18 ROTECNAWORLD

ROTECNAWORLD NUMBEREIGHTEEN2014

SUMMARY FUTURENEWS

SWING R3 TUBE is born, grows and multiplies

TECHNOLOGY

MARC SMET PIG FARM: adapt its installations to the new animal welfare legislation.

PIGPRODUCTIONIN...

PIG FARMING IN ARGENTINA, A BOOMING SECTOR

ROTECNANEWS

LETTERFROMTHEEDITOR The closing of the Russian frontiers to pork imports from the European Union on the 27th of January can cause serious damage to the European pig sector. The Russian authorities opted for the fast route. With the confirmation of the first two cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) in wild boar in Lithuania, Russia immediately closed its borders to all pork from the European Union. A completely exaggerated decision, as the ban affects not only the countries where cases of ASF have been detected, namely Lithuania and Poland, but also directly the other EU member states that are free from ASF, most of which are also thousands of kilometres from the focus of the disease. Moreover, Russia is much closer to these areas than the majority of the European partners.

2013, A GOOD YEAR FOR ROTECNA

GLOBALPIG

AFRICAN SWINE FEVER IN...

SCAN ME

ROTECNA

WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE

Gener Romeu Rotecna's President

ROTECNA WORLD 18 MARCH 2014

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EDITION: Rotecna, s.a.

POL. IND. NAU-3, 25310 AGRAMUNT (LLEIDA) SPAIN DIRECTOR: GENER ROMEU EDITION/PRODUCTION/DESIGN: Montse GUERRERO EDITORS: TAMARA LOMBARDO TRADUCTION: CHRIS BOSWELL Print: Imprenta barnola ISSN: L-41-2007 Rotecna's World's editors accept no liability for contributor's opinion.

The most worrying aspect of this decision is that the effects of the closing of the Russian frontiers can be serious for Europe in the mid term. On one hand, easily predictable negative effects can be caused to export figures, as Russia is Europe’s leading client, with almost 25% of the Community’s exports of pig meat. On the other hand, there is also the fear that the biggest winner in this crisis will be the North American market, taking advantage of the gap left by European exports. However, the American market is not passing through its best moment, with an uncontrolled epidemic of porcine epidemic diarrhoea (PED) in some twenty states. And finally, one of the most immediate effects, which is already being felt, is the fall in the prices of pork on the majority of European markets.

However, this decision by the Russian authorities could end up backfiring. Some analysts argue that the Russian meat industry will soon find itself without the raw materials it needs to continue production if the close-down continues. Moreover, we should not forget that new cases of ASF on a pig farm in Russia were made public in early February.

Perhaps now, with different circumstances, the Russian authorities will be more willing to talk and to reach agreements to restart pork imports from Europe, albeit with restrictions. Obviously, these would have to be under the strictest possible control to avoid the spread of a disease that could do a great deal of damage to the pig sector.

On the other hand, prior to all this turmoil on the market of European pork exports, the forecasts in the first quarterly report for 2014 from Rabobank were good for Europe.

Lower feed costs and a positive trend in market prices suggested good profit margins for farmers in the first six months of the year. These forecasts, unfortunately, could be turned on their head if the European Commission is unable to persuade the Russian authorities to sit at the negotiating table to find an agreed solution to bring the European sector back from the brink of the precipice it is now facing.

Gener Romeu

ROTECNANEWS

GLOBALPIG

2013, A GOOD YEAR FOR ROTECNA In their speeches to the staff at Rotecna’s Christmas celebrations, the president Gener Romeu and the manager Amable Izquierdo emphasised the good results from 2013 and the encouraging perspectives for the company for 2014. They congratulated all the team at Rotecna for their good work.

Rotecna’s commitment to innovation and its insistence on always seeking an efficient response to the livestock farmers’ needs means that, despite the current context of economic difficulties, 2013 has been the firm’s best. A good year, shown not only by the turnover figures, but also by the large investments the company has made.

During 2013, Rotecna made a strong commitment for the future by investing more than two million euros to acquire a large injection machine and adapting its facilities accordingly. This investment was done with the positive tendency of the company in mind, and to ensure the R&D department has no limits when thinking up and designing new products.

The growth of Rotecna, with a rise in demand and volume of production during 2013, also led the company to invest in an extension to its facilities at the end of the year, with the acquisition of buildings next to the current production plant. This way, Rotecna has extended the area of the plant by 15,000 square metres to a total of over 35,000. Moreover, with the purchase and adaptation

SOMETHINGABOUT...

of the new installations, the area dedicated to production has risen from 12,800 to 16,500 square metres.

The increase in demand and the good prospects for the future allowed us to take on more staff during 2013. The number of employees rose from 105 to the 130 currently working in the company to cover the new production needs. In this sense, it must also be kept in mind that the good evolution of Rotecna also benefits the companies we work with occasionally or regularly and thus stimulates the creation of indirect jobs.

Exports During 2013, the export market continued to be the main outlet for Rotecna products and these are now present in over 80 countries. In that sense, Rotecna works with farmers all over the world, with an important presence in Europe and South America. However, our market share is becoming consolidated in such countries as the United States, the Republic of South Africa, Singapore and Japan.

The Calçotada:

A Catalan gastronomic feast Calçots, a good sauce and the ‘porró’ full of wine, the basic ingredients for a good calçotada”

Images: Sònia Vallés. Images of the Great Calçotada Festival held in Valls on the 26th of January.

2

The calçotada is a typical gastronomic event in Catalonia whose origins lie in the town of Valls (Tarragona), where the Gran Festa de la Calçotada is held every January. However, in recent decades, its popularity has spread all over the country and nowadays, it is easy to find calçots (tender onion shoots) to eat anywhere in Catalonia.

The origins of the calçot The calçot was discovered at the end of the 19th century by a peasant farmer from Valls known as “Xat de Benaiges”, who began to grill the tender shoots of old onions on charcoal. It was also he who invented the sauce that, with some variations, is still eaten today.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the calçotada became a habitual meal for many families in Valls on feast

days. However, the great rise in the calçotada can be dated from the mid 20th century, when the Penya Artística de l’Olla organised calçotades and invited personalities from the artistic and cultural circles of Barcelona, who then helped to popularise the festival.

Nowadays, the calçotada of Valls has grown in popularity and become a meal that can be found in many restaurants in Catalonia in the early months of the year.

Growing the calçot The process of growing the calçot begins at the end of the year, when the seeds of a specific variety of onion, the white one, are sown. We can skip this first phase by going straight to a nursery to buy this kind of onion.

Then, when summer comes, we have to replant the onions. According to

Source: Rabobank.

AFRICAN SWINE FEVER IN LITHUANIA, POLAND, UKRAINE AND RUSSIA

RABOBANK FORECASTS FEW CHANGES IN PIG PRICES IN 2014

The recent cases of African swine fever (ASF) confirmed in countries of the European Union and Russia concern the sector for the effects they could have on the European and international markets.

