The 35th edition of the World Pork Expo attracted over 10,000 pork producers and industry professionals to Des Moines, IA, in the United States. Despite the challenging market, innovations were still abundant, as noted by PigProgress. Here are some examples:

1. Manure Pit Additive: US-based swine housing and equipment company, PigTek, showcased Formula 542, a new additive for use in manure pits. This liquid helps reduce organic solids and odors without affecting nitrogen levels. The formula is scientifically formulated with a blend of enzymes, and tests have shown a 90% reduction in odors during warmer seasons and an 80% reduction during colder seasons. The recommended dosage is 133 liters (35 gallons) per 3.79 million liters (1 million gallons) unit.
2. Improved Ventilator: Another housing company, AP, a part of AGCO Corporation, introduced the latest addition to its Commander line of climate control ventilators. The new addition has a width of 24 inches (61 cm), smaller than the existing 36 and 54 inches models, making it more efficient. The variable-speed control is possible with the 24-inch ventilator, which can be operated through a smartphone app.
3. Antibiotics in Plastic Bottles: Animal health company Norbrook presented the award-winning innovation of its injectable solution, Tulieve, based on tulathromycin, a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic, used to treat swine respiratory diseases. The innovation also focuses on the safety of workers as the product comes in plastic bottles instead of glass, preventing injuries from broken glass, and reducing the risk of product loss.
4. Calming Substance: Fera, a diagnostic and biological products company based in Texas, showcased their product, FerAppease, marketed as "Maternal Swine Appeasing Substance," a natural substance that sows usually secrete to soothe piglets. When inhaled, the compound makes animals more docile, reducing stress and aggression during a pig's life, leading to improved feed efficiency and higher average daily gain.
5. Heating Pads with Temperature Indicators: Osborne Industries from Kansas introduced a smart innovation for piglets, keeping them comfortable with warm heating pads. The latest editions of their Stanfield heating pads come with an indicator panel that lights up in green when it's hot, allowing quick scanning without bending. In case the pad is not functioning correctly, the indicator will remain black.
6. Sow Nutrition Support Mix: Animal nutrition company Alltech used the World Pork Expo to launch their new sow nutrition product, Triad, aimed at supporting birth, reducing stillborn piglets, and increasing the number of weaned piglets per sow. According to the company, this approach could reduce stillborn piglets per litter by up to 0.3. The product comes in a pre-farrowing product for 3 to 5 days before farrowing and also in a pack size that can be mixed into transition diets.