Monday, April 30, 2012
Public Warned Against Imported Chicken, Pork
PHILIPPINES - The National Meat Inspection Service has warned the public against possible spoilage in some chicken meat and pork brought in from abroad.


NMIS head Jane Bacayo cited reports that some of the meat may not have been handled properly while being brought to the Philippines, radio dzBB's Allan Gatus reported.

Ms Bacayo was also quoted as saying in the report the meat may be vulnerable to spoilage if it is not properly stored, especially under the summer heat, according to GMANews.

He also said they are verifying reports of contamination in meat brought in from countries like France, the United States, Canada, and European Union.

Ms Bacayo said the NMIS will continue monitoring reports of contamination of imported meat.

The NMIS' warning came amid hog and poultry raisers' complaint that the government is not acting on meat smuggling.

Monday, April 30, 2012
Pakistan Poultry Price Increase

PAKISTAN - The price of poultry products has gone up in wholesale and retail markets of Karachi at the rate of Rs 25 to Rs 30 kg in the wake of increasing demand and consumption of the commodity due to ongoing marriage season.


The retail price of poultry meat has soared up to Rs 290 per kg at the retail outlets during the last few days, compared to Rs 240 to Rs 250 per kg previous week.
 
Similarly the retail price of broiler (live) also went up to Rs 158 per kg from previous price of Rs 125 to Rs 130 per kg.
 
Talking to Daily Times, Abdul Maroof Siddiqui, central convener, Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA) attributed the steep rise in price of the commodity due to upsurge in its demand during the last fortnight.
 
“Not only are large scale orders received by the wholesalers and retailers of poultry product from caterers but fast food outlets and five star hotels are also placing substantial orders for catering their daily needs which pushed their prices up."
 
Abdul Maroof Siddiqui said in the wake of ongoing marriage season, demand of the poultry product has surged considerably which created demand and supply gap resulting in increase of its rates, reports the Pakistan Daily Times.
 
Other major reasons for the enhanced prices of the commodity include declining production by the farmers and it has become gradually difficult for them to meet its ever-growing demand.
 
Furthermore extra ordinary increase in prices of beef and the mutton, which is currently priced at Rs 380 to Rs 400 per kg and Rs 550 to Rs 560 per kg respectively, have compelled consumers to turn to their attention to chicken meat.
 
High prices have resulted in less domestic consumption of poultry meat as it has proved too expensive for consumers.

Abdul Maroof Siddiqui said current prices would remain the same for at least two months and it would start declining by the end of next month when hatching and production processes would normalise.

Monday, April 30, 2012
CME: Corn Futures Higher as China Purchases Corn
US - US nearby corn futures were sharply higher on Friday as market participants reacted to news that China purchased 1.472 million metric ton of corn (58 mil. bu.), write Steve Meyer and Len Steiner.


This was one of the biggest one time corn purchases on record to this market and it reignited speculation that old corn crop stocks are very tight and may need some rationing until the new crop starts flowing in. The fact that the new crop has been planted relatively early in the ECB should provide some notable supplies before the end of August (official end of marketing year) and yet grain markets remain concerned about the effect some cooler weather on corn breaking above ground. But back to the China story, there has been plenty of speculation in recent months as to how big a buyer of US corn China will be in the coming years.

Not very long ago, China was a net exporter of corn to a number of Asian destinations, benefiting both from a freight advantage and lower costs. However, feed demand in China has been outpacing supply increases. In 2009/10 marketing year, China produced 163.97 MMT (~6.463 bil. Bu) of corn and imported about 1.3 MMT. In marketing year 2011/12, China corn production is forecast to increase by almost 28 MMT or 17% and yet China is forecast to import 4 MMT. The increase in Chinese feed demand has tightened feed availability for a number of Asian markets that traditionally imported corn from China. And as China now accounts for 1 out of 5 bushels of corn produced in the world, the market is now vulnerable to weather events in that part of the world more so than at any other time on record.

US cow and bull slaughter continues to run well below year ago levels. While much of the attention recently has been on packers slowing down slaughter in an effort to prop up prices ahead of Memorial Day needs, the slowdown in the cow and bull slaughter is more a reflection of the fundamentals in the beef market, improving feed conditions compared to a year ago and strong feeder cattle prices out front have changed the incentives for cow-calf producers. Indeed, US cow slaughter would be down even more had it not been for the sharp pullback in milk values, which are now pushing more dairy cows to market.

The weekly cow slaughter data, which are published with a two week lag, showed that for the last four reported weeks (Mar 18 - Apr 14), total US cow slaughter was 457,400 head, 5.5% lower than a year ago. During that period, beef cow slaughter was 210,600 head, 17.6% lower than a year ago while dairy cow slaughter was 246,800 head, 7.9% higher than a year ago. Dairy cow slaughter currently makes up about 54% of the overall US cow slaughter, the highest such proportion in more than 20 years. It is still early to proclaim a full rebuilding year as pasture conditions in a number of key states remain tenuous. A sharp deterioration in weather conditions could quickly impact beef cow slaughter. As for the dairy industry, increased productivity, higher cow number and, even more critically, slowing domestic and export demand, will likely cause producers to increase the pace of diary herd liquidation, but this time with no government money

Monday, April 30, 2012
Pork Industry Promotes Trade Agreement with EU
CANADA - Pork industry leaders have participated in a series of events across the country to promote the importance of trade to the Canadian pork industry and to highlight the benefits of an ambitious Canada-European Union free trade deal.


“We are extremely fortunate to have excellent animal health status, a good supply of high quality feed grains, a very low animal population density and a strong reputation all over the world as a supplier of safe high quality pork,” stated Canadian Pork Council Chair Jean-Guy Vincent.

“Canada is a globally competitive and successful producer and exporter of pork and pork products. The key factor to sustaining our success is the ability to access a wide variety of markets.”

An ambitious Canada-European Union trade agreement would significantly enhance the sector’s export opportunities as well as benefit workers, businesses and families who rely on the pork sector for their livelihood. Pork is the preferred meat among Europe’s population of more than half a billion people.

