On a perfect sunny Autumn afternoon in Bendigo, the Apiam Swine Seminar and Race Day was recently held as one of the first pig social events that has enabled Victoria pig industry participants to get together face to face to exchange ideas and socialise.
The day kicked off with an informative seminar program providing an update on recent health and nutrition research that Apiam has undertaken over the last 12 months in conjunction with Kansa State University and Iowa State University.
Dr Hugo Dunlop provided an overview of the KSU work, which was led by renown pig nutritionist, Dr Mike Tokach who has recently published trials looking at the comparative and synergistic effects of using Formi NDF (sodium diformate) with zinc oxide in nursery diets. Data was also presented on a second research paper, where Formi 3G, a recently new product that contains both sodium diformate and a medium chain fatty acid, monolaurin, were compared to using formic acid and similar medium chain fatty acid. Dr Dunlop also presented on Australian trials that have seen the Formi 3G product reduce Streptococcus suis and Clostridium sp. levels in the microbiome of sows, and reduce clinical disease in weaners, providing a potential solution to enhance antimicrobial stewardship program.
An overview of recent research performed under the supervision of Dr Derald Holtkamp (Iowa State University) was also presented, which examined the duration of efficacy of the Zoono Microbe Shield on a common surface used in farrowing pens and nurseries. This project assessed the viricidal activity of a rubber surface that had been applied 7 days previously with this novel disinfectant. The results showed that the Zoono Microbe Shield product was still able to reduce the levels of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) by 99.9% after 7 days post application.
Other topics on new health technologies were presented by members of the Apiam vet team, as well the launch of Data Pig, a novel electronic recording system to enhance veterinary program outcomes and antimicrobial stewardship.
Christine Sydenham, who has recently joined Apiam as a nutritionist, outlined the benefits of having farm visits attended by both the vet and nutritionist, where a regular review of the various aspects of nutrition that have an influence on the health of the animal can be examined. Christine also provided an overview of the key aspect producers should be examining to ensure that their nutrition program is being optimised, and where significant savings may be able to be made.
The seminar session concluded with a special presentation to Dr Hugo Dunlop, in recognition of his 20 years of service to Apiam Animal Health. Dr Dunlop acknowledged the enjoyment that he continues to receive from his role in the industry and the significance of being able to celebrate this milestone with some of those Victorian clients that he currently provides services.
The afternoon saw guests enjoy an eventful day of racing, with each race on the card representing some of our great Australian pork brands and industry stakeholders, including the ‘Get Some Pork On Your Fork’ race, which was broadcast across both racing and commercial digital media. A day enjoyed by all, where everyone seemed to come out a winner, including the bookie!
