Vitamin levels?

The vitamin requirements of pigs are dynamic. They may change along with the developments in modern genetics, nutrition, production systems or, as a result of a better understanding of their functions. Therefore, the vitamin recommendation guidelines need to be updated on a frequent basis.

More water, more weight

For piglets, eating and drinking are inextricably linked. It is very difficult on encourage high dry matter intakes unless sufficient water is consumed. Unfortunately, many producers do not appreciate the importance of a clean, easily accessible water source.

Producer responsibility and animal health

There is an increasing amount of pressure on producers to prove that their approach to production is undertaken responsibly, whether we are talking about welfare, the environment of food safety. Focusing on the latter, strategic decisions about health management can only be carried out confidently, and responsibly, if enough is known about the disease and potential treatments. We spoke to Johan Dreesen, marketing manager for Pharmacia Animal Health, to find out which factors of disease management should concern the producer.

Good sales representatives don't sell product!

Ethical and well-directed companies in the animal health business use "consultative selling" techniques. The theory is that if you get the product right in the first place it will sell itself – all the sales rep has to do is help the customer "create a solution". Jo Dreesen, head of global marketing for Pharmacia Animal Health's swine business, explores the sensitive topics of the interface between commercial organisations, veterinary science, and the health of farm animals. 

Formulating to solve the intestinal puzzle

Specific ingredients in nursery diets have a supportive role during the development of the digestive tract, and may counteract the stress-related imbalance in intestinal flora.

House hygiene rules

Farm hygiene is the practice of maintaining a location clean and free from infection. If a constant level of good hygiene is not maintained, production will not be profitable, the working environment will be poor, and animal well-being will be jeopardised.

Group size and performance

Group size is very important with regard to housing costs, in that the larger the group the lower the cost per pig place but does a larger group size reduce post-weaning performance?

Research into practice

In our research into practice' reviews, Dr. Ioannis Mavromichalis selects some of the latest nutritional research topics that are of practical importance to the pig industry.