2013 was a good year for the worldwide pig industry. According to figures from Rabobank, the average value of the index of pork prices for the five countries that use it (Brazil, China, the United States, Canada and the European Union), was 151, a rise of 10% over 2012, and the highest level in the past five years.

The first confirmed cases of ASF in Europe appeared in January in the county of Alytus in Lithuania. After twenty wild boars were found dead, it was confirmed that two of them were affected by African swine fever.

Still on EU territory, two cases of wild boar infected by ASF were confirmed in Poland in February. On the other hand, at the end of January, the Ukrainian veterinary authorities informed the OIE about an outbreak of African swine fever on a farm in the Lugansk region, in the east of the

farmers, it’s better to plant them under a full moon. After three or four weeks, the shoots will have grown and that is when we have to ‘calçar’ the onions. This means banking or covering them with earth. It is important that, as the onions grow, they must be kept covered with earth. This has to be done three or four times until they are harvested, usually between January and April.

The secret of the authentic calçot possibly lies in the land round Valls. The characteristics of the water, climate, soil and the composition of the soil of the Alt Camp district mean that the best calçots with the Protected Geographic Indication, IGP Calçots de Valls, grow there.

country, near the Russian frontier.

Five cases were confirmed among the twenty-six pigs on the farm.

Finally, Russia also reported a new focus of ASF on a breeder farm in Shchekinsky. There were 57,047 animals in danger of being affected

by African swine fever on this farm, and by the end of January, 370 cases had been confirmed.

While Russia closed its borders to all pig meat from the European Union as soon as the cases in Lithuania came to light, the European Commission established a list of restricted areas regarding swine fever in that country and published a set of restrictions for member countries aimed at avoiding the spread of the disease.

How do you do a calçotada?

The basic elements for a calçotada are the calçots with the sauce, as well as meat, mainly llonganissa sausage and black pudding, that are cooked on the charcoal left over after grilling the calçots.

The ritual begins with preparing the calçots. This consists of cutting the green leaves half way up and then the roots, without cutting the body of the calçots, which are then placed on grills over a lively fire.

The grills with the calçots have to be turned a couple of times while cooking. When they are cooked, in other words, soft at the end and black on the outside, they are wrapped up together in newspaper to keep them hot.

As they have to be eaten hot, the calçots are served on the table still

According to the first quarterly report for 2014, the outlook is for stable prices for pig meat on a world level, both for the remains of this quarter and the next. This, combined with lower feed costs, will be positive for the margins of the farmers, despite the possible impact of the presence of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea virus (PEDv) on the markets in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

For the European Union, the forecasts of Rabobank for the first half of the year are positive. The lower feed costs and ongoing high price levels mean good margins for the farmers.

This is due to a slight rise in pork production helped by the continuous rise in productivity and consumption.

Exports will remain stable or slightly higher. However, we have yet to see what the impact of the cases of ASF detected in Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine and Russia will be.

On the other hand, pork imports into Japan fell by 10.9% between January and November, due principally to the depreciation of the yen, while the market for pork in Korea has returned to the situation prior to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in 2009.

wrapped in the newspaper and, according to the tradition, placed on a roof tile. The guests, each wearing a bib to avoid getting dirty, and with a bowl of sauce to dip them in, can start to eat.

Calçots are traditionally eaten standing up and with 20 to 35 per person.

As mentioned, every calçotada is accompanied by a good sauce, which each cook puts their own personal touch to. However, the main ingredients for four people are: 100 grams of toasted almonds, 30 grams of toasted hazelnuts, 4 or 5 roasted red tomatoes, 1 roasted head of garlic, 80 cl of olive oil, 1/2 a glass of vinegar, 1 dry pepper or sweet red pepper, parsley and salt. All this finely chopped in a blender or mortar.

3

ROTECNANEWS

GLOBALPIG

2013, A GOOD YEAR FOR ROTECNA In their speeches to the staff at Rotecna’s Christmas celebrations, the president Gener Romeu and the manager Amable Izquierdo emphasised the good results from 2013 and the encouraging perspectives for the company for 2014. They congratulated all the team at Rotecna for their good work.

Rotecna’s commitment to innovation and its insistence on always seeking an efficient response to the livestock farmers’ needs means that, despite the current context of economic difficulties, 2013 has been the firm’s best. A good year, shown not only by the turnover figures, but also by the large investments the company has made.

During 2013, Rotecna made a strong commitment for the future by investing more than two million euros to acquire a large injection machine and adapting its facilities accordingly. This investment was done with the positive tendency of the company in mind, and to ensure the R&D department has no limits when thinking up and designing new products.

The growth of Rotecna, with a rise in demand and volume of production during 2013, also led the company to invest in an extension to its facilities at the end of the year, with the acquisition of buildings next to the current production plant. This way, Rotecna has extended the area of the plant by 15,000 square metres to a total of over 35,000. Moreover, with the purchase and adaptation

SOMETHINGABOUT...

of the new installations, the area dedicated to production has risen from 12,800 to 16,500 square metres.

The increase in demand and the good prospects for the future allowed us to take on more staff during 2013. The number of employees rose from 105 to the 130 currently working in the company to cover the new production needs. In this sense, it must also be kept in mind that the good evolution of Rotecna also benefits the companies we work with occasionally or regularly and thus stimulates the creation of indirect jobs.

Exports During 2013, the export market continued to be the main outlet for Rotecna products and these are now present in over 80 countries. In that sense, Rotecna works with farmers all over the world, with an important presence in Europe and South America. However, our market share is becoming consolidated in such countries as the United States, the Republic of South Africa, Singapore and Japan.

The Calçotada:

A Catalan gastronomic feast Calçots, a good sauce and the ‘porró’ full of wine, the basic ingredients for a good calçotada”

Images: Sònia Vallés. Images of the Great Calçotada Festival held in Valls on the 26th of January.

2

The calçotada is a typical gastronomic event in Catalonia whose origins lie in the town of Valls (Tarragona), where the Gran Festa de la Calçotada is held every January. However, in recent decades, its popularity has spread all over the country and nowadays, it is easy to find calçots (tender onion shoots) to eat anywhere in Catalonia.

The origins of the calçot The calçot was discovered at the end of the 19th century by a peasant farmer from Valls known as “Xat de Benaiges”, who began to grill the tender shoots of old onions on charcoal. It was also he who invented the sauce that, with some variations, is still eaten today.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the calçotada became a habitual meal for many families in Valls on feast

days. However, the great rise in the calçotada can be dated from the mid 20th century, when the Penya Artística de l’Olla organised calçotades and invited personalities from the artistic and cultural circles of Barcelona, who then helped to popularise the festival.

Nowadays, the calçotada of Valls has grown in popularity and become a meal that can be found in many restaurants in Catalonia in the early months of the year.

Growing the calçot The process of growing the calçot begins at the end of the year, when the seeds of a specific variety of onion, the white one, are sown. We can skip this first phase by going straight to a nursery to buy this kind of onion.

Then, when summer comes, we have to replant the onions. According to

Source: Rabobank.

