Working with healthy pigs in a tidy sty environment is more sustainable on all fronts. Piglets and fattening pigs feel good, grow faster, make better use of feed, do not need antibiotics and give the pig farmer the best returns. Employees also experience more job satisfaction. Cleanliness is positive for the image of the pig farm and the sector. Hygiene on farms plays a crucial role in preventing animals from falling ill and infecting each other. HyCare is a method to maintain a high level of hygiene on pig farms through strict protocols. A farm. This means, among other things, having surfaces that can be cleaned easily and thoroughly, ideal walking lines and individual materials for each animal category or stall. Using gloves and overshoes, and paying attention to feed and water hygiene for intestinal health. Using the HyCare method, the spread of any infections within the sty walls can be kept to a minimum.

When it comes to infection preven- tion, it is extremely important to work consistently in the right way. Learning new behaviour and keeping that up is difficult. Especially with larger companies and an increasing workload. That is why hygiene coaching is crucial for continued success. In other words: the future-oriented pig farmer is in charge of his business and surrounds himself with a team that consists of a feed consultant, a veterinarian and a hygiene coach or HyCare coach.

The fact that our method is effective is evidenced by the growing number of farms worldwide that are starting to use it. Pigs raised in a germ-free HyCare environment perform better and represent added value. The links after the pig farm, such as trade, transport and processing, can also contribute to optimising the health benefits in the market. Together, we will bring the entire pork chain to a higher level in terms of food safety and image.