separate equipment. Boots are changed between compartments for biosecurity.

EU PiG evaluation of the idea

This seems to be a well-run farm. Crucial risk factors which may lead to tail biting appear to be controlled for. The farm has a high health status, a liquid feed is offered, fresh substrate is provided twice daily, and piglets are offered bedding material on arrival. Unfortunately no details on the level of tail biting or other injuries are provided, so it is hard to judge if these measures are effective.

In Denmark a quality scheme has been put in place, called “Heart pig”. For pig farmers adhering to this scheme there are specific requirements for acquiring this brand. Sows need to be kept in a loose housing system for the entire production cycle (except a few days at farrowing) and all animals must have access to straw. Tail docking is not allowed to be carried out. Management procedures, the use of straw and more space per pig contribute to facilitate the handling of pigs without tail docking. Straw need to be introduced frequently into the pen. The extra space allowance of 10% in all phases of the pig farms generates higher fixed costs. A second relevant effect is a higher feed consumption of sows due to their movement in loose house systems and more use of energy to heat to larger pens (33 kWh/sow). In the breeding phase a slightly higher pre-weaning mortality may be expected (+2.5%) and higher sow mortality (+1.5%), which requires an extra recruitment of gilts. The continuous access to straw implies the endowment of all pens with straw racks and the purchase of significant quantities of straw (160 kg/sow/year and 21 gr/pig /day). The labour time necessary to provide extra straw raises by more than 30%. Based on these assumptions the production costs of farms adhering to the brand “Heart Pig” rise from € 1,41/kg up to € 1,52/kg slaughter weight which corresponds to an increase of 7.9%. The extra production costs are however covered by the market price of pigs produced under this brand “Heart Pig”.

One of the biggest problems for farms, that raise uncastrated male pigs is the significant presence of boar taint of the carcasses at slaughter. Boar taint is determined by the key elements androstenone and scatole. Both of these substances have high heritability and these traits can therefore be included in a breeding value calculation. This possibility of reducing boar taint through a selection of terminal line boars has been successfully explored by Gfs-Topgenetik in Germany. The boar registered in the herd book of the “German Genetic” breeding organization belongs to the Westfleisch boar pool of the GFS. His progenies have been intensively tested, so his suitability for use in the boar fattening is proofed. After insemination and farrowing the male and female piglets are raised together in the rearing period, but are finished in separate groups.

The additional costs of the semen of these tested boars are € 1.10. Without the odour tested sires 3.5% of the carcasses show the significant presence of boar taint, but using the Gfs odour tested sires only 0.75% of the carcasses have to be discarded. Boars with conspicuous odours will suffer lower prices than boars without boar taint. Assuming the slaughtering of 2,250 boars without the use of odour tested sires 79 boars will show boar taint with a loss ranging from € 1,580 up to € 6,320 €. Using the Gfs odour tested sires only 17 boars will present boar taint and the losses will be limited up to a maximum of € 1,360.

In order to reduce drastically the use of antibiotics the farm of Kees van der Meijden has invested in a series of biosecurity measures. For each animal category (pregnant sows, rearing area, farrowing and weaner piglets) a specific biosecurity plan was set-up. Measures taken include for example separate feed silos, separate clean from dirty roads for feed delivery and carcass disposal, use of a specified fomites entry room, pest elimination, showers for visitors and special clothing for each barn, separate material for each barn with different colours, clarified walking lines between the 4 different compartments, needle-free treatments in the farrowing barn, strict separation of age groups, etc. Innovative is as well the use of a cooling plate for cooling the manure to 15 degrees within the farrowing house in order to reduce the production of ammonia and improve air quality. Special attention is paid to the water supply and water quality for the piglets; if necessary, water is acidified for newly weaned piglets. In all compartments of the farm, empty facilities are cleaned with detergent and dried before and after disinfection is performed. Certainly, part of this investment also explains the reduced use of antibiotics.

Due to the biosecurity measures undertaken by this pig farm, the production costs per kg slaughter weight slightly decline by 1.3%. The reason is that the increase of productivity of the sows and piglets and the strong reduction of medicines costs compensates the increase of the investment costs related to the higher biosecurity level of the farm.

The Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority (Teagasc) has adopted the University of Ghent Biosecurity Scoring Tool, the Biocheck.ugent®, as part of its Advisory Services package to enable farmers to review biosecurity on their farms. The Biocheck.ugent® scoring system is a science-based questionnaire that can be filled in online and assess if the adopted biosecurity measures are appropriate.

Questions on internal and external biosecurity are used to calculate a score which together with the associated report is adapted to the herd type. Questions on the external biosecurity evaluate the purchase of piglets; transport of animals, removal of manure and carcasses; feed, water and material supply; vermin control; and geographical location. Questions on internal biosecurity assess the health management; farrowing and suckling period; respect of the segregation and compartmentalisation; cleaning and disinfection.

Biocheck.ugent® helps the farmer to gain awareness about the biosecurity status of their pig farm and to identify possible areas of improvement. So far, the Biocheck.ugent® scoring has been carried out for 73 farms (25% of Irish farms) and these farms have been able to identify areas they need to improve on their farms. This will help improve biosecurity and thus pig health and performance, while reducing costs.

It has been observed that pig farms with a better score in external and internal biosecurity were also associated with better production and lower antimicrobial usage.