AFRICAN SWINE FEVER IN LITHUANIA, POLAND, UKRAINE AND RUSSIA

RABOBANK FORECASTS FEW CHANGES IN PIG PRICES IN 2014

The recent cases of African swine fever (ASF) confirmed in countries of the European Union and Russia concern the sector for the effects they could have on the European and international markets.

2013 was a good year for the worldwide pig industry. According to figures from Rabobank, the average value of the index of pork prices for the five countries that use it (Brazil, China, the United States, Canada and the European Union), was 151, a rise of 10% over 2012, and the highest level in the past five years.

The first confirmed cases of ASF in Europe appeared in January in the county of Alytus in Lithuania. After twenty wild boars were found dead, it was confirmed that two of them were affected by African swine fever.

Still on EU territory, two cases of wild boar infected by ASF were confirmed in Poland in February. On the other hand, at the end of January, the Ukrainian veterinary authorities informed the OIE about an outbreak of African swine fever on a farm in the Lugansk region, in the east of the

farmers, it’s better to plant them under a full moon. After three or four weeks, the shoots will have grown and that is when we have to ‘calçar’ the onions. This means banking or covering them with earth. It is important that, as the onions grow, they must be kept covered with earth. This has to be done three or four times until they are harvested, usually between January and April.

The secret of the authentic calçot possibly lies in the land round Valls. The characteristics of the water, climate, soil and the composition of the soil of the Alt Camp district mean that the best calçots with the Protected Geographic Indication, IGP Calçots de Valls, grow there.

country, near the Russian frontier.

Five cases were confirmed among the twenty-six pigs on the farm.

Finally, Russia also reported a new focus of ASF on a breeder farm in Shchekinsky. There were 57,047 animals in danger of being affected

by African swine fever on this farm, and by the end of January, 370 cases had been confirmed.

While Russia closed its borders to all pig meat from the European Union as soon as the cases in Lithuania came to light, the European Commission established a list of restricted areas regarding swine fever in that country and published a set of restrictions for member countries aimed at avoiding the spread of the disease.

How do you do a calçotada?

The basic elements for a calçotada are the calçots with the sauce, as well as meat, mainly llonganissa sausage and black pudding, that are cooked on the charcoal left over after grilling the calçots.

The ritual begins with preparing the calçots. This consists of cutting the green leaves half way up and then the roots, without cutting the body of the calçots, which are then placed on grills over a lively fire.

The grills with the calçots have to be turned a couple of times while cooking. When they are cooked, in other words, soft at the end and black on the outside, they are wrapped up together in newspaper to keep them hot.

As they have to be eaten hot, the calçots are served on the table still

According to the first quarterly report for 2014, the outlook is for stable prices for pig meat on a world level, both for the remains of this quarter and the next. This, combined with lower feed costs, will be positive for the margins of the farmers, despite the possible impact of the presence of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea virus (PEDv) on the markets in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

For the European Union, the forecasts of Rabobank for the first half of the year are positive. The lower feed costs and ongoing high price levels mean good margins for the farmers.

This is due to a slight rise in pork production helped by the continuous rise in productivity and consumption.

Exports will remain stable or slightly higher. However, we have yet to see what the impact of the cases of ASF detected in Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine and Russia will be.

On the other hand, pork imports into Japan fell by 10.9% between January and November, due principally to the depreciation of the yen, while the market for pork in Korea has returned to the situation prior to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in 2009.

wrapped in the newspaper and, according to the tradition, placed on a roof tile. The guests, each wearing a bib to avoid getting dirty, and with a bowl of sauce to dip them in, can start to eat.

Calçots are traditionally eaten standing up and with 20 to 35 per person.

As mentioned, every calçotada is accompanied by a good sauce, which each cook puts their own personal touch to. However, the main ingredients for four people are: 100 grams of toasted almonds, 30 grams of toasted hazelnuts, 4 or 5 roasted red tomatoes, 1 roasted head of garlic, 80 cl of olive oil, 1/2 a glass of vinegar, 1 dry pepper or sweet red pepper, parsley and salt. All this finely chopped in a blender or mortar.

3

TECHNOLOGY

TECHNOLOGY

MARC SMET PIG FARM: “With the Ni-2, we hope to reduce our annual heating bill for the farrowing pens by between 40% and 50%” View to RotecnaTV channel

A Belgian farm, founded in 1924, places its confidence in Rotecna products to adapt its installations to the new animal welfare legislation.

Marc Smet and his wife begin generational shift in their son Glen, who will take charge of the family farm founded 90 years ago.

24

In this edition of Rotecna World we continue talking about the importance of creating optimum conditions of temperature, environment and handling in the farrowing phase to favour the productivity of the sows and guarantee the good development and growth of the piglets in the early days of their lives. With this in mind, in 2013, Rotecna created the Ni-2 covers designed exclusively to give an effective response to the producers’ needs in the farrowing room. It allows the farmers to keep the temperature in the room for the sows between 16 and 20 degrees, and create a microclimate for the piglets inside the nests of between 30 and 34 degrees. Bear in mind that 70-80% of piglet deaths occur in the 72 hours after birth, due to crushing, but the primary cause is hunger and cold. Thus the importance of creating an adequate microclimate in the area for the piglets.

What are the origins of the Smet farm?

moment, the fourth generation on the farm is guaranteed.

We have to go back to 1924, when my grandparents set up this farm in Beveren, near Antwerp. A few decades later, my father took over the business and when I was old enough, I decided to follow his footsteps and continue the family line. So, I started to run the farm in 1990 and now I am gradually handing over to my son, Glenn, who has finished his studies in the agricultural college.

How has the farm evolved since you took over?

On this occasion, we have travelled to Belgium to a farm founded in 1924 in Beveren, to see the good performance of the Rotecna Ni-2 in situ. The Smet farm is a traditional family-run business that, with the new animal welfare normative, not only has adapted its installations to the new requirements, but has also extended them, and has done so with Rotecna products. Among these, they have installed the Ni-2 Mobile in the farrowing rooms to be able to create two microclimates adapted to the needs of the piglets and the sows as efficiently as possible.

How are the family involved in the business?

Marc, what were your early years as a farmer like?

I am the third generation of a farming family, so I grew up in this world. However, I remember that everything was much easier in my first years in charge of the farm.

Nowadays, things have changed, and everything is more complicated with the new legislation on animal welfare and the environment.

Currently, there is me, my wife, Marleen, and my son, Glenn, running the business. We have two daughters, aged 17 and 22, who are studying, but they also muck in on the farm at weekends and during holidays.

Do you trust in there being a new generation?

We will see if there will be a fifth generation on the Smet farm. After all, Glenn has just started, so it is still early to talk about the future. For the

I took over from my father in 1990.

We then had 150 sows and 700 finishing pigs. I soon increased these numbers to 300 sows and 900 places for finishing. Ten years later, in 2000, we invested in installations to combine green corn cob silage (CCM) with the weaning and finishing feeds and gradually increasing the size of the farm, reaching 500 sows, 1,500 weaning places and 2,800 finishing pigs in 2004. A few months ago, we added another extension and have reached 750 sows, 2,200 weaners and 5,000 places for finishing. We also have to add another 1,500 places for finishing in integrated farms. So, I can say that we have increased the size of the farm by 80% in 24 years.