There are no tariffs or quotas on pork imports to Canada. The Canadian industry, however, is seriously constrained from access into the European Union due to such constraints as tariffs, tariff rate quotas, import permits and licensing requirements. Equivalency in access conditions for pork trade between Canada and the European Union is one of the most promising opportunities to increase returns and to provide growth for hog producers and value-chain partners, including grain growers, pork processors and the many Canadian companies involved in the meat export trade.

“We look forward to successfully completing talks with the European Union. This will provide the Canadian industry with the additional marketing opportunities that are needed to realize our long-run potential as a leading exporter of pork to the world and, as importantly, a return on our investments,” added Mr Vincent.

The CPC serves as the national voice for hog producers in Canada. A federation of nine provincial pork industry associations, our organization’s purpose is to play a leadership role in achieving and maintaining a dynamic and prosperous Canadian pork sector.

Monday, April 30, 2012
Food Security Project Enhances Pig Industries
PAPUA NEW GUINEA - The South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) is helping to provide security of food production through its participation in Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) food security projects in Papua New Guinea.


SARDI is the lead organisation facilitating the adoption of mini feed mills in the monogastric (single stomach) livestock industry in Papua New Guinea to improve smallholder and semi commercial enterprise profitability.

The four year ACIAR project, currently in its first year, involves a diverse collaborative group. Australian partners include SARDI, Primary Industries Industry and Investment NSW, value chain, nutrition and economic consultants. The PNG partners include the Highlands Aquaculture Development Centre, National Agriculture Research Institute, National Fisheries Authority, PNG University of Technology, Christian Leaders Training College, Ok Tedi Development Foundation and Lutheran Development Service.

SARDI Senior Research Scientist Dr Phil Glatz said options included feeding systems for pigs and poultry and information for the intensive commercial industry on suitable higher fibre and lower energy diets that ameliorate the effects of conventional diets.

“Development of user briefs for small scale feed mills will allow the niche pig and poultry sector and game bird industry the option of investing in their own feed manufacturing and produced diets that are cheaper than commercial diets,” Dr Glatz said.

The project is planned to result in a 25% increase in profitability of the monogastric sector in PNG and increase production by 5% per annum, equating to $A47 million per annum.

Dr Glatz said smallholder and semi-commercial aquaculture, pig and poultry farming was making an important contribution to the livelihoods of rural households in PNG.

“Currently the monogastric sector in PNG has a market value of $A190.5 million per annum comprising about 600 000 small farmers,” Dr Glatz said.

Monday, April 30, 2012
Hog Outlook: Canadian Swine Herd a Fifth of US Herd
US and CANADA - Statistics Canada announced the results of their April hog inventory survey this week. They said the Canadian swine breeding herd is unchanged from a year ago and their market hog inventory is up two per cent.
 
Ron Plain
The number of sows farrowed during the first quarter of 2012 was up 0.2 per cent. They predicted second quarter farrowings would be up 2.3 per cent and third quarter farrowings would be down 1.2 per cent. The Canadian swine herd is roughly a fifth the size of the US herd. It looks like US imports of hogs and pork from Canada this year will be close to 2011 levels.

The US Bureau of Economic Analysis said the US economy grew by 2.2 per cent during the first quarter of 2012. That is far better than zero, but not fast enough growth to put a big dent in the unemployment numbers.

USDA says 28 per cent of the corn acreage had been planted by April 22. That compares to an average of 15 per cent on that date and only 8 per cent planted on April 22, 2011.

The amount of pork in cold storage at the end of March, 612.7 million pounds, was down 1.6 per cent from the month before, but up 6.7 per cent from a year ago.

Hog prices ended this week mostly steady with the previous Friday. The national average negotiated carcase price for direct delivered hogs on the morning report today was $79.14/cwt, down 25 cents from last Friday. The eastern corn belt averaged $79.32/cwt this morning. The western corn belt averaged $78.42/cwt. Iowa-Minnesota had an average price of $78.37 on the morning report. Peoria had a top today of $54.50 and Zumbrota a top of $54/cwt. The top for interior Missouri live hogs Friday was $58.75/cwt, up 75 cents from the previous Friday.

The pork cutout value was lower this week. USDA's Thursday afternoon calculated cutout value was $76.75/cwt, down 71 cents from the previous Thursday. Hams and butts were higher this week. Bellies and loins were lower. Wholesale pork belly prices are now the lowest since January 12, 2010. Belly prices have been unusually high the last two years, boosting the pork cutout. That may be ending. Packer margins remain tight. The national average hog carcase price this morning is 3.1 per cent above the cutout value.

Hog slaughter totaled 2.092 million head this week, up 0.4 per cent from the week before and up 7.0 per cent compared to the same week last year. Barrow and gilt carcase weights for the week ending April 14 averaged 206 pounds, unchanged from the week before and up one pound from a year ago. The average barrow and gilt live weight in Iowa-Minnesota last week was 276.9 pounds, up 0.5 pounds from a week earlier, up 4.0 pounds from a year ago, and above a year earlier for the 22nd consecutive week.

Friday's close for the May lean hog futures contract was $85.50/cwt, down $2.00 from the previous Friday. The June lean hog futures contract settled at $86.60/cwt, down 80 cents for the week. July hogs ended the week at $87.52 and August settled at $88.00/cwt. May corn futures gained 41 cents this week to settle at $6.53/bushel.

Friday, April 27, 2012
Hog Raisers Decry Being Used as ‘Bargaining Chips’
PHILIPPINES - Hog raisers are objecting to the government’s move to use pork import tariffs as a “bargaining chip” in international negotiations to extend the Philippines’ quantitative restrictions on rice imports.


GMA News reports that the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. (NFHFI) made the stance as Representative Teddy Casiño–chairman of the House committee on small business and enterprise development–warned of the adverse impact of rising pork imports on the local livestock industry.

"We appeal to (Agriculture) Secretary (Proceso) Alcala not to sacrifice our livelihood in favor of extending the protection on rice," said NFHFI spokesperson and Abono party-list chairman Rosendo So.

