ELDC BV (the European Livestock Diagnostic Center) has developed an integral concept for preventive diagnostics for Livestock Holdings. The basis of the concept is simple: For a farm (any farm!) to produce in the most cost effective and output-optimal way each of 5 basic farming blocks must be optimized.

If one or more of the 5 Basic blocks are sub-optimal the Farm output is lowered.

ELDC provides a set of tools that aid in assessing the state of each of the blocks and supports its optimization.

Measurements in block 1, 2, and 3 require blood samples from animals in the different age groups as test specimens. In general, the prescribed health program of the breeding company (genetics supplier) or MSD can be followed, including for blocks 2 and 3.

Block 4, Pregnancy Management, is always subject to individual animals.

Every 6 months a drink water sample is sent to the laboratory.

Block 1: Disease state

Pig farms

Most of the tests listed below are performed using a Multiplex ELISA, which improves efficiency, speed, and cost-effectiveness. In addition, only a relative small blood sample is required.

The diseases included in the Pig-FMM are:

• PRRS EU
• PRRS US
• APP
  • APP serotypes 1, 9, 11
  • APP serotype 2
  • APP serotypes 3, 8, 15
  • APP serotypes 4, 7
  • APP serotypes 5A, 5B
  • APP serotype 6
  • APP serotype 10
  • APP serotype 12
  • APP serotype 13
• Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae
• PCV-2
• Swine Influenza Virus (SIV, Type A)
• Brachyspira
• Lawsonia
• Salmonella (serogroups B, C1, D)
• HPS (Haemoplius parasuis)

ELDC has developed several in-house PCR assays that can distinguish PRRS field virus from vaccine strains.

• PCR: Suvaxyn / Unistrain / Ingelvac-EU and Porcilis
• PCR: PRRS-1 / PRRS-2

Block 2: Do I feed well?

ELDC has developed measurement protocols that use the same blood sample as in Block 1 to specifically determine the concentration of:

• Magnesium (Mg²⁺)
• Copper (Cu²⁺)
• Zinc (Zn²⁺)
• Phosphate/Phosphorus (PO₄^3-/P)
• Calcium (Ca²⁺)

For any mineral that falls below its critical threshold, ELDC can supply or recommend a mineral supplement that can be added to the feed or drinking water to rapidly restore normal levels.

The results of Block 2 provide information about the animals’ immune status and resilience.

Block 3: Is my silage stored well?

Block 3 assesses the quality of stored feed. The presence of the T-2/HT-2 mycotoxins in the blood samples collected for Blocks 1 and 2 indicates poor microbiological quality of the stored feed or of the added feed additives.

Block 4: Pregnancy Management

Applying tests that measure the quality of semen intended for insemination, or that predict ovulation, helps improve the efficiency of artificial insemination.

The CQC predicts the breeding sow’s potential performance for the next litter.

Block 5: Quality of the drinking water

Procedures are available that assess the chemical and bacteriological state, as well as the level of Trace Elements in the drinking water of the animals.