What market do you send your production to?

Most of our production goes to the Belgian market, although a part is exported, our pigs being very highly valued on external markets.

Moreover, you have to bear in mind that Belgium produces twice as much pork as is needed to supply the local population.

A year after the application of the animal welfare legislation, what changes have you made to your installations?

On one hand, we have made changes in the accommodation of the

pregnant sows, which are now housed in mechanical boxes with an outlet and have more space, in line with the legislation. Also, on the new farm, we have installed a biological unit to renew the air, which has enabled us to reduce the level of ammoniac by 70% and lower the levels of dust and smell.

Recently, you have extended your farm. Among the products you installed are the Ni-2 Mobile, the Feeding Ball and the VRH-3 Valve, all from Rotecna. What made you choose these?

Nowadays, there is a clear tendency in Belgium towards improving the installations of the farms with the aim of reducing energy costs. We have decided to follow this same philosophy and invest in equipment that lets us cut down on our energy consumption. That is why one of the products we decided to install was the Ni-2 by Rotecna, which helps to make microclimates in the farrowing pens, reducing heat losses from the piglets by preventing draughts. The reason for installing these covers is to be able work during birth at 28 degrees inside the nest and 22 in the room, temperatures that we gradually reduce to 24 degrees in the nest and 19 in the room. This way, as well as saving energy, we generate a microclimate for the piglets and a comfortable temperature for the sows, and this means higher productivity. We also decided to install the Feeding Ball with the VRH-3 Valve in the farrowing pens to ensure that the sows ate and drank more.

The heated plates and Ni-2 are the key to energy saving in the farm.

View of the disposition in farrowing pens of 190 cm.

What benefits have you derived from installing the Ni-2 Mobile in these first months of use?

expectations, but I would say, it has exceeded them. It is spectacular how the sows eat and drink. We have noted a very great difference. The sows now eat between one and two kilos more per day from the second week after birth and with a higher proportion of water. Moreover, thanks to the Feeding Ball system, there is less waste of feed. Another advantage is the fact that the tubeshaped tank is transparent, which makes it easier to check the feed. We can see at a glance which sows have eaten and which haven’t.

The truth is that is has fulfilled our expectations. In our case, we installed a sensor in a couple of nests to monitor and regulate the desired temperature of the heating plates automatically through the ventilation computer. This way, if we bear in mind that, as the piglets grow, they generate more body heat and, thanks to the Ni-2 covers, this concentrates in the area of the microclimate, we can gradually lower the temperature of the hydraulic panels and thus achieve an optimum temperature while also reducing energy consumption. Then, this summer, we plan to switch on the heating panels one of the four week when the piglets are in farrowing and take advantage of the microclimate that is created inside the nest, thanks to the good insulation provided by the plastic panels and the Ni-2. Another aspect to take into account is that with the Ni-2, we have stopped using the infrared lamps that consumed 100 watts. All together, with the Rotecna Ni-2 we expect to reduce our annual consumption for heating the farrowing pens by between 40% and 50%. And if that is what really happens, we calculate that the investment in the nests will pay for itself in a few months.

Regarding the gains in productivity, thanks to the possibility of reducing the temperature in the rooms without affecting the piglets, the sows will feel better, eat and drink more, and this will make them produce more milk. Then, if the sows produce more milk, the piglets will be better fed and put on weight faster.

At the same time, increasing the piglets’ protection from draughts reduces their heat losses and improves their growth, especially

among the smallest ones. This has allowed us to decrease the death rate to an average of 0.5 piglets as diminishing the harmful effects of draughts on the newly born means they survive their first days better.

These improvements are the main reasons I decided to buy the Ni-2 by Rotecna.

This way, as well as saving energy, we generate a microclimate for the piglets and a comfortable temperature for the sows, and this means higher productivity.

Do you use the LED light that can be attached to the Rotecna Ni-2?

Yes. And, in this time we also have realised that the Ni-2 LED light works well to attract the piglets after birth.

We compared this with some pens that did not have LED lights and it was clear that, without these, the piglets took much longer to find the nest. On the other hand, leaving the LEDs on lets us enter the farrowing pens with the room lights off without bothering the sows, and thus we can avoid some piglets being crushed to death.

And what advantages would you highlight from the Feeding Ball with the VRH-3 Valve?

The combination of these two products has not only met our

What other Rotecna products have you installed on your farm?

Many. Among these, I have chosen your range of automatic systems for feed distribution with the chain and screw systems. In gestation and mating, we have installed the FOUR dispenser, and in the farrowing pens, the Simplex D-2 dispenser. On the other hand, we have also acquired Rotecna floors. In this, we were hesitating between plastic and cast iron slats to put under the mothers, but after long discussions, we took the advice of the vet and other farmers who had invested in cast iron. Other Rotecna products we have installed that I want to mention are the drinking bowls for the piglets in farrowing, the swing drinker with the VRH-3 valve, the TR-4 feeder in weaning and the PVC dividers in farrowing and weaning.

TECHNICAL DETAILS Location: Beveren / Built: 1924 / Latest reforms: 2014 FARROWING Productive sows: Number of boars: detection boars Type of insemination: Farrowing places: farrowing crates Rate of replacement of sows per year: Frequency de la banda: weeks Litters per sow per year: Piglets born per litter: Live piglets per litter: Piglets weaned per sow per year: Weaning age: days Average weaning weight: WEANING Places for weaning: Average weight at start of weaning: Average weight at end of weaning: Number of batches: FINISHING Places for finishing: Average weight at start of finishing: Average weight at end of finishing: Average sales price per kilo of live weight 2013: euros/kg

775 3 Artificial 151 40% 4 2.42 15.2 15 30.2 24 6.1 kg 2,200 6.1 kg 20.2 kg 30 6,500 23 kg 115 kg 1.24

With all the investments you have done in improvements, what do you think is the future for the Belgian pig sector?

I believe in the future of the sector in Belgium, but only if it produces with better installations, better genetics and good animal health. And to all this, I would add the passion the farmer should put into what he does.

5

TECHNOLOGY

TECHNOLOGY

MARC SMET PIG FARM: “With the Ni-2, we hope to reduce our annual heating bill for the farrowing pens by between 40% and 50%” View to RotecnaTV channel

A Belgian farm, founded in 1924, places its confidence in Rotecna products to adapt its installations to the new animal welfare legislation.

Marc Smet and his wife begin generational shift in their son Glen, who will take charge of the family farm founded 90 years ago.

24

In this edition of Rotecna World we continue talking about the importance of creating optimum conditions of temperature, environment and handling in the farrowing phase to favour the productivity of the sows and guarantee the good development and growth of the piglets in the early days of their lives. With this in mind, in 2013, Rotecna created the Ni-2 covers designed exclusively to give an effective response to the producers’ needs in the farrowing room. It allows the farmers to keep the temperature in the room for the sows between 16 and 20 degrees, and create a microclimate for the piglets inside the nests of between 30 and 34 degrees. Bear in mind that 70-80% of piglet deaths occur in the 72 hours after birth, due to crushing, but the primary cause is hunger and cold. Thus the importance of creating an adequate microclimate in the area for the piglets.