The swine raisers’ group and the Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines want the Department of Agriculture to restore the tariff on pork offal to 40 per cent, but the NFHFI claims the DA had offered to cut the tariff to 5 per cent.

Mr So said the DA offered the 5-per cent pork tariff during international trade talks to extend the QR on rice until 2017.

Hog farms said a 40-per cent rate would discourage pork smuggling.

National Food Authority administrator Angelito Banayo said China, Viet Nam, Pakistan and India are “most keen” on negotiating with the Philippines on rice QRs.

Mr Banayo added that the United States, Canada, Australia, Thailand and El Salvador also intend to meet with Filipino negotiators on the rice QRs.

Seventy per cent of the country’s pork imports come from the US and Canada, Mr So noted.

The US has deplored the differing food safety and handling standards the DA has for freshly slaughtered meats.

The DA standards for fresh meat are contained in Administrative Order No. 5, while frozen meats–usually and including imported pork–are covered by AO No. 6.

"This system imposes very high standards on the handling of frozen meat, which is primarily imported, that do not apply to the handling of freshly slaughtered meat, which is exclusively domestic," the US Trade Representative said in its third annual Report on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Davinio Catbagan said in a phone interview with GMA News Online that freshly slaughtered meat and frozen meats are “different products” requiring different food safety and handling standards.

Mr Catbagan also said the DA remains open to consultations with hog raisers even though AO 5 and AO 6 have been in effect since early April.

Rep. Casiño claimed in a statement emailed to GMA News Online that “AO 5 and AO 6 did not go through a public consultation.”

Mr Casiño also alleged that the Aquino administration is favoring imported meats over local output.

He said imported pork in 2008 was 109.36 million kgs, which increased by 48.32 percent in 2011 to 162.21 million kgs.

“Based on our consultation with local hog and poultry raisers, farm gate prices from July 2011 to February 2012 averaged P86 per kilo against production cost of P92 per kilo,” the Bayan Muna party-list solon said.

“An estimated P8.5 billion was lost in the eight month-period, with 2.2 million hogs sold each month. With this they are operating at a loss due to the unfair advantage of imported meat,” he added.

Mr Casiño said the DA “should at least hold a dialogue with local hog and poultry raisers to address their concerns affecting the local industry and the consuming public.”

However, Mr Catbagan said there were in fact five consultations held in Davao, Cebu and Metro Manila in 2011 and that the draft orders were published before they took effect.

“We’re not closing our doors,” Mr Catbagan said even as he revealed that efforts are underway to schedule new meetings with stakeholders so their views may be heard.

The DA had earlier revealed that its National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) will put up a two triple-A service abattoir or slaughterhouse in Luzon this year.

Next year, NMIS will have a triple-A service slaughterhouse in Mindanao and a triple-A service poultry dressing plant in Luzon, to be followed in 2014 by a triple-A service slaughterhouse will be funded in Visayas.

The DA said these new slaughterhouses pave the way to replacing 20 per cent of annual meat imports with locally produced meat and meat products.

Friday, April 27, 2012

IFA Says Price Cuts Undermining Lamb Market

IRELAND - Severe lamb price cuts are undermining the market and eroding confidence in the sheep sector, according to IFA National Sheep Committee Chairman James Murphy.


He called on the factories to immediately stabilise prices and steady the market.

Mr Murphy said with little or no increase in production forecast for 2012 and very strong offal and skin prices, lamb prices must be maintained at last year’s levels. He said this is essential to the recovery of the sheep sector and its ability to regrow.

Mr Murphy said early lamb producers are disheartened and angry with the factories over the excessive price cuts on spring lamb. He said they are particularly angry when they see the factories lorrying in thousands of imports and at the same time sending out the message to local farmers that they don’t want lambs. These producers have worked hard all spring and witnessed their top quality lambs being cut by €10 per head in a week.
 
The IFA sheep farmers’ leader said the severe lamb price cuts and contradictory market signals from the factories this week highlights the real need for a much clearer roadmap and strategy for the sheep sector going forward.

"Sheep farmers and especially early lamb producers cannot work in a market which inflicts price cuts of up to 10 per cent in a week."

Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Pork Commentary: USDA Livestock & Poultry
GLOBAL - Last week the USDA released its projected expectations for the world’s production of beef, pork, and poultry, exports and US market share, writes Jim Long.

Jim Long is President &
CEO of Genesus Genetics. 1,000 Metric Tons
Production 2007 2011 2012 Per Cent Change 2011 to 2012
Beef & veal 58,438 56,888 57,001 0.2%
Pork 94,103 101,662 104,357 2.7%
Broiler & turkey 74,646 85,732 87,497 2.1%
Total 227,187 244,282 248,855 1.9%


Observations:
Global pork production has increased 10,000 (1,000 metric tons) or 10 per cent since 2007. Global pork production in 2012 is about 42 per cent of total livestock and poultry output. This is a slightly higher percentage of total market shares while increasing production. This is a real sign of a strong industry and growing demand.


Beef has lost not only global market share but also a decline in output; since 2007 to 2012 a decline of 1.4 (1,000 metric tons). Beef global market share was 25.7 per cent in 2007 and 2012 22.9 per cent, losing production and market share is not a very positive scenario for the global beef industry.


Since 2007 the world’s total livestock and poultry production has increased almost 20,000(1,000 metric tons) or over 8 per cent. This is not exactly a sign of a giant swing to vegetarianism - more poultry and more pork than ever eaten, as the world population and disposable income increase so does pork and poultry consumption. We have huge opportunities. It’s great to be in the pork industry that has a proven opportunity to grow which you can’t say the same for beef!
Global Exports (1000 metric tons)
  2007 2011 2012 Per Cent Change 2011 to 2012
Beef & veal 7679 8155 8728 7.0%
Pork 5186 6982 6985 0.0%
Broiler & turkey 7952 9978 10242 2.9%
Total 20817 25115 25955 2.1%

World exports have increased 20 per cent since 2007; this is a real sign of global interdependence for food. Approximately 10 per cent of total production is expected to be exported n 2012.

