pork journal july/august 2013

PrintPost Approved PP243096/00002 ISSN 1032 3759

PorkJournal

July/August 2013Volume 35, Number 4

PEDV outbreak inthe US shouldmean strongerbiosecurity guards

Frank DunsheareceivesNonruminantAnimal NutritionAward

APL holds on-line‘Butchers BattlePlan’ Webinar

A retrospective ofthe Australian pigindustry. Part One

NovusNutrition –building on ahistory ofinnvoation

PJJulyAugust2013:PJJanFeb09 27/08/13 11:27 AM

DuPont Virkon®S independently proven highly effective against over 10 Salmonella strains including S. typhimurium, S.enteritidis and Lienert Australia are the sole Australian Distributors of Antec Products. S.hadar

For more information contact:

Lienert Australia Pty Ltd 1 Gartrel Street, Roseworthy SA 5371 Ph: (08) 8524 8150 Fax: (08) 8524 8001 Email: [email protected] Web: www.lienerts.com.au

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When it comes to feeding your livestock,Efficiency = Profit

Lienert Australia has a team of qualified and experienced Nutritionists delivering an excellent nutritional servicepackage designed to help you, look after this vitally important aspect of production.

Our Nutritionists bring innovation & experience to:• Feed Formulation• Ingredient usage breakdown• Pelleted feed & raw material purchasing advise• Feeding programs and expected performance• On farm consultation

Lienert Australia• Delivers on farm• Provides feed ingredients, additives, supplements & Premixes• Offers vaccines & husbandry products

Supporting the Livestock Indusustry for 40 yearsFor further information on our Nutritional services & Product Information

telephone 1800 649 231Lienert Australia, 1 Gartrell Street Roseworthy SA 5371

NSW Office:Durham Street, Forbes MSW 2871Tel: (02) 6851 6200Fax: (02) 6851 6233


OFFICE ADDRESS:22 George St, East Gosford NSW 2250Ph: 02 4322 0799 Mob: 0419235288SUBSCRIPTIONS: AUSTRALIA One year – $66.00*.Send payment and full details to: Pork Journal, GPO Box 1846, Sydney NSW 2001Phone (02) 9492 7386 Fax: (02) 9492 7310 NEW ZEALAND One year – $NZ80. OTHER COUNTRIES Asia Pacific including theSubcontinent – One year: Airmail – $A90; Rest of the World – One year: Airmail – $A90. Please send payment in Australian dollars. *Australia subscription rate includes GST.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Send details to:

GPO Box 1846, Sydney NSW 2001,

Fax: (02) 9492 7310 (Subscriptions only).

ALL MATERIAL COPYRIGHT

(editorial and advertisements) and may not be

reproduced without the written consent of the

publishers. Whilst every care is taken to ensure the

accuracy of the contents of PORK JOURNAL, the

publishers do not accept any responsibility or

liability for the material herein.

Editorial EnquiriesPeter Bedwell or Rosemary Embery02 4322 0799 or 0419 235 288

Staff:Editor/Ad Sales: Peter BedwellPh: (02) 4322 0799 Mob: 0419 235 288Production: Rosemary Embery Email: [email protected]: 0409 944 472Journalist: Alex BedwellMob: 0478 647 798Website: www.primarymedia.com.au

PORK JOURNAL consists of a bi-monthly managementmagazine and an annual industry review. Published by C D Supplies Pty Ltd (ACN 091 560 557)

NEWS4 Frank Dunshea receives Nonruminant Animal Nutrition Award

Frank Dunshea, PhD, an expert on swine nutrition, was recently recognised for hisprofessional achievements by the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) and theAmerican Feed Industry Association.

14 Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus continues to spread across the United States

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) continues to spread across the USthroughout 16 states. Herd loss may affect pork production as countless pigs –most suckling and early-weaned pigs – die from the gastrointestinal disease.

16 APL holds live on-line ‘Butcher’s Battle Plan’ Webinar

On August 13 from 7pm to 7.45pm Australian Pork Limited (APL) held a live on-line seminar – the Butcher’s Battle Plan Webinar. The national event coveredvital issues including an APL overview, an independent retail channel performanceupdate covering percentage share of trading when compared to supermarkets andconsumer research and results to assist with keeping up with the modern day customer.

17 UK retailers edging towards next food scandal

National Pig Association (UK) is worried that the foundations for the next foodscandal are already being laid by some retailers as they edge away from the shorter supply chains they promised following Horsegate.

6 MAIN FEATURE

Novus Nutrition – building on a history of innovation

Dan Meagher, President of Global Animal Nutrition Solutions at Novus InternationalInc was recently in Australia to meet with the Australian Novus team. Peter Bedwellspoke to him and Nick Nettle, Sales Director for Novus in Australia and New Zealandabout the company’s future directions. Mr Meagher was enthusiastic about theAustralian market and how it had responded to the existing Novus range.

18 SPECIAL FEATURE

A retrospective of the Australian pig industry. Part One

Jim Berting looks back at his more than 50 years involvment in the Australian pigindustry. He arrived in Australia in 1966 and saw the local industry from a newcomer’sperspective. From previous experience with the UK and European pig industries oversome years, he had seen how, around the world, pig producers and their pigs adapt tolocal circumstances of climate, food sources and consumer demand.

10 HEALTH FEATURE

PEDV outbreak in the US should mean stronger biosecurity guards

Darryl D’Souza from APL looks at how developments surrounding the PED virus continues to cause consternation in the United States with producers and regulators at aloss to explain and control the outbreak. He says PEDV is just one example of theunknown biosecrity risk confronting our pork industry and more widely other livestockindustries in Australia.

PORK JOURNAL, July/August 2013 3

Dan Meagher, Novus International Inc

PorkJournal

July/August 2013Volume 35, Number 4

Contents

®

Lienert Australia are the sole Australian Distributors of Antec Products.

For more information contact:

Lienert Australia Pty Ltd 1 Gartrel Street, Roseworthy SA 5371 Ph: (08) 8524 8150 Fax: (08) 8524 8001 Email: [email protected] Web: www.lienerts.com.au

OFTEN IMITATED - NEVER EQUALLED

Virkon ®

DON’T DRIVE SALMONELLA ONTO YOUR FARM!

When it comes to feeding your livestock,Efficiency = Profit

Lienert Australia has a team of qualified and experienced Nutritionists delivering an excellent nutritional servicepackage designed to help you, look after this vitally important aspect of production.

Our Nutritionists bring innovation & experience to:• Feed Formulation• Ingredient usage breakdown• Pelleted feed & raw material purchasing advise• Feeding programs and expected performance• On farm consultation

Lienert Australia• Delivers on farm• Provides feed ingredients, additives, supplements & Premixes• Offers vaccines & husbandry products

Supporting the Livestock Indusustry for 40 yearsFor further information on our Nutritional services & Product Information

telephone 1800 649 231Lienert Australia, 1 Gartrell Street Roseworthy SA 5371

NSW Office:Durham Street, Forbes MSW 2871Tel: (02) 6851 6200Fax: (02) 6851 6233

PRODUCT NEWS

12 NaturClean bedding conditioner out absorbs leading competitors


Dr Frank Dunshea (right) receives his award from Chad Risley.

4 PORK JOURNAL, July/August 2013

NEWS

Frank Dunshea receives Nonruminant Animal Nutrition Award

New appointments at APL

Frank�Dunshea,�PhD,�an�expert�on�swinenutrition,�was�recently�recognised�for�hisprofessional�achievements�by�the�AmericanSociety�of�Animal�Science�(ASAS)�and�theAmerican�Feed�Industry�Association.�

Dr�Dunshea,�an�animal�scientist�andprofessor,�serves�as�Chair�of�Agriculture�forthe�University�of�Melbourne,�Australia.

Dr�Dunshea’s�research�in�swine�nutritionand�metabolism�has�greatly�impacted�theindustry,�with�many�of�his�findings�havingbeen�taken�up�by�the�swine�industry.�

He�has�made�important�contributionson�effects�of�metabolism�modifiers�on�nutrient�requirements,�and�has�led�the�commercialisation�of�an�immunocastrationvaccine�and�conducted�research�on�theimpact�of�immunocastration�on�nutrientrequirements.�

He�also�investigated�nutritional�means�ofmanipulating�growth�and�pork�quality�toreduce�defects.�

Dr�Dunshea�has�chaired�the�Universityof�Melbourne’s�agriculture�department�for�sixyears.�He�also�trained�at�La�Trobe�University,Melboure,�Australia,�and�Cornell�University,New�York,�before�working�as�a�governmentscientist�(VIC�DPI)�for�17�years.

No matter what challenge you face with Mycoplasma pneumonia, RespiSure® gives you more program options for protection of your herd.

