SC Conference recap: meeting the challenge of producing boar semen dmid a global threat

On February 11 and 12, in Vic and Lleida, we hosted our SC Conference under the theme: “The Challenge of Producing Boar Semen Amid a Global Threat.” These events were a resounding success, bringing together over 120 partners and clients, solidifying the conference as a key reference point for knowledge exchange and strategic discussions in the swine industry.

During the sessions, experts in health, production, and biosecurity shared their insights on current challenges and solutions to mitigate the impact of PRRS on swine production. If you couldn’t join us or would like to review the key topics covered, below is a summary of the main presentations.

Same Virus, Different Nightmare

By Carles Vilalta, Coordinator of the Epidemiology Group at IRTA-CRESA

Key takeaways:

The emergence of the Rosalía strain of the PRRS virus in 2020 has completely transformed the landscape and epidemiology of the virus and disease in Spain. A clear indicator of its spread is that around 70% of sequenced samples currently correspond to variants of this strain.

The United States (USA) shares a similar production system and faces challenges with virulent PRRS strains, making it a primary source of scientific studies and references. However, despite these similarities, Spain’s unique conditions challenge the direct applicability of U.S. findings. A key example is the density of farms per square kilometer, which in Spain can be five to six times higher than in the USA, even with a similar number of animals per square kilometer.

Other factors influencing the specific epidemiology of PRRS in Spain include carcass collection, airborne transmission, and slurry application. However, their impact on virus spread remains difficult to quantify.

Thus, understanding the specific transmission mechanisms at a national level is crucial to developing more effective disease control strategies.

Breeding Costs: The Economic Impact of Swine Health

By Joan Rocadembosh, Agricultural Engineer, Master in Swine Health & Production, and Partner at SIP Consultores

Key Takeaways:

Between 2020 and 2024, swine companies have experienced significant fluctuations in economic margins, primarily due to three factors:

1. Selling price
2. Feed cost
3. Health status

In 2024, the economic performance of SIP companies in Spain has been very positive, with +35 c€/kg, a figure similar to 2023 and significantly higher than in previous years. In fact, the average margin over the last five years stands at +17 c€/kg.

During 2023 and 2024, the Mercolleida reference price has been notably higher than in prior years. As for 2024 production costs, they have been set at 135 c€/kg, reflecting a decrease compared to 2023 due to moderating feed prices, though they remain higher than in 2020-2021.

Beyond feed prices, health issues since 2021 have been a major factor driving up production costs, impacting sow productivity and increasing farm mortality rates.

Main Causes of This Situation:

• Reduction in antimicrobial use (January 2019)
• Introduction of the Rosalía PRRS strain (January 2020)
• Ban on zinc oxide in piglet diets (June 2022)

The entry of the Rosalía PRRS strain into the production system has been marked by high transmissibility and pathogenicity, affecting 75-80% of farms, with prolonged persistence leading to significant economic losses.

Effective Biosecurity for the Modern Swine Business

By Jean Paul Cano, Swine Veterinarian, AVP Planasdemunt & Associats

Key Takeaways:

In his presentation “Effective Biosecurity for the Modern Swine Business,” Jean Paul Cano emphasized that disease impact on profitability is not just due to declining production parameters but also its effects on logistics, workforce morale, and strategic business planning.

In compromised health environments, cost differences between farms widen, making efficient disease management—through prevention, control, and eradication—a crucial competitive advantage. Therefore, health must be managed as a strategic asset.

To prevent disease introduction, it is essential to establish a rigorous biosecurity program, based on scientific standards, including continuous staff training, regular audits, and adequate infrastructure.

Key Measures to Consider:

• Defining and protecting the clean area, including barns, corridors, and offices
• Air filtration to reduce risk in high-density pig farming zones
• Proper segregation and disinfection of transport
• Hydrolysis or incineration for effective mortality management
• Reducing feed-related disease transmission risks
• Ensuring PRRS-negative semen and replacements to maintain high health status

Ultimately, effective biosecurity not only safeguards production but also enhances the competitiveness and sustainability of swine businesses in the current health context.

Biosecurity & Technology: The Revolution of Boar AI Centers Amid a New Challenge

By Xavier Barrera, Technical Director at Semen Cardona

Key Takeaways:

Over the past 25 years, Boar Artificial Insemination Centers (AI Centers) have undergone a remarkable transformation. Compliance with animal welfare regulations, the integration of cutting-edge technology throughout the production process, the incorporation of highly qualified technical staff, genetic improvements, and, most importantly, the implementation of extreme biosecurity programs, have turned AI Centers into high-efficiency units for semen production.

Throughout this transformation, Semen Cardona has been a pioneer, implementing key measures such as:

• PRRS virus monitoring via PCR in all processed ejaculates, ensuring verified health status of semen doses
• Air filtration systems in new facilities, reducing contamination risks
• Implementation of contingency programs, reinforcing security and supply continuity

These actions are essential to tackling the new health challenge faced by the entire production chain. Only by working together can we continue doing what we do best: producing and delivering high-value liquid genetics, the first crucial link in swine production.