Issuu

Grand Valley Fortifiers Ltd. PO Box 726, Cambridge ON, N1R 5W6

1006704

Swine Grist

CENTRAL & ATLANTIC EDITION A PERIODIC NEWSLETTER PRODUCED BY GRAND VALLEY FORTIFIERS VOLUME 25, ISSUE 3 | WINTER 2023

Dear Friends, As we soon wrap up calendar year 2023 and this year’s (late) harvest, we know that we have been blessed with a bountiful harvest. Ontario crop yields have been great this growing season but in southwestern Ontario corn is testing between 0 ppm and 8 ppm coming off the fields. Please review the article by Kayla Silva to brush up on your knowledge of mycotoxins and the various strategies to consider as we work together to incorporate the 2023 harvest into performance orientated feed rations on farm. In this edition of the Grist, we are pleased to welcome Aline Pereira MSc., poultry nutritionist, to our growing team of nutritionists as well as JP Thibault who has taken on the role of Business Development Manager for Direct Source Commodities and a successor to Steve McGuffin who plans to retire in 2024. As Grand Valley Fortifiers enters its 64th year of operation in 2024, we are embracing the reality that a number of our three and four decade tenured team members are looking forward to a new season in retirement. One of those is our dearly loved and sincerely appreciated PhD monogastric nutritionists, Dr. Martin Clunies. Words can not express the gratitude that we, at GVF as well as the swine and poultry producers that Martin has worked with across the country and around the globe, have for the way Martin’s advice and nutritional expertise has improved the performance, productivity and profitability of their herds and flocks. Indeed, beyond that, Martin has become a friend to so many of us and has personified the “Humble Confidence” that we at GVF aspire to exude. Please join us in thanking Martin for his tireless work in the industry and wish him and his wife, Estelle smooth sailing as they literally sail into a new season of life together. David Ross and I, as well as the entire GVF family want to wish you are yours a very Blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with much love, health, prosperity and happiness. Sincerely, Ian Ross, President & CEO, GVF group of companies

MYCOTOXIN UPDATE

by: KAYLA SILVA Monogastric Nutritionist, Grand Valley Fortifiers

he 2023 Ontario corn harvest is coming to an end. While most Ontario corn regions have had decent growing conditions, the last week of June throughout September had frequent rainfall and therefore corn remained wet, was less mature, and hence increased the risk of mold contamination. To date, a total of 54 corn samples representing 35 different farms across Ontario were sampled and analyzed for DON (Vomitoxin), Zearalenone, T2, Fumonisons, and Aflatoxins (Table 1). DON Average (ppb)

Average

1680

Zearalenone Average (ppb)

112

T2 Average (ppb)

Fumonisins Average (ppb)

Aflatoxins Average (ppb)

Min (ppb)

Max (ppb)

8219

810

792

Fumonosins

>1.5

0.006

0.04

0.18

1-800-567-4400 www.grandvalley.com

DON Average (ppm)

Simcoe

0.44

Chatham-Kent

0.70

Brant

0.76

Bruce

0.92

Wellington

0.96

Elgin

1.04

Essex

1.15

Waterloo

1.25

Perth

1.80

Niagara

1.85

Oxford

1.92

Huron

2.34

Haldimand

2.68

Lambton

2.73

Middlesex

2.83

Stormont

3.27

County

DON values represent the majority of the mycotoxin load and has an average of 1.68 ppm. Although the maximum value for DON is 8.2 ppm, it should be noted, however, that there can be variability of mycotoxin contamination due to hot-spots. With this in mind, mycotoxin contamination was further broken down by Ontario Counties **. While looking at this data, it is important to note that a small sample size will easily influence mycotoxin values, and it is crucial to send corn samples for analysis to determine your corn mycotoxin load. It is equally important to recognize symptoms of mycotoxin contamination within your herd.

Ian Ross, President & CEO | David Ross, VP & CMO Adam Totafurno, M.Sc. | Drew Woods, M.Sc. | Kayla Silva, M.Sc. | Curtis Ebanks, Layout Editor

The table below lists the potential symptoms associated with mycotoxin contamination:

In a trial conducted this summer with 364 weaned pigs, we utilized the same feeds throughout the nursery from our BioForce product line but offered either our standard feed budget or a more economical one. This resulted in a slightly lower feed budget per pig in phases 2 and 3 for the Economic Program (Table 1). The trial ran for 47 days, with technical and economic performance in Table 2.

