Africa to host Ensminger Pig Symposium in 2019

L-R: Dr Danie Visser (director at Juventis), Shaun Mockford (vice president, Pig Breeders Society of South Africa), De Wet Boshoff (AFMA executive director) and Prof Esté van Marle-Köster (head of the Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Pretoria)

Discussions will cover topics ranging from increasing sow longevity and reducing antibiotic feeding approaches, through to modern welfare techniques and gene and genomic selection. Participants will also learn more about the latest techniques for successful male and female reproduction and meat quality.

The symposium, organised by the Iowa State University, is endorsed and supported by the Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA) and the South African Pork Producers Organisation (SAPPO).

“Organising such an impactful event calls for a collective industry vision, active involvement and the support of role players in the broader pig industry,” says Dr Danie Visser, director at Juventis.

According to Prof Max Rothschild, distinguished professor at Iowa State University, pork continues to be the red meat of choice worldwide. Given the competitive nature of pork production, modernisation and utilisation of cutting edge technologies are required.

“We believe by endorsing this event we are supporting an influential forum where the entire industry, and associated industries along the value chain, can discuss pressing matters and exchange experiences,” says De Wet Boshoff, executive director of AFMA.