The USDA is projecting US pork exports in 2012 will be 2404(1000 metric tons) the highest level ever (2007: 1425). This is up 65 per cent plus from 2007. The US projects in 2012 that the US market share ( per cent) of pork exports among major pork trading countries to be 34 per cent (up from 27 per cent in 2007). The US is the global major pork exporter – it’s a big dog!!

The US advantages include a national swine health that meets or exceeds standards of importing nations, price competitive volumes of pork that allows for major supply availability, a packer industry well capitalized, efficient large plants with an aggressive competitive ownership group. You don’t want to do battle with the shareholders and management of Smithfield Foods, Tyson, Swift, Hormel, Seaboard, Mitsubishi, etc... Couple this with a battle hardened group of technically advanced swine producers. It’s a formidable competitive group and the major reason the US dominates global pork exports.

The flip side of US global pork export dominance is the US industries vulnerability to global trade issues, health risk (remember swine flu) we can never forget Larry Pope CEO of Smithfield Foods (world’s largest hog and pork producer) saying ‘five – six years ago (we paraphrase) US pork exports are an opiate for the US swine industry.’ True then, and even more now without exports a train wreck.

Major Pork Importers
The USDA projects major pork importers to be Russia 900,000 tons, China 650,000 tons, South Korea 550,000 tons, and Japan 1.3 million tons.

Markets
Global pork demand is increasing the US has a major market share in global pork trade. All sounds good, unfortunately the cash hog market and lean hog futures are not reflecting a profitable now or near future. $6.00 a bushel for corn and hog prices in mid to high 80s means next to no profit for producers buying their feed. While those producing and feeding their own hogs are cash flowing just fine.

Maybe we are like the boy who sees the manure pile and believes there must be a pony there but we can’t help it. We still firmly believe that as the seasonal supply of hogs decline over the next few weeks coupled with continued strong pork exports and less domestic chicken and beef. Cash hog prices are going to have a major surge.


Author: Jim Long, President & CEO, Genesus Genetics 

Friday, April 27, 2012
Improved Response to Disease Threats Expected
CANADA - The Canadian Swine Health Board says the establishment of a new national communication network for swine veterinarians will speed up the response to health threats within the Canadian swine industry, Bruce Cochrane writes.


Farm-Scape is sponsored by
Manitoba Pork Council and Sask Pork

FarmScape is a Wonderworks Canada production and is distributed courtesy of Manitoba Pork Council
and Sask Pork. 

To address gaps identified in swine health surveillance within the Canadian swine industry the Canadian Swine Health Board has initiated the development of the Canadian Swine Health Intelligence Network.

The network will use social media to allow swine veterinarians across the country to communicate regularly and share information when a new disease threat occurs.

Dr Dan Hurnik, the chair of the Canadian Swine Health Board's Long Term Disease Risk Management Committee and a member of the faculty of the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island, says when responding to disease timing is critical.

Dr Dan Hurnik-Canadian Swine Health Board
Our goal here is that this intelligence network will be a set of eyes that will pick up new trends early, so if you can identify something that's just starting, work with the biosecurity people to make specific recommendations to prevent its spread and make sure that information is known across the country, we can hopefully limit the spread of a disease that will cost the industry a lot of money.

Those are processes that, in the circovirus outbreak, we didn't have in 2005.

Each regional applied procedures and the time it took to organize meetings and plan a response plan, for example a meeting to speed up the development and distribution of a vaccine, took a long time to plan.

Hopefully, with the intelligence network that will recognize the problem sooner, that can coordinate meetings and take action where necessary, the response time will be much shorter and the industry will be served much better.

Dr Hurnik says years ago we didn't have the same ability to communicate quickly, efficiently and effectively and this new approach will hopefully improve Canada's ability to respond to disease threats.

Friday, April 27, 2012
Bone Disease Causing Recumbency in Pigs
UK - Respiratory disease prominent with an upsurge of PRRS in East Anglia, streptococcal disease, which is still a common diagnosis in post-weaned pigs and another case of bone disease causing recumbency in pigs on an inadequate diet have been observed in the latest AHVLA Scanning Surveillance Report.
 

Reproductive Disease
Fungal infection as part of a larger problem of reproductive failure
Fungal abortion was diagnosed by Bury St Edmunds in one litter from a closed indoor breeder-finisher unit on which more widespread abortion was suspected as sows were coming into milk approximately three weeks early as if due to farrow but piglets were never found. A high regular and irregular return rate was also occurring. Sows were vaccinated for erysipelas and PRRSV, parvovirus vaccination was also undertaken but only in gilts. One aborted piglet was submitted together with five mummified piglets from a different full-term litter. Aspergillus species was isolated from foetal stomach contents of the aborted piglet in pure growth, no other causes of abortion were detected, in particular no parvovirus antibody or virus was detected. Fungal abortion can occasionally occur in pigs, usually related to mouldy feed or bedding. It can cause sequential foetal death as seen in some litters on this farm, however it is unlikely (unless mycotoxins are involved) to cause infertility and a second submission of aborted and mummified piglets was submitted to investigate further. Porcine parvovirus PCR and other tests on these piglets did not yield any infectious causes of abortion and no fungal growth was obtained. Histopathology on the hearts did not reveal myocarditis making PCV2 associated foetopathy and EMCV unlikely. Investigations continue on this unit.