Since we are seeing roughly two times higher average DON toxin levels in 2023 (1.68 ppm) compared to 2022 (0.83 ppm), below are some strategies for dealing with feed grains contaminated with mycotoxins:

Cleaning or Roasting the Grain

Most of the mycotoxins are found in the fines of the grain samples, so removing the fines often reduces the number of mycotoxins in the grain. This can often be accomplished by screening or blowing the chaff of the grain away before the grain is stored. Another method is to roast the grains which burns off the fines and removes the toxin from the surface of the grain.

Diluting Contaminated Grain

Dilute with clean grains to reduce mycotoxin levels in the feed. Some of the ingredients that can be used this year include clean wheat, barley, and bakery meal. For those producers liquid feeding, using ingredients like liquid whey or brewers yeast are great strategies for diluting mycotoxin contamination.

Enzymes

Enzymes are a more recent developing strategy for mitigating the effect of mycotoxins in the feed. These enzymes can transform mycotoxins into less toxic compounds. As more knowledge is gained in this area, there will be more and more efficacious enzymes developed to transform the known and unknown mycotoxins present in the grains.

Probiotics

Probiotics are evolving as a new strategy for dealing with mycotoxin contaminated feeds. Some probiotics can transform whole families of mycotoxins, such as the trichothecenes, to less harmful compounds or eliminate them completely by biotransformation. Probiotics can offer protection to the gut by restoring the tight junctions between the cells and thereby the permeability of the gut, decreased by the presence of mycotoxins in the feed. Year to year mycotoxins remain a risk in feed grains fed to livestock animals, of which pigs are the most sensitive. Ultimately, laboratory testing is best for assessing the risks in feeding contaminated grains. Being vigilant and assessing symptoms within your herd as well as speaking with a Grand Valley Livestock Business Consultant or Grand Valley Nutritionist about mitigation strategies is the best way to cope with mycotoxin contamination.

ROOM TO PLAY IN THE NURSERY BUDGET

by: EMILY MILLER Monogastric Specialist, Grand Valley Fortifiers

t Grand Valley Fortifiers, we are continually running trials in the nursery phase to fine tune the recommendations for our feeding programs, test new products, or even try out new ingredients. When considering the different phases in a nursery feeding program, the diets will generally start more complex, with easily digestible ingredients for young piglets, which is also associated with higher cost. As the piglets get older, we can simplify the diets to reduce the cost, while still achieving good performance. We know it is important to get weaned piglets off to a great start, but perhaps there are still some efficiencies to be gained. For example, are there times in the nursery feeding program where we can successfully modify the feed budget to reduce the cost per kg of gain without sacrificing performance? This is the type of question we wanted to answer with our BioForce product lineup. Recently, we launched two new early nursery feeds – BioForce Initiate® and BioForce Propel®. These were designed for the producer who still wants to purchase pellets (vs. making them on farm) for piglets up to 9 kg, but who is more sensitive to cost per tonne in the nursery. For customers who want to maximize nursery performance, our BioSure products, Surge and Respond, for the early nursery are still a great choice.

Table 1: Economic vs. Standard Feed Budget Feed

Standard

Economic

Bioforce Initiate

1.0 kg

BioForce Propel

2.0 kg

1.5 kg

BioForce 180

4.0 kg

3.5 kg

BioForce Piglet 32

Balance

Table 2: Overall Nursery Results Parameter

Standard

Economic

Start Weight, kg

6.3

6.2

End Weight, kg

31.1

32.0

Average Daily Gain, g

529

549

Feed Consumed/Pig, kg

37.3

39.4

Feed Conversion Ratio

1.50

1.53

Feed Cost/KG Gain, $

1.12

1.10

Margin Over Feed Cost, $/Pig*

46.64

48.88

*Margin Over Feed Cost= ($3 per kg feeder pig gain feeder pig)-feed cost. All feeds were medicated with Chlor and Tiamulin

Utilizing a smaller feed budget in phases 2 and 3 with the Economic program resulted in similar overall nursery performance compared to the Standard program. Considering the entire nursery period, feed consumed per pig was slightly higher in the Economic program, but this was later in the nursery when cost per tonne of feed is lower. This led to a lower feed cost per kg of gain, and ultimately greater margin over feed cost of $2.24. This trial is a great example of continuous evaluation of the nursery feeding programs at Grand Valley Fortifiers. Each trial gives us more insight and allows us to make improvements to our feeding programs, with the ultimate goal of improving the profitability of our customers. We do recognize that every farm is different, and conditions can even vary from batch to batch, highlighting the importance of continuous data generation and product evaluation. If you would like to learn more about running trials on your farm or sharing data with us, please reach out! Would you like to see how a modified budget or different feeding program could impact your bottom line in the nursery? Contact your Grand Valley Fortifiers Livestock Business Consultant today!

