The Canadian International Grains Institute, in conjunction with the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada, is accepting registrations for a Canadian Feed Technology Course to be offered in Winnipeg from 17 to 19 April.

The course will feature presenters from various sectors of the industry as well as the Universities of Manitoba and Saskatchewan and will cover a full spectrum of ingredients used to produce feeds, feed formulation and the various aspects of production including particle size reduction, pelleting, mixing, and bagging, new regulations and the safety aspects in place to ensure product quality and animal health.

CIGI director of research and business development Dr Rex Newkirk says the course will update those involved in feed manufacturing on changes in feed manufacturing technologies and provide training on such as aspects as least-cost formulation and changes related to food safety regulations.

Dr Rex Newkirk-Canadian International Grains Institute

It'll be primarily people who are working in the feed manufacturing sector, so anybody who is involved in actually hands-on producing the feed.

In livestock production, particularly in hog production, feed manufacturing is your largest expense and so being able to ensure that your production is not affected by changes in your manufacturing practices or formulation and having a consistent product is essential.

Being able to do it in a cost-effective and efficient manner is essential because I believe something like 65 to 70 per cent of your cost of producing hogs is feed if not more.

By going through this training you get a much better understanding of how it all fits together and where you can make efficiencies and make sure you're making a consistent product.

For more information on the Canadian Feed Technology Course or to register, visit the Canadian International Grains Institute website at cigi.ca.