The pig production and related industries in the Netherlands are surprisingly large, boasting high animal productivity and 920 000 sows (Eurostat census, 2022) in a small country. Around one third of the sow farms grow-out their own piglets, while the others sell their piglets to specialised finisher farms. The Spanish pork industry recently became the largest in Europe, with a significant export market in Asia. The Spanish market includes 2,673 million sows (Eurostat census, 2022). In contrast to South Africa, the renowned and traditional Ibérico pork market makes up 6,5% of the swine production market. Gareth Salmond, Divisional Technical Manager, Swine at Meadow Feeds, shares some insights on leveraging international partnerships to elevate swine nutrition in South Africa..
Industry challenges
As in South Africa, the number of producers is declining, while the size of each producer is increasing due to industry challenges. While the challenges in the South African industry are well known, the European Union (EU) is certainly facing challenges of a similar magnitude.
- The EU has some of the most demanding animal welfare legislations in the world. For example, the push for free-farrowing crates will undoubtedly come at a major cost.
- Legislation aimed at reducing antibiotics and zinc supplementation poses a challenge for animal production systems and affects animal mortality rates.
- The climate for expanding and building new piggeries has become much more difficult due to stricter nitrogen emission laws, as well as challenges in manure management and disposal.
- Labour is expensive and hard to find.
- Both the Netherlands and Spain rely, to some extent, on imported raw materials, which can pose risks for both availability and quality.
Insights into production
Available automation and technology at both farm and feed mill levels in the EU are more advanced than in South Africa, allowing operations to accomplish tasks effectively with less labour. That being said, South Africa can be proud of the efforts in running feed mill and piggery operations and the remarkably high level of production efficiencies achieved.
Sow litter sizes continue to increase globally. If management and attention to detail do not keep pace in high-producing farms, piglet and sow mortality can rise to alarming levels. Larger sow litters result in lower piglet birth weights and weaning weights, necessitating a comfortable and well-managed environment for piglets both before and after weaning.
Systems such as automated milk dispensers have become more affordable in these countries, aiding larger litters and their sows throughout lactation.
Cost of production has always been and will remain a key parameter for swine producers.
Biosecurity
There is significant pig movement within and between countries in the EU, posing a risk that requires strict biosecurity measures. When comparing biosecurity with South Africa, it is only complementary.
From personal experience at Meadow Feeds and various piggeries in South Africa, biosecurity levels are extremely professionally managed. The industry goes above and beyond to safeguard its future.
Antibiotic and zinc legislation
It was evident that the pressure to reduce antibiotic and zinc supplementation in animal production has significantly shifted the mindset of nutritionists and producers.
The focus has moved from maximising growth performance to maintaining animal health, particularly during the weaning phase of piglets. This approach results in slower initial growth rates for piglets post weaning but aims to maintain healthier pigs that will achieve higher growth rates later.
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