GVF SAILING INTO RETIREMENT: Farewell to Dr. Martin Clunies After 34 Remarkable Years

fter an incredible 34 years, Dr. Clunies is setting sail into retirement on December 29, and it's only fitting to reflect on the remarkable journey of the first monogastric nutritionist at Grand Valley Fortifiers. Martin began his career at Grand Valley Fortifiers in 1989 and quickly made an impression in the industry. He created the foundation of the monogastric premixes that are still used today. Beyond his technical accomplishments, Dr. Clunies became a mentor and guide for countless colleagues over the years. He took this responsibility to heart, sharing his wealth of knowledge generously to the next generation of nutritionists at Grand Valley Foritifers. Martin had an answer for every question, a solution for every problem, and an idea for every challenge.

Swine Grist bec, Ontario & Atlantic for Nutripartenaire (Nutrition Partners). JP has owned his own Feed Dealership and has been a Technical Sales Representative with Jefo, a supplier of Grand Valley Fortifiers. His understanding of the feed and premix industry, experience in managing commodity risk and knowledge of many of our ingredients will be valuable in supporting our go forward strategy. JP will work closely with Steve McGuffin and Cheryl Andela to assist in day-to-day operations of DSC while developing the future of the business with Kevin Broadworth’s oversight. JP’s first year with DSC also provides the opportunity for him to slowly transition into the leadership role as a succession plan for Steve’s retirement in 2024.

COMMODITY OUTLOOK

by: JP THIBAULT Business Development Manager, Direct Source Commodities

With his long tenure at GVF, there are many treasured memories but to share a few today: “Martin always embraced the myriad of questions we had and took them as an opportunity to teach and make us think critically. He would always challenge my mind to think of different perspectives and provide solutions based on experience and research. Not only is Martin a wealth of knowledge, but he has a great sense of humour, one that will be missed in the office!” – Kayla Silva “Dr. Martin Clunies always tells me that " I trust farmers 100%, but I never forget to verify". Dr. Martin and I did a lot of chicken barn walking together from coast to coast in Canada, and down South in the US. He always observes, holds, and listens to chickens to try to understand what they are saying about his ration. If the chickens are happy and on target, he is happy.” – Tanka Khanal “Martin's story telling was second to none. You always knew you were in for a long story when he would say "Tell me something" or "I'm going to ask you a question". At this point, you might as well grab your popcorn, but without a doubt you would always learn something from him. Martin was a fountain of knowledge, and his storytelling will be missed.” – Adam Totafurno As Martin prepares to embark on a new chapter of his life, we can't help but to be grateful and to reminisce on his time at Grand Valley Fortifiers. We are grateful for the years of dedication, hard work, and invaluable contributions that have made Grand Valley Fortifiers what it is today, and we reminisce of the friendship, the shared victories, and the lessons learned under his guidance. Retirement, however, doesn't mark the end of Martin’s journey but rather the beginning of a new and exciting chapter with his wife Estelle. December 29 will not only be a day of farewell but also a day of celebration for a career well-lived, for friendships gained, and for a legacy that will endure long after he sets sail on new adventures. Smooth sailing and endless adventures, Marty.

ue to Argentina’s drought and a historical low 2023 bean crop, protein buyers will be relying on the US to supply the missing meal. Adding to this story, adverse weather forecast during planting season for South America, and you have the perfect storm that explains the 100$us/st increase since early October. The price for the coming months will be volatile, so take advantage of any major pull back to price on some loads. On the corn side, the new crop is ample with different levels of VOM toxins. This is reflected into the DDGS, where we see VOM level as high as 12 ppm. In consequence, nutritionists have reduced the DDGS usage and are looking at shorts and bakery meal to replace it. Plan your orders as freight companies are quite busy at this time of year.

