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Pig notes May 2008

Salmonella National Control Plan

The Salmonella Scheme as we know it has changed. Although changes have been made, the aim of the Scheme is still the same - to reduce Salmonella levels in pig carcases. Under the new Scheme you are encouraged to get Salmonella levels below 10 percent, that is, less than 10 percent of samples taken should be positive. The changes which have been introduced throughout Europe came into effect on 1 April 2008. They include:-
  • The Scheme will now be known as the Zoonoses National Control Programme for Salmonella (ZNCP).
  • There will no longer be three ZAP categories. Instead you will receive information on the actual levels of Salmonella in your pigs
  • You will receive a report every four months.
  • Four samples will be taken/ month for all units
  • You have to prepare an action plan detailing how you plan to keep Salmonella under control. This should be reviewed at least once/ year with your vet.
The new report giving exact levels of Salmonella in your pigs will be sent out in May. If the Salmonella levels on your unit are more than 10 percent you should contact your vet to discuss how best to reduce levels on your unit.

Water usage versus water wastage

The cost of water is increasing. On benchmarked units the average cost of water is 1p/kg or 75-80p/pig. However on some units it is as high as £1.50/pig. Why is this? Obviously the amount of washing will have an effect on water usage. Research has shown that there is huge variation between units, with an average 2m3 of water, that is, 440 gallons is used/sow/year washing farrowing rooms (after every batch), weaner rooms every eight to nine weeks and finisher house every 14-15 weeks. However, do not get carried away and think no more washing! Washing pens on a regular basis is still recommended. All I am suggesting is that you look at ways of reducing water usage when washing out pens, for example, pre-soaking pens, operating sprinklers on a time switch, using rain water collected from roofs.
High water wastage results in more slurry to be spread
High water wastage results in more slurry to be spread
Dripping taps or leaking drinkers can also contribute to water wastage. A slow drip from a tap could waste 1000 litres (220 gallons) of water in one week! An 8ml/second leak from a drinker results in almost 5m3 (1100 gallons) water being wasted/week.
The type of drinker used also influences water usage/wastage. An experiment carried out recently at ARINI, Hillsborough compared water usage from four different types of drinkers - Halfman bite, Bite ball, Drik-O-Mat bowl and Verba bowl. The amount of water used was much higher for the Halfman bite and Bite ball drinkers (3.27 and 3.79 litres/pig/day) than for the bowl type drinkers – 2.21 litres for the Drik-O-Mat and 2.63 litres for the Verba. As there was no difference in the growth rate of the pigs it can be assumed the extra water used was wasted.  With the increasing price of water and cost of slurry disposal consider ways of reducing water usage/wastage on your farm.

Benchmarking

Many pig producers use Greenmount Pig Benchmarking to calculate their costs of production and compare the performance of their unit with other units. The benchmarking year runs from 1 April to 31 March.  If you are interested in working out exactly how much it takes to produce your pigs please ring me on 02894426767.

Pig and Poultry Fair

The Pig and Poultry Fair takes place on 13 and 14 May at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. With over 250 pig and poultry exhibits this is an excellent opportunity to see a range of products under one roof. In addition to the trade exhibits several seminars on pig production will be held. The fair will also showcase new products from all the leading suppliers. In the next management notes I will review some of the new products on display at the fair. If you are interested in going to the fair you can find more information at www.pigandpoultry.org.uk[external site]