What are the origins of the Smet farm?

moment, the fourth generation on the farm is guaranteed.

We have to go back to 1924, when my grandparents set up this farm in Beveren, near Antwerp. A few decades later, my father took over the business and when I was old enough, I decided to follow his footsteps and continue the family line. So, I started to run the farm in 1990 and now I am gradually handing over to my son, Glenn, who has finished his studies in the agricultural college.

How has the farm evolved since you took over?

On this occasion, we have travelled to Belgium to a farm founded in 1924 in Beveren, to see the good performance of the Rotecna Ni-2 in situ. The Smet farm is a traditional family-run business that, with the new animal welfare normative, not only has adapted its installations to the new requirements, but has also extended them, and has done so with Rotecna products. Among these, they have installed the Ni-2 Mobile in the farrowing rooms to be able to create two microclimates adapted to the needs of the piglets and the sows as efficiently as possible.

How are the family involved in the business?

Marc, what were your early years as a farmer like?

I am the third generation of a farming family, so I grew up in this world. However, I remember that everything was much easier in my first years in charge of the farm.

Nowadays, things have changed, and everything is more complicated with the new legislation on animal welfare and the environment.

Currently, there is me, my wife, Marleen, and my son, Glenn, running the business. We have two daughters, aged 17 and 22, who are studying, but they also muck in on the farm at weekends and during holidays.

Do you trust in there being a new generation?

We will see if there will be a fifth generation on the Smet farm. After all, Glenn has just started, so it is still early to talk about the future. For the

I took over from my father in 1990.

We then had 150 sows and 700 finishing pigs. I soon increased these numbers to 300 sows and 900 places for finishing. Ten years later, in 2000, we invested in installations to combine green corn cob silage (CCM) with the weaning and finishing feeds and gradually increasing the size of the farm, reaching 500 sows, 1,500 weaning places and 2,800 finishing pigs in 2004. A few months ago, we added another extension and have reached 750 sows, 2,200 weaners and 5,000 places for finishing. We also have to add another 1,500 places for finishing in integrated farms. So, I can say that we have increased the size of the farm by 80% in 24 years.

What market do you send your production to?

Most of our production goes to the Belgian market, although a part is exported, our pigs being very highly valued on external markets.

Moreover, you have to bear in mind that Belgium produces twice as much pork as is needed to supply the local population.

A year after the application of the animal welfare legislation, what changes have you made to your installations?

On one hand, we have made changes in the accommodation of the

pregnant sows, which are now housed in mechanical boxes with an outlet and have more space, in line with the legislation. Also, on the new farm, we have installed a biological unit to renew the air, which has enabled us to reduce the level of ammoniac by 70% and lower the levels of dust and smell.

Recently, you have extended your farm. Among the products you installed are the Ni-2 Mobile, the Feeding Ball and the VRH-3 Valve, all from Rotecna. What made you choose these?

Nowadays, there is a clear tendency in Belgium towards improving the installations of the farms with the aim of reducing energy costs. We have decided to follow this same philosophy and invest in equipment that lets us cut down on our energy consumption. That is why one of the products we decided to install was the Ni-2 by Rotecna, which helps to make microclimates in the farrowing pens, reducing heat losses from the piglets by preventing draughts. The reason for installing these covers is to be able work during birth at 28 degrees inside the nest and 22 in the room, temperatures that we gradually reduce to 24 degrees in the nest and 19 in the room. This way, as well as saving energy, we generate a microclimate for the piglets and a comfortable temperature for the sows, and this means higher productivity. We also decided to install the Feeding Ball with the VRH-3 Valve in the farrowing pens to ensure that the sows ate and drank more.

The heated plates and Ni-2 are the key to energy saving in the farm.

View of the disposition in farrowing pens of 190 cm.

What benefits have you derived from installing the Ni-2 Mobile in these first months of use?

expectations, but I would say, it has exceeded them. It is spectacular how the sows eat and drink. We have noted a very great difference. The sows now eat between one and two kilos more per day from the second week after birth and with a higher proportion of water. Moreover, thanks to the Feeding Ball system, there is less waste of feed. Another advantage is the fact that the tubeshaped tank is transparent, which makes it easier to check the feed. We can see at a glance which sows have eaten and which haven’t.

The truth is that is has fulfilled our expectations. In our case, we installed a sensor in a couple of nests to monitor and regulate the desired temperature of the heating plates automatically through the ventilation computer. This way, if we bear in mind that, as the piglets grow, they generate more body heat and, thanks to the Ni-2 covers, this concentrates in the area of the microclimate, we can gradually lower the temperature of the hydraulic panels and thus achieve an optimum temperature while also reducing energy consumption. Then, this summer, we plan to switch on the heating panels one of the four week when the piglets are in farrowing and take advantage of the microclimate that is created inside the nest, thanks to the good insulation provided by the plastic panels and the Ni-2. Another aspect to take into account is that with the Ni-2, we have stopped using the infrared lamps that consumed 100 watts. All together, with the Rotecna Ni-2 we expect to reduce our annual consumption for heating the farrowing pens by between 40% and 50%. And if that is what really happens, we calculate that the investment in the nests will pay for itself in a few months.

Regarding the gains in productivity, thanks to the possibility of reducing the temperature in the rooms without affecting the piglets, the sows will feel better, eat and drink more, and this will make them produce more milk. Then, if the sows produce more milk, the piglets will be better fed and put on weight faster.

At the same time, increasing the piglets’ protection from draughts reduces their heat losses and improves their growth, especially

among the smallest ones. This has allowed us to decrease the death rate to an average of 0.5 piglets as diminishing the harmful effects of draughts on the newly born means they survive their first days better.

These improvements are the main reasons I decided to buy the Ni-2 by Rotecna.

This way, as well as saving energy, we generate a microclimate for the piglets and a comfortable temperature for the sows, and this means higher productivity.

Do you use the LED light that can be attached to the Rotecna Ni-2?

Yes. And, in this time we also have realised that the Ni-2 LED light works well to attract the piglets after birth.

We compared this with some pens that did not have LED lights and it was clear that, without these, the piglets took much longer to find the nest. On the other hand, leaving the LEDs on lets us enter the farrowing pens with the room lights off without bothering the sows, and thus we can avoid some piglets being crushed to death.

And what advantages would you highlight from the Feeding Ball with the VRH-3 Valve?

The combination of these two products has not only met our

What other Rotecna products have you installed on your farm?

Many. Among these, I have chosen your range of automatic systems for feed distribution with the chain and screw systems. In gestation and mating, we have installed the FOUR dispenser, and in the farrowing pens, the Simplex D-2 dispenser. On the other hand, we have also acquired Rotecna floors. In this, we were hesitating between plastic and cast iron slats to put under the mothers, but after long discussions, we took the advice of the vet and other farmers who had invested in cast iron. Other Rotecna products we have installed that I want to mention are the drinking bowls for the piglets in farrowing, the swing drinker with the VRH-3 valve, the TR-4 feeder in weaning and the PVC dividers in farrowing and weaning.