PRRS outbreak causing abortions, stillbirths, weak piglets and deaths of farrowing sows
severe PRRSV outbreak was diagnosed on an indoor weaner-producer unit. Disease began a month prior to submission as respiratory disease manifesting as coughing, inappetence and malaise mainly in the gilt yard which then spread to sows. In the week prior to submission six sows died just after farrowing after showing respiratory disease. Abortions also increased in the month prior to submission and, of 14 sows to farrow at the weekend prior to submission, 50 per cent of piglets had died either as stillbirths or having been born weak. Fifteen dead piglets from three litters were submitted which were stillborn or weak at birth. Given the prominence of the respiratory disease on the unit and the relationship of respiratory disease to sow deaths and stillborn/weak piglets, the likely diagnoses were considered to be PRRS and/or swine influenza, rather than notifiable disease. The unit was urged to submit a dead sow to investigate further and the following day, a sow dying after farrowing was submitted. This sow had severe well-established fibrinous pleuropneumonia with most of the lung consolidated and from which Pasteurella multocida was isolated. PRRSV was detected in the sow by PCR and also in two of the piglets tested and in the serum of another affected sow, consistent with a diagnosis of PRRS. The unit was vaccinating for PRRS with no obvious problems with vaccine storage or administration to account for the apparent vaccine failure and a report was made to VMD. No swine influenza virus was detected. Since the diagnosis was made, morbidity and mortality have reduced and the clinical situation is improving. Vaccination has been intensified on the unit.

Alimentary Diseases
Coccidiosis causing widespread diarrhoea from a week of age
Three live 10-day-old piglets were submitted to Shrewsbury to investigate the cause of diarrhoea affecting up to 70 per cent of piglets from 7-10 days of age with 45 piglets dying in the previous batch of 200 piglets. Sows were vaccinated for E. coli and clostridial disease. Gross findings were similar in all three pigs, with the entire length of the intestines dilated with watery to creamy, yellow-green, somewhat smelly contents. Histopathology revealed marked villus stunting and blunting with variable numbers of developing intraepithelial Isospora within the more distal aspects of the villi and in all three piglets there was a fibrinopurulent and necrotising enteritis associated with isosporosis. Live typically affected piglets are ideal for diagnosis of coccidiosis in preweaned pigs as significant disease may be present without detectable oocyst excretion.

Further outdoor units affected with intestinal torsion in replacement gilts
Four of 25 190-day-old replacement gilts were showing lethargy, reduced appetite, dyspnoea and coughing and two died. The problem began six days prior to submission approximately one week after the gilts arrived on the outdoor breeding unit. One dead gilt was submitted to Bury St Edmunds in good body condition. The gilt was dehydrated and post mortem examination revealed a clear significant intestinal torsion with no evidence of respiratory disease. There was a significant proportion of sandy material in the large intestine. It was recommended that any further gilts dying be submitted to determine whether this was a one-off or part of a group problem. We have seen several ‘outbreaks’ of intestinal torsion in replacement gilts after their arrival from indoor units onto outdoor breeding units. Excessive ingestion of sandy soil and stones is likely to be playing a part and amongst the measures which might be taken to reduce the risk of torsion are provision of plentiful straw to distract the gilts in the paddocks and feeding more regularly.

Respiratory Diseases
Active PCV2 associated disease with swine influenza causing respiratory disease
Live six-week-old pigs were submitted to Thirsk for post mortem examination to investigate wasting evident from two to three weeks post weaning on a 350 sow weekly farrowing farrow to finish indoor unit. Pigs were vaccinated at eight weeks old for PCV-2 and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. The pigs were wasted and hairy and had variable cranioventral purple lung consolidation with some significant interlobular oedema. In one pig there was excess fibrinous pleural fluid and early visceral pleurisy. Swine influenza was detected by PCR and a variety of bacterial causes of pneumonia were isolated, including Haemophilus parasuis, Pasteurella multocida and S. suis. Histopathology confirmed severe lymphadenopathy with lymphoid depletion and some intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies typical of PCV-2 associated disease. A diagnosis was made of swine influenza superimposed on a background of active PCVAD, with secondary bacterial pneumonia. It was recommended that the PCV-2 vaccination protocol should be reviewed.

An upsurge of PRRS outbreaks was diagnosed in the Bury St Edmunds region. Several typical cases are described below. Whether this upsurge relates to the spread of a particular strain, different strains or to disease manifesting on units where it had previously been controlled is, at this stage, unclear and is being investigated.

Widespread respiratory disease due to PRRS with pasteurellosis after entry to finishing unit
Approximately 50 per cent of 1,300 indoor 14-week-old finishers were reported to be showing respiratory signs with 14 deaths over a two week period. One fresh pluck was submitted showing consolidation of the ventral parts of both middle lung lobes. Pasteurella multocida and PRRS virus were detected. Immunohistochemistry confirmed PRRSV involvement in the pneumonia. The pigs had been vaccinated for PRRSV on arrival nine days prior to submission but were already coughing and it was suspected that the pigs had been challenged prior to arrival.

Mixed bacterial infection with PRRS in wasting growers
Wasting and respiratory disease were reported in approximately 10 per cent of growers in each batch of 300 in straw yards on an indoor breeder finisher unit. Pigs were vaccinated for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and PCV2, PRRS vaccine had also recently been initiated although the submitted pigs were not vaccinated. Mortality was approximately 2 per cent. Three pigs in poor body condition were submitted, two had chronic extensive pneumonia while two had significant diarrhoea without specific mucosal lesions. Both Haemophilus parasuis and Pasteurella multocida were isolated from the pneumonic lung and PRRSV was detected in the pigs by PCR. Immunohistochemistry confirmed involvement of the PRRS virus in the pneumonia. Brachyspira pilosicoli was isolated from one of the pigs with diarrhoea supporting a diagnosis of concurrent Brachyspira pilosicoli colitis. The unit has initiated PRRS vaccination of rearing pigs.

Poor response to antimicrobial treatment in coughing finishers with PRRS challenge
Clotted blood samples were submitted from a group of 2,000 16-week-old housed finishers in which approximately 10 per cent were affected by coughing, wasting, reddened ears and approximately 20 deaths with a poor response to antimicrobial treatment. PRRS was suspected to be underlying the problem and this was confirmed by detection of PRRS virus in two pools of five sera by PCR and seropositivity in unvaccinated finisher pigs.

PRRSv detected in coughing unwell gilts on outdoor unit
Mixed tissues including a pluck were submitted from a 26-week-old gilt on an outdoor unit. The gilt was one of a group of 30 all of which were coughing, lethargic and inappetent over a three day period prior to submission. The rest of the group improved following antimicrobial treatment. This one gilt died. There was a severe fibrinous pericarditis and endocarditis affecting the left atrioventricular valve and a nontypable Streptococcus suis was isolated from the heart valve. More significantly, with respect to the clinical disease in the rest of the group, PRRS virus was detected by PCR and was considered to be the most likely cause of the group problem.

