Pig farmers want feed to be tested

Some local pig farmers are calling for regular independent tests to be carried out on locally made pig feed.

 

The call came during a meeting of members of the Barbados Pig Farmers’ Association, held yesterday morning at the headquarters of the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS), as they voiced concerns about low weights among pigs, and pigs experiencing side effects such as diarrhoea when using the feed. 

 

Responding to the request, CEO of the BAS, James Paul, said as far as he was aware the company that made the feed had tests conducted on it, but acknowledged that if the farmers wanted to have independent tests done, it is something that could be explored. He said such tests could be used to help the manufacturer respond to the challenges the farmers are experiencing.

 

“That is something certainly that we would look; hopefully by mid-year or so we can report back and you and tell you what progress we have made in terms of getting an arrangement where we have independent testing of feed. What I would say to you though, is that it could be a very costly process because at the end of the day you are using lab time and there are very specific ways in which you actually test feed… But we will look into it and report back to you to see what is possible,” he told those gathered.

 

Paul noted that from time to time there have been issues with the feed – not only within the pig industry, but the poultry industry as well – and the company has been willing to work with them to address those concerns. With that in mind, he said the BAS will be providing a mechanism through which farmers can communicate their concerns about the feed to the Association, and they will in turn transmit those concerns to company.

 

The BAS Head also made the point that the feed may not be the only reason some farmers are experiencing problems, as he noted there are others who utilise the feed on an ongoing basis without complaint.

 

As such, he said, it is important that they look at the management practices on the various farms.

 

“It is not a perfect situation, there are many reasons why animals perform and respond to different types of feed… There are some people who sometimes, the conditions under which they keep their animals contribute to certain circumstances happening. I heard what he said about the feed, but there are some people who would say they have no problems,” he indicated.

 

To that end, he said that as they examine the situation, focus must be placed on the way in which animals are managed to ensure that all the factors affecting the animals are addressed.