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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 18th January 2012
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Pig Finisher Challenge 2012 opens
BPEX hopes to spur production improvements.

Pig finishing units have been challenged to see how far they can improve production by October this year. The 2TS Finisher Challenge starts now – producers just need to contact BPEX to say they are ready to go for it.

The BPEX Knowledge Transfer (KT) team have announced that they will help producers identify areas of ‘lost potential’ and find ways to fine tune their system. The type of finishing system or what the starting point is does not matter – the challenge is open to all finishing and contract finishing pig units in England.

BPEX KT manager Lisbeth Ravn says: “The goal is to improve performance in the growing pig herd to help the industry reach the two-tonne sow target and increase profitability. We know that, with an improved focus and often small management changes, a big difference in production can be made. We’ll be providing support throughout the challenge, particularly with performance data records and how to make best use of them. We’d like pig finishers to get in touch as quickly as possible – we’re excited to see what can be achieved by October 2012!”

There will also be prizes for ‘most improved production’.

For more information, click here for details.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.