With the world population projected to rise considerably, and thereby demand for sustainable agriculture and food systems, crop yield is one intervention area with great potential. The demand for agricultural resources drives up the demand for crop land, potentially at the cost of deforestation and the depletion of natural resources. Improving crop efficiency can boost yields without increasing the acreage.

For crops to become more efficient, a number of factors, including improved nutrient uptake, improved genetics, and the ability to counter environmental threats are critical. When it comes to the environmental impact of crop production, all efforts are important. More efficient agriculture also means growing more with less or the same resources.

By inoculating seeds with products from Novonesis, yield increases between 3-7%

The Danish biotechnology company, Novonesis, has developed two microbial seed inoculants, Jumpstart® and Optimize®, that give crop seeds an extra edge. By treating soy, wheat, corn, forage grasses and other types of seeds with these inoculants, biological processes can be enhanced and higher yields can be achieved. By utilizing naturally occurring microbes and molecules, uptake of phosphorus and nitrogen is boosted to make better use of the available nutrients.

Increased yield with same input

By inoculating seeds with products from Novonesis, yield increases between 3-7% were observed in field tests, depending on soil and crop type. For instance, it has been shown to increase yields of soybeans in different regions. This suggests that small amounts of the products can increase yields while keeping resources at the same level, (without adding anything else than the usual fertilizers etc.) potentially leaving more profit for the farmer. Additionally, the improved use of the available nutrients can lead to other beneficial aspects such as reduced need for fertilizer, reduced tractor runs through the field etc.

A win for the farmer

An increase in productivity by using microbial inoculants can lead to economic benefits for the farmer.  More output with the same input is obviously more efficient, but other, slightly more hidden benefits, can be achieved:

• Larger roots of the plants mean more carbon stored in the soil.
• Reduced nitrogen losses to the aquatic environment.
• Less nitrogen is converted to nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, reducing the emissions to the atmosphere.
• Up to 15% less CO2e emissions from the whole life cycle of the crop, shown in US field tests with corn.
• Healthier soil.

Healthy animals need less medicine, handling, and expensive feed additives. The animals make better use of the feed and convert it into performance measures like growth or milk production. That’s how healthy animals contribute to a better bottom line.

A Danish farmer that runs six sow farms with more than 9.000 sows needed more stability in the sow in three of the farms herd consisting of 4,000 sows.

Thus, the aim at the farms was to reduce the mortality for the sows, and a more active sow in the farrowing section, which could produce more milk for the suckling piglets.

A game-changer

The three sow farms changed their sow feed strategy in the spring of 2020 and added EP199 – a fermented and functional rapeseed protein added seaweed, from Danish supplier European Protein. At first the EP199 was added to the gestation feed and after three months to the lactation feed. The fermented rapeseed and seaweed feed replaced soy protein by 6% in the gestation feed and 9% in the lactation feed.

The sows need 100 kilos of sow feed less yearly

The fermented complementary protein helps the sow to utilize the sow feed more efficiently.

Less sow feed but better yield

The improved utilization can be registered in lower overall feed consumption or as steady consumption but reduced per piglet produced, as the number of weaned piglets increase per sow.

The sows need 100 kilos of sow feed less yearly, which is attributed to the use of EP199. At one of the farms, the sows feed on liquid feed, and the so-called “soup” is easier to control than before with far less yeast in the liquid feed and a more stable PH-level. The sows have more appetite, and they seek the trough more actively.

At the same time, milk production has been boosted, with the piglets weighing up to a kilo more. This has increased the number of weaned piglets per weaning significantly and the frequency of diarrhoea in the farrowing section has dropped.

Grain cleaning is important for efficient storage and utility as well as animal welfare by reduction of mycotoxins. A Danish long-lasting solution proves its ability to improve on crucial parameters.

Sjørup Pig Production had realized that every time a silo came close to being empty the feed intake was reduced, and there were challenges with general health of the sows. In these periods the team discovered that even though they added one to two kg of toxin binder per ton of feed they didn’t see any remarkable improvements in terms of overall effect.

