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True to its vision to bring together scientific, veterinary and production experts, Ceva Santé Animale, one of the fastest growing global veterinary health companies, organized a symposium to address the subject: “Managing sow reproduction to maximize the outcome of pig producers”. Some 150 veterinarians, swine producers and scientists from 18 countries gathered in Berlin, Germany, on April 18-19th, to share their experiences and benefit from the expertise of several prominent international researchers: Professor Dr George Foxcroft (Alberta, Canada), Professor Dr Martin Waehner (Bernburg, Germany), Dr Carlos Casanovas (Barcelona, Spain), Dr Claudio Mazzoni, (Parma, Italy) and Dr Frans Dirven (Nederweert, Netherlands).
The purpose of the event, Ceva’s second symposium focusing on sow reproduction, was to share new insights into the management of modern, high performance pig farms.
“Utilizing the reproductive potential of sows in an optimal way with a strong emphasis on welfare is an essential factor in the economic success of any pig farm in today’s highly competitive environment,” insists Dr Stefano Gozio, Corporate Marketing Director – Swine, Ceva Santé Animale. “We set up this unique event to share information and experience among guests, key note speakers and Ceva’s swine team in order to optimize current approaches to reproductive management.”
The symposium which brought together professionals from Europe’s main swine producing areas, featured presentations ranging from the genetic potential of animals and tools, to new knowledge on the use of hormones in swine reproduction, with the clear objective of improving farm production indices, lowering production costs and increasing profits of pork producers.
This is the latest event in a series of expert to expert symposia - part of Ceva’s vision to bring together scientific, veterinary and production experts, beyond animal health.
Ceva’s slogan “Together, beyond animal health” encompasses the group’s three essential missions: helping to feed a growing population, combating zoonoses and promoting the benefits of the essential link between humans and animals. “Pork consumption is growing on a global scale. By helping to maximize swine production performance through well managed reproduction, we hope to play our part in contributing to the protein needs of the future,” comments Marc Prikazsky, Ceva’s Chairman and Chief Executive officer.
Details of the program
The event kicked off with Professor Dr George Foxcroft, University of Alberta, Canada, who presented “Genotypes, phenotypes and optimized breeding herd management” in which he focused on evidence for induced “litter birth weight phenotypes”, metabolic effects on prenatal development, in addition to implications for management. “Management aspects in high performance sow farms” were then shared by Professor Dr Martin Waehner, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Bernburg, Germany. He focused on the nutrient intake during lactation and the effects on both LH and FSH along with overall reproductive performance in the following cycle.
Dr Carlos Casanovas, independent veterinary swine consultant and associated teacher, Veterinary University of Barcelona, Spain presented “Alternative use of altrenogest and its benefits” in which he reviewed alternative uses of Altrenogest including the physiologic and potential financial implications. Following, Dr Claudio Mazzoni, independent veterinary swine consultant, Suivet Group, Italy, discussed “Management and synchronization of farrowing” that highlighted the benefits of farrowing assistance and induction / synchronization of farrowing.
“The veterinarian’s role in reproduction management and demonstration of its benefit” was given by Dr Frans Dirven, independent veterinary practice, Lintjeshof, Nederweert, Netherlands. He focused on how reproduction has a strong return on investment, highlighting gilt management, management of farrowing and lactation, and batch-systems resulting in better pig-flow.
The event concluded with three case studies presented by Ceva’s Dr Roman Krejci, Swine Corporate Technical Manager, Richard Bull, Swine Key Account Manager, United Kingdom, and Nathalie Robert, Swine Range Manager, France.
May 2, 2012 - Ceva Santé Animale