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Dr�Dunshea�has�published�more�than500�journals,�conference�books�and�technicalarticles.�

His�notable�achievements�include�beingawarded�the�Daniel�McAlpine�OutstandingAchievement�Award�for�Innovation�inAgricultural�Research�for�his�biomedical�andfunctional�foods�research�and�being�namedthe�2007�recipient�of�the�Australian�Ministerof�Agriculture’s�prize�for�his�role�in�reducing,replacing�and�refining�the�use�of�animals�inresearch.�

He�is�also�a�Fellow�of�the�NutritionSociety�of�Australia.The�NonruminantAnimal�Nutrition�Award�was�presented�toDr�Dunshea�by�Chad�Risley,�during�theannual�ASAS�meeting�in�Indianapolis,Indiana.�Mr�Risley�presented�the�award�onbehalf�of�AFIA.

APL�has�announced�that�Robyn�Terry�hasbeen�appointed�as�the�R&I�Manager,Production�Innovation.�

Ms�Terry�is�a�CRC�PhD�scholar�(in�herfinal�few�months)�in�Animal�Sciences�at�theUniversity�of�Adelaide,�within�the�Schoolof�Animal�and�Veterinary�Sciences.�

Her�area�of�expertise�is�pig�reproduc-tion.�Robyn�will�be�working�fromRoseworthy�until�she�makes�the�move�toCanberra�around�the�end�of�August.�

Following�Emalyn�Loudon’s�departureto�return�back�west�to�take�up�a�positionas�Technical�Services�Manager�withWestpork�Pty�Ltd,�APL�announcedImogene�Gardiner�as�the�R&I�Manager,Technology�Adoption.��

Ms�Gardiner�currently�works�forPacific�Ocean�Enterprises.�

She�has�recently�completed�her�Master’sDegree�in�Politics�and�Public�Policy�andBachelor�of�Arts�(InternationalCommunications),�Macquarie�University.A�start�date�for�Ms�Gardiner�is�still�to�beconfirmed. New appointment at APL, Robyn Terry

To advertise in Pork JournalMagazine contact Peter

Bedwell on 0419 235 288 or (02) 4322 0799.

For rates go to www.primarymedia.com.au


No matter what challenge you face with Mycoplasma pneumonia, RespiSure® gives you more program options for protection of your herd.

MORE OPTIONS TO BREATHE EASY.

RespiSure® Onesingle shot (2 mL)

RespiSure®

two shots (2 mL)

1 day old or 1 week oldor 3 weeks

1 week old and 3 weeks

© 2013 Zoetis Inc. All rights reserved. Zoetis Australia Pty Ltd 38–42 Wharf Road, West Ryde, NSW, 2114. www.zoetis.com.au AM73620 03/13 PAL0858



Novus Nutrition – building on a history of innovation

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“Despite�the�highly�competitive�natureof�animal�nutrition�product�sales�inAustralia,�we�have�grown�and�continue�tobring�new�technology�solutions�to�our�customers�and�are�confident�that�we�can�doeven�better�in�the�future,”�he�added.

Nick�has�had�long�experience�supplyingthe�Australian�and�New�Zealand�feed�industries.�He�started�his�career�with�CliffThurley’s�Agribusiness�Group�based�inSouth�Australia�in�the�days�when�feed�was�alot�less�expensive,�and�the�market�had�notbeen�flooded�by�imports.�Also�there�were�alot�more�famers�than�there�are�today.

When�Provimi�took�over�Agribusinessin�2001,�Nick�went�along�and�worked�withthat�group�until�Provimi�left�Australia�andNick�joined�Novus.

“Having�the�support�of�a�global�enterprise�like�Novus�has�been�a�key�factorin�our�success.�The�company�developed

Novus�Nutrition�is�a�great�organisa-tion�to�be�a�part�of,”�stated�Nick�Nettle,Sales�Director�for�Novus�in�Australia�andNew�Zealand.

By PETER BEDWELL

Dan Meagher meets the Novus Australian team (LtoR) Jasmin Floyed, NickNettle, Dan Meagher, Kalyan Eda, Gunjan Vora and Heyley Deng.

some�of�the�world’s�best�nutrition�productsfor�growing�intensive�livestock�when�theywere�a�division�of�US�giant�Monsanto.

“When�they�were�sold�to�Mitsui�andNippon�Soda�the�investment�in�both�R&Dand�marketing�development�continued�withthe�result�that�even�in�competitive�marketssuch�as�Australia�the�Novus�name,�reputa-tion�and�focus�on�bringing�sustainable�technology�to�our�clients,�opens�doors�tofarmers�and�feed�suppliers�who�are�almostalways�interested�in�what�we�have�to�say,”Nick�said.

“Our�ability�to�develop�product�solutions�and�run�trials�in�both�the�best�andtoughest�markets�for�animal�nutrition,delivers�benefits�for�all�regions�includingAustralia�and�New�Zealand.

“However�having�the��best�products�inthe�world�counts�for�little�if�you�can’t�deliver�optimum�service.�Over�the�last�

“


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Dan Meagher, President of Global

Animal Nutrition Solutions at Novus

International Inc on a recent visit to

Sydney to meet the Australian team.

couple�of�years�we�have�built�up�a�teamwho�work�closely�with�our�clients�and�reallytake�their�interests�and�problems�to�heart.

We�now�have�a�close�knit�group�of�individuals�with�the�varied�skill�set�neededto�meaningfully�contribute�to�the�sustain-ability�of�the�farms�and�businesses�who�relyon�our�products,”�Nick�explained.

“Improving�grower�efficiency�is�onlyone�aspect�of�what�we�have�to�offer.�Consumer�expectations�now�include�environmental�issues,�animal�welfare,�and,vital�for�both�retailers�and�consumers,�eating�quality.

“Novus�now�and�into�the�future�isaware�of�new�demands�and�is�working�toaddress�them�with�product�solutions�andappropriate�advice.

“Pressures�created�by�animal�welfareconcerns,�the�need�to�continue�to�improveboth�meat�quality�and�shelf�life�whileachieving�cost�reductions�are�challengesNovus�faces�in�working�with�producers�tofind�sustainable�solutions�to�their�livestockoperations,”�he�said.

On�August�17,�Pork Journal met�USbased�Dan�Meagher,�President�of�GlobalAnimal�Nutrition�Solutions�at�NovusInternational�Inc.�who�was�visitingAustralian�to�discuss�future�plans�withmembers�of�the�Sydney-based�Novus�team.

Mr�Meagher�is�responsible�for�the�company’s�Livestock�Sales�and�DistributionBusiness�Unit,�which�includes�animalresearch�and�development,�global�sales,technology,�marketing�logistics�and�localmanufacturing�functions.

Previously�he�was�Vice�President,�TheAmericas�for�Novus�and�led�the�company’sdiversification�efforts�to�serve�multiple�mar-ket�segments�in�the�agriculture�industry.

He�joined�Novus�in�2007�as�WorldArea�Director,�North�America.

Mr�Meagher�has�held�prominent�roleswithin�the�agribusiness�community�formore�than�25�years.�

Originally�from�St�Louis,�he�holds�twobachelor�degrees�in�finance�and�accountingand�serves�on�a�number�of�boards.

He�was�enthusiastic�about�theAustralian�market�and�how�it�responded�tothe�existing�Novus�range�as�well�asprospects�for�the�future�as�new�productsbecome�available.

“The�challenges�are�always�to�achievemore�with�less�and�be�able�to�respond�tocommercial�realities�of�livestock�productionwhilst�addressing�consumer�concerns�overwelfare�and�environmental�issues,”�MrMeagher�said.

“Mintrex�chelated�trace�minerals,�forexample,�assist�in�improving�sow�health�andachieving�their�genetic�potential�throughbetter�utilization.�This�also�reduces�thepotential�of�minerals�not�absorbed�by�theanimal�to�generate�environmental�problems”.

“We�operate�in�morethan�100�countriesand�what�we�learn�about�getting�the�bestperformance�from�basic�feed�stocks�in�oneregion�often�has�significance�for�other�markets.

In�the�rapidly�expanding�African�market,�cassava�is�a�critical�resource�andwhat�we�have�learnt�about�using�this�cropin�livestock�feed�could�apply�to�other�markets,�now�and�into�the�future,”he�said.

“Our�joint�venture�with�Verenium,�aSan�Diego�based�leading�edge�biotechnologycompany,�focused�on�the�development�ofhigh�performance�enzymes,�was�announcedin�June�2011�with�the�aim�of�commercia-lising�a�suite�of�new�products�that�will�resultin�benefits�for�our�customers�globally.�Itmeans�that�the�new�enzyme�technology�willonly�come�from�Novus.

v

NEWSUK: Sainsbury’s to use only British fresh pork

All�fresh�pork�in�Sainsbury’s�stores�will�beBritish�from�now�on,�the�supermarket�hassaid.�The�retailer�will�be�sourcing�70%more�pigs�from�Britain�to�guarantee�all�itsfresh�pork�comes�from�British�farms.

Zoe�Davies�from�the�National�PigAssociation�welcomed�the�announcementbut�called�on�Sainsbury’s�to�extend�its�commitment�to�bacon,�and�other�large�volume�lines.