Three initiatives were implemented, including a new SKIOLD Sigma grain cleaner and continuous tests for mycotoxins to analyse the reduction of these. The cleaning qualities of the Sigma cleaner stand out compared to those of common drum or screen cleaners. The screens in the Sigma cleaner are vertical and rotate around their own axis, and at the same time around the central axis of the machine.

Surprising effect and results

The mycotoxins are attached to the surface of the grains and Sigma has a great impact on this because of the specific way it works. It contributes to an efficient cleaning and a lower level of mycotoxins by removing large quantities of sand, unwanted seeds, etc.

Efficient cleaning and a lower level of mycotoxins

The management at Sjørup Pig Production were surprised to see how much waste that could be removed from the grain, even if it seemed quite clean before the cleaning. They saw better and more efficient cleaning by installing the Sigma grain cleaner, which is more efficient compared to other types of cleaners when it comes to removing mycotoxins.

Thorough cleaning improves efficiency and stability

Installing the Sigma is the initiative that has had the largest impact of the three initiatives. Previously, the waste fraction was approximately 0.5 percent after cleaning the grain. With the Sigma cleaner the waste fraction has increased and is typically between 1 and 2 percent, sometimes as much as 3.

With a higher percentage of waste removed, a number of advantages have been obtained at Sjørup Pig Production. They no longer see those declines when using the last grain in the silos. Sow health thus improved, efficiency has been increasing, and – not least – the stability has increased. This means fewer stoppages on the pump of the wet feeding system and fewer broken membranes.

Fast handling of grain in a dry environment makes the difference in grain storage. Danish JEMA offers a high-capacity grain pit and conveyor system.

On a Swedish farm just north of Trelleborg a need for more capacity and reliable dry handling of grain was met by Danish grain handling specialist, JEMA. The new DRY PIT installation in 2018 was among the most modern grain systems on the market and the facility is a success with dry, high delivery capacity and a design to optimise food hygiene.

Total capacity with the conveyor system is 105 tonnes per hour

Grain deliveries go into an 18 cubic metre suspended DRY PIT module. Total capacity with the conveyor system is 105 tonnes per hour. The high delivery capacity means everything is cleared up by the morning, even if harvesting went on late into the night. Manual handling in the morning is therefore a thing of the past.

DRY PIT is suspended in a three-metre-deep concrete pit, and made of galvanised steel sheet. That means it is completely separate from rising groundwater around the sides and bottom. There are no flat surfaces on which old grain and dirt can accumulate. There is also full access to the pit, making it easy to service the pit auger.

This is yet another Danish high-standard solution available to the world market demanding clever and efficient contributions to sound and sustainable development in the global agriculture.

When Spanish Esfosa needed to upgrade their chilling facilities they found the necessary design and supervision competencies in Denmark. A solid system design was key, but so was the design of the process itself. 

The importance of the chilling process at the abattoir cannot be overrated. The final meat quality reflects vital steps like the chilling of carcasses. When upgrading the chilling facilities at existing slaughterhouses, the possibilities are determined by existing building design as well as the desired slaughter capacity.

So, designing the right system is crucial – but so is the design of the implementation process itself. There is no easy way to converting and upgrading your slaughter facility without stalling or otherwise impacting negatively on the existing production.

Getting the process right
This was, however, the task given to Danish Meat Research Institute (DMRI) by Spanish pork processor, Esfosa. Detailed specifications for the chilling process, influencing meat quality and chill loss levels positively, was essential for the success of this complicated project.

The scope included complete documentation of all parameters relevant to ensure low chill loss and high meat quality in the chilling process from the new Quick Chill Tunnel to the final chilled carcasses. Further, DMRI provided specification for the chilling areas, including extensive guidelines for correct construction of the insulated structure and, not least, supervised the installation and the final commissioning.

Esfosa now keeps chill loss to a minimum and has increased the production capacity

Minimum loss, maximum capacity
Esfosa now keeps chill loss to a minimum and has increased the production capacity. The successful implementation of a new Quick Chill Tunnel and the assisting cooling area was conducted while ensuring that production could continue undisturbed throughout the project. DMRI also provided support on demand throughout the construction period.