Mixed viral infection with Glasser’s disease causing rapid wasting and coughing
Concurrent swine influenza, PRRSV and Glasser’s disease was diagnosed as the cause of rapid wasting with coughing in 15 of 340 13-week-old pigs, six other pigs had died over the previous week. One dead pig in poor body condition was submitted which was quite pale with watery blood due to a deep gastric ulcer affecting the entire pars oesophagea. There was a fibrinous polyserositis and a generalised lymphadenopathy. Haemophilus parasuis was isolated confirming Glasser’s disease and both swine influenza (not pandemic H1N1 2009) and PRRSV were detected by PCR. Dual infection with both swine influenza and PRRS was likely to be a significant factor precipitating Glasser’s disease.

Glasser’s disease diagnosed with underlying swine influenza in weaners
Increased mortality in seven-week-old weaners with nervous signs, swollen joints and low grade cough was found to be due to combined Glasser’s disease and swine influenza. The pigs had shown a poor response to antimicrobial treatment. Three dead pigs were submitted which had fibrinous polyserositis typical of Glasser’s disease which was confirmed by isolation of Haemophilus parasuis and swine influenza (pandemic H1N1 2009 strain) was detected by PCR.

Swine influenza with mixed bacterial infections
Four six-week-old weaners were submitted to Thirsk to investigate increased respiratory disease and wasting on an indoor 600-sow farrow to finish unit. There was also an increase in abattoir pleurisy lung scores. In summary, porcine respiratory disease complex was diagnosed due to Streptococcus suis and Haemophilus parasuis infections with underlying influenza and salmonellosis. It is likely that the incursion of influenza allowed other pathogens to manifest. It is not uncommon for pigs in which influenza is diagnosed to have been submitted as a result of the secondary infections rather than the influenza itself.

Concurrent swine influenza and PRRS associated with salmonellosis post-weaning
Multifactorial disease with both swine influenza and PRRS infections was diagnosed as the cause of a very poor performance in pigs post weaning on a 300 sow indoor farrow to finish unit. Pigs were reported to scour, become dyspnoeic and approximately 10 per cent then lose condition and die within the first ten days post weaning. Lung lesions were significant with multifocal haemorrhages, wedge-shaped purple/black areas of discolouration, some grey consolidation of cranioventral lobes and some areas of firm beige rubbery lung. Both PRRS and pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza were detected by PCR and Salmonella Typhimurium Copenhagen was isolated from lung. Dual infection with PRRS and influenza was likely to have compromised the pigs and led to salmonellosis. Vaccination of the sow herd for PRRSv is being considered (the herd was not previously vaccinated) as well as diligent attention to hygiene and acidification of water in order to mitigate the effects of the salmonellosis.

Urinary Diseases
Kidney infection causes sow deaths on outdoor unit
Chronic pyelonephritis was diagnosed as the cause of illness and death of a sow on an outdoor unit on which there had been two previous unexplained sudden deaths in sows in the previous week. The sow had been treated with antibiotics and the causative organism was not isolated. The sow was estimated to be five weeks pregnant, interestingly sows are considered to be more susceptible to pyelonephritis in the three weeks post-mating when their urine is more alkaline and supports the growth of organisms causing pyelonephritis better.

Nervous Diseases
Streptococcus suis type 7 was isolated from a swab taken from the meninges of a ten-week old grower to investigate the cause of sudden death. Ten pigs had been affected out of a group of 400, eight of which had died. S. suis 7 is an uncommon cause of primary disease in UK pigs but is prominent in some European countries.

Streptococcus suis type 2 continues to cause mortality in pigs of a range of ages and several examples are described below.

The carcase of a three-month-old gilt was submitted to Winchester with a history of fitting prior to death. The liver was markedly congested with fibrin strands present on the surface. The meninges were congested and haemorrhagic in appearance and S. suis type 2 was isolated confirming streptococcal meningitis.

Four dead six-week-old pigs were submitted to investigate the cause of lameness and nervous signs, manifesting as recumbency with tremors, in 45 of 1,200 pigs with 21 deaths over a two week period. There was a fibrinous meningitis and polyarthritis in two of the three pigs, S. suis type 2 was isolated from meninges, joints and liver confirming a diagnosis of S. suis type 2 disease. No involvement of swine influenza or PRRSV was detected.

Systemic and Miscellaneous Disease
Neonatal mortality due to lack of milk
A single whole litter of neonatal piglets were found dead one morning, resulting in the submission of two carcases to Preston. There was no indication that the piglets had sucked (no milk found in the alimentary tracts) and, as no other diagnosis was established, it was concluded that the likely cause of death was starvation complicated by a liver rupture and haemorrhage in one piglet. The farmer was advised to check the milk supply of sows if further cases occurred.

Musculoskeletal Disease
Streptococcus suis type 14 polyarthritis
Streptococcus suis type 14 was isolated from joints of a 2-week-old piglet submitted to Leahurst with polyarthritis, peritonitis and pericarditis. Fourteen of 35 piglets were affected by sudden recumbency over the period of a week. In the previous batch of litters, 3 of 35 had died and several recovered following antibimicrobial treatment. S. suis type 14 is as recognised cause of such outbreaks.

Poor bone mineralisation causing recumbency suspected to be due to an inadequate diet
Eight of a batch of 71 four month old pigs fed confectionery and custard waste with sow nuts were affected with hind limb weakness leading to reluctance to stand and recumbency. Post mortem examination at Shrewsbury revealed synovial changes involving the stifles and hip joints but no significant bacteria were isolated. There was also no evidence of neurological disease on neuropathological examination. Bone analysis revealed a significantly low bone ash content with normal calcium and phosphorus content. The poor bone mineralisation was suspected to be due to dietary deficiency. Review and improvement of the mineral content of the diet was prompted by these findings.