“The�National�Pig�Association�is�ofcourse�pleased�by�this�important�move,which�strengthens�Sainsbury’s�commitmentto�buying�British�and�shortening�supply

chains�while�giving�their�pork�suppliersmuch�needed�confidence�to�invest�in�theirbusinesses�and�secure�future�supply,”�saidMs�Davies.

“Now�all�their�fresh�pork,�ham�andsausages�are�British,�we�look�forward�toworking�with�Sainsbury’s�to�focus�on�largevolume�lines�such�as�bacon.”

The�NFU�also�encouraged�Sainsbury’sto�extend�the�100%�British�commitment�toother�lines.�

“This�latest�step�to�source�100%British�pork�across�its�fresh�lines�comes�at�acritical�time,”�said�NFU�Head�of�Food

Chain�Deborah�Cawood.“The�move�to�strengthen�partnerships

with�UK�pig�farmers�is�also�a�step�in�theright�direction�in�securing�longer�term�sus-tainability�of�UK�produced�food.�

“We�hope�that�Sainsbury’s�develop-ment�in�the�poultry�sector�to�roll�out�theirUK�commitment�to�processed�foodsincluding�ready�meals,�pies�and�other�products�is�matched�across�food�ranges.”

Sainsbury’s�confirmed�its�commitmentto�British�sourcing�as�part�of�its�promise�todouble�the�amount�of�British�food�it�sellsby�2020.

“Data�is�king�when�it�comes�to�under-standing�digestible�nutrients.�The�scale�ofour�operations�and�long�term�investment�inR&D�enables�Novus�to�supply�our�opera-tions�around�the�world,�including�Australiaand�New�Zealand,�with�the�informationthey�need�to�assist�growers�in�each�of�ourmarkets,”�Mr�Meagher�concluded.


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From BEC Feed solutions

Leave Nothing To Chance


Darryl D’Souza from APL


HEALTH FEATURE

In�a�previous�article,�I�provided�a�summary�of�‘issues’�around�global�develop-ments�in�relation�to�Porcine�Reproductiveand�Respiratory�Syndrome�(PRRS),Porcine�Epidemic�Diarrhea�Virus�(PEDV)and�African�Swine�Fever�(ASF).��

Since�that�article,�development�aroundPED�continues�to�cause�consternation�inthe�United�States�(US),�with�producers�andregulators�at�a�loss�to�explain�and�controlthe�outbreaks.

As�reported�recently,�PED�is�caused�bya�coronavirus.�PED�virus�(PEDv)�is�aTransmissible�Gastro-Enteritis�(TGE)�likevirus�affecting�most�age�groups�of�pigs�insusceptible�herds.�

While�the�virus�does�not�tend�to�killolder�pigs,�mortality�among�very�youngpigs�infected�can�vary�considerably,�with100%�mortalities�observed�in�some�herds.When�the�disease�is�endemic,�then�diarrhoea�is�observed�with�lower�morbidityin�predominantly�suckling�and�recentlyweaned�pigs.��

The�United�States�Department�ofAgriculture�(USDA)�first�confirmed�thePED�virus�(PEDV)�on�May�13,�2013�withfour�confirmed�cases�in�sow�herds�(three�inIowa,�one�in�Indiana).�

Based�on�findings�reported�onAmerican�Association�of�SwineVeterinarians�(AASV)�website�(July�29,2013),�PED�has�now�been�confirmed�in�14states�across�the�US�(Colorado,�Iowa,Illinois,�Indiana,�Kansas,�Michigan,Minnesota,�Missouri,�North�Carolina,�NewYork,�Ohio,�Oklahoma,�Pennsylvania�andSouth�Dakota).�

PED�was�first�diagnosed�in�GreatBritain�in�1971,�with�sporadic�outbreaks�inEurope�but�nothing�major.��

PED�has�become�an�endemic�pig�disease�in�Asia�since�1982.�For�the�mostpart�PED�in�Europe�is�seen�as�a�minorimpost�to�pig�production,�while�in�ChinaPED�is�still�regarded�as�a�major�pig�disease.

From�a�public�health�view�point,�PED�onlyinfects�pigs.�There�are�no�other�knownhosts�for�this�virus.��

Interestingly,�PED�is�not�a�WorldOrganization�for�Animal�Health�(OIE)reportable�disease�and�the�US�NationalPork�Producers�Council�(NPPC),�asexpected,�has�been�very�vocal�in�statingthat�PED�should�not�affect�its�export�markets.��

However,�following�the�first�few�out-breaks,�Mexico�announced�restrictions�onimports�of�live�swine�from�the�US.��TheCanadian�swine�industry�is�also�on�highalert�and�has�called�for�diligence�of�allswine�industry�stakeholders.��

The�hunt�is�well�and�truly�on�to�findthe�origins�of�this�PED�outbreak�in�the�USand�and�American�Association�of�SwineVeterinarians�(AASV),�in�collaborationwith�Pork�Board,�NPPC�and�USDA,�havedeveloped�a�survey�to�examine�the�epidemi-ology�of�the�recent�introduction�of�PEDV.

The�objective�of�the�survey�is�to�determine�how�the�virus�entered�the�USswine�herd.��

While�I�am�the�first�to�admit�that�Ihave�little�knowledge�of�how�the�OIE�clas-sifies�diseases�as�exotic/reportable,�it�wouldappear�that�PED�is�exotic�to�the�US.�Infact�the�first�few�sentences�from�the�AASVwebsite�states�that�“The�Porcine�epidemicdiarrhea�virus�(PEDV)�didn’t�just�sponta-neously�evolve�in�Midwest�swine�herds.�Itwas�introduced�into�the�US�from�some-where.�So,�where�did�it�come�from?”�

So�how�did�PED�get�into�the�US?�Asusual,�the�internet�is�full�of�suggestions�andI�hasten�to�add�none�of�which�have�beensubstantiated.�

I�will�not�try�to�document�the�varioustheories�because�quite�frankly�most�have�nosubstantiative�basis�and�I�would�rather�nothave�lawyers�knock�on�my�door.��I�am�sureit�is�just�a�matter�of�time�before�the�USauthorities�find�the�source�and�take�

measures�to�rectify�the�PED�issue�but�inmany�ways�the�horse�has�already�bolted.��

In�hindsight,�it’s�easy�for�the�NPPC�tomake�statements�like�those�reported�in�anarticle�in�the�Meat�New�Daily�website�(10April�2013)�stating�that�“NPPC�is�urgingUS�trade�negotiators�to�ask�New�Zealandand�Australia,�which�also�imposes�unscien-tific�restrictions�on�US�pork�because�ofPorcine�Reproductive�and�RespiratorySyndrome�(PRRS),�to�remove�all�PRRS-related�restrictions�and�allow�full�and�openaccess�for�US�pork�and�pork�products�as�apart�of�the�Trans-Pacific�Partnership�negotiations”.��

I�am�not�stating�that�the�PED�viruscan�enter�Australia,�via�imported�pork�products,�however�PED�is�just�one�exampleof�the�unknown�biosecurity�risk�confronting�our�pork�industry�and�morewidely�other�livestock�industries�inAustralia.�This�outbreak�of�PED�in�the�USstrengthens�the�absolute�need�to�maintain,and�some�would�argue�heighten,�our�biosecurity�guard�even�with�our�currentsanitary�and�phytosanitary�standards.��

A�quick�note�on�ASF�and�that�appearsto�be�making�news�in�Eastern�Europe�andhas�Western�Europe�on�high�alert.�TheFrench�Directorate�General�of�Food(DGAL)�is�the�latest�to�come�out�and�statethat�“the�current�situation�is�critical”�refer-ring�to�the�number�of�continued�ASF�out-breaks�in�Eastern�Europe.

PEDV outbreak in the US shouldmean stronger biosecurity guardsBy DARRYL D’SOUZA, PhD, GM Research & Innovation



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PRODUCT NEWS

NaturClean bedding conditioner out absorbs leading competitors

Above: Test results showing that Naturclean canabsorb up to 5 mls of liquid for every 10 grams ofNaturClean. *formerly Mistal. Below left: NaturClean helps keep new born pigletsdry and free from infection. Below: The bedding conditioner is made from natural ingredients including dehydrated cystalised seaweed.

NaturClean�Ultra-absorbent�bedding�conditioner�is�manufacturedfrom�natural�ingredients�including�dehydrated�crystalised�seaweedand�essential�oils.�

“NaturClean�is�vastly�superior�in�absorbency�to�many�competingproducts�and�can�absorb�up�to�5�mls�of�liquid�for�every�10�grams�ofNaturClean,”�said�Michael�Pritchard�from�Lienerts,�Australian�distributor�for�the�product.�

“In�tests�NaturClean�out�absorbs�all�the�competitors�leading�tolonger�drying,�less�product�used�and�less�frequent�applications.�Thismeans�lowering�the�cost�in�use�of�NaturClean�to�even�below�that�ofits�least�cost�of�competitors,”�he�said.