For the pig industry, animal welfare is not just about ethics and humanity, but also about good economy. This is common knowledge and a guideline in the Danish pig production, not least in the pre-slaughter processes in the sector. Now, the approach is increasingly being implemented abroad. 

In the abattoir, a major key is keeping a constant focus on animal welfare while also securing efficiency at the pre-slaughter handling. The two may be conceived as opposites. But with the right efforts, the management and operations of the pre-slaughter line, the two go fruitfully together.

In Mexican pork export association, PROAN, there was a need to address issues with welfare and meat quality. The solutions were provided through the consultancy and guidelines by Danish Meat Researching Institue, the DMRI.

DMRI educate and train slaughterhouse operators and managers around the world in correct animal handling. In Mexico the DMRI Welfare and Quality Check (WQC) was used and implemented as the tool for surveillance, benchmarking and communication of the animal welfare.

Evaluation of animal welfare and meat quality
Animal welfare standards can be measured and calibrated for maximum efficiency. The WQC protocol developed by DMRI evaluates animal welfare using a setup of parameters that combines management related issues with practical arrangements, animal-based measures, and meat quality.

With the WQC app, PROAN slaughterhouse processes now ensures less loss, ability to meet customer demands and continued improvement

The slaughterhouse operators were educated in correct animal handling with focus on improving meat quality. The WQC protocol includes observations and graduation of indicators within all areas of the slaughterhouse from unloading to sticking and meat quality.

Optimal animal welfare can improve your bottom line
Reduction in drip losses, reduction in waste and trim, improved water holding capacity and improved tenderness are a few of the benefits that can be achieved using the principles in the WQC protocol.

In Mexico it has improved animal welfare with significant benefits to the meat quality. With the WQC app, PROAN slaughterhouse processes now includes better control of animal welfare using the technology at different areas of the plant from the beginning to the final result ensuring. This ensures less loss, ability to meet customer demands and continued improvement.

Soaring temperatures around the world have impacted agricultural production and look set to have a knock-on effect on feed costs. As warmer weather becomes the norm, there is an urgent need for new solutions to produce more efficiently and with as little impact on climate as possible. Innovative feed solutions from Vilofoss is tackling two major challenges for animal production – the need to improve feed efficiency and reduce feed loss to a minimum.

During the hot summer months, many farmers have experienced that, the dairy rations of dairy cows have reached high temperature and lost much of the valuable nutrition during the time it has been on the feeding table.

When the feed mix becomes warm is a clear sign of unwanted growth of yeasts and molds which results in low animal feed intake, loss of nutrients – and loss as it is not fit for dairy cow consumption.

Reduces heating in feed rations

The innovative feed solution FreshFoss from Vilofoss prevents overheating and maintains the hygienic quality and nutritional value of the ration by inhibiting unwanted microorganisms. The feed solution is a combination of acid salts in powder form, which is mixed into the ration prior to feeding. The acids inhibit the growth conditions of mold and yeast, decreasing the number of nutrients being metabolised and reducing heating.

Nutritional value and quality can be maintained in feed mix

The FreshFoss solution makes the feed mix stay stable longer. By extending the time until the finished mix takes heat, nutritional value and quality can be maintained. It can therefore be advantageously used all year round for mixes that are mixed less often, e.g. for young animals.

Helping to improve milk yield and reduce food loss

FreshFoss has shown good results in Bulgaria. Here Bulgarian farmers dairy cows are consuming more dry matter and the ration temperature is measured to be significantly lower eight hours after the feed ration is determined.  Another bonus of using FreshFoss has been an increasing average daily milk yield.

Constant improvements in the slaughtering processes meets the ever-present concerns of hygiene and quality on the kill line. An alternative to knife cutting is ergonomic and has proven efficiency.

Hygiene and quality control are an ever-present concern in the pork abattoirs. The traditional removal of visible dirt on carcasses by knife cutting is time consuming and risks inconsistent product safety and quality.