GVF JOIN US IN WELCOMING OUR NEWEST MONOGASTRIC NUTRITIONIST! Aline was born and raised in the state of Santa Catarina Brazil, and pursued an undergraduate program in Veterinary Medicine at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR). During her undergraduate program, Aline joined UFPR's Avian Pathology and Microbiology laboratory, which focused on developing research for gut health of broiler chickens. Initially, Aline was a volunteer research assistant, ALINE PEREIRA but then she recognized that working Monogastric with poultry and gut health was her true Nutritionist passion. Aline became an undergraduate researcher and had the opportunity to get involved in research involving Salmonella, Coccidiosis, Nonspecific Enteritis, Mycotoxins, and E. Coli. However, there was a common theme in most of these research projects: testing different formulations and the use of additives in challenged broilers while observing their impact on organs, histology, microbiology population, and performance parameters. This sparked her curiosity to better understand the interaction of nutrition with gut physiology, which led her to the University of Guelph, where she pursued her Master of Science program in Animal Nutrition under the supervision of Dr. Elijah Kiarie. Aline’s Master's research used enzymatically treated and untreated cranberry pomace in broiler chickens challenged with Coccidiosis. Her results showed that dried raw cranberry pomace has the potential to mitigate the effects of Coccidiosis, but the treatment with enzymes still needs more investigation because, although the enzymes reduced the insoluble fibers present in the cranberry pomace, the bioactive compounds were also affected. After completing her Master's program, Aline happily joined us here GVF as a monogastric nutritionist where she has been working with the poultry team. Her main role is to contribute to solving the growing demand for poultry formulations. Aline’s background in improving gut health will help provide solutions to producers through nutrition. A healthy chicken gut makes Aline happy.

GVF OFFICIALLY WELCOMES JP THIBAULT TO THE DSC TEAM!

et’s give a warm welcome to JP Thibault joining the GVF team as Business Development Manager of DSC. JP has extensive experience in the animal feed industry. Most recently, he was Business Development Manager, Quegrandvalley.com

Swine Research THE ONTARIO JUNIOR SWINE Trial COMPETITION SHOW!Results

Swine Research Swine Research Trial Results Swine Research Trial Results Trial Results

by: DAVID ROSS In 2019 a feed trial was conducted in Thailand to determine the effect of adding Assure® to VP & CMO, Group of Companies

the gestating and lactating diets of sows. The results are presented in the graphs below:

In 2019 a feed trial was conducted in Thailand

fter restarting in 2022, the Ontario Junior Swine to determine the effect of adding Assure® to In 2019 a feed trial was conducted in Thailand the gestating and lactating diets of sows. to determine the effect of adding Assure® to Show (OJSS) drew an increase in students competIn 2019 a feed trial was conducted in Thailand The results are presented in the graphs below: 1 the gestating and lactating diets of sows. to determine the effect of adding Assure® to ing in 2023. Students by®showing gilts Effectcompeted of Assure on Sowtheir Milk Yield (kg) The results are presented in the graphs below: the gestating and lactating diets of sows. 12 and barrows around the show ring where they were The results are presented in the graphs below: These feeds 11.5 Effect of Assure® on Sow Milk Yield (kg) judged by Phil Smith of Seven Star Farms and Bodmin P=0.0010 Genetics on showmancontained low to 11 ® Effect of Assure on Sow Milk Yield (kg) moderate levels ship and confirmation of their pig(s). It's great 10.5 to have Phill in the ring with over P=0.0001 Effect of Assure® on Sow Milk Yield (kg) These feeds P=0.0010 of mycotoxins. 40 students competing for one of the top1025 spots, who are entered into the contained low to These feeds 9.5 moderate levels OJSS sale. contained low to 9 of mycotoxins. moderate levels 8.5 the barn competition which has Additional competitive elements include of mycotoxins. 8 students decorate their pig’s stall to help informDay show goers about various Day 14 0 Day 7 Wang et al., 2018. J. Anim. Sci. 96:206–214 elements of raising pigs, while also makingAfterthe stall look unique and appealing. Grand Valley Fortifiers was honoured to sponsor the Lean Challenge Effect of Assure® on Piglet Body Weight (kg) ® of Assure Piglet Body (kg) Award and the Group of Three countyEffect competition as juston a few of the ad- Weight 8 Effect of Assure® on Piglet Body Weight (kg) 7.69 8 7 8 ditional awards that continued to be celebrated in the ring. Effect of Assure® on Piglet Body Weight6 (kg) 7 1