“NaturClean�has�further�benefits�in�that�it�reduces�the�levels�ofammonia�in�the�animal�housing�making�it�a�better�environment�forboth�animals�and�personnel�having�to�work�in�the�same�environ-ment.

“It�can�even�be�mixed�with��slurry�to�reduce�the�levels�of�ammonia�quickly.�In�trials�ammonia�levels�were�reduced�95%�in�twohours.

“Unlike�mineral�based�products�bedding�products,�NaturCleanwill�not�block�up�pipes�and�drains�as�it�is�soluble�in�manure�andassists�in�breaking�manure�down.

“NaturClean�readily�absorbs�moisture.�New�born�animals�arewet�from�neonatal�fluids�and�they�can�get�cold�very�quickly,�and�alayer�of�NaturClean�absorbs�those�fluids�keeping�young�animals�dryand�warm�and�can�prevent�navels�becoming�infected�by�preventingcontact�with�pen�floors,�feaces�and�dirt�in�bedding.�

“After�microbiological�trials�carried�out�to�meet�the�specificrequirements�of�the�APVMA�here�in�Australia,�NaturClean�can�nowalso�claim�to�reduce�bacteria�levels�whereever�it�is�used�therebyreducing�pathogen�challenges�for�animals�and�particularly�young�animals�making�NaturClean�an�essential�management�tool�to�getyoung�animals�off�to�a�healthy�start.

“Safe�for�use�with�animals�present�and�safe�for�the�staff�and�environment,�NaturClean�is�the�ideal�management�aid�for�busyoperations,”�Mr�Pritchard�said.

“With�an�application�rate�of�50�grams�per�sq�meter�two�or�threetimes�per�week,�the�benefits�will�be�seen�in�the�results�almost�straightaway,”�He�concluded.

Fiona�Young�and�Tom�Braun�who�own�Myora�Farm�have�saidthat�NaturClean�is�an�excellent�management�aid.�It�is�available�fromall�quality�rural�stores.�The��APVMA�Approval�Number�is�65704�/51633.�For�more�information�contact�Lienert�on�1800�629�231�foryour�nearest�stockist.

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NEWS

Charoen Pokphand Foods buysmajor stake in RBPI

Jess Naylor joins Auspac

Thai�company�Charoen�Pokphand�Foods�Plc�(CPF)�will�pay�€ 76.8million�for�a�83%�stake�in�Russia�Baltic�Pork�Invest�ASA�(RBPI),�alarge-scale�grain�and�pork�producer�in�the�European�part�of�Russia,according�to�RBPI.

Under�the�deal,�CPF�Investment�Limited�(CPFI),�a�subsidiary�ofCPF,�will�purchase�the�shares�from�Capman�Russian�Fund�LP�in�thethird�quarter�of�this�year.�

“The�deal�is�part�of�CPF’s�food�expansion�plans�into�Russia,where�it�already�operates�a�feed�mill�and�integrated�swine�businesses,”said�President�and�CEO�Adirek�Sripratak.

“The�investment�aims�to�serve�a�huge�demand�for�meat�in�thecountry,�at�2.75�million�tonnes�a�year,�while�local�production�capacityremains�low,�leading�to�imports�of�some�750,000�tonnes�of�porkevery�year.”�

Adirek�said�the�management�team�of�RBPI�is�competent�and�heis�confident�the�cooperation�would�help�increase�supply�to�meet�therising�demand.

The�company�projects�that�its�new�capacities�in�Russia�will�helpit�to�improve�operational�performance.�CPF�projects�sales�this�year�toincrease�by�10-15%.�Operations�in�12�countries�including�Russia�areexpected�to�contribute�55%�to�revenue�in�2013�thanks�to�aggressiveinvestment�expansion�in�recent�years.

Philip�Lambeth�hasannounced�that�JessNaylor�has�joined�theAuspac�Ingredients�team.�

Jess�graduated�fromthe�University�of�NewEngland�in�2008�with�aBachelor�of�RuralScience�(Hons).�Oncompletion�of�her�degree,Jess�began�working�forJBS�Swift�as�a�graduatebased�at�Beef�CityFeedlot,�Toowoomba.�

Through�this�pro-gram�she�gained�exposureto�many�aspects�of�feed-lot�operations�including�feed�milling,�animal�husbandry,�animalhealth�and�nutrition.�

She�also�gained�valuable�experience�working�across�several�Swiftfeedlots,�abattoirs�and�at�the�Brisbane�head�office.�

Jess�has�spent�the�past�three�years�working�for�Suncorp�Bank�inboth�Agribusiness�and�Treasury�departments,�servicing�clients�fromRegional�NSW�and�QLD.

Jess�joins�the�AusPac�Ingredients�team�as�Regional�SalesManager�–�Northern�Region.�She�can�be�contacted�on�0439�195993�or�email:�[email protected]



NEWS

Porcine�epidemic�diarrhea�virus�(PEDV)continues�to�spread�across�the�US�through-out�16�states.�Herd�loss�may�affect�porkproduction�as�countless�pigs�– most�suck-ling�and�early-weaned�pigs�– die�from�thegastrointestinal�disease.�

Since�the�identification�of�the�virus�wasconfirmed�in�the�United�States�May�17,more�than�400�cases�have�been�reported.

A�report�prepared�by�the�USDepartment�of�Agriculture�Animal�andPlant�Health�Inspection�Service�(USDA-APHIS),�National�Veterinary�Service

early-weaned�pigs�in�naï ve�herds.�“Nursery�pigs,�grow/finish�pigs�and

adult�animals�experience�a�high�rate�ofmorbidity�but�low�mortality�with�thevirus,”�says�Harry�Snelson,�Director�ofCommunications�for�the�AmericanAssociation�of�Swine�Veterinarians.“Therefore,�any�potential�impact�on�porksupply�will�be�a�number�of�months�downthe�road.”

The�Iowa�Pork�Industry�Center�saidPEDV�is�a�coronavirus�related�to�transmis-sible�gastroenteritis�virus�(TGEV).�

The�primary�clinical�sign�in�outbreaksthat�occur�in�previously�naï ve�herds�issevere�diarrhea�in�pigs�of�all�ages.�Clinicalsigns�are�essentially�identical�to�thoseexpected�with�acute�TGEV�infection.�

The�Pork�Industry�Center�says�after�theinitial�epidemic,�PEDV�usually�becomesendemic.�It�is�spread�via�the�fecal-oral�routewith�a�short�incubation�period�of�12�to�24hours.�The�virus�is�shed�for�7�to�10�days.

“Once�the�virus�is�present�in�a�naï veherd�it�spreads�very�easily�and�you�probablywant�it�to�spread�quickly�so�all�the�animalsget�exposed�and�begin�developing�immunity,”�Snelson�says.

Officials�believe�herd�closure�followedby�100%�feedback�exposure�will�be�a�successful�herd�elimination�protocol.�

The�virus�is�easily�spread�by�trucks,boots�and�on�clothing�contaminated�withfecal�material�from�shedding�pigs,�but�officials�believe�biosecurity�measures�foundeffective�in�containing�TGEV�will�also�beeffective�with�PEDV.�

“Several�virucidal�disinfectants�havebeen�demonstrated�to�be�effective�to�inacti-vate�PEDV,�such�as�formalin�(1%),�sodiumcarbonate�(4%�anhydrous),�lipid�solventsand�strong�iodophors�(1%)�in�phosphoricacid,”�says�the�Iowa�Pork�Industry�Centeron�its�PEDV�factsheet.�

“Examples�of�disinfectants�effectiveagainst�PEDV�include�Clorox,�Virkon�S,Stroke�Environ�and�Tek-Tol.”�

The�organisation�says�sanitising�anddrying�or�heating�pig�trailers�is�also�effective�against�PEDV.�Temperaturesabove�150�degrees�F�for�more�than�10�minutes�will�inactivate�the�virus.

Snelson�says�sanitation�and�biosecuritymeasures�are�essential�to�prevent�the�spreadof�the�virus�by�people�– specifically�trans-port�vehicle�personnel.�

“PEDV�does�not�affect�people�– pigsare�the�only�known�host.�It�is�not�a�food-safety�concern.�The�virus�is�not�a�trade-restrictive�disease�and�has�been�present�inmany�countries�such�as�Great�Britain�andAsia�for�decades.”�

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus continues to spread across the United States

Laboratories�and�the�National�AnimalHealth�Laboratories�Network�indicates�ajump�in�positive�tests�between�the�week�ofMay�13�– with�10�cases�contained�to�Iowa,Minnesota�and�Colorado�– to�44�cases�theweek�of�May�20.�

The�virus�seemed�to�spread�significantlyin�Iowa,�increasing�from�four�cases�to�25.The�virus�also�spread�to�Missouri�andOklahoma.