Frontmatec, a world leader in customized solutions for automation in the food industry, has developed the Steam Vacuum Handle in cooperation with the Danish Technological Institute. The device is the result of microbiological tests showing that use of the steam suction for removal of visible feces contaminants such as dirt, hair, etc. results in lower aerobe bacterial counts and lower numbers of positive E. coli tests, than achieved by use of knife cutting.

Use of the Steam Vacuum Handle increases product safety, removing all visible feces contamination, dirt, and hair on relatively smooth surfaces of the carcasses, such as the belly

By introducing the steam suction through the whole working process as a supplement to other operations in the kill line, an optimum process, with immediate removable of possible contamination when it occurs, is obtainable.

Steam Vacuum Handle for pork carcasses has a proven efficiency of reduction of aerobe bacterial count, reduction of positive E. coli tests and ergonomic handling with no added time consumption.

The result is a more sustainable handling of contaminants, improving the overall line hygiene and product safety as well as the ergonomic working condition.

Enhancing the welfare in the farrowing pen is a growing concern throughout the world. A comfortable sow yields optimal lactation and increases the survival rate of piglets in the farrowing pen. Danish suppliers are ready to address this with farrowing pens for the future.

In the last two decades, in many countries and production systems, steps have been taken to enhance sow welfare. Securing the welfare during lactation in the farrowing pen may be a challenge in traditional pens and in various countries legislation has already been accepted in the direction of more regulations.

Many farmers experience up to 1,5kg higher weight at nursing piglets

The WELSAFE farrowing pen system from Danish supplier ACO FUNKI addresses this issue, offering better conditions for nursing sows compared to a traditional farrowing pen. Besides Danish farms, the WELSAFE pen is installed on farms abroad at farms looking for enhanced welfare, including China and Korea.

The farrowing pen is for loose nursing sows, where the sow is only confined for a few days. When the piglets are born, they are safe right after birth, while the sow is still confined. After this, they have plenty of space to move around.

The special aisle between the farrowing crate and the piglet nest makes for inspection access between the farrowing crate and the piglet nest with no necessary disturbance to the sow. Likewise, if you need to inspect the sow, it is possible to gather all the piglets in the piglet nest.

The pen offers reduced piglets’ mortality, good space for the milking system for piglets, and better working conditions for personnel.

In general, the WELSAFE farrowing pen is all about making the sow comfortable and increasing the survival rate of the piglets.

Besides the genetic development, there is a growing demand for ways to utilize data. Danish breeding solutions are currently spending a lot of resources on digitalization since many customers are looking at ways to utilize data and other opportunities that digitalization brings with it. New user-friendly tools and solutions are emerging.

In today’s pig production decisions are increasingly based on data insights. It is important to continuously optimize production on a variety of parameters in order to reduce the environmental and climate impact of pig production while increasing profitability. Fundamentally, breeding work is the essential point of departure.

a monitoring tool determines the impact on the environment in pig production

Monitoring and utilising data

In farm herds doing home breeding, the latest breeding progress is achieved by combining the semen received from a supplier combined with the individual selection in the herd. The pig producer is responsible for producing the next generation of young females for replacement in their herds through home breeding.

The home breeding customers’ demand for tools to optimise selection by utilising data has encouraged the genetics supplier Danish Genetics to launch the program Nucleus Management.

With the monitoring tool producers can closely follow their breeding work and act accordingly if necessary. Each breeding animal is indexed weekly for the producer to achieve the most efficient production results for both sow and finisher herds.

Financial and climate benefits

In home breeding too, it makes both financial and environmental sense to have a focus on utilising genetics to its maximum. The Nucleus Management program offers a strong digital and user-friendly solution to increase efficiency, that determines how much impact production has on the environment.

The Nucleus Management is for the ambitious farmers conducting home breeding. The tool is not difficult but requires the individual pig farmer’s full attention and insight to reach the full economic and environmental benefits. The benefits, on the other hand, is an optimised production ensuring less climate footprint per pig.