11.5 1

12 P=0.0010

11.5

10.5

10 Control 9.5

8.5

P=0.0001

P=0.0010

10.5

9.5 9

10.5

P=0.0010

11.5

9.5

9 P=0.0001 8.5

P=0.0010

Assure

8.5

Control

Day 0

Day 7

Day 14

8 Wang et al., 2018. J. Anim. Sci. 96:206–214 After

Control

Day 0

Day 7

Day 14

Assure After Wang et al., 2018. J. Anim. Sci. 96:206–214 Control

Day 0

P=0.0001

P=0.0010

Assure

Day 14

After Wang et al., 2018. J. Anim. Sci. 96:206–214

7.69

P=0.0001

6 kg

5 4

P=0.0005

P=0.0001

THE ONTARIO JUNIOR SWINE SHOW 2023 3 2 1

3.1

1.76

6.52

4.9

P=0.0001 kg

4.21

2.8

Day 7

Day 14

Day 24

P=0.0001

P=0.0005 6

4 3 kg

1.65

Day 0

7.69

P=0.0001

1.76

1.65

6.52

2.8 1.76

2 Day 0 Assure Control Day 0

Day 7

Day 14

11.0

Day 24

6.52

4.9

4.21 White mycotoxin mold 3.1 beginning to form on the 2.8 tip of a corn cob. White mycotoxin mold beginning to form on the Day 7tip of a corn Daycob. 14

1.76 1.65

Day 0

P=0.0001

Day 24

Average weaned/Litter

11.0

9.4 Control

Assure

9.4 Control

P=0.001 11.0

AB/SK: 1-866-610-5770 P=0.001 MB: 1-866-626-3933

Assure

1-877-625-4400 fortifiednutritionltd.com grandvalley.com 1-877-625-4400 Advanced Animal Nutrition for Improved Human Health grandvalley.com

Advanced Animal Nutrition for Improved Human Health

Dear Friends

2 0 2 2

AND NEW YEAR’S SCHEDULE

In order to help us provide you with the best service possible during the holiday season, please be advisedMONDAY of the days we’ll be closed. MONDAY TUESDAY TUESDAY

DEC. 25

MONDAY

CLOSED DEC. 26

CLOSED

AN D N E W YE AR ’S S CH E DU LE

Order early to ensure you don’t run out.

DEC. 26

JAN. 01

TUESDAY

MONDAY

8AM - 5PM

DEC. 27SERVICE CUSTOMER DESK OPEN, DELIVERIES 8AM - 5PM RESUME DEC 27.

CUSTOMER SERVICE DESK OPEN, FARMERS DEPOT CLOSED DELIVERIES RESUME DEC 28.

CLOSED JAN. 02

CLOSED

JAN. 02, 2023

TUESDAY

RETURN TO JAN. 03, 2023 NORMAL BUSINESS RETURN TO NORMAL HOURS BUSINESS HOURS

Thank you for your business in 2022.

Thought for the Day Let Earth Receive Her King

Following the awards ceremony, the OJSS sale was hosted by Katie Sinclair and auctioneer Scott Bessy. Once again, Katie and Scott did a fantastic job creating excitement and encouraging bidders to dig deep in their wallets to support these students who represent the future of the Ontario pork industry. It was encouraging to have eleven different buyers participate in the sale that provided the students with prices ranging from $3.00 to $8.50 per pound for their winning pigs. We congratulate all the competitors and their parents who put in many hours to raise and show their pigs this year. We want to say a big Thank You to Phil Smith and the organizing committee, made up of many volunteers from the pork industry, as without their efforts running the OJSS and sale would not have been possible again in 2023.

Contro

Assure

Control Assure ® on Litter Statistics Effect of Assure

Average weaned/Litter

AB/SK: 1-866-610-5770 MB: 1-866-626-3933 AB/SK: 1-866-610-5770 fortifiednutritionltd.com MB:1-877-625-4400 1-866-626-3933 fortifiednutritionltd.com Advanced Animal Nutrition for Improved Human Health grandvalley.com

P=0.0001

P=0.0005

Control

Day 24

Effect of 9.4 Assure® on Litter Statistics Average weaned/Litter P=0.001 Control Assure

AB/SK: 1-866-610-5770 MB: 1-866-626-3933 fortifiednutritionltd.com

Day 14

1.65

4.21

3.1 2.8

Day 7

Effect of Assure® on Litter Statistics

P=0.0001

White mycotoxin P=0.0001 mold P=0.0001 3 beginning to 4.9 form on the 6.52 4.21 2 tip of a corn cob. 4.9

3.1 P=0.0001

P=0.0005

P=0.0001

“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” (– spoken by the Angel to Mary in Luke 1: 32 – 33) Here Mary is told of the significance of the birth of her son that would be provided her, a virgin, through the coming upon her of the Holy Spirit. For this reason the holy Child is called the Son of God. Nowhere else does the value of a baby’s birth, come with the value of his life! Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, how much value are you placing on Christ Jesus birth? Let us take time to remember and reflect on this significant event in history when Earth received her King and how this pivotal time, changed our future forever – “… and His kingdom will have no end.”