Friday, April 27, 2012
CME: Hogs, Pigs Inventory Up on Previous Year
Statistics Canada released yesterday the results of its quarterly survey of Canadian hog and pig operations. Below are some of the highlights from the survey and implications for North American pork production going forward, write Steve Meyer and Len Steiner.


The total inventory of hogs and pigs as of April 1, 2012 was reported at 12.040 million head, 210,000 head or 1.8% higher than the previous year but still some 21% smaller than then inventory peak in September 2005. The growth in Canadian inventories mirrored the increases in the US market, with the US inventory up 1.9% in the last quarter. Combined US and Canadian hog supplies were 76.912 million head, 1.9% higher than a year ago. At its peak, the Canadian hog industry contributed about 20.0% to North American supplies but that share has drifted to about 15.7% as of last count.

The Canadian sow inventory has been remarkably steady in recent quarters despite higher prices for North American pork. This is partly due to sharply higher feed costs last year that sapped the incentives to expand but also limited processing capacity. Even though Canadian producers receive some benefits from the exchange rate in purchasing feed from the US, the stronger Loonie becomes a liability when it comes to shipping feeder pigs to the US. The Canadian breeding stock as of April 1 was pegged at 1.310 million head, slightly lower than the previous quarter and within a few hundred head of last year’s levels. The Canadian breeding herd contracted by about 20% between 2005 and 2009 and it has held at those levels ever since (see chart). The North American sow inventory is currently estimated at 7.130 million head, just 32,000 head or 0.5% higher than what it was last March.

As in the US, much of the increase in pork supplies in Canada is not coming from herd expansion but from productivity gains. The survey pegged sow farrowings in Q1 of 2012 at 709,100 head, up 0.2% from the previous year. The pig crop for the quarter was reported at 7.265 million head, up 0.9% higher than the previous year. The size of the pig crop vs. farrowings implies 10.25 pigs per litter in the latest reported quarter, 0.7% higher than the previous year. The growth in pigs per litter in Canada has lagged behind the US, where pigs per litter are growing at near 2%. The far rowing size for the latest quarter was notably lower than what producer intentions indicated in the January survey. The survey also pared back intentions for Q2. In January, Canadian producers expected Apr - Jun farrowings to increase by 6.6% but this latest survey now expects farrowings to increase only 2.3% from a year ago and farrowings for Jul - Sep are expected to decline 1.2%. Even with steady growth in the number of pigs per litter, this implies that the pig crop in Canada in Q3, and likely in Q4, will be lower than in 2011.

NV_LS320 Nashville, TN Thurs Apr 26, 2012 USDA/TDA Dept Ag Market News
Tennessee Sheep and Goat Auction

4/23/12 Tennessee Livestock Producers Graded Goat and Sheep Sale.
Receipts: 537 (338 Goats; 199 Sheep) Last Sale 281
Next Sale May 14, 2012. (Second and fourth Monday of each month)

Goats sold per hundred weight (cwt) unless otherwise noted, weights,
actual or estimated.

Slaughter Classes: Kids
Selection 1
25-35 lbs 200.00-205.00 
36-50 lbs 208.00-242.00
51-65 lbs 200.00-224.50
66-80 lbs 180.00-223.00
81-90 lbs 164.00-171.00

Selection 2
25-35 lbs 181.00-194.00
36-50 lbs 194.00-210.50
51-65 lbs 200.00-240.00
66-80 lbs 170.00-174.00
81-90 lbs 131.00-148.00

Selection 3
25-35 lbs 180.00-184.00 
36-50 lbs 190.00-197.00
51-65 lbs 185.00
66-80 lbs
                       
Yearlings Selection 2-3
60-108 lbs 128.00-195.00
                   
Slaughter Bucks/Billies
All Wgts 104.00-153.00

Slaughter Nannies/Does
All wgts 110.00-155.00

Kids Feeders Selection 3
26 lbs 133.00-184.00
   
SHEEP
Slaughter Lambs-Includes all breeds, sold per hundred weight (cwt).

Choice and Prime 40-60 lbs 200.50-225.00
Good                       181.00-200.00
Choice and Prime 61-80 lbs 213.00-225.00
Good                       185.00-196.00
Choice and Prime 81-100 lbs 201.00
Good                        150.00-170.00
Choice and Prime 100-120 lbs 142.00-148.00     
Good                                 
Choice and Prime 120-161 lbs               
                                     
           
Slaughter Ewes Utility and Good:
All wgts 104.00

Slaughter Rams:
All Wgts Not well tested.

Tennessee Dept of Ag-USDA Market News, Nashville, TN

Thursday, April 26, 2012
Weekly Roberts Market Report
US - Lower soybean exports from South America and rumors that Brazil will halt exports this week were supportive, writes Michael T. Roberts.

Michael T. Roberts
Extension Agriculture Economist,
Dairy and Commodity Marketing,
NC State University

DAIRY CLASS III futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) closed down on Monday. APR’12DA futures closed at $15.73/cwt; down $0.04/cwt and $0.06/cwt lower than this time last week. The MAY’12DA contract closed at $14.79/cwt; down $0.36/cwt and $1.19/cwt lower than a week ago. JULY’12DA futures closed at $14.77/cwt; down $0.42/cwt and $0.87/cwt lower than last report. Supply is ample and production is up pressuring futures. Prices are expected to remain lower for longer than previously indicated. Some data show that production may be peaking in Florida and Arizona while production in other milk producing areas is still increasing. As schools wind down and let out for the summer demand is expected to seasonally decrease moving more fluid milk to manufacturing. Class III futures were: 3 months out = $14.89/cwt ($0.35/cwt lower than last report); 6 months out = $15.17/cwt ($0.50/cwt under a week ago level); 9 months out = $15.49/cwt ($0.39/cwt less than this time last week); and 12 months out = $15.59/cwt ($0.36/cwt under a week ago). Fundamentally unless hot weather begins to slow milk supply supplies are expected to remain heavy weighing on prices. Short term outlook is bearish and “any” rallies should be used to price production. Floor sources say slowing production and better exports in the fall of 2012 could help prices. Feed can be priced further out than hand-to mouth but not more than two months.


