Day 1 + 2
Introduction of the farm and the Netherlands
Explanation of the Dutch pig industry about the history of the pig industry. After the explanation the number of companies will be explained with the number of sows and finishers. Also the structure in the whole supply chain is a part of this introduction. We prepare a welcome gift for all our trainees. After the introduction of the Dutch pig industry the training schedule will be explained in combination with the presentation of all trainers. At the end of the day the VON training centre will show you the environment where are you settled and sleep together with a great dinner.
The VON-Netherlands will introduce their own farm with a presentation, showing the results and the latest innovations. VON-Netherlands is also interested in your farm and work experience. We give you some time for preparing your own presentation about your farm. Making a clear organogram gives us the possibility to determine the opportunities in your structure. The most important point for the whole training is to bring you, as a trainee, extra knowledge about pig farming. In the afternoon we will guide you through the stable and explain the latest innovations and the way we work.
Day 3
Planning and data recording management
This day gives an overview of all the process who are involved in the pig farm. The first day is an explanation of the total supply chain of pig/pork. This overview is more detailed and total focus on all the processes in the farm. The use of week schedule, time management. How can we combine the week schedule with data management. The use of software programs and where this in results. A short explanation of the Do’s and Don’ts in a pig farm structure. After this we make together an assignment.
A following up of day 3 about using the right data. VON-Netherlands use for every part of the farm the right protocols. Our employees knows better what to do and if we have a problem it’s easy to determine the problem. The way we are working is very innovative in the Netherlands because we were one of the first farms with this strict protocols.
Day 4
Housing systems for pigs
This day means housing day. Every stay during the pig lives needs different recommendations. We take a look at the different needs for the pig during their lifetime. We discuss the different housing systems, make an assignment and finish the day with an exam.
Day 5 – 10
Farrowing management
We will repeat some subject about housing for lactating sows from last week. The following subjects will be explained.
Management before farrowing, Management during farrowing, Management with new born piglets and suckling piglets, Cross-fostering, Climate, Farrowing innovations, Treatment of piglets, Using antibiotics, Managing of staff in the farrowing room, Relation with other parts of the farm, Prepare sow for weaning
Prepare piglets for weaning, 3-4 week weaning age, Day of weaning, Weight control, Feed schedule, Feed ingredients, Results of different genetics in the farrowing, Supply of creep feed, Diseases
The theory will be used for the practical part of the training. We will do the following practical assignments during the next two days:
Measure of pens, Measure climate, Prepare for farrowing, Treatment of piglets, Using the sow cards, Introduction of RFID, Cross fostering, Prepare for weaning, Weaning day, Cleaning farrowing, Criticize the feed, Economics
Day 11-15
Breeding management
The reproduction cycle of the sow will be the first subject, after that we take time do notice the heat control and the direct time. How to deal with the technique of mating. To use a healthy and young sow herd VON shows you the ways of gilt introduction and how to deal with them. Different breeds and the use of boars, how to collect semen, how to store it, how to check quality and the dilution of semen is important to have a good semen quality. The use of feed during mating and prepare of feed before the mating. Another small part is health status during the mating period.
Two practical days, the mating day at the VON farm is always on Monday and Tuesday. VON offers you the change to do the mating and measures the perfect circumstances, like climate, feed check, water supply, light etc. Other practical ways are the heat control, introducing the sows in the mating room. The introduction of protocols so everyone is capable to do the mating room at the right way.
Day 16 +17
Nursery management
The theoretical day for the nursery stable at your farm. First of all preparation the stable for introduction of new, just weaned piglets. The different housing systems will be a part. A very high attention to the piglets is necessary, how to do that and what are point of attention. The use of vaccination and how can this reduce the use of antibiotics. And what kind of feed(s) do we use at what time. Diseases who are involved in this critical period and how to reduce it.
Visit another farm with a nursery stable and do practical test at this farm. Subjects are the start of introduction of the just weaned piglets, Measuring the pens, the water supply for the piglets, A useable protocol and cleaning the nursery room for the next piglets.
Day 18
Gestation management
Subjects are the different housing systems, stable and dynamic groups. How to get the optimal climate in the stable during gestation. In the Netherlands we use the 4-day rule, at least 4 days after mating the sows in to the group. The ways to vaccinate the sows and the different options we use. Another thing what is common during the gestation period is the pregnant check. It’s usual to check it at the 3-4 week period. These subject will be explained during this day-course. We spend also another half a day on a practical course for gestation. Subject are here, check the water supply, feeding the sows, pregnant check, measuring the crates etc.
Day 19 + 20
Finisher management
The theoretical day for the finisher stable at your farm. First of all preparation the stable for introduction of new piglets. The different housing systems will be a part. A very high attention to the piglets is necessary, how to do that and what are point of attention. The use of vaccination and how can this reduce the use of antibiotics. And what kind of feed(s) do we use at what time. Diseases who are involved in this critical period and how to reduce it.
Visit another farm with a finisher stable and do practical test at this farm. Subjects are the start of introduction of the just piglets, Measuring the pens, the water supply for the piglets, A useable protocol and cleaning the nursery room for the next upcoming finishers.
Day 21 – 25
Feed management
This 5 day course is a masterclass feeding. The trainings is almost fulltime theoretical with the possibility to visit a feed mill. The training start from width to small, like first subject is the digestion of the pig. After that the need of proteins, vitamins, energy etc. After this day is the effect and use of drink water. Than the effect of the ingredients like barley, wheat, corn etc. on the pigs needs. Formulating the ration of the pig and needs that’s necessary for a good production. After all these subject we will explain the needs per piglet period. What are the needs of the breeding herd, the piglets and the finisher.
Day 26 – 28
Human resource management
High-performance at your pig farm needs high-performing employees. A strong, reliable, engaged team provides a competitive advantage and it starts with a good human resources plan. As a business grows, the human resources (HR) function may become a full-time job for the owner/operator. This may be an indicator that it’s to make a plan for human resource management. Subject during this training are first of all, evaluation about yourself. Making your goals for your farm as manager, owner or stockman worker en develop this for your farm. Other subjects are recruiting, hiring new employees, orientation and training of these people. How to communicate inside your farm, motivation employees so their performance will be good. At the end of this training you have a full Human Resource (HR) plan for your farm.
Day 29 + 30
Biosecurity and antibiotic reduction
A hot subject at the time is biosecurity in- and outside the stable. A good biosecurity system is necessary for reducing antibiotics and improve the financial and technical results. The way of reducing antibiotics in the Netherlands will explained from the start until now. We make together a plan to set up an antibiotic reduction plan, what are the goals, why is it good for my company etc. VON will explain how they make their plan and what the profit of the plan is at this moment. And after this we make a plan to implement a high biosecurity directly in the farm. It good to follow the course about farm planning before entering this course.
Day 31-33
Health management
Diseases during all stages of the sow, piglets and finishers will be explained. The symptoms who are shown per disease will be explained. Also a simulation program is a part of this training. Another part of this program is claw management. A lot of problems with sows is related to the claws.
