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The theme of the conference – Sharing Experiences; the US meets China – was designed to impress on the growing ranks of integrators and large-scale producers how technologies and practices from the west can be successfully adopted in the local context to deliver world-class results on the farm and supply safe, quality pork to the consumer.
An inspiring line-up of international speakers addressed topical issues for the new generation of pork entrepreneurs. The Symposium kicked off with a presentation from Dr. Yan Fu, Genus China Technical Director, on The Genetic Programs of Modern Swine Production Systems. Key messages here were to correctly design a system to source animals of the highest health and genetic value and manage the system using the best tools to ensure realization of the value of genetic gains. Alliance with a specialized technology provider is generally a must, allowing commercial production to focus on its own core competencies.
Dr. Luke Minion, CEO of Pipestone Systems, followed with Key Points of a Successful Management Program for Modern Pig Farms. This is an area of potentially enormous opportunity in the new systems springing up in China and Dr. Minion offered very practical pointers on how to get it right, dealing with each of the 'pillars of production' in turn and stressing the importance of simple protocols. Apart from his extensive track record of success in the USA, he spoke from first-hand experience in China where Pipestone has management contracts with integrators Besun and Shennong, two of PIC's joint venture partners.
Next up was Nick McCulley, PIC Global Technical Services Director, who took the audience on an exciting journey to weaning 35 (yes, 35) pigs per sow per year, showing how it is possible and is indeed already a reality for PIC's top-performing customers in the USA. It was another very practical presentation focusing on farm techniques with special emphasis on gilt management strategies, feeding programs and breeding and farrowing processes.
Dr. Jerome Geiger, PIC Asia Health Assurance Director, rounded off the event with a real life example of successful PRRS elimination in a breeding herd in China. This costly disease is a global scourge and in China highly virulent strains have emerged with devastating consequences on infected herds. The first line of defence is to keep it out through choice of farm location and strict biosecurity but if the unthinkable happens, there is a tested solution.
Nancy Jiang, General Manager of Genus China, commented "As a science-based company, Genus PIC has invested in technologies related to pig genetics and health for over 50 years. The results include many innovative milestones for the pig industry worldwide. We invited international leaders to share innovations from North America in swine genetics, business operation, sow management and disease control. This is an example of our strong commitment to help our customers by adding value through improved quality, efficiency and output. Our motto is Never Stop Improving and I hope we have inspired those who attended the Symposium to have the same aspiration!"
May 31, 2013 - PIC
