PHOTO: DARCY MAULSBY
WPX misses the world
Even though the show was called “World” Pork Expo, the 2021 event unfortu- nately had to make do without the presence of many intercontinental travellers, who because of Covid-19 were not all in a position to travel to Des Moines. Therefore the 2021 edition was slightly smaller than the 2018 edition, when 33,000 m2
of area was available for viewing. All indoor exhibits this year fitted
into the Varied Industries Building. Biosecurity protocols had also been stepped up in comparison to previous edi- tions. Footbaths were available at each entrance, soy products from ASF-positive countries were not allowed to be present at the show and any feed or feed in- gredients shown had to be disposed of prior to leaving the fairgrounds. But the major difference compared with previous years was that there were no live animals at the show – that is, the WPX did not have a Junior Pork Show.
There was reason to smile for the del- egates at WPX 2021. After two years there was a show again.
Part of the system includes PigEasy’s MealMeter equipment, which maximises intake without the feed and water waste that’s typically associated with feeding in farrowing. “The MealMeter is based on sows’ natural up-and-down rooting motion,” said Dave Klocke, the company’s founder and presi- dent. “They can get the feed they want, but they don’t play with the MealMeter and waste feed.” The PigEasy System in lactation also includes the lactation water pipe and button nipple in the company’s sow feeder. That means the sow cleans up the dispensed feed with every drink. The sow feeder has a focused eating area so feed cannot build up in corners. By giving each sow the freedom to consume feed ad lib while at the same time having the water in the bowl to serve as a “regulator”, sows optimise intake without feed and water waste. “This low-tech option is the answer to daily feeding headaches in the farrowing barn,” Klocke said. That doesn’t mean there’s no feed for piglets to explore. The feeder is just over 15 cm (6 in) off the ground, compared to 30.5 cm (1 ft) like other companies’ equipment. “The low en- try height is key,” said Klocke, who is an inventor and a pig farmer. Piglets can crawl up into the lactation bowl, where sows access feed and water, and clean up feed morsels. “We didn’t realise how much piglets were benefiting from this access until we stuck a GoPro camera on a feeder,” Holtz said. Visitors to the PigEasy booth could view a 12-minute video clip of piglets eagerly consuming feed in the bowl. “We’ve found that piglets start getting in there to eat at one week old,” Holtz added. That makes pigs’ transition to creep feeding much easier. “Our customers who operate swine nurseries often comment that our pigs are easier to get started on feed and have a better time transitioning to the new environment,” Holtz said.
Sow health through individual sow care Pig health and performance begin with the sow. It pays to conduct health, welfare and performance assessments on every sow, on every breed group, every day, said Emma Las- co, a pork production specialist with Zoetis, who spoke at one of the business seminars during the WPX. These efforts can help reduce sow mortality rates and culls, improve sow performance, stabilise the health status of sow farms and ensure animal well-being. “The basics of a success- ful herd go back to the basics of feed, water, air and individual sow care,” Lasco said. When conducting daily observations of animals, it’s important to be prepared. As producers walk through the barn, they should carry a thermometer, medication and sy- ringes, marking sticks or paint and sow treatment cards. It’s vital, when approaching the animals, to gently touch each sow to let her know where the caretakers are. A healthy sow can be recognised by the following signs: • Resting respiration of 12–30 breaths per minute; • Appropriate body condition score;
Emma Lasco (right) of Zoetis explains the ins and outs of the Individ- ual Sow Care programme.
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