Cases�in�suckling�and�nursery�pigsbecame�prevalent�the�week�of�June�16�witha�high�mortality�rate�of�30%�to�100%�in

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Zoetis combats PED virus

Zoetis�has�affirmed�its�commitment�to�finding�a�solutionto�help�control�the�recent�outbreak�of�Porcine�EpidemicDiarrhea�virus�(PED�virus).�The�devastating,�costly�virushas�been�positively�identified�in�17�states�since�April.

“As�a�veterinarian,�I�am�committed�to�finding�a�solution,�including�quick-yielding�diagnostic�tools�and�efficacious�vaccines,�that�can�control�this�devastating�virus,”said�Michael�Senn,�DVM,�MS,�manager,�Pork�TechnicalServices,�Zoetis.�

“We�are�drawing�upon�our�global�research�and�devel-opment�resources�as�well�as�working�with�health�authoritiesand�veterinary�centers�of�excellence�worldwide�to�identifyeffective�solutions�and�help�the�pork�industry�achieveresults.”

Zoetis�is�supporting�University�of�Minnesotaresearchers�to�develop�a�rapid�PED�virus�diagnostic�test.

“Helping�fund�the�development�of�the�rapid�diagnostictool�is�just�one�way�we�are�investing�in�and�finding�a�solution�against�this�virus,”�said�Gloria�Basse,�VicePresident,�US�Pork�Business�Unit,�Zoetis.�

“We�believe�that�diagnostic�tools�and�vaccines�are�partof�the�solution�equation.�Our�research�and�developmentteams�will�continue�to�collaborate�with�our�university�andindustry�partners�until�this�disease�is�controlled.”

PED�virus,�similar�to�transmissible�gastroenteritis(TGE),�can�cause�devastating�losses�up�to�100%�in�infectedpiglets�up�to�3�weeks�of�age.�Weaned�pigs�and�adult�pigsare�at�less�severe�risk,�but�they�can�suffer�reduced�growthrates.�The�virus�spreads�rapidly�through�a�herd�via�fecal-oral�contamination�and�infects�pigs�within�12�to�36�hours.�

“While�we�continue�our�efforts�to�determine�the�bestsolution�to�PED�virus,�it’s�important�that�producers�remainvigilant�to�their�herd’s�health�and�contact�their�veterinarianif�they�suspect�abnormalities,”�Dr�Senn�said.�

“Producers�should�heighten�their�biosecurity�awareness.This�outbreak�serves�as�a�good�reminder�to�review�biosecu-rity�practices�with�your�employees,�truckers�and�consultantswho�have�regular�contact�with�your�farm.

“Dr�Senn�suggests�these�biosecurity�practices�shared�bythe�American�Association�of�Swine�Veterinarians:• Label�and�use�chutes�for�loading�and�unloading.�Use�theloading�chute�only�for�animals�that�are�leaving�your�farm.Healthy�animals�unloaded�using�the�loading�chute�could�beexposed�to�the�virus.�• Wash�and�disinfect�all�unloading�chutes�and�driver�areasas�often�as�possible.�Use�a�2%�phenol-based�disinfectant�inthe�areas�where�drivers�walk�to�enter�the�chute,�from�pointof�entry�to�the�top�and�all�areas�where�the�chute�contactsthe�truck.• Require�that�all�trailers�used�to�pick�up�animals�becleaned�and�disinfected�before�arrival.�Be�sure�to�allowenough�time�for�the�disinfectant�to�dry�before�use.• Provide�coveralls�and�boots�for�employees�to�wear�whileon�the�farm.�These�materials�should�stay�on-site�and�bewashed�routinely.•�If�your�farm�allows�guests,�provide�clear�direction�forwhere�they�should�report�upon�arrival.�Also,�provide�themwith�coveralls�and�boots�before�they�enter�any�facilities.



NEWS

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APL holds live on-line ‘Butcher’s Battle Plan’ Webinar

Selko Feed Additivestakes on new MD

On�August�13�from�7pm�to�7.45pmAustralian�Pork�Limited�(APL)�held�a�liveon-line�seminar�– the�Butcher’s�Battle�PlanWebinar.

The�national�event�covered�vital�issuesincluding�an�APL�overview,�an�indepen-dent�retail�channel�performance�updatecovering�percentage�share�of�trading�whencompared�to�supermarkets�and�consumerresearch�and�results�to�assist�with�keepingup�with�the�modern�day�customer.

Though�registered�to�participate,�PorkJournal,�thanks�to�problems�with�our�NBNconnection�(if�you’ve�statistically�got�NBNyou�can’t�have�ADSL,�so�we�have�neither!)and�our�wireless�modem�was�not�up�to�thetask�of�maintaining�a�link.

Fortunately�for�both�Pork Journal andthose�interested�in�butchers’�relationshipwith�pork�there�is�a�45�minute�You-Tubeof�the�event��at�youtu.be/F71muW5ruz4

Terry�Edgar,�who�runs�the�Butcher’sBattle�Plan�initiative�for�APL,�introducedthe�Webinar�by�stating�that�the�on-lineapproach�of�the�Webinar�recognised�thepressures�on�retail�butchers�time�and�availability.

Peter�Haydon,�APL’s�MarketingManager started�his�presentation�with�thesobering�fact�that,�“independent�retailbutchers�had�lost�2%�share�of�fresh�meat

sales�to�Woolies,�Coles�and�Aldi�and�thatconsumers�had�purchased�slightly�less�thanlast�year�but�were�shopping�more�frequentlyand�putting�less�meat�in�the�freezer.

“Why�are�butchers�loosing�sales?”�heasked.

“Fewer�people�are�coming�throughtheir�doors.�Butchers�have�lost�1�in�6�oftheir�customers�as�the�supermarkets�continue�to�step�up�their�gain.

“This�is�a�retailer�problem,�not�a�promotional�issue,”�Mr�Haydon�stated.

“People�still�love�butchers,�the�qualitythey�offer�along�with�personalised�advice,but�the�enemy�for�butchers�is�the�conve-nience�the�supermarkets�offer.

“A�strategy�to�lessen�this�trend�could�bebetter�communications�with�customersthrough�phone,�text,�emails�and�deliveryservice,”�he�suggested.

“Other�options�that�mimicked�super-market�strategy�included�‘pick�and�go’�forstable�items�and�‘vac�pac’�to�extend�shelflife.

“Seven�out�of�10�Coles�and�Wooliesshoppers�own�and�use�a�loyalty�card.�If�coffee�shops�can�run�loyalty�schemes�howhard�would�it�be�for�butchers�to�do�thesame,”�he�commented.

“Many�customers�shop�for�five�daysmeat�supply,�consider�offering�significant

discounts�for�the�final�day’s�meal.“Packaging�meat�for�consumer�appeal

and�convenience�has�been�a�strength�ofsupermarkets�meat�sale�strategy.�Retailbutchers�can�help�customers�with�packag-ing�that�helps�them�store�meat�in�the�freezer�so�they�can�easily�identify�it�byspecies�and�number�of�serves,”�he�suggested.

Terry�Edgar�returned�to�present�somepractical�ideas�derived�from�a�small�researchgroup�and�their�ideas�which�had�producedsome�very�significant�results�including�thefollowing.�

“The�first�case�study�introduced�byTerry�was�Robbie�Bertram�from�SwanValley�WA�who�introduced�a�range�of�readymade�pizzas�into�his�shop�that�are�suppliedby�a�manufacture�ready�for�sale.

“The�six�varieties,�sold�in�two�sizes,delivers�a�profit�of�$4�to�$5�a�sale�and�thevolume�has�reached�100�items�a�week.

“Not�only�does�this�add�a�handy�figureto�the�shop’s�bottom�line,�it�introduces�newcustomers�to�the�business,”�Terry�reported.

Butchers�and�their�businesses�are�a�vitalcomponent�of�the�overall�pork�sector.�Notonly�are�they�a�valuable�channel�to�supplyconsumers�with�both�product�and�advice,their�survival�and�success�in�a�fiercely�competitive�retail�environment�ensures�amore�competitive�market�for�suppliers.

Everyone�in�the�business�should�invest45�minutes�to�take�in�the�webinar�– a�novelway�of�communicating�in�a�very�traditionalindustry.

Nutreco’s�Business�Unit�Selko,�a�globalleader�in�feed�additives,�announced�thatMartijn�Adorf�recently�joined�as�their�newManaging�Director.

In�his�new�role�Martijn�will�be�leadingthe�growth�of�the�global�Nutreco�feed�additives�business�as�part�of�the�strategicobjectives�of�Nutreco�to�have�a�higheradded�value�portfolio�of�nutritional�special-ties�and�solutions.�

This�is�part�of�the�Nutreco�Ambition2016�and�is�based�on�the�global�develop-ments�in�agriculture�and�aquaculture�incombination�with�Nutreco’s�position�andcapabilities.



NEWS

UK retailers edging towards next food scandal

MeridenannouncesScientificSymposium

National�Pig�Association�(UK)�is�worriedthat�the�foundations�for�the�next�foodscandal�are�already�being�laid�by�someretailers�as�they�edge�away�from�the�shortersupply�chains�they�promised�followingHorsegate.