TECHNICAL DETAILS Location: Beveren / Built: 1924 / Latest reforms: 2014 FARROWING Productive sows: Number of boars: detection boars Type of insemination: Farrowing places: farrowing crates Rate of replacement of sows per year: Frequency de la banda: weeks Litters per sow per year: Piglets born per litter: Live piglets per litter: Piglets weaned per sow per year: Weaning age: days Average weaning weight: WEANING Places for weaning: Average weight at start of weaning: Average weight at end of weaning: Number of batches: FINISHING Places for finishing: Average weight at start of finishing: Average weight at end of finishing: Average sales price per kilo of live weight 2013: euros/kg

775 3 Artificial 151 40% 4 2.42 15.2 15 30.2 24 6.1 kg 2,200 6.1 kg 20.2 kg 30 6,500 23 kg 115 kg 1.24

With all the investments you have done in improvements, what do you think is the future for the Belgian pig sector?

I believe in the future of the sector in Belgium, but only if it produces with better installations, better genetics and good animal health. And to all this, I would add the passion the farmer should put into what he does.

5

PIGPRODUCTIONIN...

TECHNOLOGY

SWING R3 TUBE is born, grows and multiplies Two new pans for weaning & FINISHING: a pan for each phase.

SWING R3 TUBE FINISHING

feed separate from the water: a central place for the meal and two lateral drinkers.

2014 sees an extension to the Swing R3 range of feeders.

PIG FARMING IN ARGENTINA, A BOOMING SECTOR

Domestic consumption The annual consumption of pork in Argentina reached 8.6 kilos per head in 2012, an increase of 70% over the last ten years. These figures show a rising tendency for pork consumption in the country. Moreover, the estimates by the pig group at the INTA for 2020 are for a rise from 8 to 14 kilos of meat per person per year, which will allow the production of pigs to rise to over 8 million head (2012: 3.5 million) and meat production to over 700 thousand tons (2012: 331,000 Tn). Along with these increases in consumption and production, imports of pork into Argentina are falling. During 2012, over 30,000 tons were imported, mainly from Brazil and Chile, a drop of 45% compared with the year before.

External market The world’s leading exporters of pork meat are the United States, the European Union, Canada and Brazil. In this context, Argentina produces 0.32% of the world’s pork and generates 0.09% of the volume of exports at a global level. However, the country exported almost 7,000 tons of pork products, according to data for 2012, an increase of 30% over the previous year. Moreover, this positive tendency is expected to continue over the coming decades thanks to Argentina’s capacity to produce large amounts of

6

grain to hold production costs down.

Argentine is expected to export 70,000 tons of products in 2020 to a value of over 115 millions Euros.

Production Costs Argentina has some of the lowest costs in the world. According to the Argentinean Association of Pig Producers (AAAP), the base for feed for pigs is concentrated on maize and soya, and these represent between 75% and 90% of livestock feed. Although Argentina only produces 0.32% of the world’s pork, it has a large capacity for producing raw materials, which puts it among the countries with the lowest production costs, to which we must add the excellent health status that increases the country’s potentialities in this sector. Thus, grain production will be one of the future keys for pig production in Argentina and its competitiveness at the global level.

Occupation Among the main attractions of the growth of the pig sector in Argentina is the capacity it will have for generating employment. The sector currently employs 12,000 people in the primary sector, while there are another 20,300 indirect jobs in industry and services, giving a total of 32,300 workers in the pig sector. If the estimated production levels for 2020 are reached, this figure would rise to 50,450 jobs, distributed across the phases the sector covers, which would mean 18,000 new jobs.

Productive efficiency On the other hand, as well as these opportunities for growth, the pig

A report from the INTA analyses the situation of

R3 Tube: specifically for weaning and finishing. Until now, this

Argentinean pig farming, its opportunities and

feeder had a single polymer pan on two levels, appropriate for

challenges.

use in all phases: weaning, finishing and Wean to finish.

sector in Argentina also has to face a series of challenges. Among these is a need for an increase in efficiency in production. In this sense, it is calculated that only 39% of the farms use closed production systems, with an average productivity of 20 piglets per sow per year. In contrast, the majority of farms, 61%, have the sows in open-

most economic method, and one of the best examples of recycling nutrients”. At the same time, the waste must be treated to avoid environmental damage. Thus the importance of being aware that inadequate handling of waste implies a loss of energy and nutrients and also environmental degradation.

GRAPHIC - PRODUCTION (t) AND CONSUMPTION 4000

8

3500

7

3000

6

2500

5

2000

4

1500

3

1000

Production Consumption person

500 0

92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

SOURCE: INTA

air or mixed production systems with productivity per sow per year of between 10 and 14 piglets. It is precisely this second and most widespread system that will have to be improved to an average productivity of 18 piglets per sow and year to reach the estimated production of 8 millions head of pigs in 2020.

Waste management Finally, another important challenge for the pig sector in Argentina is to acquire the means to transform the animal waste into a source of energy and fertilisers. During a conference on waste management, one of the technicians at the INTA, Nicolás Sosa, stated that “the application of organic residues to the soil is the

2

the physical characteristics of the animals in each of the phases they are designed for.

The aim is that the most demanding farmer can attend more precisely and effectively to the animals in each phase of their development. The most appropriate model of feeder must be selected for the needs of the farm to obtain the highest possible efficiency and profitability.

What is achieved with these two new models?

1 0

The new Swing R3 Tube for weaning has been developed around the characteristics of the animals it is designed for (from 6 to 30 kg). It is narrower and lower to facilitate access for the smallest piglets. They can operate the feed-drop mechanism without having to go into the bowl, thus avoiding waste of feed and helping them to learn.

adequate product for their farms from the range that Rotecna make available.

The pan in polymer.

The all-in-one option

The sizes of the new pans for the Swing R3 Tube are adapted to

consumption kg / person / year

An increase in the domestic consumption of pork and exports are the keys for the growth of the pig sector in Argentina. This is the result of a report by the INTA, the Argentinean National Institute of Agricultural Technology, according to which pig production in Argentina is treading a path of opportunities.

Production (M)

Source: INTA

Rotecna launches two new stainless-steel pans for the Swing

SWING R3 TUBE WEANING

On the other hand, the design of the new Swing R3 Tube for fattening has been developed around the characteristics of the animals in the finishing phase (from 20 to 120 kg).

The size of this pan is designed for these animals. It is much wider so they can activate the feed-drop mechanism with a rooting movement, comfortably and naturally. The height of the pan has been substantially increased to give it greater feed capacity without the animals wasting it.

Shared characteristics In both cases, the pan is 100% stainless steel; the new dimensions mean it is longer to allow more animals to reach it at the same time.

It is designed in two levels to keep the

Finally, the Swing R3 Tube maintains its model with a polymer pan designed for those farms whose characteristics mean that it is more profitable to choose a single product for all three phases: weaning, finishing and wean to finish.

