Mart Smolders, Pig Division Manager at MS Schippers, took traders along with him into the world of integral hygiene on pig farms. With the HyCare approach, pig quality will improve without using any of those pricey jars. “Hygiene specialists will take over the top spot as the most important consultant to the pig farmer in Europe.”
That is what Smolders said during a pig sector meeting at Animals & Logistics on 15 May in Oirschot, the Netherlands. At that meeting, around 30 traders were provided with updates and knowledge on the development and innovations that have been achieved in pig farming. During his presentation, Smolders discussed the importance of an assured, integral hygiene system for the health and performance of pigs. The foundation of the health pyramid at farms with livestock is hygiene. “HyCare involves hygienically responsible behaviour from people, non-porous floors and walls, the ability to clean the area as best possible, clean drinking water, and thorough pest control. All of these are actions focused on preventing illnesses and decreasing infection density.” That is then followed by care and vaccination, then finished with the treatment of the animals with antibiotics. Smolders: “The sturdier the foundation laid under the business, the more robust the animals are. Better health yields a substantial advantage for the pig farmer. HyCare stalls are truly designed for high yield.”
Contagious
The results of the HyCare approach for fatteners and piglets at the HyCare test farm “de Raamloop” and various other locations where it is used in practice yield indisputable proof. Use of antibiotics declines by more than 90%. Feed conversion is 5% more efficient in meat and the pigs grow 12% faster on average. In the division manager’s opinion, that makes sense, because fewer animals are culled and the slaughtering quality of the pigs improves. “More and more pig farms nationally and internationally have begun working with HyCare,” he points out. This year, we hope to grow to around 200 businesses and pig production chains in the Netherlands and Germany. In five years, we expect seven times that many businesses to be in operation and that HyCare will also have a strong foothold in Belgium.
Investment programme
In order to continue spreading awareness of its hygiene approach, MS Schippers is investing in research development and consulting capacity. “The more we know about the positive effects that HyCare has on the healthy and cost-effective production of pork, the more convincing the approach is when it hits the market,” says Mart Smolders. “Furthermore, training and coaching is necessary to consistently conduct and maintain the approach. I predict that the hygiene specialist will eventually become the most important consultant for the European livestock farmer.”