NPA�has�noted�a�number�of�pork,bacon�and�gammon�lines�being�switchedback�to�imported�product,�because�it�ismarginally�cheaper.

It�is�not�naming�the�retailers�concerneduntil�it�has�had�meetings�with�them�to�findout�their�reasons�for�retreating�from�their�post-Horsegate�

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© Kemin Industries, Inc. and its group of companies 2012. All rights reserved. ® ™ Trademarks of Kemin Industries, Inc., U.S.A.

promises�to�introduce�short�supply�chains.Since�the�heat�has�come�off�the�horse-

meat�scandal�we’ve�started�to�see�retailerssliding�back�from�the�strong�British�posi-tion�they�publicly�adopted,�and�importmore�European�product,”�said�NPA�generalmanager�Dr�Zoe�Davies.

“Consumers�expect�supermarkets�todeliver�on�their�post-Horsegate�commit-ments�to�shorten�their�supply�chains�bybuying�safe�food�produced�in�Britain.�

If�they�think�they�can�return�to�theirold�habits�as�soon�as�our�backs�are�turnedthey�had�better�think�again,�because�wewon’t�let�this�matter�drop�and�nor�will�ourfriends�in�the�National�Farmers�Union.”

Britain�imports�around�60�percent�ofits�pork�and�pork�products�and�NPAbelieves�this�could�be�reduced�if�all�retailerswere�genuinely�committed�to�buildingshorter�supply�chain�agreements�withBritish�producers.

Meriden�Animal�Health,�inassociation�with�CranfieldUniversity,�is�planning�a�scientific�symposium�for�July23-25,�2014.

The�title�of�the�symposiumis�‘Healthy�Animals,�HealthyPeople�-�Natural�interventionstrategies�to�enhance�food�safety�through�healthyanimals’. �

The�symposium�will�inves-tigate�and�discuss�the�currentconcerns�around�food�safetyand�the�available�means�for�natural�prevention.

International�speakers�arebeing�carefully�selected�and�willbe�announced�in�the�comingmonths.

Key�customers�of�a�scientific�nature�from�aroundthe�world�will�be�invited�to�joinin�and�contribute�to�the�highlevel�discussions�around�thesubject. �

The�three�day�event�will�beheld�at�Cranfield�Universityand�will�be�followed�by�a�Galadinner�at�the�historic�WoburnAbbey.



SPECIAL FEATURE

Arriving�in�Australia�in�1966�I�saw�the�local�industry�from�a�new-comer’s�perspective.��From�previous�experience�with�the�UK�andEuropean�pig�industries�over�some�years,�I�had�seen�how,�aroundthe�world,�pig�producers�and�their�pigs�adapt�to�local�circumstancesof�climate,�food�sources�and�consumer�demand.��

In�the�UK,�pig-raising�was�changing�rapidly�into�planned�operations�following�the�recent�publication�of�the�book�ProfitablePig Production by�RF�Johnson.�He�observed�that�timed�breedingand�regular�production�was�possible�by�weaning�litters�on�aThursday�and�joining�the�sows�the�following�week,�with�supervisedmatings.��

That�was�the�beginning�of�the�routine�that�is�followed�today.Hitherto,�sows�had�been�weaned�when�the�piglets�reached�a�certainage,�generally�eight�weeks,�and�the�timing�of�re-mating�was�left�tothe�sows.�Production�was�quite�haphazard.�The�pigs�ran�the�producer�rather�than�the�reverse.

At�the�same�time,�growing�out�(fattening)�pigs�to�market�in�so-

called�Danish�type�sheds�was�becoming�popular.��TheDanish�layout�was�originally�designed�for�keeping�thepigs�warm�in�winter�and�cool�in�summer,�by�housingthem�indoors�with�winter�hay�or�straw�storage�over-head�–�insulation.��To�achieve�this,�pens�werearranged�in�two�rows�either�side�of�a�central�accessand�feeding�passage�with�watering�and�dungingencouraged�in�passages�on�either�side�of�the�shed.

The�principle�was�hugely�misunderstood�inthe�UK�and�later�also�in�Australia.�The�key�wasthe�hay/straw-loft,�but�many�piggeries�werebuilt�in�the�belief�that,�for�ease�of�operation,the�central�and�side�passages�were�whatmattered.�Consequently�many�quiteunsuitable�examples�were�built,�draughtystructures�of�unlined�corrugated�iron�hous-ing�poorly-performing,�chilled�and�uncomfortablepigs.

In�the�early�1960s�this�grower�shed�design�was�also�widelyadopted�for�the�adaptation�of�insulated�poultry�sheds�into�piggeries�following�the�collapse�of�the�UK�broiler�chicken�industry.Those�newcomers�to�pig�production�soon�found�that�littering�theside�passage�with�straw�made�daily�cleaning�very�laborious.�Thenext�step�was�omitting�the�straw�and�removing�the�waste�as�slurry,with�a�squeegee.�Soon�new�piggeries�were�built�with�slatted�dungpassages,�allowing�waste�removal�from�beneath�with�a�pump.

As�an�advisory�officer�with�the�London-based�feed�company�Iworked�for,�I�was�involved�with�supplying�designs�for�changingboiler�sheds�over�to�pig�production,�an�innovation�that�led�to�complete�modular�constructed�piggeries�becoming�available.��(I�visited�northern�Italy�where�the�company�also�traded.�Their�pigindustry�too�was�progressing,�albeit�based�not�on�the�bacon�tradebut�on�prosciutto�and�salami�production�and�cheese�whey�fromthe�dairy�factories.)�

Rationalisation�of�production�to�Johnson’s�organised�planmade�possible�increased,�regular�output�with�minimal�labour.Allied�with�indoor�farrowing�pens,�these�modern�constructionscould�be�stocked�with�a�regular�supply�of�pigs,�with�regular�out-put,�all�year.��What�was�later�called�factory�farming�had�arrived.

It�was�at�that�time�that�I�came�to�Australia�and�joined�LesDowney�in�the�Victorian�Deptartment�of�Agriculture.��

I�also�established�a�small�outdoor/indoor�piggery�that�providedon-going�hands-on�experience,�while�enabling�me�to�qualify�as�a‘Primary�Producer’�to�take�advantage�of�the�favourable�regulationsapplying.�

Pig�production�here�was�in�transition�from�using�skim�milk�tofeeding�dry�grain�and�meat�meal.�Many�dairy�farmers�were�quitehappy�to�sell�whole�milk�in�place�of�cream�and�quit�the�pig�scene.Despite�the�construction�of�one�or�two�piggeries�with�totallyindoor�production�by�dairy�factories�now�taking�whole�milk,�thattrend�had�led�to�such�a�shortage�of�pigs�for�slaughter�that�thebacon�factories�had�had�to�ration�product�supplies�to�their�retailcustomers.

Quarantine�regulations�requiring�any�imported�pigmeat�to�becooked�and�packed�and�in�cans�of�not�more�that�11/2�lbs�(approx650g)�made�rectifying�the�supply�situation�problematical.�

In�response,�the�Mayfair�Hams�&�Bacon�Co.�at�Bendigo,

A retrospective of the Australian pig industry. Part One

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SPECIAL FEATUREVictoria,engaged�a�pigspecialist,�Dr.Dudley�Smith,to�oversee�thedevelopment�of�alarge-scale�pig�pro-duction�unit�tosecure�their�own�sup-ply�of�pigs�for�slaugh-ter.��On�a�site�just�outof�Bendigo�they�planneda�unit�based�on�500breeding�sows�producingabout�9,000�slaughter�pigsp.a.��When�that�was�runningsuccessfully,�Mayfair�planed�toadd�another�three�such�units,�toa�total�of�2,000�sows�on�the�site.�Pig�raising�on�this�scale,

requiring�operation�by�speciallytrained�staff,�was�unheard�of.��It�wasthe�first�example�of�vertical�integra-tion�in�the�pig�industry�in�Australia.Such�a�departure�from�the�tradition-

al�10-30�sow�herds�was�something�reallyremarkable.��John�Craven,�a�reporter�withThe�Weekly�Times,�saw�the�potentialimpact�of�this�development�and�suggested�aconference�to�highlight�the�achievementand�explain�its�advantages.��In�early�1967,the�Victorian�Dept.�of�Agriculture�and�theWeekly�Times�mounted�the�Conference�inMelbourne,�attracting�wide�attention�andacclaim.

At�the�conclusion�it�was�remarkedthat�“the�pig�industry�has�now�come�ofage”.��Subsequent�Australia-wide�develop-ments�attest�to�the�success�of�the�confer-ence,�the�boldness�of�Mayfair�and�Dr.Smith�and�the�vision�of�all�concerned.

Fundamental�to�Dr.�Smith’s�successat�Bendigo�was�the�cooperation�of�the�Vic.,Dept.�of�Agric.�in�setting�up�facilities�atDookie�Agricultural�College�for�the�pro-duction�of�Hysterectormy-ProducedArtificially�Reared,�Specific�Pathogen�Free,piglets�to�stock�the�new�unit�with�thehealthiest�pigs�possible;�the�first�SPF�pigsin�Australia.