The three models for the Swing R3 Tube are characterised by the feed drop system. The Tube system ends in a rotating ring that moves vertically with the graduation to increase or reduce the amount of feed that drops.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SWING R3 FEEDERS • Its “mono-block” design makes it robust and easy to install.

• Reinforced side panels make it more stable and resistant to use with heavier animals.

• Inclined loading inlet. Easy to fill and clean.

• Wide variety of plates, to meet the requirements of all farmers.

• Two lateral drinkers.

• Rounded angles and no corners to avoid the accumulation of feed.

The farmer chooses The large range of Swing R3 feeders retains the characteristics that have given such good results since it was launched on the market. The feeders meet the requirements of the animals in this phase of growth as well as offering the farmer easy handling.

Knowing their specific requirements, the farmers can select the most

• Two systems for making the food drop: pendulum and tube.

• Easy learning, even for the smallest piglets.

• Very precise regulation, with 24 positions.

Year

In the specific case of pig waste, the basic problematic revolves around a production system that is confinement, which covers about 40 % of the activity in Argentina. As well as the waste from the animals, the activity requires large quantities of water for cleaning and for the pits that hold the faeces and urine. For example, a farrowing farm with 100 sows has an monthly average of 1,000 pigs and around 20 thousand litres of slurry per day.

However, without rational use of water, this figure could double. That is why, faced with the high volume of water that Argentinean pig production requires, it is necessary to ensure that this meets the conditions that the environmental regulations establish for dumping in natural streams, using it for irrigation or reusing it on the farm itself.

SWING R3 TUBE

SWING R3 WET

SWING R3 DUO

PANS STAINLESS STEEL

WEANING

FINISHING

WEANING - FINISHING - WEAN TO FINISH

TUBE TUBE TUBE WEANING FINISHING POLIMER • -

WET

DUO

•

•

POLIMER

-

-

•

-

-

1 LEVEL (WET)

-

-

-

*

-

2 LEVELS (DRY)

•

*

*

-

*

WEANING

*

-

*

*

*

FINISHING

-

*

*

*

*

WEAN TO FINISH

-

*

*

*

*

Comparative table about characteristics of the pans in the 5 models of Swing R3 Tube.

NEW ADVANTAGES • Better-sized pan adapted to the requirements of each phase of growth.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

SWING R3 TUBE

FINISHING

WEANING

• Less wastage of feed.

• 100% stainless steel pan.

• Lighter, making it easier to transport and handle.

12 cm 50 cm

8 cm

Nº animals per feeder: Weight of animals: Feed capacity: Filling height: Diameter of the feeder: Length of pan: Width of pan: Height of pan:

SWING R3 TUBE WEANING 30-50 6 – 30 kg 95 litres 125 cm 57 cm 70 cm 35 cm 8 cm

SWING R3 TUBE FINISHING 30-50 20 – 120 kg 95 litres 125 cm 57 cm 70 cm 50 cm 12 cm

35 cm

7

PIGPRODUCTIONIN...

TECHNOLOGY

SWING R3 TUBE is born, grows and multiplies Two new pans for weaning & FINISHING: a pan for each phase.

SWING R3 TUBE FINISHING

feed separate from the water: a central place for the meal and two lateral drinkers.

2014 sees an extension to the Swing R3 range of feeders.

PIG FARMING IN ARGENTINA, A BOOMING SECTOR

Domestic consumption The annual consumption of pork in Argentina reached 8.6 kilos per head in 2012, an increase of 70% over the last ten years. These figures show a rising tendency for pork consumption in the country. Moreover, the estimates by the pig group at the INTA for 2020 are for a rise from 8 to 14 kilos of meat per person per year, which will allow the production of pigs to rise to over 8 million head (2012: 3.5 million) and meat production to over 700 thousand tons (2012: 331,000 Tn). Along with these increases in consumption and production, imports of pork into Argentina are falling. During 2012, over 30,000 tons were imported, mainly from Brazil and Chile, a drop of 45% compared with the year before.

External market The world’s leading exporters of pork meat are the United States, the European Union, Canada and Brazil. In this context, Argentina produces 0.32% of the world’s pork and generates 0.09% of the volume of exports at a global level. However, the country exported almost 7,000 tons of pork products, according to data for 2012, an increase of 30% over the previous year. Moreover, this positive tendency is expected to continue over the coming decades thanks to Argentina’s capacity to produce large amounts of

6

grain to hold production costs down.

Argentine is expected to export 70,000 tons of products in 2020 to a value of over 115 millions Euros.

Production Costs Argentina has some of the lowest costs in the world. According to the Argentinean Association of Pig Producers (AAAP), the base for feed for pigs is concentrated on maize and soya, and these represent between 75% and 90% of livestock feed. Although Argentina only produces 0.32% of the world’s pork, it has a large capacity for producing raw materials, which puts it among the countries with the lowest production costs, to which we must add the excellent health status that increases the country’s potentialities in this sector. Thus, grain production will be one of the future keys for pig production in Argentina and its competitiveness at the global level.

Occupation Among the main attractions of the growth of the pig sector in Argentina is the capacity it will have for generating employment. The sector currently employs 12,000 people in the primary sector, while there are another 20,300 indirect jobs in industry and services, giving a total of 32,300 workers in the pig sector. If the estimated production levels for 2020 are reached, this figure would rise to 50,450 jobs, distributed across the phases the sector covers, which would mean 18,000 new jobs.

Productive efficiency On the other hand, as well as these opportunities for growth, the pig

A report from the INTA analyses the situation of

R3 Tube: specifically for weaning and finishing. Until now, this

Argentinean pig farming, its opportunities and

feeder had a single polymer pan on two levels, appropriate for

challenges.

use in all phases: weaning, finishing and Wean to finish.

sector in Argentina also has to face a series of challenges. Among these is a need for an increase in efficiency in production. In this sense, it is calculated that only 39% of the farms use closed production systems, with an average productivity of 20 piglets per sow per year. In contrast, the majority of farms, 61%, have the sows in open-

most economic method, and one of the best examples of recycling nutrients”. At the same time, the waste must be treated to avoid environmental damage. Thus the importance of being aware that inadequate handling of waste implies a loss of energy and nutrients and also environmental degradation.

GRAPHIC - PRODUCTION (t) AND CONSUMPTION 4000

8

3500

7

3000

6

2500

5

2000

4

1500

3

1000

Production Consumption person

500 0

92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

SOURCE: INTA

air or mixed production systems with productivity per sow per year of between 10 and 14 piglets. It is precisely this second and most widespread system that will have to be improved to an average productivity of 18 piglets per sow and year to reach the estimated production of 8 millions head of pigs in 2020.

Waste management Finally, another important challenge for the pig sector in Argentina is to acquire the means to transform the animal waste into a source of energy and fertilisers. During a conference on waste management, one of the technicians at the INTA, Nicolás Sosa, stated that “the application of organic residues to the soil is the

2

the physical characteristics of the animals in each of the phases they are designed for.

