Roger AbbottRoger Abbott is the Editor of Energy NowFrom the AuthorPig Health & DiseaseNew diagnostics detect, treat pig diseases in hoursPig producers must keep a close eye on their herds and record AND report any changes in behavior or health of their pigs. This was highlighted yet again—at a conference focusing on the rapid advances in diagnostics and the ability of laboratories to identify new diseases within hours, rather than months.Business & MarketsNew products show pig industry is looking to the futureThe range of new pig products and innovations in equipment, production systems and techniques to improve health, welfare and general efficiency revealed at EuroTier and SPACE indicate that the international pig industry has its sights firmly fixed on the future.Business & MarketsGlobal pig industry looks to China for prosperityAnnual world pork consumption is about 100 million tons and 50 million of them are consumed in China, according to Karsten Bruun Rasmussen, marketing manager of the Danish Agriculture and Food Council. Currently, Chinese pig producers cannot keep up with growing demand for pig meat products, so its needs for imports are expected to increase in the coming yearBusiness & MarketsNorth American pig industry: Cautiously optimisticCautious optimism is the watchword for the pig industry across North America as it launches itself into 2012 and beyond. A particular focus is being put on driving the export trade forward and improving pig welfare to guard against attacks from animal rights groups.Sustainability in Feed ProductionGlobal pig industry supports ‘climate smart farming’ initiativeWhether you are a believer or not, a growing body of opinion considers climate change is all pervading. Even the British government’s chief scientist, Sir John Beddington is urging the pig industry to adopt “climate smart” agriculture.Animal Feed ManufacturingVictam International 2011 relocates to Germany, joins two other feed showsHeld simultaneously for the first time, Victam International, FIAAP International and GRAPAS trade shows are opening together in Cologne, Germany, May 3-5, 2011.Rising costs and doubts about the availability of some raw materials are causing concern among feed manufacturers, processors and producers around the world, and the market shows no signs of calming down yet.Page 1 of 1