This�was�necessary�to�avoid�stockinfected�with�what�was�then�known�as�VPP(virus�pneumonia�of�pigs),�swine�dysentery,atrophic�rhinitis�and�various�strains�of�sal-monella�etc.�which�were�commonly�foundin�the�existing�pig�population.��(The�pneu-monia�I’d�known�in�the�U.K.�did�not�killpigs,�whereas�in�Victoria�the�pneumoniaaffecting�pigs�was�often�lethal.)

Dr.�Smith�included�in�his�HYPAR-delivered�stock�examples�of�all�the�pig

breeds�then�available�in�Australia,�so�as�tohave�as�large�a�gene�pool�as�possible.��Theherd�was�then�closed�to�stock�imports,�tomaintain�strict�health�quarantine�for�theoperation.

Which�brings�me�to�pig�quality.�Myclear�impression�on�arrival�from�UK�wasthat�the�Australian�pigs,�mainly�YorkshireLW�and�Landrace,�were�generally�meatierand�better�developed,�with�larger�“eye”

muscle�and�meatier�streak,�than�I�was�usedto.�They�were�extremely�good�and�yieldedtop�quality�carcases�when�correctly�man-aged�and�fed.�Incorporation�of�these�qualities�in�Dr�Smith’s�gene�pool�was�mostpromising.

I�shall�return�to�this�aspect�later.Due�largely�to�the�Weekly�Times

conference�and�John�Craven,�the�exampleset�by�Mayfair�and�Dr�Smith�was�soon�

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SPECIAL FEATUREfollowed�at�several�locations�in�Australia.Also,�for�a�limited�period�the�VictorianDepartment�of�Agriculture�opened�to�theindustry�at�large�the�opportunity�to�purchase�healthy�stock�from�the�DookieHYPAR�facility.

The�rate�of�progress�through�the�indus-try�was�greatly�helped�by�the�taxation�rules(since�repealed)�then�in�effect�that�providedfor�accelerated�write�down�of�new�agricul-tural�building�costs.�Coupled�with�a�verylow�valuation�for�tax�purposes�of�‘naturalissue’�pigs�born�in�the�unit�and�favourablepig�prices,�this�made�the�financing�ofbuilding�and�stocking�a�new�piggery�anattractive�proposition.

The�sale�value�of�the�pigs�from�the�firststage�built�under�these�rules�yielded�a�significant�margin�over�the�tax�valuation.That�margin�could�be�used,�by�deferringthe�tax�liability,�to�offset�some�of�the�estab-lishment�cost�of�subsequent�stages,�with�thein-house�selection�of�additional�breedersalso�being�much�cheaper�than�sourcingelsewhere.�Home�production�of�futurebreeders�paved�the�way�for�selection�onobserved�performance�of�a�large�number�ofpigs�and�the�employment�of�a�population-genetics�based�breeding�programme.�

Taxation�of�the�output�remained�at�aminimum�so�long�as�the�expansion�continued.

Competition�for�slaughter�pigs�keptfarm�prices�at�profitable�levels.�Producerpayment�was�according�to�a�visual�appraisalof�carcases�by�the�bacon�factory�grader,using�term�such�as�‘prime’�or�even�‘superprime’.��In�those�days�a�‘Super�Prime’bacon�pig�as�assessed�by�the�top�baconfactories�was�one�with�no�more�than�23mm�backfat�at�the�mid�line!�

Meanwhile�researchers�hadshown�that�measurement�of�fatdepth�at�two�sites�(C�&�K)�overthe�eye�muscle�showed�strong�correlation�with�the�meat�con-tent�of�carcases,�later�finding�little�loss�of�accuracy�if�a�singlemeasurement�(P2)�were�madeover�the�thickest�part�of�themuscle.��Enter�the�Introscopeand�other�similar�devices,�followedlater�by�ultra-sound�for�measuring�live�animals.

The�value�of�adopting�probe�measure-ments�was�shown�in�a�test�by�the�VictorianDepartment�of�Agriculture�at�a�well-knownbacon�factory.�A�sample�of�carcases�wasassessed�by�the�factory’s�visual�grader,�intro-scope�probed�and�then�a�full�rasher�takenfrom�each�cured�carcase�at�the�probe�point.

A�comparative�display�of�these�rashers�wasthen�further�assessed�by�the�sales�manager.

The�result�showed�that�the�visual�gradercorrectly�identified�the�most�saleable�carcases�significantly�less�well�than�theprobe,�although�probing�was�not�100%successful�either.�That�information�wassoon�adopted�throughout�the�industry�asbacon�manufacturers�saw�the�advantages�ofthe�method�for�their�quality�control.

A�majority�of�pigs�still�went�throughsaleyards,�although�consignment�direct�to�abacon�factory�was�increasing.�With�thepossibility�of�more�accurate�grading�of�carcases�it�was�suggested�that�the�saleyardbe�replaced�with�a�sight-unseen,�live�auction.This�would�work�with�buyers�in�a�room,�aswith�wool�auctions,�bidding�on�batches�ofpigs�submitted�for�sale�while�still�on�thefarm.�The�offerings�were�listed�on�a�com-puter�screen,�and�the�scheme�becameknown�as�‘Computer�Aided�LivestockMarketing’,�CALM.��

The�owner�had�only�to�say�how�manypigs�were�offered�with�a�description�of�their

expected�carcase�grading,�accord-ing�to�a�matrix�of

weight�and�fat

measurements.The�buyer�would�pricesuch�pigs�and�register�his�intentionto�purchase.�After�the�sale,�the�producerwould�be�notified�of�the�price�bid�for�hispigs,�by�whom�and�where�to�deliver�thepigs.

However,�to�cover�the�possibility�thatthe�producer’s�description�was�not�accurate,whether�by�accident�or�otherwise,�if�whenthe�carcase�was�measured�it�was�found�notto�match�the�producer’s�description,�analternative,�lower,�price�would�apply,�againaccording�to�the�matrix.�That�way�thebuyer�was�not�disadvantaged�by�having�bidon�pigs�that�turned�out�not�to�suit�hisrequirements.

So�entered�the�industry-wide�conceptof�a�‘Penalty’�for�mis-description,�possiblyone�of�the�most�unfortunate�developmentsto�blight�the�industry.��I’ll�tell�you�why.��

With�an�increase�in�over-the-hooksdirect�sales�and�factory�grading�becom-ing�more�popular,�CALM�becameredundant.��

Whereas�the�principle�of�dis-counting�the�price�actually�paid�on�accountof�the�pigs�sold�through�CALM�not�meet-ing�the�expectation�of�the�buyer�is�inher-ently�fair�it�fostered�the�notion�that�producers�might�be�untrustworthy,�evendevious.�The�notion�of�the�penalty�thusbecame�a�stick�to�beat�them�with�even�forpigs�consigned�direct�to�the�factory.��Onebuyer�was�heard�to�say�“they’ll�have�to�giveus�good�pigs�now”,�as�though�sub�standardpigs�were�produced�deliberately.�It�has

stuck�in�the�minds�of�buyers�eversince,�unfortunately�perpetu-ating�an�adversarial�mistrustbetween�producer�and�processor.That�was�a�pity�because�the

basic�idea�had�the�potential�toencourage�improvement�of�porkquality�with�an�improved�price�paidfor�better�carcases.�That�didn’t�hap-pen,�because�of�the�way�pork�is�traded.It�is�a�comforting�notion�to�believe

that�the�type�of�pork�consumers�prefermight�command�a�better�price�thatflowed�down�to�reward�the�producer�–that�the�price�paid�to�the�producer�will�be�areflection�of�the�retail�price�of�pork�orbacon.�But�it�doesn’t�work�that�way.

When�I�entered�the�Melbourne�marketin�the�1970s,�as�manager�of�the�newly�constructed�550-sow�Romahil�piggery,�laterto�be�expanded�to�1,300�sows,�I�askedaround�all�the�potential�buyers�for�a�defini-tion�of�the�type�of�pig�required,�so�as�tohave�a�guide�on�how�to�produce�what�theyreally�wanted.�I�got�no�answer�beyond“good�pigs,�not�too�fat”.��“How�fat?��Iasked.�They�couldn’t�say.��It�was�not�adefined�aspect�of�what�they�were�to�buy.

