PCV2 in the spotlight at Durban IPVS congress
About 2,000 pig veterinarians from around the globe gathered together in Durban, South Africa, for the 20th edition of the International Pig Veterinary Congress, 22-26 June. Current pig diseases received a lot of attention, of which PCVAD, with 128 presentations, topped the list.

Brazil and environmental legislation: learning to live with it
Environmental legislation is often seen and regarded as an obstacle by several players in the swine sector. Many even claim for its softening, e.g. in Brazil. The truth of today is that this kind of legislation is an irreversible trend. Learning to deal with that is what counts.

Going for more volume in South Africa
Pig farming in South Africa offers its definite advantages – as there is a good climate, the space and the quietness. Still, good management, planning and expansion are necessary for survival as the feed cost crisis does not skip this farm near Pietermaritzburg.

Feed costs – ideas from 2008 World Pork Expo
From soaring feed costs to skyrocketing energy prices, pork producers who attended the 2008 World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa, in early June were looking for ways to control their costs and survive the current profitability challenge.

Managing gut health without antibiotics
There are about 600 gut bacteria, some of which good, some of which harmful. The positive effect of some feed additives in controlling the harmful bacteria and encouraging the beneficial bacteria is making inroads into improving gut health. Real benefits are seen in the synergistic effects of some of these products.

Combining expertise, lifting performance with arginine
In a truly international, interdisciplinary research and marketing effort involving a variety of participants - nutritionists, biologists, government and feed corporations – dietary supplements have emerged to lift the performance of gestating and lactating swine to amazing levels.

EuroTier is on its way
From 11-14 November, the Hanover Exhibition Grounds in Germany will again host EuroTier, the biannual international exhibition for animal husbandry and management. As before, the show will be an international meeting place for the industry, with emphasis on cattle, pig and poultry production. Bio-energy will also receive considerable attention.