The aim is that the most demanding farmer can attend more precisely and effectively to the animals in each phase of their development. The most appropriate model of feeder must be selected for the needs of the farm to obtain the highest possible efficiency and profitability.

What is achieved with these two new models?

1 0

The new Swing R3 Tube for weaning has been developed around the characteristics of the animals it is designed for (from 6 to 30 kg). It is narrower and lower to facilitate access for the smallest piglets. They can operate the feed-drop mechanism without having to go into the bowl, thus avoiding waste of feed and helping them to learn.

adequate product for their farms from the range that Rotecna make available.

The pan in polymer.

The all-in-one option

The sizes of the new pans for the Swing R3 Tube are adapted to

consumption kg / person / year

An increase in the domestic consumption of pork and exports are the keys for the growth of the pig sector in Argentina. This is the result of a report by the INTA, the Argentinean National Institute of Agricultural Technology, according to which pig production in Argentina is treading a path of opportunities.

Production (M)

Source: INTA

Rotecna launches two new stainless-steel pans for the Swing

SWING R3 TUBE WEANING

On the other hand, the design of the new Swing R3 Tube for fattening has been developed around the characteristics of the animals in the finishing phase (from 20 to 120 kg).

The size of this pan is designed for these animals. It is much wider so they can activate the feed-drop mechanism with a rooting movement, comfortably and naturally. The height of the pan has been substantially increased to give it greater feed capacity without the animals wasting it.

Shared characteristics In both cases, the pan is 100% stainless steel; the new dimensions mean it is longer to allow more animals to reach it at the same time.

It is designed in two levels to keep the

Finally, the Swing R3 Tube maintains its model with a polymer pan designed for those farms whose characteristics mean that it is more profitable to choose a single product for all three phases: weaning, finishing and wean to finish.

The three models for the Swing R3 Tube are characterised by the feed drop system. The Tube system ends in a rotating ring that moves vertically with the graduation to increase or reduce the amount of feed that drops.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SWING R3 FEEDERS • Its “mono-block” design makes it robust and easy to install.

• Reinforced side panels make it more stable and resistant to use with heavier animals.

• Inclined loading inlet. Easy to fill and clean.

• Wide variety of plates, to meet the requirements of all farmers.

• Two lateral drinkers.

• Rounded angles and no corners to avoid the accumulation of feed.

The farmer chooses The large range of Swing R3 feeders retains the characteristics that have given such good results since it was launched on the market. The feeders meet the requirements of the animals in this phase of growth as well as offering the farmer easy handling.

Knowing their specific requirements, the farmers can select the most

• Two systems for making the food drop: pendulum and tube.

• Easy learning, even for the smallest piglets.

• Very precise regulation, with 24 positions.

Year

In the specific case of pig waste, the basic problematic revolves around a production system that is confinement, which covers about 40 % of the activity in Argentina. As well as the waste from the animals, the activity requires large quantities of water for cleaning and for the pits that hold the faeces and urine. For example, a farrowing farm with 100 sows has an monthly average of 1,000 pigs and around 20 thousand litres of slurry per day.

However, without rational use of water, this figure could double. That is why, faced with the high volume of water that Argentinean pig production requires, it is necessary to ensure that this meets the conditions that the environmental regulations establish for dumping in natural streams, using it for irrigation or reusing it on the farm itself.

SWING R3 TUBE

SWING R3 WET

SWING R3 DUO

PANS STAINLESS STEEL

WEANING

FINISHING

WEANING - FINISHING - WEAN TO FINISH

TUBE TUBE TUBE WEANING FINISHING POLIMER • -

WET

DUO

•

•

POLIMER

-

-

•

-

-

1 LEVEL (WET)

-

-

-

*

-

2 LEVELS (DRY)

•

*

*

-

*

WEANING

*

-

*

*

*

FINISHING

-

*

*

*

*

WEAN TO FINISH

-

*

*

*

*

Comparative table about characteristics of the pans in the 5 models of Swing R3 Tube.

NEW ADVANTAGES • Better-sized pan adapted to the requirements of each phase of growth.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

SWING R3 TUBE

FINISHING

WEANING

• Less wastage of feed.

• 100% stainless steel pan.

• Lighter, making it easier to transport and handle.

12 cm 50 cm

8 cm

Nº animals per feeder: Weight of animals: Feed capacity: Filling height: Diameter of the feeder: Length of pan: Width of pan: Height of pan:

SWING R3 TUBE WEANING 30-50 6 – 30 kg 95 litres 125 cm 57 cm 70 cm 35 cm 8 cm

SWING R3 TUBE FINISHING 30-50 20 – 120 kg 95 litres 125 cm 57 cm 70 cm 50 cm 12 cm

35 cm

7

The most extensive range of products for pig equipment

PANS MAXI PAN MAXI HOPPER PAN MAXITAINER for MAXI PAN TECNA PAN initiation pan EASY PAN initiation pan MINI PAN MINI HOPPER PAN MINITAINER

FEEDERS GROW FEEDER MAXI GROW FEEDER MINI SOW FEEDER SWING R3 DUO SWING R3 WET SWING R3 TUBE TR2 FEEDER TR5 FEEDERS SOW BOWL FEEDING BALL

DISPENSERS CLUTCH DISPENSER DOSIMATIC SIMPLEX D-2 FOUR CLUTCH ADAPTER LINE SIMPLEX ADAPTER LINE DISPENSER OUTLET ADAPTER

DRINKING BOWLS & VR-H VALVE VRH-3 SWING DRINKER EASY DRINKER DUO EASY DRIKER MINI EASY DRIKER MIDI

COVER NI-2 POR PIGLETS NI-2 CORNER NI-2 MOBILE LAMPHOLDER LID WITH LED LIGHT, 5W

SPLAYLEG STOP

FLOOR DELTA BEAM PROFILE T PROFILE DELTA NET SYSTEM ERGOFIX BASIC POST BEAM CLICK-IN

PVC PVC PROFILES (50,25,10 cm) CLOSE PVC PEN DIVIDERS OPEN PVC PEN DIVIDERS DOORS FAST LOCK BRACKETS U BRACKETS SOLID GRIP

CHAIN AND DISK SYSTEM • Shock absorbing teeth system.

• Easy adjustable chain tensioning system with graduation scale.

• Corners with easy aperture system.

• Silo extraction system with an agitator.

CORNER 50Ø / 60Ø

ZINC-PLATED STEEL CHAIN 50Ø / 60Ø

AUGER SYSTEM NITRURATED CARBON CHAIN 50Ø / 60Ø

DROP KITS 55Ø / 75Ø / 90Ø

AUGERS 55Ø / 75Ø / 90Ø

The silo outlet system consist of a silo boot, a transfer unit and a slide gate assembly that allows horizontal and inclined installation.

MOTORES CON UNIDAD DE CONTROL

SLATS WEANER BLIND PARTIAL BLIND SOW TRAP SLAT WEAN TO FINISH ELECTRIC HEATED PLATE WATER HEATED PLATE CAST IRON FERROCAST LEVEL BED / RAISED