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Number of pigs decreasing in Wales
Number has more than halved in ten years

The number of pigs in Wales has more than halved in just over ten years as production costs continue to increase, it has been revealed.

According to Meat Promotion Wales (MPW), there were just 25,600 pigs in Wales at the end of last year, compared to 65,200 in 2000.

Although prices have risen with each year, MPW says that producers currently get nearly £1.55 per kilogram, about 14p less than the cost of production.

John Richards, a spokesman for MPW, mainly blamed the high cost of feed, saying: "At the same time, the size of the Welsh pig herd continues to decline. A 4% drop in numbers to the year ending December 2011 saw the total number stand at 25,600. This is less than half the number in 2000 when there were 65,200 pigs in Wales."

The number of pigs passing through Welsh abattoirs in August was 2700 - 14% than 2011, and the third month in a row that numbers have declined. 

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.