At�Romahill�my�background�in�popu-lation�genetics�and�animal�nutrition�combined�to�achieve�rapid�improvement�in

v



SPECIAL FEATURE

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pig�growth�rateand�carcase�confor-mation.��Our�pigsgained�a�reputationfor�being�really�meaty,especially�in�the�‘streak’,with�small�heads�andvery�little�caul�fat.��Buyersall�liked�the�high�carcaseyield.It�was�a�tough�game

then,�too.�One�factory�we�sup-plied�had�kill�sheets�with�manypigs�tagged�‘CFT’.�On�enquiry�Ifound�that�it�denoted�‘con-demned�front�trotters’.��Someoneat�the�service�abattoir�had�a�marketfor�trotters.�I�also�noted�a�markedrise�in�hind�leg�condemnations�justbefore�Christmas!The�boldest�ruse�of�all�was�with

another�factory�that�asked�for�his�pigs�tobe�branded�on�the�left�shoulder�with�hisown�brand,�to�be�sure�it�was�our�pigs�hereceived.�One�day�he�complained�about�the

pigs�delivered�from�the�abattoir�so�we�investigated.�The�carcases�weredelivered�split,�hanging�on�gambrels.�And�indeed�they�looked�shock-ing�–�until�I�saw�that�the�left�sides�were�correct.�Someone�hadunhooked�74�right�sides�from�the�gambrels�and�substituted�with�74scrub�pig�sides!��After�that�we�branded�BOTH�sides�and�had�no�moretrouble.

And�the�‘head�on/head�off ’�practice�was�perhaps�the�final�straw(see�later)�after�which�Ausmeat�decreed�that�all�pigs�be�priced�onHSCW,�to�ensure�a�fair�go�for�producers.�

This�was�all�grist�for�my�columns�in�the�Pig�Farmer,�and�whenfrom�time�to�time�I�lectured�the�Melbourne�University�Veterinarystudents�on�the�economics�of�pig�production.�They�must�have�won-dered�if�all�this�was�real!��

Sadly�Romahill�is�now�no�more,�but�when�I�moved,�to�purchase�a220�sow�piggery�in�Northern�NSW,�I�bought�a�truckload�of�Romahillstock�to�refresh�and�update�the�breeding�herd.

That�proved�interesting�as�the�traditional�pig�in�the�area�wasextra-long,�lean�and�narrow.��When�our�improved�pigs�came�alongthe�bacon�factory�manager�exclaimed�“we�can’t�handle�these�pigs,�theyhave�too�much�meat�in�them”!��It�was�just�an�excuse�for�not�paying�agood�price�to�the�newcomer�in�the�Area.

Pork�is�a�traded�‘commodity’�priced�by�supply�and�wholesaledemand�day�by�day.��(viz.�the�traditional�Pork�Bellies�as�sold�throughthe�Chicago�exchange).�Except�for�those�producers�selling�direct�to�alocal�butcher,�in�the�wholesale�market�there�is�no�such�notion�as�an‘improved’�pig.�They�are�just�pigs.��

The�value�of�a�pig�is�in�its�availability,�not�its�description.��That�was�a�very�valuable�lesson.�It�was�well�illustrated�by�Gary

Griffith�when�working�at�University�of�New�England,�Armidale.��Hespent�hours�of�his�own�and�his�computer�time�looking�for�a�correla-tion�between�the�wholesale�price�charged�to�retailers�and�the�pricepaid�to�the�producer.��He�found�that�there�was�none.�That�is�thenature�of�a�‘commodity’�market.�Within�a�range,�it�varies�accordingto�other�factors�than�‘quality’.

The�matrix�and�its�penalty�was�subsequently�invoked�by�buyers,�not�to�attract�“better”�pigs�but�in�attempts�to�gain�buying

advantage�and�secure�their�requirements�at�a�lower�mean�costthan�their�competitor�– the�market�at�work.��

It�was�thought�that�by�offering�a�very�good�price�for�the�pigswith�an�unrealistically�low�backfat�reading,�to�excite�the�interestof�the�producer,�only�a�small�proportion�of�carcases�would�conform�and�the�penalty�applied�to�the�others�would�averagedown�the�value�of�the�total�batch.��

If�Prime�price�were�offered�for�carcases�with,�say,�16�mmbackfat�when�only�a�few�might�be�that�lean,�they�believed�that�acost�advantage�might�be�obtained.

But�soon�producers�supplied�pigs�with�most�of�them�fittinginto�in�that�new�prime�range,�in�the�belief�that�that�was�what�waswanted�and�to�chase�the�higher�price.�That�would�not�do�for�thebuyer,�as�the�batch�was�then�out�of�line�in�overall�cost.�So�thePrime�standard�was�then�lowered�to�14�mm.��

Again�it�was�not�long�before�a�high�proportion�of�the�pigsmet�that�standard,�frustrating�the�commodity�trade�pricingrequired.�And�so�on,�for�lower�and�lower�backfat�measurementfor�prime�price.�� w


SPECIAL FEATURE


Note here that the consumer was noteven consulted, it was just an exercise inmarket manipulation. It was the result ofapplying the penalty mindset, not to attractbetter pigs but to gain a buying advantage,that in practice turned out to be illusory.

The going price for pigs was, in theirminds, the average of all grades not theirtop price, which they had no intention ofpaying for all, or even most, of the pigs.

A comparison I conducted with a routine batch of pigs in which I pricedthem according to a range of buyers’weight/fat grids, each with different pricesfor the leanest pigs and different fat penal-ties, showed the value per kg. of the batchto be effectively the same everywhere, towithin less than 1c. (except when onebuyer offered a much higher price per kg.but for “head-off ” carcases, when the pay-ment per pig dropped by $4.00!)

It was about this time that such devel-opments, and the increasing, regular outputfrom various newcomers to pig production,gave rise to a new approach to industryorganisation, marketing and promotion.Gay Woltmann from Kingaroy and otherssuccessfully lobbied the FederalGovernment to legislate for every pig

slaughtered to pay a small promotion levy.Together with the already collected researchlevy it was to be used for the benefit of thewhole industry.

Administration of the fund was by thePigmeat Promotion Committee, which laterevolved to become the Australian PorkCorporation and then the APL we have now.

That was a major advance for all pro-ducers as the stud breeders, traditional pig-gery owners and the more industrially ori-ented IPPA (Intensive Pig Producers ofAustralia) were all joined informally underone organisation.

The adoption of probe measurement offat depth coincided with a trend towardsreducing consumer dietary fat consump-tion, promoted by dietician advisers andthe Heart Foundation.

Over-consumption of fat, especiallysaturated fat, was considered to be a con-tributing cause of heart disease and obesity,stigmatising fat consumption as though allfat is bad for you. There followed increas-ing enthusiasm for the adoption of pricingbased on absence of fat that led to rapidchanges in the type of pig coming forwardfor slaughter.

A general consumer notion that pork is

over-fat, combined with the penaltyapproach to carcase pricing, produced arather perverse outcome, as we shall see.

Buyers scaling their prices with a strongbias to less and less fat led to the notionthat the lean meat content was all that mattered. With the adoption of muscledepth measurement with improved probes,perhaps carcase lean meat yield could bededuced and better pricing adopted.

Much research followed, fostering thenotion that buyers would pay producersmore for the meatier carcases – ELMY (esti-mated lean meat yield trading) was born.

Two weaknesses showed up in thisapproach. Firstly, that the ELMY lean content calculation could only be made byapplying a formula to the fat and muscledepth measurements already taken, with noapparent increased improvement in predict-ing carcase suitability for trade purposes,and secondly, that according to the practicalities of meat trading outlinedabove, the price for lean pigs became thepig trading price norm and all others had a‘penalty’ applied. It all became too hardand the push for ELMY pricing fell out offavour.

v

TO BE CONTINUED

APL/Pork CRC Roadshow and 2015–2020 Strategic Plan

Industry Consultation

New South Wales – YoungTuesday 10 September

Young Golf Club3.00pm–6.00pm, followed by dinner

RSVP to NSW Farmers Members Services on 1300 794 000 or [email protected]

Victoria – SheppartonThursday 19 September

Aussie Hotel3.00pm–6.00pm, followed by dinner

RSVP to Ann-Maree Hastings on 02 6270 8806 or [email protected]

Queensland – ToowoombaWednesday 2 October

The Burke and Wills Motel, 554 Ruthven Street3.00pm–6.00pm, followed by dinner

RSVP to Ann-Maree Hastings on 02 6270 8806 or [email protected]

Western Australia – Perth (in association with WAPPA)

Friday 18 OctoberSouth of Perth Yacht Club

Coffee Point, Duncraig Rd, ApplecrossWAPPA meeting commences 10.30am

APL/Pork CRC Roadshow/Consultation from 2.00pm–5.00pmAnnual Industry Dinner, Rowing WA Club HQ from 6.30pm

RSVP to Russell Cox on 08 9479 7315, 0428 293 095 or [email protected]

Tasmania – LongfordWednesday 30 October

For further information contact Ann-Maree Hastings on 02 6270 8806 or [email protected]

Further information can be found at www.australianpork.com.au

Australia’s representative body for Australian pork producers, Australian Pork Limited (APL) is about to launch its Strategic Plan 2015–2020 Consultation and the APL/Pork CRC Roadshow. All producers are encouraged to participate

PJJulyAugust2013:PJJanFeb09 28/08/13 12:47 PM

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Meat & Carcass


pork journal july/august 2013

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