The Jamaica Broilers Group of Companies is a vertically integrated agribusiness company, but chicken production remains at its core.

Back in the 1960s and 1970s, when pig production started to intensify, producers in many countries used the easy way out to control disease problems in their pigs, by simply medicating feed with cocktails of various antibiotics. The Danes have always had a responsible attitude to pig production and, with respect to medication, were even very careful about what went into their pig feeds 50 years ago. Furthermore, researchers wishing to medicate feeds had to have their protocols cleared at the highest level.

Pork and China are inextricably linked in the minds of many Westerners – not only is pig meat known to be an essential part of the Chinese diet, the country also provides a vital market for the international pig industry.

Controlling pig odors is becoming more important as swine units are getting bigger and are being built closer to urban populations. International pig researchers and equipment manufactures are focusing on developing the most effective air ventilation and emission control methods possible to combat foul manure odors and meet anti-air pollution regulations.

 Vietnamese pig production is rapidly increasing to keep upwith a growing population and expanding middle class with a love of pork.   

The Thai pig industry is dealing with outbreaks of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome, PRRS, as well as recent floods in Bangkok and surrounding areas. While the flood waters have receded, the aftermath of pig diseases are decimating Thai pig herds.

JSR Genetics Ltd., imported pig finishing equipment from the United States for its new state-of-the-art fully slatted and totally enclosed 8,100-place wean-to-finish UK facility, Decoy Farm at a cost of £2.1million.

For many people connected with the Thai livestock industry, Charoen Pokphand Foods (CP group) and BetaGro are considered the key players. They have substantial market share in Thailand, plus both companies are expanding abroad.

The result of a US$2 billion government investment, the Phuoc Toc broiler breeder farm, is located in Ba Ria in Vietnam’s Vung Tau province and some 60 miles north of Ho Chi Minh City. While Vietnam may still be a Communist country, it has a rapidly growing capitalist industrial base, leading to rising living standards.

 Asian pig producers are taking the lead from European and American pig farmers and are focusing on improving animal welfare conditions and limiting antibiotic use in livestock.