LIVE CATTLE futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) finished mixed on Monday. JUNE’12LC futures closed at $114.575/cwt; down $0.875/cwt and $1.575/cwt lower than last report. The AUG’12LC contract closed at $118.600/cwt; down $0.250/cwt and $0.425/cwt under a week ago. DEC’12LC futures closed at $127.025/cwt; up $0.175/cwt but $0.325/cwt lower than last week at this time. CME cattle were pressured by lower outside markets, a higher US dollar, and a USDA Cold Storage report showing slower domestic demand amid renewed publicity over a certain ground-beef product additive. Beef stocks rose 7.9 per cent from the previous month and 14 per cent over a year ago. USDA on Monday put box beef prices at $188.57/cwt; up $0.56/cwt and $7.31/cwt over a week ago. Estimated packer margins are projected to remain poor but processors will continue to buy cattle to meet near-term retail demand. According to HedgersEdge.com, the average packer margin was raised $69.70/cwt from this time last week to a negative $19.20/head based on the average buy of $122.55/cwt vs. the breakeven of $119.27/cwt. On Monday USDA estimated cattle slaughter at 120,000 head processed vs. 109,000 the week before and 93,000 head this time last year. Monday’s cash cattle were called $0.50-$1.00 lower. Late Monday, April 23, USDA put the 5-area average price at $122.48/cwt; $0.02/cwt lower than this time last week. See graph.


FEEDER CATTLE at the CME closed lower on Monday. APR’12FC futures finished at $149.425/cwt; off $0.700/cwt and $0.925/cwt lower than a week ago. The AUG’12FC contract closed $1.100/cwt lower at $155.225/cwt and $0.250/cwt under last report. Feeders were pressured by higher corn futures slowing demand. Some profit taking was noted. Monday’s estimated receipts at the closely watched Oklahoma City market were put at 9,500 head vs. last week’s 5,451 head. This time last year 4,193 head were sold. Feeder steers and heifers were steady-to-$1/cwt lower. Stockers and calves were steady-to$2/cwt higher. Demand was considered moderate-to-good. The CME feeder cattle livestock index was placed at 149.96; down 0.22 but 0.0270 over this time last week. See chart.

 

 

This table shows the maximum price a producer could pay for feeder cattle and still break even, assuming the costs and conversion/performance factors listed above. Producers should remain aware that calculations are based on averages. Courtesy DTN.
CORN futures on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) closed up on Monday. The JULY’12 contract closed at $6.224/bu; up 10.0¢/bu and 9.25¢/bu higher than last Monday’s close. The DEC’12 contract closed at $5.454/bu; up 8.75¢/bu and 19.025¢/bu higher than last report. Exports, speculative buying new crop corn, and continued commercial buying of old crop contracts were supportive. Funds decreased net-bull positions to 210,431 lot down 28,838 contracts. Corn basis was steady-to-firm with end users raising bids trying to keep grain flowing. Farmer selling is slow due to early corn crop plantings. Exports were bullish with USDA putting corn-inspected-for-export at 29.386 mi bu vs. estimates for 28-34 mi bu. Weekly exports needed 3this week 3.8 mi bu to stay on pace with USDA export demand expectations. See chart.


SOYBEAN futures on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) closed down on Monday. The MAY’12 contract closed at $14.372/bu; down 9.5¢/bu but 17.25¢/bu higher than last report. NOV’12 futures closed at $13.414/bu; down 14.5¢/bu and 8.75¢/bu lower than a week ago. Lower exports from South America and rumors that Brazil will halt exports this week were supportive. US exports were weak with USDA announcing soybeans-inspected-for-export at 12.005 mi bu vs. estimates for 19-25 mi bu. Weekly inspections needed to be 11.5 mi bu to stay on pace with USDA’s 1.29 bi bu demand projection. See chart.


WHEAT futures in Chicago (CBOT) closed up on Monday. The MAY’12 contract closed at $6.250/bu; up 9.25¢/bu and 8.75¢/bu higher than this time last Monday. JULY’12 wheat futures finished at $6.324/bu; up 9.25¢/bu and 11.25¢/bu higher than a week ago. Exports, risk of frost damage to US crops and increasing Chinese demand for US wheat were supportive. Compared to this time last year US exports to China for the first quarter of 2012 exports increased more than fifty times over. USDA put wheat-inspected-for-export at 24.391 mi bu vs. estimates for 16-22 mi bu. The weekly export pace needed to stay on pace with USDA’s 1.0 bi bu demand projection is 18.5 mi bu.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Access for Irish Beef to Libya Expected Shortly

IRELAND - The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, said that he understood the Libyan authorities are about to lift their 16 year ban on the importation of beef from Ireland and other EU countries.


The Minister is optimistic that official confirmation of this will be received imminently.
 
The Minister said that the progress reflected the intensive efforts over many years at political, diplomatic and technical level and represented the continuing improvement in relations between Libya and the EU. It also was a recognition by the Libyan authorities of the quality and safety of Irish and EU beef. In a recent written communication with the Libyan Minister for Agriculture and Animal and Sea Resources, Minister Coveney said that he had emphasised the fact that Ireland applies the highest animal health standards and the strictest veterinary public health controls along the food chain and that these are the bedrock of our agri-food industry.
 
He added that the next step now is to agree veterinary health certificates with the Libyan authorities which will set out the conditions under which the export of Irish beef can take place. It is hoped that these will be agreed soon.
 
The Minister concluded by saying that: "This is a very exciting time for Irish agriculture and food. My visit to China last week was tangible evidence of the fact that there is unlimited potential in the global market place for Irish food exports. We are seen globally as a serious producer of high quality food and as a centre of excellence in terms of food safety, sustainable production systems, animal breeding and genetics. I remain committed to working to ensure that Irish producers have access to as many world markets as possible. With this in mind, my Department will continue to work closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Bord Bia to develop and expand our agri food exports".